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Evidence suggests that Ebola virus disease can be transmitted through unprotected sexual intercourse, in particular through contact with the semen of an infected person. Yet few studies examine sexual behaviours in the context of Ebola. Using data collected from 460 women and 340 men within 40 selected communities in the Greater Accra Region of Ghana, this study employed hierarchical linear modelling to examine individual and community-level factors that influence willingness to engage in behaviours that protect against the sexual transmission of Ebola. Results indicate that both individual and community-level factors are significant predictors of respondents' willingness to engage in preventive behaviours. Compared with those with no risks, female respondents with low and medium risk perceptions were significantly more likely to indicate they would use condoms to prevent the sexual transmission of Ebola (AOR = 2.23; p < 0.01). Compared with men who were very concerned, those who were not very concerned (AOR = 0.356; p < 0.01) and not at all concerned (AOR = 0.356; p < 0.05) about Ebola were significantly less likely to protect against the sexual transmission of Ebola. Female respondents in communities with high knowledge about Ebola were significantly more likely to engage in behaviours preventing the sexual transmission of Ebola virus disease (AOR = 1.93; p < 0.05). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives Paediatric malaria is one of the leading causes for blood transfusion in sub-Saharan Africa. Malaria not only causes severe, sometimes life-threatening anaemia, but it leads to the exposure to a blood supply that may result in viral disease transmission. This study determined the frequency of paediatric malaria and transfusion for malaria before and after implementation of a Malaria Control Program in one of Ghana's districts. Materials and Methods Paediatric patients' malaria test results and blood transfusions were reviewed during two time periods: before Malaria Control Program implementation (2003) and after (2009). Results were analysed using descriptive and bivariate statistics. Results The number of paediatric malaria cases confirmed by laboratory testing declined by 40·7% after implementation of the program. The number of paediatric patients transfused decreased by 12·8% ( P < 0·005). Of those patients tested for malaria, the frequency of transfusion was lower in 2009 (11·3%) compared to 2003 (24·1%, P < 0·005). Gender and age were not associated with altered rates of transfusion. Average haemoglobin was higher in 2009 (10·4 ± 2·0 g/dl) compared to 2003 (8·7 ± 2·1 g/dl, P < 0·005). During both periods of study, malaria positive patients who were 0-5 years were more likely to be transfused (47·6% in 2003, 75% in 2009) compared to children 5-9 years (17·3% in 2003, 18·8% in 2009). Conclusion The implementation of malaria control led to fewer paediatric patients with laboratory-confirmed malaria and fewer requiring blood transfusion. Such programs may reduce morbidity and mortality directly, while limiting exposure to blood transfusion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]