The Epidemiology of Cholera, Measles, Cerebrospinal Meningitis and Poliomyelitis in Cameroon 1960-2010
Amandine Talla Tchankuiwé
Department of History and Archeology, University of Dschang, Cameroon.
Alonge Ivo Ebule *
School of Assistant laboratory Technologies, Limbe, Cameroon.
Kouosseu Jules
Department of History and Archeology, University of Dschang, Cameroon.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Background: Since its independence, Cameroon has been faced with an upsurge in epidemics. These include epidemics such as cholera, poliomyelitis, measles and cerebrospinal meningitis which have marked the course of history in Cameroon, with adverse demographic, political, economic and social consequences. Therefore, we aimed to show resurgence of epidemics, and to highlight the difficulties and structural inadequacies of the Cameroonian health system.
Methodology: Data were obtained through review of archives from the Ministry of Health, and semi-structured questionnaires, interviews administered to resource persons at the Regional Delegation of Public Health and some NGO’s in Centre, Adamawa, North, Far north, littoral and west Regions of Cameroon.
Results: The reported number of annual cases and deaths from epidemics observed have been fluctuating. For measles: between 1971 and 1980 (45522 cases and 3317 deaths), 1981 to 1990, (30744 cases and 4209 deaths), 1991 to 2000 (85826 cases and 3188 deaths) and 2001 to 2010 (32489 cases and 4178 deaths). For cholera: between 1971 and 1980 (24495 cases and 1887 deaths), 1981 to 1990, (6432 cases and 1028 deaths), 1991 to 2000 (12906 cases and 2476 deaths) and from 2001 to 2010 (17926 cases and 1044 deaths). For cerebrospinal meningitis: 1971 to 1980 (12082 cases and 5319 deaths), 1981 to 1990, (24811 cases and 7780 deaths), 1991 to 2000 (34245 cases and 7390 deaths) and from 2001 to 2010 (1483 cases and 278 deaths). For poliomyelitis: 1971 to 1980 (5803 cases and 1773 deaths), 1981 to 1990, (3685 cases and 521 deaths), 1991 to 2000 (2967 cases and 409 deaths) and from 2001 to 2010 (1371 cases and 21 deaths).
Conclusions: Outbreaks of epidemics have been recurrent and prolonged in Cameroon despite measures put in place by the Cameroon government and its partners. Improving hygiene, sensitization vaccination and surveillance and would be key in addressing these epidemics.
Keywords: Cameroon, epidemics, cholera, measles, cerebrospinal meningitis and poliomyelitis