This article empirically analyzes the influence of green finance (GF) on ocean health. Employing 10 indicators and a composite Ocean Health Index (OHI) to measure the efficiency and sustainability of ocean economies, the study spans 9 years across 35 countries. Multiple econometric methodologies, including Feasible Generalized Least Squares (FGLS), Panel-Corrected Standard Errors (PCSE), and the 2-step Generalized Method of Moments (GMM), demonstrate a substantial negative association between GF and ocean health. An extensive analysis of GF’s relationship to the Ocean Health Index (OHI) components indicates that GF negatively impacts each of the 6 aspects of OHI. In the long run, however, when a Pooled Mean Group Autoregressive Distributed Lag (PMG-ARDL) model is used to assess the short- and long-term impacts, the results show a substantial positive association between GF and the ocean health.

JEL code: J4; C12

The role healthcare systems can play in surmounting global challenges like climatic change and resource scarcity is large, considering the major social and environmental impact. The research investigates the role of organizational behavior in influencing the adoption of sustainability initiatives in Greek healthcare organizations in regard to climate change. The research surveys 379 healthcare professionals from the public and private sectors with regard to organizational attitudes toward climate change, the adoption of sustainable practices, and individual environmental perspectives. Results underline that health care administration is still cut off from environmental considerations, with limited employee involvement in such initiatives of sustainability. The major barriers were poor communication, lack of education, and inadequate awareness across institutions. The study also emphasized that healthcare organizations need to align their values with environmental strategy so they can work in unison toward seeking sustainability. These would be stimulating initiatives for more leadership and active staff who become involved in making meaningful contributions toward global sustainability from the healthcare sector.

Amidst global challenges such as climate change and resource scarcity, the health sector plays a pivotal role in promoting social well-being and environmental sustainability. However, achieving sustainability goals necessitates more than simply adopting environmentally friendly practices; it requires a profound shift in organizational behavior towards a holistic and integrated approach. This study scrutinizes the critical role of organizational behavior in terms of management’s perception of climate change, the way a health organization operates in relation to staff mobilization and the views of its own staff always with climate change in mind and its effects. An analysis of a sample of 379 health professionals through a relevant questionnaire from the public and private sectors of the healthcare industry in Greece revealed a significant degree of detachment of the administrations from environmental concerns, with the simultaneous absence of motivation of the staff on corresponding issues, while negative was the health workers’ overall perception of climate, showing significant challenges in communication in addition to education and awareness within the organization. Overall, this research provides a window into the adoption of Organizational Behavior principles by healthcare organizations in order to ensure their sustainability.

Rice production in Southeast Vietnam generates a large amount of straw, which is often burnt directly in fields, causing air pollution and affecting community health. This study aims to assess the awareness of the environmental and health impacts of straw burning among farmers, students, and managers in the provinces of Tay Ninh, Binh Phuoc, and Dong Nai, Vietnam. We conducted a survey of 686 individuals, divided into 3 main groups: 349 farmers, 250 students, and 87 local government officials. The survey results, analyzed using exploratory factor analysis (EFA), indicate that 55.2% of farmers never engage in straw burning, while 24.4% report infrequent burning. Awareness of the negative impacts, such as ecological imbalance, air pollution, and soil degradation, is prevalent, particularly among students and managers. Statistical analysis revealed significant differences in perception and behavior toward straw burning among the groups. Despite the willingness of farmers to adopt sustainable straw management practices, they require low-cost solutions that do not significantly alter their farming practices. This study proposes a policy framework that includes educational initiatives, community participation, and government support to promote sustainable straw management. By guiding farmers away from straw burning, the framework aims to reduce air pollution and contribute to environmental protection and sustainable agricultural development.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate Solid Waste Collectors’ (SWCs) knowledge of occupational hazards, their views on personal protective equipment (PPE), strategies for PPE use, and challenges in managing occupational risks. Previous studies have highlighted the importance of protective measures in addressing occupational hazards, but there is a need for further research to assess the knowledge levels of waste collectors regarding these hazards and PPE practices. This study used a qualitative research technique, particularly, a phenomenological research design to capture the living experiences from SWCs. Focused group discussions and in-depth interviews were employed to gather data. Subgroups of topics were created by coding the data using a predefined codebook as part of the content analysis process. SWCs demonstrated that they were aware of the risks they face in their work environments. The risks include which can range from long-term health issues brought by repetitive exposure to harmful substances and sharp objects. The lack of PPE accessibility and availability has become a significant issue, exposing waste collectors to various diseases and accidents, forcing them to work without necessary safeguards. Efforts to increase PPEs through public-private partnerships (PPPs) should be promoted. The city council should provide on-the-job training on health risks, occupational hazards related to waste collection, and PPE usage regularly; and establish efficient channels for SWCs to report problems and ensure that their grievances are properly addressed.

This research aimed to assess the levels of AFM1 and evaluate the associated health risks from raw milk samples collected randomly from four selected towns. Ninety (n = 90) raw milk samples were randomly collected from smallholder dairy farmers in the North Shewa Zone, with 23 samples from Fiche, 23 from G/Gurracha, 22 from Dagem, and 22 from Sululta. The concentrations of AFM1 in the raw milk samples were determined using high-performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection (HPLC-FLD) after purification via an immunoaffinity column (IAC). AFM1 was detected in 76 (84.4%) raw milk samples, with 53 (58.9%) exceeding the maximum permissible limit established by the European Commission, 0.0500 µg/L. The highest AFM1 content was 2.00 µg/L and the lowest was 0.0100 µg/L. Additionally, risk assessment was performed using the margin of exposure (MOE), estimated daily intake (EDI), hazard index (HI), and cancer risk (CR). The results indicated that based on the average contamination levels of the milk during the study period and typical consumption rates, the average EDI of the adult population to AFM1 ranged from 0.374 to 0.852 ng/kg body weight (bw) per day. The calculated MOE values were less than 10,000, indicating potential health concerns. The mean HI value determined in this study was 2.70, which also suggests adverse health effects. Furthermore, the estimated risk of developing hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) due to AFM1 exposure from milk consumption among adults was calculated to be 0.00170 cases per 100 000 individuals yearly. This finding indicates a significant risk of HCC, which justifies its continuous monitoring of dairy products throughout the entire supply chain, from production to consumption. Furthermore, our research highlights the need for further investigation into the risks posed by AFM1 in children, given their higher levels of milk consumption relative to adults.

This systematic review investigates the association between environmental pollutants and the risk of diarrhea, a critical public health issue, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. The review synthesizes findings from various studies that highlight the impact of contaminants such as pesticides, heavy metals, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), microplastics, and parabens on gastrointestinal health. Following PRISMA guidelines, a comprehensive literature search across databases including PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar yielded 496 articles, of which 11 met the inclusion criteria for detailed analysis. The results indicate a significant correlation between exposure to specific pollutants—particularly pesticides like dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT), PAHs, arsenic, cadmium, and microplastics—and increased incidences of diarrhea. Notably, studies revealed that prenatal exposure to DDT is linked to higher diarrhea rates among boys in urban settings, while pesticide exposure in childhood correlates with inflammatory bowel disease in adulthood. Mechanistically, these pollutants may disrupt gastrointestinal function through cholinergic effects and endocrine disruption, leading to altered gut motility and microbiome imbalances. Moreover, the review emphasizes the immunosuppressive effects of heavy metals such as mercury and cadmium, which compromise the immune response and increase susceptibility to gastrointestinal infections. Despite the identified associations, there is a notable gap in research regarding geographic distribution and pollutant impacts on health outcomes. The review underscores the necessity for public health interventions aimed at reducing exposure to these environmental pollutants to mitigate their adverse health effects. In conclusion, this systematic review highlights the urgent need for further epidemiological studies in underrepresented areas to enhance our understanding of how environmental pollutants influence public health globally. Recommendations include rigorous monitoring of pollutant levels, public health initiatives to reduce exposure, and policies that restrict emissions of harmful substances. Addressing environmental pollution is crucial for mitigating diarrheal diseases and protecting vulnerable populations from its detrimental effects.

Environmental polluatants (metals and non metals) are involved in diarrhea.

The safety of borehole water is highly questionable, yet most people in the African continent still depend on borehole water as the primary source for everyday use. To investigate the potential health risk of borehole water on the community, this study analyzed the presence and levels of various chemical parameters in borehole water of Ga-Matlala area in Limpopo province, South Africa. Twenty-four water samples were collected from selected eight villages of ga-Matlala during both the dry and rainy seasons. Techniques such as UV/vis spectrophotometric method, EDTA titrimetric method, Cl^- argentometric method and FAAS were used to determine fluoride, nitrate, hardness, calcium, chloride ion and magnesium. In the rainy season, hardness ranged from 146.10 to 1136.49 mg/L, calcium ranged between 252.54 to 448.2 mg/L. In the dry season, hardness ranged between 157.69 to 1003.80 mg/L, calcium concentration ranged between 183.43 and 385.37 mg/L. The recommended limits set by regulatory authorities were exceeded in both seasons. Fewer samples recorded chloride concentration ⩾ 100 mg/L in both seasons. Magnesium concentrations were between 0.72 and 1.35 mg/L in both seasons. Fluoride concentration exceeded the maximum permissible level by regulatory bodies in most samples. In the rainy season, the lowest concentration was 1.94 mg/L, and a maximum was 3.22 mg/L. The nitrate concentration in both seasons was around 0.3 mg/L. Magnesium concentrations were within the acceptable levels. The elevated levels of chemicals in borehole may lead to dental fluorosis, risk of kidney stones and cancer in human beings. It is therefore recommended that risk awareness action should be undertaken, and treatment interventions should be considered.

BACKGROUND: Antibiotic resistance (ABR) poses a critical global health challenge, necessitating its surveillance across both human and animal health sectors. This study evaluated ABR in bacteria harboured in reared inland fishes sold in Accra and the pond water from which they originated.

METHOD: The study was cross-sectional, involving fishes and water sampled from 80 ponds. The gastrointestinal organs of the fishes were homogenised and cultured for bacteria, as were the water samples. The bacteria were identified using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionisation time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MS). Antimicrobial susceptibility test was done using the Kirby-Bauer method. Multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria were selected for further testing. The double disc diffusion method was used to detect extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) production in isolates that were resistant to third-generation cephalosporins. Whole genome sequencing was performed on the ESBL-positive isolates using the Illumina Miseq platform.

RESULTS: In total, 39 different bacterial species, with their individual numbers totalling 391, were isolated. The bacteria were predominantly Escherichia coli (17%), Aeromonas veronii (11%), Citrobacter freundii (8%), Bacillus cereus (5%), and Klebsiella pneumoniae (5%). The overall ABR rates were cefotaxime (32%), gentamicin (1%), ciprofloxacin (4%), chloramphenicol (19%), tetracycline (37%), meropenem (0%), and ertapenem (0%). Overall MDR and ESBL bacteria prevalence were 13.6% and 1.3%, respectively. The sequence types of the ESBL isolates were ST4684 (80%, n = 4) and ST2005 (20%, n = 1), and the serotypes were H34:09 (80%, n = 4) and H7 (20%, n = 1); the ABR genes were blaCTX-M-15, fosA7, and qnrS1.

CONCLUSION: The fishes and the pond water were contaminated with a diverse range of bacteria, mainly Escherichia coli and Aeromonas veronii. The ABR, MDR, and ESBL rates were low to moderate. Moreover, the main sequence type and serotype of the ESBL isolates were ST4684 and H34:09, respectively, and the ABR genes were blaCTX-M-15, fosA7, and qnrS1.

During anatomy dissection, the release of formaldehyde (FA) from cadavers and embalming fluids can negatively affect the well-being of students and staff. The exposure of students, staff, and technicians to FA in the dissection hall is a concern. To address this issue, a study measured the FA and air quality (CO₂ and Total Volatile Organic Compounds- TVOC) with different ventilation setups: natural, fan-based, and air-conditioned. The FA levels and the indoor air quality at the breathing zone were estimated using an air conditioning (AC), fan-based, and naturally ventilated setup. The FA, CO₂, and TVOC levels were calculated at the cadavers’ head and toe ends, in the pathway, and between the dissection tables. The FA, CO₂, and TVOC levels were higher near the cadaver and lower in the pathway and between the tables, regardless of the type of ventilation used. Fan-based ventilation had the lowest mean FA, CO₂, and TVOC levels compared to AC and natural ventilation. However, there was no significant difference in these levels between the ventilation types, except for the toe-ends of the cadavers (P < .05), where the toe-end farther from the AC vents had higher levels. The study suggests that areas away from the source of ventilation in the anatomy dissection hall are at risk of having lower air quality. Therefore, in addition to selecting an appropriate ventilation system, placing the donor bodies near the source of ventilation would help optimize FA levels and improve indoor air quality for better working conditions suitable for students and staff.

In anatomy labs, the chemicals used to preserve bodies can be harmful to the people working there. A study looked at how different ways of getting fresh air into the lab could help. We found that using fans to bring in fresh air resulted in the lowest levels of harmful chemicals. The study suggests that placing the bodies near the source of fresh air can help make the air safer for students and lab staff.

Rising summer temperatures pose significant challenges to healthcare systems, particularly in low-resource settings. This article examines the impact of heatwaves on government sector tertiary care emergency centers in Karachi, Pakistan and addresses the alarming increases in heatstroke cases and associated mortality during extreme heat events. The study signifies the urgent need for adaptive measures to enhance emergency preparedness, public awareness, and heat mitigation strategies. Addressing heat-related illnesses requires collaborative efforts from healthcare providers, policymakers, and community leaders. Effective interventions can mitigate the impact of rising temperatures on vulnerable populations and reduce heat-associated mortality.

Due to increasing global temperatures, the rate of heat stroke has increased, especially in countries already lacking healthcare facilities. This has led to high death rates due to heat stroke whenever temperatures soar high in the summer. It is important to understand and highlight the problems before proposing solutions and this article aims to do so by highlighting the barriers to delivering emergency healthcare to heat stroke patients, the underlying reasons why these problems exist, and proposes solutions to the government and concerned entities to tackle these problems and make sure they are corrected to guarantee a future with fewer deaths due to heat stroke.

Climate change presents significant challenges to human health and health systems, and there is a critical need for health systems to adapt and become more resilient in order to effectively mediate the impacts of climate change on population health. This paper analyzes existing academic literature to identify key themes, trends, and research gaps at the intersection of climate change and health systems. Utilizing a scoping review of 179 studies, we explore how health systems can enhance their resilience through effective governance, sustainable financing, resource generation, and adaptive service delivery. Our findings emphasize the importance of integrating climate considerations into health system governance, mobilizing innovative financial resources, and adapting infrastructure and workforce capacities to address climate-related health challenges. The study highlights the need for continued interdisciplinary research and targeted interventions to ensure health systems are equipped to promote equity and protect vulnerable populations in the face of climate change. These insights contribute to the development of climate-resilient health systems and identify crucial areas for future research.

INTRODUCTION: Foodborne infections are caused by a wide spectrum of microbial pathogens, and they pose a significant global health threat, resulting in millions of cases and thousands of fatalities annually. Among these pathogens, human viruses, including Hepatitis A virus (HAV) and Hepatitis E virus (HEV), play a significant role in foodborne viral outbreaks, especially in Africa. This systematic review determined the prevalence of these viruses in livestock and produce in Africa.

METHOD: A systematic search strategy was implemented following the PRISMA guidelines. Databases such as African Journal Online, Web of Science, Scopus, and PubMed were searched from their inception until November 30, 2023. Descriptive statistics and a proportional meta-analysis utilising a random-effects model with a 95% confidence interval were employed in the data analysis. The Cochrane risk-of-bias tool (ROB2) was utilised to evaluate the potential for bias in each study.

RESULTS: The search identified 27 articles that met the inclusion criteria, among which seven focused on HAV, comprising a total of 309 samples, whereas 20 studies focused on HEV, comprising a total of 4238 samples. Egypt had the highest number of studies, followed by Cameroon and Nigeria. The meta-analysis revealed an overall prevalence of 33.8% (95% CI: 17.0–50.6) for HAV in ducks and shellfish and 22.0% (95% CI: 12.1–31.8) for HEV in various livestock. Genotype 3 was identified as the predominant genotype, for both HAV and HEV.

CONCLUSION: This review revealed a high prevalence of HAV and HEV in livestock populations in Africa, shedding light on the potential risks associated with zoonotic and/or food-related infections. There is a need for continued surveillance and monitoring of these viruses in both animals and food products to mitigate the risk of foodborne outbreaks and protect human health.

BACKGROUND: The increasing cases of chronic kidney disease is a global public health concern. The potential link between consumption of food contaminated with heavy metals and development of end stage renal disease is becoming an emerging challenge. This study aimed to identify heavy metal contaminants in food and environmental risk factors for development of chronic kidney disease in Nigeria.

METHODS: Cross-sectional survey in 4 high burden local government areas of Jigawa state, northwest Nigeria.

RESULTS: The median age of the respondents was 45 years (interquartile range = 30–80) years. All the households had normal values of cadmium in the food analyzed. The majority of households (97.8%) had elevated mercury levels in analyzed food. Approximately 4.2% of households had increased lead levels. Elevated mercury levels were significantly higher in households that did not cultivate the food they consumed (median = 2.503 mg/kg, P = .05), those that did not use fertilizer on their farms (median = 2.522 mg/kg, P = .02), and those whose farms were located outside their communities (median = 2.733 mg/kg, P = .020). Households that did not use fertilizer on the farm (median = 0.027 mg/kg, P = .007), and those that primarily consumed rice (median = 0.023 mg/kg, P = .005) had significantly higher lead concentrations.

CONCLUSIONS: We identified high levels of mercury in food samples of the majority of the households studied. Elevated levels of mercury were associated with food cultivation practices and fertilizer use. We recommend future studies that will identify points of food contamination and inform the development of appropriate environmental remediation measures.

Meat handling is a crucial aspect of public health as it forms complex interactions among humans, animals, and the environment. African meat handlers continue to face various challenges in slaughterhouses that significantly impact their lives and the general public during meat processing. This paper reviews the challenges meat handlers encounter and the associated risks of improper meat handling in various African slaughterhouses. A comprehensive literature search was performed on Science Direct, Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus and Google Scholar. Articles published to investigate the challenges and health risks of meat handling practices in Africa from 1961 to 2022 were included in this review. African meat handlers face socio-economic difficulties, including inadequate returns, unpredictable working environment, market, security, and limited healthcare access. Many meat handlers work informally in unregistered facilities and are not trained by experts on proper meat handling. This results in improper meat handling, raising the possibility of meat contamination by foodborne pathogens like Salmonella sp. and E. coli on slaughter and contact surfaces, hence posing a threat to meat safety and public health. We recommended that governmental, institutional and community-level actions should be used to address the health challenges associated with improper meat handling in Africa. Government and institutional bodies play an important role in supporting and upholding the laws that guide proper meat handling and processing. Meat handlers must be educated on meat safety, handling and storage to ensure meat is safe for consumption.

BACKGROUND: Very few studies have used panel data regression models to estimate the determinants of handwashing with water and soap at critical times in a developing country.

OBJECTIVE: To analyse the predictors of handwashing with water and soap at critical times among mother/caregivers of children under-5 years in rural Afghanistan.

METHOD: This study used data from 1208 mothers/caregivers of children under-5 years who were selected and interviewed at baseline and endline in 7 provinces using systematic probability proportional-to-size sampling method.

RESULTS: Mother/caregivers with access to handwashing facility with water and soap had 1.20 higher odds of washing hands at 5 critical times. Treatment at public facility, an indirect proxy of health education and having children under 2 years was associated with 1.07 and 1.05 higher odds of washing hands at 5 critical times. Access to handwashing with water and soap, treatment at public facility and children under 2 years were significant and robust to alternative specification of handwashing at least 3 times. Mothers/caregivers who reported contracting infectious diseases in the past 6 months had 1.04- and 1.52-times higher odds of handwashing at 5 critical times and at least 3 times respectively.

CONCLUSION: Access to handwashing facility with water and soap, health education, children under 2 years and occurrence of infectious diseases were the predictors of appropriate handwashing behaviour. Therefore, there is need to improve the availability of handwashing facilities with clean water and soap to promote appropriate handwashing behaviour at critical times. In addition, there is need to promote activities that increase disposable income for households to purchase soap and handwashing facilities. There is need to promote healthcare seeking behaviour for mothers to access medical treatment and health hygiene education at public facilities vital for prevention of infectious diseases.

BACKGROUND: Insecticide-treated bed nets are cost-effective vector control methods for malaria prevention. Malaria during pregnancy poses a significant health problem in Ethiopia. This study aimed to assess insecticide-treated nets utilization and associated factors among pregnant women in Shebel Berenta District, Northwest Ethiopia.

OBJECTIVE: To assess insecticide-treated bed nets utilization and associated factors among pregnant women in Shebel Berenta District, Northwest Ethiopia, in 2023.

METHODS: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from March 15 to April 30, 2023, on 505 randomly selected pregnant women. Data were collected using a pre-tested structured questionnaire and observational checklist, analyzed with EpiData 3.1 and SPSS 25. Significant factors associated with long-lasting insecticide-treated nets were identified (P < .05, 95% CI) and were reported as statistically significant factors associated with the utilization of insecticide-treated bed nets.

RESULTS: The utilization of long-lasting insecticide-treated nets was 45.10% [95% CI: 40.5%-49.2%]. Mothers who had antenatal care follow-up (AOR = 3.359; 95%CI: 1.829, 6.166), mothers with illiterate educational status (AOR = 0.196; 95%CI: 0.064-0.603), and mothers who had received information (message) (AOR = 8.102; 95%CI: 3.942-16.653) were significantly associated with long lasting insecticide-treated net utilization.

CONCLUSION: Utilization of long lasting insecticide-treated nets by pregnant women was 45.1%, which was lower than the WHO standard. Attending antenatal care, receiving information (messages) about malaria and long lasting insecticide-treated net, and mother’s being literate had a substantial impact on long lasting insecticide-treated net utilization. Therefore, efforts should be made to strengthen ANC service, health information and women’s educational status to increase utilization of long lasting insecticide-treated nets.

We examine the influence of exposure to fine particulate matter (PM 2.5) in ambient air over the previous 6 years on the average standardized test score performance in math, English language arts (ELA), and overall for sixth graders at a sample of California public school districts from 2015 through 2018. Public health research suggests that children exposed to localized air pollution may suffer from cognitive impairment during testing or chronic conditions such as asthma that could influence their academic performance. After controlling for the appropriate confounding variables, our findings indicate that a 1-unit increase (or an equivalent one-third increase in the standard deviation) in the average amount of particulate matter observed over the past 6 years in a school district reduces the average standardized test score by about 4%. In addition, a typical student in a California school district in the two highest quintiles of PM 2.5 exposure (controlling for other causal factors) exhibits standardized test scores closer to the fifth-grade equivalency level than the sixth. These results support the benefits of indoor air pollution mitigation as a likely cost-effective intervention to improve student academic success in primary school.

Why was the study done? Previous researchers found that local air pollution impacts children’s development, health, and learning ability and that exposure to fine particulate matter (PM 2.5) in ambient air can harm performance on standardized tests. This paper offers a novel approach by estimating the cumulative impact of average district-wide PM 2.5 exposure over the previous 6 years on California sixth graders’ math, English, and overall test scores. What did the researchers do? Our model connects average test scores from California public school districts to PM 2.5 concentrations measured by Census tract within the district. We include district demographic, socioeconomic, and geographic data to increase confidence that the effect is causal and minimize bias from variables correlated with PM 2.5. Data from multiple years enables the detection of long-term effects and allows us to control for district and year-specific effects. We also test the robustness of our findings to adjusted model designs and compare the effect size to prior studies. What did the researchers find? We find that an average school district in California that experiences a 1-unit increase in PM 2.5 concentration, holding other control variables constant, could expect overall grade equivalency for sixth graders to fall by about 4%. Dividing PM 2.5 exposure into five sequential levels, we find an increasingly negative effect that levels off when moving from the lowest to the highest levels. This cumulative effect is larger than prior measures of PM 2.5 impacts only on test day or over the school year. What do the findings mean? California’s primary school students have likely experienced a drop in standardized test score performance from sustained exposure to fine particulate matter. The effect size warrants policy consideration, as some paths to pollution mitigation (such as air filters in classrooms) may produce equitable and cost-effective test score gains.

INTRODUCTION: Herbal medicine has been a cornerstone of healthcare for centuries, with an estimated 80% of the world’s population relying on it. In Africa, herbal medicine is the backbone of rural healthcare, serving 80% to 90% of the population. Despite its widespread use, the safety of herbal medicine raises a significant concern considering the lack of regulation and testing, particularly in Africa. Microbial contamination is a primary safety risk threatening consumer health. In this systematic review, we aimed to synthesise evidence on microbial contamination in herbal medicines across Africa, provide a clear understanding of the problem, and inform effective public health interventions regarding microbial contamination of herbal medicines in Africa.

METHOD: The systematic review was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines. A literature search was conducted across PubMed, Web of Science, Science Direct, Scopus, and Google Scholar using appropriate search terms. Eligible studies were selected based on predetermined criteria, and data were extracted and analysed.

RESULTS: The review included fifty eligible studies in Africa, with a combined sample size of 1996, of which 1791 showed microbial contamination. Bacterial contaminants were reported in 98% of studies, with Escherichia coli (62%) being the most reported bacteria, followed by Staphylococcus aureus (57%), and Bacillus spp. (55%). Fungal contaminants were reported in 70% of studies, with Aspergillus spp. (40%) being the most reported, followed by Penicillium spp. (27%) and Candida spp. (26%). Parasitic contaminants were reported in 2% of the studies reviewed. A total of 70 bacterial species, 37 fungal species, and 6 parasite species were identified in this review.

CONCLUSION: Herbal medicines in Africa pose significant health threats to consumers due to the high prevalence of diverse microbial contaminants and clinically significant pathogens. This emphasises the need for stricter regulations and quality control measures in the production, sale and use of herbal medicines.

Despite growing attention and guiding frameworks, we still know very little about how environmental exposures may be contributing to the health inequities experienced by sexual and gender minority (SGM) people, especially exposures beyond psycho-behavioral mechanisms that have traditionally been viewed as the pathways between minority stress and negative health outcomes. To address this gap in knowledge, we conducted a scoping review to determine the extent to which disparities in environmental exposures between SGM and non-SGM (ie, heterosexual and cisgender) populations have been measured in the United States. We searched PubMed for studies that were (1) peer-reviewed; (2) written in English; (3) quantitatively measured environmental exposures; (4) included 1 or more groups identifying as a sexual minority, gender minority, or both; (5) compared to the general population; (6) in the United States; and (7) published on or after January 1, 2011. Our scoping review identified very few studies that examined and documented environmental exposure disparities between SGM and non-SGM populations in the United States. These studies focused mostly on cigarette smoke exposures. None examined environmental exposure disparities between gender minority and cisgender populations. To address this critical gap in environmental health research for SGM populations in the short term, researchers can merge existing environmental data (eg, data from the Environmental Protection Agency) with SGM population data. Longer-term solutions require systematically including validated sexual orientation and gender identity measures across federal, state, and local datasets, as well as increased funding for original research that explores diverse environmental exposures. Taken together, these efforts can significantly advance our ability to identify and address environmental health inequities experienced by SGM people.

This review looks at how different environmental factors affect the health of sexual and gender minority (SGM) communities, which include people who identify as LGBTQ+. The study found that there is not much research available on this topic, and what exists focuses mostly on cigarette smoke exposure. The review suggests that more research is needed to understand these health disparities and to develop policies that can help protect the health of LGBTQ+ communities.

This study develops a model to raise public awareness about the consequences of burning rice straw after harvest, including environmental pollution, soil degradation, and increased CO₂ emissions that contribute to the greenhouse effect. The distinctive feature of the research is the introduction of a post-harvest rice straw treatment process using microbial products capable of secreting cellulase enzymes, which can break down the cellulose in the straw. This process shortens the decomposition time and produces natural organic fertilizer, thus reducing cultivation costs by 60% and increasing crop yields by 20%. The experimental model was carried out in Cam My district, Dong Nai province, Vietnam, including 4 models: no microbial products; using Bio Decomposer; using NTT-01; and using NTT-02. Each experimental field had an area of 650 m². The results showed a significant reduction in straw decomposition time after 14 days of use of the products, with a decomposition rate of up to 80%, nearly twice as fast as without the products. This helps save time, produce natural organic fertilizers, reduce care costs, and increase rice yields, resulting in more income for local residents. These findings demonstrate the effectiveness of microbial treatments in sustainable agriculture and their potential for a broader application in the management of agricultural waste.

Presence of extended-spectrum β-lactamases (ESBL)-producing Enterobacteriaceae in the dairy farm environment and food chain could be a possible interface for the exchange of antimicrobial resistance genes between humans and animals. A total of 600 samples comprised of raw bovine milk, faeces, feed, environmental swabs and water samples from 20 different bovine dairy farms in and around Hisar city, Haryana, India were analysed for presence of ESBL encoding genes. Out of 240 isolates of Escherichia coli obtained, 74 isolates were found to be ESBL producers. Maximum number of ESBL isolates were found from faeces (40.5%) followed by raw milk (37.8%) and environmental swabs (17.5%). Most of the ESBL E. coli isolates were sensitive to chloramphenicol (82.4%) and gentamicin (77.0%) antibiotics. The bla_CTX-M gene was found to be most prevalent (52.0%) followed by bla_TEM (9.45%) while bla_SHV gene alone was not detected in any sample by simplex PCR. However, the co-expression of bla_CTX-M + bla_TEM (21.6%) and bla_CTX-M + bla_SHV (4.05%) genes were also observed. The housing system, milking method and the hygienic mangement practices followed at farm level are found to be significant risk factors of ESBL-producing E. coli in dairy farms of Haryana.

BACKGROUND: Unsafe meat handling in butcher shops exacerbates microbial contamination, contributing to widespread food-related infections, particularly in developing countries like Ethiopia. In Ethiopia, microbial contamination in the meat supply chain is pervasive due to limited knowledge, inadequate hygiene practices, insufficient training, poor enforcement of food safety standards, and the absence of advanced diagnostic tools and regular microbial testing. This study aimed to assess the microbial load of meat, its contact surfaces, and meat handling practices of butcher shop workers in Hawassa city, Ethiopia.

METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted from March to April 2023 among butcher shop workers in Hawassa city, Ethiopia. One hundred forty-four (144) swab samples were collected, and the microbial load was evaluated by serial dilution method and counted using standard procedures. A total of 52 workers were interviewed to assess meat handling practices. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze survey and laboratory data.

RESULTS: The findings of this study revealed that the levels of Total Plate Count, Enterobacteriaceae, and staphylococci from meat samples collected from the butchers were 6.14, 5.58, and 5.23, respectively. The levels of Total Plate Count, Enterobacteriaceae, and staphylococci in the swab samples collected from knives, chopping boards, and weighing boards were 5.66, 5.27, and 5.28; 5.61, 5.33, and 5.03; and 5.29, 4.97, and 4.91, respectively. In the butcher shops, 83% of the meat was exposed to flies without protection, and 64% of meat handling equipment was not disinfected.

CONCLUSIONS: The Total Plate Count, Enterobacteriaceae and staphylococci levels in meat samples and swab samples collected from knives, chopping boards, and weighing boards were above acceptable levels. These findings suggest the presence of potential pathogenic microorganisms, likely due to poor personal hygiene of the workers, inadequate cleaning and sterilization in the butcher shops, and cross-contamination from sources, including paper money handled, and skin contact.

The Omo River flows through the town of Omorate, where domestic, municipal, and industrial wastes from the town and its surroundings, including agrochemicals, are discharged into the river. The present study was conducted to determine the levels of heavy metals and associated environmental and human health impacts from the Lower Omo River freshwater ecosystem (water and sediment) of the Lower Omo River. The mean concentrations of heavy metals detected in the river water were 0.439 mg/l for (Mn), 0.1 (Zn), 0.168 (Cu), 0.393 (Cr), 0.318 (Pb), 0.007 (Ni), 8.926 (Fe), and 0.06 (Co).The order for the mean concentrations of the heavy metals in the water was Fe > Mn > Cr > Pb > Cu > Zn > Cu > Co > Ni. The HPI value indicates that all water sampling sites were highly contaminated. Oral and dermal HQs for both children and adults were in the order of Cr > Pb > Mn > Fe > Cu > Co > Ni > Zn. The HQ value greater than 1 was investigated for Cr, Pb, and Mn in both children and adults by ingestion and dermal routes from the river water. The CRs for both children and adults by ingestion of the river water followed the order Cr > Pb. According to the CRI value, the river water could be classified as a very high environmental risk. The EI results for the heavy metals detected in the sediments also followed the order: Fe > Cr > Cu > Pb > Mn > Co > Zn > Ni.

Silicosis may be defined as the disease resulting from chronic occupational exposure to silica dust. Silica is primarily composed of quartz dust and has been classified since 2000 as a known human carcinogen by the U.S. government. Silicosis may lead to impairment of lung function resulting from fibrosis of the lungs. This may in turn lead to an increased susceptibility to the development of tuberculosis. Respirable particles are in the size range of less than one micrometer to as large as 30 micrometers. Silicosis is an untreatable, but preventable disease. This review explores the history of silicosis in the U.S. mining industry, including case studies of occupational silicosis.

INTRODUCTION: The demand and consumption of vegetables are significantly increasing worldwide, which has resulted in urban farming on anthropogenic sites. This study assessed the concentrations of some selected heavy metals in lettuce and spring onion in line with the WHO/FAO required standard and its implications on human health.

METHODS: The study was carried out in Kumasi, within moist semi-deciduous forest vegetation, Ghana. The digested samples were analyzed for heavy metals (Cu, Cr, Fe, Mg, Ni, and Zn) using atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS Model AA 400p). Analysis of variance was used to test the level of significance at α = .05.

RESULTS: The study found mean concentrations of chromium and iron in lettuce and spring onion to be below detection level (BDL) in all study sites based on WHO/FAO permissible level. Also, while copper in lettuce was BDL at all the sites, there were higher mean concentration of copper in spring onion at BSGS (131.5 ± 0.31 mg/kg) and BSG (120.8 ± 0.01 mg/kg). The mean concentration of nickel in lettuce (137.15 ± 0.0231) and spring onion (173.55 ± 0.02 mg/kg) at BSGS were higher than WHO/FAO permissible level. Mean concentration of zinc in both lettuce and spring onion were higher than WHO/FAO permissible level in all the study sites, except zinc in spring onion at KT. The ANOVA test statistics showed no significant difference among the concentrations of heavy metals in all sites, except zinc in lettuce and nickel in spring onion. The study found cancer risk factor for nickel, which exceeded the benchmark of 1 × 10⁻⁶ for both lettuce and spring onion, indicating that long-term consumption could increase the risk of cancer in consumers.

CONCLUSION: The study’s findings call for strict regulation and regular monitoring of heavy metals in vegetables cultivated at anthropogenic sites in urban areas to ensure food safety and consumer health.

The study assessed the concentrations of some selected heavy metals in lettuce and spring onion in line with the WHO/FAO required standard and its implications on human health. Why was the study done? The WHO recommends consuming at least 400 g fruits and vegetables each day to reap health and nutritional benefits. This has resulted in increased advocacy for vegetable consumption and production. However, farmlands have become very scare due to proliferation of illegal mining activities in Ghana, making urban anthropogenic sites the idea sites for farming. Meanwhile, these sites can have adverse effect on human health since it may contain heavy metals in the soil used for planting and this could be easily absorbed into the food chain, particularly for leafy vegetables such as lettuce and spring onion. What did the research do? The research team selected samples of lettuce and spring onion for laboratory analysis. The digested samples were analyzed for heavy metals; copper (Cu), chromium (Cr), iron (Fe), magnesium (Mg), nickel (Ni) and zinc (Zn); using atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS Model AA 400p) so that we can determine the presence of heavy metals in the leafy vegetables. What did the research find? The study found permissible level of chromium and iron in both lettuce and spring onion in all the study sites. Also, while copper in lettuce was within the permissible limit at all the sites, there were higher concentration of copper in spring onion at BSGS and BSG. Nickel concentration in lettuce and spring onion at BSGS were higher than WHO/FAO permissible level, however, in AH and KT, they were less than the permissible limit. There was high concentration of zinc in both lettuce and spring onion in all the study sites, except zinc in spring onion at KT. The ANOVA test statistics showed a significant difference among the concentrations of zinc in lettuce and nickel in spring onion.

In Africa, the growing population and industrial growth have resulted in a notable increase in wastewater generation, affecting the quality of water in the region. Wastewater treatment plays a crucial role in safeguarding the environment, public health, aquatic organisms, and water resources, reducing environmental impact, and adhering to regulations. However, the current methods for treating wastewater in Africa fall short of these goals, resulting in substantially poor environmental and health outcomes and inadequate provision of safe water and essential sanitation. Poor wastewater management in several African countries has led to severe health risks for humans, animals, and aquatic ecosystems. This poses a particular threat to vulnerable groups like children, women, and the disabled residing in rural and remote areas with limited access to healthcare. Hence, this article aims to shine a spotlight on the difficulties in managing wastewater in Africa and to recommend several plausible strategies to tackle this issue. A literature search to find the most recent and relevant research papers from various databases, such as Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed, and Google Scholar, along with resources from the World Health Organization, was conducted. The selection criteria focused on including the most recent and relevant publications published in English to facilitate comprehension, analysis, and interpretation of the secondary data. Essentially, addressing the challenge of wastewater management in Africa requires developing indigenous innovative technologies, transitioning to a sustainable economy, establishing wastewater treatment infrastructures in rural and remote areas, enhancing operation and maintenance practices, training treatment facility workers, improving electricity supply, strengthening government participation and support, encouraging public involvement, setting local water quality benchmarks, and international financial and technical support. By tackling the problem of insufficient wastewater treatment in Africa, it is possible to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 6, which centers on ensuring clean water and sanitation for all.

INTRODUCTION: Foodborne diseases pose a significant global public health threat, often originating from improper food handling practices. Given the crucial role of food handlers in preventing transmission of foodborne diseases, this study assessed the food safety knowledge, attitudes, and hygiene practices related to foodborne diseases among food handlers in food service establishments in Yeka Sub-city, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

METHOD: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 373 randomly selected food handlers. Data collection involved observing the kitchen hygiene practices and food handling practices through an observational checklist, and administering structured/standardized questionnaires. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 20, with associations examined using the linear by linear association test. Spearman’s correlation assessed relationships between knowledge, attitude, and practice cut points. Pre-testing and Cronbach’s alpha were used to ensure the reproducibility, and reliability of the questionnaire.

RESULTS: Majority of food handlers (50.1%) were aged less than 25 years, with 78.8% being female, and attended secondary school (46.4%). The overall knowledge (65%), positive attitude (92.2%), and hygiene practices (44%) of the food handlers toward food safety were good. Regarding the knowledge perspective, gaps existed in understanding disease transmission, notably Hepatitis A and tuberculosis. Although positive attitudes toward food safety were reported, observed practices were inconsistent, with a significant proportion admitting to working while ill. Compliance with uniform and protective gear was lacking. Marital status, Experience in food safety, and Work satisfaction has been shown to affect the knowledge, attitude, and hygiene practices of food handlers in this study.

CONCLUSION: This study highlights critical gaps in understanding disease transmission, and hygiene practices of food handlers in Yeka sub-city. Addressing these gaps will necessitate targeted interventions, including continuous education and training programs. Enhanced regulatory oversight is also needed to ensure compliance with food safety standards in public food establishments.

BACKGROUND: Arsenic is a well-known, highly poisonous metalloid that affects human health and ecosystems and is widely distributed in the environment. Nevertheless, data on the spatiotemporal distribution of arsenic in groundwater sources in Ethiopia are scarce.

OBJECTIVE: The principal aim of this study was to assess the extent of arsenic in groundwater sources and analyze the spatiotemporal variations in the central rift valley of Ethiopia.

METHODS: The study employed a serial cross-sectional study design and census sampling methods. The concentrations of arsenic in the groundwater samples were determined using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) at the Ethiopian Food and Drug Authority laboratory. Descriptive statistical analyses were performed using IBM SPSS version 29 software. Additionally, ArcGIS software was utilized to map the spatiotemporal distribution of arsenic. Furthermore, Minitab statistical software version 21.4 was employed to assess the correlation between spatiotemporal variations of arsenic concentrations in groundwater sources.

RESULTS: The mean values of arsenic in the groundwater samples were 11.2 µg/L during the dry season and 10.7 µg/L during the rainy season. The study results showed that 18 wells (42.2%) and 22 wells (48.8%) had higher arsenic concentrations (>10 µg/L) during the dry and rainy seasons, respectively. Thus, arsenic levels in 42.2% and 48.8% of the samples exceeded the maximum threshold limit set by WHO, USEPA, and Ethiopian standards (10 µg/L), respectively, during the dry and rainy seasons. Furthermore, our analysis revealed a significant positive correlation between arsenic in groundwater and well depth (r = .75, P < .001), indicating a strong association between higher arsenic concentrations and deeper wells. Similarly, we observed a substantial positive correlation between arsenic concentration in groundwater and season (r = .9, P < .001), suggesting notable variations in arsenic levels between dry and rainy seasons.

CONCLUSIONS: The majority of the groundwater sources in the studied area are unfit for human consumption because they contain high amounts of arsenic, which poses a significant risk to human health. Moreover, the arsenic concentration varied spatially and temporally. Therefore, special attention is needed to reduce arsenic exposure and associated health risks.

Foodborne pathogens (FBPs) are transmitted principally through the consumption of contaminated food or drinking water and pose a remarkable public health risk, particularly in low-income countries. A cross-sectional study was conducted between November 2021 and January 2023 to estimate the prevalence, co-occurrence, and monthly patterns of FBPs in the physical exposures of children with diarrhea in Harar town and Kersa district, Ethiopia. Animal, food, and environmental samples were collected from direct or indirect contact sites of children with diarrhea. The isolation and identification of FBPs, including nontyphoidal Salmonella (NTS), diarrheagenic E. coli (DEC), and Shigella, was performed using selective and deferential culture media and a series of biochemical tests. Among the 438 analyzed samples, the overall prevalence of these pathogens was 18.3%, with 3.9% co-occurrence and 14.4% single pathogen occurrence rates. The highest prevalence was observed in wastewater (40.9%; AOR = 3.3; 95% CI: 1.1-10.1). The pathogen detection rate in food was 17.9% (AOR = 1.2; 95% CI: 0.4-3.6), with no significant difference between animal-sourced and other food categories. The occurrence rates of NTS, DEC, and Shigella in the meat samples were 13.9%, 5.4%, and 6.5%, respectively. Interestingly, DEC and Shigella were detected in cooked food. Moreover, Shigella was detected in drinking water (5%) and other water sources (10%). A significantly higher prevalence of FBPs was detected in poultry than in cattle and camel feces. This study revealed fluctuations in the monthly occurrence patterns of FBPs, with a peak of 37.1% during the dry season. In conclusion, the study revealed a high prevalence of FBPs, with no significant differences between rural and urban areas or food and water sources, highlighting the need for food safety measures in both settings. Further studies with larger sample sizes and advanced diagnostics are recommended to determine the relative contribution of each source.

This paper examines the nexus between carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions, electricity consumption, fossil fuels, foreign direct investment (FDI), gross domestic product (GDP), and renewable energy in the Philippines. This paper also explores the intricate relationships between carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions, electricity consumption, fossil fuel use, foreign direct investment (FDI), gross domestic product (GDP), and renewable energy in the Philippines. Utilizing time-series data from 1990 to 2022 and applying advanced econometric techniques such as vector error correction modeling (VECM) and Granger causality tests, the study reveals the significant impacts of economic growth and energy consumption on CO₂ emissions. The findings highlight the crucial role of renewable energy in mitigating environmental degradation. Policy implications are discussed in the context of the Philippines’ commitment to sustainable development and climate change mitigation, emphasizing the need for integrated policies that promote renewable energy and energy efficiency alongside economic growth. We use a comprehensive econometric analysis to understand these variables’ dynamic interactions and causal relationships. The study employs time-series data from 1990 to 2022 and applies advanced econometric techniques, including vector error correction modeling (VECM) and Granger causality tests. The results highlight the significant impact of economic growth and energy consumption on CO₂ emissions while also underscoring the critical role of renewable energy in mitigating environmental degradation. Policy implications are discussed considering the Philippines’ commitment to sustainable development and climate change mitigation.

Chemical, Biological, Radiological or Nuclear and Explosive (CBRNe) disasters have historically caused significant fatalities and posed global threats. The inadequate preparedness of hospital equipment for CBRNe incidents underscores the urgent need for hospitals to modernize and standardize their equipment to effectively manage these high-risk situations. The purpose of this systematic review was to examine hospital-based preparedness measures for CBRNe incidents. The PRISMA guidelines were followed for this review. A comprehensive search of English-language peer-reviewed literature from January 2010 to 2023 was conducted, identifying 2191 items from PubMed, ScienceDirect, EBSCO, and Google Scholar. The modified ROBINS-I instrument was used to assess bias, ensuring the reliability and validity of the studies. Data synthesis was conducted jointly by both authors. After eliminating duplicates and reviewing abstracts, 124 studies remained. Upon full-text examination, only 20 studies met the criteria for inclusion in this review. The review identified three key interrelated domains of preparedness: personal, technological, and structural measures. Most studies emphasized decontamination, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), and detection, while the management of deceased bodies, transportation, and Points of Dispensing (PODs) were largely overlooked. These findings may assist hospital administrators and policymakers in enhancing their facilities’ readiness for CBRNe emergencies.

Brucellosis is an important neglected bacterial zoonotic disease in sub-Saharan Africa, including Somalia. A cross-sectional study was conducted in the Garowe district, Nugal region, Somalia, from May 2022 to January 2023 to estimate the seroprevalence of small ruminant brucellosis and assess owners’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices toward brucellosis. A total of 384 sheep and goats were selected using a simple random sampling technique and screened for Brucella antibodies by the Modified Rose Bengal Plate Test, and positive samples were then further confirmed using an indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. For the questionnaire survey, 384 households were selected randomly, and a structured questionnaire was used to assess owners’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices toward brucellosis. The overall brucellosis seroprevalence was 4.7% in small ruminants (95% CI: 2.8-7.3), and the true seroprevalence was calculated as 5.2%. According to the multivariable logistic regression analysis, sex was found to be a potential risk factor for small ruminant brucellosis (P < .05). More specifically, female sheep and goats were 9.13 times (aOR 9.13, 95% CI: 1.18-70.33) more likely to become seropositive than males. The owners’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices toward brucellosis were found to be low, and education level was associated with owners’ knowledge (χ² = 16.78; P < .001), attitudes (χ² = 19.4; P < .001) and practices (χ² = 34.0; P < .001). There is also a significant association between owner knowledge, attitudes, and practices and seropositivity of brucellosis in sheep and goats. Moderate seroprevalence, together with insufficient knowledge, attitudes, and practices of owners, makes brucellosis a threat to animals and the entire community. Hence, raising community awareness of the disease is essential to reduce the impact on small ruminant productivity and the risks to public health.

A ceramic water filter (CWF) coated with plant-based nanoparticles was used as household water purifier in a rural community. Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were produced from the stem bark of Bridelia ferruginea plant, and their efficacy to enhance the physical, chemical, and microbial quality of raw stream water sample was determined using analytical probes and pour-plate techniques, respectively. The pH of the filtered water sample ranged 7.6 to 8.1, which is within the WHO permissible limit for drinking water, and the electrical conductivity values were also reduced from 110 to 70 µS/cm. The CWF coated with AgNPs (CWF-AgNPs) removed Klebsiella pnuemoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, and Entamoeba histolytica from the stream water sample. The highest percentage of coliform reduction in the CWF and CWF-AgNPs were 93.18% and 99.64%, respectively. The raw data showed that the CWF-NPs enhanced the quality of the stream water. The surface and internal structure of the CWF-AgNPs can be modified by varying the concentration of the composite materials, so as to determine the most effective combination. The improved CWF-AgNPs will enhance achieving United Nations Sustainable Development Goal #6, which focuses on clean water and sanitation.

Ceramic water filter (CWF) coated with the stem-bark of Bridelia ferruginea plant was used as household water purifier in a rural community. The efficacy to enhance the physical, chemical, and microbial quality of raw stream water sample was determined using standard methods. The CWF improve the quality of the tested water and removed bacteria from the water samples. The CWF can be used for water treatment in rural households, as this will enhance achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal #6, which focuses on clean water and sanitation.

This study quantified hazardous heavy metals (Cu, Cr, and Pb) in soil and vegetables (potato, tomato, pepper, cauliflower, and cabbage) across six upazilas (Kahaloo, Bogura Sadar, Shajahanpur, Shibganj, Nandigram, and Dupchanchia) in Bogura district, Bangladesh, assessing their health and environmental impacts. The detection method was validated for its accuracy and precision with QC samples. Results indicated that Cu levels in all samples were within safe limits set by BFSA and FAO/WHO, whereas Cr and Pb in vegetables exceeded permissible levels, though soil concentrations remained within limits. Pb contamination was particularly severe in vegetables (CF > 6), and all vegetables showed significant contamination degrees (CD), highlighting extensive heavy metal pollution. The Pollution Load Index (PLI) identified Kahaloo and Bogura Sadar as the most polluted, whereas Nandigram and Dupchanchia were the least. Bioaccumulation factors (BF) for all metals were <1, suggesting minimal transfer to edible parts. However, the ecological risk index (ERi) and potential ecological risk index (PERI) suggested low ecological risks, but health risk assessments indicated that vegetable consumption poses significant carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risks (CHR > 10⁻⁴, HI > 1) across all upazilas. The findings underscore the urgent need for measures to mitigate heavy metal pollution in these areas to safeguard environmental and public health.

This study aims to explore the origin effects of imported fruits, with a particular focus on environmental sustainability. Data were collected in 2021 through in-person surveys administered to primary food shoppers in Taipei. Total valid samples were 199. SAS software was used in analytics in this study. Multivariate analysis was employed to analyze the influences of various origin effects—advertising, environment, technology, pollution, image, and economy—on purchasing decisions. Major findings indicate that production technology has the most substantial positive influence on purchasing decisions, followed by country image and environmental aspects. Kernel density estimation further revealed that perceptions of environmental sustainability are multifaceted, with pollution being a more consistently understood factor compared to the broader environmental impacts. These findings underscore the importance of tailoring marketing strategies and policies to align with consumer perceptions regarding environmental sustainability, fostering trust, and promoting sustainable practices within the fruit import industry. The study provides valuable insights but is limited by its geographic focus on Taipei, the cross-sectional nature of the data, and the specific origin effects examined. Future research should consider broader geographic areas and additional product categories to enhance generalizability.

The aim of this research paper is to determine the prevalence of improved household latrine utilization and its determinants in Somalia, using the Somali Health Demographic Survey (SHDS) 2020 dataset. Limited sanitation is a major global problem mainly for the poor and disadvantaged. According to the SHDS 2020 report, around 22.3% of households in Somalia utilize unimproved toilet facilities. In this study, a secondary data analysis was carried out on the SHDS 2020 dataset. The study included 15 826 households weighted for representativeness. Four models were constructed after identifying relevant factors for the outcome variable. The first model, null (empty), had no independent variables. The second model assessed the effect of individual-level determinants on the outcome. The third model determined how community-level variables influenced on the response variable. Finally, a multilevel multivariable logistic regression model examined the combined impact of individual- and community-level factors on the outcome variable. The prevalence of improved latrine utilization in Somalia was (41.1%). The factors: educational status (AOR: 1.899 (1.598, 2.258)), wealth index (AOR: 7.815 (6.990, 8.736)), urban residence (AOR: 2.467 (2.262, 2.690)), households living in various regions/states, including Hirshabelle, Galmudug, Southwest, Puntland, Jubaland, and Somaliland, indicate statistically significant findings and were more likely to utilize improved latrines (AOR: 0.259 (0.229, 0.294)), (AOR: 0.223 (0.196, 0.254)), AOR: 0.196 (0.168, 0.230)), (AOR: 0.220 (0.194, 0.251)), (AOR: 0.204 (0.180, 0.232)), (AOR: 0.086 (0.077, 0.095)). Hirshabelle had a 0.259 times more likelihood of improved latrine utilization than the rest of the regions/states, (AOR: 0.259 (0.229, 0.294)). The prevalence of improved latrine utilization was quite low in Somalia. Higher wealth index, living in more urbanized areas, and the household head’s educational status were all significant predictors of improved latrine utilization. The finding implies a need to increase household’s access to latrine facilities and improve latrine utilization, particularly for rural households in the country.

INTRODUCTION: Household water treatment practices, also known as point-of-use water management, offer means to enhance the overall drinking water quality and reduce the prevalence of diarrheal diseases. Nevertheless, there is a scarcity of information on household water treatment practices and related factors in sub-Saharan Africa.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to determine the pooled prevalence of water treatment practices and associated factors in sub-Saharan Africa.

METHODS: We conducted a search of eligible primary studies in PubMed, Google Scholar, and Hinari, as well as gray literature available in online repositories. The Stata v.17 software was utilized to extract and analyze the data obtained from these studies. To determine the overall pooled prevalence of water treatment practices and their predictors, a weighted inverse-variance random-effects model was employed. We assessed variations across the included studies using forest plots, funnel plots, I² statistics, and Egger’s tests.

RESULTS: In this study, we reviewed a total of 927 articles, 28 of which were eligible for inclusion. The overall pooled prevalence of water treatment practices in sub-Saharan Africa was 36.31(95% CI: 27.64, 44.98). The factors associated with water treatment practices included having formal education (AOR: 2.38, 95% CI: 1.70, 3.34), being male (AOR: 1.78, 95% CI: 1.39, 2.29), having a higher income (AOR: 2.12, 95% CI: 1.39, 3.25), and having received training in water treatment (AOR: 2.25, 95% CI: 1.59, 3.18).

CONCLUSIONS: In this review, the pooled prevalence of water treatment practices in sub-Saharan Africa was found to be considerably low. Therefore, we recommend that household heads receive enhanced information on water treatment practices through strengthened health education and intensive training in small-scale water treatment practices.

Background: Basic sanitation services and practices are crucial for the well-being and health of a community. However, little is known about the determinants of basic sanitation services in Ethiopia, particularly in the study area.

Objectives: To identify the determinants of basic sanitation service coverage among households in the Shashogo district, Hadiya Zone, and Central Ethiopia in 2023.

Methods: A case–control investigation was carried out in households in Shashogo District from August 8, 2023, to December 10, 2023. Ten Kebeles were chosen randomly from a total of 34 Kebeles in the district. A total of 579 households (193 cases and 386 controls) were included in the study. The data were gathered with pretested and structured questionnaires in digital form with a smartphone. The data were analyzed with SPSS. Independent t tests and regression models were used to determine predictors of basic sanitation services.

Results: The mean (±SD) age of the study participants was 38.2 (±8.9) years. After controlling for confounders in the multivariate analysis, the adoption of improved latrine services among households was found to be associated with greater average monthly income (AOR = 1.841, 95% CI (1.043, 3.251)), the study respondents who had access to the necessary materials for latrine construction/upgrade were approximately 3.5 times more likely to adopt improved latrine services among households with (AOR = 3.477 (95% CI = 1.314, 9.202) than among those who lacked access to the necessary materials for latrine construction, the study respondents who had training in sanitation and hygiene (AOR = 4.744, 95% CI (2.984, 7.542)) and who had sufficient knowledge about the adoption of improved latrine services (AOR = 2.020, 95% CI (1.125, 3.628)) were found to be determinants of the adoption of improved latrine services among households.

Conclusion: This study revealed that economics, knowledge, attitudes and practices, infrastructure, and culture were identified as determinants of the adoption of improved latrines in the study area. Poor sanitation significantly impacts economic, social, environmental and many other direct and indirect impacts on the well-being of citizens. Therefore, policies on sanitation and contextual initiatives and focused actions are needed by stakeholders and policy implementers to improve knowledge gaps, access to necessary materials and the income capacity of those lagging to adopt services.

Despite steady progress in the development and promotion of the circular economy as a model, an overwhelming proportion of technological devices discarded by the Global North still finds its way to the Global South, where technology-related environmental health problems start from the predation of resources and continue all the way to recycling and disposal. We reviewed literature on TCEs in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), focussing on: the sources and levels of environmental pollution; the extent of human exposure to these substances; their role in the aetiology of human diseases; their effects on the environment. Our review shows that even minor and often neglected technology-critical elements (TCEs), like rare earth elements (REEs) and platinum group elements (PGEs), reveal the environmental damage and detrimental health effects caused by the massive mining of raw materials, exacerbated by improper disposal of e-waste (from dumping to improper recycling and open burning). We draw attention of local research on knowledge gaps such as workable safer methods for TCE recovery from end-of-life products, secondary materials and e-waste, environmental bioremediation and human detoxification. The technical and political shortcomings in the management of TCEs in SSA is all the more alarming against the background of unfavourable determinants of health and a resulting higher susceptibility to diseases, especially among children who work in mines and e-waste recycling sites or who reside in dumping sites.This paper demonstrates, for the first time, that the role of unjust North-South dynamics is evident even in the environmental levels of minor trace elements and that the premise underlying attempts to solve the problem of e-waste dumped in Africa through recycling and disposal technology is in fact misleading. The influx of foreign electrical and electronic equipments should be controlled and limited by clearly defining what is a ‘useful’ second-hand device and what is e-waste; risks arising from device components or processing by-products should be managed differently, and scientific uncertainty and One Health thinking should be incorporated in risk assessment.

BACKGROUND: Candida is one of the common pathogens in nosocomial infections. Culture is the gold standard for diagnosing candidemia. Candida albicans is identified via the germ tube test, which uses serum as the culture medium, which is costly and time-consuming. This study was conducted to evaluate and compare a relatively simple, fast, and reliable method for the detection of Candida albicans.

METHODS: We conducted this randomized case study at Taipei City Hospital (TCH) from January 2023 to August 2023, with a total of 30 specimen culture reports collected and confirmed to be cases of Candida albicans infection. A germ tube test was performed in a 37°C water bath using serum, plasma, and safe plasma products (Fresh Frozen Plasma, FFP). Further, the same procedures were repeated with the addition of 22% bovine serum albumin (BSA) to the identification/culture.

RESULTS: By adding BSA, more than 50% of the budding phenomenon was observed in 40 minutes, which shortened the diagnosis time compared with the traditional method (2-3 hours). Using BSA can shorten the identification time for early clinical medication and improve the quality of medical care

CONCLUSION: Using safer plasma products for germ tube test of candidiasis not only reduced the risk of infection for medical technicians but could also replace the serum used in traditional methods to increase convenience and save time. This study proposed BSA as a germ tube induction medium enhancer, which reduced the culture time, thereby enabling quicker diagnosis of C. albicans infections.

This study evaluated the health implications and oncological impact of consuming glycidyl esters (GE) and 3-monochloro-1,2-propanediol esters (3-MCPDE) in selected Asian and European populations. Data on dietary GE and 3-MCPDE were compiled from 10 studies conducted in China, Taiwan, Poland, and Spain, identified through a systematic search in PubMed and ScienceDirect databases from 2012 to 2022. Studies on food supplements and analytical methods were excluded from the analysis. Health metrics for these nations, spanning 2015 to 2019, were sourced from the Institute of Health Metrics and Evaluation, among others. A Monte Carlo Simulation was employed for data analysis. The results showed that “grains and grain products” was the most consumed food category (260.45-395.35 g/day), whereas “food for infants and children” was the least consumed (0.01-0.09 g/day). Additionally, “fats from animal or plant origin” had the highest contamination levels. While 3-MCPDE exposures remained within safe limits, median GE exposure correlated with an incidence of colon cancer ranging from 3.66 × 10⁻⁸ to 0.744%, lung cancer from 0.00256 to 0.287%, and breast cancer from 0.0262 to 2.42% within the study areas. This translated to a total cancer burden of 6.69 to 1020 Disability-Adjusted Life Years (DALYs) per 100 000 individuals. The population in China recorded the highest DALY rate (1,020), followed by Spain (30.2), Poland (19.7), and Taiwan (6.69). Projections suggest an uptick in GE-related cancer cases and associated burdens in the coming decades attributed to demographic shifts, ageing populations, and dietary changes. The study underscores the urgency of mitigating GE and 3-MCPDE food contamination, bolstering public health awareness, and establishing safety guidelines.

Heat poses a major environmental risk to occupational safety, necessitating timely insights into associated risks to safeguard workers. In June 2022, the National Weather Service (NWS) initiated operational wet bulb globe temperature (WBGT) forecasts, offering valuable information for heat risk management. This study evaluates the effectiveness of NWS WBGT forecasts, aiming to identify potential areas of caution and improvements for their application for occupational safety management. To this end, the study examines 1.3 million hourly historical NWS WBGT forecast data, comparing it with observed data from 252 weather stations across the US during the summer of 2023. The results offer key insights, revealing that: (1) the accuracy of NWS WBGT forecasts is influenced more by the times of interest than by the forecast horizons; (2) NWS WBGT forecast accuracy varies across different climates in the US, with air temperature bias being the most influential factor in this inaccuracy; and (3) while NWS WBGT forecasts accurately identify the lowest heat risks (i.e. no heat risk), their performance decreases at higher risk levels, emphasizing the importance of careful interpretation in safety management. These insights offer guidance for more cautious interpretations of NWS WBGT forecasts and lay the foundation for future studies on leveraging operational weather forecasting services in effective heat mitigation strategies.

The unprecedented 2021 Heat Dome caused wide-ranging and long-lasting impacts in western Canada, including 619 confirmed heat-related deaths in British Columbia, a doubling of emergency medical calls, increased hospitalisations, infrastructure failures and stress on plants and animals. However, such varied socio-economic consequences of extreme heat can be challenging to capture using a single post-event analysis method. Therefore, there is a need to explore alternative approaches and data sources. Using the 2021 Heat Dome as a case study, a post-event analysis using online news media articles (n = 2909) from 5 subscription news databases and a grey literature search was conducted to identify the socio-economic impacts of the extreme heat event in Canada. The articles reported a wide range of effects to the natural environment (n = 1366), social infrastructure and services (n = 1121), human health (n = 1074), critical infrastructure (n = 988) and the private sector (n = 165). The media-based post-event analysis captured various impacts, some of which have not been identified through other data sources and approaches. Overall, we show that media analysis can complement traditional post-event analysis methods and provide additional perspectives to governments and public health and safety officials.

BACKGROUND: Traffic-related air pollution (TRAP) has significant public health implications and a wide range of adverse health effects, including cardiovascular, respiratory, pulmonary, and other health problems. This study aimed to determine the public health impacts of traffic-related air pollution across the world that can be used as an input for protecting human health.

METHODS: This study considered studies conducted across the world and full-text articles written in English. The articles were searched using a combination of Boolean logic operators (AND, OR, and NOT), MeSH, and keywords from the included electronic databases (SCOPUS, PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, CINAHL, and Google Scholars). The quality assessment of the articles was done using JBI tools to determine the relevance of each included article to the study.

RESULTS: In this study, 1 282 032 participants ranging from 19 to 452 735 were included in 30 articles published from 2010 to 2022. About 4 (13.3%), 9 (30.0%), 12 (40.0%), 8 (26.7%), 2 (6.7%), 15 (50.0%), 3 (10.0%), 3 (10.0%) 1 (3.3%), and 3 (10.0%) of articles reported the association between human health and exposure to CO, PM10, PM2.5, NO_x, NO, NO₂, black carbon, O₃, PAH, and SO₂, respectively. Respiratory diseases, cancer, cognitive function problems, preterm birth, blood pressure and hypertension, diabetes, allergies and sensitization, coronary heart disease, dementia incidence, and hemorrhagic stroke were associated with exposure to TRAP.

CONCLUSIONS: Exposure to nitrogen dioxide, nitrogen oxide, sulfur dioxide, and fine particulate matter was associated with various health effects. This revealed that there is a need for the concerned organizations to respond appropriately.

A significant limitation to cattle production is animal trypanosomosis, which threatens household food security and livelihoods. In addition to stalling livestock productivity, the disease has a devastating impact on animal health. Besides, halting livestock productivity, the disease has a devastating effect on health. Thus, the objectives this study was to assess the epidemiology, and financial impacts of bovine trypanosomosis on livestock producers’ in Arba Minch and Zuria districts of Gamo zone, Ethiopia, from December 2021 to January 2023. Both repeated survey and cross-sectional study were carried out to assess the economic losses, estimate the prevalence and assess the determinants of bovine trypanosomosis. Direct microscopy was applied using buffy coat method to detect trypanosome parasite. The study included 182 households and 384 bovine species. Bovine trypanosomosis caused substantial economic losses through cattle mortality, drug purchases, and the oxen’s loss of draft power. Also, farmers spent a significantly (P < .05) higher amount of money treating trypanosomosis than all other diseases combined. The annual losses per household were estimated to be 9528 ± 1754 Ethiopian Birr (ETB) (95% CI: 6065-12 992) (US$ 176.4) which were spent on purchasing trypanocidal drugs per year per household. The overall mortality from bovine trypanosomiasis was 8.8%. Many farmers prioritized draft power losses as the most significant impact of the disease. Analysis of blood samples also showed a 7.8% overall prevalence of bovine trypanosomosis. The disease burden was significantly (P < .05) higher in the black body coat animals compared to white ones. This study showed that trypanosomosis is an important animal health problem and a potential threat to health and productivity of cattle in Arba Minch and zuria districts of Gamo, Southern Ethiopia. The common trypanocidal drugs were administered by the farmers themselves. Hence, policymakers and professionals should prevent irrational drug use and regularly monitor local trypanocide usage.

PURPOSE: The construction industry is a diverse sector with exposure to multiple psychosocial and environmental workplace hazards that increase the risk of injury. This scoping review aims to consolidate the existing literature on the physical and psychosocial determinants influencing the risk of occupational physical injuries among construction workers globally.

METHODS: A scoping review was conducted using the PRISMA extension checklist guided. Literature searches were performed between June and October 2023 in electronic academic databases.

RESULTS: A total of 77 studies were identified, encompassing various geographical regions, including North America (n = 29), Africa (n = 18), Europe (n = 12), Asia (n = 9), the Middle East (n = 5), and Oceania (n = 4). The review identified physical and psychosocial factors in 3 domains influencing occupational physical injuries: workplace physical environment (eg, exposure to physical hazards, availability and utilization of personal protective equipment, company size, and job type), workplace culture (eg, psychosocial stressors, gender-related barriers, migrant and ethnic disparities, educational background), and physical wellbeing, health and aging (eg, age, obesity, sleep quality, marital stats, and physical health status). Notably, workers from social minority groups (eg, women, ethnic and migrant workers) of young (<25 years old) or older ages (45-55 years old) employed in smaller construction companies are vulnerable to increased injury risk and exposure to physical and psychosocial hazards in the workplace.

CONCLUSION: The review emphasizes a global paucity of research examining the implications of physical and psychosocial factors on injury risk within the construction industry. Future research should prioritize investigating the impact of psychosocial hazards on younger and older workers to detect age-related differences in injury rate, treatment access, and work-related health outcomes.

Infrastructure for water, sanitation, hygiene, cleaning, and waste management is essential for supporting safe environmental conditions in healthcare facilities. Routine maintenance is important for preventing infrastructure breakdowns, but few studies have examined healthcare facility maintenance practices. This study documented environmental maintenance tasks in healthcare facilities in Niger, described bottlenecks to maintenance, and assessed strategies for coping with breakdowns. At 34 rural healthcare facilities in Niger, we conducted quantitative surveys to assess frequency of maintenance tasks and held qualitative interviews with healthcare facility staff to understand bottlenecks to maintenance. On at least a monthly basis, 4% of healthcare facilities inspected their water source and pump for the purpose of detecting and replacing worn parts, 15% inspected water taps and basins, and 29% inspected incinerators. Healthcare facility staff described barriers to accessing government funds for maintenance. Instead, they paid out of their own salaries or raised funds through appeals to community members or revenue generation initiatives. Other bottlenecks included ill-defined management responsibilities and difficulty of finding skilled technicians for maintenance. Findings highlight opportunities to support healthcare facilities in budgeting, advocacy, and training skilled technicians. Initiatives to install infrastructure at healthcare facilities will be more sustainable if they are accompanied by postconstruction planning, training, and funding for maintenance.

Awareness of electronic waste (e-waste) improves safety practices among workers, thereby reducing health risks associated with pollutants. Investigating the awareness and safe practices among these workers could help identify areas for improvement, a task not yet undertaken in Bangladesh. Consequently, this study aimed to examine the awareness, safety measures, and associated factors among e-waste workers in the country. In this cross-sectional study, 236 workers from an e-waste recycling facility located near Dhaka were interviewed using a semi-structured questionnaire from August to September 2022. Eight questions captured information on socio-demographics and work factors, 24 questions on e-waste awareness, and 11 questions on safety practices. Total awareness and safety scores were calculated and categorized as “good” and “poor” based on a cut-off point of 80% of the total score. Bivariate and regression analyses were done to determine associated factors. Only 25% of workers had good e-waste awareness; major knowledge gaps were regarding minimization, health hazards, and environmental impact. Good awareness was significantly associated with female gender, higher education, income, smoking, experience ⩾5 years, and training. About 58% followed good safety practices, but the use of boots and helmets was inadequate. Good safety practices were significantly associated with higher education, income, smoking, experience, training, and overtime work. On multivariable analysis, those with higher education had 12 times (95% CI 4.83-32.81) and 6 times (95% CI 2.94-12.81) higher odds of good awareness and practices, respectively. Trained workers had 3.6 times (95% CI 1.67-7.52) higher odds of good practices. There was a significant correlation between awareness and practices (r = .70, P < .001). The study found poor awareness and inadequate safety practices related to e-waste among the workers. Urgent interventions like training, the use of protective gear, and stringent policies are warranted to increase awareness and safety behaviors.

This study looked at how aware e-waste recycling workers in Bangladesh are about the hazards of e-waste and whether they take proper safety measures during their work. E-waste, which refers to discarded electronic devices and components, contains hazardous materials like heavy metals and toxic chemicals. If not handled properly, these can cause health problems for the workers as well as environmental pollution. The researchers interviewed 236 e-waste workers in Dhaka in 2022. They asked questions to assess the workers’ knowledge about e-waste and its risks, as well as what safety gear and practices they used at work. The study found that only 25% of the workers had good awareness about e-waste hazards. Major gaps were around minimizing e-waste, the health risks, and environmental impact. Around 58% reported following good safety practices like using masks and gloves. However, many did not use critical protective gear like safety boots and helmets consistently. Higher education levels and professional training were linked to better awareness and safer practices. Trained workers were more likely to follow good safety practices. The study findings suggest that urgent interventions like health education and training programs are needed. This can help increase awareness and ensure workers take adequate precautions to reduce health risks from mishandling e-waste in Bangladesh.