This study was carried out to explore the multidimensional factors influencing Sexual Violence against Children (SVAC) in Mufindi District, Iringa - Tanzania. The study used a cross-sectional research design based on a mixed research approach that is qualitative and quantitative approaches where both primary and secondary sources of data collection were used. Primary data were collected using questionnaires with a structured guide and interviews with a semi-structured checklist guide to elicit information from the sample population while secondary data were obtained through documentary reviews from books, journals, magazines, published and unpublished papers, internet sources from the University of Iringa (UoI) and library and from other institutions and organizations dealing with SVAC nationally and internationally. A purposive sampling technique was used in selecting 30 respondents and 10 key informants for this study and the collected data were analyzed using SPSS and the content analysis technique whereby data were organized and summarized into different themes based on conceptual descriptions of ideas. Finally, the results were presented in the form of table and word text narration. The study found that cultural practices, such as superstition, gender roles and norms, harmful traditional practices, silence, and taboos, contribute to the prevalence of SVAC. Also, patriarchy was identified as a significant factor that perpetuates SVAC. Children who come from poor families failed to meet their necessities and needs at the right time; hence perpetrators of sexual violence used the same opportunity to perpetrate their sexual incidents to children. The study recommends that interventions aimed at addressing SVAC in Mufindi District should be multidimensional and should involve addressing harmful traditional practices, patriarchy, and other structural factors that perpetuate SVAC. Different awareness-raising training programs should be established to address issues related to child care practices, child rights, and child protection while insisting on the promotion of gender equality at all levels.

Boerhavia diffusa Linn. Family Nyctaginaceae is the most important herbaceous plant. It is commonly known as Punarnava in Sanskrit. People and other tribal communities have long employed the entire Boerhaavia diffusa plant as well as its specialized parts-the root, stem, and leaf for their medical purposes. This practice is widespread throughout India. Warm climates and tropical and subtropical regions are common places to find it. It is found in warmer regions of these countries and can be found in, Ceylon, Sudan, Pakistan, Australia and Malay Peninsula. It can also be found in Africa, China, America and Pacific Islands. It is used in traditional medicinal and ayurvedic system of medicines. The present communication provides a detailed account of the physicochemical study carried out of Punarnawa stem. The study includes macroscopy, microscopy and powder microscopic studies, preliminary phytochemical investigation, physicochemical tests and development of HPTLC (High Performance Thin Layer Chromatography) fingerprints profile. Established parameters can be used as standards for quality control and identification of the plant in herbal compound formulations and also preparation of a monograph of the plant.