Background Governments have imposed physical and social distancing measures together with hand hygiene to contain COVID-19. However, maintaining the recommended social distancing less likely applicable in developing countries where the majority of the people depend on daily income. Countries like Ethiopia imposed universal use of face masks as an additional measure. Aim This study aims to review and present the advantage and challenges of imposing universal use of face masks in the community and to forward possible recommendations. Methods The study was synthesized using a narrative literature review approach involving COVID-19 databases, published literature on COVID-19, and relevant news. Results The first confirmed case of COVID-19 in Ethiopia was reported on March 13, 2020. Consequently, the government has taken swift actions including social distancing and strict hygienic measures to contain its transmission. However, new cases have started to increase with local transmission. Hence, the country imposed additional measures including universal use of face masks at public places. The universal use of masks requires a sufficient supply of masks with affordable costs. Moreover, awareness of the proper use of face masks and its disposal is another challenge affecting its effectiveness against corona virus infection. Conclusion Universal use of face masks can contribute to the containment of the virus in the community if adequately available and properly used and managed after use. Encouraging local production with clear guidance, demonstration, and awareness creation helps to improve the accessibility and effectiveness of face masks particularly among the vulnerable population.
The current review was initiated to encourage the government of Ethiopia, stakeholders, and policymakers about the substantial effects of handling, slaughtering process, and transportation on welfare and meat quality of farm animals of animals. In Ethiopia, until this review was made, there is no comprehensive legislation, rules, or regulations articulated for farm animals' welfare during rearing, transport, and slaughter. Hence, the welfare of animals was not taken into consideration and often constrained by high levels of poverty, cultural perceptions and beliefs, lack of training and knowledge of animal handling, inadequate transport, and slaughter facilities. The most common farm animal transport system was on the foot from a rural area to a nearby market and then by vehicle to the urban area. During transport, farm animals were exposed to several potential stressors like trip distance, design of vehicle, animal standing orientation, loading and unloading facilities, and temperature fluctuations that affect the welfare, quality, and shelf life of meat and meat products. Aversive ways of handling farm animals, including improper use of sticks, pushing, pulling, and beating them on their head and body frequently by handlers and slaughtering them without stunning, were common practices. This aversive way of handling also causes carcass damage such as bruising, hemorrhages, skin blemishes, blood splash, and broken bones. Therefore, from this review, it has been recommended that, in order to improve animal welfare and thereby meat quality that has been affected by improper handling, transport, and slaughter, the government of Ethiopia is strongly encouraged to endorse inclusive animal welfare jurisdictive acts that would protect animal sentience, define animal welfare in line with OIE standards, and prohibit animal brutality. Creating awareness for stakeholders, particularly for handlers about behavioral principles, proper handling of farm animals, basic concept and role of good animal welfare, and its significant impact on the quality of meat is also imperative.
A successful antiretroviral therapy (ART) drug adherence is achieved when patients follow their prescribed regimen. This is determined by patient’s motivation that is influenced by resources associated with the patient, society, and relevant institutions. The aim of this study is to assess the impact of formal and informal actors on patients’ ART drug adherence. A qualitative study approach was conducted through face-to-face in-depth interviews of HIV-infected patients and key informants. The analysis was guided by a salutogenic model focusing on generalized resistance resources and a sense of coherence. The finding shows that 76% of the study participants achieved the recommended 95% adherence level. Several resources attributed to individuals, society, and public institutions influencing patients’ day-to-day life and their drug adherence were identified. Patients who are able to use the available resources easily develop sense of coherence and follow their prescribed drug regimen. Therefore, encouraging HIV-infected patients through formal and informal actors can enhance ART drug adherence.
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