Effects of poor sanitation on public health: Case of Yopougon town (Abidjan)

Effects of poor environmental hygiene on population health were studied in the precarious living quarters of Doukoure, the village of Niangon-adjame and the viable living quarters of millionaire’s in Yopougon town. This study included sanitation, water sources, as well as, population health. It appears that excreta management is from self-purification works (WC with septic tank) (60%), collective purification work (gutter storm water, sewer) (26%), anarchic connections (30%) and defecation in nature relatively less important (2%) for all living quarters visited. Furthermore, almost 90% of the populations have access to the drinking water, which is rather used. In Doukoure’s living quarters and Niangon-Adjame’s village, public tap water (7%) and traditional wells (3%) are used for domestic needs. Data collected in 15 health centers in the town on 125 446 cases of morbidity, revealed that malaria is much contracted by populations with 58% cases against 14% for diarrhea and 28% for acute respiratory infections. Under-five children are much affected with 24% of the patients among which 43% were cases of the diarrheic diseases. Also, malaria and respiratory infections are more important during rainy seasons, in contrast to diarrheal diseases caused by poor hygiene of people. Key words : Public health, malaria, diarrhea, respiratory infections, sanitation, risk.