Activity-based contracting for optimization of the mass distribution of insecticide-treated nets in the Democratic Republic of Congo: pilot implementation in Kwilu province.

Background: Promoting the use of insecticide-treated mosquito nets (ITNs) is one of the main strategies for reducing malaria-related morbidity. An innovative activity-based contracting (ABC) approach has been implemented in Kwilu Province, Democratic Republic of Congo to optimize ITN mass distribution campaigns, with payments based on contractually defined programmatic outcomes for key campaign activities following independent verification of results.

Methods: This internal evaluation was carried out using a mixed methods approach combining qualitative and quantitative document and content analysis from a series of three workshops: validation workshops for campaign results at provincial level for the 2021 and 2022 campaigns; internal evaluation workshop for the Kwilu campaign as part of the ABC approach organized by "Santé pour tous en milieu rural" (SANRU) with its sub-contractors; and national campaign evaluation workshop organized by the National Malaria Control Program.

An Evaluation of Staff Engagement with Infectious Healthcare Waste Management Policies: A Case Study of Tunisia.

This study evaluated the engagement of staff regarding infectious healthcare waste management, in two case-study universities in Tunisia. Using a questionnaire survey, it was found that the most significant reported factors that influenced engagement were the availability of technical sheets and posters, training and education programs, and the age range of the staff. While there was some accordance with the Tunisian Decree application ° 2008-2745 of July 28th, 2008, as well as international guidelines and best practice (e.

[Hydatid cysts in muscles: eleven cases].

Purpose Of The Study: Echinococciasis or hydatid disease is a cosmopolite antropozoonosis common to humans and several mammal species. The disease results from the development of the larval or hydatid form of the canine tenia (Echinococcus granulosis) in the organism. Hydatic cysts are uncommonly found in muscles, even in endemic zones.

[Ilizarov fixation of supramalleolar fractures].

Purpose Of The Study: Supramalleolar fractures are generally considered to be a difficult surgical challenge because they occur in a area where the tibia lies superficially with a precarious blood supply to the skin, exposing to the risk of infection and necrosis after internal fixation. These fractures are also situated close to the tibiotalar joint making centromedullary nailing difficult, even with distal locking. The Ilizarov external fixator could be an attractive alternative in this indication.