GPH-International Journal of Applied Science

Disease Importation at Nigerian Land Borders: Evidence from Nigeria

2026-03-26T08:25:06+00:00

Cross-border spread of infectious diseases through land borders poses a global public health challenge, particularly in developing countries. However, studies documenting disease importation events at ground crossing remains unexplored. Thus, this study examined reported disease importation events and the core capacity for early disease detection at selected land borders. The study adopted a descriptive cross-sectional survey of three major land ports, including Seme, Chikanda, and Jibiya land borders, between 2024 and 2025. Structured questionnaires were administered to 203 port health officers, and the collected data were analysed descriptively and inferentially using SPSS v25. Findings revealed 10 reported disease events involving seven pathogens, including COVID-19, Ebola, Lassa fever, Cholera, Mpox, Meningococcal meningitis, and yellow fever, with Seme and Jibiya borders each accounting for 40% of the events, while Chikanda accounted for 20%. Results further indicate that while primary screening measures were available, critical response capacities were limited, particularly isolation facilities (8%) and on-site diagnostics (33%). Also, core capacity deficits, including availability of trained staff, functional equipment, and communication systems, were significantly associated with preparedness indicators (P < 0.05). These findings demonstrate the continued vulnerability of cross-border surveillance systems, contributing to ongoing efforts to strengthen cross-border surveillance and support the implementation of the International Health Regulations and national health security strategies.

ASSESSMENT OF KNOWLEDGE AND ATTITUDE OF HEALTH WORKERS TOWARDS EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS AND RESPONSE IN HEALTH INSTITUTIONS IN BAYELSA STATE

2026-03-28T12:30:32+00:00

This study assessed the knowledge and attitude of healthcare workers towards emergency preparedness and response in health institutions in Bayelsa State, Nigeria. The aims were to examine the level of knowledge and attitude of healthcare workers towards emergency preparedness response across primary, secondary, and tertiary health institutions in the state. A descriptive research design guided the study, targeting a population of 5,086 health workers, including doctors, nurses, pharmacists, community health officers, medical laboratory scientists, etc. 735 healthcare workers were sampled using a multistage sampling technique and distributed across primary, secondary, and tertiary care facilities in the study area. Data collection was carried out using a structured questionnaire, while descriptive statistics and Chi-square were used for data analysis. Results of descriptive statistics showed that healthcare workers demonstrated a high level of knowledge of emergency preparedness and a positive attitude toward participating in public health emergency response (61.1% strongly agree and 37.3% agree), making 98.4%. The weighted mean scores for knowledge (3.4) and attitude (3.6) among health care workers also showed acceptable levels. The results of the chi-square test showed that there was no statistically significant difference in the level of knowledge of the workers across different healthcare delivery (ꭓ2 = 3.21; p = 0.524), but across the LGAs, the level of knowledge among health workers was significantly different (ꭓ2 = 190.38; p = 0.001). Also, there was a statistically significant difference in the attitude of the workers across healthcare delivery settings (ꭓ2 = 10.45; p = 0.033) and across LGAs; the attitude towards emergency preparedness among health workers was significantly different (ꭓ2 = 174.86; p < 0.001). It was concluded that health workers in Bayelsa state have good knowledge and a positive attitude toward health emergency preparedness and response.

EVALUATION OF SAFETY CHALLENGES AND ENVIRONMENTAL BENEFITS IN WASTE TO ENERGY TECHNOLOGIES IN LAGOS, NIGERIA

2026-03-30T09:59:28+00:00

This study examined the safety challenges and environmental benefits of waste to energy (WTE) technologies in Lagos, Nigeria aimed at; identifying the specific Waste-to-Energy technologies currently implemented in Lagos, Nigeria. Identifying the main safety challenges connected to the implementation of Waste-to-Energy technologies in Lagos, Nigeria and Investigating the environmental benefits in operating Waste-to-Energy technologies in Lagos, Nigeria. A cross-sectional research design technique was used while questionnaire was used for data collection. Purposive sampling technique was used to sample 384 respondents from the waste-to-energy firms in Lagos. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics (Percentage, Mean and standard deviations). The results of descriptive analysis showed that Incineration and anaerobic digestion system with mean values of 0.60 and 0.54 respectively were the only two Waste-to-Energy technologies implemented in Lagos. Weak regulation oversights, exposure to toxic emissions and inadequate staff training on safety are three topmost safety challenges facing waste-to-energy system in Lagos, (mean scores 0.59, 0.58 and 0.56 respectively) while Reduction in landfill overflow, Reduction in illegal and open dumping of waste, cleaner environment and Cleaner energy production are benefits of waste-to-energy system (mean score of 0.64, 0.64, 0.63 and 0.63 respectively).). it was concluded that WTE system is a double-benefit system because it provides energy as well as reduces environmental pollution from waste. It was recommended that other states in Nigerian should adopt WTE systems.