Introduction. Sugar consumed in reasonable quantities plays a beneficial role for the human body. In recent decades, however, it has been found that increased sugar consumption has negative effects on the health of the population. Material and methods. The paper presents a synthesis of official international and national documents and bibliographic sources on the occurrence of certain non-communicable diseases (NCDs) as a result of excessive sugar consumption. A focused search of literature sources was conducted using the Google Scholar search engine, PubMed, Research for Life, and Medline databases. The criteria for selecting the items included health problems caused by excessive sugar consumption. Results. Excessive sugar consumption contributes to the emergence of various NBTs such as circulatory system diseases, type 2 diabetes and a. Excessive sugar consumption has a major contribution to the phenomenon of overweight and obesity with its consequences. Excess sugar in the daily diet is one of the main causes of tooth decay. According to WHO recommendations, complex, multi-sectoral interventions are needed to reduce sugar consumption. Conclusions. In order to prevent NCDs associated with the nutritional factor, especially with excessive sugar consumption, in the Republic of Moldova, it is important to implement cost-effective interventions both socially and economically.

Introduction. Life expectancy in Moldova after independence either fluctuated in the 1990s or stagnated in the early millennium, followed by moderate improvements since 2010. The objective of the study is to investigate the evolution of regional variations in life expectancy since independence in Moldova and to identify the main demographic components (causes of death and age groups) responsible for interregional mortality inequalities. Material and methods. Five-year average mortality rates by age and cause in the territorial profile were used for three periods: 1991-1995, 2002-2006 and 2012-2016. Abridged life tables and confidence intervals were computed. The difference in life expectancy between the two subpopulations was decomposed, according to Andreev’s method. Results. The gap in life expectancy between the best-performing and the worst-performing groups constitutes 6.0 years. Important progress has been made in the municipality of Chisinau and the northern districts of Briceni and Edinet concerning cardiovascular mortality. In 11 districts located mainly in the centre, the decline in infant mortality due to respiratory diseases was offset by the growth in adult mortality due to external causes and neoplasms. Conclusions. Regional disparities can be reduced through preventive measures targeting the key risk factors for cardiovascular disease, liver cirrhosis and external causes of death within the backward geographical area.

Introduction: Although there are several previous publications related to risk factors of COVID-19 infection, in Benin there are very few data to explain the outbreak risk factors. Material and methods: This case-control study, conducted from 14 September to 20 October 2020, aimed to identify the risk factors associated with COVID-19 infection in Benin. Questions on knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to COVID-19, sociodemographic characteristics, nutritional factors, medical history, housing and working conditions of respondents were asked through a questionnaire survey. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted to identify the factors associated with COVID-19. The statistical significance was set at 5%. Results: In multivariate logistic regression, no handwashing device installed at the home entrance (ORa = 1.86; 95% CI [1.07-3.21]) or a device delivering only water (ORa = 5.57; 95% CI [1.98-15.65]), using permanently air conditioning at workplaces (ORa = 5.48; 95% CI [2.40-12.57]), less knowledge of protective measures (ORa = 1.41; 95% CI [1.08-1.84]) and no knowledge on the coronavirus incubation period (ORa = 4.19; 95% CI [2.37-7.44]) were identified as risk factors for COVID-19 infection. Conclusions: Based on the findings of this study, a contextual response should prioritize strategies that will raise awareness and population’s knowledge of COVID-19 as well as preventive practices.

Introduction. The strategies developed by the management of public medical institutions are based on state regulations in various areas: type of services provided, human resources, etc., decisions need to be coordinated with central and/or local public authorities, to which the institution is subordinated. However, it is necessary for the process of developing and implementing strategies to include a number of mandatory steps at institutional level, which must be taken by the institution management. Material and methods. The aim of the study is to assess the experience of public hospital managers in developing and implementing management strategies. An assessment grid was applied for this purpose. The questions were classified into six fields: setting management strategy, added value strategy, analysis of institutional environment, institutional policies and strategic objectives, resources needed, strategy assessment. Results. In the absence of the regulation on the structure and main rules for the development of institutional strategies, the study demonstrates a very different approach of the top management regarding the strategic process in public hospitals. Conclusions. The different and sometimes erroneous approach to strategy development by the top managers results in a weak institutional strategic process.

Introduction: COVID-19 is an infectious disease of International Concern, due to the widespread geographic impact and high transmissibility, causing severe illnesses. The quick detection of cases and isolating them has become very crucial, therefore many testing facilities were set-up for monitoring the spread of the SARS-COV-2 virus, at the early days of the coronavirus pandemic. From Biosafety aspect this study investigates a reliable risk assessment method to identify and mitigate the risks of COVID-19 testing facilities using Rapid diagnostic tests (POCT), in order to protect the staff, the people who got tested, the community and the environment. Material and methods: Many techniques have been used so far for performing a risk assessment. In the present study, SWIFT analysis suitable for biosafety facilities and for risks of different magnitude, was used for identifying threats and hazards and to calculate the risks for COVID-19 testing facilities. Results: Our analysis showed several initial and potential risks, which could lead to unwanted exposure or release of the SARS-COV-2, and/or unwanted infection of staff and patients. With minor adjustments of the testing facility, by creating standard operating procedures and awareness of the potential risks, most of the identified risks could be mitigated. Conclusions: Our study demonstrated that when setting up a COVID-19 testing facility, a proper risk assessment should be part of the process, in order to ensure the safety of staff, patients, and the environment. Additionally, we proposed a number of multiple mitigation measures and recommendations, with the goal to reduce the risks during the rapid testing diagnostic procedure.