The lower percentage of water, sanitation and hygiene are the root causes of diarrhoea and cholera. Cholera is a sudden onset of acute watery diarrhoea which can progress to severe dehydration and death if untreated. The current pandemic, Vibrio Cholera O1 started in 1961. This study explores water, sanitation, hygiene and cholera and diarrhoea in three affected villages of Beluran District, Sabah Malaysia to support effective and timely public health intervention. This cross sectional study uses purposive sampling. All (114) households were interviewed and household water samples collected. The study reported lower coverage improved sanitation facilities (35.3% to 52.3%), no latrine at home (37% to 63%), improved water supply (52% to 60%), and prevalence of hand washing after toilet (57% - 74%). For water quality, Ecoli was present in household water (32% to 37%) but Vibrio cholerae was not isolated in any of the water samples tested. Statistically significant associations were found for; 1) occupation−non-agriculture and unimproved sanitation facility and 2) house ownership and correct knowledge of ORS preparation. Predictors for household water quality were: latrine at home, and improved household toilet. Aggressive strategies to improve water supply, sanitation and hygiene−hand washing after toilet−were recommended for future prevention of cholera and diarrhoea in the affected area.
Cholera ; Sanitation ; Rural Population

Elderly abuse and neglect are among the primary public health problems linked to global demographic changes in the population, impacting not only the well-being of the elderly but also the growth of the nation or economy. This article discusses the effects of elder abuse and neglect on population health from the national and international perspectives through a narrative review of previously published articles on the concept of aging, the prevalence of elderly abuse and neglect, its risk factors and effects, and finally measures, legal perspectives, and recommendations to curb it. Interventions in Malaysia and selected nations, including Indonesia, South Korea, the United States, Australia, and Hong Kong, are examined. This issue is important as the majority of countries are moving toward being elderly populations. Improving global surveillance and the monitoring of instances is essential to inform policy actions to prevent elder abuse. In addition, a thorough assessment of the identified risk factors for violence and steps to prevent violence is required.

Higher education institutions face major challenges in managing the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The risk of exposure from the community poses a threat to campus staff and students. This study describes epidemiological characteristics of suspected COVID-19 cases among a public university’s students and staff. This is a retrospective review on data collected from the institute’s COVID-19 Preparedness and Respond Centre, located at the main campus in Kota Kinabalu, the capital city of Sabah from mid-January to April 2020. Incidence rate was calculated, and epidemiological information retrieved from interviews and relevant documents. The majority of suspected COVID-19 cases were staff (57.1%) with incidence rates higher among males (IR=40.2/1,000 population) and those working in the frontline (IR=39.6/1,000 population). Suspected COVID-19 cases were mostly related to occupation (37.3%) and social contacts (27.3%). Student cases were largely related to household (38.1%) and during travel (33.3%). One positive COVID-19 case was reported of out of the 161 suspected cases (0.6%) in the institution. An operational team must be set up to conduct situational analysis and integrate management with other departments. Suspected COVID-19 cases must be quarantined and monitored on a daily basis. A high index of suspicion and effective containment of suspected cases will prevent spread of the virus among students and staff.