Epidemiological assessment and public health risks among flood victims in relief camps situated across Anambra State; A Project proposal submitted by Anumba Joseph Uche. 1

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EPIDEMIOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT AND PUBLIC HEALTH RISKS AMONG FLOOD VICTMIMS IN RELIEF CAMPS SITUATED ACROSS ANAMBRA STATE, NIGERIA.

A PROJECT PROPOSAL SUBMITTED BY ANUMBA JOSEPH U.

Department of Parasitology and Entomology, Faculty of Biosciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka.

17TH OCTOBER 2012

Over the past few weeks, some parts of Nigeria have experienced an unprecedented level of flooding. Among affected states in the country is Anambra State; many communities in the state notably Anambra East and West, Anyamelum, Ogbaru, parts of Awka North, Onitsha South and Ihiala among others were either fully or partially submerged in water following the reported opening of a dam in Cameroon. This has led to the sacking of indigenes of affected communities estimated to be around 100,000 who now live as refugees in 20 camps hurriedly set up across the State (Fides Newspaper vol. 19 No.8 pg 1).

Flooding accounts for 40% of all natural disasters worldwide and causes about half of all deaths from natural disasters. Most floods occur in developing regions and tropical regions where the impact on public health is substantial, the number of people displaced is often large, and the number of deaths is high. In the aftermath of a flood, deaths and injuries not only result from the physical characteristics of the event but are also determined by the prevailing socioeconomic and health conditions of the community and any endemic infectious diseases. Increased rates of diarrhoea (including cholera and dysentery), respiratory infections, hepatitis A and E, typhoid fever, leptospirosis, and diseases borne by insects have been described as occurring after floods in developing areas. Malnutrition caused by inadequate supplies of food and problems with distribution compounds the effects of disease. Most times, Epidemics are not expected, but people are often still extremely concerned about the possibility of contracting an infectious disease from flood waters or from property damaged by floods, and false rumours of outbreaks often circulate within communities.

In lieu of the aforementioned, it is become pertinent to carry out an epidemiological assessment on the displaced populace in the affected communities, hence the basis for this proposal. The overall goal of the intended project is to assess the disease burden (parasitic infections, communicable diseases and public health risks) among displaced persons taking refuge in relief camps set up across Anambra State so as to forestall and tackle imminent cases of disease outbreak. Primary diseases /parasitic infections to be assessed include; Gastrointestinal infections, Salmonellosis (Typhoid fever), Malaria and other vector borne diseases likely to be prevalent in the stipulated study sites.

Epidemiological assessment and public health risks among flood victims in relief camps situated across Anambra State; A Project proposal submitted by Anumba Joseph Uche. 2

© 2012

The main project Objectives are as follows:

i. Epidemiological analysis and simple mapping of the affected communities as well as public health evaluation of relief camps set up for affected people from the community.

ii. Parasitological, Entomological and clinical assessment of people living in the camp to determine cases of disease infections that could pose potential threat to disease outbreak.

iii. Environmental and public health assessment of the relief camps to identify and tackle public health risks that may endanger the health of the inhabitants in the camp, neighbouring households, communities and the State as a whole.

iv. Development of recommendations for statistical, spatial, and geo-referenced data required for accurate/ immediate response to the public health implications of the flood situation in Anambra state which will in turn serve as a reference for measuring and tackling future natural disaster (flooding) impacts in the State.

It is pertinent to emphasise that among the holistic approaches to be used in this project is the application of geographic information system (GIS) methods to analyse and develop an epidemiological model that will enhance effective implementation of the various stages involved in this project. Well-established reporting system of the various public health indicators in a standardized way to appropriate stake holders, Ministries and relevant organization for prompt intervention will also be emphasized.

Thus, this study is intended to serve as a preliminary and descriptive investigation to reveal certain possibilities and serve as basis for further research with regards natural disasters eminent in this part of the country. Hence, I implore due consideration of this proposal as well as solicit the necessary assistance needed for the success of the intended research project.

Thank You.

ANUMBA JOSEPH UCHE. Public Health Parasitologist [08032173955]