Within MERIT - UMR_D 261, Euripide Frinel Avokpaho explored the links between geohelminths and wheezing in children in Benin.
Euripide Frinel Avokpaho, researcher at MERIT - UMR_D 261 (Institut de Recherche pour le Développement).
Thesis defended in 2024 at the doctoral school École doctorale Pierre Louis de santé publique : épidémiologie et sciences de l'information biomédicale (Paris ; 2000-....).
Referenced in the ABES/STAR network, this thesis meets the rigorous criteria of French higher education.
The health of children in Benin is threatened by parasitic infections and indoor air pollution, two issues that, although often perceived separately, are actually interconnected. Euripide Frinel Avokpaho's thesis highlights these crucial challenges, focusing on the municipality of Comé, where living conditions are particularly precarious. The study reveals that 5.2% of children suffer from wheezing, a symptom often associated with allergic respiratory diseases such as asthma. This finding is alarming, especially considering that 98.6% of households in the region use solid fuels for cooking, such as wood or charcoal, thereby contributing to harmful indoor air pollution.
Geohelminths, these intestinal parasites common in tropical regions, are often overlooked in public health discussions. Yet, their impact on children's respiratory health is significant and deserves particular attention. Preliminary results from this research show a correlation between infection by these parasites and an increase in respiratory symptoms. For example, previous studies have demonstrated that children infected with geohelminths often have higher hospitalization rates for respiratory problems, raising questions about how public health policies address parasitic infections and their link to respiratory diseases.
It is imperative to take action. The strategic recommendations of the study include improving cooking methods to reduce indoor air pollution. Indeed, the use of improved stoves or gas cookers could significantly decrease fine particle emissions in the air. Furthermore, integrating deworming into public health programs is essential. Awareness campaigns on the importance of regular deworming could not only reduce respiratory symptoms in children but also improve their overall quality of life.
Indeed, an integrated approach that considers environmental and health factors is essential to protect the health of children in this vulnerable region. Avokpaho's research paves the way for targeted interventions. Policymakers must consider these findings and explore sustainable solutions. For instance, initiatives aimed at promoting the use of cleaner fuels and strengthening health infrastructure could have a significant impact on children's health.
Children's health cannot be separated from their environment. By investing in cleaner cooking methods and strengthening deworming programs, we can hope for a better future for generations to come. It is time to raise awareness of public health issues in Benin and act accordingly. Moreover, it would be wise to involve local communities in the implementation of these solutions to ensure their acceptability and sustainability.
The implications of this research extend beyond the borders of Benin. Indeed, other countries in the West African region facing similar public health challenges could draw valuable lessons from this study. Health policies must be adapted to account for local specificities while drawing inspiration from best practices observed elsewhere.
In conclusion, Euripide Frinel Avokpaho's thesis underscores the urgency of concerted action to improve children's health in Benin. Geohelminths and indoor air pollution should no longer be viewed as isolated problems but as elements of the same health system. It is time to mobilize the necessary resources to implement effective and sustainable solutions to ensure a healthy and prosperous future for the children of Benin.
Key Facts
- 5,2%: Prévalence des sifflements respiratoires chez les enfants dans la commune de Comé.
- 98,6%: Pourcentage de ménages utilisant des combustibles solides pour la cuisson.
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Sources and Access
Euripide Frinel Avokpaho. Géohelminthes chez les enfants au sud Bénin : facteurs de risque d'infection et association avec la présence de sifflements respiratoires. Pneumologie et système respiratoire. Université Paris Cité, 2024. Français. ⟨NNT : 2024UNIP5278⟩. ⟨tel-05033229⟩