scholarly journals Insecticide-treated bed net access and use among preschool children in Nouna District, Burkina Faso

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (3) ◽  
pp. 164-169
Author(s):  
Ali Sié ◽  
Mamadou Bountogo ◽  
Mamadou Ouattara ◽  
Pascal Zabre ◽  
Cheik Bagagnan ◽  
...  

Abstract Background We evaluated universal insecticide-treated bed net access and use in children <5 y of age in a rural area of Burkina Faso. Methods A door-to-door enumerative census was conducted in Nouna District, Burkina Faso in December 2018 through April 2019. The most recent mass bed net distribution campaign occurred in June 2016. Heads of households were interviewed about household bed net ownership and use by children <5 y of age. We evaluated the relationship between demographic and socio-economic factors and household universal bed net access and use by children. Results In 23 610 households with at least one child <5 y of age, 71 329 bed nets were reported (94.5% insecticide-treated). One-third (35.2%) of households had universal access and two-thirds (67.0%) of children slept under an insecticide-treated net the previous night. Children in households with universal access more often slept under a net the previous night (adjusted odds ratio 4.81 [95% confidence interval 4.39–5.26]). Conclusions Bed net coverage was substantially less than the 80% World Health Organization target for universal coverage in Nouna District. Insecticide-treated nets were used preferentially for children, but important gaps remain in consistent bed net use in this population. Structural and behavioural interventions are needed to close these gaps.

2020 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Donnie Mategula ◽  
Latif Ndeketa ◽  
Judy Gichuki ◽  
Boston Zimba ◽  
Wilson Ching’ani ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Malaria remains a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in the paediatric population in Malawi. Insecticide-treated bed nets are a key vector malaria control intervention, however, advancement towards universal access is progressing slowly. Malawi Malaria indicator surveys (MMIS) show diverse user preferences of bed net shape and colour. The objective of this work was to understand if bed net shape and colour preferences affect usage. Methods This is a secondary analysis of data from households that participated in the 2016–2017 MMIS. The main outcome variable was net usage defined, at net level, whether someone slept under a particular net on the night before the survey. The main exposure variables were preference attributes, whether a particular net is of a preferred colour or shape as defined by the household respondent. Both bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were done to determine the association between the exposure and outcome variables. Results A total of 3729 households with 16,755 individuals were included in this analysis. There were a total 7710 bed nets in households that participated in the survey of which 5435 (70.5%) of these nets had someone sleep under them the previous night before the survey. Bed nets that are of a preferred shape have 3.55 times higher odds of being used than those not preferred [AOR 3.55 (95% CI 2.98, 4.23; p value < 0.001)]. Bed nets that are of a preferred colour have 1.61 times higher odds of being used than those that are not of a preferred colour [AOR 1.61 (95% CI 1.41, 1.84; p value < 0.001]. Conclusions The results indicate that if a bed net is of a preferred colour or shape, it is more likely to be used. Bed net purchase by malaria stakeholders need to balance more factors on top of preferences such as price and efficacy.


2018 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
pp. 39-43
Author(s):  
Bijay Kumar Thapa ◽  
Kapil Kumar Pokharel ◽  
Nitendra Chaurasia ◽  
Alok Acharya ◽  
Rimu Mishra ◽  
...  

Background & Objectives:The use of insecticide treated nets has been advocated for the prevention of the vector borne transmitted disease (malaria) by the World Health Organization and UNICEF for more than a decade. In spite of this, there is no significant reduction in the transmission of the disease. Main objectives of study were to find out the real pattern of using it, to find out the physical integrity of the bed nets being used, and to prove the correlation in between the physical integrity of bed nets and the disease outcome. Torn bed nets with holes size more than 1.2 mm were considered as “holes” in this study.Materials & Methods:A community based cross- sectional study was carried out in Lakhantari VDC within the duration of two weeks. This VDC has been named recently as Gramthan Gaupalika one of State one.  Sample size of 384 was determined by the WHO sample size calculator. Face to face interview technique was used after taking consent from individual. Confidentiality was maintained. It was ethically approved by the IRC (Institutional Review Committee) of Nobel Medical College.Results:A total of 384 household were studied. Total household had bed nets but the physical integrity of bed nets was not intact. Almost 73% of the bed nets were torn having more than four holes in them. Nearly 94% of household used bed nets only for three to four days a week. Nearly half of the   Malaria was found among 22% and encephalitis in 17% of household. Conclusion:Use of bed nets do not prevent and provide guarantee from vector borne disease unless it is properly used. Torn bed nets are of almost no use unless people are using other preventive measures.


2021 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-11
Author(s):  
Paul Mkandawire ◽  
Joseph Kangmennaang ◽  
Chad Walker ◽  
Roger Antabe ◽  
Kilian Atuoye ◽  
...  

Background/aims With coverage of antenatal care in sub-Saharan Africa approaching a universal level, attention is now turning to maximising the life-saving potential of antenatal care. This study assessed the gestational age at which pregnant mothers make their first antenatal visit in the context of high antenatal coverage in Lesotho. Methods For the purposes of this study, secondary data from the Demographic and Health Survey of 2014 was analysed. These data were collected in 2014, via an interviewer administered questionnaire. Survival analysis was applied to the data, using Stata SE 15 to compute time ratios that estimate time to first antenatal visit in Lesotho. Results Despite near universal coverage, only 24% of mothers start antenatal care before 12 weeks of gestation, as recommended by the World Health Organization. In addition, mothers with unwanted pregnancies are most likely to delay antenatal care until later in gestation, followed by mothers with mistimed pregnancies. Education, but not wealth, correlates with the start of antenatal care. Conclusions Having achieved near universal coverage, emphasising a prompt start and adherence to recommended visits could optimise the life-saving potential of antenatal care in Lesotho.


2019 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Nasir Tajuddeen ◽  
Fanie R. Van Heerden

Abstract Background Malaria remains a significant public health challenge in regions of the world where it is endemic. An unprecedented decline in malaria incidences was recorded during the last decade due to the availability of effective control interventions, such as the deployment of artemisinin-based combination therapy and insecticide-treated nets. However, according to the World Health Organization, malaria is staging a comeback, in part due to the development of drug resistance. Therefore, there is an urgent need to discover new anti-malarial drugs. This article reviews the literature on natural products with antiplasmodial activity that was reported between 2010 and 2017. Methods Relevant literature was sourced by searching the major scientific databases, including Web of Science, ScienceDirect, Scopus, SciFinder, Pubmed, and Google Scholar, using appropriate keyword combinations. Results and Discussion A total of 1524 compounds from 397 relevant references, assayed against at least one strain of Plasmodium, were reported in the period under review. Out of these, 39% were described as new natural products, and 29% of the compounds had IC50 ≤ 3.0 µM against at least one strain of Plasmodium. Several of these compounds have the potential to be developed into viable anti-malarial drugs. Also, some of these compounds could play a role in malaria eradication by targeting gametocytes. However, the research into natural products with potential for blocking the transmission of malaria is still in its infancy stage and needs to be vigorously pursued.


2019 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Justin M. Cohen

Abstract Background Malaria elimination and eventual eradication will require internationally coordinated approaches; sustained engagement from politicians, communities, and funders; efficient organizational structures; innovation and new tools; and well-managed programmes. As governments and the global malaria community seek to achieve these goals, their efforts should be informed by the substantial past experiences of other disease elimination and eradication programmes, including that of the only successful eradication programme of a human pathogen to date: smallpox. Methods A review of smallpox literature was conducted to evaluate how the smallpox programme addressed seven challenges that will likely confront malaria eradication efforts, including fostering international support for the eradication undertaking, coordinating programmes and facilitating research across the world’s endemic countries, securing sufficient funding, building domestic support for malaria programmes nationally, ensuring strong community support, identifying the most effective programmatic strategies, and managing national elimination programmes efficiently. Results Review of 118 publications describing how smallpox programmes overcame these challenges suggests eradication may succeed as a collection of individual country programmes each deriving local solutions to local problems, yet with an important role for the World Health Organization and other international entities to facilitate and coordinate these efforts and encourage new innovations. Publications describing the smallpox experience suggest the importance of avoiding burdensome bureaucracy while employing flexible, problem-solving staff with both technical and operational backgrounds to overcome numerous unforeseen challenges. Smallpox’s hybrid strategy of leveraging basic health services while maintaining certain separate functions to ensure visibility, clear targets, and strong management, aligns with current malaria approaches. Smallpox eradication succeeded by employing data-driven strategies that targeted resources to the places where they were most needed rather than attempting to achieve mass coverage everywhere, a potentially useful lesson for malaria programmes seeking universal coverage with available tools. Finally, lessons from smallpox programmes suggest strong engagement with the private sector and affected communities can help increase the sustainability and reach of today’s malaria programmes. Conclusions It remains unclear whether malaria eradication is feasible, but neither was it clear whether smallpox eradication was feasible until it was achieved. To increase chances of success, malaria programmes should seek to strengthen programme management, measurement, and operations, while building flexible means of sharing experiences, tools, and financing internationally.


2019 ◽  
Vol 4 (Suppl 3) ◽  
pp. A19.3-A19
Author(s):  
Jorge Arroz

BackgroundThe use of long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs) is associated with a reduction in malaria transmission. In 2015, a new delivery strategy (intervention) for universal coverage campaign was tested and compared with standard strategy (control). The objective is to compare two bed net delivery models in rural districts of Mozambique.MethodsTwo districts served as intervention, and two as control. The following study design was used: 1) before and after; and 2) cost-effectiveness analysis. Three core implementation strategies were tested: 1) use of coupons during household registration, 2) use of stickers to identify registered houses, and 3) a new LLINs allocation criterion. The main endpoints measured were: i) percentage of distributed LLINs; ii) LLINs ownership and use coverage; iii) percentage of households that achieved universal coverage; iv) incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER); v) incremental net benefit (INB).ResultsApproximately 88% (302,648) of LLINs were distributed in intervention districts compared to 77% (219,613) in control districts [OR: 2.14 (95% CI: 2.11–2.16)]. Six months after the 2015 campaign, 98.8% of the 760 households surveyed in the intervention districts had at least one LLIN; 89.6% of the 787 households surveyed in the control districts had at least one LLIN [OR: 9.7, (95% CI: 5.25–22.76)]. Near 95% and 87% of respondents who had at least one LLIN, reported having slept under the LLIN the previous night in the intervention and control districts, respectively [OR: 3.2; (95% CI 2.12–4.69)]; 71% of the households surveyed achieved universal coverage in the intervention districts against 59.6% in the control districts [OR: 1.6; (95% CI: 1.33–2.03)]. ICER per distributed LLIN was US$ 0.68. INB was positive.ConclusionIntervention districts had greater LLINs availability, greater LLINs ownership and use coverage, and a better progression toward reaching universal coverage targets. The new strategy was more cost-effective than the previous strategy.


2019 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
pp. 238146831989628 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elisa Sicuri ◽  
Fadima Yaya Bocoum ◽  
Justice Nonvignon ◽  
Sergi Alonso ◽  
Bakar Fakih ◽  
...  

Background. The World Health Organization has recommended pilot implementation of a candidate vaccine against malaria (RTS,S/AS01) in selected sub-Saharan African countries. This exploratory study aimed to estimate the costs of implementing RTS,S in Burkina Faso, Ghana, Kenya, Mozambique, and Tanzania. Methods. Key informants of the expanded program on immunization at all levels in each country were interviewed on the resources required for implementing RTS,S for routine vaccination. Unit prices were derived from the same sources or from international price lists. Incremental costs in 2015 US dollars were aggregated per fully vaccinated child (FVC). It was assumed the four vaccine doses were either all delivered at health facilities or the fourth dose was delivered in an outreach setting. Results. The costs per FVC ranged from US$25 (Burkina Faso) to US$37 (Kenya) assuming a vaccine price of US$5 per dose. Across countries, recurrent costs represented the largest share dominated by vaccines (including wastage) and supply costs. Non-recurrent costs varied substantially across countries, mainly because of differences in needs for hiring personnel, in wages, in cold-room space, and equipment. Recent vaccine introductions in the countries may have had an impact on resource availability for a new vaccine implementation. Delivering the fourth dose in outreach settings raised the costs, mostly fuel, per FVC by less than US$1 regardless of the country. Conclusions. This study provides relevant information for donors and decision makers about the cost of implementing RTS,S. Variations within and across countries are important and the unknown future price per dose and wastage rate for this candidate vaccine adds substantially to the uncertainty about the actual costs of implementation.


2019 ◽  
Vol 5 (3) ◽  
pp. 80 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bongomin ◽  
Kwizera ◽  
Denning

Progressive disseminated histoplasmosis, caused by H. capsulatum, is a life-threatening illness and is an AIDS-defining opportunistic infection. It is neglected, worryingly under-diagnosed, and often misdiagnosed as cancer or tuberculosis with fatal consequences. Globally, over 100,000 cases of disseminated histoplasmosis have been estimated. In 2017, the World Health Organization (WHO) noted that disseminated histoplasmosis is a significant cause of mortality in AIDS patients. Through the rigorous efforts of the Global Action Fund for Fungal Infections (GAFFI) and partners, in 2019, the Histoplasma antigen test was included on the 2nd Edition of the WHO List of Essential Diagnostics. The drugs used in the treatment of histoplasmosis (amphotericin B and itraconazole) are on the WHO Essential Medicine List. The Manaus Declaration on histoplasmosis in the Americas and the Caribbean, where histoplasmosis kills more people with HIV than tuberculosis, advocates for universal access to rapid testing for histoplasmosis and availability of essential drugs for the treatment of histoplasmosis in every country by 2025. Hyperendemic areas are present in the Americas, Caribbean, Southeast Asia, and Latin America. In conclusion, histoplasmosis remains an important clinical and public health problem. To reduce HIV-associated mortality, disseminated histoplasmosis must be addressed through advocacy, increased awareness, and universal access to essential diagnostics and antifungal agents.


2019 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kobié H. Toé ◽  
Frank Mechan ◽  
Julie-Anne A. Tangena ◽  
Marion Morris ◽  
Joanna Solino ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs) treated with pyrethroids are the foundation of malaria control in sub-Saharan Africa. Rising pyrethroid resistance in vectors, however, has driven the development of alternative net formulations. Here the durability of polyethylene nets with a novel combination of a pyrethroid, permethrin, and the insect juvenile hormone mimic, pyriproxyfen (PPF), compared to a standard permethrin LLIN, was assessed in rural Burkina Faso. Methods A compound-randomized controlled trial was completed in two villages. In one village 326 of the PPF-permethrin nets (Olyset Duo) and 327 standard LLINs (Olyset) were distributed to assess bioefficacy. In a second village, 170 PPF-permethrin nets and 376 LLINs were distributed to assess survivorship. Nets were followed at 6-monthly intervals for 3 years. Bioefficacy was assessed by exposing permethrin-susceptible and resistant Anopheles gambiae sensu lato mosquito strains to standard World Health Organization (WHO) cone and tunnel tests with impacts on fertility measured in the resistant strain. Insecticide content was measured using high-performance liquid chromatography. LLIN survivorship was recorded with a questionnaire and assessed by comparing the physical integrity using the proportionate hole index (pHI). Results The PPF-permethrin net met WHO bioefficacy criteria (≥ 80% mortality or ≥ 95% knockdown) for the first 18 months, compared to 6 months for the standard LLIN. Mean mosquito mortality for PPF-permethrin nets, across all time points, was 8.6% (CI 2.6–14.6%) higher than the standard LLIN. Fertility rates were reduced after PPF-permethrin net exposure at 1-month post distribution, but not later. Permethrin content of both types of nets remained within the target range of 20 g/kg ± 25% for 242/248 nets tested. The pyriproxyfen content of PPF-permethrin nets declined by 54%, from 10.4 g/kg (CI 10.2–10.6) to 4.7 g/kg (CI 3.5–6.0, p < 0.001) over 36 months. Net survivorship was poor, with only 13% of PPF-permethrin nets and 12% of LLINs still present in the original household after 36 months. There was no difference in the fabric integrity or survivorship between the two net types. Conclusion The PPF-permethrin net, Olyset Duo, met or exceeded the performance of the WHO-recommended standard LLIN (Olyset) in the current study but both net types failed the 3-year WHO bioefficacy criteria.


2014 ◽  
Vol 2014 ◽  
pp. 1-10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Iara Fabricia Kretzer ◽  
Andrea do Livramento ◽  
Joel da Cunha ◽  
Sabrina Gonçalves ◽  
Iraci Tosin ◽  
...  

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is endemic worldwide and according to the World Health Organization (WHO), there are about 150 million chronic carriers worldwide. The infection is a leading cause of liver diseases like cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC); thus, HCV infection constitutes a critical public health problem. There are increasing efforts worldwide in order to reduce the global impact of hepatitis C through the implementation of programmatic actions that may increase the awareness of viral hepatitis and also improve surveillance, prevention, and treatment. In Brazil, about 1,5 million people have been chronically infected with HCV. The country has a vast territory with uneven population density, and hepatitis C incidence rates are variable with the majority of cases concentrated in the most populated areas. Currently, the main priorities of Brazilian Ministry of Health's strategies for viral hepatitis management include the prevention and early diagnosis of viral hepatitis infections; strengthening of the healthcare network and lines of treatment for sexually transmitted diseases, viral hepatitis, and AIDS; improvement and development of surveillance, information, and research; and promotion of universal access to medication. This review aims to summarize the available data on hepatitis C epidemiology and current status of efforts in prevention and infection control around the world and in Brazil.


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