Intestinal parasitism is the main cause of disease all over the world and described as a significant community health problem. The current study intended to find out the occurrence and identification of hazard factors linked with IPIs among 4-12 years aged shool-age children residing in Lower Dir district, Pakistan during 2019 - 2020. A cross-sectional school-based study was conducted using a pre-arranged pre-tested survey. Anthropometric data and stool collection were done to obtain the findings. The direct wet mount preparation in saline/iodine/methods was used for stool examination. Data were investigated using the GraphPad Prism 5. A total of 400 children studied (mean age of 8.6±3.6 years) the total incidence rate for the intestinal parasitic disease was established to be 71.75%. Of the 400 children studied, the overall prevalence rate for intestinal parasitic infections was found to 71.75% Ascaris lumbricoides (33.1%), Trichuris trichiura (1.04%), E. vermicularis (1.39%), Hookworm (19.86%) were identified in children living in the study area. We concluded that there is a mass scale campaigns were required to generate alertness about health and sanitation in children and the need for the development of effective poverty control programs because deworming (killing of worm with drugs) alone is not adequate to control parasitic infections.

Tapeworms of zoonotic importance have been described as a leading public health problem. Current research was aim to assess the prevalence of tapeworms among 5-12years school children residing in district Lower Dir, Pakistan from January 2019-December 2019. The wet mount preparation in saline/iodine/methods were used for stool examination. Data was analyzed using appropriate descriptive, static methods. Of the 400 children studied 71.7% were infected with one or more species of intestinal parasites. Single infection of cestode species was found in 69 individuals with 17.2% prevalence and multiple parasitic infections were identified in 19.7% (n=79/400) individuals. The multiple infection were comprised as 10% (n=40) double, 6.75% (n=27) triple and 3% (n=12) quadruple. A total of 9 species of helminths and one species of protozoan infection. Among the helminths Ascaris lumbricoides was the most prevalent 33.1% (n=95), Taenia saginata 22.6% (n=65), hookworm 19.8% (n=57), Hymenolepis nana 18.8% (n=54), Enterobius vermicularis and Hymenolepis diminuta 1.39% (n=4each), Trichuris trichura 1.04% (n=3), Toxocara spp 0.69% (n=2) and Schistosoma japonicum 0.34% (n=1) were reported. One protozoan species was Cryptosporidium spp 0.69% (n=2) in current study. In case of A.lumbricoides, hookworm, E.vermicularis, T.trichura, T.saginata, H.nana and H.diminuta the male children of below 8 years of age were highly infected. Other infections are reported in the same prevalence with slight difference if any. We conclude that there is a need for mass scale campaigns to create awareness regarding health and hygiene in children and the need for development of effective poverty control programs because deworming alone is not adequate to control parasitic infections.

Background. The current study was carried out between October 2017 and October 2018 to explore knowledge, attitudes, practices, and information sources regarding toxoplasmosis among pregnant women in Malakand region, the northwestern part of Pakistan. The current study was carried out between October 2017 and October 2018. Methods. A structured questionnaire was used to interview the women after taking verbal informed consent. Graphpad version 5 was used to indicate the differences. Significant was considered as a -value of less than 0.05. This study revealed poor knowledge regarding toxoplasmosis. Results. Overall, 31.2% of the respondents showed good knowledge, and 39.2% showed moderate knowledge. On the other hand, 29.5% of the participants showed poor knowledge about toxoplasmosis. The average knowledge score of pregnant women was , which is considered to be within the scale of good knowledge. Number of children within the pregnant multipara women was significantly associated with knowledge about toxoplasmosis. Pregnant women who measured in number of childbirths within a women showed the highest mean score of with 57 (44.8%) displaying a good knowledge level. Pregnant women with more than one child had significantly higher (<0.0001) knowledge scores compared to women with one child or none child. The majority of pregnant women with one child used the social media, followed by mass media as sources of information about toxoplasmosis. Scientific sources of information were used more commonly by pregnant women with none of the child birth. Conclusion. Pregnant women knowledge regarding toxoplasmosis was poor as compared to attitudes and practices. Health workers and newspapers/magazines were the main sources of information.

Intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) are a major cause of morbidity worldwide and have been described as an important public health problem. The present study aimed to determine the un usual parasitic infection and identification of risk factors among 4-12years old school age children residing in lower dir district, Pakistan from 2018- 2019. Of the 400 children studied in which the overall prevalence rate for intestinal parasitic infections was found to be 71.75%. Children infected with single parasite accounted for 67.94% and 32.05% were detected with poly-parasitism. Shistosoma japonicum (0.69%), Taxocara spp (0.69%) and cryptosporidium (0.69%), were identified in children living in studied areas. We conclude that there is a need for mass scale campaigns to create awareness regarding health and hygiene in children and the need for development of effective poverty control programmes.

CHIEF ORGANIZER AND FOCAL PERSON MESSAGE Dear Participants, It is with immense pleasure and excitement that I extend my warmest welcome to you for the upcoming 1st International Conference on Recent Trends in Improving Resistance Against Diseases Using Molecular Genetics and OMICS Tools. As the Chief Organizer and Focal Person, it is truly an honor to host this groundbreaking event at Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan in the picturesque city of Mardan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. Our conference aims to bring together a diverse and accomplished group of researchers, scholars, and practitioners who share a common passion for advancing the frontiers of science, particularly in the crucial areas of One Health, Combatting Diseases, Antimicrobial Resistance, Livestock Improvement, and OMICS: The Future. Over the course of two enriching days, we anticipate dynamic discussions and thought-provoking presentations that will not only deepen our understanding of the challenges we face but also inspire innovative solutions. Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, nestled in the heart of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, provides a fitting backdrop for this collaborative exchange of ideas. The themes of the conference are not just topics of conversation; they represent the core issues that demand our attention and collective effort. One Health emphasizes the interconnectedness of various facets of health, underscoring the need for collaborative, interdisciplinary approaches. Combatting Diseases and addressing Antimicrobial Resistance are critical in safeguarding public health globally, and discussions on Livestock Improvement are integral to the sustainability of agricultural systems. OMICS: The Future heralds a new era of scientific exploration and discovery, powered by advanced technologies. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the organizing committee, esteemed keynote speakers, and all contributors who have worked tirelessly to make this conference a reality. Your commitment to advancing knowledge and promoting collaboration is truly commendable. As the Chief Organizer and Focal Person, I encourage you to actively engage in the sessions, network with fellow participants, and seize the opportunity to shape the future of scientific research in these vital areas. The abstracts presented at the conference will not only be published in the abstract book but will also contribute significantly to the global scientific discourse. Once again, welcome to the 1st International Conference on Recent Trends in Improving Resistance Against Diseases. Let us make these two days a memorable and transformative experience for us all. Best Regards, Dr. Tahir Usman Chief Organizer and Focal Person