Strategy to control and eradicate dengue hemorrhagic fever vectors in Bali

Dengue hemorrhagic fever cases in Bali have increased in the past decade. Control and eradication efforts must be optimized. In order to create dengue-free zones, accurate information and a comprehensive strategy for accelerating dengue vector management are required. This paper is based on empirical, field, and epidemiological studies and program evaluations guided by the health belief model approach. In this regard, Bali's lesson on dengue cases fluctuated from 2018 to 2020. The incidence and death rates are increasing, especially during the COVID-19. Many factors affect the disease agent, the host, and the environment. The SIGAP strategy is a policy brief that is studied and implemented to accelerate dengue vector control in Bali, which includes: awareness of the importance of 4M-Plus (draining, closing, reusing used goods, and monitoring) and mosquito nest control; integration of dengue information services; using natural insecticides and larvicides; observing and reporting the presence of vectors to the larva monitoring officer; and regular monitoring weekly. Implementing the SIGAP strategy can reduce dengue vectors and speed up the process of getting rid of dengue disease in Bali

Maintaining Polio-Free Status in Indonesia during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Indonesia’s polio-free status as well as the 2023 global polio eradication target have been threa- tened by disruptions to immunization services caused by the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic and related restrictions. n Fear of contracting COVID-19, human resource diversion, and travel restrictions posed barriers to delivering polio immunization services during the pandemic. n To resume polio vaccination efforts and maintain polio-free status, Indonesia health authorities need to take action to: 8 Maximize vaccine service reach by mapping children who have not been vaccinated and monitor the vaccine supply chain 8 Integrate vaccine delivery with pandemic response efforts 8 Mobilize communities for advocacy and education 8 Adjust programs to address human resource, physical, and financial resource gaps 8 Strengthen monitoring and evaluation and surveillance effort

Anticancer Potential of L-Histidine-Capped Silver Nanoparticles against Human Cervical Cancer Cells (SiHA)

This study reports the synthesis of silver nanoparticles using amino acid L-histidine as a reducing and capping agent as an eco-friendly approach. Fabricated L-histidine-capped silver nanoparticles (L-HAgNPs) were characterized by spectroscopic and microscopic studies. Spherical shaped L-HAgNPs were synthesized with a particle size of 47.43 ± 19.83 nm and zeta potential of −20.5 ± 0.95 mV. Results of the anticancer potential of L-HAgNPs showed antiproliferative effect against SiHa cells in a dose-dependent manner with an IC50 value of 18.25 ± 0.36 µg/mL. Fluorescent microscopic analysis revealed L-HAgNPs induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) mediated mitochondrial dysfunction, leading to activation of apoptotic pathway and DNA damage eventually causing cell death. To conclude, L-HAgNPs can act as promising candidates for cervical cancer therapy

Targeting populations at higher risk for malaria: A survey of national malaria elimination programmes in the Asia Pacific

Background: Significant progress has been made in reducing the malaria burden in the Asia Pacific region, which is aggressively pursuing a 2030 regional elimination goal. Moving from malaria control to elimination requires National Malaria Control Programmes (NMCPs) to target interventions at populations at higher risk, who are often not reached by health services, highly mobile and difficult to test, treat, and track with routine measures, and if undiagnosed, can maintain parasite reservoirs and contribute to ongoing transmission. Methods: A qualitative, free-text questionnaire was developed and disseminated among 17 of the 18 partner countries of the Asia Pacific Malaria Elimination Network (APMEN). Results: All 14 countries that responded to the survey identified key populations at higher risk of malaria in their respective countries. Thirteen countries engage in the dissemination of malaria-related Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) materials. Eight countries engage in diagnostic screening, including of mobile and migrant workers, military staff, and/or overseas workers. Ten countries reported distributing or recommending the use of long-lasting insecticide-treated nets (LLINs) among populations at higher risk with fewer countries engaging in other prevention measures such as indoor residual spraying (IRS) (two countries), spatial repellents (four countries), chemoprophylaxis (five countries), and mass drug administration (MDA) (three countries). Though not specifically tailored to populations at higher risk, 11 countries reported using mass blood surveys as a surveillance tool and ten countries map case data. Most NMCPs lack a monitoring and evaluation structure. Conclusion: Countries in the Asia Pacific have identified populations at higher risk and targeted interventions to these groups but there is limited information on the effectiveness of these interventions. Platforms like APMEN offer the opportunity for the sharing of protocols and lessons learned related to finding, targeting and successfully clearing malaria from populations at higher risk. The sharing of programme data across borders may further strengthen national and regional efforts to eliminate malaria. This exchange of real-life experience is invaluable to NMCPs when scarce scientific evidence on the topic exists to aid decision-making and can further support NMCPs to develop strategies that will deliver a malaria-free Asia Pacific by 2030