Epidemiological Situation of Leprosy in the Littoral Region of Cameroon

Purpose: This study aimed at determining the epidemiological situation of leprosy in the Littoral region of Cameroon.
 

Problem: 20 years after the elimination of leprosy as a public health problem in Cameroon, we wondered about its epidemiological situation across the country and in particular in the Littoral region.

Methods: We conducted a quantitative retrospective, descriptive cross-sectional study. The data were collected from the patients’ registers at the Dibamba leprosarium from 2011 to 2021. Using data from the Dibamba leprosarium, which appeared to be the only reference health facility still well engaged in the fight against leprosy in the Littoral region, we were able to create a clear leprosy situational report.

Results: 281 cases of leprosy were treated at the Dibamba leprosarium, representing an incidence of 28 cases per year. They came from several regions of the country and even from a neighboring country (Central African Republic). 257 (91.50%) cases came from 20 health districts out of 24 in the Littoral region. Men were more represented with 156 (55.5%) cases. 14 (5%) cases were children under 15 years old, an average of 1 case per year. 22.9% (n= 44) of people affected by leprosy had second degree disabilities. 90.75% (n=255) of cases received were of the multibacillary form (MB). 44.4% (n=125) of female patients had a clinical form of MB.

Conclusion: This situational report has shown that the Littoral region is still very endemic for Leprosy. Rapid actions should be taken to definitively stop the transmission of this disease.