Blood Lead Levels and Likely Adverse Health Outcomes in Under Five Children in Kabwe, Zambia

Abstract The aim of this study is to determine blood lead levels which can lead to adverse health outcomes in under five children in Kabwe (Makululu Township). This study was a cross-sectional study based on secondary data collected in 2015 by Misenge environmental and technical services (METS) ltd, a subsidiary of ZCCM- Investments Holdings Plc. The study was conducted in four zones (Zambezi, Moomba, Makululu, Chililalila) with proximity to the closed Kabwe mine. The study population was children under five, in Makululu Township and study sample was conveniently selected from the study population. All under five children brought to Kabwe mine clinic from Makululu Township were measured for their blood lead levels, until a sample size of 1,166 was reached Blood samples were taken and analyzed in the laboratory for lead concentrations by a professional staff; under the supervision of a medical officer at Kabwe Mine Clinic where lead-Care blood testing system was used. A small, capillary sample of blood (5

Insights and efforts to control rabies in Zambia: Evaluation of determinants and barriers to dog vaccination in Nyimba district.

The current rabies control strategy in Zambia is based on dog vaccination, dog population control and dog movement restrictions. In Nyimba district of Zambia, dog vaccination coverage is low but the incidence of dog bites is high which places the community at risk of rabies infection. The renewed global interest eliminating rabies in developing countries has spurred interest to identify determinants and barriers of dog vaccination in an effort to reduce the overall disease burden.A mixed methods cross sectional design was used in the study. This consisted of three parts: Evaluation of medical records regarding dog bite injuries, implementation and analysis of a household survey and in-depth review of key informant interviews. Data was collected into a Microsoft Excel database and subsequently transferred to STATA for descriptive, inferential and thematic analysis.Dog vaccination coverage overall was 8.7% (57/655), with 3.4% (22/655) in urban areas, 1.8% (12/655) in peri-urban and 3.5 (23/655) in the rural regions. Financially stable households were more likely to have their dogs vaccinated. Only 10.3% (31/300) of the respondents had vaccinated their dogs and these had a reliable source of income as 6% (18/300) were peasant farmers, 2% (6/300) were dependants whose guardians were financially stable and 2.3% (7/300) were in steady employment. Important barriers to dog vaccination included cost, limited awareness of vaccination program and access.Current rabies control strategies in Nyimba district, Zambia, appear quite limited. Improvements in the regional dog vaccination program may provide benefits. Enhancement of educational efforts targeting behavioural factors may also prove useful. Finally, the cost of dog vaccination can be reduced with scaled up production of a local vaccine

Assessment of pesticide residue levels among locally produced fruits and vegetables in Monze district, Zambia

Abstract Background The use of pesticides in fruits and vegetable production is beneficial for preventing, destroying or repelling pests that may damage these crops. The use of these chemicals however, often leads to the presence of residues in the fruits and vegetables after harvest. This study investigated farmers’ compliance to applicable national standards by assessing pesticide residues in selected locally produced fruits and vegetables in two study sites in Monze, Zambia. The study used mixed methods (convergent parallel) design. We procured rape, cabbages, tomato and orange samples from conveniently sampled fruit and vegetable farmers around Hachaanga and St. Mary’s areas in Monze, Zambia. Samples were analyzed for residues of dichlorvos using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Estimated average daily intakes (EADI) were calculated using standard formula. We also explored farmers’ practices in dealing with regulatory issues in pesticide use and handling. A total of 14 key informant interviews with farmers, agriculture and public health officers and one policy maker were undertaken using a semi structured interview guide, were voice recorded, later transcribed and analyzed using Nvivo 10 software. Results Results revealed detectable residues in 63.3% of 30 tested samples out of which three samples (one each of cabbage, tomato and orange samples) exceeded the codex Alimentarius maximum residual limit (0.1 mg/kg). However, all samples had residues below the Zambia Food and Drugs standard (0.5 ppm). The EADIs were also below WHO/FAO allowable daily intake recommended in all fruit and vegetable samples; however hazard indices for cabbage and oranges were close to the value one. In regard to farmers’ practices, results showed great variation in pesticide use and handling, limited knowledge, observation of reduced waiting periods and limited monitoring and regulation of pesticide use among farmers. Conclusion Our investigation found that all our samples had residues within the locally applicable regulation limits. All our EADIs were below the FAO/WHO limits. However, farmers’ practices in pesticide use and handling were not conformity to guidelines. Therefore, there is need for educating food producers on handling and hazards of pesticides in Zambia

CONSUMPTION OF AFLATOXIN CONTAMINATED PEANUT BUTTER: A HEALTH THREAT TO THE POPULATION IN LUSAKA URBAN-ZAMBIA

Aflatoxin contamination is a major global Public Health problem especially in developing countries. Consumption of contaminated peanut butter poses a serious public health challenge. Aflatoxin is implicated in cancer, low immunity, and stunting among children and increases morbidity and mortality. To investigate aflatoxin contamination levels in peanut butter from local and international suppliers in selected Lusaka urban district outlets, a cross sectional quantitative study was carried out. A total of 109 peanut butter samples collected from local and international sources were tested for aflatoxin contamination levels using AccuScan Reveal Q+ test. The findings showed that nine (8.3%) of the 109 samples satisfied the 0 to 4ppb European standards, and were deemed safe for public consumption, while the majority (91.7%) were not. However, using the Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC) standard, of up to 15ppb, 83 (76.1%) samples were found to be safe for consumption. There was a marked difference in aflatoxin contamination of products with P-value of less than 0.00001. The study revealed high aflatoxin contamination in local compared to international products at 15ppb standard where 25 local products compared to 1 product of the international origin were contaminated above 15ppb. To protect the safety of consumers, it is recommended that the regulatory agency, the Zambia Bureau of Standards (ZABS) provides guidance on standards and monitor compliance. To control the movement of contaminated peanut products across borders and their consumption, collaborative research and consumer awareness will be critical

Categories of number of dogs kept per household by area of residence.

<p>Categories of number of dogs kept per household by area of residence.</p

Parts of the study.

<p>Parts of the study.</p

2013 to 2015 dog bite case records evaluation.

<p>2013 to 2015 dog bite case records evaluation.</p

Rabies confirmed cases between 2004 and 2013 in Zambia.

<p>Rabies confirmed cases between 2004 and 2013 in Zambia.</p

Insights and efforts to control rabies in Zambia: Evaluation of determinants and barriers to dog vaccination in Nyimba district

<div><p>Background</p><p>The current rabies control strategy in Zambia is based on dog vaccination, dog population control and dog movement restrictions. In Nyimba district of Zambia, dog vaccination coverage is low but the incidence of dog bites is high which places the community at risk of rabies infection. The renewed global interest eliminating rabies in developing countries has spurred interest to identify determinants and barriers of dog vaccination in an effort to reduce the overall disease burden.</p><p>Methodology</p><p>A mixed methods cross sectional design was used in the study. This consisted of three parts: Evaluation of medical records regarding dog bite injuries, implementation and analysis of a household survey and in-depth review of key informant interviews. Data was collected into a Microsoft Excel database and subsequently transferred to STATA for descriptive, inferential and thematic analysis.</p><p>Results</p><p>Dog vaccination coverage overall was 8.7% (57/655), with 3.4% (22/655) in urban areas, 1.8% (12/655) in peri-urban and 3.5 (23/655) in the rural regions. Financially stable households were more likely to have their dogs vaccinated. Only 10.3% (31/300) of the respondents had vaccinated their dogs and these had a reliable source of income as 6% (18/300) were peasant farmers, 2% (6/300) were dependants whose guardians were financially stable and 2.3% (7/300) were in steady employment. Important barriers to dog vaccination included cost, limited awareness of vaccination program and access.</p><p>Conclusion</p><p>Current rabies control strategies in Nyimba district, Zambia, appear quite limited. Improvements in the regional dog vaccination program may provide benefits. Enhancement of educational efforts targeting behavioural factors may also prove useful. Finally, the cost of dog vaccination can be reduced with scaled up production of a local vaccine.</p></div

Ratio of humans to dogs.

<p>Ratio of humans to dogs.</p