Azura-Edo Independent Power Plant Environmental Impact ... - IFC

Nigeria’s crude birth rate in 2009 was 40 per 1,000 people, compared to a
crude death rate (DR) of 15 per 1,000 people. The total fertility rate in 2009
was 6 births per woman (World Bank, 2010).
Most of the participants in the study area expressed a view that the general
health status in the area is typical of that in Edo State, which in turn is similar
to the rest of Nigeria. Common illnesses mentioned included rheumatism,
arthritis, malaria, fever, typhoid, cough, skin conditions, diarrhoea,
pneumonia and respiratory tract infections. During FGDs participants
indicated that there was no incidence of HIV and AIDS in the locality;
however it is recognized that this may be inaccurate due to the social stigma
associated with HIV/AIDS.
The table below lists the common diseases in the communities in the study
area and their causes.
Table 5.8
Common Diseases in the Study Area
Diseases
Predisposing Factors
Malaria • Refuse dumped in bushes and road sides provide breeding sites for
mosquitoes.
• Bushes that provide mosquito breeding grounds.
• Stagnant water that provide mosquito breeding grounds.
Typhoid • Faecal contamination of source of drinking water.
• Poor sanitary conditions that contribute to faecal contamination.
Skin Conditions • Poor sanitation and personal hygiene practices that contribute to the
spread of infection.
Diarrhoea • Poor sanitary conditions and personal hygiene practices that
contribute to contamination.
Pneumonia • Poor sanitation and personal hygiene practices that contribute to the
spread of infection.
• Inadequate clothing and poor housing that contribute to incubation.
Respiratory track
infection
• Over crowding and poor sanitation.
• Indoor air pollution.
Physical deformities
(polio)
• Absence of immunization.
Source: NIPP, 2010
None of the communities in the study area have good primary health centres.
It was found for example that there is a primary health centre in Orior-
Osemwende community with two nurses but no doctor. In addition, the
centre is not well equipped. Many residents interviewed said that they obtain
treatment at informal medicine shops, operated by people who have no formal
medical training. Alternatively, some residents seek the help of traditional
AZURA EDO IPP
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