Research Article
Open Access
Abattoir-Based Prevalence of Cysticercus bovis, Associated Risk Factors, and Community Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices in Modjo Municipality, East Shoa Zone, Oromia, Ethiopia
Abe Reta, Hissa Dingeta, Biressaw Serda
Abstract
Background: Bovine cysticercosis, caused by the larval stage (Cysticercus bovis) of Taenia saginata, is an important zoonotic disease that affects both livestock production and public health. The disease results in considerable economic losses due to carcass condemnation and reduced meat quality while posing health risks to humans through the consumption of raw or undercooked infected beef. Information regarding the prevalence of bovine cysticercosis and public awareness remains limited in several parts of Ethiopia.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted between November 2024 and September 2025 at Modjo Municipal Abattoir, East Shoa Zone, Oromia, Ethiopia. A total of 384 cattle were systematically selected and examined using routine ante-mortem and post-mortem meat inspection procedures to determine the prevalence and anatomical distribution of Cysticercus bovis. In addition, a structured questionnaire survey involving 100 community members was conducted to assess knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) regarding taeniasis and bovine cysticercosis. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS version 20 to determine prevalence and evaluate associations between selected risk factors and infection.
Results: The overall prevalence of bovine cysticercosis was 7.3% (28/384). Animals with poor body condition showed significantly higher infection rates than those with medium or good body condition. The tongue was the most frequently affected organ, followed by the liver, kidneys, masseter muscles, and heart. The KAP survey indicated that although many respondents had previously heard about taeniasis, misconceptions regarding disease transmission, prevention, and meat inspection remained common. Consumption of raw beef and inadequate public awareness continue to represent important risk factors for disease transmission.
Conclusion: Bovine cysticercosis remains an important veterinary and public health concern in the study area. Improved meat inspection, enhanced public awareness, better sanitation practices, and strengthened disease surveillance are recommended to reduce disease transmission and associated economic losses.
Research Article
Open Access
Challenges Among Nurses in Implementing Electronic Health Records (EHRs) at District Base Hospital, Teldeniya
Rifka Aleem, Bhagya Wijewardana, Riyazath Mohammed, Thusharika Dandeniya TM
Abstract
Electronic Health Records (EHRs) are digital versions of patients' medical records that enhance the safety, efficiency, and quality of healthcare delivery. Despite their potential benefits, the implementation of EHR systems remains challenging, particularly in developing countries. In Sri Lanka, only a limited number of hospitals have adopted EHR systems. District Base Hospital, Teldeniya, has successfully implemented an EHR system in the Outpatient Department and selected clinical units; however, nurses continue to experience various challenges during its implementation.
This study aimed to identify the personal and institutional challenges faced by nurses in implementing Electronic Health Records at District Base Hospital, Teldeniya. A quantitative descriptive research design was employed using a self-administered questionnaire. A convenience sample of 100 nurses participated in the study, and the collected data were analyzed using descriptive statistics with the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25.
The findings revealed that the major challenges experienced by nurses included inadequate continuous training, frequent interruptions during EHR use, lack of confidence and belief in the EHR system, insufficient computer training, and technical problems such as power failures and network interruptions. Although most participants expressed positive attitudes toward EHRs, these personal and institutional barriers affected the effective implementation of the system.
The study concludes that strengthening continuous professional development, improving technical infrastructure, and providing regular computer and EHR-related training are essential to enhance the successful implementation of Electronic Health Records. The findings may assist hospital administrators and the Ministry of Health in developing appropriate strategies to improve EHR adoption and utilization among nurses in Sri Lanka.
Research Article
Open Access
Velvet Tamarind (Dialium Guineense) : A Comprehensive Review of its Botany, Phytochemistry, Pharmacology, Nutritional Value, and Industrial Applications
Lawal, Oluranti Mopelola, Oluyemi, Olutade Ifemide, and Ighodaro, Benjamin Efosa
Abstract
Dialium guineense (African Velvet Tamarind) is an underutilized plant predominantly cultivated in West Africa especially in Nigeria. It contains tremendous amount of carbohydrate along with fiber, vitamin, minerals and a lesser amount of protein varying on the part of the tree. This study aims to review the nutritional composition, medicinal properties, antimicrobial activity, phytochemical and antioxidant of various parts (pulp, stem bark, seed and leaf) of the plant. The pulp is mainly ingested raw where it is believed to increase lactation among women and can be processed into juice. The stem bark along with it leaves is also used to treat cases of ailment where it also serves as treatment against bacterial infection and scavengers of free radicals. It is also used in the industry where it serves purpose in confectionery obtained from the pulp flour, as thickening agent in food, for making biodegradable packaging material, as animal feed and used in construction work. This review, carried out on Dialium therefore recognizes a need to make awareness on the lack of clinical trial on any therapeutic application of the plant even though laboratory examination has been conducted, in addition to fully study the bioavailability of the bioactive compounds and their by-product.
Research Article
Open Access
Global Health Diplomacy and Access Inequality in the Global South: A Comparative Study of HIV/AIDS and COVID-19
Agboola, Oluwafemi, PhD
Abstract
Inequities in access to medicines, vaccines and health technologies continue to remains a major challenge in global health governance, majorly in the Global South. The present study underscores the importance of global health diplomacy as a contributor to inequity in access to health services on an international scale by drawing parallels between the HIV/AIDS epidemic and the COVID-19 pandemic. The methodology employed in this study is qualitative comparative case study design that is a methodology in which documentary evidence is used in the form of peer-reviewed articles, academic books, international organizations' policy documents and reports. Theories: Dependency Theory and Liberal institutionalism. These two theories will be used to examine the impact of structural inequalities and global partnerships on global health outcomes.
Findings show that global health diplomacy has facilitated global cooperation, resource mobilization and institutional response to big health crises.However, the disparities in drug production, patents and technologies, and geopolitical power are still important drivers of access. During the HIV/AIDS pandemic in many Global South countries, there was a restriction of access to antiretroviral (ARV) drugs due to patent barriers and high treatment costs. COVID-19 pandemic also highlighted inequalities in vaccine nationalism, inequitable vaccine procurement processes and limited technology transfer.
WHO, UNAIDS, the Global Fund and COVAX were active in improving relations, but had limited capacity to ensure equitable distribution. The study finds the need for improved technology transfer systems, increased pharmaceutical manufacturing capacities, increased IP action and increased accountability within the global health institutions to move the agenda forward on international health equity.
Research Article
Open Access
Phytochemical Characterisation and In Vitro Evaluation of the Analgesic Potential of Gbefun Super Bitters
OWO Gogo James, EZEKWE, Ahamaefula Sunday, OKARI Karibo Amakiri
Abstract
Inequities in access to medicines, vaccines and health technologies continue to remains a major challenge in global health governance, majorly in the Global South. The present study underscores the importance of global health diplomacy as a contributor to inequity in access to health services on an international scale by drawing parallels between the HIV/AIDS epidemic and the COVID-19 pandemic. The methodology employed in this study is qualitative comparative case study design that is a methodology in which documentary evidence is used in the form of peer-reviewed articles, academic books, international organizations' policy documents and reports. Theories: Dependency Theory and Liberal institutionalism. These two theories will be used to examine the impact of structural inequalities and global partnerships on global health outcomes.
Findings show that global health diplomacy has facilitated global cooperation, resource mobilization and institutional response to big health crises.However, the disparities in drug production, patents and technologies, and geopolitical power are still important drivers of access. During the HIV/AIDS pandemic in many Global South countries, there was a restriction of access to antiretroviral (ARV) drugs due to patent barriers and high treatment costs. COVID-19 pandemic also highlighted inequalities in vaccine nationalism, inequitable vaccine procurement processes and limited technology transfer.
WHO, UNAIDS, the Global Fund and COVAX were active in improving relations, but had limited capacity to ensure equitable distribution. The study finds the need for improved technology transfer systems, increased pharmaceutical manufacturing capacities, increased IP action and increased accountability within the global health institutions to move the agenda forward on international health equity.
