Every day, Nigeria witnesses the loss of approximately 2,300 children under the age of five, primarily due to preventable and treatable conditions such as pneumonia, malaria, and diarrhoea. These high mortality rates are disproportionately higher in rural areas compared to urban regions, where primary health care (PHC) centres often represent the only accessible medical services. Given that PHC centres serve as the first point of contact with the healthcare system for most Nigerians, it is imperative to assess the capabilities of health workers in these facilities, particularly in the management of paediatric emergencies.

This study aimed to evaluate the knowledge and skills of health workers in PHC centres in Zaria concerning the management of common paediatric emergencies. A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted among 139 health workers in PHC centres, randomly selected through a multi-stage sampling technique from both Sabon Gari and Zaria Local Government Areas. Data collection was performed using a pre-tested, semi-structured, self-administered questionnaire. The collected data were analysed using SPSS version 21, with the chi-square test applied to assess associations, and results presented in tables and charts.

The findings revealed a generally low level of knowledge and skills in managing common paediatric emergencies among the health workers surveyed. Specifically, 66 (48.5%) of the respondents exhibited very poor knowledge of the causes of common paediatric emergencies, 32 (23.5%) had poor knowledge, 34 (25.0%) demonstrated good knowledge, and only 4 (2.9%) had excellent knowledge. In terms of treatment knowledge, 46.7% of respondents had very poor knowledge, 34.1% had poor knowledge, 16.3% had good knowledge, and only 3.0% had excellent knowledge. Diagnostic skills were similarly deficient, with 41 (37.3%) of respondents displaying very poor skills, 39 (35.5%) poor skills, 26 (23.6%) good skills, and only 4 (3.6%) exhibiting excellent skills. Additionally, 24.8% of respondents had very poor skills in the treatment of paediatric emergencies, 42.3% had poor skills, and 32.8% had good skills, with none achieving excellent skills. A statistically significant relationship was observed between academic qualification and knowledge of causes (p=0.004) and treatment (p=0.000), as well as between academic qualification and diagnostic skills (p=0.006).

The pervasive low level of knowledge and skills among PHC health workers is alarming, particularly given Nigeria's already dire childhood mortality statistics. These findings underscore the urgent need for a strategic partnership between the Department of Paediatrics at Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital and the Department of Primary Health Care in Zaria and Sabon Gari Local Governments. Such collaborations could facilitate quarterly training sessions and workshops aimed at enhancing the management of paediatric emergencies in these critical frontline health centers.

Background:- Childhood obesity has emerged as a critical global public health concern, with its impact being especially pronounced in low- and middle-income countries, including India. This systematic review aims to examine the prevalence of childhood obesity and place a strong emphasis on identifying the associated risk factors in both urban and rural regions of India. By conducting a thorough analysis of existing research studies, this review aims to identify the most significant risk factors associated with childhood obesity in these distinct settings. This knowledge is essential for designing and implementing targeted interventions and policies that can effectively address the growing epidemic of childhood obesity in India and promote healthier lifestyles among children. Understanding these risk factors will enable policymakers, healthcare professionals, and parents to work together to develop evidence-based strategies that support the health and well-being of children in India, ultimately helping to reduce the prevalence of childhood obesity and its related health problems.

Methods: - A thorough search of PubMed, Embase, and Scopus databases was conducted to find relevant English-language studies from the last ten years. These studies had to be conducted in India, focus on children and adolescents aged 0-18, and either report the prevalence of childhood obesity or identify factors that increase the risk of childhood obesity. After a meticulous review process, ten studies were selected that met these criteria. These studies employed cross-sectional research designs. This comprehensive approach ensured that the analysis was based on high-quality, relevant data, offering valuable insights into the patterns and determinants of childhood obesity in both urban and rural settings across India.

Results: - The study found that childhood obesity is more common in urban areas of India compared to rural areas. Urban children had an estimated obesity rate of 9%, while rural children had a rate of 4%. In urban areas, factors such as unhealthy eating, lack of physical activity, higher income, parental education, and attending private schools were linked to childhood obesity. Conversely, in rural areas, different factors are associated with childhood obesity. Gender differences play a role, with boys and girls potentially experiencing different levels of physical activity and dietary patterns. Age is another factor, as older children might have different lifestyle habits compared to younger ones. Household size also influences obesity prevalence, with larger families possibly having less per capita resources for healthy food and physical activity opportunities.

Discussion: - The results of this study underscore the critical need for interventions tailored to the specific conditions of urban and rural areas to effectively address the disparities in childhood obesity prevalence. In urban regions, strategies should prioritize promoting healthy dietary habits and increasing opportunities for physical activity. This could involve initiatives such as improving access to nutritious foods, creating safe spaces for exercise, and implementing educational programs that encourage healthy lifestyle choices among children and their families. In rural areas, interventions must also consider the unique challenges and cultural contexts. Programs should be designed to be inclusive, ensuring they address the needs of both boys and girls. This might include community-based activities that promote physical fitness and nutrition education tailored to local dietary practices and resources. Furthermore, future research should consider the regional and cultural distinctions that influence childhood obesity.

Conclusion:- This systematic review not only sheds light on the risk factors associated with childhood obesity in India but also provides a roadmap for developing targeted, region-specific interventions that can help combat this pressing health issue and reduce disparities across different populations.

The development of fast disintegrating films and tablets for the delivery of Valsartan, an angiotensin II receptor antagonist used in the treatment of hypertension, aims to improve patient compliance, especially for those with difficulty swallowing conventional tablets. This study focuses on the formulation, characterization, and evaluation of fast disintegrating films and tablets of Valsartan using various excipients such as superdisintegrants, polymers, and other film-forming agents. The fast disintegrating films were prepared using solvent casting techniques, while tablets were formulated through direct compression. The formulations were evaluated for disintegration time, drug release profile, mechanical strength, and stability under various conditions. The Valsartan-loaded films and tablets exhibited rapid disintegration, with improved drug release kinetics compared to traditional tablet formulations. Additionally, the film dosage form demonstrated excellent patient acceptability due to its ease of administration. In vitro drug release studies showed that both the films and tablets achieved complete release within 10–15 minutes, ensuring fast onset of action. Stability studies indicated that the formulations remained stable under accelerated conditions, ensuring the feasibility of these fast-dissolving forms for clinical application. This research highlights the potential of fast disintegrating films and tablets as an effective alternative to conventional Valsartan formulations, offering benefits in terms of ease of administration, improved bioavailability, and enhanced patient compliance.

In recent years, prolapse of the pelvic organs – genital prolapse (GP) is considered one of the pressing problems of modern gynecology. The prevalence of GP among women ranges from 2 to 77% and does not tend to decrease. According to WHO, in 2030, GP may be observed in 63 million women. [1,2,3]. In world statistics, the number of cases of genital prolapse varies widely and is multifactorial.

Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is one of the most serious conditions affecting preterm infants, associated with a high mortality rate. Breast milk, due to its unique bioactive components, can reduce the risk of NEC by protecting the intestines and supporting healthy microbiota. This article discusses the protective mechanisms of breast milk, its immune and anti-inflammatory properties, and compares it with artificial formula.

Thrombosis is a significant health concern globally, with genetic factors contributing to its development. This study aims to explore the genetic landscape associated with thrombosis risk in a sample of the Iraqi population. Using a case-control design, we analyzed genetic polymorphisms linked to thrombosis, including variations in genes related to coagulation, inflammation, and endothelial function. A total of 300 participants, including 150 individuals with a confirmed history of thrombosis and 150 matched controls, were recruited for this study. Genotyping was performed using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and sequencing techniques to identify relevant genetic variants. The results revealed several significant associations between specific genetic polymorphisms and increased thrombosis risk in the Iraqi population. Additionally, environmental factors and their interaction with genetic predispositions were examined to provide a comprehensive understanding of thrombosis risk. These findings highlight the importance of genetic screening in identifying individuals at risk of thrombosis and contribute to the growing body of literature on the genetic epidemiology of thrombotic disorders in diverse populations.