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Objective: The aim of this review was to identify the pooled effect of chlorhexidine cord application on prevention of neonatal sepsis in developing countries. Methods: We have conducted systemic review and meta-analysis. Articles were searched from electronic databases such as PubMed, EMBASE, CINHAL, Cochrane central register of controlled trials (CENTRAL), and other sources such as direct Google search, Google Scholar, and POPline. Only randomized controlled trial studies were considered for this review. The effect of chlorhexidine cord application on prevention of neonatal sepsis and mortality was assessed as compared to dry cord care. Results: Five studies from developing countries were included in the review with a total of 129,293 participants. Pooled result of meta-analysis showed that chlorhexidine cord application reduces neonatal sepsis by 32% as compared to dry cord care (relative risk [RR] 0.68, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.57–0.81, random effect model, I2 =93%). It also indicated that chlorhexidine cord application reduces severe sepsis by 77% (RR 0.23, 95% CI 0.11–0.48, random effect model, I2 = 63%) and neonatal mortality reduction by 13 % as compared to dry cord care (RR 0.87, 95% CI 0.79–0.97, random effect model, I2 = 0%). Conclusions: Chlorhexidine cord application significantly reduces neonatal sepsis and mortality in developing countries. Therefore, we stress the importance of including chlorhexidine cord application into the essential newborn care in the setting with high burden of neonatal mortality. The review protocol was registered at PROSPERO with registration number CRD 42018089204.

Objective: Globally, the number of people living with human immunodeficiency virus (PLHIV) particularly in sub-Saharan Africa is growing. This has been resulted in increased number of tuberculosis (TB) new cases. To control burden of TB among PLHIV, a number of collaborative TB/HIV activities were recommended. However, data about collaborative TB/HIV services in the study area is scarce. The objective of this study is to assess intensified TB case finding, implementation of isoniazid preventive therapy (IPT) and associated factors among PLHIV. Methods: A facility based cross-sectional study design was employed among 419 randomly selected PLHIV from public health facilities of Harari region. Systematic sampling method was used to obtain sample from each health facilities. Interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to collect data. Data were entered into EpiData and analyzed by SPSS statistical software. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was conducted to determine the presence of association between variables using odds ratio with 95% confidence interval and association was declared significant at P ≤ 0.05. Results: One hundred fifteen (75.2%) of the respondents reported that they offered screening for TB during their HIV chronic cares and 94 (29.8%) of them were found to be positive for active TB. Female sex [AOR 2.51; 95%CI (1.52, 6.14)], educated patients [AOR 0.52; 95%CI (0.21, 0.83)], CD4 count greater than 350 cells/dl3 [AOR 0.62; 95%CI(0.22,0.82)], Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) initiation [AOR 0.50; 95%CI (0.35, 0.88)] and missing dose of ART [AOR 2.57; 95%CI (1.21, 5.32)] were significantly associated with TB infection. Nearly four-fifth (78.7 %) of the study participants were provided IPT. Conclusions: Screening of TB among PLHIV and implementation of IPT in the region is lower when compared to the findings of other studies conducted in different parts of the country and needs to be improved through implementation of national and international guidelines.