Afghanistan: a biased report.
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Afghanistan↗
Biomedical subjects
A O Gebreel
Publications and source records attributed to A O Gebreel.
In pursuit of a better quality of life through the Basic Minimum Needs Programme: the Afghan experience.
This paper reports the outcome of work on integrated community development carried out in two villages in the Behsood district of Nangarhar province, Afghanistan, where the Basic Development Needs (BMN) model of community development was introduced in the last quarter of 1995. It describes the conceptual framework and the socio-political constraint under which the BMN development process evolved and was pursued. It also provides a detailed account of the methodology adopted, the results of the BMN survey, the socio-economic profile of the villages and the underlying causes of the problems. The paper gives an exposé of the set of potential interventions and solutions chosen by the community to solve their problems.
Adolescent↗
Making health messages interesting.
In Afghanistan a radio drama serial carrying messages vital to the well-being of the population, backed up by more detailed information in reinforcing radio programmes and a cartoon magazine, is proving effective in increasing people's knowledge of immunization and other subjects.
Adult↗
Studies on the sero-epidemiology of endemic diseases in Libya. III. Schistosomiasis.
An ELISA system showed a positive rate for Schistosoma mansoni infections of 33.4% in Tauorga school-children; qualitative stool examination detected only 6.9%. Subsequent sampling of the school population indicated that a mollusciciding programme involving the major water body in the area had prevented any overall increase in prevalence and had apparently produced a decrease in prevalence in certain locations. New housing, piped water, sanitary disposal of wastes and health education were additional favourable factors.
Adolescent↗
Studies on the sero-epidemiology of endemic diseases in Libya, IV. Malaria.
Indirect fluorescent antibody studies were conducted in order to determine possible risk to Libyan communities of malaria, particularly relapsing forms, as a direct result of the presence of large teams of immigrant labour. Two groups of Indians (100 and 81) indicated past exposure to relapsing malaria, measured by Plasmodium fieldi antigen, in the range 42.0-44.0%, to recent/heavy relapsing infection (12.4-19.0%) and to recent/heavy P. falciparum infection (2.5-4.0%). A non-Asian group (149) indicated 8.7, 3.4 and 2.0%, respectively. A group of native schoolboys (106) indicated a total lack of antibodies to any form of malaria. The prospect of the re-establishment of malaria transmission following successful control throughout 20 years past is considered on this basis.
Adult↗
Studies on the sero-epidemiology of endemic diseases in Libya. II. Rubella.
No epidemiological information concerning the prevalence of rubella previously existed in Libya, thus precluding policy decisions in respect of possible immunization programme options. A random serological survey of school children, using the single-radial haemolysis-test, gave the following IgG positive rates. In Benghazi, 621 subjects yielded 58.8% at six years, the point of entry to the school system, rising to 78.3% at 12 years; in Gharian, 188 subjects yielded 61.1% at six years rising to 89.3% at 12 years. An additional random group of 70 Benghazi children, bled annually for four years, yielded positive rates of 55.7% at six years rising to 78.6% at nine years.
Adolescent↗
Hepatitis in pregnancy in Libya.
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Female↗
Studies on the sero-epidemiology of endemic diseases in Libya. I. Echinococcosis in Libya.
In Libya traditional animal husbandry and the practice of domestic slaughter of food animals contribute to the maintenance of the Echinococcus cycle. The cost of echinococcosis is high and may significantly affect the national economy. This study, employing the ELISA test, has indicated an approximately 10% infection rate in children and young adults from the environs of Benghazi, no difference being apparent between rural and urban dwellers. The prevalence of the infection should be determined in both animals and man and possible disease inter-relationships investigated. Surveys are required in all alleged endemic areas and in sheep and camel breeding areas. It is also necessary to determine the importance of foxes, hyaenas and jackals in transmission among other animals. A clinical trial is recommended to assess the value of mebendazole against Echinococcus cysts.
Adolescent↗
Viral hepatitis in children: a study in Libya.
Serum surveys in Gharian and Derna, Libya, assessed by radioimmunoassay, indicated that 100% of children of seven years and older, were HAV immune, as were 60-70% of three-year old children revealing that infection occurs below the latter age. HBV infection occurs erratically in time and appears to be uncommon in young children, affects school children somewhat more frequently and adults more so. Non-A non-B hepatitis also occurs but in the absence of specific tests it is impossible to assess its incidence.
Child↗