Critical Evaluation of Neglected Consensus Risk Factors Causing the Recurrent Upsurge of Cholera Outbreaks in Some Regions in Cameroon: A Systematic Review
Forwah Jacques Ndeh *
Department of Hematology and blood transfusion Sciences, Faculty of Clinical sciences, University of Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria.
Akpan, Idongesit Samuel
Department of Hematology and Blood Transfusion Sciences, Faculty of Basic Clinical Sciences, University of Uyo, Akwa Ibiom State, Nigeria.
Otti Chidiebere Joel
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Nigeria Teaching hospital Ituku -Ozalla, Enugu State, Nigeria.
Ebot Walter Ojong
Department of Biomedical Science, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Buea, South West Region, Cameroon
Edeani Bobby David
Department of radiation oncology, University of Nigeria Teaching hospital Ituku -Ozalla, Enugu State, Nigeria.
Ochie Johnson Mba
Department of Surgery, University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital Ituku -Ozalla and National Orthopedic Hospital, Enugu State, Nigeria.
Korzerzer Samuel Vershima
Department of Surgery, University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital Ituku -Ozalla and National Orthopedic Hospital, Enugu State, Nigeria.
Ezea Prosper Chiazam
Department of Surgery, University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital Ituku -Ozalla and National Orthopedic Hospital, Enugu State, Nigeria.
Joshua Obase-Otumoyi Ofor
Department of Hematology and blood transfusion Sciences, Faculty of Clinical sciences, University of Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria.
Okorie Ebubechukwu Obasi
Department of radiation Medicine, University of Nigeria Teaching hospital Ituku -Ozalla, Enugu State, Nigeria.
Immaculate Ihuoma Ekeagba
Department of Integrated Health Sciences and Technological Training, Faculty of Multi-Medical Education and Innovative Research, WORCACCCE Union Group University, P.O. Box 45 Bamenda, North West Region, Cameroon.
Umah Victor Umah
Department of Internal medicine, University of Nigeria Teaching hospital Ituku -Ozalla, Enugu State, Nigeria.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Background: Cameroon is a developing nation and has been enlisted among the several countries in sub-Sahara Africa that is situated between West and Central Africa to be experiencing the recurrent cholera outbreaks. The World Health Organization (WHO), Cameroon health authorities and others researchers have considered a few risk factors that have been believed to be contributing to the current and on-going cholera outbreaks in Cameroon. These risk factors include the wide circulation of Vibrio cholerae in the country, limited access to safe-drinking water in some areas, a seasonal pattern of cholera re-currence and inadequate water, sanitation and hygienic (WASH) conditions, unstable political atmosphere that have resulted to internally displayed persons, very poor and vulnerable persons, refugees and humanitarian crises and continued unnecessary imposed lock-downs and road-blocks. However, despite these enormous efforts made by Cameroon health authorities so far and its partners over the past decades in responding and tackling all these risk factors, the recurrent outbreak of cholera in Cameroon still remained a great challenge and potential humanitarian crisis, an unendingly reality with bewilderment amid uncertainty, threatening and vulnerability to many affected regions.
Aim: This systematic review seeks to critically evaluate, identify and classify some previously overlooked consensus risk factors driving cholera endemicity, pandemicity or epidemicity in Cameroon. By highlighting these neglected factors, this review hopes to provide an evidence -based intervention to finally combat the persistence recurrent upsurge and burden of future outbreaks of cholera in Cameroon.
Methodology: The current systematic review have gathered information from various sources using different search engines which provided a comprehensive overview of this research. These include the following:- academic search engine, specialized search engine, grey literature, primary sources, secondary sources, registers and repositories, open access sources, hand searching and other sources.
Results: The current systematic review have gathered information from diverse sources, identified and classified six groups of neglected consensus risk factors, alongside with their associated variables, independent variable contributing to cholera outbreaks in Cameroon. Additionally, this review have assessed the level of intervention and preventive measures offered by the Cameroonian health authorities and other stakeholders, categorizing them as either low or high, for both documented and undocumented strategies. All data sources were thoroughly referenced accordingly ensuring transparency and accountability.
Conclusion: In spite of the enormous and extensive research carried out by the World Health Organization and the Cameroonian health authorities in identifying and documenting numerous risk factors contributing to Cameroon's ongoing cholera outbreaks, these efforts however, have not prevented or eradicated recurring episodes. Decades of enormous work and efforts by Cameroonian health authorities have not been able to eradicate cholera infection. This systematic review unequivocally shows that without addressing the neglected consensus risk factors and variables, Cameroon could face a high likelihood of continued cholera outbreaks. Therefore, this review underscores the urgent need for Cameroon health authorities to adopt a multifaceted approach, addressing the identified neglected consensus risk factors and variables. Implementation of targeted interventions, strengthened health infrastructure, and community engagement are crucial to prevent future cholera outbreaks. Future research should focus on developing context-specific solutions, enhancing existing strategies, and evaluating the effectiveness of interventions.
Keywords: Identification, classification, neglected consensus risk factors, etio-epidemiological, socio-political, economic, cultural and environmental determinants, epidemicity, endemicity, pandemicity, recurrent cholera outbreaks, Cameroon