Buruli Ulcer in Cameroon: The Development and Impact of the National Control Programme.

TitleBuruli Ulcer in Cameroon: The Development and Impact of the National Control Programme.
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2016
AuthorsTabah ENjih, Nsagha DShey, Bissek A-CZoung-Kany, Njamnshi AKongnyu, Bratschi MW, Pluschke G, Boock AUm
JournalPLoS Negl Trop Dis
Volume10
Issue1
Paginatione0004224
Date Published2016 Jan
ISSN1935-2735
KeywordsAdolescent, Adult, Aged, Aged, 80 and over, Buruli Ulcer, Cameroon, Child, Child, Preschool, Communicable Disease Control, Disease Transmission, Infectious, Endemic Diseases, Female, Health Policy, Health Services Research, Humans, Infant, Infant, Newborn, Male, Middle Aged, Young Adult
Abstract

BACKGROUND: Cameroon is endemic for Buruli ulcer (BU) and organised institutional BU control began in 2002. The objective was to describe the evolution, achievements and challenges of the national BU control programme (NBUCP) and to make suggestions for scaling up the programme.

METHODS: We analysed collated data on BU from 2001 to 2014 and reviewed activity reports NBUCP in Cameroon. Case-detection rates and key BU control indicators were calculated and plotted on a time scale to determine trends in performance. A linear regression analysis of BU detection rate from 2005-2014 was done. The regression coefficient was tested statistically for the significance in variation of BU detection rate.

PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: In 14 years of BU control, 3700 cases were notified. The BU detection rate dropped significantly from 3.89 to 1.45 per 100 000 inhabitants. The number of BU endemic health districts rose from two to 64. Five BU diagnostic and treatment centres are functional and two more are planned for 2015. The health system has been strengthened and BU research and education has gained more interest in Cameroon.

CONCLUSION/SIGNIFICANCE: Although institutional BU control Cameroon only began 30 years after the first cases were reported in 1969, a number of milestones have been attained. These would serve as stepping stones for charting the way forward and improving upon control activities in the country if the major challenge of resource allocation is dealt with.

DOI10.1371/journal.pntd.0004224
Alternate JournalPLoS Negl Trop Dis
PubMed ID26760499
PubMed Central IDPMC4711896
French