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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
DOI:
10.11648/j.ajhr.20251304.12
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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
DOI:
10.11648/j.ajhr.20251304.13
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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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