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ABSTRACTThe COVID-19 pandemic has significantly disrupted healthcare systems at all levels globally, notably affecting routine healthcare services, such as childhood vaccination. This study examined the impact of these disruptions on routine childhood vaccination programmes in Tanzania. We conducted a longitudinal study over four years in five Tanzanian regions: Mwanza, Dar es Salaam, Mtwara, Arusha, and Dodoma. This study analyzed the trends in the use of six essential vaccines: Bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG), bivalent Oral Polio Vaccine (bOPV), Diphtheria Tetanus Pertussis, Hepatitis-B and Hib (DTP-HepB-Hib), measles-rubella (MR), Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV), and Rota vaccines. We evaluated annual and monthly vaccination trends using time-series and regression analyses. Predictive modeling was performed using an autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) model. A total of 32,602,734 vaccination events were recorded across the regions from 2019 to 2022. Despite declining vaccination rates in 2020, there was a notable rebound in 2021, indicating the resilience of Tanzania’s immunization program. The analysis also highlighted regional differences in vaccination rates when standardized per 1000 people. Seasonal fluctuations were observed in monthly vaccination rates, with BCG showing the most stable trend. Predictive modeling of BCG indicated stable and increasing vaccination coverage by 2023. These findings underscore the robustness of Tanzania’s childhood immunization infrastructure in overcoming the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, as indicated by the strong recovery of vaccination rates post-2020. We provide valuable insights into the dynamics of vaccination during a global health crisis and highlight the importance of sustained immunization efforts to maintain public health.

Objectives: Tanzania observed a gradual increase in the number of measles cases since 2019 with a large outbreak recorded during 2022. This study describes the trend of measles in Tanzania over a 5-year period from 2018-2022. Methods: This was a descriptive study conducted using routine measles case-based surveillance system including 195 councils of the United Republic of Tanzania. Results: Between 2018 and 2022 there were 12,253 measles cases reported. Out of 10,691 (87.25%) samples tested by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, 903 (8.4%) were measles immunoglobulin M positive. The highest number of laboratory-confirmed measles cases was in 2022 (64.8%), followed by 2020 (13.8%), and 2019 (13.5%). Out of 1279 unvaccinated cases, 213 (16.7%) were laboratory-confirmed measles cases compared to 77/723 (10.6%) who were partially vaccinated and 71/1121 (6.3%) who were fully vaccinated (P 90% since 2013 while MCV2 increased gradually reaching 88% in 2022. Conclusions: Accumulation of susceptible children to measles due to suboptimal measles vaccination coverage over the years has resulted in an increase in the number of laboratory-confirmed measles cases in Tanzania with more cases recorded during the COVID-19 pandemic. Strengthening surveillance, routine immunization, and targeted strategies are key to achieving the immunity levels required to interrupt measles outbreaks.

Abstract The study aims to determine Rotavirus genotypes between 2013 and 2018 during implementation of ROTARIX vaccine in Tanzania. The analysis of surveillance data obtained between 2013 and 2018 was done to determine circulating genotypes after introduction of Rotarix vaccine. From 2013 to 2018, a total of 10,557 samples were collected and screened for Rotavirus using an enzyme immunoassay. A significant decrease in Rotavirus positivity (29.3% to 17.8%) from 2013 to 2018 (OR 0.830, 95% CI 0.803–0.857, P

The impacts of drought and climate change on agriculture have become increasingly apparent, and affect smallholder livestock farmers. Farmers’ livelihoods rely on agriculture; thus, they are vulnerable to the primary and secondary impacts of climate change. In South Africa, policies for increasing the resilience of smallholder livestock farmers who have suffered from agricultural drought have not paid sufficient attention to the level of livelihood vulnerability. This study assessed the level of livelihood vulnerability of smallholder livestock farmers in the drought-stricken Frances Baard District Municipality in the Northern Cape Province of South Africa. The livelihood vulnerability of 217 randomly selected farmers from the municipality were determined using the Livelihood Vulnerability Index (LVI) and Livelihood Vulnerability Index of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (LVI-IPCC), which includes seven components and 34 subcomponents addressing livelihood. A high level of livelihood vulnerability, with an LVI score of 0.436, was determined and attributed to high-risk livelihood strategies, food, social networks, health, water, sociodemographics, natural disasters, and climate change. The LVI-IPCC of 0.04 also showed moderate vulnerability due to high exposure, high sensitivity, and low adaptive capacity, especially for the Phokwane, Dikgatlong, and Magareng districts in the Frances Baard municipality. Given continued drought recurrences, it is crucial for the government and other stakeholders to implement strategic and targeted sustainable interventions. The resilience of smallholder livestock farmers should be enhanced by increasing their adaptive capacity through diversified livelihood options while decreasing exposure and sensitivity to agricultural drought risks.

COVID-19 is a major public health threat associated with increased disease burden, mortality, and economic loss to countries and communities. Safe and efficacious COVID-19 vaccines are key in halting and reversing the pandemic. Low confidence in vaccines has been one of the factors leading to hesitancy. We aimed to assess the COVID-19 vaccine confidence (safety and effectiveness), associated factors, and its effects on vaccine uptake among general community members in Tanzania. This was a community-based cross-sectional survey conducted from December 2021 to April 2022 in six regions of Tanzania mainland and two regions in Zanzibar. Participants were interviewed using an electronic questionnaire. Multiple logistic regression models estimated odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence interval (CI) for factors associated with vaccine confidence. All analyses were performed using SPSS version 25.0. The study enrolled 3470 general Tanzanian community members; their mean age was 40.3 (standard deviation ±14.9) years, and 34% were males. The proportion of COVID-19 vaccine confidence was 54.6%. Geographical region, residence area, COVID-19 disease risk perception, and good knowledge of COVID-19 vaccines were significantly associated with COVID-19 vaccine confidence. Confidence in COVID-19 vaccines was associated with over three times higher odds of vaccine uptake. Confidence in COVID-19 vaccines was low in Tanzania. Innovative community engagement strategies and region-specific interventions are needed to improve comprehensive knowledge and address community perceptions and attitudes toward COVID-19 vaccines.

The present study focused on the synthesis, introduction and investigation of the biological effects of sulfonamide-derived products as new azo-sulfonamides (samples 1–6). In this transformation, the amine sulfonamide is first converted to the corresponding diazonium salt, which is then attacked by a nucleophilic carbon of the aromatic ring in the playing medium. All products were obtained with reasonable yields and high purity. The structure of synthesized derivatives was determined using various analytical tools including FT-IR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR and XRD spectroscopy, and the synthesized products were purified and identified. Biological properties of newly synthesized azo-compounds similar to SSZAD were also investigated. These compounds were tested in terms of biological effectiveness. The results of biochemical assays show that: the products have significant biological properties. MTT toxicity of compounds in breast cancer cells (MCF-7) for compounds 1–6 according to IC50 compare to Vinblastine is Vin > 5 > 4 > 6 > 2 > 3 > 1. The biochemical results obtained were analyzed by molecular docking interaction studies and showed strong hydrogen bonding with the target receptor. The docking calculation has been invoked to reveal the type of interactions that synthesized compounds can establish with the residues forming the active sites of the target proteins, 1FDW the three higher scores molecules appears to be (6 > 1 > 2), 3FC2 (the three highest binding affinities are in the order of 1 > 3 > 6), and 5GWK (three highest binding affinities are 1 > 3 > 6). The results indicate the effective interaction of all products with the targets. The molecular dynamics simulation has been invoked to study the presence of a stable system of the interacting protein–ligand.

The use of vaccines is one of the key tools in reversing the COVID-19 pandemic; however, various reports reported the low uptake of the vaccines. This study explored the barriers to the COVID-19 vaccine uptake among community members in Tanzania. A qualitative explorative study was conducted in December 2021 and April 2022 in eight regions of Tanzania. Focus group discussions (FGDs) and in-depth interviews (IDIs) were the methods of data collection. A total of 48 FGDs and 32 IDIs were conducted. Participants were aware of the COVID-19 disease and vaccines. The barriers to the COVID-19 vaccine non-uptake included receiving contradicting statements from top government leaders, vaccine preceded the education, myths towards vaccines, the presence of different types of vaccines, the process of getting the vaccine, the influence of social media and random people from the community, and vaccine conflicting religious beliefs. Despite being aware of the vaccine, the uptake of the COVID-19 vaccine is still low. Interventions that focus on increasing community knowledge about COVID-19 vaccines and addressing myths about the vaccines are needed.

A novel tripod-chromogenic sensor based on a s-triazine and thiazolidine-2,4-dione ring (TCST)was designed, synthesized, and applied as a colorimetric probe in aqueous solutions of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO). The probe showed a highly sensitive and selective colorimetric sensor for naked-eye detection of L[i.sup.+], changing from colourless to yellow. The probe's detection limit toward L[i.sup.+] was found to be 1.2 [micro]M. The result of the Job plot analysis showed 1:1 stoichiometry for the interaction between the tripod chemosensor and L[i.sup.+] and this result was confirmed by [.sup.1.H] NMR titration experiments. The probe can also be used for biological activities depending on the results of microbial tests. Key words: chemosensor, colorimetric, naked-eye detection, L[i.sup.+] sensing, s-triazine, thiazolidine-24-dione. Nous avons concu et synthetise un nouveau capteur chromogene de type tripode contenant un noyau central striazine et des cycles thiazolidine-2,4dione (TCST)et nous l'avons employe comme sonde colorimetrique dans des solutions aqueuses de dimethylsulfoxyde (DMSO). Nous avons observe que cette sonde agit comme capteur colorimetrique haute-ment sensible et selectif pour la detection a l'ceil nu de l'ion L[i.sup.+], qui se caracterise par un changement de couleur passant d'incolore a jaune. La limite de detection de la sonde a l'egard de l'ion L[i.sup.+] etait de 1,2 [micro]M. L'analyse de la courbe de Job a montre que l'interaction entre le capteur chimique de type tripode et l'ion L[i.sup.+] presentait une stc chiometrie de 1:1. Ce resul-tat a ete confirme au moyen d'experiences de titrage par RMN [.sup.1.H]. La sonde peut egalement etre utilisee comme molecule bioactive selon les resultats de tests microbiens. [Traduit par la Redaction] Mots-cles: capteur chimique, colorimetrique, detection a l'ceil nu, detection d'ions L[i.sup.+], striazine, thiazolidine-24dione., Introduction Lithium (Li) is an important metal with natural sources in the Earth's crustal rocks, seawater, and mammals. (1,2) Among the metal ions, this soft metal has an undeniable industrial [...]

The impacts of drought and climate change on agriculture have become increasingly apparent, and affect smallholder livestock farmers. Farmers' livelihoods rely on agriculture; thus, they are vulnerable to the primary and secondary impacts of climate change. In South Africa, policies for increasing the resilience of smallholder livestock farmers who have suffered from agricultural drought have not paid sufficient attention to the level of livelihood vulnerability. This study assessed the level of livelihood vulnerability of smallholder livestock farmers in the drought-stricken Frances Baard District Municipality in the Northern Cape Province of South Africa. The livelihood vulnerability of 217 randomly selected farmers from the municipality were determined using the Livelihood Vulnerability Index (LVI) and Livelihood Vulnerability Index of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (LVI-IPCC), which includes seven components and 34 subcomponents addressing livelihood. A high level of livelihood vulnerability, with an LVI score of 0.436, was determined and attributed to high-risk livelihood strategies, food, social networks, health, water, sociodemographics, natural disasters, and climate change. The LVI-IPCC of 0.04 also showed moderate vulnerability due to high exposure, high sensitivity, and low adaptive capacity, especially for the Phokwane, Dikgatlong, and Magareng districts in the Frances Baard municipality. Given continued drought recurrences, it is crucial for the government and other stakeholders to implement strategic and targeted sustainable interventions. The resilience of smallholder livestock farmers should be enhanced by increasing their adaptive capacity through diversified livelihood options while decreasing exposure and sensitivity to agricultural drought risks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sulfonamides are important compounds with special applications in pharmaceuticals due to their antibacterial and antiparasitic properties, and they are known as sulfa drugs (SDs). In this study, we focused on the multifunctional therapeutic compound sulfathiazole (ST) and investigated its hybridization of imine bonds with various azo compounds. A series of novel azoimino-sulfathiazoles (AIST) was successfully synthesized using a one-pot three-component reaction (3MCR) methodology. Additionally, we reported the design and synthesis of two ST derivatives bound to an azo group in a 3MCR dish. The structure of the newly synthesized AISD after separation and purification was examined and confirmed by TLC, M.P., FT-IR, 1H NMR, and 13C NMR. Furthermore, their cytotoxicity was evaluated via MTT assay. The antibacterial, antioxidant, and anticancer activities of the AISD compounds were assessed using the MTT assay, focusing on the PC-3 human prostate cancer cell line. The results showed good resistance to E. coli and S. aureus, with inhibition zones of 27 and 31 mm, respectively, compared to standard penicillin G. More importantly, certain AIST compounds exhibited superior antibacterial activity compared to penicillin G. To understand the mode of action of the proteins and potential interactions, docking calculations were performed using the target proteins 1FDW, 3FC2, and 5GWK. 5GWK achieved the highest placement score, followed by 1FDW and 3FC2, which showed strong closeness. A detailed analysis of the ligand–protein interactions revealed the strongest interaction with human topoisomerase II alpha (5GWK) as the target protein. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The assessment of travel time reliability enables precise prediction of travel times, better activity scheduling and decisions for all users of the road network. Furthermore, it helps to monitor traffic flow as a crucial strategy for reducing traffic congestion and ensuring high-quality service in urban roads. Travel time reliability is a useful reference tool for evaluating transport service quality, operating costs and system efficiency. However, many analyses of travel time reliability do not provide true travel variation under heterogeneous traffic flow conditions where traffic flow is a mixture of motorized and non-motorized transport. This study analysed travel time reliability under heterogeneous traffic conditions. The travel reliabilities focused on passenger waiting time at bus stops, in-vehicle travel time, and delay time at intersections which were analysed using buffer time, standard deviation, coefficient of variation, and planning time. The data used were obtained from five main bus routes in Dar es Salaam. The results indicate low service reliability in the outbound directions compared to inbound directions. They also intend to raise awareness of policy-makers about the situation and to make them shift from expanding road networks towards optimising road operations.

BackgroundSubstance use among school-going adolescents increases the risk of developing mental disorders, addiction, and substance use disorders. These may lead to poor academic performance and reduced productivity, which affects adolescent lives. The study aimed to determine the prevalence of substance use and associated factors among secondary school adolescents in the Kilimanjaro region, northern Tanzania.MethodologyThe study used secondary data from a cross-sectional survey of adolescents aged 10-19 years from public secondary schools in the Kilimanjaro Region, northern Tanzania. Substance use was measured using the Global School Health Survey (GSHS) questionnaire. Categorical variables were summarized using frequencies and percentages, while numerical variables used mean and standard deviation. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to obtain odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) to determine risk factors associated with lifetime and current (within the past 30 days preceding the survey) substance use.ResultsThe lifetime and current prevalence of substance use among 3224 adolescents was 19.7% and 12.8%, respectively, while alcohol and cigarettes were commonly used. Female adolescents had lower odds of current substance use (OR = 0.63, 95%CI 0.50-0.80). Higher odds of current substance use were among adolescents who have ever had sex (OR = 4.31, 95%CI 3.25-5.71), ever engaged in a physical fight (OR = 2.19, 95%CI 1.73-2.78), ever been bullied (OR = 1.55, 95%CI 1.16-2.05), always seen alcohol advertisements (OR = 1.87, 95%CI 1.37-2.53), and adolescents whose parent/guardians rarely understood their problems (OR = 1.38, 95% CI = 1.03-1.85). Adolescents whose classmates always showed social support had lower odds of current substance use (AOR = 0.71, 95%CI 0.53-0.97). Similar factors were associated with lifetime substance users.ConclusionThe study reflects a high prevalence of substance use among adolescents in the Kilimanjaro region. Alcohol and cigarette are the most prevalent substances used. Regulatory measures are essential to limit alcohol advertisements that are media portrayed. Efforts are needed to reduce risk behaviors, such as physical violence and bullying, through peer support groups/clubs in school environments.

Rubella virus (RV) infection in susceptible women during the first trimester of pregnancy is associated with congenital Rubella syndrome (CRS). In countries where a vaccination program is implemented, active case surveillance is emphasized. This report documents the magnitude of active cases before and after vaccine implementation in Tanzania. A total of 8750 children and adolescents with signs and symptoms of RV infection were tested for Rubella IgM antibodies between 2013 and 2019 using enzyme immunoassay followed by descriptive analysis. The median age of participants was 3.8 (IQR: 2–6.4) years. About half (4867; 55.6%) of the participants were aged 1–5 years. The prevalence of RV active cases was 534 (32.6%, 95% CI: 30.2–34.9) and 219 (3.2%, 95% CI: 2.7–3.6) before and after vaccine implementation, respectively. Before vaccination, the highest prevalence was recorded in Pemba (78.6%) and the lowest was reported in Geita (15.6%), whereas, after vaccination, the prevalence ranged between 0.5% in Iringa and 6.5% in Pemba. Overall, >50% of the regions had a >90% reduction in active cases. The significant reduction in active cases after vaccine implementation in Tanzania underscores the need to sustain high vaccination coverage to prevent active infections and eventually eliminate CRS, which is the main goal of Rubella vaccine implementation.