This edition of NIU Journal of Health Sciences touches on health and medically related issues such as Disease Control, Harmful Traditional Practices, Prevalence of Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and Vancomycin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (VRSA) among admitted patients at Baqubah Teaching Hospital in Diyala, among others.

One of the papers, in this issue, reveals that that despite relatively high educational levels among participants, some harmful traditional health practices are still believed and practiced. It therefore, recommends that increasing awareness and providing accurate health education are essential to reduce the spread of these misconceptions.

Another paper also reveals that a high prevalence of multidrug-resistant S. aureus, including a substantial proportion of methicillin-resistant (MRSA) strains, at Baqubah Teaching Hospital. The significant variations in susceptibility patterns across different antibiotics and anatomical infection sites emphasize the necessity of tailored empirical therapy. These alarming resistance rates warrant the immediate implementation of strict antimicrobial stewardship programs and regular local surveillance to curb the dissemination of these refractory pathogens.

On the whole, this edition of NIU Journal of Health Sciences features many empirical and theoretical based articles which can be of great benefit to every reader.