Species composition, infection rate and feeding preference of Anopheles mosquito species (Diptera: Culicidae) in the west Amhara Region, northwest Ethiopia.

BACKGROUND: Reports showed that Amhara Region is accounting for 31% of Ethiopia`s malaria burden. Reports also depicted that despite the existing malaria vector control tools implemented by the regional government, currently there is an increment in malaria prevalence in the region. This might be due to lack of entomological monitoring and comprehensive information on the prevailing species composition, infection rate and feeding presences of An. mosquito species in the study areas. Therefore, this study aimed to address this information. METHODS: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from 18 February to 30 March 2023 at three districts of the west Amhara Region. For this, six CDC light traps (three indoor and three outdoor) were used to collect adult female An. mosquito species. In this study, 261 An. mosquito species comprising seven species were collected. Their morphological identification and abdominal status determination were carried out using standard morphological identification keys under a dissection microscope. While their infection rates and blood meal sources were determined, using circumsporozoite protein-ELISA and blood meal-ELISA based on the standard protocol. Data were entered to SPSS versions 20 for analysis and p- value < 0.05 was considered as statistically significant. RESULTS: In our study, total of 261 An. mosquito species were identified. An. demeilloni was the most abundant species accounted for 112(42.9%) of all captures. It was also the most predominant species at Ayehu-Guagusa followed by Jabitehnan districts. An. demeilloni and An. cinereus altogether accounting for infection rate of 3(1.1%) for P. vivax parasite. Furthermore, our study showed that more than 50% of An. mosquito species collected fed on cattle blood showing shifting of feeding behaviors. CONCLUSIONS: Our study depicted that An. demeilloni and An. cinereus were the most abundant species and infected with P. vivax parasite. Therefore, further comprehensive study should be done in the future.

Health and nutrition emergency response among internally displaced persons at Ranch collective site, Chagni, Ethiopia: The role of emergency operation center, lessons from the field, and way forwards.

Background: In October 2020, about 79,041 ethnically Amhara/Agew people had been internally displaced (IDPs) from Metekel zone of Benishangul-Gumuz region and lived in Ranch collective site, Chagni town, Ethiopia. Onsite PHEOC met the health and nutrition needs of the IDPs as per international humanitarian response standards. Methods: On January 11/2021, the Amhara Public Health Institute (APHI) established an onsite Public Health Emergency Operation Center (PHEOC) at Ranch collective site. Health workers and vehicles were deployed. A temporary clinic having nine outlets was built. Drugs and medical supplies were mobilized from different sources. The overall response period lasted about 8 months, from December 2020 up to June 2021. Results: A total of 33,410 IDPs had received free essential health services. Mental health and psychosocial support services had been given for 1,803 cases. Specialized medical services such as trachomatous trichiasis (30), cataract surgery (8) and sputum samples for mycobacterium tuberculosis (120) have been done. Moreover, 454 women received antenatal care services and 137 women gave birth at health facilities. About 837 children have got measles supplementary dose and 1,280 adults took a COVID-19 vaccination. A total of 1,448 children under five, 454 pregnant and 402 lactating women had been screened on monthly basis. Of which, severe and moderate malnutrition rate was 46 (3.2%) and 75 (5.2%), respectively. A total of 194 trench latrine seats, 74 shower rooms and 50 hand washing facilities had been constructed. There were no human feces present nor solid wastes accumulated around the shelters or settlements. Both active and passive surveillance activities were carried out throughout the camp life. We also conducted regularly Risk Communication and Community Engagement activities on priority health issues. Conclusion: We adequately met the health and nutrition needs of the IDPs as stated in the Sphere humanitarian handbook. We sought to have a strong Incident Management System and coordination platforms like PHEOC, a resilient health system, a training curriculum called Leading in Emergencies, and a multipurpose collective center with infrastructures, humanitarian response guidelines, training materials, and risk/vulnerability-based preparedness plan.

Recent HIV infection among newly diagnosed cases and associated factors in the Amhara regional state, Northern Ethiopia: HIV case surveillance data analysis (2019-2021).

Background: Distinguishing a recent from long-standing HIV infection is a critical step to reduce new infections in 2030. Therefore, this analysis determines the proportion of recent HIV infections among newly diagnosed cases and associated factors in the Amhara regional state between 2019 and 2021. Methods: We got the HIV case-based surveillance dataset (July 2019 up to August 12/2021) from the Amhara Public Health Institute. Recent infection is an infection gained within the last 12 months as identified by Asante recency test kits. Logistic regression was carried out to identify factors associated with recent infection. Adjusted odd with 95% CI and a p-value of < 0.05 was considered to declare significant associations. Results: Out of 5,689 eligible cases, 3,129 (55%) recency tests had been performed. The proportion of recent HIV infection is 443 (14.2%, 95% CI: 13, 15.4%). High proportion of recent infections is reported from Bahir Dar city (23.3%), Central Gondar (17.7%), West Gojjam (16.5%), North Shewa (16.5%) and South Gondar zones (15.7%). Besides, the proportion of recent infection is high among clients aged ≥ 51 years (32.4%), illicit drug users (30.6 %), homelessness (28.5%), current commercial sex workers (27.9%), prisoners (21.1%), and among clients with invasive medical procedures (22.2%). Recent infection is significantly associated with females (AOR: 1.9, 95% CI: 1.2-3.1), secondary and above education (AOR: 2.1, 95% CI: 1.3-3.4), commercial sex workers (AOR: 1.8, 95% CI: 1.2-2.7), having contact with index case (AOR: 0.5, 95% CI: 0.3-0.8) and illicit drug utilization (AOR: 3.6, 95% CI: 1.1-12.4). Conclusion: In the Amhara region, the proportion of recent HIV infection is high with marked variation across sociodemographic characteristics. We identified the risk or preventive factors associated with a recent infection. Therefore, all HIV responders should target their prevention efforts toward hot spot areas and sub-populations to stop further transmission.