Within BPH, Arnold Sadio Tiokang explored adolescent health in Togo in the face of a triple burden of morbidity.
Arnold Sadio Tiokang, chercheur·e au sein de BPH (Université de Bordeaux).
Thèse soutenue en 2025 à l'école doctorale Sociétés, Politique, Santé Publique.
Référencée dans le réseau ABES/STAR, cette thèse répond aux critères de rigueur de l'enseignement supérieur français.
The health of adolescents in Togo is a topic often overlooked, despite their status as a dominant population in sub-Saharan Africa. Indeed, young people represent a significant proportion of the population, and their well-being is crucial for the future development of the country. Arnold Sadio Tiokang's thesis highlights an alarming reality: adolescents, particularly those living on the streets, face a triple burden of morbidity. This burden consists of infections from SARS-CoV-2, HIV, and viral hepatitis, public health issues that require urgent and sustained attention.
The study's results reveal a seroprevalence of 65.5% for SARS-CoV-2 among over 7,000 adolescents in Togo. This figure is particularly concerning, as it indicates that more than half of this young population is potentially infected with a virus that has already wreaked havoc globally. Meanwhile, the prevalences of hepatitis B and C infections stand at 3.7% and 4.7%, respectively. These figures are not just statistics; they represent lives, dreams, and broken potentials. Street adolescents, often excluded from health policies, are left behind in a system that should protect them. Their vulnerability is exacerbated by socio-economic factors, such as poverty, lack of access to education, and absence of family support.
The methodology adopted by Tiokang, through a cross-sectional survey in Lomé, allows for a better understanding of the risk behaviors and health challenges these young people face. Standardized questionnaires and blood samples have provided an accurate picture of the health situation. However, it is crucial to ask: what do we do with this data? How can policymakers transform this research into concrete actions? Data collection is an essential first step, but it must be followed by effective implementation of the resulting recommendations.
The strategic recommendations arising from this thesis are clear. It is imperative to establish sexual and reproductive health programs tailored to street adolescents, while considering their drug use. These programs must be designed to be accessible and acceptable to this often-stigmatized and marginalized population. Furthermore, strengthening epidemiological surveillance and intensifying vaccination efforts are essential measures to protect this vulnerable population. For example, targeted vaccination campaigns, accompanied by awareness of the risks associated with infections, could have a significant impact.
In summary, this research is not limited to a simple analysis of numbers. It calls for immediate and coordinated action to address the specific needs of adolescents in Togo. Policymakers must recognize the urgency of the situation and act accordingly. The results of this study can serve as a basis for more effective public health policies, but this requires genuine commitment and strong political will.
It is also essential to involve adolescents themselves in the design and implementation of health programs. Their voices must be heard, as they are best positioned to identify the challenges they face and the solutions that could work. By integrating their perspective, health policies can be better tailored and more effective.
Finally, it is crucial to consider the regional dimension of this issue. Togo, like other West African countries, faces similar challenges regarding adolescent health. A collaborative approach among countries in the region could strengthen efforts to combat these infections and improve the health of young people. By joining forces, we can create a healthier and safer environment for adolescents, thereby ensuring a better future for the entire region.
Données clés
- 65,5 % : Séroprévalence du SARS-CoV-2 chez les adolescents au Togo, indiquant une crise sanitaire préoccupante.
- 3,7 % : Prévalence de l'hépatite B chez les adolescents de la rue, soulignant un besoin urgent d'interventions.
- 4,7 % : Prévalence de l'hépatite C chez les adolescents de la rue, révélant des lacunes dans les soins de santé.
Accéder à l'étude complète
Sources et accès
Arnold Sadio Tiokang. Profils différenciés de morbidité chez les adolescents au Togo : contribution à l’étude d’un triple fardeau à travers différents contextes de vulnérabilité. Médecine humaine et pathologie. Université de Bordeaux, 2025. Français. ⟨NNT : 2025BORD0439⟩. ⟨tel-05530442⟩