Community Perceptions of Blackfly Nuisance and Acceptability of the “Slash and Clear” Vector Control Approach in the Ntui Health District of Cameroon: A Qualitative Study

Joseph Nelson Siewe Fodjo (), Serge Raoul Ekukole Ekome, Julius Ndi Taryunyu Njamnshi, Wepnyu Yembe Njamnshi, Kongnyu G. Njamnshi, Leonard Ngarka and Alfred K. Njamnshi ()
Additional contact information
Joseph Nelson Siewe Fodjo: Brain Research Africa Initiative (BRAIN), Yaoundé P.O. Box 25625, Cameroon
Serge Raoul Ekukole Ekome: Brain Research Africa Initiative (BRAIN), Yaoundé P.O. Box 25625, Cameroon
Julius Ndi Taryunyu Njamnshi: Brain Research Africa Initiative (BRAIN), Yaoundé P.O. Box 25625, Cameroon
Wepnyu Yembe Njamnshi: Brain Research Africa Initiative (BRAIN), Yaoundé P.O. Box 25625, Cameroon
Kongnyu G. Njamnshi: Brain Research Africa Initiative (BRAIN), Yaoundé P.O. Box 25625, Cameroon
Leonard Ngarka: Brain Research Africa Initiative (BRAIN), Yaoundé P.O. Box 25625, Cameroon
Alfred K. Njamnshi: Brain Research Africa Initiative (BRAIN), Yaoundé P.O. Box 25625, Cameroon

IJERPH, 2024, vol. 21, issue 6, 1-12

Abstract: Besides being vectors of the onchocerciasis parasite, blackflies are a source of nuisance in onchocerciasis-endemic communities. We investigated the experience of residents in the Ntui Health District (Cameroon) regarding blackfly nuisance and assessed their perceptions of a novel “Slash and Clear” (S&C) intervention for blackfly control. Focus group discussions were conducted before and after S&C implementation (respectively, in February 2022 and December 2023). Blackflies were known to emerge from the river areas and cause disease. To prevent blackfly bites, the population often covered their body with protective clothing and applied various substances (kerosene, oil, or lemon) to their skin. Post-intervention data showed reduced blackfly nuisance, and the willingness to sustain blackfly control in the long-term was unanimous among community leaders and members, including the village volunteers who implemented the S&C intervention. In conclusion, blackfly nuisance is evident in the Ntui onchocerciasis focus of Cameroon and led to a panoply of coping practices, some of which could be detrimental to their health. Implementing S&C for blackfly control is well accepted and could sustainably alleviate the nuisance caused by blackflies while simultaneously breaking the onchocerciasis transmission cycle.

Keywords: onchocerciasis; blackfly; qualitative study; slash and clear; Cameroon (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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