BackgroundControl of neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) requires multiple strategic approaches including water, sanitation and hygiene services (WASH). Buruli ulcer (BU), one of the 17 NTDs, remains a public health issue in Benin particularly in the district of Lalo. The availability of water as well as good hygiene are important for the management of Buruli ulcer particularly in the area of wound care one of the main component of the treatment of BU lesions. Given the growing importance of WASH in controlling NTDs and in order to assess the baseline for future cross-cutting interventions, we report here on the first study evaluating the level of WASH and associated factors in Lalo, one of the most BU-endemic districts in Benin.MethodA cross-sectional study was carried to assess WASH practices and associated factors in the district of Lalo. Data were collected from 600 heads of household using structured pretested questionnaire and observations triangulated with qualitative information obtained from in-depth interviews of patients, care-givers and community members. Univariate and multivariate analysis were carried to determine the relationships between the potential associated factors and the sanitation as well as hygiene status.ResultsBU is an important conditions in the district of Lalo with 917 new cases detected from 2006 to 2012. More than 49 % of the household surveyed used unimproved water sources for their daily needs. Only 8.7 % of the investigated household had improved sanitation facilities at home and 9.7 % had improved hygiene behavior. The type of housing as an indicator of the socioeconomic status, the permanent availability of soap and improved hygiene practices were identified as the main factors positively associated with improved sanitation status.ConclusionsIn the district of Lalo in Benin, one of the most endemic for BU, the WASH indicators are very low. This study provides baseline informations for future cross-cutting interventions in this district.

RESUMEObjectif : L'usage de Ocimum gratissimum Lamiaceae (Basilic tropical) est très répandu au Bénin. Cette utilisation repose sur les connaissances empiriques des populations. Il est légitime de se demander si les vertus attribuées à cette plante reposent sur des bases scientifiques et sa consommation sans conséquences néfastes pour la santé humaine. Méthodologie et résultats : Une étude ethnobotanique a ciblé les vendeurs de légumes feuilles des trois principaux marchés (Dantokpa ; Saint Michel ; Vêdoko), quelques phytothérapeutes, des agents de santé et des consommateurs de Cotonou la capitale de la République du Bénin. Elle a été complétée par une étude phytochimique basée sur des réactions de précipitations différentielles, complétée par le dosage des métaux lourds (Plomb ; Cadmium), de quelques éléments nutritifs et oligo-éléments par spectrophotométrie d'absorption moléculaire. Il ressort des investigations plusieurs usages de Ocimum gratissimum Linn (médicinal ; alimentaire ; rituel ; chimique ; ornemental). Cette plante renferme plusieurs groupes phytochimique (phénoliques ; azotés ; stéroïdes ; terpènes ; mucilages ; dérivés cyanogéniques), des éléments nutritifs (Protéines ; Azote ; Fer ; Zinc ; Cuivre). Par ailleurs, nos résultats montrent la présence de métaux lourds (Plomb ; Cadmium) dans des concentrations supérieures aux normes OMS. Conclusion et application des résultats : Les résultats des analyses phytochimiques et nutritionnelles confirment les usages empiriques identifiés lors de l'étude ethnobotanique. Cette plante est un remède dans la prévention et le traitement de certaines maladies, un complément alimentaire, une solution alternative dans la lutte chimique. Toutefois, la présence des Éléments Traces Métalliques avec des concentrations supérieures aux normes OMS traduit un risque potentiel pour la santé humaine. Il urge pour l'état central, les partenaires ABSTRACT Objective: The use of Ocimum gratissimum Lamiaceae (African Basil) is widespread in Benin. This study evaluated whether the virtues attributed to this plant are focused on rational basis and that its consumption is without adverse consequences for human health. Methodology and Results : An ethnobotanical study targeting leaves from vegetable vendors in the three major markets (Dantokpa ; Saint Michel ; Vêdoko), some herbalists, health workers and consumers was conducted in Cotonou the capital city of Benin. A phytochemical study based on differential precipitation reactions was carried out, supplemented by the determination of heavy metals (lead, cadmium) and some nutrients by molecular absorption spectrophotometry. The investigations revealed several uses of Ocimum gratissimum Linn (Lamiaceae) i.e medicinal, food, ritual, chemical and ornamental. It contains phytochemicals compound such as phenolic; nitrogen; steroids; terpenes; mucilage; derived cyanogenic and several nutrients (protein; Nitrogen; Iron; Zinc; Copper). The results also reveal the presence of heavy metals (lead, cadmium) in concentrations above the WHO standa...

Although drinking water is readily available in Benin, its quality presents a public health concern. The district of Ahomadégbé in the commune of Lalo is characterized by several artesian wells. Unfortunately, anthropogenic factors negatively affect the drinking water quality in this area. The aim of this research was to study the microbiological quality of drinking water in the Ahomadégbé district, and to review household water treatment methods employed by the local population. Thirty-five water samples were taken-at water collection points, at selected points along the water transportation system and from water storage facilities, and microbiological parameters were measured. Qualitative data were collected via in-depth interviews with key informants regarding local household water treatment methods. Results reveal that there is a significant degree of microbiological pollution of drinking water in this district, particularly during the water transportation and storage stages where microbiological pollution exceeds levels approved by the World Health Organization. Local residents are familiar with several household water treatment methods. However, these methods are inconsistently applied, which limits their effectiveness. In addition to improving the quality of the drinking water resource itself, it is important to set up interventions relating to water treatment methods in local households.

This study aimed to analyze the environmental factors related to health vulnerability in the municipality of Sèmè-Podji. For this study, 216 households were surveyed using questionnaires. Twelve key informants were enrolled for depth interviews and 18 water samples were collected from different sources used by the populations. It came out of our investigations that water from traditional sources used at Sèmè-Podji was contaminated by various microorganisms such as Escherichia coli and fecal coliforms. 66.38% of households reject domestic waste and 47.41% of them evacuate sewage in the yard. In addition, 93.05% drop stagnant water for natural infiltration. This municipality faces lack of sanitation. The main health problems experienced by people were malaria (46.35%), diarrheal diseases (15.88%). The study stated some results which could improve the help about health management in the area.

RÉSUMÉObjectif : La présente étude, sur Momordica charantia Linn (Cucurbitaceae), communément appelé margose une plante très utilisée pour le traitement de nombreuses maladies, est menée dans la ville de Cotonou au Bénin. Elle vise à vérifier la portée scientifique des usages empiriques que fait la population de cette plante, afin de promouvoir son utilisation sans risque. Méthodologie et résultats : Une étude ethnobotanique est réalisée auprès de 32 vendeurs des trois marchés de plantes médicinales les plus fréquentés de Cotonou. Elle est complétée par une. exploration phytochimique, associée au dosage des métaux lourds et de quelques éléments nutritifs. Les vertus connues de la plante, recensées lors de l'étude ethnobotanique, sont corrélées avec les fractions actives mises en évidence par l'étude phytochimique qui révèle la présence des tanins, flavonoïdes, dérivés anthracéniques, alcaloïdes, stéroïdes, et mucilages. Le plomb et le cadmium sont aussi détectés à des concentrations d'environ neuf et six fois, respectivement, supérieures aux normes de l'Organisation Mondiale de la Santé Conclusion et application des résultats : Cette étude a permis de connaitre les usages empiriques que fait la population de cette plante puis de les lier aux substances actives présentes. Ces résultats constituent un outil indispensable dans la mise en place d'une base de données pour la validation scientifique des connaissances traditionnelles des plantes au Bénin. Toutefois, ces recherches révèlent les risques de contamination au plomb et cadmium auxquels la population est soumise dans l'utilisation de Momordica charantia. Ethnobotanical and phytochemical study of Momordica charantia Linn (Cucurbitaceae) in Cotonou Benin ABSTRACT Objective: This study, on Momordica charantia Linn (Cucurbitaceae), commonly known as margose a plant widely used for the treatment of many diseases, is conducted in. Cotonou the capital city of Benin. It aims to verify the scientific scope of the empirical uses of this plant.and to promote its safe use Methodology and Results: An ethnobotanical study was conducted among 32 vendors in the three main markets of medicinal plants in Cotonou. In addition, a phytochemical exploration, associated with the determination of heavy metals and some nutrients were also been conducted on this plant. During the ethnobotanical study the known virtues of the plant , are correlated with the active fractions revealed by the phytochemical screening (tannins, flavonoids, anthracene derivatives, alkaloids, steroids, and mucilage). Lead and Cadmium were also detected with concentrations of about nine and six times, respectively, higher than the World Health Organization standards for human nutrition. Conclusion and application of results: This study revealed the correlation between the empirical uses of Mormodica Charantia and the phytochemical study. This study results highlight the importance to establish a database for validation of traditional knowledge of population related to the plants uses However, this research sho...