In Africa, water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) is heavily colonizing many waterbodies. Water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) has a wide effect on biodiversity, ecosystem service and sustainability, socio-economic activities and the health of humans. The conditions created by water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) cause several public health problems. The ecological impacts of water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) have been well studied and documented. However, very little is done on human health impact of water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes). This study aimed to provide a clear review of literatures on human health impact of water hyacinth (Eichhorina crassipes). Peer-reviewed articles focusing on the impact of water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) on human health were searched using Google Scholar, PubMed and SCOPUS. Totally, 622 peer-reviewed articles were identified. Findings of the study have shown, that in African waterbodies, stationary dense mats of water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) created a suitable environment for the breeding of malaria vectors, helminthic disease, and bacterial diseases, refuge some attacking animals, cause other diseases and nuisance and discomforts. Analysis of the results of this study, in many African countries, revealed that water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) mainly serves as breeding site for malaria-causing Anopheles mosquito. The findings of this study may sensitize further investigators, stakeholders and policymakers to plan coping strategies in water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) invaded areas to alleviate public health problems and imitate social impacts.

Keywords: Africa; aquatic weed; effect; human health; water hyacinth