Background: Since 1991-2000, the prevalence of malaria is reduced remarkably in Vietnam. The malaria related mortality reduced 98%. Objective: To evaluate effect of health education in malaria control for ethnic minority people. Subject and Method: The study was carried out in 4 districts: Hoang Su Phi and Quan Ba (Ha Giang); Ia grai and K'Bang (Gia Lai). Qualitative and quantitative method was used in this study. Results: The findings of the study after 2 years showed that the Information - Education and Communication (IEC) is increased in 2007. The proportion of the households have radio, TV, leaflets/pictures is higher than year 2005: 39.1 %, 60.0% and 6.3%. The number of people were communicated about malaria is increased by 61%. The most information channel that the people received is from health staff (93%); from radio and TV: 22.5 and 25.6%. People know the right cause and its prevention of malaria is increased 55% in 2005 to 80% in 2007. The proportion of bed net coverage among community is increased, the number of bed net per households is 2.8 and number of people per bed net is 2.2. Conclusion: Almost people in this study site desired to utilize bed net: 99%. About 88.3% (2005) and 87.5% (2007) of people utilized the public health service when they get sick. After two years of health education intervention, the malaria morbidity in the study site is reduced remarkably by 45 - 50%.
Malaria ; IEC ; ethnic minority

Background: Many studies showed that food safety handling practice is limited in many subjects, especially employees of public canteens and street restaurants. Objective: Strengthen the knowledge on food safety handling practices for staffs of canteens surrounding Hanoi medical university. Subject and Method: An IEC intervention was carried out from December, 2006 to June, 2007 in order to improve food safety handling practices among the personnel of 7 canteens surrounding Hanoi Medical University. The sample size of 34 employees was collected and interviewed with regards to their handing practice on food by using a checklist and a structured questionnaire. The utensils hygiene was assessed by a quick biochemical test. Result and Conclusion: There were significant changes in food handling practices among staffs after the intervention which proved by the regular medical examination, the improvement in hand-washing habits; dish cleaning; ways of picking up cooked-foods; however, almost all of the observed canteens did not follow the rules of food sources management and daily storage sample of foods. \r\n', u'\r\n', u'
IEC intervention ; Food safety

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