Comprehensive Review on the Use of Oral Cholera Vaccine (OCV) in Ethiopia: 2019 to 2023.

Background: Cholera outbreaks in Ethiopia necessitate frequent mass oral cholera vaccine (OCV) campaigns. Despite this, there is a notable absence of a comprehensive summary of these campaigns. Understanding national OCV vaccination history is essential to design appropriate and effective cholera control strategies.

Retrospective Analysis of Cholera/Acute Watery Diarrhea Outbreaks in Ethiopia From 2001 To 2023: Incidence, Case Fatality Rate, and Seasonal and Multiyear Epidemic Patterns.

Background: The Ethiopian government has developed the multisectoral cholera elimination plan (NCP) with an aim of reducing cholera incidence and case fatality rate (CFR). To better understand and monitor the progress of this plan, a comprehensive review of national cholera epidemiology is needed.

Methods: Reported data on cholera/acute watery diarrhea (AWD) cases in the past 20 years were extracted from the Ethiopian Public Health Institute and World Health Organization databases.

Healthcare Seeking Behavior and Disease Perception Toward Cholera and Acute Diarrhea Among Populations Living in Cholera High-Priority Hotspots in Shashemene, Ethiopia.

Background: Healthcare seeking behavior (HSB) and community perception on cholera can influence its management. We conducted a cross-sectional survey to generate evidence on cholera associated HSB and disease perception in populations living in cholera hotspots in Ethiopia.

Methods: A total of 870 randomly selected households (HHs) in Shashemene Town (ST) and Shashemene Woreda (SW) participated in our survey in January 2022.

Coverage of Two-Dose Preemptive Cholera Mass Vaccination Campaign in High-Priority Hotspots in Shashemene, Oromia Region, Ethiopia.

Background: Cholera is a public health priority in Ethiopia. The Ethiopian National Cholera Plan elaborates a multi-year scheme of oral cholera vaccine (OCV) use. Aligned with this, a preemptive OCV campaign was conducted under our Ethiopia Cholera Control and Prevention project.

Cholera and diarrheal diseases in Cuamba District, Niassa Province, Mozambique: Systematic healthcare facility-based surveillance strengthening, characteristics of suspected cholera and diarrheal patients, and incidence of diarrheal diseases.

Background: Mozambique is one of the countries in Africa that is continuously at risk of cholera outbreaks due to poor sanitation, hygiene, and limited access to potable water in some districts. The Mozambique Cholera Prevention and Surveillance (MOCA) project was implemented in Cuamba District, Niassa Province to prevent and control cholera outbreaks through a preemptive cholera vaccination, strengthened surveillance system for cholera and diarrheal diseases, and better understanding of cholera-related healthcare seeking behavior of local populations, which may further guide the national cholera control and prevention strategies. This article presents the surveillance component of the MOCA project.

Characteristics and outcomes of patients with pelvic organ prolapse: an analysis of data from Mulago National Referral Hospital from 2007-2016.

Introduction: Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) is associated with negative physical, social, psychological, and sexual experiences. There is paucity of data in low and middle income countries like Uganda. The purpose of this study was to describe clinical characteristics and outcomes of patients undergoing surgery for POP from 2007 to 2016.

The prevalence of concurrent pulmonary and extrapulmonary tuberculosis in Uganda: a retrospective study.

Background: Concurrent pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) and extrapulmonary tuberculosis (EPTB) is associated with poor treatment outcomes yet its epidemiology in Uganda is unknown. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence, associated factors, and treatment outcomes of concurrent PTB and EPTB among patients at a national tuberculosis (TB) treatment center located at Mulago National Referral Hospital in Kampala, Uganda.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective review of charts for people with TB who were enrolled in care between January 2015 and December 2019.

The effect of blister packaging Iron and Folate on adherence to medication and hemoglobin levels among pregnant women at National Referral Hospital antenatal clinics in a low to middle income country: a Randomised Controlled Trial (The IFAd Trial).

Introduction: Anemia in pregnancy is an important global public health problem. It is estimated that 38% of pregnant women worldwide are anemic. In Africa, literature from observational studies show 20% of maternal deaths are attributed to anemia.

Gender differences among patients with drug resistant tuberculosis and HIV co-infection in Uganda: a countrywide retrospective cohort study.

Background: Gender differences among patients with drug resistant tuberculosis (DRTB) and HIV co-infection could affect treatment outcomes. We compared characteristics and treatment outcomes of DRTB/HIV co-infected men and women in Uganda.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective chart review of patients with DRTB from 16 treatment sites in Uganda.

Lactate/albumin ratio: An early prognostic marker in critically ill patients.

Objectives: We investigate the clinical utility of the lactate/albumin (L/A) ratio as an early prognostic marker of ICU mortality in a large cohort of unselected critically ill patients.

Methods: A retrospective single-center study using data from the Multiparameter Intelligent Monitoring Intensive Care III (MIMIC-III) database collected between 2001 and 2012. We screened adult patients (age ≥ 15) with measured lactate and albumin on the first day of ICU stay to evaluate the prognostic performance of the lactate and lactate/albumin (L/A) ratio for ICU mortality prediction.

A prediction model of low back pain risk: a population based cohort study in Korea.

Background: Well-validated risk prediction models help to identify individuals at high risk of diseases and suggest preventive measures. A recent systematic review reported lack of validated prediction models for low back pain (LBP). We aimed to develop prediction models to estimate the 8-year risk of developing LBP and its recurrence.

A prediction model of Nephrolithiasis Risk: A population-based cohort study in Korea.

Purpose: Well-validated risk prediction models help to stratify individuals on the basis of their disease risks and to guide health care professionals in decision-making. The incidence of nephrolithiasis has been increasing in Korea. Racial differences in the distribution of and risk for nephrolithiasis have been reported in Asia but no population-specific nephrolithiasis models have been developed.

Barriers to better care for people with AIDS in developing countries.

WHO's “3 by 5” initiative to increase access to antiretroviral drugs to people with AIDS in developing countries is highly ambitious. Some of the biggest obstacles relate to delivering care