The Spatial and Categorical Landscape of Public Health Events in Cameroon (2000-2023): Implications for Emergency Preparedness
Le Paysage Spatial et Catégoriel des Événements de Santé Publique au Cameroun (2000-2023) : Implications pour la Préparation aux Urgences
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.18318614Keywords:
Public health emergencies, Risk profile, Epidemics, Transport-related injuries, Urban vulnerability, CameroonAbstract
ABSTRACT
Introduction. Cameroon’s diverse context increases exposure to natural and human-induced public health events. Effective emergency preparedness and disaster risk reduction (DRR) require a clear understanding of event types and their geographical distribution. This study analyses the categorical and spatial distribution of public health events in Cameroon from 2000 to 2023. Methodology. Data on event types and locations were collected from multisectoral sources, including EM-DAT, UNDRR, meteorological services, and official national reports. The analysis combined quantitative statistical processing (SPSS v26.0) with spatial analysis using Geographic Information System (GIS) techniques to identify temporal and regional patterns. Results. Between 2000 and 2023, Cameroon recorded more than 98 public health events nationwide. Transport-related accidents were the most frequent category, followed closely by biological events. Epidemics accounted for 29 events (≈30%), while road traffic accidents represented 28 events (≈29%). All regions experienced at least one public health event. The Littoral region recorded the highest number of events, followed by the Far North and Centre regions. Notably, the Centre region experienced all categories of events, while epidemics were reported consistently across all regions. Conclusion. This study provides a national baseline of the spatial and categorical risk profile of public health events in Cameroon. The predominance of epidemics and transport-related accidents highlights persistent systemic vulnerabilities in public health and safety systems. The spatial concentration of events in highly urbanised and climatically vulnerable regions underscores the need for region-specific preparedness strategies, urban planning reforms, and strengthened health system resilience.
RÉSUMÉ
Introduction. Le contexte écologique et sociodémographique diversifié du Cameroun expose le pays à une large gamme d'événements de santé publique, tant naturels qu'anthropiques. Pour une préparation efficace aux urgences et une réduction des risques de catastrophe (RRC), une compréhension claire des types d'événements et de leur répartition géographique est essentielle. Cette étude analyse la distribution catégorielle et spatiale des événements de santé publique au Cameroun de 2000 à 2023. Méthodologie. Les données sur les types et la localisation des événements ont été recueillies auprès de sources multisectorielles, notamment EM-DAT, l'UNDRR, les services météorologiques et les rapports officiels nationaux. L'analyse a combiné un traitement statistique quantitatif (SPSS v26.0) et une analyse spatiale par Système d’Information Géographique (SIG) afin d'identifier les tendances temporelles et régionales. Résultats. Entre 2000 et 2023, le Cameroun a enregistré plus de 98 événements de santé publique. Les accidents de transport (29 %) et les épidémies (30 %) sont les catégories prédominantes. Bien que toutes les régions soient affectées, le Littoral, l'Extrême-Nord et le Centre enregistrent les fréquences les plus élevées. La région du Centre se distingue par la présence de toutes les catégories d'événements, tandis que les épidémies touchent l'ensemble du territoire de manière constante. Conclusion. Cette étude établit le profil de risque national des événements de santé publique au Cameroun. La prédominance des épidémies et des accidents de transport révèle des failles systémiques majeures. La concentration des risques dans les zones urbanisées et écologiquement fragiles impose d'adopter des stratégies de préparation régionales, de réformer l'urbanisme et de renforcer la résilience du système de santé national.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Chanceline Bilounga Ndongo, Durand YK Gameni, Linda Esso, Protais Cyriaque Etene, Armelle Viviane Ngomba, Arsène Gautler Dombou Zeufack, Boris Kompguep, Manuella Efemba, Raoul Nembot, Luc Bakebeg, Nestor Atangana Onana, Loïc Tchoupo, Georges Alain Etoundi, André Arsène Bita Fouda, Jules Leon Owona Manga, Georges Nguefack-Tsaque
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