Health Impacts of Untreated Water by Populations in the Nkoabang Neighborhood, Nkolafamba Commune (Center Region-Cameroon)
Abstract
A health impact study was conducted in the Nkoabang neighborhood of the Nkolafamba commune from January to March 2026 to assess the health risks associated with using drinking water without prior treatment. The approach used combined individual questionnaires, focus groups, and direct observations among 45 individuals. Regarding gender and occupation, the respondents consisted of 58% women and 42% men; and 44% civil servants, 22% traders, 18% informal workers, 11% unemployed, and 5% others, respectively. Regarding water consumption aspects, the population generally uses well water (protected and/or unprotected), boreholes, and rivers for domestic activities; and drinking water from boreholes, wells, and mineral water. Notably, 70% of the population is unaware of the microbiological quality and does not treat the water (minimal chlorination, filtration, boiling). Furthermore, wastewater and solid waste are discharged into the environment without prior treatment by 49% of the population. The waterborne diseases identified in this locality include typhoid, gastroenteritis, diarrhea, and amoebas. Faced with this situation, 87% of the population mainly resorts to self-medication through the use of antibiotics, consisting mostly of Amoxicillin 22%, Ciprofloxacin 20%, Ofloxacin 18%, Cotrimoxazole 11%, certain antiparasitic drugs 11%, and alternative treatments such as medicinal plants.
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Introduction
1.1 Context
Access to safe drinking water is a fundamental determinant of public health. However, in many rural and periurban communities across sub-Saharan Africa, this access remains limited. In Cameroon, nearly 40% of households lack a connection to the safe drinking water supply network, forcing them to use groundwater and surface water resources that are often exposed to fecal and chemical contamination [1]. The Nkoabang neighborhood, a transition zone between the city of Yaounde and its rural periphery, concentrates the effects of this precarious access to water. Furthermore, several studies conducted in periurban areas of Cameroon have highlighted the high vulnerability of water tables to microbiological pollution. Consequently, the direct discharge of wastewater into the environment promotes the spread of pathogenic bacteria such as Vibrio and Pseudomonas [2].
Conclusion
The objective of this study was to evaluate the health risks associated with using ground and surface water intended for human consumption by populations in the locality of Nkoabang, Cameroon (Nkolafamba Commune). The survey of local populations identified the primary pollution factors, notably poor management of household waste, excreta, and wastewater, among others.
Consequently, due to lapses in hygiene standards, these waters are contaminated with germs, presenting a major risk of gastroenteritis, typhoid, skin and eye diseases, amebiasis, and schistosomiasis for consumers. The study found that 70% of the population does not treat water before consumption and is unaware of its microbiological quality. Furthermore, improper waste disposal practices create multiple pathways for contamination of water sources. The high prevalence of waterborne diseases and the widespread practice of self-medication with antibiotics without prescription represent significant public health concerns that require urgent attention.
Adhering to hygiene standards and promoting water treatment before usage by populations must be encouraged to prevent the occurrence of epidemics. Strengthening healthcare access, regulating antibiotic sales, and implementing integrated water and sanitation management approaches are essential for addressing the health impacts of untreated water in the Nkoabang neighborhood and similar settings.
References
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