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Communication
Epidemiology of Rift Valley Fever (RVF) in the Sub-prefecture of Ngaoundaye in the Central African Republic in 2025
Issue:
Volume 13, Issue 4, August 2025
Pages:
206-209
Received:
20 May 2025
Accepted:
12 June 2025
Published:
30 June 2025
Abstract: Rift Valley fever (RVF) is one of the five priority zoonotic diseases in the Central African Republic monitored by human, animal, and environmental health services, but epidemiological data on this disease is currently limited or even non-existent in the country. This study was therefore conducted in the country to assess the prevalence of the disease in ruminants (cattle, goats, and sheep) in the sub-prefecture of Ngaoundaye, a town located in the prefecture of Lim-pendé, which borders the Republic of Cameroon (2 km) and Chad (10 km). To this end, 239 serum samples were collected from cattle (n = 28), sheep (n = 46), and goats (n = 165). An analysis was carried out at the central veterinary laboratory in Bangui using a competitive ELISA test to detect the presence of antibodies against the FVR virus. The results obtained from the laboratory indicated an overall prevalence of 0.83%. By species, the prevalence was 7.14% in cattle, while all samples from sheep and goats were negative for Rift Valley fever. These data show that Rift Valley fever virus is circulating silently among ruminants in the Ngaoundaye region and call for urgent measures for active surveillance of Rift Valley fever in animals by the country's veterinary services.
Abstract: Rift Valley fever (RVF) is one of the five priority zoonotic diseases in the Central African Republic monitored by human, animal, and environmental health services, but epidemiological data on this disease is currently limited or even non-existent in the country. This study was therefore conducted in the country to assess the prevalence of the dise...
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Research Article
Progress and Prospects for the Institutionalization and Scale-Up of Postpartum Family Planning in Togo
Issue:
Volume 13, Issue 4, August 2025
Pages:
210-225
Received:
4 June 2025
Accepted:
17 June 2025
Published:
7 July 2025
Abstract: Introduction: Maternal mortality remains a major public health challenge globally, particularly in low-income countries. Among the key prevention strategies, family planning plays a critical role by promoting adequate birth spacing, which helps reduce maternal complications and deaths. In particular, postpartum family planning (PPFP) is essential in preventing closely spaced pregnanciesa known risk factor for maternal morbidity and mortality. In Togo, while efforts have been made to integrate PPFP into national health policies, significant barriers persist, including limited access to services and sociocultural obstacles. The study aimed to analyze accountability mechanisms, existing synergies, and the scale-up level of postpartum family planning (PPFP), based on the core components developed by the High Impact Practices (HIP) Family Planning Secretariat. Methodology: This qualitative study of 40 key stakeholders in the healthcare system assesses the status of the institutionalisation of PFPP. Data were collected via semi-structured interviews and analysed using Excel and SPSS v2021 software. Results: The results reveal a high availability of contraceptive products and equipment (82%), an efficient monitoring system (86%), but also highlight weaknesses in training (79%) and community involvement (67%). The sustainability of the initiative will depend on better institutional anchoring, multi-sectoral integration, and sustainable funding. Conclusion: The scale-up of postpartum family planning (PPFP) in Togo shows significant promise; however, critical improvements are still needed in provider training, effective service integration, and meaningful community engagement. The long-term sustainability of this initiative will rely on strong political commitment, sufficient and sustained funding, and the implementation of a genuinely integrated approach. Furthermore, addressing sociocultural barriers remains essential to maximizing the reach and effectiveness of PPFP interventions.
Abstract: Introduction: Maternal mortality remains a major public health challenge globally, particularly in low-income countries. Among the key prevention strategies, family planning plays a critical role by promoting adequate birth spacing, which helps reduce maternal complications and deaths. In particular, postpartum family planning (PPFP) is essential i...
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Research Article
Evaluation of the Quality of Care Related to Anesthesia in Pediatric Surgery at the Gabriel Touré University Hospital (CHU), Mali, 2024
Nourou Traoré*,
Mohamed Modibo Tall,
Cheick Oumar Kamissoko
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Aboubacary Konaté,
Hassana Tapily,
Kaly Keita,
Bassy Coulibaly,
Ibrahima Diarra,
Youssouf Diam Sidibe,
Yakaria Coulibaly
Issue:
Volume 13, Issue 4, August 2025
Pages:
226-230
Received:
14 May 2025
Accepted:
4 June 2025
Published:
9 July 2025
Abstract: Pediatric anesthesia is a sensitive area of medicine, particularly in low-resource countries where infrastructure, staff qualifications, and care organization challenges are significant. This study aimed to assess the quality of anesthesia care in pediatric surgery at the Gabriel Touré University Hospital (CHU) in Bamako, Mali. A cross-sectional, mixed-methods descriptive study was conducted from January 2022 to February 2023. It included 70 patients aged 0 to 15 years who underwent surgery under anesthesia and 7 anesthesiologists from the department. The tools used included closed-ended questionnaires, semi-structured interviews, and direct observations. The analysis focused on adverse events, companion satisfaction, pain management, and organization of care. The results revealed a male predominance (63%). Emergency interventions accounted for 94% of cases, highlighting gaps in planning. Urological surgery and neurosurgery were the most frequent specialties (21.4% each). Intraoperative complications were noted in 44% of children, reflecting organizational vulnerability. Despite this, 73% of accompanying persons reported overall satisfaction with anesthesia care. However, postoperative pain management and infrastructure hygiene remained insufficiently satisfactory (40% and 36% respectively). These results highlight major structural and human challenges. Improving quality requires strengthening staff skills, improving communication with families, and sustained investment in infrastructure and equipment. A patient-centered approach, incorporating ongoing assessment and professional training, is essential for safe and effective pediatric anesthesia in Mali.
Abstract: Pediatric anesthesia is a sensitive area of medicine, particularly in low-resource countries where infrastructure, staff qualifications, and care organization challenges are significant. This study aimed to assess the quality of anesthesia care in pediatric surgery at the Gabriel Touré University Hospital (CHU) in Bamako, Mali. A cross-sectional, m...
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Research Article
Prevalence and Associated Risk Factors of Acute Malnutrition Among Children Aged 6-59 Months in Harorays Woreda
Issue:
Volume 13, Issue 4, August 2025
Pages:
231-237
Received:
28 April 2025
Accepted:
12 May 2025
Published:
14 July 2025
DOI:
10.11648/j.ajhr.20251304.14
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Abstract: Background: Malnutrition continues to be a major public health problem in developing countries and in Ethiopia wasting is one of the most serious public health problems. High wasting rates in the country pose a significance obstacle to achieving better child health outcomes. Methods: A community based cross sectional study was conducted on 428 children aged 6-59 months from January to March 2023 in Harorays Woreda. Simple random sampling technique was used to select Kebeles and Children from each Kebeles. Anthropometric measurements and structured questioners were used. Data were processed using Epi-data version 3.1 software and exported to SPSS version 23 for analysis. Bi-variable analysis was carried out to see the association between each independent variable and the dependent variable. All variables with p-value <0.25 during bi-variate analysis was entered multivariate logistic regression analysis to control for all possible confounders and to identify factors associated with the outcome variable. Odds ratio along with 95% confidence interval was estimated to measure the strength of association. Level of statistical significance was declared at p-value less or equal to 0.05. Result: The analysis of the anthropometric indices revealed that the prevalence of wasting is 36.4% (95%CI: 31.7%, 41.0%). Regarding the associated factors of wasting, the multivariable regression analysis revealed that living in rural residence, being illiterate, poor income status, increased family size, late initiation of breast feeding, diarrhea in the last two weeks, poor dietary diversity, presence of diarrhea in the last two weeks, pre-lactal feeding and child immunization were independent predictors for wasting. Conclusion and recommendation: The prevalence of wasting in this study area was found to be very high according to WHO classification. Living in rural residence, being illiterate, poor income status, increased family size, late initiation of breast feeding, diarrhea in the last two weeks, poor dietary diversity, presence of diarrhea in the last two weeks, pre-lactal feeding and child immunization were independent predictors for wasting.
Abstract: Background: Malnutrition continues to be a major public health problem in developing countries and in Ethiopia wasting is one of the most serious public health problems. High wasting rates in the country pose a significance obstacle to achieving better child health outcomes. Methods: A community based cross sectional study was conducted on 428 chil...
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