Ecohealth and Population Report Reaserch of Ain-Sekhouna Through the Environmental Health

Over the past fifty years, successive agrarian policies, significant population growth, poorly controlled urbanisation, as well as recurrent droughts, have led in Algeria to inadequate management of water resources and the environment *1,2,3+. In this context, and under the influence of climate change, vector-borne diseases have experienced significant spread since the 1980s in the northern Saharan fringe [4,5,6].

Within this framework, a cooperation project between the Centre for Research in Social and Cultural Anthropology (CRASC) and the International Development Research Centre (IDRC) (project No. 105738-001) focused on the case of cutaneous leishmaniasis, a vector-borne disease of epidemic nature and particularly extensive spread, in order to develop an Ecohealth methodology based on transdisciplinarity, a gender approach, and a participatory approach. Ecohealth aims to understand the social and ecological context of human health and well-being in order to identify sustainable local solutions [7,8].

In this context, the project covers the leishmaniasis focus of Aïn Skhouna (wilaya of Saïda), a small rural municipality (7,129 inhabitants in 2009) located north of the Sahara, within the wetland area of Chott Ech Chergui, embedded in the steppe, with a semi-arid climate, predominantly agro-pastoral (sheep farming), and characterised by limited economic development.

The objective of the research was to contribute to improving the health of vulnerable populations by promoting general awareness of the health risks associated with poor environmental management, while increasing the involvement of local actors through an Ecohealth approach.

Within this framework, the project relied on an in-depth study of cutaneous leishmaniasis within its natural and social ecosystem, in relation to changes in the ecosystem. It aimed to strengthen the capacities of stakeholders (researchers, public authorities, professionals, and the population) in order to reduce population vulnerability and enhance adaptation to environmental conditions for improved risk management.

Field studies confirmed the Major form of the disease, transmitted by gerbils following the shrinkage of the wetland area due to uncontrolled water pumping *9+. At the start of the research, the disease was poorly known by the population, and its prevention was mainly based on cyclical insecticide spraying.

The new knowledge produced through field studies was communicated to and validated with local stakeholders, with whom specific interventions aimed at protecting the natural ecosystem were identified. A health promotion programme was implemented with the population, along with extensive communication targeting the general public, decision-makers, and professionals. A surveillance system for cutaneous leishmaniasis, centred on monitoring the vector, the reservoir, and climatic factors, is currently in the process of data collection and implementation.

Given the specific socio-cultural context, the Ecohealth approach fostered general awareness and the involvement of local communities in reducing their vulnerability. Thus, while sound knowledge of the health issue and the capacity to act on its determinants exist, several elements contribute to the outcomes of an Ecohealth project, notably collective awareness and the commitment of public authorities.