MSc (Applied Mathematics)) / Department of Mathematics and Applied Mathematics

The thesis examines control and eradication of Guinea worm in West Africa and investigates factors, especially water supply, related to the incidence of Guinea worm. The study was carried out in North Zou, Benin between 1987 and 1990 and in Nigeria between 1989 and 1993 during water supply and Guinea worm eradication programme execution. About 5% of villages in Nigeria, located in one half the LGAs were infected. The number of annual cases in a region was related to the previous year's cases, although 5-10% of the regions changed between infected and non-infected. Cases were not statically focused in villages. The relative risk of infection in a village based on the previous year's infection was 1.74 in North Zou. Incidence varied inversely and endemicity varied directly with village population. Villages of all sizes were infected. Prevalence varies seasonally by region. Incidence was low at high altitudes, in sandy and alluvial soils, in areas with high or low annual rainfall and in densely populated areas. Incidence was not otherwise related to rainfall, vegetation, altitude, soils, geology or distance to rivers. Incidence among Muslims and Christians was the same but varied by ethnic group. Incidence in an area was strongly related to the ratio of females to males. School attendance in endemic areas fell during the transmission period. Losses in Nigeria in 1990/91 were £16 million. Provision of improved water supply lowered incidence by 50%. Endemicity was 20% lower in villages in North Zou with water supply but endemicity did not fall immediately following provision and a difference was not seen in Nigeria. Water supply to all infected villages in Nigeria identified in 1990/91 would cost £23 million. Three possible water supply strategies were examined. Ten water supply options were considered and roof rainwater catchment was found the most promising. Factors that reduce the effective use of water supply were examined. Water supply coverage in endemic countries is 27%. The countries are among the poorest and least developed in the world. The lack of static focus of cases in villages, the low impact of water supply, and the difficulty of supplying water to all endemic areas make Guinea worm eradication by 1999 unlikely.

Introduction: Guinea worm disease (GWD) is a painful, disabling disease caused by the parasite dracunculus medinensis. The implementation of the global GWD eradication campaign resulted in a decrease of global burden of disease and several countries have been proclaimed free of the disease. Though, Ethiopia has implemented the GWD eradication programme since 1992 the disease remains endemic in the Gambella region. Purpose of the study: The purpose of this study was to explore the perceptions and experiences of the community of Gambella region on Guinea worm disease (GWD) eradication interventions. Methodology: A qualitative study paradigm with a phenomenological research design was employed to collect data using focus group discussions, in-depth individual interviews, document reviews, and observations. The study participants were determined by purposive sampling. Qualitative data analysis involved transcription, data entry, and management of verbal information followed by coding, categorizing into themes. Interpretation of the data was done using triangulation methodology with appropriate mechanisms for validity and trustworthiness. Result: The study found that there are gaps in the perceptions and understanding of the community and programme implementers about the achievement and application of the various interventions on the eradication of Guinea worm disease. Health education programme was not fine-tuned to the eradication of GWD by community participation. Community perception was not at the required level for the eradication of GWD due to the low success of the educational intervention. Conclusion: continuous health education targeting the community with clear objectives of helping to eradicate GWD was found to be limited in its coverage. In addition, provision of water filters necessary for GWD eradication was inadequate. Moreover, the community did not have clear understanding of the causes of GWD and its eradication strategy. It is hoped that the findings of this study would contribute significantly to the GWEP in Gambella region, as well as elsewhere where GWD may be endemic / Health Studies / M.A. (Public Health)

Introduction: Guinea worm disease (GWD) is a painful, disabling disease caused by the parasite dracunculus medinensis. The implementation of the global GWD eradication campaign resulted in a decrease of global burden of disease and several countries have been proclaimed free of the disease. Though, Ethiopia has implemented the GWD eradication programme since 1992 the disease remains endemic in the Gambella region. Purpose of the study: The purpose of this study was to explore the perceptions and experiences of the community of Gambella region on Guinea worm disease (GWD) eradication interventions. Methodology: A qualitative study paradigm with a phenomenological research design was employed to collect data using focus group discussions, in-depth individual interviews, document reviews, and observations. The study participants were determined by purposive sampling. Qualitative data analysis involved transcription, data entry, and management of verbal information followed by coding, categorizing into themes. Interpretation of the data was done using triangulation methodology with appropriate mechanisms for validity and trustworthiness. Result: The study found that there are gaps in the perceptions and understanding of the community and programme implementers about the achievement and application of the various interventions on the eradication of Guinea worm disease. Health education programme was not fine-tuned to the eradication of GWD by community participation. Community perception was not at the required level for the eradication of GWD due to the low success of the educational intervention. Conclusion: continuous health education targeting the community with clear objectives of helping to eradicate GWD was found to be limited in its coverage. In addition, provision of water filters necessary for GWD eradication was inadequate. Moreover, the community did not have clear understanding of the causes of GWD and its eradication strategy. It is hoped that the findings of this study would contribute significantly to the GWEP in Gambella region, as well as elsewhere where GWD may be endemic / Health Studies / M.A. (Public Health)