Typhoid gastroenteritis: Public health epidemiology in Nigerian sub-urban community and note on prevention through hygienic vegetable gardening

Salmonella typhi (also known as Typhoid fever) are common in many developing countries, including Nigeria, where sewage and water treatment systems are poor. The effect of this S. typhi has been attributed to the loss of million lives per year and with life threatening complications like intestinal perforations and bleeding. However, little or no attribution of typhoid is made to vegetable production systems and processing. According to WHO, gardening practices constitute a causal or risk factor for S. typhi via vegetable contamination. Therefore, the objective of this seminar paper is to highlight this health promotion perspective. This paper advances need for educational awareness and health promotion within the public area in a Nigerian community on the practice of good personal hygiene to food handling and hygienic gardening. A brief link is made to open defecation free program as well as maternal and child health agenda.