A Spatio-Temporal Analysis of Cholera Diffusion in Western Africa

Abstract

This study demonstrates the applicability of spatial concepts and methodology to me problem of understanding the dynamics of cholera diffusion within the African milieu. The analysis reveals that variations in the spatial patterns of the recent cholera epidemic in Western Africa are responses to interrelated factors such as nutrition and health, environmental sanitation, overcrowding, drought, and current ecological conditions. The findings underscore the need for long- and short-term planning aimed at providing adequate and efficient preventive health services for the population as a whole.