Health Impacts of Untreated Water by Populations in the Nkoabang Neighborhood, Nkolafamba Commune (Center Region-Cameroon)

A health impact study was conducted in the Nkoabang neighborhood of the Nkolafamba commune from January to March 2026 to assess the health risks associated with using drinking water without prior treatment. The approach used combined individual questionnaires, focus groups, and direct observations among 45 individuals. Regarding gender and occupation, the respondents consisted of 58% women and 42% men; and 44% civil servants, 22% traders, 18% informal workers, 11% unemployed, and 5% others, respectively. Regarding water consumption aspects, the population generally uses well water (protected and/or unprotected), boreholes, and rivers for domestic activities; and drinking water from boreholes, wells, and mineral water. Notably, 70% of the population is unaware of the microbiological quality and does not treat the water (minimal chlorination, filtration, boiling). Furthermore, wastewater and solid waste are discharged into the environment without prior treatment by 49% of the population. The waterborne diseases identified in this locality include typhoid, gastroenteritis, diarrhea, and amoebas. Faced with this situation, 87% of the population mainly resorts to self-medication through the use of antibiotics, consisting mostly of Amoxicillin 22%, Ciprofloxacin 20%, Ofloxacin 18%, Cotrimoxazole 11%, certain antiparasitic drugs 11%, and alternative treatments such as medicinal plants.