Research Article
Evaluating Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WaSH) Infrastructure and Behavioral Health Factors:
A Community-Based Study in Mattu Town, Ethiopia in 2024
Issue:
Volume 2, Issue 4, August 2026
Pages:
121-127
Received:
22 April 2026
Accepted:
28 May 2026
Published:
17 July 2026
Abstract: Inadequate Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WaSH) infrastructure remains a significant public health challenge in urbanizing Ethiopia, directly driving morbidity and mortality from enteric pathogens. This community-based cross-sectional study evaluated WaSH facility status, environmental sanitation practices, and health-related behaviors in Kolo Korma Kebele, Mattu Town, Southwest Ethiopia, to inform targeted municipal and public health interventions. A mixed-methods approach was conducted among 347 randomly selected households using structured questionnaires, focus group discussions, key informant interviews, and direct environmental observations. Quantitative analysis was performed using SPSS version 21.0, and qualitative data were integrated via thematic analysis. The results revealed that while household latrine coverage was high at 94.2% (primarily traditional pit latrines, 85.3%), functional hygiene components were critically lacking; only 38.0% of latrines were consistently clean, and handwashing stations with soap and water were severely scarce near toilet units. Water security emerged as a primary bottleneck: only 29.4% of households had access to piped municipal water, leaving the vast majority (70.6%) dependent on unprotected springs. Alarmingly, point-of-use water treatment was critically low, with 79.7% of households using non-piped water directly from the source without any treatment. Furthermore, solid waste management infrastructure was severely deficient; 79.5% of households lacked municipal collection services, compelling 52.1% to practice open-field dumping. Although health literacy was high—with 93.7% of respondents demonstrating a clear understanding of communicable disease transmission pathways—systemic economic constraints and inconsistent water supplies prevented this knowledge from translating into safe practices. This study concludes that high infrastructure coverage alone is insufficient without ensuring service quality, water safety, and waste infrastructure. It is recommended that the Mattu Town administration prioritize spring protection, decentralized waste collection, and that health initiatives transition toward fostering specific behavioral changes like household water chlorination and handwashing maintenance.
Abstract: Inadequate Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WaSH) infrastructure remains a significant public health challenge in urbanizing Ethiopia, directly driving morbidity and mortality from enteric pathogens. This community-based cross-sectional study evaluated WaSH facility status, environmental sanitation practices, and health-related behaviors in Kolo Kor...
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Review Article
Gene Therapy and CRISPR Technologies: Revolutionizing Medicine
Tharushi Anargali Silva*,
Siavash Hosseinpour Chermahini,
Pranav Balasubramonian,
Kulsum Rahmath Alam,
Vedant Malekar,
Manthan Singh Jain,
Nishaat Shaikh Faiz Ahmed
Issue:
Volume 2, Issue 4, August 2026
Pages:
128-131
Received:
17 May 2026
Accepted:
28 May 2026
Published:
6 November 2026
DOI:
10.11648/j.mhs.20260204.12
Downloads:
Views:
Abstract: Gene therapy and genome editing technologies have revolutionized modern medicine by allowing for the precise correction of genetic defects and novel therapeutic approaches for diseases that were previously considered untreatable. It is a technique that treats or prevents various diseases by replacing, correcting or inactivating faulty genes. Among these technologies, CRISPR-Cas systems have emerged as particularly simple, flexible, and rapidly expanding in their clinical applications. This review aims to synthesize the latest advances in gene therapy and CRISPR technologies, including mechanisms, delivery systems, therapeutic applications, clinical trials, challenges, and future perspectives. Recent developments such as base editing and prime editing have significantly improved the accuracy and safety of genome modification approaches. In addition, advances in viral and non-viral delivery systems have enhanced the efficiency of therapeutic gene transfer into target tissues. Current clinical trials have demonstrated promising outcomes in the treatment of inherited blood disorders, cancers, and metabolic diseases. The integration of artificial intelligence and bioinformatics tools is also improving guided RNA design and minimizing off-target effects in genome editing applications. Ethical considerations and regulatory frameworks remain essential for ensuring the safe and equitable implementation of these technologies in clinical practice. We conclude that despite the hurdles, high costs, long term safety monitoring, and immune system reactions to vectors, CRISPR-based strategies are on the verge of revolutionizing the practice of medicine with innovative, accurate solutions to hard hereditary, oncologic, and infectious diseases.
Abstract: Gene therapy and genome editing technologies have revolutionized modern medicine by allowing for the precise correction of genetic defects and novel therapeutic approaches for diseases that were previously considered untreatable. It is a technique that treats or prevents various diseases by replacing, correcting or inactivating faulty genes. Among ...
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