Description
Abstract
Introduction/Objectives:
The World Health Organization (WHO) affirms that 80% of diseases are caused by poor sanitation, polluted water and its unavailability. Akonolinga, a rural community in the Nyong and Mfoumou Division, Centre Region, Cameroon, has a typical rural population depending on farming and fishing, with an average temperature of 24.2℃ and rainfall of 1572mm per year. An epidemiological and hydrological study was carried out. The geomorphology of the area is characterized by plateaus and plains with a diversity of water supply points such as wells, boreholes, springs and the Nyong river. The objectives of this study are to characterize drinking water and storage practices, identify contamination factors, propose a method of purifying drinking water with moringa seed powder and analyze the community’s perception.
Methodology
This study is the continuation of work which began in the year 2022 by the One Health Water Africa (OHWA) field school. Results proved that drinking water is of poor quality. In 2023, Three villages were chosen from the six investigated the previous year. Hard copy questionnaires with same questions on the kobo collect application were used for data collection from 80 households. Moringa seeds were gotten from mature pods. The seeds were dried and separated from shells and crushed to powder using a mortar and pestle. The quantity of moringa powder used for treatment of drinking water was one measuring spoon for one liter. The powder was poured into tea bags and placed in the required quantity of water, stirred and allowed to stand for 30 minutes before consumption. This method of water purification has been used in some African countries such as Egypt, Ghana and Malawi.
Results and discussions
Results indicate that sources of drinking water are not of good quality due to contamination from inadequate storage practices, agrochemicals from the environment and micro-bacteria from animals. About 85% of respondents use moringa for water treatment since it is economical and easy to use compared to other purification methods. Around 60% of households admitted a change of taste but not the odor. About 58% of households do not treat water before drinking for financial reasons while 42% treat water before consumption for health reasons. Typhoid and diarrhoea are the prevalent diseases in the study area. About 80% of households have domestic latrines while 17% use communal ones. About 90% of households have domestic animals while 90% wish to continue using moringa for water treatment.
Conclusion
Results have provided a better understanding of the characterization of drinking water, storage practices and the community’s perception on the use of moringa seed powder. The present innovative, local-made and inclusive water treatment method can support the implementation of a larger collaborative social strategy to boost community public health, impact the environment and social behavior throughout the water supply chain in rural areas.
Key words: One Health, Water quality, Community Based-education, Water Treatment, Moringa, Nyong River
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