Urban air pollution, green space, and pneumonia risk: a spatial analysis across health zones in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Pneumonia remains a leading cause of morbidity and hospitalization in sub-Saharan Africa, yet the contributions of long-term environmental and infrastructural factors to its spatial distribution are poorly understood. Kinshasa, a rapidly expanding African megacity, experiences high levels of air pollution, substantial vegetation loss, and marked urban inequalities, potentially exacerbating respiratory vulnerability.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective ecological spatial study using 484,954 pneumonia hospital admissions recorded across 35 health zones in Kinshasa between 2018 and 2022. Long-term exposure to ambient air pollution (PM₂.₅, NO₂, CO), vegetation cover (NDVI), major road density, climatic indicators, and healthcare infrastructure were assessed via satel

SUBMITTER: Ngutuka MK 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12908270 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature