Abstract

Since the first cholera outbreak in the South West Region, the Limbe Municipality has registered recurrent outbreaks which suggest that cholera remains a public health threat in this area. This study sought to assess the different cholera barriers put in place at selected secondary and high schools and the Cholera Treatment Center in the Limbe municipality and the challenges faced in implementing the different cholera barriers.

The study employed a mixed research method constituting of both qualitative and quantitative approaches. Focus Group Discussions (FGD) were used to collect data from Form 1 and 2 students, while closed ended questionnaires were used to collect data from Form 3 to Upper Sixth students and staffs. Semi structured interviews were used to collect Water Sanitation and Hygiene data in schools whereas, KI-Interviews were used to collect data at the CTC. Findings from this study revealed that, 27.3 % of cholera cases recorded at the CTC were from students and teachers (a total of 526) than from other occupations. Majority of the cholera cases were reported from Motowoh, Mile 2, Mile 4, Isokolo, New Town etc. A total of 82 % of the respondents did not accept getting vaccinated unlike the CTC where 100 % of respondents noted that they have been vaccinated. Regular hand washing and the presence of washing points on campus were variables with the highest frequency. Disinfection of classrooms was very low ().

The main barrier practices at the CTC were Case Management, Personnel barriers, and other person’s barriers. Findings from this study also revealed that cholera risk can be exacerbated by water scarcity. Also, the absence of soap/detergents in most of the washing points will increase the risk of contracting the bacteria in schools. Insufficient latrines and poor hygiene/sanitation practices in schools will increase the contraction risk. Challenges faced include limited financial resources (), limited WASH kits (), lack of awareness and sensitization (), security challenges at the CTC, insufficient staffs and difficulties in separating patients from their relatives.

The study revealed that, the level of implementation of cholera barriers in schools is moderate and high at the CTC, while limited financial resources and limited WASH kits are the main challenges faced in implementing the barrier measures. The study recommends strengthening of WASH services in schools and the CTC unit.

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