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Hypertension, obesity and central obesity in diabetics and non diabetics in Sidama

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Abstract Diabetes mellitus coexists at a greater frequency with hypertension, obesity, central obesity, dyslipedemia and proteinuria and that markedly increases the risk of atherosclerotic disease. A study was done for a period of four months in Sidama Zone, Southern Ethiopia to compare the prevalence of atherosclerotic risk factors between diabetic and non diabetic general population. One hundred ninety nine diabetic cases were selected from two hospitals diabetic clinics and 195 non diabetics subjects were selected from urban and rural areas. The general prevalence of hypertension in the entire study population was 18.8%, with 26.1% in diabetics and 10.2% in non diabetics. Multivariate logistic regression showed that hypertension, central obesity, overweight and obesity, and ethnicity had strong association with possibility of diabetes mellitus. The reason for possible racial difference to cardiovascular risk factors and population awareness to these factors should be studie

Independent and Joint Effects of Prenatal Zinc and Vitamin A Deficiencies on Birthweight in Rural Sidama, Southern Ethiopia: Prospective Cohort Study

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Abstract Background The effects of prenatal Zinc Deficiency (ZD) and Vitamin A Deficiency (VAD) on birthweight are controversial and their interaction has not been investigated. Objective To assess the independent and interaction effects of prenatal zinc and vitamin A deficiencies on birthweight in rural Sidama, Southern Ethiopia. Methodology A community-based prospective cohort study design was employed. Six hundred fifty pregnant women in their second or third trimester were randomly selected and their serum zinc and retinol concentrations were determined. About 575 subjects were successfully followed until delivery and birthweight was measured within 72 hours after delivery. The association between the exposures and birthweight was examined using log-binomial and liner regression analyses. Potential interaction between ZD and VAD was examined using Synergy Index (SI). Results The mean birthweight (± standard deviation) was 2896 g (±423). About 16.5% (95% CI: 13.5

The Third International Ethiopian Coffee Conference Opens On Thursday

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The Ethiopian Coffee Exporters Association (ECEA) said preparations have been finalized to host to host the third International Ethiopian Coffee Conference being held on Thursday and Friday (November 6-7) this week. The General Manager of the Asscoation, Alemseged Assefa, said that conference will help to promote and increase quality of Ethiopian coffee. The conference is intended to bring exporters and buyers together as well as evaluate the quality of Ethiopia's coffee, discuss ways of improving the crop, promote the traceability of Ethiopian coffee and widen the export coffee market. An estimated 300 participants will attend the conference from all those who involved in the coffee market as well as researchers, coffee buyers and others. A number of research papers will be presented by national and foreign experts, and coffee sector policies and strategies will be discussed. Ethiopia earned 720 million US dollars from coffee exports during the last fiscal year. Source

UNIDO Forum Expresses Cautious Optimism on Ethiopia’s Economic Strides

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VIENNA, Nov 5 2014 (IPS)  - With annual economic growth rates of over 10 percent and attractive investment conditions due to low infrastructural and labour costs, Ethiopia is eagerly trying to rise from the status of low-income to middle-income country in the next 10 years. Ethiopia, with some 94 million inhabitants, is the second most populous country in Africa after Nigeria, but it remains a predominantly rural country. Only 17.5 percent of the population lives in urban areas, mainly Addis Ababa. It is also one of the continent’s fastest growing economies. Between 2015 and 2018 growth is expected to average 7.3 percent, according to a recent study by the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO). While economic growth since 2006/2007 doubled per capita income to 550 dollars in 2012/13, and the percentage of people living below the national poverty line dropped from 38.9 in 2004 to 29.6 in 2011, government sources admit that eradication of poverty remains a

Expo Milano: “Ethiopia the Root of Coffee and Much More”

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Theme “Ethiopia the Root of Coffee and Much More”   The Concept Ethiopia possesses great diversity in its biological resources, including coffee (Coffee Arabica L.) one of Ethiopia’s most notable gifts to the world. A number of sources indicate that the term “Coffee” was derived from  Kaffa , a region in the south-western part of the Country. Coffee is the driving force of Ethiopia’s economy, ecology, socio-cultural and spiritual life, and accounts for more than 25% of national GDP. The chosen theme for Ethiopia’s participation at  Expo Milano 2015 ,  “Ethiopia the Root of Coffee and Much More”  reflects the importance of this economic and cultural resource.   Ethiopia produces a number of coffee types including the  Sidama ,  Yergachefe  and  Harar  varieties. Identified by their distinct characteristic, flavor, aroma and taste, they are commonly used for blending with coffees of other origins. Coffee plays a pivotal role in the Ethiopian culture of hospitality, and the