Effectiveness of rotavirus vaccine in the prevention of diarrhoeal diseases among children under age five years in Kavango East and West Regions, Namibia

Background

Diarrheal diseases due to rotavirus infection contribute greatly to morbidity and mortality rates of babies and young children in many developing countries. This public health concern can effectively be reduced by the use of the rotavirus vaccine, though there is an anecdotal evidence indicating that despite introduction of the vaccine the number of cases of diarrhoea diseases are still high in Namibia, particularly in Kavango east and west regions.

Objective

This study evaluated the effectiveness of the rotavirus vaccine in preventing diarrhoea cases among children under age five years in Kavango regions.

Methods

The study employed a quasiexperimental design comparing diarrhoea cases before (2010-2013) and after (2014-2017) introduction of the rotavirus vaccine among children under age five years. Data were extracted from District Health Information System version 2 and analysed by using one way analysis of covariance.

Results

Before introduction of the rotavirus vaccine, there were 14 500 diarrhoea cases, which is 1.6% rate of infection. After introduction of the rotavirus vaccine, there were 14 400 diarrhoea cases, which is 1.58% rate of infection. This is supported by the effect size (partial eta²) of 0.01%, which is very small. The trend of diarrhoea cases after rotavirus vaccine introduction fluctuated with no major decline of diarrhoea cases.

Conclusions

The study concluded that rotavirus vaccine is less effective in preventing diarrhoea diseases among children under age five years in the Kavango regions. Further research is needed to substantiate these findings as other factors can contribute to fluctuation of diarrhoea cases.

Factors Contributing to Poor Environmental Hygiene in Kehemu location, Rundu, Namibia

Solid waste management in Rundu, Namibia, is a major challenge, resulting in significant environmental health hazards. The purpose of this study was therefore to identify and describe the factors contributing to poor environmental hygiene specifically in Kehemu location in Rundu, while the objectives were to explore the factors contributing to poor environmental hygiene in the area. A qualitative approach was employed comprising an explorative and descriptive design. The research population for this particular study consisted of residents of Kehemu location and a sample was drawn from this population using purposive sampling. Data were collected from focus group discussions conducted with 15 (fifteen) residents. The transcribed interviews and narratives from the research notes were organised into codes, main themes and sub-themes. The results from this study revealed, among other things, that the methods used by most households for disposing of waste included digging holes, burning the waste and dumping it in open areas. In addition, factors contributing to poor environmental hygiene in Kehemu location include a lack of dumping sites, dustbins and refuse removal services. The findings of this study call for well-articulated actions to address the factors identified as being associated with poor environmental hygiene in Kehemu. The study recommends that the town council should empower the community by providing dustbins, initiating clean-up campaigns and providing education and awareness-raising as some measures for curbing problems related to environmental health.