Impact Of Infrastructural Developments On schistosomiasis (Bilharziasis Or Snail Fever) In Northern Nigeria: A Review

Abstract

Numerous studies conducted across northern Nigeria have demonstrated that infrastructural 
development projects often result in unintended ecological consequences, particularly the 
alteration of natural landscapes and ecosystems. These modifications frequently create 
favorable conditions for the proliferation of freshwater snails, many of which serve as 
intermediate hosts for snail-borne parasitic diseases, notably schistosomiasis (also known as 
bilharziasis). Evidence from various research efforts highlights a strong correlation between 
the construction of large-scale water resource infrastructure—such as dams for irrigation, 
aquaculture, and hydroelectric power generation—and a marked increase in the prevalence of 
schistosomiasis in nearby communities. These projects typically involve the creation of 
artificial water bodies and slow-moving water systems, which provide ideal habitats for the 
breeding and survival of disease-transmitting snails, such as species within the genera Bulinus 
and Biomphalaria. In several instances, studies have reported the emergence of these snail 
populations in areas where they were previously absent, indicating a disturbing ecological shift 
driven by human development. The public health implications of such ecological changes are 
profound. Schistosomiasis, in particular, poses a significant socio-economic burden, affecting 
school-aged children and rural populations who rely on these water sources for daily activities. 
Chronic infection can lead to long-term morbidity, reduced productivity, and increased 
healthcare costs, thereby undermining the socio-economic benefits initially envisioned by the 
infrastructural projects. In some cases, the negative health outcomes have led to critical 
reassessment of the net benefits of such developmental initiatives. Given these findings, it 
is imperative that strategies to mitigate the health and environmental risks associated with 
infrastructural development be systematically integrated into all phases of project planning 
and execution. This includes incorporating disease risk assessments, ecological monitoring, 
environmental impact assessments (EIAs), and the design of snail control and public health 
education programs. By embedding these preventive and adaptive measures within the 
development framework, future projects in northern Nigeria can achieve more sustainable 
outcomes that balance economic growth with ecological integrity and public health safety.