Predictive factors for birth trauma in southwestern Nigeria

Birth trauma is a significant cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality. This prospective study determined the predictive factors for birth trauma as seen in a Nigerian university teaching hospital. This was a prospective descriptive evaluation of birth trauma at Wesley Guilds Hospital, Ilesa over three years. Semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect data on the age, gender, pattern of presentation, place and mode of delivery, level of birth attendants, and treatment offered. Outcome measures were factors predisposing to birth trauma. A total of 137 neonatal hospital admissions with birth related complaints were recorded between 10th December, 2002 and 9th December 2005, out of which 119(86.8%) patients had 121 birth injuries (Males: Females= 1.4: 1). The mean age was 6 ± 4.1 (range: 1-31) day. Non skeletal injuries included cephalohaematoma 30(24.8%), genital bruises/abrasion 4(3.3%), subconjuctiva haemorrhage 2(1.7%), subdural haemorrhage 1 (0.8%), nasal necrosis 1(0.8%), Erb`s`palsy 31(25.6%) and Klumpke`s palsy 2(1.7%). Skeletal injuries were mainly bone fractures 50(41.3%)with 2(1.7%)mortality. Ante natal care/delivery, level of birth attendants, mode of delivery, fetal distress, and emergency caesarian section were among the factors that determined birth trauma. The prevalence of birth trauma is high in southwestern Nigeria. The predictive factors are easily identifiable in the perinatal period; early recognition could reduce significantly birth trauma

Ministerial press briefing on national health scheme II

Onchocerciasis; popularly known as River Blindness Disease has been recognised as a public health problem in Nigeria since 1906. Nigeria is highly endemic for this disease to the level that 40of the world case; i.e. 6.9 million out of 17.8 million; are believed to exist in the country. The manufacturer of the effective drug (MECTIZAN); Merck; sharp and Dohme; has promised to make the drug available to Nigeria free of charge for as long as it is required; however; the distribution cost to the rural; endemic areas; estimated at N15.00 per dose; is being financed by the Federal Government. The National Mectizan Treatment Project was launched in 1991 at Minna Niger State with 16 Honourable Commissioners for Health acting as co-launchers in attendance under the Chairmanship of His Excellency; the then State Military Governor

Sierra Leone peripheral health services health team and manpower needs review and recommendation for reconstitution

Sierra Leone has an estimated population of 4.2 million which is growing at 2.3per year. 68of the people live in the rural areas and 32in the cities. The country has one of the highest mortality and morbidity rates in the world and the people suffer from mainly infectious diseases

Sierra Leone peripheral health services health team and manpower needs review and recommendation for reconstitution

Sierra Leone has an estimated population of 4.2 million which is growing at 2.3 per cent per year. 68 per cent of the people live in the rural areas and 32 per cent in the cities. The country has one of the highest mortality and morbidity rates in the world and the people suffer from mainly infectious diseases