Communities In Cameroon Research Articles

Electoral participation of people with and without disabilities in urban communities in Cameroon and Senegal

Background: The right to participate in political processes is fundamental to democratic governance, economic development and human rights.Objectives: We assessed participation in political processes and also explored factors associated with voting at the most recent election for people with and without disabilities.Method: We conducted cross-sectional survey in four cities in Senegal and three in Cameroon in 2021. Disability was assessed using the Washington Group Short Set of questions. Univariate and multiple regression analyses were conducted to identify the factors associated with voting at the most recent elections.Results: Among 4180 participants in Cameroon and 4171 in Senegal, disability prevalence was 9.77% and 10.89%, respectively. More than half of the participants had voted at the most recent elections in both Cameroon (52.31%) and Senegal (58.27%). Participants with an interest in politics, having all the key documents or registered with a political party were more likely to have voted in both countries. Adjusting for socio-demographic characteristics, people with disabilities were less likely to have voted compared to those without disabilities in Cameroon (odds ratio [OR] = 0.58 [0.40, 0.84]) and in Senegal (OR = 0.36 [0.26, 0.44]).Conclusion: There is an urgent need to address the socio-political and environmental factors that have been identified so as to close the disability gaps in voting and ensure equitable opportunities and levels of political participation between people with and without disabilities.Contribution: This article contributes to the existing knowledge base on the political participation of people with and without disabilities in Cameroon and Senegal.

The use of community-oriented primary care (COPC) model to generate vaccine demand: The case of a remote fishing community in Cameroon

BackgroundCameroon, a country in sub-Saharan Africa, ranks among the top 15 countries worldwide with the highest number of zero-dose (unvaccinated) children. Among other reasons, pockets of hard-to-reach communities that traditionally miss essential healthcare services, including childhood immunization, largely contribute to this sub-optimal vaccination coverage. This is the case of Manoka Health District (MHD), an archipelago district with a zero-dose proportion of 91.7%. High disease burdens such as malaria and water-borne diseases have forced the population to depend on herbalists and roadside drug vendors, eroding trust in the primary healthcare system and worsening vaccine hesitancy. This study, therefore, aims to describe how a project optimized vaccine demand generation in these hard-to-reach settlements using an integrated community health worker service delivery package developed using the Community-oriented primary healthcare (COPC) model. MethodologyThis cross-sectional descriptive study was based on data collected from November 2021 to August 2022 in three project-implementing health areas (Kombo Moukoko, Kooh, and Toube) in the Manoka health district. Data was collected on the integrated health packages offered by Community Health Workers (CHWs). It comprised health education on malaria and water-borne diseases, screening for malaria using Rapid Diagnostic Test (RDT), treatment of under-5 for uncomplicated malaria and diarrhea, conduct of essential Antenatal Care (ANC) services, and vaccination counseling and referral in the three health areas. Microsoft Excel 2013 was used to analyze descriptive data and expressed results as percentages, with tables and column charts used for data visualization. All missing data were considered in the final analysis. ResultsOver 550 under-5 children and 187 pregnant women were identified to be in need of curative and preventive care services during the project period. About 81% of pregnant women received a minimum ANC package by CHWs, and 47% adhered to referrals to health facilities for continuous ANC and delivery. Half of the children under 5 with health issues were diagnosed and managed for uncomplicated malaria. Also, during home visits, 617 under-immunized and zero-dose children less than two years of age were identified, referred, and vaccinated either during an outreach program or at the nearest health post in a neighboring health area, representing about 64% (617/964) of under-2 children identified in these communities. There was a gradual increase from 0% vaccine acceptance post-referral in the first month to 47% after six months and 64% at one year of intervention. ConclusionThe use of the COPC model to co-develop integrated essential health service packages that meet the needs of communities showed value in building trust and increasing childhood immunization uptake in hard-to-reach communities.

Exploring existing malaria services and the feasibility of implementing community engagement approaches amongst conflict-affected communities in Cameroon: a qualitative study

BackgroundCameroon is one of the countries with the highest burden of malaria. Since 2018, there has been an ongoing conflict in the country, which has reduced access to healthcare for populations in affected regions, and little is known about the impact on access to malaria services. The objective of this study was to understand the current situation regarding access to malaria services in Cameroon to inform the design of interventions to remove barriers and encourage the use of available services.MethodsA qualitative research study was carried out to understand the barriers preventing communities accessing care, the uptake of community health worker (CHW) services, and to gather perceptions on community engagement approaches, to assess whether these could be an appropriate mechanism to encourage uptake of community health worker (CHW) services. Twenty-nine focus group discussions and 11 in-depth interviews were carried out between May and July 2021 in two regions of Cameroon, Southwest and Littoral. Focus group discussions were held with CHWs and community members and semi-structured, in-depth interviews were conducted with key stakeholders including regional government staff, council staff, community leaders and community-based organisations. The data were analysed thematically; open, descriptive coding was combined with exploration of pre-determined investigative areas.ResultsThe study confirmed that access to healthcare has become increasingly challenging in conflict-affected areas. Although the Ministry of Health are providing CHWs to improve access, several barriers remain that limit uptake of these services including awareness, availability, cost, trust in competency, and supply of testing and treatment. This study found that communities were supportive of community engagement approaches, particularly the community dialogue approach.ConclusionCommunities in conflict-affected regions of Cameroon continue to have limited access to healthcare services, in part due to poor use of CHW services provided. Community engagement approaches can be an effective way to improve the awareness and use of CHWs. However, these approaches alone will not be sufficient to resolve all the challenges faced by conflict-affected communities when accessing health and malaria services. Additional interventions are needed to increase the availability of CHWs, improve the supply of diagnostic tests and treatments and to reduce the cost of treatment for all.

Marriage and Memories of the Slave Trade Among the Ejaghams of Cameroon's Cross River Region

Using interview data collected from communities in Cameroon's Cross River region, this study examines the experiences of “slave descendants” in their marriages/attempted marriages with “freemen.” Using theories from Mary Douglas and Erving Goffman to analyse their stories, I demonstrate that while “slave descendants” are legally permitted to marry members of “freeman” origin, in practice, some cultural privileges are stripped from those who choose to intermarry, especially impacting those of “freeman” origins. Among “freeman” individuals, beliefs exist that marrying a “slave descendant” can limit their social and cultural potential. For example, they believe such marriages will contaminate the purity of their bloodline. Correspondingly, I discovered that many “slave descendants” aspire to unions with “freemen,” despite discrimination and rejection, to give their children a “half-pure” blood identity. They believe that giving their children this “half-pure” blood identity helps improve their future prospects.

Perceptions around COVID-19 among patients and community members in urban areas in Cameroon: A qualitative perspective.

At the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Cameroonian government, to abide by international regulations, prescribed preventive measures, which affected many aspects of social, political, economic, and cultural life. However, there needs to be more in-depth exploration of how communities in Cameroon perceived and were impacted by COVID-19. We explored perceptions and misconceptions concerning COVID-19's impact on urban communities' daily lives in Cameroon. We conducted semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions with a heterogeneous sample of 25 participants from five different social categories (health personnel, patients with a confirmed COVID-19 infection, close contacts of patients, community members, and community leaders) to assess their perceptions of the disease. Interviews and FGDs were recorded, fully transcribed, coded manually, and analyzed using a thematic analysis iterative coding process. Three main themes were identified: 1) Knowledge of COVID-19: antagonism between disease and invention, 2) Barrier measures imposed by the "dominant culture," and 3) Impact of COVID-19 on daily lives. Our study revealed perceptions around general knowledge of the COVID-19 pandemic, noting acceptance and observation of government-imposed protective measures while highlighting the significant changes endured in participants' daily lives. These findings draw attention to the need to develop flexible and appropriate response strategies for different communities. Although Cameroonian populations were not as intensely affected by the burden of the disease of COVID-19 as other regions, they were still compelled to follow static "cookie-cutter" measures that were internationally imposed, affecting their daily lives in ways that seemed disproportionate to their own experiences of the crisis. These findings have potential implications for the legitimacy of public health institutions and responses.

Optimization of a Hybrid Off-Grid Solar PV—Hydro Power Systems for Rural Electrification in Cameroon

The use of decentralized renewable energy systems will continue to play a significant role in electricity generation especially in developing countries where grid expansion to most remote areas is uneconomical. The income levels of these off-grid communities are often low, such that there is a need for the delivery of cost-effective energy solutions through optimum control and sizing of energy system components. This paper aims at minimizing the net present cost (NPC) and the levelised cost of energy (LCOE). The study presents a hybrid power system involving a hydroelectric, solar photovoltaic (PV), and battery system for a rural community in Cameroon. The optimization of the system was done using HOMER Pro and validated using a meta-heuristic algorithm known as genetic algorithm (GA). The GA approach was programmed using the MATLAB software. After the HOMER simulation, the optimal power capacity of 3 kW solar PV, 334.89 Ah battery, and 32.2 kW microhydropower was used to meet the load. The village load profile had a daily energy usage of 431.32 kWh/day and a peak power demand of 38.49 kW. The optimized results showed an NPC and LCOE of $90,469.16 and 0.0453 $/kWh, respectively. The system configuration was tested against an increase in hydropower capacity, and it was observed that increasing the hydropower capacity has the ability to significantly reduce the LCOE as well as the battery and solar PV size. A comparative analysis of the two approaches showed that the optimization using GA was more cost-effective than HOMER Pro with the least LCOE of 0.0344 $/kWh and NPC of $86,990.94 as well as a loss of power supply probability (LPSP) of 0.99%. In addition, the GA method gave more hydropower generation than HOMER Pro. This supports the fact that stochastic methods are more realistic and economically viable. They also accurately predict system operation than deterministic methods.

A participatory systems dynamic modelling approach to understanding flood systems in a coastal community in Cameroon

In the face of increasing flood risks and the need for effective management both at national and local levels, this study highlights a participatory approach that transcends conventional stakeholder consultation but delves into drawing insights through conceptual models that unveil the potential of the Participatory System Dynamic Modelling approach to mitigate flood risks, even at the grassroots level effectively. Through active stakeholder engagement, the study focuses on identifying and analysing the intricate interdependencies and feedback loops within the Limbe flood risk management system that are crucial for recommending comprehensive and actionable flood risk mitigation strategies for Limbe's cross-sectoral dynamics. By including flood experts and community stakeholders in the conceptual model construction, the study utilises an evaluative framework that accounts for system processes and outcomes, ensuring a holistic understanding of the flood risk system, considering scientific knowledge and real-life experiences. The findings underscore the value of participatory modelling techniques in facilitating the identification and prioritisation of intervention options by diverse stakeholders, thereby promoting active engagement in local flood risk management, a vital step in addressing the escalating challenges posed by climate change and natural disasters.

Stakes and Challenges of Sino-Cameroon Agriculture Cooperation 2008 -2023

Sino-Cameroon Agriculture cooperation has been the engine of Agricultural development especially in the rural communities in Cameroon where china seek for vast tracts of land for agricultural investments. The recent increase in food prices and the high demand for agricultural products in Cameroon and its neighbouring countries have created a scenario for China to invest in agriculture in Cameroon in order to meet the demand in the national and international scene. This opens a lacuna for Chinese companies to sign concessions with the Cameroon government to acquire vast hectares of land for large scale agricultural investments. Chinese companies in Cameroon have been involved in the cultivation of Rice, Maize, Cassava and many other products in order to meet the national and international demands. These companies have acquired vacant and unproductive land in Cameroon for foreign direct investments especially in the locality of Nanga Eboko and santchou.This paper seeks to examine the contributions of the Sino- Cameroon agriculture in the development of Cameroon. A qualitative research protocol was explore to understand the paradigms of the Sino- Cameroon agriculture in Cameroon in strengthening the Sino – Cameroon Cooperation and to meet the high demand of agricultural products. The results portrays that the Sino-Cameroon agriculture cooperation has contributed a great deal to solve the problem of food insecurity in Cameroon. Mechanised agriculture has also been promoted in Cameroon through these ventures which have greatly contributed in the high production of agricultural products to solve the national and international concerns. However large scale land concessions for agricultural investments have affected the rural population that depends of land for their livelihood. This paper therefore makes prospects on revisiting the long term land concessions for agricultural investments and implementing diverse techniques in order to ensure a sustainable and win- win cooperation.

Prevalence and risk factors associated with Haemophilus ducreyi cutaneous ulcers in Cameroon.

Epidemics of yaws-like cutaneous ulcers are regularly documented in children in the tropics. They occur mainly in poor and remote communities without access to health facilities. The integration of molecular tools into yaws control efforts has made it possible to describe Haemophilus ducreyi (HD) as a major cause of cutaneous ulcers. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of HD as cause of cutaneous ulcers, investigate its presence in asymptomatic individuals and identify associated risk factors. A cross-sectional study was conducted in yaws endemic districts of Cameroon. Participants included people presenting yaws-like ulcers and asymptomatic individuals. Swab samples were collected from each participant and tested for HD and Treponema pallidum (TP) using an established qPCR method. Additionally, demographic, habitat, proximity, and hygiene characteristics were collected using a structured questionnaire. A total of 443 individuals participated in the study, including 271 ulcer cases and 172 asymptomatic contacts. The prevalence of HD in ulcers was 30.3% (Confidence Interval (CI) 95% [24.8-35.7]) and the prevalence of asymptomatic HD carriage was 8.6% (CI95% [4.5-12.9]). TP was also detected in our sample among ulcer cases but in lower proportion (5.2% CI95% [2.5-7.8]) compared to HD. The adjusted logistic regression model showed that women were as much at risk of having HD cutaneous ulcer as men regardless of age. Physical proximity to a confirmed ulcer case was the major factor identified favouring HD transmission. HD ulcers were more likely to be present on Bantu individuals compared to Baka as well as HD colonization. These findings highlight HD as the most common cause of cutaneous ulcers in yaws-endemic communities in Cameroon. The exact implications of detecting HD on intact skin are not yet clear. Further studies are needed to understand the significance of this carriage in the spread dynamics of the disease.

Impact of a stroke awareness campaign organized during world stroke day 2022 on knowledge and practices towards stroke in an urban community in Cameroon

Impact of a stroke awareness campaign organized during world stroke day 2022 on knowledge and practices towards stroke in an urban community in Cameroon

Seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies and associated risk factors during the second wave of infection in a university community in Cameroon.

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused a public health emergency in all sectors of society, including universities and other academic institutions in Cameroon. However, little is known concerning the real prevalence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infections among student communities during the second wave of infection in Cameroon. This study aimed to estimate SARS-CoV-2 antibodies seroprevalence among participants in a university community in Cameroon. A cross-sectional study was conducted from March to April 2021 in 547 students aged ≥18 years during a mass diagnostic campaign at the School of Health Sciences of the Catholic University of Central Africa (ESS/UCAC). The anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibody screening was done using the Panbio™ COVID-19 IgG/IgM Rapid Diagnostic Test. The overall seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies was 27%, of which 89.9% (n =133) was IgG, 6.7% (n =10) IgM and 3.4% (n =5) IgG/IgM positive. The undergraduate students represented 79% (432/547) of the total population and were highly positive with anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies 30% (130/432) as compared with postgraduate students 20% (23/115). The total antibody seropositivity was higher in males (34.4%) than females (24.9%). Several factors were associated with an increased risk of SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence including the male gender (OR: 1.61 [95% confidence interval, CI 1.0-2.4]), specialization to medical laboratory (OR: 2.8 [95% CI 1.1-7.1]) and nursing sciences (OR: 2.6 [95% CI 1.1-6.2]). Our findings point to extensive and underreported circulation of SARS-CoV-2 in a university community during the second wave of infection in Cameroon, which likely resulted in artificially low case counts.

Social integration, solidarity, and psychological health of internally displaced persons in Cameroon: Exploring the role of community satisfaction

Background/IntroductionConflict-induced displacement continue to be a pressing public policy concern due to the adverse effects on the well-being of internally displaced persons (IDPs). Understanding the integration process of these individuals, particularly the role of solidarity and social integration in fostering a sense of belonging and improving their community experiences and psychological well-being, remains unclear. This study investigates the role of community satisfaction in the relationship among social integration, solidarity, and psychological health of IDPs in Cameroon. MethodsCross-sectional data from 428 displaced individuals in the Ntui subdivision, Cameroon, were analyzed using structural equation modeling (SEM). This technique tested four latent variables: social integration, solidarity, community satisfaction, and psychological health. ResultsThe results show a direct association between solidarity and both community satisfaction (β = 0.282; p < 0.001) and psychological health (β = 0.137; p < 0.01). Community satisfaction also has a direct relationship with the psychological health of the IDPs (β = 0.292; p < 0.001). An indirect effect of solidarity on psychological health through community satisfaction was observed (β = 0.084 (SE = 0.025, CI = [0.047, 0.129], p < 0.001)). However, no mediational effect of community satisfaction was found on the association between social integration and psychological health. The model accounted for 7% of the variance in community satisfaction (R2 = 0.07) and 20% of the variance in psychological health (R2 = 0.20). Conclusion: The findings indicate a strong sense of solidarity among the displaced persons in the studied communities in Cameroon, which promotes their psychological health via community satisfaction. As such, interventions should aim to foster solidarity among displaced persons to enhance their community experiences and psychological health.

Youth recruitment and retainment in small‐scale fisheries: Factors influencing succession and participation decisions in Cameroon

AbstractFisheries systems face enormous pressures from increased fish demand, decreased fish catches, and an ageing fishing population. As a case study, we investigate how climate change stressors, capacity‐building opportunities, and the introduction of climate‐smart innovations, tools and information may influence youths’ succession decisions in small‐scale fisheries (SSF). We collected empirical data from a survey with the children of SSF actors to identify the factors promoting or hindering succession in fish harvesting activities through a simple random sampling of 415 youths in six fishing communities in Cameroon. The probit model results revealed that youth participation and succession decisions are positively influenced by their education, nationality, that is, being a migrant, desire to be employed full‐time in fisheries‐related activities, climate‐smart innovations, tools and information, and capacity‐building opportunities. Increasing temperatures and uncertainty in fish availability due to climate change negatively influence their succession decisions. We find that parents do not encourage their children to participate in SSF due to climate change impacts, which are reducing fish catch and due to a lack of suitable climate‐resilient innovations and capacity‐building opportunities. The study provides evidence that interventions that create an enabling environment for youths’ participation in fisheries‐related activities are important to secure the future of SSF in Cameroon.

Perception variation on contraceptive use in the Bamenda and Buea communities in Cameroon

Women’s unmet need of modern contraceptive in Cameroon has many gender specific health risks and development implications. This paper sought to examine the perceptions variation among men and women towards contraceptive use by employing a mixed method design to collect both quantitative and qualitative data from 248 participants using questionnaires and interview guides. The results showed that 86% of the participants had heard of contraceptives and a lesser proportion (8%) did not know the importance of contraceptives; 67% of respondents indicated that women were in greater need of contraceptives as opposed to 33 % who opined that men needed contraceptives and the relationship between gender perception and contraception use was statistically significant (p-value=0.04). This study contributes to the body of knowledge on contraceptive use and the predictors which may account for its weak uptake and the wide unmet need of contraceptives in African countries like Cameroon.

Geohelminth Infections and Nutritional Status of Mbororo Children 2 - 15 Years in the Bafmeng Health Area, North West Cameroon

Background: Geohelminth infections are endemic in Cameroon affecting millions of people and have serious nutritional and developmental effects especially among children.&#x0D; Aims: There is paucity of information on the prevalence, risk factors and nutritional effect of geohelminths on minority nomadic Mbororo communities in Cameroon, which is addressed herein amongst children 2-15 years in the Bafmeng Health Area.&#x0D; Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional community based study was conducted between April 2021 and June 2021 in which 263 children, within the age 2-15 years were randomly recruited and a structured questionnaire was administered to them and their caregivers to obtain socio-demographic data, hygienic practices and knowledge of caregivers regarding geohelminth infections. A single-stool sample was obtained from each child and analyzed using the Kato-Katz technique and anthropometric measurements were also obtained and used to compute nutritional indices using the World Health Organization Anthro software. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression were used to identify risk factors of geohelminth infections.&#x0D; Results: The prevalence of geohelminth infections was 14.4% (38); Ascaris lumbricoides (11.41%), Trichuris trichuira (2.7%), and hook worm (0.4%). A total of 61.2% (161) of the children were malnourished; underweight (28.5%), stunting (19.0%), severe stunting (11.0%), severely underweight (1.9%), and wasting (0.8%). Geohelminth infection was not associated with nutritional status (P=0.4) but it was significantly (p=0.004) associated with males (21.9%) than females (8.7%). The use of unsafe water (P=0.03, AOR: 2.01, CI: 1.04 - 1.77) and dumping of waste around the compound (P=0.01, AOR=1.35, CI: 0.13 – 0.95) were risk factors significantly associated with geohelminth infection. Majority of the caregivers (75.3%) had good knowledge on the transmission and prevention of geohelminths.&#x0D; Conclusion: On a whole, the prevalence of geohelminth infection is low and malnutrition is high amongst Mbororo children. Long-term control strategies should focus on improvements on environmental hygiene, provision of portable water along side nutritional interventions.

Climate change, water availability, and the burden of rural women’s triple role in Muyuka, Cameroon

Many rural communities in Cameroon rely on natural sources of water (rivers, springs, and rainfall) for agriculture and domestic use. Access to and reliability of water from these sources depend on changes in rainfall and temperatures. Household roles in Cameroon are traditionally defined along gender lines, with women playing key roles in food production, home management, and caregiving. Water is indispensable for women to successfully accomplish these roles. Climate variability is affecting reliability of water in Cameroon; however, impacts are not the same for men and women in rural communities. This paper examines how climate-induced water challenges adversely affect women’s ability to perform their multiple roles in a predominantly farming community in southwest Cameroon. Data collected by survey from a hundred women, supplemented by interviews with local water and agricultural technicians, suggest that climate change has contributed to the disappearance of several water sources and decreased volume of others. This hampers local water availability, compromises women’s productivity, and increases the burden on women’s triple roles as farmers, caregivers, and home managers. Although individual women are implementing some adaptation strategies, comprehensive public policy measures, including promotion of better land use management and gender-sensitive technologies, are vital to sustain efforts against climate change in Cameroon.

Reframing social justice through indigenous know-how: Implications for social development, policy and practice

Crafting a viable social justice–based policy is touted as critical for revamping social development in emerging economies. There is little understanding of social justice and forging sustainable relationships for social development through utilization of indigenous know-how. With evidence from local communities in Cameroon, this article explores conceptions of social justice through indigenous know-how and considers their implications for social development, policy and practice. Drawing on empirical data and in-depth, semi-structured interviews with key informants, this case study lays the foundations of what drives social justice and social development, often ‘behind the scenes’. This study ‘unpeels’ the invisible enablers and barriers to social development; a proposed social justice wheel and instruments deployed demonstrates how indigenous knowledge systems and institutions address multifaceted problems. Uppermost on the social justice agenda are issues related to counsel, affective community ties and social cohesion, oral traditions and mores, arbitration of community affairs, and projects of pressing need such as clean water, land disputes, mobilizing local resources in tackling key concerns related to poverty, agricultural practices, food security and climate change. Although due process and traditional diligence are harder to maintain due to underhand arrangements and often corrupt leadership, communities are reframing social justice to build capability on an incremental scale. The study illuminates the centrality and policy conundrum of fostering people-centred development. Harnessing indigenous agency, in synergy with modern governance institutions such as social services, to bolster social development is a prerequisite for enhancing a heightened sense of human rights and lessening inequality.

Social obligations in the logging sector in Cameroon, Ghana, Liberia and Republic of Congo

This paper offers a critical review of the social obligations (revenue redistribution, direct payments, payments in kind, and access to justice or compensation) of logging concessionaires to affected communities in Cameroon, Ghana, Liberia and Republic of Congo. The research draws on a full desk-review of relevant legal texts, and consultation with leading non-governmental organisations working in the forest sector in the four countries. It appears that the legal foundation of social obligations is mainly shaped by national context, and therefore important differences can be observed across countries. However, they are complex, incomplete and precarious, providing opportunities for elite capture, and communities – and the State – not reaping the benefits they are owed by law. A key conclusion is that legality-licensing schemes such as under a Voluntary Partnership Agreement (VPA) with the European Union (EU) tend to downplay social obligations compared to other aspects of legal compliance.

Optimal Design and Comparative Analysis of a PV/Mini-Hydropower and a PV/Battery Used for Electricity and Water Supply

This work proposed an optimal design of PV-system-based water-pumped energy storage for both electricity and water supply. A case study was considered in a rural community in Cameroon. The parameters of the assessment of the system were reliability, represented in the present work by the system supply deficiency (SSD), and economic accessibility, represented by the levelized cost of energy (LCOE). The obtained results showed that for 0% SSD, the optimal configuration of the system was composed of 438 PV modules of 235 W, an immersed solar motor pump of 35 kW, a hydroelectric turbine of 51.7 kW, an upper reservoir of 2307.1 m3, an inverter of 25.27 kW, and a total dynamic head of 88 m. The corresponding LCOE to this configuration is 0.224 USD/kWh. The economic accessibility of the designed system was evaluated by comparison with a PV-system-based battery energy storage. The optimal design configuration of the studied PV-system-based battery energy storage was a PV generator (120 PV modules of 235 W), solar motor pump (15 kW), upper reservoir (590.4 m3), battery capacity (351.78 kWh), inverter (25.27 kW), and total dynamic head (81 m). The corresponding LCOE to this configuration was 0.1857 USD/kWh. Although the PV-system-based battery storage appeared to be economically more cost-effective than the PV-system-based water-pumped energy storage, the sensitivity analysis revealed that there was the possibility for the PV-system-based water-pumped energy storage to be economically more profitable than the PV-system-based battery energy storage. This economic outperformance occurred when the project lifetime was a multiple of 7.5 years or when the costs of the storage components were reduced from 20% to 60%.

Retracted: Quality of Life Following Major Limb Amputation in a Rural Community in Cameroon.

Amputation is considered the last resort when a limb is no longer salvageable, a limb is dead or dying, is viable but non-functional, or is endangering the patient's life. Limb amputation is associated with profound economic, social, and psychological effects on patients. The aim of this study is to evaluate quality of life following major limb amputation in a rural setting in west Cameroon. This was a cross-sectional descriptive, analytical study. Participants were interviewed and data collected using a pre-defined accredited questionnaire of the WHOQOL-BREF to assess quality of life. There were 63 participants, and a majority (60.32% ) reported trauma as the cause of amputation. Participants with a prosthesis had better quality of life. Quality of life of people following major limb amputation in this study was generally fair according to the World Health Organization (WHO) quality of life tool.