Articles

Assessment of Risk Factors Associated with Malaria Infection Among Adult Populations in Selected Internally Displaced Camps in Goma, North Kivu Province, Dr. Congo

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Malaria remains a significant public health concern in many parts of the world, particularly in Africa. The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is one of the countries most heavily affected by malaria, with millions of cases reported annually. In the Eastern region of the DRC, ongoing conflict has resulted in large numbers of people living in precarious conditions within IDP camps, where the risk of malaria transmission is heightened due to unsuitable housing conditions, lack of bed net, overcrowded and unsanitary conditions with limited access to essential healthcare services. This study aims to assess the risk factors associated with malaria infection among adult populations in the Kashaka and Shabindu IDP camps in Goma, North Kivu Province. The study employed a cross-sectional design using a mixed-method approach. Data were collected from 371 households through interviews and medical record reviews. Chi-square tests were performed for bivariate analysis, and then logistic regression to evaluate the impact of multiple variables simultaneously. All participants pointed to mosquitoes as the causal agent. Around 97.8% confirmed that fever is the main symptom followed by chills (75.2%), headache (54.5%), and sweating (10.2%). Bed net was identified as a preventive measure at (100%), mosquito repellents (71.7%), and Indoor residual spraying (68;2%). Approximately 43.9% of households had at least one case of malaria with an increasing incidence in April (26.7%) and October (35.9%). The most significant factors affecting the spread of malaria were gender (OR: 1.73; p-value < 0.001), lack of bed net (OR: 5.231; p-value < 0.001), outdoor activities at night (OR: 0.661; p-value = 0.0364), and being close to sanitation facilities (OR: 2.458; p-value = 0.0013). These underscore the critical need for targeted malaria prevention measures, including increased bed net availability and usage, enhanced sanitation infrastructure, and heightened awareness about the dangers of outdoor nighttime activities.

Acinetobacter Baumannii: An Emerging Threat to Public Health – A Review of Literature

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Background: Acinetobacter baumannii is a microbe that is fast becoming a danger or threat to public health. Studies have described a rapidly changing epidemiology of the opportunistic pathogen and credited it with increasing importance in the community and healthcare-associated infections. The threat of A. baumannii is considered to be of public health significance due to its recent association with increased length of hospital admission, increased mortality, and morbidity, particularly among patients in the intensive care units. The objective of this review is to highlight the characteristics of this emergent pathogen to better understand and curtail it.

Methodology: This review comprises a literature search of chapters in books and journals which gives an insight into the peculiarities of A. baumannii. It centers on evolving pathogenesis, epidemiology, antimicrobial susceptibility, laboratory investigations, the molecular basis of resistance, and management of infections caused by the pathogen.

Conclusion: Due to the public health significance of the pathogen, there is an urgent call for increased vigilance and improved knowledge/research-driven approaches to the diagnosis and management of A. baumannii infections.

Quality of Drug Management during the Covid-19 Pandemic at Outpatient Health Center, Kendari City

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Covid-19, declared a global pandemic by WHO, has infected 10,242,298 cases in Indonesia. Especially in Southeast Sulawesi, there were 521 cases, with the most in Kendari city. Public health centers are generally the first goal of treatment by the community, so they must be able to manage and utilize their resources effectively and efficiently in breaking the chain of Covid-19 transmission. COVID-19 impacts changes in health services carried out at the Puskesmas, so it is crucial to evaluate the quality of drug management at the puskesmas during the Covid-19 pandemic. This study aims to evaluate the quality of drug management in all outpatient health centers in Kendari City during the COVID-19 pandemic. This research was descriptive and non-experimental with retrospective data collection in all outpatient health centers in Kendari City using the Satibi indicator as a subject with research objects including drug stock cards, LPLPO, RKO, and several other documents. Based on the results, all puskesmas remained active in proposing drugs to FORNAS during the pandemic. However, the percentage value of the suitability of drug items available with FORNAS did not yet meet the standards. The accuracy of planning, the suitability of the number of requests, and the suitability of the number of receipts are not up to standard. Storage according to dosage form, temperature, LASA, and FEFO were following standards, the accuracy of distribution, empty stock items, insufficient stock, safe stock, and the excess stock did not meet standards, and there were still expired or damaged drugs. The suitability of the physical amount of the drug meets the standard, but there are outpatient health centers that do not evaluate drug management periodically during 2020.