Geographical analysis of the role of water supply and sanitation in the risk of helminth infections of children in West Africa.

ABSTRACT: Globally, inadequate water supply, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) are major contributors to mortality and burden of disease. We aimed to quantify the role of WASH in the risk of Schistosoma hematobium, Schistosoma mansoni, and hookworm infection in school-aged children; to estimate the population attributable fraction (PAF) of helminth infection due to WASH; and to spatially predict the risk of infection. We generated predictive maps of areas in West Africa without piped water, toilet facilities, and improved household floor types, using spatial risk models. Our maps identified areas in West Africa where the millennium development goal for water and sanitation is lagging behind. There was a generally better geographical coverage for toilets and improved household floor types compared with

SUBMITTER: Soares Magalhaes RJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3250163 | biostudies-literature | 2011 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature