Malawi’s health system faces major challenges in managing cholera outbreaks, worsened by climate-induced extreme weather events (EWEs) like tropical cyclone-related floods (TCRFs). These disasters amplify existing vulnerabilities, including poor infrastructure and limited resources. The March 2022 outbreak, the most severe in two decades, impacted all 29 districts, with a case fatality rate three times the anticipated threshold of 1%. This paper examines Malawi’s health system’s resilience using a structured literature review approach guided by the WHO Operational Framework for Building Climate-Resilient Health Systems. Through secondary data analysis, case studies, and comparative assessments, it identifies key structural and operational weaknesses. It also explores the role of intersectoral collaboration and community engagement, highlighting initiatives like the Tipewe Cholera Campaign. Drawing on international best practices, the study presents evidence-based recommendations to strengthen governance, health infrastructure, workforce distribution, financing, early warning systems, and WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) infrastructure. These measures aim to build a climate-resilient health system capable of effectively managing future outbreaks.
Background: Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a significant global health issue and a form of gender-based violence with far-reaching consequences. Estimates indicate that 39% of married women in Tanzania have experienced spousal violence. This study investigated the factors that contribute to intimate partner violence (IPV) in the Dar es Salaam region. Methods: This quantitative study employed a cross-sectional design and questionnaires to survey 280 ever-married men and women who had experienced violence during data collection. Participants were randomly selected from social welfare departments, and logistic regression analysis was used to determine the key determinants of IPV. Results: The study identified several key determinants that significantly influenced IPV, including economic dependence (p=0.009), cohabitation (p=0.020), having multiple sexual partners (p=0.050), parental influence (p=0.032), unplanned pregnancies (p=0.042), low property ownership (p=0.006), and alcohol abuse(p=0.024). Conclusion: Traditional gender roles enforce rigid expectations for men and women and create power imbalances that perpetuate IPV. This study calls for proactive interventions by the local government and stakeholders, such as religious leaders, to reduce IPV. These include promoting economic empowerment, gender equality, and providing accessible support services for survivors.
Background: While industrial construction supports societal growth, the Obajana cement factory in Ajaokuta, Kogi State, Nigeria, has caused significant environmental issues due to toxin release. This study assessed the impact of industrial pollution on the physical and mental well-being of people living near the Obajana cement industry. Methods: This study used a descriptive survey. The target population consisted of 5,085 locals living near the Obajana Cement Factory in Kogi State, Nigeria. Four hundred and twenty (420) heads of household were chosen using a multi-stage sample approach. Results: The findings revealed that pollutants from cement mills severely harm the community’s health. Conclusion: This study highlights the importance of government action in enforcing environmental laws. Health agencies in Kogi State should launch awareness campaigns on the importance of regular medical checkups to reduce health risks. Meanwhile, relevant agencies must ensure factory compliance, and residents and workers must use personal protective equipment.
Background: Quality antenatal care is crucial for achieving Sustainable Development Goals in both developing and developed countries. This study aimed to identify factors hindering the quality of antenatal care among pregnant women attending primary healthcare facilities in Ede South, Osun State, Nigeria. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted, and data were collected using questionnaires. We used Chi-square and multivariable logistic regression for data analysis. Results: Factors that significantly hindered the quality of antenatal care included healthcare workers not rendering services promptly (p=0.001; AOR=2.87; CI=1.55-5.3), lack of modern equipment (p=0.00; AOR=4.23; CI=2.13-7.75), and healthcare workers lacking sufficient skills (p=0.01; AOR=2.4; CI=1.23-4.68). No significant association was found between socio-demographic variables and perceived quality of antenatal care. Conclusion: Pregnant women perceive good-quality antenatal care at primary healthcare centers. However, factors such as delayed services, outdated equipment, and inadequate healthcare workers’ skills significantly hinder the quality of care. Addressing these factors could improve the quality of antenatal care services in primary healthcare facilities in Ede South, Osun State, Nigeria.
This study explored the role of stakeholder collaboration, including communities, scavengers, planning authorities, and other actors, in enhancing urban solid waste governance in rapidly growing cities. Using a mixed-methods approach, data were collected from community members, CBOs, local government officials, and private waste managers through surveys, interviews, focus group discussions, and secondary sources. The findings reveal that collaboration improves policy implementation, resource mobilization, and accountability, whereas community participation fosters compliance and sustainable practices. Challenges, such as low public awareness, weak regulatory enforcement, and inadequate infrastructure, hinder progress. Technological innovations like GIS mapping and mobile waste management apps show potential for improving waste collection and reducing illegal dumping, though their adoption remains limited by cost and capacity constraints. Statistical analysis confirms that collaboration, participation, and innovation significantly enhance waste governance, with their combined application having the greatest impact. The study recommends capacity building, stronger enforcement, greater community awareness, and the adoption of affordable technologies, emphasizing the importance of partnerships among local authorities, private sectors, and CBOs to achieve sustainable waste management.
