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

Author:

Siewe Fodjo Joseph Nelson12ORCID,Ekome Serge Raoul Ekukole1,Njamnshi Julius Ndi Taryunyu1,Njamnshi Wepnyu Yembe13ORCID,Njamnshi Kongnyu G.1ORCID,Ngarka Leonard145,Njamnshi Alfred K.145ORCID

Affiliation:

1. Brain Research Africa Initiative (BRAIN), Yaoundé P.O. Box 25625, Cameroon

2. Global Health Institute, University of Antwerp, Doornstraat 331, 2610 Antwerp, Belgium

3. Division of Operational Research in Health, Ministry of Public Health, N°8 Rue 3038 quartier du Lac (Yaoundé III), Yaoundé P.O. Box 3595, Cameroon

4. Neuroscience Lab, Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, The University of Yaoundé 1, Yaoundé P.O. Box 1364, Cameroon

5. Neurology & Clinical Neuroscience Department, Yaoundé Central Hospital, Yaoundé P.O. Box 87, Cameroon

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.

Funder

European Union

University of Pretoria

Carnegie Corporation of New York

Research Foundation—Flanders

Publisher

MDPI AG

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