Effects of hygienized urine and faeces on the prevalence of endemic bilharziasis : Cases of two villages of Bouafle in the Ivory Coast

Résumé

Bilharziasis is a disease linked to poor hygiene and sanitation, which is a major public health problem in Côte d'Ivoire in general and in the sanitary district of Bouaflé in particular. In addition to chemotherapy, productive sanitation could be an effective means of controlling this disease. The objective of the study was to determine the effects of productive sanitation on the prevalence of schistosomiasis in Blanfla and North Diacohou, two endemic villages of schistosomiasis in the sanitary district of Bouaflé. Pre-project (June-July 2014) and post-project (June-July 2016) prevalence surveys were conducted in Blanfla and North Diacohou.The urinary filtration and Kato-Kartz techniques were used for screening bilharzia in a sample of 100 people selected from 100 households per village. The productive sanitation project was carried out only in Blanfla during the two years. Before the project, the prevalence of urinary and intestinal schistosomiasis in Blanfla and North Diacohou were respectively 16%; 27% and 14%; 19%. During the productive sanitation project in Blanfla, 442.60 m³ of urine and 198.24 tonnes of faeces produced and hygienized for agriculture significantly reduced defecation and urination in the open air. After the project, the prevalence of Schistosoma haematobium and Schistosoma mansoni in Blanfla and North Diacohou was respectively 5%; 7% and 10%; 16%. Productive sanitation can be popularized as a means of controlling schistosomiasis and increasing agricultural yield.