A malaria survey was carried out in May 2008 in the Northeastern, Province of Hoa Binh. It was found that malaria in the province was retained stable and tended reduced. In 2007, 1.075 malaria cases of which 39 confirmed parasites (mainly imported ones) were found over the province. This malaria prevalence was reduced by 97% as compared to that of 1992. No malaria outbreak and death were reported. The malaria control activities were carried out simultaneously. At the peripheral level, such activities as detection, diagnosis and treatment were well maintained. Artemisinin based combinations were used for malaria treatment. The vector control at the key malaria regions was completed protecting 82167 inhabitants. IEC on malaria control as well as monitoring and retraining of health staff were regularly maintained. The guidance and investment from Government, Ministry of Health and National Institute of Malariology \u2013 Parasitology and Entomology are necessary to maintain the result of malaria prevention in Hoa Binh province.
Malaria control ; IEC ; Hoa Binh province

Background: There are about 600.000 deaths related to pregnancy and delivery in the world every year. In Vietnam, the rate of maternal death is 165/100.00. The majority of maternity and new born deaths occurred in the first week after delivery, especially 24 hours after delivery. Objective: To investigate the status of delivery and various factors related to home delivery and propose recommendations to reduce the rate of home delivery in Luong Son, Hoa Binh. Subject and method: The cross sectional study using a structured questionnaire with women who gave birth in 2003 was conducted in two communes of Luong Son district. Result: The home delivery rate was high (31.5%) and only 36.1% women decided themselves where to deliver. The main reasons for home delivery was perception related to last home delivery was normal, therefore this delivery should be at home (53.8%). Among 108 women interviewed, only 72% gave birth with the assistance of health professionals and 28% delivered with none health professional assistance. The rate of obstetric complications and new born death was relatively high among those that had homebirths. Conclusion: In order to increase the delivery rate at health care facilities and with the assistance of health professionals, there is required the cooperation of stakeholders for improving infrastructure, economic development, health education for increasing awareness of people on safe delivery. The public should change their perception, custom and behavior toward homebirths. Besides, the health sector should better manage the maternal health care program, monitor the pregnant women, plan the delivery dates and advocate their families (husbands and parent in laws) to take the women to deliver at the health care facilities.
Home delivery ; maternal death ; Hoa Binh province