The overall goal of the intended project is to assess the disease burden (parasitic infections, communicable diseases and public health risks) among displaced persons taking refuge in relief camps set up across Anambra State so as to forestall and tackle imminent cases of disease outbreak.

1. EPIDEMIOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT AND PUBLIC HEALTH RISKS AMONG FLOOD
VICTMIMS IN RELIEF CAMPS SITUATED ACROSS ANAMBRA STATE, NIGERIA.
A PROJECT PROPOSAL SUBMITTED BY ANUMBA JOSEPH U.
Department of Parasitology and Entomology, Faculty of Biosciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka.
17TH OCTOBER 2012
Over the past few weeks, some parts of Nigeria have experienced an unprecedented level of flooding.
Among affected states in the country is Anambra State; many communities in the state notably
Anambra East and West, Anyamelum, Ogbaru, parts of Awka North, Onitsha South and Ihiala among
others were either fully or partially submerged in water following the reported opening of a dam in
Cameroon. This has led to the sacking of indigenes of affected communities estimated to be around
100,000 who now live as refugees in 20 camps hurriedly set up across the State (Fides Newspaper
vol. 19 No.8 pg 1).
Flooding accounts for 40% of all natural disasters worldwide and causes about half of all deaths from
natural disasters. Most floods occur in developing regions and tropical regions where the impact on
public health is substantial, the number of people displaced is often large, and the number of deaths
is high. In the aftermath of a flood, deaths and injuries not only result from the physical
characteristics of the event but are also determined by the prevailing socioeconomic and health
conditions of the community and any endemic infectious diseases. Increased rates of diarrhoea
(including cholera and dysentery), respiratory infections, hepatitis A and E, typhoid fever,
leptospirosis, and diseases borne by insects have been described as occurring after floods in
developing areas. Malnutrition caused by inadequate supplies of food and problems with distribution
compounds the effects of disease. Most times, Epidemics are not expected, but people are often still
extremely concerned about the possibility of contracting an infectious disease from flood waters or
from property damaged by floods, and false rumours of outbreaks often circulate within
communities.
In lieu of the aforementioned, it is become pertinent to carry out an epidemiological assessment on
the displaced populace in the affected communities, hence the basis for this proposal. The overall
goal of the intended project is to assess the disease burden (parasitic infections, communicable
diseases and public health risks) among displaced persons taking refuge in relief camps set up across
Anambra State so as to forestall and tackle imminent cases of disease outbreak. Primary diseases
/parasitic infections to be assessed include; Gastrointestinal infections, Salmonellosis (Typhoid fever),
Malaria and other vector borne diseases likely to be prevalent in the stipulated study sites.
Epidemiological assessment and public health risks among flood victims in relief camps situated across Anambra State;
A Project proposal submitted by Anumba Joseph Uche. 1
© 2012

2. The main project Objectives are as follows:
i. Epidemiological analysis and simple mapping of the affected communities as well as
public health evaluation of relief camps set up for affected people from the community.
ii. Parasitological, Entomological and clinical assessment of people living in the camp to
determine cases of disease infections that could pose potential threat to disease outbreak.
iii. Environmental and public health assessment of the relief camps to identify and tackle
public health risks that may endanger the health of the inhabitants in the camp,
neighbouring households, communities and the State as a whole.
iv. Development of recommendations for statistical, spatial, and geo-referenced data
required for accurate/ immediate response to the public health implications of the flood
situation in Anambra state which will in turn serve as a reference for measuring and
tackling future natural disaster (flooding) impacts in the State.
It is pertinent to emphasise that among the holistic approaches to be used in this project is the
application of geographic information system (GIS) methods to analyse and develop an
epidemiological model that will enhance effective implementation of the various stages involved
in this project. Well-established reporting system of the various public health indicators in a
standardized way to appropriate stake holders, Ministries and relevant organization for prompt
intervention will also be emphasized.
Thus, this study is intended to serve as a preliminary and descriptive investigation to reveal
certain possibilities and serve as basis for further research with regards natural disasters eminent
in this part of the country. Hence, I implore due consideration of this proposal as well as solicit
the necessary assistance needed for the success of the intended research project.
Thank You.
ANUMBA JOSEPH UCHE.
Public Health Parasitologist
[08032173955]
Epidemiological assessment and public health risks among flood victims in relief camps situated across Anambra State;
A Project proposal submitted by Anumba Joseph Uche. 2
© 2012