Background: Hookworm infection is a major public health problem in developing countries. The main way people become infected with hookworm's larva is through direct skin contact with contaminated soil when walking on barefoot. It is one of a major cause of anemia in pregnant women. The objective was to assess the prevalence and associated factors of hookworm infection among pregnant women who attended antenatal care at governmental health centers in Dembecha district, Ethiopia, 2017. Methods: Institutional based cross sectional study was conducted on 306 pregnant women. Study participants were selected by systematic random sampling technique from February 1 to March 30, 2017. Data collectors and supervisors were trained. Semi-structured Amharic version questionnaire was used to collect data using face to face interview technique and stool sample was examined. Collected data were entered by using Epi data version 3.1 and exported to SPSS. The exported data was analyzed and presented by using descriptive summary statistics and tables. After bivariate logistic regression analysis, all variables with a p-value < 0.25 were entered into multivariate logistic regression and p value < 0.05 considered as significantly associated with the outcome variable. Results: Prevalence of hookworm infection was 32.0%. There was a positive association of hookworm infection with living in single room [AOR =2.8; 95% CI; 1.32-5.81], living with domestic animals [AOR = 3.4; 95% CI; 1.35-8.76], monthly income ≤1500 Ethiopian birr [AOR = 3.7; 95% CI; 1.76-7.64], unavailability of latrine [AOR = 2.2; 95% CI; 1.03-4.55], habit of walking on barefoot [AOR = 4.3; 95% CI; 2.17-8.48] and not habit of hand washing before meal [AOR = 3.4; 95 CI; 1.14-10.12].

ObjectiveTo confirm the existence of Outbreak, describe cases in person, place and time, and identify determinants of the outbreak. Unmatched case control study in the ratio of 1:4 (38 cases and 152 controls) was conducted in Artuma Fursi Woreda from July 13 to August 1/2018. Data were collected with standard questionnaires. Collected data were entered into Epi Info version 7 and exported to Statistical package for social science (SPSS) version 23 for analysis.ResultsA total of 38 cases and 1 death with attack rate and case fatality rate 11.8/100,000 and 2.6%, respectively. All study participants had not vaccination history. Females and age group 5–14 were more affected. Being 5–14 years old versus (vs) ≥ 15 years [adjusted odd ratio (AOR) = 3.53; 95% CI 1.52–8.45)], contact with cases vs no contact with cases [AOR = 2.78; 95% CI 1.23–8.67] and travel history 7–18 days prior onset of illness vs no travel history [AOR = 2.53; 95% CI 1.31–7.24] were significantly associated with contracting measles. Routine and supplement immunization should be strengthened to reduce future occurrence of outbreak.

Background: Utilization of long-lasting insecticide treated net (LLITN) is one of the main vector control activities. It has a killing, repellent and physical barrier effects against mosquito. Even if priority is given for pregnant women, not all nets owned by household have been utilized by pregnant women. The objective of the study was to assess utilization of Long-lasting insecticidal net and associated factors among pregnant women in malarious kebeles, Awabel woreda, North-West Ethiopia. Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from May 1 to June 30, 2017. A systematic random sampling was used to select 422 households. Two days training was given for data collectors and supervisors. Collected data were coded and entered using epi-data version 3.1, then it was exported to Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 20. After bivariate logistic regression analysis, all variables with a p-value less than or equal to 0.25was entered into multivariable logistic regression and p value < 0.05 considered as significantly associated with the outcome variable. Results: Utilization of LLITN was 33.6%. Factors such as attending antenatal care [adjusted odd ratio (AOR) =1.89; 95% CI; 1.04-3.44], traveling <1 hour to reach health facility AOR=4.41; 95% CI; 2.06-9.43], age [AOR= 3.67; 95% CI; 1.36-9.95], knowledge[AOR=11.68; 95% CI; 5.96-22.89] and having positive attitude [AOR=3.12; 95 CI; 1.66-5.88] were significantly associated with utilization of LLITN. Conclusion: This study showed that low utilization of LLITN. Attending antenatal care (ANC), traveling <1 hour to reach health facility, age , knowledge and attitude had positive association with LLITN utilization. Every concerned body should focus on reducing distance barrier by giving outreach services and increasing ANC, the attitude and knowledge of pregnant women toward malaria and LLITN which increase utilization of LLITN. Key words : LLITN utilization, pregnant women, malarious kebeles, Awable, Ethiopia

Background: Maternal death surveillance and response (MDSR) is the “litmus test” of the health system that provides evidence for accomplishment, links activities to results, makes maternal death visible at all levels, informs communities & health workers, increases country ownership of data, provides information in real time and allows improvement towards catching all maternal mortalities. The aim of study was to evaluate maternal death surveillance and response system in Dewachefa. Methods: A cross sectional study design was conducted in two health centers, five health post, district health office and from these facilities 32 health workers were included. Data were collected through focal person, health worker and health extension worker interview by using checklist. Collected data were entered into Epi data version 3.1. These data were exported to statistical package for social science for analysis. Analyzed data were presented in the form of text, table and figures. Result: The average completeness of weekly report form of the district was 77.4%. Twenty-eight (87.5%) of the health worker had not got Maternal death surveillance and response (MDSR) training. All visited health facilities and Woredas focal person were trained. The system had under notification of maternal death from the community, poor involvement of health facility staff, and discordance of data between public health emergency management, and maternal and newborn health unit report. Establish rapid response team that includes maternal and child health staff’s maternal death review committees in all health facilities.

Background Maternal death surveillance and response (MDSR) is the “litmus test” of the health system that provides evidence for accomplishment, and provides information in real time and allows improvement towards catching all maternal mortalities. The aim of study was to evaluate maternal death surveillance and response system in Dewachefa. Methods A cross sectional study design was conducted in two health centers, five health post, district health office and from these facilities 32 health workers were included. Data were collected through focal person, health worker and health extension worker interview by using checklist. Collected data were entered into Epi data version 3.1. These data were exported to statistical package for social science for analysis. Analyzed data were presented in the form of text, table and figures. Result The overall knowledge of health professionals and health extension workers on MDSR were 40.9% and 40% respectively. The sensitivity of surveillance system was 3/5(60%). In public health emergency management (PHEM) unit, its representativeness was 3/17 (17.6%). All maternal deaths were notified after 8 day of death. The overall knowledge of Health professionals and health extension workers on MDSR was lower. The surveillance system is not sensitive, timeliness and representative. The System is not sustainable/ not standardized. More work should be needed to improve the sensitivity, representativeness, timeliness and sustainable of the surveillance system.