Abstract
Vector-borne diseases and their incidence in the northern Cameroon particularly the Far North Region have been recurrent and are on the increase. This paper assesses the impact of climate variability on the health of the population of the Far North Region of Cameroon which is characterised by a tropical semi-arid climate in the vicinity of the Lake Chad. Secondary data sources (Epidemiologic, climatic, ecologic, socio-economic data), questionnaires, interviews and focus group discussions provided relevant data. The paper examines the relationship between the outbreak of diseases and variations in some climatic elements. It highlights the relationship that exists between the direct effects of climate variations and the development of vector-borne diseases and their effect on human health. The results reveal a strong positive correlation between changes in the climatic elements and the incidence of vector-borne diseases particularly cholera and meningitis. The study makes proposals on ways of militating against the impact of vector-borne diseases on human development in the region.
Highlights
The beginning of the second half of the Twentieth Century was a turning point in the process of urbanisation in most Third World countries in general and the Sub-Saharan African countries in particular
The results reveal a strong positive correlation between changes in the climatic elements and the incidence of vector-borne diseases cholera and meningitis
It was found out that the wind, in February, March and April account for 85% of the variation in the number of meningitis cases. While infectious diseases such as cholera are being eradicated in other parts of the world, they are re-emerging in Cameroon and Africa in general
Summary
The beginning of the second half of the Twentieth Century was a turning point in the process of urbanisation in most Third World countries in general and the Sub-Saharan African countries in particular. Based on the revelation from our primary and secondary data, it attempts to illustrate the relationship between diseases outbreak and fluctuations in the specific elements of climate Even though such correlation between climate variability and human health hazards are still receiving much attention in research on a global scale, specific diagnoses of the causes of the problem at the local and regional scale will still serve a very reliable beginning in any effort to put the problems under control for specific problem regions. This is important if the Government needs to deploy or emphasise the redeployment of any aggressive measure through the prompt allocation of medication, health personnel, relevant infrastructures and prevention programmes. Apart from illustrating the connection between the fluctuations in the climatic elements and the urban health-related hazards in the study area, the present paper where necessary intends to propose recommendations for long-term solutions in the control of cholera and meningitis
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
