Public Health Threats Around the Kivukoni Fish Market At Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Abstract

Both communicable and non-communicable diseases have erupted as a result of fish-related activities. The health effects of fishing activities are regrettably ignored and taken for granted by the general public who frequent fish markets. Additionally, this phenomenon has received little attention from researchers. The study’s primary objective was to investigate activities at the Kivukoni fish market that could harm people’s health. The study aimed to investigate incidents at the Kivukoni fish market that jeopardise public health and investigate perceived gender implications of public health mismanagement. For both quantitative and qualitative data, the study used a cross-sectional research methodology. Random and purposeful sampling was employed to select respondents and key informants at the market, and descriptive statistics (frequencies, percentages) were used to analyse qualitative data. On the other hand, qualitative data were coded in themes and sub-themes to support the study’s goal. The study findings show that the market’s public health is threatened by stalls, poor packing, spacing, and flooring, fish waste deposits, insufficient drainage that draws flies, and loud noises. It was further revealed that foul smell, noise, emissions, improper drainage, and poor sanitation caused the market to become wet and slimy; resulting in flu, skin irritation, difficulty breathing, and cancer. The study recommends that the government should prioritise improving health-seeking behaviour among market users through education, awareness-raising, and skill development.