Risk Factors of Cholera Transmission in Al Hudaydah, Yemen: Case-Control Study.

BACKGROUND: Yemen has recently faced the largest cholera outbreak in the world, which started at the end of 2016. By the end of 2017, the cumulative reported cases from all governorates reached 777,229 with 2134 deaths. Al Hudaydah was one of the most strongly affected areas, with 88,741 (18%) cases and 244 (12%) deaths reported. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine the risk factors associated with cholera transmission in Al Hudaydah city, Yemen. METHODS: From December 1, 2017 to January 10, 2018, a total of 104 patients with cholera (57 women and 47 men) who presented at cholera treatment centers in Al Hudaydah city with three or more watery stools in a 24-hour period and with moderate or severe dehydration were identified for inclusion in this study. Each case was matched by age and gender with two controls who were living in the neighboring house. A semistructured questionnaire was used to collect data on behavioral and environmental risk factors such as drinking water from public wells, storing water in containers, consumption of unwashed vegetables or fruits, and sharing a toilet. RESULTS: The median age of the cases and controls was 20 years (range 5-80) and 23 years (range 5-85), respectively. Only 6% of cases and 4% of controls were employed. Multivariate analysis showed that eating unwashed vegetables or fruits (odds ratio [OR] 7.0, 95% CI 1.6-30.6, P=.01), storing water in containers (OR 3.0, 95% CI 1.3-7.3, P=.01), drinking water from a public well (OR 2.5, 95% CI 1.1-5.7, P=.02), and using a public toilet (OR 5.2, 95% CI 1.1-24.4, P=.04) were significantly associated with cholera infection risk. CONCLUSIONS: The cholera transmission risk factors in Al Hudaydah city were related to water and sanitation hygiene. Therefore, increasing awareness of the population on the importance of water chlorination, and washing fruits and vegetables through a health education campaign is strongly recommended.

Evaluation of Blood Transfusion Services in Public and Private Blood Bank Centers, Sana'a Capital, Yemen.

The aim of this study was to evaluate blood transfusion services (BTS) at the main blood banks (BBs) of the Sana'a Capital. The 4 main BBs at Sana'a Capital were evaluated according to the safe World Health Organization BTS standards. Qualitative and quantitative data were collected using semi-structured questionnaires covering 6 components: activities, quality assurance system (QAS) and training, donation, grouping and compatibility testing, components, and screening for transfusion-transmitted infections (TTIs). An overall mean percent score for BTS was calculated where <60% is considered unsatisfactory, 60% to 79.9% satisfactory, and ≥80% highly satisfactory. The 4 BBs screen for HIV, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C and perform all functions except therapeutic transfusion. While 75% of the staff in BBs had received training in biosafety and half of the staff had received training in Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), no QAS in place at any of the 4 BBs. The 4 BBs depended on 71% of their transfusions on family donors. Two BBs do not perform reverse grouping and do not keep patient/donor samples for the required minimum 5 days. Only one BB achieved an overall high satisfactory score and one achieved a satisfactory score. Findings highlight the increasing challenges facing BTS in Sana'a Capital especially the lack of therapeutic transfusion, poor QAS, and predominant dependence on the family donors. Therefore, there is a need to develop and train staff on QAS and to increase awareness among public on importance of voluntary donation. A wider scale evaluation of BTS in Sana'a is recommended.