Environmental and Health Impacts of Pesticide-Based Malaria Control in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: A Scoping Review Introduction Malaria remains a major public health challenge in tropical and subtropical regions, necessitating effective vector control strategies. This scoping review aims to evaluate the environmental and health impacts of pesticide-based malaria control in low-and middle-income countries (LMICs). Methods A comprehensive search was conducted across Scopus, Web of Science and PubMed for studies published between 2004 and 2024, using a predefined search string based on the PEO framework. Inclusion criteria focused on studies addressing malaria control programmes and their effects on the environment and human health. Data extraction followed PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Results 12 studies were included, most of which focused on indoor residual spraying (IRS) and insecticide-treated nets (ITNs). The review identified significant direct and indirect impacts. While effective in reducing malaria transmission, IRS and ITNs pose substantial risks. Direct health effects included acute poisoning and long-term neurodevelopmental issues linked to pesticide exposure, with residues detected in breast milk. Environmental impacts included soil and water contamination, biodiversity loss and ecological disruption. The overlap of pesticide use in malaria control and agriculture was found to exacerbate insecticide resistance in mosquito populations. Conclusions Pesticide-based malaria control, while crucial, carries significant unintended consequences for human health and the environment. The findings underscore the urgent need for Integrated Vector Management (IVM) strategies that reduce reliance on chemical pesticides, mitigate resistance, and ensure environmental sustainability and public health safety.

Gender Identities and Orientations: Demographic Change and the Health Effects They Experience Introduction LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender) refers to a diverse group of people who have different sexual orientations and gender identities. In population structure, LGBT individuals are considered a minority group because they represent a smaller percentage of the population, estimated at between 2% and 10% in the world compared to heterosexual individuals. Our objective in this paper is to highlight the demographic shifts associated with the increasing visibility and recognition of the LGBT community, while also examining the broader implications of these shifts on public health outcomes. Methods This brief communication review was based on a literature search conducted from four databases: PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar and Web of Science. All articles published from 2012 to 2024 were accounted for by using keywords such as “LGBT”, “gay”, “transgender”, “bisexual” “population changes”, “population dynamic”, “population shift”, “demographic shift”, “demographic changes”. Results The extracted evidence from the literature was then formulated into 2 main focus areas: Population Dynamics Implications and Public Health Impact. Conclusions The health disparities faced by the LGBT community stem from stigma and discrimination, impacting their overall well-being. As the LGBT population grows, it will affect population dynamics by reducing growth rates, increasing migration to more inclusive countries, and raising mortality rates from related diseases. Addressing these challenges requires improved access to healthcare, including HIV and cancer screenings, gender-affirming therapy, and PrEP.