Neonatal mortality comprises 40% of total under-5 mortality, globally. Kangaroo mother care (KMC) is one of the most cost-effective interventions to reduce neonatal mortality. KMC does not require highend equipment, intensive care facilities or technical knowledge. A recent meta-analysis reported that KMC may reduce neonatal mortality in preterm and low birth weight neonates up to 36%. A review of enablers and barriers of KMC suggests that KMC can be integrated in maternal health care system by giving awareness, involving family and giving ownership of the intervention to the community. If supported with minimal incentives it would reduce the cost of health care substantially, reduce patient burden on hospitals by reducing hospital stay in postnatal period. It will reduce financial burden, time strain and help eliminate social taboos regarding preterm and low birth weight neonates. Hospital and community based KMC inte r v e ntion s sho uld be tes te d in Pa k ist an .

Background: Cotton dust is generated during various textile manufacturing processes. Only a few studies from Pakistan assessed cotton dust exposure and explored the relationship of duration of work in the textile industry with respiratory health outcomes. We aimed to assess cotton dust exposure and its association with lung function and respiratory symptoms among textile workers in Pakistan. Methods: We report findings from the baseline cross- sectional survey of the larger study, MultiTex, among 498 adult male textile workers from six mills conducted between Oct 2015-March 2016 in Karachi, Pakistan. Data collection included the use of standardized questionnaires; spirometry, and area dust measurements through UCB-PATS. Multivariable logistic and linear regression models were developed to assess the association of risk factors with respiratory symptoms and illnesses. Results: We found the mean age of workers to be 32.5 (±10) years; around 25% were illiterate. The prevalence of COPD, asthma, and byssinosis in our study was 10%, 17%, and 2%, respectively. The median cotton dust exposure was 0.33 mg/m3 (IQR;0.12-0.76). Increased duration of work among non-smokers was associated with a decline in lung function, FVC (-245 ml; 95% CI -385.71, -104.89) and FEV1 (-200 ml; 95 % CI -328.71, -84.11). Workers with certain job titles (machine operators, helpers, and jobbers), those with greater duration of work, and higher dust exposure, were more likely to report respiratory symptoms and illnesses. Conclusion: We report a high prevalence of asthma and COPD and a low prevalence of byssinosis. Cotton dust exposure and duration of employment were associated with respiratory health outcomes. Our findings highlight the need for preventive interventions in the textile industry in Pakistan.

Recent studies conducted have largely focussed on assessing the prevalence of respiratory symptoms and diseases in textile workers. 11-13 KAP surveys among workers regarding hazards are important for generating

Abstract Depression is a global health issue which is associated with disability, absenteeism, decreased productivity and high suicide rates. It is the fourth most common cause of disability globally and by the year 2020 it will be the second leading cause of disease burden. In Pakistan, the prevalence of depression is 45.9%. A unique and promising method for addressing the issue is mobile health (m-health). It refers to the utilisation of mobile technology to support various aspects of healthcare. Electronic record, SMS, internet, wearable devices and mobile applications are some of the digitalisation approaches used to bridge the treatment gap in depression through assuring privacy of patients, improving accessibility, reducing taboos related to depression, save cost for patients and reduce hospital burden and consultation time; these will be accessible in remote areas as well. Therefore, Continuous...