Critical Evaluation of Neglected Consensus Risk Factors Causing the Recurrent Upsurge of Cholera Outbreaks in Some Regions in Cameroon: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Background: Cameroon is a developing nation and has been enlisted amongst the several countries in sub-Sahara Africa situated in West and Central Africa to be experiencing the recurrent cholera outbreaks. The World Health Organization (WHO), Cameroon health authorities and others researchers have considered a few risk factors that are believed to be contributing to the current and on-going cholera outbreaks in Cameroon. These risk factors include the wide circulation of Vibrio cholerae in the country, limited access to safe-drinking water in some areas, a seasonal pattern of cholera re-occurrence and inadequate water, sanitation and hygienic (WASH) conditions, unstable political atmosphere that have resulted to internally displayed persons, very poor and vulnerable persons, refugees and humanitarian crises and continued unnecessary imposed lock-downs and road-blocks. However, despite these enormous efforts made by Cameroon health authorities so far and its partners over the past decades in responding and tackling all these risk factors, the recurrent outbreak of cholera in Cameroon still remained a great challenge and potential humanitarian crisis, an unendingly reality with bewilderment amid uncertainty, threatening and vulnerability to many affected regions. Aim: This systematic review seeks to critically evaluate, identify and classify some previously overlooked consensus risk factors driving cholera endemicity, pandemicity or epidemicity in Cameroon. By highlighting these neglected factors, this review hopes to inform evidenced -based intervention to finally combat the persistence recurrent upsurge and burden of future outbreaks of cholera in Cameroon. Methodology: The current Systematic reviews gathered information from various sources using different search engines provide a comprehensive overview of existing research. These include Academic Search Engines, Specialized Search Engines, Grey Literature, Primary Sources, Secondary Sources, Registers and Repositories, Open Access Sources, Hand Searching and Other Sources. Results: The current systematic review gathered information from diverse sources and identified and classified six groups of neglected consensus risk factors, along with their associated variables, contributing to cholera outbreaks in Cameroon. Additionally, the review assessed the level of intervention and preventive measures offered by the Cameroon health authorities and other stakeholders, categorizing them as either low or high, for both documented and undocumented strategies. All data sources were thoroughly referenced accordingly ensuring transparency and accountability. Conclusion: In spite of extensive research by the World Health Organization and Cameroonian health authorities identifying and documenting numerous risk factors contributing to Cameroon's ongoing cholera outbreaks, these efforts have not prevented or eradicated recurring episodes. Decades of enormous work and efforts by Cameroonian health authorities have been incapable to eradicate cholera. This systematic review unequivocally shows that without addressing the neglected consensus risk factors and variables, Cameroon could face a high likelihood of continued cholera outbreaks. Therefore, this review underscores the urgent need for Cameroon health authorities to adopt a multifaceted approach, addressing the identified neglected consensus risk factors and variables. Implementation of targeted interventions, strengthened health infrastructure, and community engagement are crucial to prevent future cholera outbreaks. Future research should focus on developing context-specific solutions, enhancing existing strategies, and evaluating the effectiveness of interventions.