African health sciences
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African health sciences · Jun 2014
Hepatitis B infection among Nigerian children admitted to a children's emergency room.
Nigeria commenced her hepatitis B immunization programme in 2004 but there have been few evaluations of the programme in different parts of the country given the fact that prevalence in different regions of the country varies. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of HBsAg and the hepatitis B immunization status among children admitted to the children's emergency room (CHER) in Benin Teaching Hospital. ⋯ HBsAg seroprevalence was high despite high immunization coverage. Lack of timeliness in the receipt of the birth dose and in completion of the schedule may have contributed to the seeming lack of effectiveness of the immunization programme.
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Unsafe abortion refers to a procedure for terminating an unintended pregnancy performed either by persons lacking the necessary skills or in an environment that does not conform to minimal medical standards, or both. ⋯ Concerted and dedicated efforts of government in collaboration with the private sector, community members and non-governmental organizations are needed to ensure that women have a better access to contraceptives, abortion services, and post-abortion care that are safe, affordable, and free from stigma.
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African health sciences · Jun 2014
Prevalence and correlates of violence against female sex workers in Abuja, Nigeria.
Few studies in Africa provide detailed descriptions of the vulnerabilities of female sex workers (FSWs) to violence. ⋯ Interventions that educate FSWs on their rights and enable them avoid violence are urgently required. Young women need economic and educational empowerments to enable them avoid sex work.
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African health sciences · Jun 2014
The rate and cost of hospitalisation in children with sickle cell anaemia and its implications in a developing economy.
There is paucity of data on the cost and rate of hospitalization in children with sickle cell anaemia (SCA) in most developing nations. ⋯ The rate and the cost of hospitalization for children with SCA and the percentage of income spent on hospitalization were too high in our environment. Government should strengthen the National Health Insurance Scheme and subsidise the cost of care to these children.