Acetone and methanol extracts of different parts of three Vitex species (leaves and stem bark of Vitex trifolia, leaves, stem bark and root bark of Vitex schiliebenii and stem and root bark of Vitex payos) were evaluated for their potential to control Anopheles gambiae Giles s.s. larvae (Diptera: Culicidae). The extracts gave different levels and rate of mortality of the larvae. Some (methanol extract of V. trifolia leaves, acetone extracts of stem bark and leaves of V. schiliebenii, acetone extract of root bark of V. payos) caused 100% mortality at 100 ppm in 72 h, with those of V. schiliebenii and V. payos showing faster rate of mortality (LT₅₀=8 h) than that of V. trifolia (LT₅₀=14 h). At lower doses of these extracts (≤50 ppm), most of the larvae failed to transform to normal pupae but gave larval-pupal intermediates between 4 and 14 days of exposure. Some pupated normally but the adults that emerged appeared to be weak and died within 48 h. Extracts of the stem bark of V. payos showed interesting effects on the larvae. Initially, the larvae were relatively hyperactive compared to those in control treatments. Later, the ones that did not transform to larval-pupal intermediates became stretched and inactive and died and floated in clusters on the surface. These observations suggest some interesting growth-disrupting constituents in the plants, with possible application in the practical control of mosquito larvae in aquatic ecosystems.

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Background: Maternal and foetal mortality is one of the major health problem facing low income countries as compared to the high income countries. This burden is mostly felt in sub Saharan Africa and Southeast Asia where 99% of the global burden of maternal death is found. The World Health Organization (WHO) promotes partograph use in the monitoring and management of mothers in labour enabling timely decision-making regarding interventions to be undertaken. Objective: To assess the relationship between complete modified world health organization partograph and maternal and foetal outcomes in health facilities in Makueni County, Kenya Methods: This was a cross sectional study design. The study used a structured questionnaire to collect data from the partographs retrospectively. Data analysis was done using SPSS version 20.0 and chisquare tests were used to assess the relationship of variables. The cut off point for the level of significance was 0.05. Phi and Cramer's V test was used to determine the strength of association Findings: Descriptive statistics and frequency tables were used to describe the extent to which the partograph was used. The use of partograph had effects on both foetal and maternal outcomes. The study established method of delivery had a significance association with foetal monitoring (foetal heart rate, liquor, and moulding), labour progress monitoring (descent, contractions and cervical dilatation) and referral monitoring at α = 0.05. The study also found significant association between foetal outcome and contraction, gravidity, parity, foetal heart rate and moulding at α = 0.05. Conclusion: There is a significant association between maternal, foetal outcomes and labour progress and partograph completeness in Makueni County. The study therefore recommends increased mobilization and routine check by supervisors to ensure partographs are filed on time and hospitals to embrace training programme to enable midwifery care-providers acquire relevant skills to complete partographs during the labour process.