Areas Of Cameroon Research Articles

Housing and Reintegration Problems of Displaced People from Conflict Zone in Cameroon

The aim of this article is to present and summarize all the research focused for the study of the design of a sustainable reception center for displaced populations in the Dschang area of Cameroon, specifically in the Tchoualé neighborhood. This topic is of crucial importance in light of the increasing conflicts and forced displacements worldwide. The motivations behind this study are based on the urgency of addressing the fundamental needs of displaced individuals, who often face precarious living conditions and a lack of basic infrastructure. The central issue was to determine how to design a reception center that not only meets the immediate and evolving needs of the displaced but is also sustainable and resilient. The research questions included assessing the current state of existing reception centers, evaluating the specific needs of the displaced, developing an appropriate architectural approach for this context, and assessing the project's impacts. The overall objective was to design a sustainable reception center that highlights a comprehensive architectural program addressing the essential needs of displaced populations. Specific objectives included producing a critical analysis of the living conditions of the displaced, developing an adapted approach for the center, creating digital models, and evaluating the impact and feasibility of the project.

Determinants of Dependency Between Local Communities and Forest Resources Around a Protected Area in Cameroon

Determinants of Dependency Between Local Communities and Forest Resources Around a Protected Area in Cameroon

Exposure to bovine livestock and latent tuberculosis infection in children: Investigating the zoonotic tuberculosis potential in a large urban and peri-urban area of Cameroon.

Bovine tuberculosis (bTB), a neglected zoonotic disease, is endemic in cattle in many Sub-saharan African countries, yet its contribution to tuberculosis (TB) burden is understudied. Rapid urbanisation and increase in demand for animal proteins, including dairy products, increases the risk of spill over. This study compared the latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) risk in children, a proxy-measure for recent TB infection, in children living in high cattle density areas to children from the general population in Cameroon. Cross-sectional study in the Centre Region of Cameroon in 2021, recruiting 160 children aged 2-15 years, stratified by exposure to livestock, people treated for pulmonary TB (PTB) and the general community. Veinous blood was tested for LTBI using QuantiFERON-TB Gold-Plus. Prevalence were calculated and the association to exposure and other risk factors investigated using logistic regression models. The crude LTBI prevalence were 8.2% in the general population, 7.3% in those exposed to cattle and 61% in pulmonary TB household contacts. After adjusting for confounding and sampling design, exposure to cattle and exposure to pulmonary TB were associated with higher risk of LTBI than the general population (respectively odds ratio (OR): 3.56, 95%CI: 0.34 to 37.03; and OR: 10.36, 95%CI: 3.13 to 34.21). Children frequently consuming cow milk had higher risk of LTBI (OR: 3.35; 95%CI 0.18 to 60.94). Despite limited statistical power, this study suggests that children exposed to cattle in a setting endemic for bTB had higher risk of LTBI, providing indirect evidence that Mycobacterium bovis may contribute to TB burden.

Effective dose assessment due to inhalation of 222Rn, 220Rn, and their progeny: highlighting the major contribution of thoron in a thoron-prone area in Cameroon.

To assess public exposure to radon, thoron, and their progeny, measurements were conducted in 50 dwellings within the bauxite-rich area of Fongo-Tongo in western Cameroon. Passive integrating radon-thoron discriminative detectors (specifically RADUET) were employed for radon and thoron measurements. Additionally, concentrations of short-lived radon and thoron progeny were estimated using Direct Radon Progeny Sensors (DRPSs) and Direct Thoron Progeny Sensors (DTPSs) based on LR-115 detectors. The findings revealed indoor radon concentrations ranging from 31 to 123Bqm-3 with a geometric mean (GM) of 62Bqm-3, and indoor thoron concentrations ranging from 36 to 688Bqm-3 with a GM of 242Bqm-3. The Equilibrium Equivalent Radon Concentration (EERC) ranged from 3 to 86Bqm-3 with a GM of 25Bqm-3, while the Equilibrium Equivalent Thoron Concentration (EETC) ranged from 1.2 to 12.5Bqm-3 with a GM of 7.6Bqm-3. Notably, all dwellings recorded radon concentrations below 100Bqm-3. Arithmetic means of radon and thoron equilibrium factors were calculated as 0.47 and 0.04, respectively. To assess annual effective doses from radon and thoron inhalation, equilibrium factors were used along with direct measurements of EERC and EETC. The differences observed in annual effective doses were 4.5% for radon and 42.5% for thoron. Furthermore, the contribution of thoron and its decay products to the annual effective dose from radon, thoron, and their progeny ranged from 12 to 94%, with an average contribution of 58%. Thus, this study found that the effective dose due to thoron inhalation in the study area exceeded that due to radon inhalation. It is concluded that, when evaluating radiation doses and health risks, it is crucial to consider both thoron and its progeny alongside radon and its progeny. This underscores the importance of considering direct measurements for accurately estimating radiation doses.

Geotechnical Assessment of Seismic Vulnerability in the Built Environment of Fako Division, South West Region of Cameroon

Introduction: Volcanic earthquakes may trigger severe hazards with considerable impact on the natural and built environment and the surrounding population. Aim: Evaluate the geotechnical characteristics of soils in Fako division to estimate their seismic vulnerability and recommend suitable stabilization techniques to enhance the safety and resilience of built environments. Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted over a period of 12 months beginning from June 2022 to May 2023. Methodology: It employed a multi-criteria geotechnical approach, involving soil sampling, laboratory analysis, and seismic risk analysis. Soil samples collected from various locations within the study area, were subjected to laboratory tests to determine their plasticity (Atterberg limits) and load-bearing capacity (California Bearing Ratio - CBR). Historical data analysis and seismic hazard mapping were used to assess seismic vulnerability which helped to identify highly susceptible and unstable areas that may require engineered interventions. Results: The findings revealed significant variations in soil plasticity and load-bearing capacity, correlating with observed settlement and instability issues in the region. Historical seismic events, highlighted significant structural damage in areas with high plasticity and low CBR values, underscoring the necessity for robust soil stabilization measures (geotechnical interventions) to mitigate seismic risks and enhance the resilience and safety of structures, reducing the risk of settlement and instability within the Mount Cameroon area, particularly Fako Division.

Application of the Discrete Element Method to Landslides

Civil engineering is defined as all construction related to the ground. In other words, civil engineering is only possible where there is soil. Construction professionals should not face any obstacles when building sustainably in any soil context. Knowledge of the altimetric state, including hills, mountains, valleys, etc., and the subterranean state, including obstacles such as compressible soil, holes, water tables, and rock masses, is crucial to consider before designing infrastructure. This includes the buried part of a structure and the angle of the natural slope in the superstructure to avoid landslides in the infrastructure. Landslides are natural disasters that have had a devastating impact on several populated areas in Cameroon, resulting in numerous fatalities. The most recent landslides recorded in our country occurred in NGOUACHE, MBANKOLO, MOBIL GUINNESS, among others. Preventing disasters requires an understanding of the relationship between construction and landslides to minimize their occurrence and impact. It is important to campaign for sustainable construction that respects the environment. Understanding landslides involves both destructive and non-destructive approaches. This article presents numerical methods for analysing and predicting phenomena. Among these methods, we focus on the discrete element method, which represents the medium as an assembly of circular, rigid particles. We examine three cases to observe the behaviour of the supporting soils and determine the fracture surface. Additionally, we compare our results with those found in the literature.

Evaluation of ITS1 rDNA primers for the detection and identification of African trypanosomes in mammalian hosts and tsetse flies.

Although several primers targeted to the internal transcribed-spacer 1 (ITS1) of the ribosomal DNA (rDNA) have been designed to improve the detection of African trypanosomes, no study tried to compare their agreement level and ability to amplify different trypanosome species in tsetse flies and mammals in various epidemiological settings. This study was designed to fill this gap, by targeting tsetse-infested areas of Cameroon. For this, archived DNA samples reporting at-least one trypanosome species with species-specific PCR primers were reviewed. Ten sets of primers targeting different ITS1 rDNA sequences of trypanosomes were selected for assessment using single-round and nested-PCR method. Amplification rates (sensitivity) and agreement level of different ITS1 assays were compared using Cohen's-Kappa and McNemar's x2 statistic. Little agreement level (k = 0.05–0.52) were observed between different ITS1-primers PCRs detection of African trypanosome species despite significant (X2=54.3, p = 0.0001) high amplification rate 91.6 % (339/370). This sensitivity varied from quite low for T. simiae (11.9 %) and T. vivax (27.3 %) to fairly good for T. congolence (51.9 %), Trypanozoon (32.4 %) and T. theileri (40.3 %). Primers set targeting ITS1-A sequence of trypanosome species recorded the highest sensitivity (50.5 %) with fairly good agreement compared to 39.2 % for ITS1-C (k = 0.52), 32.4 % for ITS1-R (k = 0.47), 29.7 % for ITS1-N (k = 0.48) and 23.0 % for ITS1-KIN (k = 0.43) respectively. This study revealed a diversity in the sensitivity of different trypanosome species with different sets of ITS-primers enhancing the need to use the same sets of primers in different bio-ecological settings. The use of nested-PCR instead of single-round PCR enabled improvement of trypanosome infections detection in both tsetse and mammals. Among the sets of ITS1-primers tested, those designed by to amplify ITS1-A can be considered as the most appropriate for the detection of trypanosome infections in mammals and tsetse flies.

Diversity and spatial distribution of epigean nest termite communities in semi-deciduous forest areas of Cameroon

Diversity and spatial distribution of epigean nest termite communities in semi-deciduous forest areas of Cameroon

Economic viability and factors affecting farmers’ willingness to pay for adopting small-scale biogas plants in rural areas of Cameroon

This study provides an in-depth economic analysis to aid decision-making in the adoption of small-scale biogas technology in rural areas of Cameroon. It also provides evidence of the field investment characteristics of the biogas energy supply in rural areas of Cameroon. The methodology focused on assessing the economic viability of different sizes of biogas plants and the willingness of farmers to pay for the same. A sample of 180 farmers was selected for the study. Data collection was carried out from December 2020 to May 2021 using a questionnaire survey and participant observation. The results show that all small-scale biogas plants are economically viable. Benefit-cost ratios were 1.01, 1.19, 1.50, 1.02, 1.21 and 2.04 for the 4 m3, 6 m3, 8 m3, 10 m3, 20 m3, and 25 m3 biogas plants. The net present values in US dollars (USD) were 959, 1790, 2695, 2658, 6047, and 12267 for the 4 m3, 6 m3, 8 m3, 10 m3, 20 m3, and 25 m3 biogas plants, respectively. The internal rate of return was higher than the applied discount rate of 12 %. The minimum payback period of 2.24 years was recorded for the 25 m3 while the maximum of 3.37 years was recorded for the 10 m3 biogas plants, respectively. With a disproportionate increase in the cost of biogas plants by 20 % and a 20 % decrease in benefits with a discount factor, the net returns are positive, indicating that all biogas plants are economically viable. The mean willingness to pay is estimated at 13 USD or 8000 FCFA. This resulted in an average repayment period of 11.5 years. The provision of extension services, financial incentives, and regulation of the small-scale biogas market will motivate farmers to adopt the technology.

Utility of plasma anti-gSG6-P1 IgG levels in determining changes in Anopheles gambiae bite rates in a rural area of Cameroon

The applicability of the specific human IgG antibody response to Anopheles gambiae salivary Gland Protein-6 peptide 1 (gSG6-P1 salivary peptide) as a biomarker able to distinguish the level of exposure to mosquito bites according to seasonal variations has not yet been evaluated in Central African regions. The study aimed to provide the first reliable data on the IgG anti-gSG6-P1 response in rural area in Cameroon according to the dry- and rainy-season. Between May and December 2020, dry blood samples were collected from people living in the Bankeng village in the forest area of the Centre region of Cameroon. Malaria infection was determined by thick-blood smear microscopy and multiplex PCR. The level of IgG anti-gSG6-P1 response, was assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Anopheles density and aggressiveness were assessed using human landing catches. The prevalence of malaria infection remains significantly higher in the rainy season than in the dry season (77.57% vs 61.44%; p = 0.0001). The specific anti-gSG6-P1 IgG response could be detected in individuals exposed to few mosquito bites and showed inter-individual heterogeneity even when living in the same exposure area. In both seasons, the level of anti-gSG6-P1 IgG response was not significantly different between Plasmodium infected and non-infected individuals. Mosquito bites were more aggressive in the rainy season compared to the dry season (human biting rate-HBR of 15.05 b/p/n vs 1.5 b/p/n) where mosquito density was very low. Infected mosquitoes were found only during the rainy season (sporozoite rate = 10.63% and entomological inoculation rate-EIR = 1.42 ib/p/n). The level of IgG anti-gSG6-P1 response was significantly higher in the rainy season and correlated with HBR (p ˂ 0.0001). This study highlights the high heterogeneity of individual’s exposure to the Anopheles gambiae s.l vector bites depending on the transmission season in the same area. These findings reinforce the usefulness of the anti-gSG6-P1 IgG response as an accurate immunological biomarker for detecting individual exposure to Anopheles gambiae s.l. bites during the low risk period of malaria transmission in rural areas and for the differentiating the level of exposure to mosquitoes.

Perinatal mental disorders and suicidal risk among adolescent mothers living in urban areas of Cameroon.

In sub-Saharan Africa the birth rate among teenage mothers is the highest in the world. In 2021, there would be 6,114,000 births for 15-19-year-olds in this part of the world. In Cameroon, the fertility rate among adolescents aged 15-19 is 24%. However, there is a significant lack of data on the mental health of teenage mothers. Given the biopsychosocial conditions of the perinatal period and adolescence, we hypothesise that the prevalence of mental disorders and the risk of suicide is very high in Cameroon. The aim is therefore to determine the prevalence of perinatal mental disorders and suicide risk among adolescent mothers in urban areas of Cameroon. Following ethical approval of the submitted protocol, we recruited adolescent mothers and data were collected using diagnostic interviews based on the DSM-5, PDM-2 and MINI guidelines. The types of sampling used were typical and incidental. Data were tabulated with Epidata 3.1 and processed with SPSS 25. 66.4% of adolescent mothers were diagnosed with a mental disorder and 27.4% with suicidal risk. It was found that there was a link between mental disorders and suicidal risk (p<0.001), with mothers at suicidal risk having an 8.4 times greater risk of having a mental disorder (OR=8.423). Linear regression confirmed the statistically significant relationship between perinatal mental disorders and suicidal risk. 31.1% of the total variance in suicidal risk was explained by mental disorders. The regression coefficients for mental disorders with a p<0.05 value is: perinatal depression (-0.279), post-partum psychosis (-0.133), trauma disorder (-0.034), generalised anxiety disorder (-0.008) and conduct disorder (-0.020). Our hypothesis is confirmed, because the prevalence of 66.4% of mental disorders and 27.4% of suicidal risk are significantly high in Cameroon. In some way, the disorders predict suicidal risk, because the less an adolescent mother has one of these pathologies during the perinatal period, the less she will be at risk of suicide. More research of this kind is needed to contribute in providing more data, including solutions to address the morbidity and mortality problems associated with the mental health of teenage mothers.

Prevalence and associated factors of coexisting forms of malnutrition in children under 5 years age in a rural area of Cameroon.

Malnutrition of children under 5 years of age is persistent in Cameroon principally in rural areas. Moreover, there is limited knowledge of coexisting forms of malnutrition (CFM) among children of this age. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of CFM in a cohort of children under 5 years and to identify the associated factors. A cross-sectional study was conducted in the Health Districts of the locality of Dschang in the West region of Cameroon between June 2021 to November 2021. Data were collected from 200 under-five children of both sexes and an interviewer-administered questionnaire was administered to consented children's mothers/guardians. Malnutrition in children was assessed by WHO growth standards (weight-for-height, weight-for-age, height-for-age and body mass index-for-age). The different CFM were defined by the presence of two autonomous forms of malnutrition in the same child. Logistic regression analyses were done to identify factors associated to different coexisting forms of malnutrition. The results obtained showed prevalences of 4.20% for the coexistence of underweight with wasting, 7.8% for the coexistence of underweight with stunting and 14.8% for the coexistence of stunting with overweight. Lower maternal age (15-24 years old; OR = 0.09; p = 0.05) and lower education level (primary education, OR = 23.33; p = 0.00) were associated with the coexistence of underweight with wasting. Marital status (single mother, OR = 0.28; p = 0.00) was associated to the coexistence of stunting with overweight/obesity. The findings of this study provide evidence on the coexistence of different forms of malnutrition among children below five years of age in rural area of Cameroon. These finding would guide future research, policies, and programs on the management of malnutrition in rural areas of Cameroon.

Deletions of Histidine-Rich Protein 2/3 Genes in Natural Plasmodium falciparum Populations from Cameroon and India: Role of Asymptomatic and Submicroscopic Infections.

The bulk of malaria rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) target histidine-rich protein 2 of Plasmodium falciparum, the deadliest malaria species. The WHO considers pfhrp2/3 deletions as one of the main threats to successful malaria control and/or elimination; as such, parasites that lack part or all of the pfhrp2 gene are missed by pfHRP2-targeting RDTs. Such deletions have been reported in several African and Asian countries, but little is known in Cameroon and India. Blood samples were collected from individuals living in four areas of Cameroon (Douala, Maroua, Mayo-Oulo, Pette) and India (Mewat, Raipur, Ranchi, Rourkela). Deletions in pfhrp2/3 genes were confirmed if samples 1) had ≥100 parasites/µL by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR), 2) PCR negative for pfhrp2/3, and 3) PCR positive for at least two single-copy genes. The overall proportion of pfhrp2 and pfhrp3 deletions in Cameroon was 13.5% and 3.1%. In India, the overall proportion was 8% for pfhrp2 and 4% for pfhrp3. The overall proportions of samples with both gene deletions (pfhrp2-/3-) were 3.1% in Cameroon and 1.3% in India. In Cameroon, pfhrp2-/3+ and pfhrp2-/3- deletions were common in Maroua (P = 0.02), in asymptomatic parasitemia (P = 0.006) and submicroscopic parasitemia (P <0.0001). In both countries, pfhrp2/3 deletions, including pfhrp2-/3- deletions, were mainly seen in monoclonal infections. This study outlines that double deletions that result in false negative RDTs are uncommon in our settings, and highlights the importance of active molecular surveillance for pfhrp2/3 deletions in Cameroon and India.

Advancing Adherence and Compliance to Personal Protective Equipment Policies among Health Care Workers - Insights from a Groundbreaking Case Study in Cameroon

Personal protective equipment (P PE) rules must be respected and followed to the letter of healthcare professionals in Cameroon to avoid the transmission of infectious diseases. This research proposes solutions to the problems of non-adherence and noncompliance among healthcare workers in Cameroon towards PPE rules. Inadequate access to suitable PPE, discomfort when wearing PPE during poor quality, and a lack of training on correct PPE use are just a few of these obstacles amongst HCWs in Cameroon. Hospitals and healthcare facilities should prioritize offering thorough instruction on PPE use and pinpoint the need to adhere consistently to PPE rules to remove these obstacles. They should also ensure that all healthcare personnel have access to and a sufficient supply of the proper PPE. Through the organization of impromptu visits by surveillance teams to identify areas of support and training, there is a need for assistance from government bodies and public health groups in creating awareness of the security value of PPE use among healthcare professionals. There is a lack of PPE in health care settings in rural areas in Cameroon, thus a need for an adequate supply. Then can we put appropriate PPE policies and practices for HCWs in Cameroon, as they will keep to it. Healthcare professionals in Cameroon must comprehend that following PPE standards protects not just their selves from diseases but also their patients, coworkers, and communities. We are accountable for ensuring everyone's safety and wellbeing, and adhering to PPE regulations is an essential first step.

Characterization of Bitter Cassava Starch from the Town of Loum in Cameroon for Potential Use in Thermoplastic Composites

Starches are often used as a matrix in the development of thermoplastic composites. This study seeks to show that bitter cassava starch extracted from cassava tubers from the town of Loum, the highest producing area in Cameroon, can be used in the development of composite films. Various literature protocols were used for the different characterizations. The results showed a cassava starch content of 40% in the composite, a water content of 13.58%, an ash content of 0.51%, an oil retention capacity of 0.737 g/g, a retrogradation of 41.5%, and amylose and amylopectin contents of 26.5% and 73.50%, respectively. Analysis by Fourier transform infrared spectrometry (FTIR) showed that the bitter cassava starch is a polysaccharide, and thermal analysis gave a thermal stability of 190 °C during heating. In view of these results, we suggest the bitter cassava starch from the town of Loum in Cameroon could be used as a matrix in the production of composites, particularly composite films.

New species of Pterotiltus from Cameroon, and a new genus, Parapterotiltus (Orthoptera, Acrididae, Oxyinae)

The genus Pterotiltus Karsch, 1893 currently includes 12 described species from the equatorial forests of West and Central Africa. Here, we describe two new species from lowland forests of Southern Cameroon: Pterotiltus ngoylaensissp. nov., and Pterotiltus campoensissp. nov. We further describe two new species and the previously undescribed female of Pterotiltus minimus Ramme, 1929 from the highland areas of West Cameroon. These highland species share a suite of characters that distinguish them from Pterotiltus; these characters include structures of both the male and female reproductive systems, tegmina not completely regressed, and generally smaller size. To accommodate these differences between the species, we erect the new genus Parapterotiltusgen. nov. with P. minimus as the type species and include in it Parapterotiltus minimoidessp. nov. and Parapterotiltus bamboutossp. nov.

Avoy-Insurance Responses in Nursery and After Transplanting of the Other Planting of Acacia Nilotica (L.) Wild. exDelile Subject to Different Types of Fertilization in the Sahelian Area of Cameroon

Avoy-Insurance Responses in Nursery and After Transplanting of the Other Planting of Acacia Nilotica (L.) Wild. exDelile Subject to Different Types of Fertilization in the Sahelian Area of Cameroon

Morphological and Biochemical Characterization of Strains of Ralstonia solanacearum, Causal Agent of Bacterial Wilt in Tomatoes in Cameroon and Screening of Virulent Strains

Ralstonia solanacearum is a major constraint in tomato production. The aim of this work was to identify the different biovars and races of R. solanacearum which infect tomato plants in Cameroon and determine the most virulent in a gnotobiotic environment. Thirty (30) samples were collected in the field of 03 different agro-ecological zones considered as major tomato production area in Cameroon. The bacteria were isolated on modified Kelman solid medium, and identified based on morphological and biochemical characterization. The pathogenicity test was performed in a gnotobiotic environment by root inoculation. Twenty-nine (29) isolates showed colonies characteristic of virulent strains. Water, motility, catalase, KOH, Kovac oxidase, glucose reduction, and sucrose tests were positive. However, gram staining, spore production, arginine test and sulfate reduction were negative. The biovar tests carried out revealed the presence16.66% biovar 2 (bv 2) and 76.66% biovar 3(bv 3). The tobacco hypersensitivity tests carried out revealed the presence of two (02) races: race 1 and race 3 (majority). A predominance of race3 biovar 3 was observed in Cameroon. Results from pathogenicity test revealed that two (02) strains, FM6 (race 3 bv2) and BFo (race 3 bv 3) were high virulent, causing up to 100% loss of seedlings on the sixth day post-inoculation.

Dietary Quality and Associated Factors among Women of Reproductive Age in Six Sub-Saharan African Countries.

The burden of micronutrient malnutrition is high among women of reproductive age (WRA) in sub-Saharan Africa. We examined the dietary quality and associated factors for WRA in Cameroon, Côte d'Ivoire, Kenya, Nigeria, Senegal, and Tanzania. Data were collected from women aged 15-49 years using representative Diet Quality Questionnaire surveys. The Minimum Dietary Diversity for Women (MDD-W), All-5 (key food group) consumption, noncommunicable disease risk (NCD-Risk), and Global Dietary Recommendation (GDR) indicators were assessed. Participants included N = 16,584 women [Cameroon: N = 2073; Côte d'Ivoire: N = 242; Kenya: N = 864; Adamawa State (Nigeria): N = 1283; Benue State (Nigeria): N = 1047; Nasarawa State (Nigeria): N = 1151; Senegal: N = 7232; Tanzania: N = 2692]. The MDD-W ranged from 43.0% in Tanzania to 81.4% in Côte d'Ivoire and was higher in urban, compared to rural, areas in Cameroon, Kenya, Nasarawa, Senegal, and Tanzania (p < 0.001). Increased education and wealth were positively associated with MDD-W in Kenya, Benue, Senegal, and Tanzania. Fewer than half of all women attained All-5 consumption. NCD-Risk scores ranged from 1.13 (95% CI: 1.08, 1.17) in Tanzania to 2.28 (95% CI: 2.16, 2.40) in Nasarawa, and women's GDR scores ranged from 10.47 (95% CI: 10.40, 10.54) in Cameroon to 11.45 (95% CI: 11.25, 11.64) in Côte d'Ivoire. Our findings highlight key aspects of women's diets in sub-Saharan African settings to enable greater awareness and more targeted responses to the specific areas needing the most improvement.

Assessment of non-revenue water in the urban water distribution system network in Cameroon (Central Africa)

ABSTRACT This paper aims to assess non-revenue water (NRW) in the urban water distribution system in Cameroon. The methodological approach used in this study was based on online searches using the databases such as Google Scholar, Web of Science, PubMed, and the International Water Association. These online searches have been completed through field observations and interviews with institutional and non-institutional stakeholders in the urban water sector. Results indicate that the total volume of NRW in the urban area of Cameroon was 100.26 million m3/year, which represents 52.5% of the total system input volume. About 2 million people could be supplied by cutting Cameroon's NRW to half the present level. Findings also suggest that the water utility (Camwater) practices passive leakage control, meaning that Camwater repairs only those leaks that are visible. Reducing NRW can be achieved through leakage detection and pipe replacement, pressure management, water metering, and a program to identify, remove, and replace illegal connections.