This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of Hookworm infection among children of school age in Jos-North Local Government Area of Plateau State. A total of 2,800 stool samples from pupils aged 3 -15 years and above, attending seven (7) primary schools were collected and bio-assayed for Hookworm ova using direct smear and formalin -ether concentration techniques. Six hundred and forty seven (647) pupils (23.11%) were found to be infected by various parasites. Parasites encountered in order of occurrence include Ascaris (8.46%), Entamoeba histolytica (5.64%), Hookworm spp (5.14%), Giardia (2.61%) and Trichuris (1.29%). The result showed that 144 of the pupils had hookworm ova in their stool samples. This accounts for 5.14% of the total population and 22.26% of the infected population. There was no significant difference (P>0.05) between males and females with respect to the prevalence of the infection, although more males (86) were found to be infected than females (58). There was significant difference between the different age groups (P < 0.05), 3 -6 yrs having the highest infection rate (11.3%) while 15 yrs and above have the lowest (1.31%). The implications of the findings on the occurrence and distribution of Hookworm infection and possible control measures were highlighted. Further study is needed to identify which of the two Hookworm species is most prevalent.

Toxoplasmosis caused by Toxoplasma gondii is an asymptomatic disease, but often takes a severe and lifethreatening course during pregnancy, in foetuses, new bon babies and immune-compromised people. This study aimed at determining the prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii infection among pregnant women attending Ante Natal Clinic in Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH) and factors associated with it. 356 Pregnant women between 15 -49 years were enrolled in the study. 5 ml of venous blood was collected aseptically using needle and syringe from each participant and were transported to Human Virology Laboratory, Plateau State Specialist Hospital, Jos, for analysis. ELISA was used to determine the sero-prevalence of Toxoplasma IgG antibody. A structured questionnaire was used to collect on socio-demographic characteristics and factors associated with the infection. Data was analyzed using Chi square and independent T-test. Out of the 356 pregnant women examined, 105 (29.49%) tested positive. T. gondii infection was significantly (P < 0.05) associated with the level of education, area of residence, occupation and cleaning of cat litter, but was not significantly (P > 0.05) associated with age, trimester, gravidity, eating meat and vegetables, HIV status, still birth and owning a cat. The high prevalence of Toxoplasmosis could probably be due to lack of knowledge about the disease as presented in these results. Therefore, health education on the disease and its transmission should be given to the public routinely which will help preventing T. gondii and other zoonotic infections.

We previously reported on a breastfeeding promotion intervention that successfully increased optimal breastfeeding practices using cell phone messaging and group learning sessions integrated into a women's microcredit program in Nigeria. Using a novel approach, one cell phone was given to each group of 5‐7 microcredit clients. The cell phone holder was instructed to share the weekly breastfeeding voice and text messages with group members. The feasibility and acceptability of group cell phones was measured through structured exit interviews with microcredit clients (n=195) whose babies were born during the intervention (target group), in‐depth interviews with phone holders (n=8) and non‐phone holders (n=8), and focus group discussions (FGDs) (n=16) with other microcredit clients. Exit interviews revealed that only 6% of women in the target group were phone holders, but 64% said the group phone worked well. 58% lived within 10 min walking distance of the phone holder and 52% said messages were shared once a week. The target group was motivated to try the recommended practices because they trusted the information (58%) and had support from others (36%). In‐depth interviews and FGDs indicated that most phone holders were elected, non‐phone holders had positive feelings toward phone holders, and the group phone met their needs. A few issues with message sharing and connectivity were noted. In summary, use of group cell phones to promote breastfeeding among microcredit clients is feasible and acceptable, and can be part of an effective behavior change package. Funding: Alive & Thrive small grants program

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