Authors: Camila González Beiras, Adingra Tano Kouadio, Becca Louise Handley, Daniel Arhinful, Serges Tchatchouang, Philippe Ndzomo, Laud Anthony Basing, Kouadio Aboh Hugues, Ivy Brago Amanor, Mohammed Bakheit, Emelie Landmann, Patrick Awondo, Claudia Müller, Tania Crucitti, Nadine Borst, Lisa Becherer, Simone Lüert, Sieghard Frischmann, Aboubacar Sylla, Mireille S Kouamé-Sina, Emma Michèle Harding-Esch, Sascha Knauf, Oriol Mitjà, Sara Eyangoh, Kennedy Kwasi Addo, Solange Ngazoa Kakou, Michael Marks, Ahouansou Stanislas Sonagnon Houndji, Eric Tettey Nartey, Dolphine Osei Sarpong, Gely Menguena
Yaws, a disease affecting children in remote areas of West Africa, was studied in Ghana, Cameroon, and Côte d’Ivoire to understand community knowledge and practices. The study found differing beliefs about the causes of yaws: many in Ghana attributed it to germs, while in Cameroon and Côte d’Ivoire, it was often linked to infected water sources. Some participants in Côte d’Ivoire also associated yaws with witchcraft and divine punishment. Few correctly identified transmission through contact with an infected person. Most preferred seeking treatment at hospitals or from healthcare professionals, though some in Côte d’Ivoire also turned to traditional healers. Community health workers were generally knowledgeable but reported low availability of treatments and diagnostic tests. The study highlights the need for better community education, ongoing training for health workers, improved access to treatments, and potential collaboration with traditional healers to enhance yaws control efforts.
Link: Knowledge, attitudes and practices towards yaws in endemic areas of Ghana, Cameroon and Côte d'Ivoire
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Resource Topic: CHW Role, CHW training
Resource Type: Evaluation
Year: 2024
Region: Africa
Country: Cameroon, Cote d'Ivoire, Ghana
Publisher May Restrict Access: No
