Resurgence of epidemics in Zinder: effect of the decrease in vaccination coverage and the impacts of climate change

Area of Science:

• Epidemiology
• Public Health
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• The Zinder region has faced recurrent epidemic outbreaks, including vaccine-preventable and emerging infectious diseases.
• Understanding the patterns and determinants of these epidemics is crucial for public health interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the epidemics of meningitis, measles, cholera, COVID-19, and diphtheria in the Zinder region from 2015 to 2023.
• To identify the key determinants contributing to the occurrence of these outbreaks.

Main Methods:

• Documentary research utilizing data from the Regional Directorate of Health and Public Hygiene of Zinder.
• Inclusion of a literature review to identify epidemic determinants.

Main Results:

• Meningitis cases increased from 2019-2024 (5019 cases, 6.31% mortality).
• Measles epidemics (2015 onwards) saw 13,887 cases (0.30% mortality).
• Cholera outbreaks occurred in 2021, 2022, and 2024 (884 cases, 2.71% lethality).
• COVID-19 (2020) resulted in 364 cases (4.67% mortality).
• Diphtheria epidemic (since 2022) reported 3310 cases (173 deaths).
• Multifaceted causes include declining vaccination, migration, insecurity, COVID-19, and climate change.

Conclusions:

• Epidemics significantly impact population health and socio-economic development in the Zinder region.
• Addressing the root causes, such as reduced vaccination coverage and environmental factors, is essential for better epidemic control.