TY - JOUR
T1 - Environmental, social, and WASH factors affecting the recurrence of cholera outbreaks in displacement camps in northeast Nigeria
T2 - a rapid appraisal
AU - Jaber, Tarek
AU - Fame, Thiaba
AU - Agho, Osas Aizeyosabor
AU - van de Walle, Bartel
AU - Bartram, Jamie
AU - Boelee, Eline
N1 - data source:
PY - 2023/7/1
Y1 - 2023/7/1
N2 - In 2021, Nigeria witnessed a severe cholera outbreak that affected Borno state, in which more than 1,600,000 internally displaced persons (IDPs) resided at the time. This rapid appraisal explored factors that facilitate the recurrence of cholera outbreaks in sites hosting IDPs in Northeast Nigeria. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH), management, and healthcare personnel working in 10 displacement camps in Borno state. The interviews were complemented by transect walks and field observations, measurements of free residual chlorine levels, and publicly available data published by the International Organization for Migration Displacement Tracking Matrix. The recurrence of cholera outbreaks appears to be facilitated by substantial interactions between IDPs and host communities, and suboptimal WASH services in camps. Of particular concern, IDP camps are exposed to extreme weather-related events that damage facilities and subsequently affect WASH practices. WASH services in camps may likewise be severely hindered by an influx of new arrivals. In conclusion, we emphasize the importance of expanding WASH activities to host communities and developing site-specific WASH interventions and chlorination targets. Practical recommendations are needed for the prevention and control of outbreaks following extreme weather-related events and population influxes.
AB - In 2021, Nigeria witnessed a severe cholera outbreak that affected Borno state, in which more than 1,600,000 internally displaced persons (IDPs) resided at the time. This rapid appraisal explored factors that facilitate the recurrence of cholera outbreaks in sites hosting IDPs in Northeast Nigeria. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH), management, and healthcare personnel working in 10 displacement camps in Borno state. The interviews were complemented by transect walks and field observations, measurements of free residual chlorine levels, and publicly available data published by the International Organization for Migration Displacement Tracking Matrix. The recurrence of cholera outbreaks appears to be facilitated by substantial interactions between IDPs and host communities, and suboptimal WASH services in camps. Of particular concern, IDP camps are exposed to extreme weather-related events that damage facilities and subsequently affect WASH practices. WASH services in camps may likewise be severely hindered by an influx of new arrivals. In conclusion, we emphasize the importance of expanding WASH activities to host communities and developing site-specific WASH interventions and chlorination targets. Practical recommendations are needed for the prevention and control of outbreaks following extreme weather-related events and population influxes.
KW - acute watery diarrhoea
KW - epidemics
KW - faecal-oral diseases
KW - forcibly displaced people
KW - water-related diseases
KW - West Africa
KW - REFUGEE CAMP
KW - EPIDEMIC CHOLERA
KW - SANITATION
KW - MALAWI
U2 - 10.2166/washdev.2023.055
DO - 10.2166/washdev.2023.055
M3 - Article
SN - 2043-9083
VL - 13
SP - 520
EP - 526
JO - Journal of Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene for Development
JF - Journal of Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene for Development
IS - 7
ER -