Level of utilization and provider-related barriers to the use of hydroxyurea in the treatment of sickle cell disease patients in Jos, North-Central Nigeria.

Background: Hydroxyurea is underutilized by sickle cell health-care providers in Nigeria despite available evidence of its effectiveness in reducing the manifestations and complications of sickle cell disease (SCD).

Objectives: To assess the level of utilization and provider-related barriers to the use of hydroxyurea in SCD therapy in Jos, Nigeria.

Methods: A cross-sectional study conducted among 132 medical doctors providing care for SCD patients.

Spread of artemisinin resistance in Plasmodium falciparum malaria.

Background: Artemisinin resistance in Plasmodium falciparum has emerged in Southeast Asia and now poses a threat to the control and elimination of malaria. Mapping the geographic extent of resistance is essential for planning containment and elimination strategies.

Methods: Between May 2011 and April 2013, we enrolled 1241 adults and children with acute, uncomplicated falciparum malaria in an open-label trial at 15 sites in 10 countries (7 in Asia and 3 in Africa).