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Article History

Received: 15 November 2025

Accepted: 14 February 2026

First Online: 26 February 2026

Declarations

:

: Ethical approval for this study was obtained from the Medical Ethics Committee of the University of Lubumbashi (approval number: UNILU/CEM/030/2020) and conducted in accordance with the ethical principles of the Declaration of Helsinki and the national regulations of the DRC. Written informed consent was obtained from the parents or legal guardians of all newborn participants, with clear assurances of confidentiality and the right to withdraw from the study at any time without any consequences. Participants and their families were explicitly informed that involvement was entirely voluntary. The research team safeguarded the privacy of all personal data. Blood samples were collected for phenotype confirmation at no cost to participants, with all efforts made to minimise discomfort associated with venipuncture.

: The authors declare no competing interests.

: Not applicable.

: The authors declare no conflicts of interest.