Background: Immunization is the effective method of preventing childhood diseases. One of the important elements for improving the immunization is cold chain and vaccine logistics management which are the left and right hands of immunization programme. Keeping this in mind, the present study was done with the objectives a) to ascertain the status of cold chain equipment and logistics management using GOI monitoring format and b) to ascertain the awareness and practice of cold chain handlers about cold chain equipment and logistics management in Durg district of Chhattisgarh, India.Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted among randomly selected 20 cold chain points (CCPs) of Durg district using standard GOI structured questionnaires.Results: Out of 20 cold chain points (CCPs), 20% CCPs, vaccine were found in frozen state. Functional thermometer was available in 75% CCPs, out of which 65% had temperature in the recommended range. Twice daily recording of temperature was found only in 95 % CCPs. Record of power failures and defrosting was noted in temperature log books in 70% CCPs. The correct placement of ice packs inside Deep freezer was observed in only one CCPs. T-series vaccine vials were placed properly in ILR in 85% CCPs. With respect to knowledge on freeze sensitive vaccine and shake test, 74 % and 53% of cold chain handlers had correct knowledge.Conclusions: The quality of immunization programme can be increased by proper maintenance of cold chain and management of vaccine logistics at every designated cold chain points. There is need to improve the knowledge level of CCHs regarding cold chain maintenances and handling practices.

Background: The practice of open defecation is rampant in India and our country is home to the world’s largest population of people who defecate in the open. Insanitary disposal of human excreta, along with unsafe drinking water and poor hygiene conditions, is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in low-income countries. The study was conducted with objective to find sanitary latrine usage, prevalence of open air defecation and awareness related to diseases caused by open air defecation in the rural population of a village in Raipur district.Methods: A total of 155 households were selected for the study using simple random sampling technique by lottery method. One member from each household, preferably the head of the family (if not available, any elder person in the family), was interviewed personally. A structured questionnaire was used to collect information regarding the background characteristics, awareness and practices about sanitary latrine usage. Results: Majority of the study participants 109 (70.3%) had sanitary latrines in their houses. The prevalence of open air defecation in the study area was found to be 23.2%. Around 2/3rd (65.2%) of study subjects were not aware about spread of disease due to open air defecation. Conclusions: Awareness regarding spread of diseases due to open air defecation is poor. Effective political commitment and administrative support will be the key points of success of the Swachha Bharat Abhiyaan program.

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Background: In order to increase accessibility of health care services for pregnant women and sick infants and to reduce out-of-pocket expenditure, Ministry of Health and Family welfare, Government of India has launched a nationwide initiative- Janani Shishu Suraksha Karyakram on June 01, 2011. The objective of the study was to find out the awareness level about the entitlements of JSSK among mothers with child less than one year and its association with different socio-demographic variables.Methods: A community based cross-sectional study was conducted in rural block of Raipur district, Chhattisgarh, India, among 352 mothers having child less than one year using multistage random sampling using predesigned, pretested proforma from July 2015 to June 2016. Chi-square test was applied to find out the association between awareness level and different socio-demographic variables. P <0.05 was considered significant.Results: Among 352 mothers, good awareness were found in only 207 mothers (58.80%). Maximum awareness (89.20%) regarding entitlements among mothers was seen for free transport services from home to health institution followed by the drop back transport facility from hospital to home (85.22%). None of the mothers know about free diagnostic services for mothers and for sick infants and for free provision of blood for sick infants. Increasing parity was significantly associated with good awareness regarding JSSK.Conclusions: Level of awareness regarding JSSK entitlements for pregnant mothers and sick infants was found to be low. Extensive IEC needed to further increase the awareness regarding JSSK entitlements to increase utilization among beneficiaries.

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