Childhood obesity and nutrition are high on the UK policy agenda because of their association with chronic illnesses and related costs. In 2007, to improve children's nutrition, the Government introduced new standards for all school food sources, including products sold from vending machines. Our research explores the factors influencing schools' decisions and children's food choices in relation to vending machines. We conducted in-depth interviews with staff and pupils in one English Local Education Authority. We found that pupils made food decisions based on cost considerations, and convenience, and they strongly valued individual choice. Schools' decisions to provide vending were influenced predominantly by fiscal and structural constraints. Although unhappy with the current quality of school food, staff and pupils criticised initiatives to restrict unhealthy foods. It appears that achieving a healthier school environment is a long-term project involving multiple strategies of education and incentives, as well as regulation. These must involve parents as well as pupils and schools.

The United Nations has declared 2005-2015 the Fresh Water Decade in which more people than ever before will gain access to water. Despite acknowledging that water quantity is important to health, so far only water quality is used in monitoring the Millennium Development Goals. This study examines the changes in national access figures when both water quality and quantity are taken into account to determine access. Using East Africa as an example shows that the number of people with access to water for the region decreased by 9% (7% urban and 10% rural). The largest difference in access is observed in Eritrea 25% (11% urban and 36% rural). Reduction is higher in rural areas. However, significant reduction in access is also observed in urban Ethiopia (14%). In conclusion, the indicators for access to water would be better articulated by adding water quantity to the indicator which currently only includes water quality, while the Demographic Health Survey and Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey routinely collects information on both aspects.

No abstract

Human myiasis refers to parasitic infestation of body tissues by larvae of several fly species. The entity has a simple management. It is well-documented in the literature however genital myiasis in females is scarcely reported in the literature. We hereby report this entity in a female who presented in postnatal period with ulceration and severe pain in her vulvar region.