The purpose of this study is to describe the epidemiological profile of subjects exposed to rabies in the anti-rabies center of Abidjan in Ivory Coast. The paper is based on a cross-sectional study conducted among all people exposed to the risk of rabies and followed in the anti-rabies center from January to December 2008. During the study period, 2,673 subjects were exposed, i.e. 5 exposures for every 10,000 persons. 1,534 patients (57.4%) were male. The most exposed age groups were the 0-9 and 10-19 age groups (22.4% and 29.5% respectively). In Abidjan, 608 individuals (22.7%) were exposed in Cocody, 471 individuals (17.6%) in Abobo, and 310 individuals (11.6%) in Yopougon. Exposure occurred in 76.9% of cases (2,055 subjects) at home and exclusively concerned visitors of the family. Exposures by animal bites represented 88.1% (2,354 subjects) of all cases, while 23.2% (620 subjects) of exposures were category III. The average period between exposure and consultation was 10 days. Subjects were exposed as a result of contact with a dog in 92.1 % of cases (2,462 subjects). The animal was found alive in 74.9% (2,002 cases) and was not immunized in 87.2% of cases (2,331). Post-exposure prophylaxis was given up by 1,470 persons (55.2%). 13 subjects were received at the stage of clinical rabies. Increased knowledge of the epidemiological profile of rabies exposure will contribute to improving the management of the disease in Ivory Coast.

Improvement collaborative approach is important for the improvement of the quality of PMTCT. However, the sustainability of the results of this approach remains the key challenge and will only be possible on the basis of a quality culture of health workers, and greater commitment of authorities.

Maternal mortality constitutes a major public health problem in Côte d'Ivoire. Better management of pregnant patients and improved quality of pre-natal consultations could contribute to solving this problem. But what is the current situation of these a pre-natal consultations in the medical district of Grand-Bassam? To answer to this question, a descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out between August 26th and September 30th, 2002 in three medical establishments in charge of pre-natal consultations in that District. It was noted that the privacy and the confidentiality during the examination were respected; yet on the other hand, the structures were sometimes unsuited and were insufficiently equipped. The health care professionals were not very accessible or friendly, and they had poor interpersonal communication skill. Recommendations were made to remedy these insufficiencies.

The deficiencies in data reporting and the quality of the immunization monitoring system need to be improved by supportive supervision.

Although uncommon, public health crises cause considerable human suffering and death and have major political, economic and social impacts. For many years, countries have made considerable efforts to prepare for emergencies. The Ebola epidemic in West Africa, as well as recent events and emerging public health threats force countries to strengthen, adapt or implement their Emergency Preparedness Plans. Emergency Preparedness is a difficult process. Some authors would even say that it is an impossible mission. What do we mean by preparedness ? How can preparedness be evaluated ? What measures must be taken following the Ebola crisis ? Preparedness is one of the Emergency Management phases and is essential to meet the challenges of future crises. Preparedness still constitutes a major challenge for countries and the international community. Based on missions conducted in West Africa and on a review of the literature, the authors review the concepts of emergency preparedness. In particular, they present standards and tools to assess emergency preparedness, using the example of Ebola preparedness assessment in West Africa.