WATERBORNE DISEASES IN FLOOD-AFFECTED AREAS IN NIGERIA IN 2024: CHALLENGES AND INTERVENTIONS

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the study

Flood is a prevalent environmental issue in Nigeria, characterised by the movement of a body of water over terrain that is typically not flooded. It can also be interpreted as the flooding of an area that is often not submerged, due to a temporary increase in the water level of a stream, river, lake, or sea.  Nelson (2019) defined floods as an inevitable outcome of the movement of water in an ever-evolving environment.  Flooding, as defined by Sada (2018), refers to the occurrence of abnormally high rates of discharging, which often results in the flooding of land near streams. This phenomenon is typically triggered by heavy or persistent rainfall.

Floods pose a significant threat to populations living near rivers and floodplains, as well as causing significant damage to the environment, including aquatic plants and animals, and erosion of river banks. The issue of flooding in Nigeria is escalating in severity and frequency. Regrettably, the urban poor bear the brunt of the effect to such an extent that achieving recovery without external assistance is unlikely (Blake, 2020).  Urban poor are particularly susceptible to the effects of flooding due to their choice of residing in flood-prone areas. Flooding is a highly destructive danger that is expected to become more frequent in many parts of the world, primarily due to global climate change and inadequate governance.  Ade (2019) identifies four distinct categories of urban flooding: Frequent localised flooding is caused by a limited number of drains that are obstructed. Urban regions have rapid increases in water levels in small streams following heavy rainfall, which typically flow via narrow culverts beneath highways. Urban regions are traversed by significant rivers. Flooding during the wet season occurs in cities located in lowland and coastal areas.

Several research studies have examined the epidemiological, social, structural, and economic impacts of floods, as well as the damage it causes to human societies (Ahern et al., 2021).  Floodwater commonly harbours a diverse array of environmental contaminants, such as agricultural and human effluents. Perera (2022) states that floods result in the pollution of water channels and wells, rendering tap water and well water unsuitable for human use. Flood waters can contain over 100 different types of dangerous bacteria, viruses, and parasites (Olajuyigbe, 2020). As to Gary's research in 2018, Nigeria experiences floods in three primary forms: river flooding, urban flooding, and coastal flooding. Ola (2019) argues that the combination of intense precipitation, detrimental human actions towards the environment, and inadequate drainage systems in many Nigerian cities has resulted in several individuals experiencing misery and homelessness.  Dare (2020) supports the claim that flooding in urban areas can pollute water sources and exacerbate the transmission of epidemic diseases like as diarrhoea, typhoid, scabies, cholera, malaria, dysentery, and other waterborne illnesses.

Waterborne illnesses provide substantial public health obstacles in numerous countries worldwide, especially in areas susceptible to flooding. Due to its frequent flooding, Nigeria is at an increased susceptibility to epidemics of waterborne diseases. The floods in 2024 worsened this danger, emphasising the pressing necessity for efficient measures to prevent and manage such illnesses in regions affected by floods (Falana & Emeka, 2024). Nigeria encounters yearly inundation as a result of its tropical climate, distinguished by copious precipitation, particularly over the rainy season. The topographical characteristics of the nation, including the vast network of rivers such as the Niger and Benue rivers, along with substandard urban development and insufficient drainage infrastructure, are major factors that intensify and occur with regularity the occurrence of floods (Moses, 2023). In 2024, Nigeria witnessed a significant inundation event that caused extensive damage to multiple states and severely impacted the livelihoods of millions of people. This study examines the occurrences of waterborne illness epidemics in Nigeria's flood-affected regions in 2024. It evaluates the difficulties encountered and the efficacy of the treatments carried out. The study seeks to analyse these aspects in order to gain a deeper understanding of the public health response to floods and propose effective ways for enhancing future interventions. 

1.2 Statement of the problem

The mitigation of waterborne infections in flood-affected regions of Nigeria necessitates a comprehensive strategy that integrates emergency response, healthcare delivery, infrastructure restoration, and community involvement. Through implementing synchronised actions, we can alleviate the consequences of waterborne infections and safeguard the health and welfare of susceptible communities in 2024 and beyond.

The flooding in Lagos has detrimental effects on human health due to the pollution of water bodies and the rise in cases of waterborne diseases including as malaria, cholera, typhoid, yellow fever, diarrhoea, leptospirosis, and hepatitis A (Echendu, 2020; Olanrewaju et al., 2019). The ongoing problem of raw sewage overflow and trash dumping has resulted in the contamination of wells and boreholes used for household purposes in Lagos. This further worsens the already limited availability to clean water in the area (Olanrewaju et al., 2019; Atufu and Holt, 2018; Anabaraonye et al., 2021).

Floodwaters have the potential to cause significant harm to the physical infrastructure of healthcare facilities, medical equipment, and resources. The aforementioned harm can cause the disablement of facilities, subsequently leading to a deficiency of crucial health services (Theophilus et al., 2024). Aina (2022) argues that floods have the potential to interrupt the normal operations of healthcare facilities, including outpatient services, emergency care, and inpatient treatment. The movement of healthcare professionals and patients worsens these disturbances even more (Kolapo et al., 2023). 

Flooding frequently results in the relocation of communities, compelling them to seek refuge in temporary shelters that have restricted availability of clean water and sanitation amenities (Luku, 2022). Overcrowded living circumstances can enhance the transmission of infectious diseases. Ajayi (2022) argues that flooding results in the formation of stagnant water, which acts as a favourable environment for the reproduction of mosquitoes and other disease-carrying organisms, such as those responsible for malaria and dengue fever. This exacerbates the challenges faced by public health authorities. In addition, Ojo (2023) argues that a lack of community awareness and education on waterborne diseases and preventive measures has hindered the ability to effectively respond to and intervene in minimising waterborne diseases in areas impacted by floods. Therefore, the necessity for this investigation arises.

Objectives of the study

The primary objective of this study is to critically assess waterborne diseases in flood affected areas in Nigeria: challenges and interventions. Specific objectives of this study are to:

To determine the prevalence of waterborne diseases in flood-affected areas in Nigeria in 2024.

To investigate the gaps in water and sanitation infrastructure that contribute to the spread of waterborne diseases.

To evaluate the level of community awareness and response to public health education campaigns

To Suggest strategies for improving the prevention and control of waterborne diseases in future flooding events

1.4 Research Questions

The following research questions will be answered in this study:

What is the level of prevalence of waterborne diseases in flood-affected areas in Nigeria in 2024?

What are the gaps in water and sanitation infrastructure that contribute to the spread of waterborne diseases?

What is the level of community awareness and response to public health education campaigns?

What are the strategies for improving the prevention and control of waterborne diseases in future flooding events?

1.5 Research Hypotheses

The following research hypotheses will validate this study;

Ho: level of prevalence of waterborne diseases in flood-affected areas in Nigeria in 2024 is low.

Ha: The level of prevalence of waterborne diseases in flood-affected areas in Nigeria in 2024 is high.

1.6 Significance of the study

Conducting a thorough analysis and improvement of healthcare systems to effectively address the risks associated with diseases. It is essential to carry out post-flooding actions in Lagos in 2024 to enhance public health outcomes, reinforce catastrophe resilience, and promote sustainable development. The findings contribute to the enhancement of adaptability, reduction of vulnerability, and assurance of equitable access to healthcare in addressing the escalating challenges posed by climate change. 

Waterborne diseases, including cholera, typhoid fever, and dysentery, present substantial risks to public health in areas prone to flooding. Gaining knowledge about the difficulties posed by these diseases and implementing successful therapies can result in saving lives and decreasing the occurrence of illness.  Floods have a greater impact on vulnerable groups, such as children, old adults, and those with pre-existing health concerns. Identifying efficacious strategies can aid in safeguarding these populations during and after flood occurrences.

Furthermore, doing research on obstacles and measures offers empirically supported knowledge for governments, healthcare practitioners, and humanitarian organisations to create and execute precise strategies. This encompasses the enhancement of emergency response strategies, the improvement of sanitation infrastructure, and the promotion of community health education. 

Moreover, upcoming scholars will utilise it as a thorough examination of the current scholarly literature. Hence, anyone with an inclination towards this field of study can depend on this work as a reliable and meticulously evaluated source of information.

1.7 Scope of the study

Broadly, this study focus is to critically assess waterborne diseases in flood affected areas in Nigeria: challenges and interventions. Specifically, this study seeks to determine the prevalence of waterborne diseases in flood-affected areas in Nigeria in 2024 and investigate the gaps in water and sanitation infrastructure that contribute to the spread of waterborne diseases. Further, this study will focus on evaluating the level of community awareness and response to public health education campaigns and it also seeks to Suggest strategies for improving the prevention and control of waterborne diseases in future flooding events.

1.8 Limitations of the study

Like in any human attempt, the researchers encountered several small limits during the investigation. The primary constraint was the dearth of comprehensive literature on the topic, given the scarcity of data pertaining to waterborne diseases in flood affected areas in Nigeria: challenges and interventions. Therefore, a substantial investment of time and effort was required to identify the suitable materials, books, or information and to collect data. 

Moreover, this study is limited by its diminutive sample size and restricted geographical range, concentrating just on Nigeria. Hence, the findings of this study cannot be extrapolated, thereby necessitating additional research. 

Furthermore, the researcher's restraints were predominantly attributable to financial limitations, as they are a student without a means of revenue to support themselves. The research location's high transportation costs, impacted by current inflation in Nigeria, made it difficult to afford transportation fees.

In addition, the researcher encountered a time limitation as a result of the necessity to do this research while simultaneously meeting the responsibilities of attending lectures and engaging in other educational pursuits.

1.9 Definition of terms

Flood: Flood is an overflow of water onto normally dry land. The inundation of a normally dry area caused by rising water in an existing waterway, such as a river, stream, or drainage ditch. Ponding of water at or near the point where the rain fell. Flooding is a longer term event than flash flooding: it may last days or weeks.

Flood pattern: Flood pattern" refers to the correlation and relationship between various parameters, such as rainfall and temperature, that contribute to the occurrence and severity of floods.

Urbanization: Urbanization is the process through which cities grow, and higher and higher percentages of the population come to live in the city.