Jointly conducted by UGB and IRD, this research explores the environmental-health interactions through Rift Valley Fever in Senegal.
Fanta Bouba, researcher at UMMISCO (Université Gaston Berger de Saint-Louis Sénégal).
Thesis defended in 2015 at the doctoral school École doctorale Informatique, télécommunications et électronique de Paris (1992-....).
This research is the result of an international co-supervision between several partner institutions.
Referenced in the ABES/STAR network, this thesis meets the rigorous criteria of French higher education.
Rift Valley Fever (RVF) is a formidable viral disease that affects both animals and humans, particularly in tropical regions where climatic and environmental conditions favor its development. In Senegal, areas such as the Senegal River valley and the sylvo-pastoral zone of Ferlo stand out as high-risk zones, where environmental dynamics play a crucial role in the spread of the disease. Research conducted by Gaston Berger University (UGB) and the Research Institute for Development (IRD) is part of the QWECI project, which aims to quantify climate impacts on health in developing countries, particularly in West Africa.
This study highlights the importance of a decision-making information system that integrates health and environmental data to better understand and manage the risk of RVF. By using advanced data mining techniques and multidimensional modeling, researchers have built a sophisticated data warehouse. This tool allows for the analysis of spatio-temporal interactions between environmental factors, such as climate variations, and disease vectors, particularly mosquitoes.
The results of this research are revealing: Culex neavei and Aedes mosquitoes, particularly Aedes ochraceus and Aedes vexans, are found to be the main vectors of RVF during the rainy season, with a peak of activity observed in October. Ponds, which serve as larval habitats, exhibit varied behaviors, underscoring the need for continuous and rigorous monitoring. For example, some ponds may dry up quickly, while others may persist, creating favorable conditions for mosquito breeding.
This research raises crucial questions about health risk management in West Africa. How can decision-makers use this data to anticipate and prevent outbreaks? What policies need to be implemented to strengthen community resilience against these health threats? It is essential to ask these questions, as the response to RVF cannot be limited to reactive measures.
The implementation of an effective information system could not only improve outbreak response but also enhance the capacity of local health systems to manage other vector-borne diseases, such as malaria or dengue. By integrating environmental and health data, decision-makers can better target their interventions and allocate resources more effectively. For instance, by identifying high-risk areas, health authorities could intensify awareness and prevention campaigns in these regions.
It is imperative that governments and research institutions collaborate to maximize the impact of these findings. Creating a policy framework that promotes data sharing and inter-institutional cooperation is essential to combat RVF and other vector-borne diseases. This could include partnerships between health, environment, and agriculture ministries to develop a holistic and integrated approach.
Moreover, raising awareness among local communities is a key element in the fight against RVF. Populations must be informed about the risks associated with the disease and the preventive measures to adopt. Training and education initiatives could be established to help communities recognize the signs of the disease and understand the importance of vector control.
Finally, it is crucial to consider the economic implications of RVF. Outbreaks can have devastating consequences on livestock and agriculture, two vital sectors for the Senegalese economy. By protecting animal and human health, we also protect the livelihoods of populations. Thus, investing in a decision-making information system on environmental-health interactions is not only a public health issue but also a matter of sustainable economic development.
In summary, the fight against Rift Valley Fever in Ferlo requires a multidimensional approach, involving accurate data, inter-institutional collaboration, and community awareness. It is by uniting our efforts that we can truly anticipate and prevent this health threat.
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Sources and Access
Fanta Bouba. Système d'information décisionnel sur les interactions environnement-santé : cas de la Fièvre de la Vallée du Rift au Ferlo (Sénégal). Bio-informatique [q-bio.QM]. Université Pierre et Marie Curie - Paris VI; Université Cheikh Anta Diop (Dakar, Sénégal ; 1957-..), 2015. Français. ⟨NNT : 2015PA066461⟩. ⟨tel-01292576⟩