Predicting small mammal and flea abundance using landform and soil properties in a plague endemic area in Lushoto District, Tanzania - Tanzania Journal of Health Research Vol. 16 No. 3

Recently, the World Health Organization (WHO) has reported a concentrated outbreak of Bubonic Plague centred off the coast of Africa in Madagascar. While there are only 40 confirmed cases, WHO has stated that it has the potential of spreading rapidly, and that two cases have already been confirmed in the regions capital of Antananarivo. Since the population of Antananarivo is so dense, this creates a problematic situation for overall containment of the outbreak, creating higher than average risks of contraction and overall rapid spread of infection. 


Prior articles such as: "Predicting small mammal and flea abundance using landform and soil properties in a plague endemic area in Lushoto District, Tanzania" by Meliyo et al. have included studies related to the contraction of Bubonic Plague that may help gain more insight into the life cycle of this illness. More specifically, the purpose of this study was to investigate the correlations between landforms and associated soil properties, and small mammals and fleas in the West Usambara Mountains, Tanzania, to determine whether plague persistence in natural foci has a root cause in soils. 

The methods used in this study were of standard field surveys, paired with Geographical Information Systems (GIS) techniques, in order to examine landforms and soil characteristics. Soil samples were analyzed more closely in a laboratory for physico- chemical properties, and the small mammals were trapped on pre-established landform positions, for which they were identified at genus/species level. Fleas were then meticulously picked off the mammal and counted accordingly. 

It is important to note that the relation between landforms and soil data was done using ArcGIS Toolbox functions. Descriptive statistical analysis and the correlation between landforms, soils, small mammals, and fleas were gathered and established by the use a generalized linear regression model (GLM), operated in R statistics software. 

Results showed that landforms and soils influenced the abundance of small mammals and fleas and their overall spatial distribution and that the increase of overall population of small mammals and fleas increased with altitude and elevation. The landform-soil model shows that phosphorus found within the soil, slope and elevation were significant predictors in explaining abundance in small mammals. Fleas' abundance and spatial distribution were strongly linked and influenced by hill-shade, phosphorus, and base saturation. 

In summary, this study suggests that there is a strong correlation between landforms and soils, and small mammals and fleas' overall abundance and could help explain further the dynamics associated with bubonic plague in the region. 

For this journal and others from this issue, click here.

For more on the plague epidemic in Madagascar, click here. 

Ninety-five per cent of women in Hatcliffe, Zimbabwe have faced gender-based violence - African Journal of Reproductive Health Vol.18 No.1 #WHO

On November 21, 2014, the World Health Organization (WHO) released a story on the worldwide need to address violence against females, both young and old.

The African Journal of Reproductive Health, in particular, has several articles addressing physical and sexual abuse against women and girls, as well as issues on child brides and spousal abuse. A recent article in vol.18 no.1 called "Gender Based Violence and its Effects on Women’s Reproductive Health: The Case of Hatcliffe, Harare, Zimbabwe" by Mukanangana et al. explores how violence against women can affect their reproductive health. According to Mukanagana et al. in their article, gender-based violence (GBV) is caused by existing traditional power norms and ways of thinking towards women that can prove to be detrimental to a woman's health. 

WHO says that one in three women globally will experience sexual violence by partners and non-partners in their lifetime. Yet, how will GBV affect women's health? Mukanagana et al. aim to uncover this by conducting a study in Zimbabwe. Women from Hatcliffe in Harare Province in Zimbabwe, between the ages of 15 and 49 were included in the study. This is because of their reproductive age and their vulnerability at this age to GBV. Both qualitative and quantitative research was conducted with group discussions and surveys.

The results indicated that 95 per cent of women in Hatcliffe have faced physical abuse in their lifetime. 66 per cent of abused women were between the ages of 25 and 39 years old. 47 per cent of women who were physically abused were married. Results also indicated that education level was related to the vulnerability of physical abuse. 77 per cent of women who were physically abused had primary education, while 20 per cent of abused women had secondary education, and three per cent of abused women had higher education levels. The study also provides qualitative interviews and statements from participant and "Victim Friendly" officers.

Mukanagana et al. conclude that GBV is prevalent in Hatcliffe, however there is minimal reporting of these cases and victims are silenced due to economic, cultural and religious factors, as well as factors related to current policies. Counselling and education, as well as information provided to both men and women about gender-based violence could help break this culture of silence. The introduction and implementation of policies are needed in order to protect women and their reproductive health from gender-based violence.