Perception and affordability of long-lasting insecticide-treated nets among pregnant women and mothers of children under five years in Ogun State, Nigeria

Despite the distribution of long-lasting insecticide-treated nets [LLINs] in Nigeria, access to and use of LLINs continues to be minimal. Little is also known about the perceived fair price people are willing to pay for LLINs in Ogun State, South-West Nigeria. Data were collected using semi-structured questionnaire among pregnant women attending antenatal clinics and mothers of under-five children in randomly-selected malaria holo-endemic communities of Ijebu North and Yewa North local government areas of Ogun State. Results showed that only 23.6% of 495 respondents owned and were using LLINs. One of the main reasons for non-use of LLINs was unaffordability of LLIN cost. 84.2% of the 495 respondents were willing to pay at a hypothetical price of N800.00 [US$5.00] for a LLIN, 15.6% were unwilling and 0.2% was indifferent to buying it at the price. Their willingness to pay was significantly determined by education and occupation [p = 0.00]. Health education strategies need to be developed to increase awareness and demand for LLINs. However, there is the need to take into account preferred access outlets and the diversity in willingness to pay for LLINs if equity to access is to be ensured in the study communities

assessment of the emergency response among health workers involved in the 2010 cholera outbreak in northern Nigeria

The 2010 cholera outbreak in northern Nigeria affected over 40,000 people, with a case fatality rate [CFR] of >/= 3.75%. We assessed the emergency response of health care workers [HCWs] involved in case management. This was a cross-sectional study with data collected through a self-administered questionnaire. Data entry and analysis were performed using Epi info software. A total of 56 HCWs were interviewed. The mean age was 31 years [SD +/- 8.16 years]. The majority of the HCWs [80%; n = 45] were aged 18-39 years. Most were community health extension workers [60%], and 3.6% [n = 2] were medical doctors. Many of the HCWs had less than 2 years of work experience [42%]. Additionally, 82% of the respondents had <1 week of cholera emergency response training, and 50% of the HCWs managed >20 suspected cases of cholera per day. Although 78% of HCWs reported the practice of universal safety precautions, 32% [n = 18] knew HCWs who developed symptoms of cholera during the epidemic, most of which was believed to be hospital acquired [78%]. We also found that 77% [n = 43] of HCWs had no access to the required emergency response supplies. Inadequate training, a lack of qualified HCWs and a limited supply of emergency response kits were reported. Therefore, the government and stakeholders should address the gaps noted to adequately control and prevent future epidemics