INTRODUCTION Hand washing with soap at critical events reduces the incidence of diarrhoeal diseases by about 42% to 47% and respiratory infections by 30% which are important contributors of under-five child morbidity and mortality in India. The awareness and hand washing practices amongst mothers residing in poor environmental settings of slums are important as they are the primary caregivers and have a determining role in the health of their children. OBJECTIVES To assess the awareness, practices and factors associated with hand washing amongst mothers of under-five children in slums of Guwahati City, Assam. MATERIALS AND METHODS The study was a community based cross-sectional study carried out for a period of three months from August 2015 to October 2015 in two slums under the urban field practice area of the Department of Community Medicine, Guwahati. 150 mothers having under-five children were included in the study. RESULTS 100.00% of the mothers were aware about the role of hand washing in prevention of diseases. 100% mothers practised hand washing with soap after defaecation. 84.30% and 85.71% washed their hands with water alone before feeding a child and cooking respectively. None of the mothers were aware and practised the recommended steps and time for hand washing. CONCLUSION The factors identified as barriers to hand washing practices in the study can be overcome by health education with involvement of the community.

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Background: The Village Health Sanitation and Nutrition Committee (VHSNC) is a first step toward decentralized planning and community empowerment approach Objective: To assess the constitution of the VHSNCs, to assess the activities undertaken by them, and to assess the funding and utilization status of the VHSNCs. Materials and Methods: Study design-Community-based cross-sectional study. Study place-Three blocks of Kamrup district viz, Boko-Bongaon, Hajo, and Sualkuchi. Study period-July 1 to October 31, 2015. Study population-The functionaries of VHSNCs present during visit and the records maintained. Sample size-Total 78 VHSNCs were assessed in this study. Sample collection technique-Out of the total 12 blocks, 3 blocks were selected. Sub-centers (50%) under these three blocks selected and two villages from each SC selected. All the 78 VHSNCs operating in these villages were included in this study. Data collection tool-Predesigned and pretested schedule containing both open-and closed-ended questions. Primary data were collected by interview method and secondary data obtained from various records. Results: 55.12% VHSNCs had 11 or more members. Panchayati Raj Institution (PRI) member, Auxiliary Nurse Midwife (ANM), Accredited Social Health Activist (ASHA), Anganwadi Worker (AWW), and Medical officer were members in all of the committees. Only 16.67% of the VHSNCs conducted 10-12 meetings in 1 year. 16.67% VHSNCs had maintained and updated the untied fund register. Formation of new committee and new members (96.15%), ASHA's incentive (94.87%), and Anganwadi Center (AWC) repairing (88.76%) were commonly discussed topics in monthly meetings. A majority of 67.93% VHSNCs utilized more than 90% of the funds allotted to them. Conclusion: It was observed that although VHSNCs have been constituted in all of the revenue villages in the study area, there are several lacunae in their organization.

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INTRODUCTION Immunization is one of the cost effective intervention for prevention of major illness in child. Only availability of vaccines is not sufficient, there are various other factors which influences the effectiveness of immunization. These factors are proper storage, transportation, administration along with knowledge and practices of health care worker. MATERIALS AND METHODS The present cross sectional study was conducted in the rural area of Chirang district, Assam in January 2015 to May 2015. 23 ANM at the session site were interviewed with the help of pre tested structured schedule and observation method. RESULTS Knowledge regarding dose and route of vaccines is 100%, knowledge regarding age at which 2 nd dose of measles is given 86.95%, knowledge about freeze sensitive vaccine (DPT, TT) is 86.95% whereas Hep. B is 100%. Practice of hand washing was 65.21% and practice of delivering 4 key messages were 73.91%. Practice of segregation of waste in red and black bag was 65.21%. CONCLUSION Knowledge gap were observed specifically for cold chain, open vial policy, heat and freeze sensitive vaccines. Flaws in practice of immunization were observed as for delivering 4 key messages and hand washing. Regular supervision and training can fill up the gap both in knowledge and practice.