503 results
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2. Lessons from the COVID-19 Pandemic for Lifelong Learning
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Lopes, Henrique and McKay, Veronica Irene
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After more than a year of living with the COVID-19 pandemic, much experience has been accumulated by countries around the world. There have been many failures, and there have been some things that have gone well. Adult learning and education in some form has played a significant role in public health since, without the ongoing continuing educational interventions mainly via the mass media, the number of doctors and hospital beds would likely have been insufficient. In this paper we focus on the role of group behaviours in relation to the risk of contagion and we argue that any attempts to define a strategy to combat the pandemic must include a strong commitment to information dissemination and to the training of the populations in order to encourage behaviour change necessary to mitigate the spread of the virus. Against the backdrop of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, this article argues for commitment by governments to use adult learning and education as a tool for health prevention and health awareness and to prepare populations for whatever pandemics and national disasters that might emerge in the twenty-first century, the "century of pandemics". We therefore argue that populations must have at least a basic level of literacy and numeracy as foundational skills essential for enabling citizens to receive and act on vital information during a pandemic or disaster in order to engender greater resilience.
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- 2021
3. Health and Human Development in Kenya: A Review of Literature from High Income, Middle Income, and Low Income Countries
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Wekullo, Caroline Sabina, Davis, Elise Catherine, Nafukho, Fredrick Muyia, and Kash, Bita A.
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Purpose: This paper aims to critically analyze the empirical literature on health and human development in high-, middle- and low-income countries to develop a sustainable model for investing in human health. The model is critical in building a comprehensive health-care system that fosters the stakeholders' financial stability, economic growth and high-quality education for the local community. Design/methodology/approach: A comprehensive literature review was carried out on health, human development and sustainable health investment. After thoroughly examining theoretical frameworks underlying the strategies of successful human health systems, a summary of empirical articles is created. Summaries provided in this paper represent relevant health-care strategies for Kenya. Findings: Based on the empirical review of literature, a Nexus Health Care model focusing on human development, social and cultural development, economic development and environmental development in high-, middle- and low-income countries is proposed. The goal of this model is to enhance sustainable development where wealth creation is accompanied with environmental uplifting and protection of social and material well-being. Research limitations/implications: This paper is limited to a comprehensive literature review presenting empirical evidence of human development and sustainability. Originality/value: Kenya like other developing nations aspires to contribute significantly in improving health through development of health products but the approaches used have been limiting. In most cases, the use of Western theories, lack of empowering the community and dependence on donor support have hindered the country from achieving comprehensive health and human development. This papers seeks to develop a model for health-care investment and provide strategies, operations and structure of successful health systems and human development for a developing country, such as Kenya.
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- 2018
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4. Literacy and Women's Empowerment: Stories of Success and Inspiration
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UNESCO Institute for Lifelong Learning (UIL) (Germany) and Eldred, Janine
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This paper explores how literacy learning can support women's empowerment and the development of greater equality, benefitting not only individual women, but families, communities and economies too. It describes and reflects upon some of the most promising approaches to developing literacy and learning for women, who form the majority of the world's illiterate adults. Key success factors are identified to inform recommendations for others seeking to support the empowerment of women. These are stories of hope and possibility. They demonstrate how, with imagination and determination, literacy learning is taking place and making a difference. Some programmes are available because policies and strategies are in place at international, national or regional levels. In other cases, developments are due to local initiatives, inspired belief in learning for everyone, and voluntary determination. They show how change, transformation and empowerment of some of the world's most vulnerable women, and the development of greater equality are possible. The stories are drawn from LIFE (Literacy Initiative for Empowerment), E-9 (nine high-population countries) and SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Co-operation) countries. A bibliography is included.
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- 2013
5. Measuring Socioeconomic Status in Health Research in Developing Countries: Should We Be Focusing on Households, Communities or Both?
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Fotso, Jean-Christophe and Kuate-Defo, Barthelemy
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Research on the effects of socioeconomic well-being on health is important for policy makers in developing countries, where limited resources make it crucial to use existing health care resources to the best advantage. This paper develops and tests a set of measures of socioeconomic status indicators for predicting health status in developing countries. We construct socioeconomic indexes that capture both household and community attributes so as to allow us to separate the social from the purely economic dimensions of the socioeconomic status within a cross-national perspective, with applications to data from Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS) fielded in five African countries in the 1990s. This study demonstrates the distinctive contributions of socioeconomic indexes measured at the household vs. community level in understanding inequalities in health and survival and underlines the importance of going beyond the purely economic view of socioeconomic status to cover the multidimensional as well as multilevel concept of economic and social inequality.
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- 2005
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6. Delivering PrEP to Young Women in a Low-Income Setting in South Africa: Lessons for Providing Both Convenience and Support
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Sarah Jane Steele, Nikiwe Malabi, Nelisiwe Ntuli, Laura Trivino Duran, Charllen Kilani, Tom Ellman, Aurelie Nelson, C. Pfaff, Rebecca O’Connell, Tali Cassidy, Tabitha Mutseyekwa, Bulelwa Rorwana, Virginia De Azevedo, and Zee Ndlovu
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Adult ,Low income ,medicine.medical_specialty ,Adolescent ,Social Psychology ,Anti-HIV Agents ,HIV prevention ,HIV Infections ,030204 cardiovascular system & hematology ,Medication Adherence ,law.invention ,South Africa ,Young Adult ,03 medical and health sciences ,Pre-exposure prophylaxis ,Social support ,0302 clinical medicine ,Condom ,law ,medicine ,Humans ,030212 general & internal medicine ,Original Paper ,business.industry ,Public health ,Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health ,Correction ,Health psychology ,Infectious Diseases ,Adherence ,Pill ,Facilitator ,Family medicine ,Africa ,Female ,Young women ,business - Abstract
Daily oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is a key tool in addressing high HIV incidence among young women, and breaking the cycle of transmission. From 2017 to 2020, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) offered PrEP, in conjunction with contraception and risk-reduction counselling, to women aged 18–25, in a government-run clinic in Khayelitsha, a low income high HIV prevalence area in South Africa. Drawing on clinical, quantitative, and qualitative interview data, we describe participants’ experiences and engagement with the PrEP program, participant adherence (measured by TFV-DP levels in dried blood spots) over time, and the indirect benefits of the PrEP program. Of 224 screened and eligible participants, 164 (73.2%) initiated PrEP, with no large differences between those who initiated and those who did not. Overall, 47 (29%) completed 18 months follow-up, with 15 (9.1%) attending all visits. 76 (46.9%) participants were lost to follow-up, 15 (9.1%) exited when leaving the area, and 28.7% of exits happened in the first month of the study. We identified two different trajectories of PrEP adherence: 67% of participants had, on average, consistently low TFV-DP levels, with the remaining 33% having sustained high adherence. Few baseline characteristics predicted good adherence. The main reported barrier to taking PrEP was forgetting to take or travel with the pills. Encouragement from others declined as a reported facilitator from month 6 to 18 (family: 93.1% vs 77.6%, p = 0.016, friends: 77.6% vs 41.4%, p ≤ 0.001, partners: 62.1% vs 46.6%, p = 0.096, other PrEP users: 89.7% vs 74.1%, p = 0.020). Disclosure to friends and family in some cases opened dialogue around sex, and helped to educate others about PrEP. Self-reported sex with more than one partner, and sex without a condom, decreased significantly after enrolment (p
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- 2021
7. Effect of co-infection with intestinal parasites on COVID-19 severity: A prospective observational cohort study
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Zekarias Gessesse Arefaine, Vanessa C. Harris, Frehiwot Kassahun Miteku, Mahmud Abdulkader, Ebba Abate, Atsbeha Gebreegzabher, Kidist Lakew Endarge, Masresha Tesema, Getachew Tollera, Tsegaye Gebreyes Hundie, Ataklti Hailu, Teklay Gebrecherkos, Henk H.D.F. Schallig, Britta C. Urban, Tobias F. Rinke de Wit, Yazezew Kebede Kiros, Dawit Wolday, Hiluf Ebuy Abraha, Geremew Tasew, Saro Abdella, Abraham Aregay Desta, AII - Amsterdam institute for Infection and Immunity, APH - Global Health, APH - Health Behaviors & Chronic Diseases, Global Health, Infectious diseases, AII - Infectious diseases, APH - Personalized Medicine, and APH - Quality of Care
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medicine.medical_specialty ,Medicine (General) ,Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) ,Logistic regression ,Severity ,Immune system ,co-infection ,R5-920 ,Informed consent ,Internal medicine ,wc_505 ,medicine ,media_common.cataloged_instance ,Parasite hosting ,Helminths ,European union ,media_common ,wa_105 ,business.industry ,Public health ,COVID-19 ,General Medicine ,Odds ratio ,wc_698 ,wc_695 ,Clinical trial ,africa ,parasite ,business ,Body mass index ,Research Paper ,Co infection ,Cohort study ,Biomedical sciences - Abstract
Background: COVID-19 symptomatology in Africa appears significantly less serious than in the industrialized world. We and others previously postulated a partial explanation for this phenomenon, being a different, more activated immune system due to parasite infections. We investigated this hypothesis in an endemic area in Africa. Methods: Ethiopian COVID-19 patients were enrolled and screened for intestinal parasites. The primary outcome was the proportion of patients with severe COVID-19. Logistic regression models were used to estimate the association between parasite infection, and COVID-19 severity. Models were adjusted for sex, age, residence, and comorbidities. Findings: 751 SARS-CoV-2 infected patients were enrolled, of whom 284 (37·8%) had intestinal parasitic infection. Only 27/255 (10·6%) severe COVID-19 patients were co-infected with intestinal parasites, while 257/496 (51·8%) non-severe COVID-19 patients appeared parasite positive (p
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- 2021
8. Housing, sanitation and living conditions affecting SARS-CoV-2 prevention interventions in 54 African countries
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Björn Halleröd, Alba Lanau, Tigist Grieve, Negussie Dejene, Murray Leibbrandt, Yehualashet Mekonen, Mary Zhang, Shailen Nandy, Timothy F. Brewer, Richard Harris, Hector Najera, Bongai Muguni, David Gordon, Roger Yat-Nork Chung, Cynthia L. Fonta, and S. Jody Heymann
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medicine.medical_specialty ,Sanitation ,Isolation (health care) ,Epidemiology ,Psychological intervention ,prevention ,Environmental health ,Pandemic ,Humans ,Medicine ,Public health ,Original Paper ,SPS Centre for the Study of Poverty and Social Justice ,SARS-CoV-2 ,business.industry ,Transmission (medicine) ,Prevention ,public health ,COVID-19 ,Confidence interval ,Vaccination ,Infectious Diseases ,Social Conditions ,Non-pharmacologic interventions ,Africa ,Housing ,business ,non-pharmacologic interventions - Abstract
We acknowledge funding from the UK Research and Innovation Global Challenge Research Fund (GCRF) (Grant Ref: ES/ T010487/1), the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, the Elisabeth Blackwell Institute for Health Research and the Beatriu de Pinós fellowship programme. The feasibility of non-pharmacological interventions (NPIs) such as physical distancing or isolation at home to prevent Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) transmission in low-resource countries is unknown. Household survey data from 54 African countries were used to investigate the feasibility of SARS-CoV-2 NPIs in low-resource settings. Across the 54 countries, approximately 718 million people lived in households with ≥6 individuals at home (median percentage of at-risk households 56% (95% confidence interval (CI), 51% to 60%)). Approximately 283 million people lived in households where ≥3 people slept in a single room (median percentage of at-risk households 15% (95% CI, 13% to 19%)). An estimated 890 million Africans lack on-site water (71% (95% CI, 62% to 80%)), while 700 million people lacked in-home soap/washing facilities (56% (95% CI, 42% to 73%)). The median percentage of people without a refrigerator in the home was 79% (95% CI, 67% to 88%), while 45% (95% CI, 39% to 52%) shared toilet facilites with other households. Individuals in low-resource settings have substantial obstacles to implementing NPIs for mitigating SARSCoV-2 transmission. These populations urgently need to be prioritized for COVID-19 vaccination to prevent disease and to contain the global pandemic.
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- 2021
9. Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices Regarding COVID‑19 in N’Djamena, Chad
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Francis Deassal Mondjimbaye, Faro Diba, Margarita Bernales, Rodrigo López, Jean Pierre Ongolo, Guy Rodrigue Takoudjou Dzomo, Yves Djofang Kamga, Joseph Nanbolngar, Madjadoum Toglengar, Roger Rongar, Richard Modode, Jean Pierre Kila Roskem, and Carlos Gómez-Vírseda
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Adult ,Male ,medicine.medical_specialty ,Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice ,Health (social science) ,Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) ,Chad ,Cross-sectional study ,Population ,Health Behavior ,Personal Satisfaction ,Health(social science) ,03 medical and health sciences ,0302 clinical medicine ,Practices ,Environmental health ,Pandemic ,medicine ,Humans ,030212 general & internal medicine ,education ,Pandemics ,education.field_of_study ,Original Paper ,Public health ,030505 public health ,Poverty ,SARS-CoV-2 ,Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health ,COVID-19 ,Knowledge ,Cross-Sectional Studies ,Mental Health ,Attitude ,Africa ,Social relationship ,Epidemiological surveillance ,Educational Status ,Female ,0305 other medical science ,Psychology - Abstract
The first African COVID-19 case was reported in Egypt in February 2020. Since then, Sub-Saharan countries have struggled to respond to the pandemic. Among them, Chad is characterized by a high rate of poverty and mortality, a high burden of infectious diseases, insufficient epidemiological surveillance and underdeveloped infrastructure. In this study, we explore the knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAPs) regarding COVID-19 within the Chadian population, to determine whether there are more vulnerable groups of the population that require greater attention from authorities. This study was designed as a cross-sectional survey conducted in N'Djamena, Chad, using a convenience sampling technique that included 2269 participants. The study was conducted in May and August 2020. Questions regarding technical concepts were answered incorrectly by most participants (83.65%). The population had better knowledge about concrete aspects of the pandemics, such as prevention measures and contagion. Regarding attitudes, 34.55% participants were very concerned about the possibility of being infected, 81.27% were unsatisfied/very unsatisfied with their social relationships after the pandemic began, and 68.44% thought that the pandemic was a disturbing/very disturbing issue. As for practices, 49.41% of men followed all preventive measures compared to 32.07% of women, and 3.04% of people with vulnerable jobs did not respect any of preventive measures compared to 1.19% of people without this condition. Gender, job conditions and educational level impact KAPs within the Chadian population. It is suggested that local authorities in Chad should consider these variables when developing health strategies.
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- 2021
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10. Using Friendship Ties to Understand the Prevalence of, and Factors Associated With, Intimate Partner Violence Among Adolescents and Young Adults in Kenya: Cross-Sectional, Respondent-Driven Survey Study
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Caroline Kingori, Felix Humwa, Samuel Muhula, Anne Kamau, Peter Memiah, Yvonne Opanga, Emmanuel Nyakeriga, Courtney Cook, and Job Muriithi
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young adults ,medicine.medical_specialty ,intimate partner violence ,Population ,Computer applications to medicine. Medical informatics ,education ,prevalence ,R858-859.7 ,Poison control ,Suicide prevention ,03 medical and health sciences ,0302 clinical medicine ,medicine ,Medical technology ,0501 psychology and cognitive sciences ,030212 general & internal medicine ,adolescents ,R855-855.5 ,Reproductive health ,risk ,education.field_of_study ,Original Paper ,business.industry ,Public health ,05 social sciences ,abuse ,Physical abuse ,physical abuse ,bullying ,Africa ,Domestic violence ,Psychology ,business ,Psychosocial ,050104 developmental & child psychology ,Demography - Abstract
Background Optimization of innovative approaches is required for estimating the intimate partner violence (IPV) burden among adolescents and young adults (AYA). Further investigation is required to identify risk and protective factors associated with IPV among AYA. There remain significant gaps in understanding these factors among this vulnerable population. Objective The goal of our study was to determine the prevalence of IPV among an urban population of AYA and to identify factors associated with IPV among AYA. Methods A cross-sectional study design utilizing respondent-driven sampling was adopted. The study was conducted among 887 AYA, aged 15 to 24 years, residing in Nairobi, Kenya. Data were collected through a phone-based survey using the REACH (Reaching, Engaging Adolescents and Young Adults for Care Continuum in Health)-AYA app. Questions on behavioral and psychosocial factors were adopted from different standardized questionnaires. Descriptive, bivariate, and multivariable statistics were used to describe the characteristics of the study sample. Results Of the 887 participants, a higher proportion were male (540/887, 60.9%) compared to female (347/887, 39.1%). The prevalence of IPV was 22.3% (124/556). IPV was associated with being unsure if it was okay for a boy to hit his girlfriend, living in a home with physical violence or abuse, and being bullied (P=.005). The likelihood of experiencing IPV was higher among respondents whose friends and family members used alcohol (odds ratio [OR] 1.80, 95% CI 1.09-2.98) and among those who had repeated a class at school in the past two years (OR 1.90, 95% CI 1.11-3.23). Respondents who visited a health facility or doctor for reproductive health services were 2 times more likely to experience IPV (OR 2.23, 95% CI 1.40-3.70). Respondents who had used illicit drugs were 2 times more likely to experience IPV (OR 4.31, 95% CI 2.64-7.04). The probability of experiencing IPV decreased by 63% (OR 0.37, 95% CI 0.16-0.85) among respondents who refused to have sex with someone who was not prepared to use a condom. Conclusions IPV remains a significant public health priority because of its impact to society. Our results are in congruence with other similar studies. Efforts toward incorporating appropriate IPV core measures into the comprehensive care package for every AYA seeking health services should be explored. Programs need to address constellations of risk and protective factors linked to IPV in an effort to prevent its occurrence.
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- 2020
11. Strengthening health system leadership for better governance: what does it take?
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Gilson, Lucy and Agyepong, Irene Akua
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HEALTH policy ,PUBLIC health ,HEALTH education ,HEALTH promotion ,MEDICAL care - Abstract
This editorial provides an overview of the six papers included in this special supplement on health leadership in Africa. Together the papers provide evidence of leadership in public hospital settings and of initiatives to strengthen leadership development. On the one hand, they demonstrate both that current leadership practices often impact negatively on staff motivation and patient care, and that contextual factors underpin poor leadership. On the other hand, they provide some evidence of the positive potential of new forms of participatory leadership, together with ideas about what forms of leadership development intervention can nurture new forms of leadership. Finally, the papers prompt reflection on the research needed to support the implementation of such interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2018
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12. African voices and leadership is imperative for the global AIDS response
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François-Xavier Mbopi-Kéou, Brian G. Williams, Tina Gifty Mensah, Mamadou Henri Konate, Ginette Claude Mireille Kalla, Ibra Ndoye, and Laurent Bélec
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leadership ,medicine.medical_specialty ,Opinion ,United Nations ,030231 tropical medicine ,Developing country ,Global Health ,Newspaper ,African voices ,03 medical and health sciences ,0302 clinical medicine ,Global health ,Medicine ,Humans ,030212 general & internal medicine ,Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome ,business.industry ,global AIDS response ,Public health ,Bullying ,Abuse of power ,General Medicine ,Public relations ,Sexual Harassment ,Africa ,Harassment ,Position paper ,business ,Open access journal - Abstract
This position paper is written in reference to the recent extensive media coverage of the report of the Independent Panel describing Harassment, Including Sexual Harassment, Bullying and Abuse of Power at UNAIDS Secretariat by several newspapers and authoritative journals such as Science and The Lancet. Unfortunately, none of these publications provide any clear evidence to support the accusations and merely repeat what are, in our view, unsubstantiated statements made in the report. Given the critical role that Africans have played in dealing with one of the most severe epidemics that the world has seen and the gravity of these charges, we believe it is essential to reaffirm that African voices and leadership is imperative for the global AIDS response.
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- 2019
13. Passengers' destinations from China: low risk of Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) transmission into Africa and South America
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Richard Kock, Najmul Haider, David Simons, Alimuddin Zumla, Abdinasir Yusuf Osman, Alexei Yavlinsky, and Francine Ntoumi
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Wuhan ,medicine.medical_specialty ,China ,risk map ,Epidemiology ,SARS-COV-2 ,Destinations ,law.invention ,Beijing ,law ,medicine ,COVID-19 ,Africa ,2019-nCoV ,transmission ,Direct flight ,Travel medicine ,Socioeconomics ,Original Paper ,Public health ,Infectious Diseases ,Transmission (mechanics) ,Geography ,Risk assessment - Abstract
Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV [SARS-COV-2]) was detected in humans during the last week of December 2019 at Wuhan city in China, and caused 24 554 cases in 27 countries and territories as of 5 February 2020. The objective of this study was to estimate the risk of transmission of 2019-nCoV through human passenger air flight from four major cities of China (Wuhan, Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou) to the passengers' destination countries. We extracted the weekly simulated passengers' end destination data for the period of 1–31 January 2020 from FLIRT, an online air travel dataset that uses information from 800 airlines to show the direct flight and passengers' end destination. We estimated a risk index of 2019-nCoV transmission based on the number of travellers to destination countries, weighted by the number of confirmed cases of the departed city reported by the World Health Organization (WHO). We ranked each country based on the risk index in four quantiles (4th quantile being the highest risk and 1st quantile being the lowest risk). During the period, 388 287 passengers were destined for 1297 airports in 168 countries or territories across the world. The risk index of 2019-nCoV among the countries had a very high correlation with the WHO-reported confirmed cases (0.97). According to our risk score classification, of the countries that reported at least one Coronavirus-infected pneumonia (COVID-19) case as of 5 February 2020, 24 countries were in the 4th quantile of the risk index, two in the 3rd quantile, one in the 2nd quantile and none in the 1st quantile. Outside China, countries with a higher risk of 2019-nCoV transmission are Thailand, Cambodia, Malaysia, Canada and the USA, all of which reported at least one case. In pan-Europe, UK, France, Russia, Germany and Italy; in North America, USA and Canada; in Oceania, Australia had high risk, all of them reported at least one case. In Africa and South America, the risk of transmission is very low with Ethiopia, South Africa, Egypt, Mauritius and Brazil showing a similar risk of transmission compared to the risk of any of the countries where at least one case is detected. The risk of transmission on 31 January 2020 was very high in neighbouring Asian countries, followed by Europe (UK, France, Russia and Germany), Oceania (Australia) and North America (USA and Canada). Increased public health response including early case recognition, isolation of identified case, contract tracing and targeted airport screening, public awareness and vigilance of health workers will help mitigate the force of further spread to naïve countries.
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- 2020
14. Public health and research ethics education: the experience of developing a new cadre of bioethicists at a Ugandan institution.
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Kiwanuka, Gertrude N., Bajunirwe, Francis, Alele, Paul E., Oloro, Joseph, Mindra, Arnold, Marshall, Patricia, and Loue, Sana
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PUBLIC health ethics ,PUBLIC health education ,PUBLIC health research ,ETHICS education ,BIOETHICISTS ,RESEARCH ethics - Abstract
Research ethics education is critical to developing a culture of responsible conduct of research. Many countries in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) have a high burden of infectious diseases like HIV and malaria; some, like Uganda, have recurring outbreaks. Coupled with the increase in non-communicable diseases, researchers have access to large populations to test new medications and vaccines. The need to develop multi-level capacity in research ethics in Uganda is still huge, being compounded by the high burden of disease and challenging public health issues. Only a few institutions in the SSA offer graduate training in research ethics, implying that the proposed ideal of each high-volume research ethics committee having at least one member with in-depth training in ethics is far from reality. Finding best practices for comparable situations and training requirements is challenging because there is currently no "gold standard" for teaching research ethics and little published information on curriculum and implementation strategies. The purpose of this paper is to describe a model of research ethics (RE) education as a track in an existing 2-year Master of Public Health (MPH) to provide training for developing specific applied learning skills to address contemporary and emerging needs for biomedical and public health research in a highly disease-burdened country. We describe our five-year experience in successful implementation of the MPH-RE program by the Mbarara University Research Ethics Education Program at Mbarara University of Science and Technology in southwestern Uganda. We used curriculum materials, applications to the program, post-training and external evaluations, and annual reports for this work. This model can be adapted and used elsewhere in developing countries with similar contexts. Establishing an interface between public health and research ethics requires integration of the two early in the delivery of the MPH-RE program to prevent a disconnect in knowledge between research methods provided by the MPH component of the MPH-RE program and for research in ethics that MPH-RE students are expected to perform for their dissertation. Promoting bioethics education, which is multi-disciplinary, in institutions where it is still "foreign" is challenging and necessitates supportive leadership at all institutional levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2024
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15. Prevalence and serotype of poultry salmonellosis in Africa: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
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Kabeta, Tadele, Tolosa, Tadele, Duchateau, Luc, Van Immerseel, Filip, and Antonissen, Gunther
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SALMONELLA enteritidis , *SALMONELLA typhimurium , *SALMONELLA diseases , *PUBLIC health , *POULTRY industry , *SALMONELLA - Abstract
Salmonellosis represents a significant economic and public health concern for the poultry industry in Africa, leading to substantial economic losses due to mortality, reduced productivity, and food safety problems. However, comprehensive information on the burden of poultry salmonellosis at the continental level is scarce. To address this gap, a systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted to consolidate information on the prevalence and circulating serotypes of poultry salmonellosis in African countries. This involved the selection and review of 130 articles published between 1984 and 2021. A detailed systematic review protocol was structured according to Cochrane STROBE and PRISMA statement guideline. From the 130 selected articles from 23 different African countries, the overall pooled prevalence estimate (PPE) of poultry salmonellosis in Africa was found to be 14.4% (95% CI = 0.145–0.151). Cameroon reported the highest PPE at 71.9%. The PPE was notably high in meat and meat products at 23%. The number of research papers reporting poultry salmonellosis in Africa has shown a threefold increase from 1984 to 2021. Salmonella Enteritidis and Typhimurium were the two most prevalent serotypes reported in 18 African countries. Besides, Salmonella Kentucky, Virchow, Gallinarum, and Pullorum were also widely reported. Western Africa had the highest diversity of reported Salmonella serotypes (141), in contrast to southern Africa, which reported only 27 different serotypes. In conclusion, poultry salmonellosis is highly prevalent across Africa, with a variety of known serotypes circulating throughout the continent. Consequently, it is crucial to implement strategic plans for the prevention and control of Salmonella in Africa. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS The pooled sample prevalence of poultry salmonellosis in Africa is high (14.4%). The highest PPE was recorded in meat and meat products. Salmonella serotypes of zoonotic importance were found in all sample types. Salmonella Enteritidis and Typhimurium are common serotypes spreading in Africa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2024
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16. Drumming-associated anthrax incidents: exposures to low levels of indoor environmental contamination
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Emma Bennett, Ian P. Hall, Allan Bennett, N.J. Silman, and Thomas Pottage
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Male ,0301 basic medicine ,medicine.medical_specialty ,Epidemiology ,030106 microbiology ,Polymerase Chain Reaction ,indoor contamination ,Anthrax ,03 medical and health sciences ,0302 clinical medicine ,Incident management ,Occupational Exposure ,Environmental health ,London ,medicine ,Animals ,Humans ,030212 general & internal medicine ,Spores, Bacterial ,Original Paper ,Goats ,Public health ,Environmental Exposure ,Pennsylvania ,drumming-related ,Contamination ,Connecticut ,Infectious Diseases ,Geography ,Scotland ,Bacillus anthracis ,Africa ,Inhalational anthrax ,East london ,Female ,New York City ,Risk assessment ,Music - Abstract
Two fatal drumming-related inhalational anthrax incidents occurred in 2006 and 2008 in the UK. One individual was a drum maker and drummer from the Scottish Borders, most likely infected whilst playing a goat-skin drum contaminated withBacillus anthracisspores; the second, a drummer and drum maker from East London, likely became infected whilst working with contaminated animal hides.We have collated epidemiological and environmental data from these incidents and reviewed them alongside three similar contemporaneous incidents in the USA. Sampling operations recovered the causative agent from drums and drum skins and from residences and communal buildings at low levels. From these data, we have considered the nature of the exposures and the number of other individuals likely to have been exposed, either to the primary infection events or to subsequent prolonged environmental contamination (or both).Despite many individual exposures to widespread low-level spore contamination in private residences and in work spaces for extended periods of time (at least 1 year in one instance), only one other individual acquired an infection (cutaneous). Whilst recognising the difficulty in making definitive inferences from these incidents to specific residual contamination levels, and by extending the risk to public health, we believe it may be useful to reflect on these findings when considering future incident management risk assessments and decisions in similar incidents that result in low-level indoor contamination.
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- 2018
17. Toward Experimental Heat–Health Early Warning in Africa.
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Thiaw, Wassila M., Bekele, Endalkachew, Diouf, Sarah N., Dewitt, David G., Ndiaye, Ousmane, Ngom Ndiaye, Marie Khemesse, Ndiaye, Papa Ngor, Diene, Nar, Diouf, Mariama, Diaw, Anta, Diop, Siga, Badj, Fanding, and Diouf, Abdoulaye
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MEDICAL personnel ,PUBLIC health ,HEAT waves (Meteorology) ,OLDER people ,CAPACITY building ,NATURAL disaster warning systems ,METEOROLOGICAL services - Abstract
Heat is one of the most serious hazards in the world as it affects human health and is extremely dangerous to vulnerable populations such as the elderly, people with preexisting cardiovascular or respiratory conditions, and even healthy people with prolonged sunlight exposure during heat waves. As the globe has warmed over the past several decades, extreme heat has become more frequent and intense than ever before, and Africa, especially the Sahel in West Africa, is one of the regions of the world where heat is a major public health concern exacerbated by livelihood activities during the heat season. Yet, there is a major gap in monitoring and forecasting heat waves in Africa. This paper describes NOAA's role in enabling heat–health early warning in Africa, working with meteorological services and health professionals. Emphasis is on real-time heat wave forecasting at week 2, including the postprocessing of the NCEP model outputs, and providing the information to the meteorological services in Africa to serve as guidance in national heat wave forecasts. In addition, the paper describes the end-to-end process of heat hazard outlooks and translating the forecasts into early action and early planning to reduce heat risk to human health. Furthermore, the paper addresses the very important aspect of capacity development tailored at enhancing forecasters' skills to prepare and issue heat wave forecasts and training of a cadre of health professionals to work with meteorologists to coproduce heat–health bulletins and to issue heat–health early warnings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2022
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18. Depopulation or vaccination? Tackling the COVID-19 crisis in prisons in Africa.
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Katey, Daniel, Abass, Kabila, Garsonu, Emmanuel Kofi, and Gyasi, Razak M.
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COVID-19 pandemic ,VACCINATION ,PUBLIC health ,DEMOGRAPHIC change ,PRISONS - Abstract
Several attempts have been made by the global public health efforts and national governments to contain the spread and vulnerabilities to COVID-19. Evidence, however, shows a disproportionate upsurge in COVID-19 cases in correctional facilities such as prisons, particularly, in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). The poor adherence to COVID-19 preventive protocols in these settings has raised a serious "moral panic" among the public. There are public health concerns about the most effective and state-of-the-art approach to tackling the continuous spread of the virus in prisons. This paper discusses the feasibility of depopulation and vaccination rollouts in combating COVID-19 in correctional facilities with a particular focus on African prisons. The paper proposes selective and strategic depopulation of prisoners, effective prioritization of vaccination among prisoners, and general sensitization of prisoners toward vaccine disbursement in this total institution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2022
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
19. Characteristics of Travellers from Bosnia and Herzegovina to Africa
- Author
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Zarema Obradović and Amina Obradovic
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Service (business) ,medicine.medical_specialty ,Economic growth ,Original Paper ,business.industry ,Public health ,Conflict of interest ,Capital (economics) ,travellers ,Africa ,Medicine ,Optometry ,business ,human activities ,B&H - Abstract
Conflict of interest: none declared. Introduction Travellers from Bosnia and Herzegovina (B&H) travel to different world countries. The awareness of people is changing every day and nowadays travellers seek advices related to their travel and destination more often than before. In the previous years, travellers came to Travel Clinics almost only to get the vaccines which were obligatory for entry into a country. In B&H travel clinics are a part of public health institutes. The largest Travel Clinic which provides service for the highest number of travellers is in the Public Health Institute of Sarajevo Canton, in the city of Sarajevo, which is the capital of B&H. In the last years we have seen an increasing interest for travel to Africa because the highest number of travellers travel to African countries. Objective To show the characteristics of persons travelling to Africa, the reasons of their travel, the destination countries and the types of vaccines applied. Materials and methods We used protocol books of the Travel Clinic in Public Health Institute of Sarajevo Canton and the data from individual forms of travellers. Results Persons travelling to Africa make 55% of all travellers that are advised and vaccinated in the Travel Clinic in Public Health Institute of Sarajevo Canton. There are significantly more men than women among people travelling to Africa. The highest number of travellers is in the category of working population which means age group of 20-50 years. The most visited countries are Kenya, Ethiopia, Somalia and Ghana. Travellers received the following vaccines: yellow fever, VHA, VHB, meningitis, tetanus. All travellers were given the advice on how to dress, feed and protect against malaria.
- Published
- 2013
20. Access Impediments to Health Care and Social Services Between Anglophone and Francophone African Immigrants Living in Philadelphia with Respect to HIV/AIDS
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Rose O. Wadenya, Jeffrey Lidicker, Alice J. Hausman, and Kenneth O Simbiri
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Gerontology ,Adult ,Male ,medicine.medical_specialty ,Social Work ,Adolescent ,Epidemiology ,media_common.quotation_subject ,Immigration ,Culture ,Social Welfare ,HIV Infections ,Health Services Accessibility ,Immigrant health ,Young Adult ,Cultural diversity ,Surveys and Questionnaires ,Health care ,medicine ,Humans ,Human services ,media_common ,Philadelphia ,Original Paper ,Social work ,business.industry ,Public health ,Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health ,Middle Aged ,Acculturation ,Access ,Africa ,HIV/AIDS ,Female ,business - Abstract
Objectives To describe the social and cultural differences between Anglophone and Francophone African immigrants which define the impediments that Francophone African immigrants face trying to access health and human services in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Methods Surveys and personal interviews were administered to participants in social events, community meetings, and health centers. A Chi-squared analysis was used to contrast the communities. Results Francophone Africans demonstrated less acculturation, education, English fluency, and more legal documentation problems, and thus face greater challenges accessing health care. Anglophone Africans had a higher level of acculturation, fewer language problems, and perceived fewer barriers in accessing health care than Francophone Africans. Conclusions Educating new immigrants, through a more culturally sensitive infectious disease treatment and prevention program, is integral to achieving a higher access and utilization rates of available services; especially in recent Francophone immigrants. A larger study is needed to extend the findings to other cities where immigrants with similar backgrounds or acculturation issues reside.
- Published
- 2009
21. Mobile Health (mHealth) Approaches and Lessons for Increased Performance and Retention of Community Health Workers in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: A Review
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Betty R. Kirkwood, Lesong Conteh, James K Tibenderana, Sylvia Meek, Zelee Hill, Karin Källander, Onome Akpogheneta, Daniel Strachan, and Augustinus H. A. ten Asbroek
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medicine.medical_specialty ,Telemedicine ,Knowledge management ,Internet privacy ,Health Informatics ,lcsh:Computer applications to medicine. Medical informatics ,Health informatics ,Clinical decision support system ,Health Information Systems ,community health worker ,Health care ,Medicine ,Humans ,Mobile technology ,Community Health Services ,mHealth ,Developing Countries ,Community Health Workers ,Text Messaging ,Original Paper ,business.industry ,Public health ,lcsh:Public aspects of medicine ,lcsh:RA1-1270 ,Mobile phone ,Africa ,lcsh:R858-859.7 ,Rural Health Services ,business ,Delivery of Health Care ,Cell Phone - Abstract
BackgroundMobile health (mHealth) describes the use of portable electronic devices with software applications to provide health services and manage patient information. With approximately 5 billion mobile phone users globally, opportunities for mobile technologies to play a formal role in health services, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, are increasingly being recognized. mHealth can also support the performance of health care workers by the dissemination of clinical updates, learning materials, and reminders, particularly in underserved rural locations in low- and middle-income countries where community health workers deliver integrated community case management to children sick with diarrhea, pneumonia, and malaria. ObjectiveOur aim was to conduct a thematic review of how mHealth projects have approached the intersection of cellular technology and public health in low- and middle-income countries and identify the promising practices and experiences learned, as well as novel and innovative approaches of how mHealth can support community health workers. MethodsIn this review, 6 themes of mHealth initiatives were examined using information from peer-reviewed journals, websites, and key reports. Primary mHealth technologies reviewed included mobile phones, personal digital assistants (PDAs) and smartphones, patient monitoring devices, and mobile telemedicine devices. We examined how these tools could be used for education and awareness, data access, and for strengthening health information systems. We also considered how mHealth may support patient monitoring, clinical decision making, and tracking of drugs and supplies. Lessons from mHealth trials and studies were summarized, focusing on low- and middle-income countries and community health workers. ResultsThe review revealed that there are very few formal outcome evaluations of mHealth in low-income countries. Although there is vast documentation of project process evaluations, there are few studies demonstrating an impact on clinical outcomes. There is also a lack of mHealth applications and services operating at scale in low- and middle-income countries. The most commonly documented use of mHealth was 1-way text-message and phone reminders to encourage follow-up appointments, healthy behaviors, and data gathering. Innovative mHealth applications for community health workers include the use of mobile phones as job aides, clinical decision support tools, and for data submission and instant feedback on performance. ConclusionsWith partnerships forming between governments, technologists, non-governmental organizations, academia, and industry, there is great potential to improve health services delivery by using mHealth in low- and middle-income countries. As with many other health improvement projects, a key challenge is moving mHealth approaches from pilot projects to national scalable programs while properly engaging health workers and communities in the process. By harnessing the increasing presence of mobile phones among diverse populations, there is promising evidence to suggest that mHealth can be used to deliver increased and enhanced health care services to individuals and communities, while helping to strengthen health systems.
- Published
- 2013
22. Risk perception and the influence on uptake and use of biomedical prevention interventions for HIV in sub-Saharan Africa: A systematic literature review.
- Author
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Warren, Emily A., Paterson, Pauline, Schulz, William S., Lees, Shelley, Eakle, Robyn, Stadler, Jonathan, and Larson, Heidi J.
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HIV infection risk factors ,HIV prevention ,RISK perception ,DATA analysis ,PUBLIC health - Abstract
Background: Risk perception has been found to be a crucial factor explaining inconsistent or non-use of HIV prevention interventions. Considerations of risk need to expand beyond risk of infection to also include the personal, social, emotional, and economic risks associated with prevention intervention use. Objectives: This systematic review of qualitative peer-reviewed literature from sub-Saharan Africa examines perceptions of risk associated with HIV infection and HIV prevention intervention use. Data sources: We searched Medline, Embase, PsychInfo, Africa Wide Info, CINAHL, and Global Health for publications and screened them for relevance. Study eligibility criteria: Peer-reviewed qualitative studies published since 2003 were eligible for inclusion if they examined risk perception or uncertainty in the context of a medically regulated intervention. Only studies focusing on adults were included. Study appraisal and synthesis methods: Included publications were quality assessed using the Hawker method and coded thematically. Results: 10318 unique papers were identified, of which 29 are included. Among the themes identified, a particularly salient one was the potential of HIV prevention interventions to threaten the stability of a relationship and impact on how and when people may—or may not—choose to use prevention interventions. Limitations: This literature review excludes grey-literature, which may have distinct valuable insights. We also excluded quantitative studies that may have challenged or triangulated our findings. Conclusions and implications: When considering the risk of HIV acquisition, it is insufficient to examine biological risk in isolation from the personal, relational and economic costs associated with intervention use. This loss of emotional, physical, or material support may be perceived as more consequential than the prevention of a potential infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2018
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23. Rising global burden of breast cancer: the case of sub-Saharan Africa (with emphasis on Nigeria) and implications for regional development: a review.
- Author
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Azubuike, Samuel O., Muirhead, Colin, Hayes, Louise, and McNally, Richard
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BREAST cancer ,PUBLIC health ,RURAL development ,DISEASE incidence ,CANCER-related mortality - Abstract
Background: Despite mortality from breast cancer in Africa being higher than in high income countries, breast cancer has not been extensively studied in the region. The aim of this paper was to highlight the rising burden of breast cancer with an emphasis on sub-Saharan Africa as well as trends, characteristics, controversies and their implications for regional development. Methodology: A review of published studies and documents was conducted in Medline, Scopus, Pubmed and Google using combinations of key words-breast neoplasm, breast cancer, cancer, incidence, mortality, Africa, Nigeria. Graphical and frequency analyses were carried out on some of the incidence and mortality figures retrieved from published papers and the GLOBOCAN website. Findings: Globally, about 25% and 15% of all new cancer cases and cancer deaths respectively among females were due to breast cancer. Africa currently had the highest age-standardized breast cancer mortality rate globally, with the highest incidence rates being recorded within the sub-Saharan African sub-region. Incidence trends such as inherently aggressive tumour and younger age profile had been subject to controversies. Certain factors such as westernized diet, urbanization and possibly increasing awareness had been implicated, though their specific contributions were yet to be fully established. Conclusion: Unless urgent action is taken, breast cancer will compound sub-Saharan Africa's disease burden, increase poverty and gender inequality as well as reverse the current global gains against maternal and neonatal mortality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2018
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24. Cost effectiveness analysis of strategies to combat HIV/AIDS in developing countries
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David B. Evans, Moses Aikins, Tessa Tan-Torres Edejer, Raymond Hutubessy, Robert E. Black, and Lara J. Wolfson
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medicine.medical_specialty ,Cost effectiveness ,Cost-Benefit Analysis ,Health Personnel ,Psychological intervention ,Context (language use) ,HIV Infections ,Population health ,Health Promotion ,03 medical and health sciences ,0302 clinical medicine ,Environmental health ,parasitic diseases ,medicine ,Humans ,030212 general & internal medicine ,Developing Countries ,Health Education ,health care economics and organizations ,Asia, Southeastern ,General Environmental Science ,School Health Services ,business.industry ,030503 health policy & services ,Public health ,1. No poverty ,General Engineering ,General Medicine ,Cost-effectiveness analysis ,Millennium Development Goals ,medicine.disease ,Sex Work ,3. Good health ,ComputingMilieux_GENERAL ,Healthy People Programs ,Papers ,Africa ,General Earth and Planetary Sciences ,0305 other medical science ,business ,Malaria - Abstract
To assess the costs and health effects of a range of interventions for preventing the spread of HIV and for treating people with HIV/AIDS in the context of the millennium development goal for combating HIV/AIDS.Cost effectiveness analysis based on an epidemiological model.Analyses undertaken for two regions classified using the WHO epidemiological grouping-Afr-E, countries in sub-Saharan Africa with very high adult and high child mortality, and Sear-D, countries in South East Asia with high adult and high child mortality.Biological and behavioural parameters from clinical and observational studies and population based surveys. Intervention effects and resource inputs based on published reports, expert opinion, and the WHO-CHOICE database.Costs per disability adjusted life year (DALY) averted in 2000 international dollars (Int dollars).In both regions interventions focused on mass media, education and treatment of sexually transmitted infections for female sex workers, and treatment of sexually transmitted infections in the general population costInt150 dollars per DALY averted. Voluntary counselling and testing costsInt350 dollars per DALY averted in both regions, while prevention of mother to child transmission costsInt50 dollars per DALY averted in Afr-E but around Int850 dollars per DALY in Sear-D. School based education strategies and various antiretroviral treatment strategies cost between Int500 dollars and Int5000 dollars per DALY averted.Reducing HIV transmission could be done most efficiently through mass media campaigns, interventions for sex workers and treatment of sexually transmitted infections where resources are most scarce. However, prevention of mother to child transmission, voluntary counselling and testing, and school based education would yield further health gains at higher budget levels and would be regarded as cost effective or highly cost effective based on standard international benchmarks. Antiretroviral therapy is at least as cost effective in improving population health as some of these interventions.
- Published
- 2005
25. Review of prevalence data in, and evaluation of methods for cross cultural adaptation of, UK surveys on tobacco and alcohol in ethnic minority groups
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Sonja M. Hunt, Amanda Amos, Lisa Hanna, Raj Bhopal, Amanda Vettini, and Sushmita Wiebe
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Gerontology ,Cross-Cultural Comparison ,Male ,medicine.medical_specialty ,Asia ,Alcohol Drinking ,Best practice ,MEDLINE ,Ethnic group ,tobacco ,Environmental health ,Epidemiology ,medicine ,Prevalence ,Cross-cultural ,Humans ,General Environmental Science ,Data collection ,business.industry ,Public health ,Data Collection ,Smoking ,General Engineering ,Great Britain ,General Medicine ,Cross-cultural studies ,United Kingdom ,Europe ,Papers ,Africa ,General Earth and Planetary Sciences ,Female ,business - Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To assess the adequacy of cross cultural adaptations of survey questions on self reported tobacco and alcohol consumption in the United Kingdom.DESIGN: Assessment of consistency of data between studies identified through literature review. Studies evaluated with 12 guidelines developed from the research literature on achieving cross cultural comparability.RESULTS: The literature review identified 18 key studies, five of them on national samples. Survey instruments were obtained for 15 of these. The comparison of prevalence data in national surveys showed some important discrepancies, greater for tobacco than for alcohol. For example, prevalence of cigarette smoking in Bangladeshi women was 6% in a national survey in 1994 and 1% in a national survey in 1999; in Chinese men it was 31% in a survey in 1993-4 and 17% in one in 1999; in African-Caribbean men it was 29% in a 1992 survey and 42% in one in 1993-4. The most guidelines met by any study was three, although one study partly met a fourth. Two studies met no guidelines. Only four studies consulted with ethnic minority communities in developing the questionnaire, none checked each language version with all others, and two stated the questionnaire had not been validated.CONCLUSIONS: Surveys have not followed best practice in relation to measurement of risk factors in cross cultural settings. There is inconsistency in the prevalence data on smoking provided by different major national UK studies. Users of such data should be aware of their limitations. Research is needed to help achieve linguistic equivalence of survey questions in cross cultural research.
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- 2004
26. Needs‐driven talent and competency development for the next generation of regulatory scientists in Africa.
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Semete‐Makokotlela, Boitumelo, Mahlangu, Gugu N., Mukanga, David, Darko, Delese Mimi, Stonier, Peter, Gwaza, Luther, Nkambule, Portia, Matsoso, Precious, Lehnert, Regine, Rosenkranz, Bernd, and Pillai, Goonaseelan
- Subjects
TALENT development ,CAPACITY building ,CAREER development ,EXPERIENTIAL learning ,GOVERNMENT agencies ,ECOSYSTEMS - Abstract
Capacity building programmes for African regulators should link education, training and research with career development in an approach that combines an academic base and experiential learning aligned within a competency framework. A regulatory ecosystem that engages with a broad range of stakeholders will mean that expertise in the ever‐expanding field of regulatory science filters into teaching and research in a symbiotic way. In this way capacity development interventions will be a collaborative approach between the learning context (academic and training institutions) and the performance context (regulatory agencies and industry), which will ultimately best serve the patients. Monitoring and evaluation of capacity development interventions will be essential to show value of investments and ultimately guide continued funding and sustainability. This paper reviews the skills and human capacity gaps, reports on regulatory assessment pathways used in Ghana, South Africa and Zimbabwe and outlines a staged tactical approach for Africa that builds on previous efforts to strengthen African regulatory ecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2022
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27. Ethnic differences in use of hormone replacement therapy: community based survey
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Tess Harris, Derek G Cook, PD Wicks, and Francesco P. Cappuccio
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Gerontology ,Adult ,medicine.medical_specialty ,Asia ,Hormone Replacement Therapy ,West Indies ,Osteoporosis ,Ethnic group ,Disease ,Epidemiology ,London ,medicine ,Humans ,General Environmental Science ,Response rate (survey) ,business.industry ,Public health ,General Engineering ,General Medicine ,Middle Aged ,Patient Acceptance of Health Care ,medicine.disease ,Health Surveys ,Menopause ,Transgender hormone therapy ,Papers ,Africa ,General Earth and Planetary Sciences ,Female ,business ,Demography - Abstract
Hormone replacement therapy is widely promoted to prevent cardiovascular disease and osteoporosis and relieve menopausal symptoms, although concern exists that much of the cardiovascular effect may be due to its selection by healthy women.1 Little is known about its use by women from different ethnic groups in the United Kingdom, particularly women of south Asian origin, who are at increased risk of coronary heart disease,2 osteoporosis,3 and diabetes4 compared with white women. A population based survey was carried out in Wandsworth, south London, where roughly 12% of residents are from the Caribbean or west Africa (that is, of African descent) and 6% are of Indian, Pakistani, or Bangladeshi origin (that is, south Asian). Women aged 40-59 were invited from nine general practices as part of a cardiovascular screening study.4 The response rate was 66% (941/1429). Of the 941 women screened, 882 were from one of the ethnic groups being studied. Ethnic group was recorded at interview on the basis of answers to several questions, including questions on country of …
- Published
- 1999
28. Factors associated with older persons’ physical health in rural Uganda.
- Author
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Maniragaba, Fred, Nzabona, Abel, Asiimwe, John Bosco, Bizimungu, Emmanuel, Mushomi, John, Ntozi, James, and Kwagala, Betty
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HEALTH of older people ,PUBLIC health ,QUALITY of life ,CROSS-sectional method - Abstract
Introduction: The proportion of older persons in developing countries is increasing with no clear evidence of improvement in physical health. The aim of this paper was to examine the factors associated with older persons’ physical health in rural Uganda. Methods: This paper is based on a cross-sectional study of 912 older persons age 60 years and older across four major regions of Uganda. The study was conceptualized basing on World Health Organization quality of life BREF (WHOQOL-BREF). Analysis was done at three levels, that is, frequency distributions were generated to describe background characteristics of respondents and cross-tabulations were done to determine associations between dependent and each of the independent variables. Ordinal logistic regression was used to determine the predictors of physical health. Results: The likelihood of good physical health is high among older persons (Ops) who controlled their household assets (OR = 3.64; CI = 1.81–7.30) or the household assets controlled by their spouses (OR = 4.44; CI = 1.91–10.32) relative to those whose household assets were controlled by their children. There is high likelihood of good physical health among those who engage in physical activities (OR = 2.28; CI = 1.52–3.43) compared to those who do not. Conclusion: The findings have various policy implications, including creating an enabling environment and building capacities of older persons to remain in control of their household assets. Interventions focusing on deepening sensitization of older persons about importance of physical exercises could be a viable strategy for improving physical health of older persons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2019
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29. Tuberculosis in England and Wales in 1993: results of a national survey. Public Health Laboratory Service/British Thoracic Society/Department of Health Collaborative Group
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Andre Charlett, J H Darbyshire, John M Watson, S. Nicholas, and D. Kumar
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Pulmonary and Respiratory Medicine ,Adult ,Male ,medicine.medical_specialty ,Pathology ,Tuberculosis ,Adolescent ,West Indies ,Population ,Ethnic group ,India ,HIV Infections ,Ethnic origin ,Age Distribution ,Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) ,Epidemiology ,Prevalence ,Medicine ,Humans ,Pakistan ,Sex Distribution ,education ,Letters to the Editor ,Disease Notification ,Aged ,education.field_of_study ,Wales ,business.industry ,Public health ,Drug Resistance, Microbial ,Emigration and Immigration ,Middle Aged ,medicine.disease ,England ,Africa ,Papers ,Female ,business ,Demography - Abstract
BACKGROUND: A national survey of tuberculosis notifications in England and Wales was carried out in 1993 to determine the notification rate of tuberculosis and the trends in the occurrence of disease by ethnic group in comparison with the findings of similar surveys in 1978/79, 1983, and 1988. The prevalence of HIV infection in adults notified with tuberculosis in the survey period was also estimated. METHODS: Clinical, bacteriological, and sociodemographic information was obtained on all newly notified cases of tuberculosis in England and Wales during the six months from 2 January to 2 July 1993. The prevalence of HIV infection in 16-54 year old patients with tuberculosis notified throughout 1993 was assessed using "unlinked anonymous" testing supplemented by matching of the register of patients with tuberculosis with that of patients with AIDS reported to the PHLS AIDS centre. Annual notification rates were calculated using population estimates from the 1993 Labour Force Survey. RESULTS: A total of 2706 newly notified patients was eligible for inclusion in the survey of whom 2458 were previously untreated the comparable figures for 1988 were 2408 and 2163. The number of patients of white ethnic origin decreased from 1142 (53%) in 1988 to 1088 (44%) in 1993 whereas those of patients of Indian, Pakistani, or Bangladeshi (Indian subcontinent (ISC)) ethnic origin increased from 843 (39%) in 1988 to 1014 (41%) and those of "other" (non-white, non-ISC) ethnic origins increased from 178 (8%) to 356 (14%). The largest increase was seen in the black African ethnic group from 37 in 1988 to 171 in 1993. Forty nine per cent of patients had been born abroad and the highest rates were seen in those who had recently arrived in this country. The overall annual notification rate for previously untreated tuberculosis in England and Wales increased between 1988 and 1993 from 8.4 to 9.2 per 100,000 population. The rate declined in the white, Indian, and black Caribbean ethnic groups and increased in all other groups. In the white group the rate of decline has slowed since the last survey: in several age groups the rates were higher in 1993 than 1988 but the numbers in these groups were small. Thirty six (4.1%) of the 882 previously untreated respiratory cases were resistant to isoniazid and three (0.3%) to isoniazid and rifampicin. Sixty two (2.3%) adults aged 16-54 years were estimated to be HIV-infected. Evidence of under-reporting of HIV positive tuberculosis patients was found. CONCLUSIONS: The number of cases and annual notification rate for previously untreated tuberculosis increased between 1988 and 1993. Although the decline in rates in the white population has continued, the rate of decline has slowed. The high rates in the ISC ethnic group population have continued to decline since 1988 whereas rates in the black African group have increased. An increased proportion of cases were found among people born abroad, particularly those recently arrived in this country. In previously untreated cases the level of drug resistance remains low and multi-drug resistance is rare. A small proportion of adults with tuberculosis were infected with HIV but there may be selective undernotification of tuberculosis in these patients.
- Published
- 1997
30. Hard facts and misfits: essential ingredients of public health nutrition research.
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Prentice, Ann
- Subjects
RESEARCH ,RESEARCH methodology ,PUBLIC health ,MEDICAL cooperation ,EVALUATION research ,COMPARATIVE studies ,RESEARCH funding ,NUTRITIONAL status ,NUTRITION policy - Abstract
Policy decisions and the practice of public health nutrition need to be based on solid evidence, developed through rigorous research studies where objective measures are used and results that run counter to dogma are not dismissed but investigated. In recent years, enhancements in study designs, and methodologies for systematic reviews and meta-analysis, have improved the evidence-base for nutrition policy and practice. However, these still rely on a full appreciation of the strengths and limitations of the measures on which conclusions are drawn and on the thorough investigation of outcomes that do not fit expectations or prevailing convictions. The importance of 'hard facts' and 'misfits' in research designed to advance knowledge and improve public health nutrition is illustrated in this paper through a selection of studies from different stages in my research career, focused on the nutritional requirements of resource-poor populations in Africa and Asia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2021
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31. A practical and systematic approach to organisational capacity strengthening for research in the health sector in Africa.
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Bates, Imelda, Boyd, Alan, Smith, Helen, and Cole, Donald C.
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PUBLIC health ,FINANCE of public health research ,HEALTH systems agencies ,HEALTH programs ,ORGANIZATIONAL goals - Abstract
Background Despite increasing investment in health research capacity strengthening efforts in low and middle income countries, published evidence to guide the systematic design and monitoring of such interventions is very limited. Systematic processes are important to underpin capacity strengthening interventions because they provide stepwise guidance and allow for continual improvement. Our objective here was to use evidence to inform the design of a replicable but flexible process to guide health research capacity strengthening that could be customized for different contexts, and to provide a framework for planning, collecting information, making decisions, and improving performance. Methods We used peer-reviewed and grey literature to develop a five-step pathway for designing and evaluating health research capacity strengthening programmes, tested in a variety of contexts in Africa. The five steps are: i) defining the goal of the capacity strengthening effort, ii) describing the optimal capacity needed to achieve the goal, iii) determining the existing capacity gaps compared to the optimum, iv) devising an action plan to fill the gaps and associated indicators of change, and v) adapting the plan and indicators as the programme matures. Our paper describes three contrasting case studies of organisational research capacity strengthening to illustrate how our five-step approach works in practice. Results Our five-step pathway starts with a clear goal and objectives, making explicit the capacity required to achieve the goal. Strategies for promoting sustainability are agreed with partners and incorporated from the outset. Our pathway for designing capacity strengthening programmes focuses not only on technical, managerial, and financial processes within organisations, but also on the individuals within organisations and the wider system within which organisations are coordinated, financed, and managed. Conclusions Our five-step approach is flexible enough to generate and utilise ongoing learning. We have tested and critiqued our approach in a variety of organisational settings in the health sector in sub-Saharan Africa, but it needs to be applied and evaluated in other sectors and continents to determine the extent of transferability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2014
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32. How Treatment Partners Help: Social Analysis of an African Adherence Support Intervention
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Monique A. Wyatt, David R. Bangsberg, Sylvia Kaaya, Norma C. Ware, and Kelli N O'Laughlin
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Adult ,Male ,medicine.medical_specialty ,Social stigma ,Social Psychology ,Anti-HIV Agents ,Social Stigma ,Tanzania ,Medication Adherence ,Interviews as Topic ,03 medical and health sciences ,Social support ,0302 clinical medicine ,Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) ,Outcome Assessment, Health Care ,Humans ,Medicine ,Community Health Services ,030212 general & internal medicine ,Social determinants of health ,Psychiatry ,Original Paper ,Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome ,030505 public health ,biology ,business.industry ,Public health ,Treatment partner, treatment assistant ,Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health ,HIV ,Social Support ,Helping Behavior ,medicine.disease ,biology.organism_classification ,3. Good health ,Health psychology ,Infectious Diseases ,Caregivers ,Socioeconomic Factors ,Adherence ,Family medicine ,Africa ,Structured interview ,HIV/AIDS ,Female ,0305 other medical science ,business ,Follow-Up Studies - Abstract
The Author(s) 2011. This article is published with open access at Springerlink.com Abstract Treatment partnering is an adherence inter- vention developed in sub-Saharan Africa. This paper describes the additional social functions that treatment partners serve and shows how these functions contribute to health and survival for patients with HIV/AIDS. Ninety- eight minimally structured interviews were conducted with twenty pairs of adult HIV/AIDS patients (N = 20) and treatment partners (N = 20) treated at a public HIV-care setting in Tanzania. Four social functions were identified using inductive, category construction and interpretive methods of analysis: (1) encouraging disclosure; (2) com- bating stigma; (3) restoring hope; and (4) reducing social difference. These functions work to restore social con- nections and reverse the isolating effects of HIV/AIDS, strengthening access to essential community safety nets. Besides encouraging ARV adherence, treatment partners contribute to the social health of patients. Social health as well as HIV treatment success is essential to survival for persons living with HIV/AIDS in sub-Saharan Africa.
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33. Capacity building in public health nutrition.
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Geissler, Catherine
- Abstract
The aim of the present paper is to review capacity building in public health nutrition (PHN), the need for which has been stressed for many years by a range of academics, national and international organisations. Although great strides have been made worldwide in the science of nutrition, there remain many problems of undernutrition and increasingly of obesity and related chronic diseases. The main emphasis in capacity building has been on the nutrition and health workforce, but the causes of these health problems are multifactorial and require collaboration across sectors in their solution. This means that PHN capacity building has to go beyond basic nutrition and beyond the immediate health workforce to policy makers in other sectors. The present paper provides examples of capacity building activities by various organisations, including universities, industry and international agencies. Examples of web-based courses are given including an introduction to the e-Nutrition Academy. The scope is international but with a special focus on Africa. In conclusion, there remains a great need for capacity building in PHN but the advent of the internet has revolutionised the possibilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2015
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34. Diversity and Distribution of Fungal Infections in Rwanda: High Risk and Gaps in Knowledge, Policy, and Interventions.
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Muvunyi, Claude Mambo, Ngabonziza, Jean Claude Semuto, Florence, Masaisa, Mukagatare, Isabelle, Twagirumukiza, Marc, Ahmed, Ayman, and Siddig, Emmanuel Edwar
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Fungal infections (FIs) are spreading globally, raising a significant public health concern. However, its documentation remains sparse in Africa, particularly in Rwanda. This report provides a comprehensive review of FIs in Rwanda based on a systematic review of reports published between 1972 and 2022. The findings reveal a rich diversity of fungal pathogens, including Blastomyces, Candida, Cryptococcus, Histoplasma, Microsporum, Pneumocystis, Rhinosporidium, and Trichophyton caused human infections. Candida infections predominantly affect the vagina mucosa, while Histoplasma duboisi was linked to disseminated infections. Other pathogens, such as Blastomyces dermatitidis and Rhinosporidium seeberi, were associated with cerebellar and nasal mucosa infections, respectively. The widespread observation of soilborne fungi affecting bean crops highlights the pathogens' threat to agricultural productivity, food security, and socioeconomic stability, as well as potential health impacts on humans, animals, and the environment. Of particular importance is that there is no information about FIs among animals in the country. Moreover, the analysis underscores significant limitations in the detection, reporting, and healthcare services related to FIs in the country, indicating gaps in diagnostic capacity and surveillance systems. This is underscored by the predominant use of traditional diagnostic techniques, including culture, cytology, and histopathology in the absence of integrating more sensitive and specific molecular tools in investigating FIs. Developing the diagnostic capacities and national surveillance systems are urgently needed to improve the health of crops, animals, and humans, as well as food security and socioeconomic stability in Rwanda. Also, it is important to indicate severe gaps in the evidence to inform policymaking, guide strategic planning, and improve healthcare and public health services, underscoring the urgent need to build national capacity in fungal diagnosis, surveillance, and research. Raising awareness among the public, scientific community, healthcare providers, and policymakers remains crucial. Furthermore, this report reveals the threats of FIs on public health and food insecurity in Rwanda. A multisectoral one health strategy is essential in research and intervention to determine and reduce the health and safety impacts of fungal pathogens on humans, animals, and the environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2024
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35. High HIV Prevalence Among Men Who have Sex with Men in Soweto, South Africa: Results from the Soweto Men’s Study
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Tim Lane, Joseph Rasethe, H. Fisher Raymond, Sibongile Dladla, Willi McFarland, Helen Struthers, and James McIntyre
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Adult ,Male ,medicine.medical_specialty ,Adolescent ,Alcohol Drinking ,Social Psychology ,Substance-Related Disorders ,Population ,HIV Infections ,Men who have sex with men ,South Africa ,Young Adult ,Age Distribution ,Risk-Taking ,HIV Seroprevalence ,Risk Factors ,Surveys and Questionnaires ,Prevalence ,Humans ,Medicine ,Homosexuality, Male ,Young adult ,education ,Socioeconomic status ,Original Paper ,education.field_of_study ,business.industry ,Public health ,Gay men ,Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health ,Odds ratio ,Middle Aged ,Hiv prevalence ,Confidence interval ,HIV prevalence ,Sexual Partners ,Infectious Diseases ,Circumcision, Male ,Socioeconomic Factors ,Africa ,Bisexuality ,Female ,business ,Demography - Abstract
The Soweto Men's Study assessed HIV prevalence and associated risk factors among MSM in Soweto, South Africa. Using respondent driven sampling (RDS) recruitment methods, we recruited 378 MSM (including 15 seeds) over 30 weeks in 2008. All results were adjusted for RDS sampling design. Overall HIV prevalence was estimated at 13.2% (95% confidence interval 12.4-13.9%), with 33.9% among gay-identified men, 6.4% among bisexual-identified men, and 10.1% among straight-identified MSM. In multivariable analysis, HIV infection was associated with being older than 25 (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 3.8, 95% CI 3.2-4.6), gay self-identification (AOR 2.3, 95% CI 1.8-3.0), monthly income less than ZAR500 (AOR 1.4, 95% CI 1.2-1.7), purchasing alcohol or drugs in exchange for sex with another man (AOR 3.9, 95% CI 3.2-4.7), reporting any URAI (AOR 4.4, 95% CI 3.5-5.7), reporting between six and nine partners in the prior 6 months (AOR 5.7, 95% CI 4.0-8.2), circumcision, (AOR 0.2, 95% CI 0.1-0.2), a regular female partner (AOR 0.2, 95% CI 0.2-0.3), smoking marijuana in the last 6 months (AOR 0.6, 95% CI 0.5-0.8), unprotected vaginal intercourse in the last 6 months (AOR 0.5, 95% CI 0.4-0.6), and STI symptoms in the last year (AOR 0.7, 95% CI 0.5-0.8). The results of the Soweto Men's Study confirm that MSM are at high risk for HIV infection, with gay men at highest risk. HIV prevention and treatment for MSM are urgently needed.
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36. Non-consensual Sex and Association with Incident HIV Infection Among Women: A Cohort Study in Rural Uganda, 1990–2008
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Helen A. Weiss, Janet Seeley, Billy N. Mayanja, Dermot Maher, Isolde Birdthistle, and Sian Floyd
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Adult ,Rural Population ,medicine.medical_specialty ,Adolescent ,Social Psychology ,Cross-sectional study ,Coercion ,Population ,HIV Infections ,Cohort Studies ,Young Adult ,Non-consensual sex ,HIV Seropositivity ,medicine ,Humans ,Women ,Uganda ,Prospective Studies ,Young adult ,education ,Prospective cohort study ,Psychiatry ,Developing Countries ,Aged ,Aged, 80 and over ,education.field_of_study ,Original Paper ,business.industry ,Public health ,Incidence ,Case-control study ,Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health ,virus diseases ,HIV ,Middle Aged ,Intimate partner violence ,Cross-Sectional Studies ,Infectious Diseases ,Sexual abuse ,Case-Control Studies ,Rape ,Africa ,Spouse Abuse ,Female ,business ,Cohort study ,Demography - Abstract
Non-consensual sex is associated with HIV infection in Africa, but there is little longitudinal data on this association. We describe reported non-consensual sex among women over two decades in southwest Uganda, including associations with incident HIV infection. Between 1990 and 2008, individuals in a population cohort who recently seroconverted to HIV were enrolled into a clinical cohort, along with randomly selected HIV-negative controls. Participants were invited to the study clinic every 3 months, and females asked about recent experiences of sex against their will. Associations of non-consensual sex with HIV status were analyzed prospectively using conditional logistic regression, adjusting for age and year of interview, allowing for within-woman correlation. 476 women aged 14–81 enrolled and attended 10,475 visits over 19 years. The results show high levels of repeated non-consensual sex, often long after HIV infection. There was more reporting among women living with HIV compared to HIV-negative women (22 vs 9 %; OR = 2.29, 95 %CI 1.03–5.09), with the strongest associations among married participants. HIV programmes should address repeated sexual coercion before and subsequent to HIV infection.
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37. Framing Male Circumcision to Promote its Adoption in Different Settings
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Lee E. Klosinski, Greg Szekeres, Arleen Leibowitz, Ronald A. Brooks, Thomas J. Coates, Franklin D. Gilliam, Sharif Sawires, and Mark Weston
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Male ,medicine.medical_specialty ,Social Psychology ,media_common.quotation_subject ,Culture ,HIV prevention ,Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) ,HIV Infections ,medicine.disease_cause ,03 medical and health sciences ,0302 clinical medicine ,The Caribbean ,Perception ,medicine ,Disease Transmission, Infectious ,Medicine & Public Health ,Humans ,030212 general & internal medicine ,media_common ,Original Paper ,Health Psychology ,business.industry ,Public health ,Communication ,Health Policy ,Communication tools ,Health Plan Implementation ,Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health ,Public relations ,3. Good health ,Health psychology ,Frames ,Framing (social sciences) ,Latin America ,Infectious Diseases ,Circumcision, Male ,Male circumcision ,030220 oncology & carcinogenesis ,Medicine public health ,Implementation ,Africa ,Female ,Public Health ,business ,Attitude to Health ,Public Health/Gesundheitswesen - Abstract
The effectiveness of male circumcision in preventing transmission of HIV from females to males has been established. Those who are now advocating its widespread use face many challenges in convincing policy-makers and the public of circumcision’s value. We suggest that frames are a useful lens for communicating public health messages that may help promote adoption of circumcision. Frames relate to how individuals and societies perceive and understand the world. Existing frames are often hard to shift, and should be borne in mind by advocates and program implementers as they attempt to promote male circumcision by invoking new frames. Frames differ across and within societies, and advocates must find ways of delivering resonant messages that take into account prior perceptions and use the most appropriate means of communicating the benefits and value of male circumcision to different audiences.
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38. Africa's response to COVID-19.
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Ihekweazu, Chikwe and Agogo, Emmanuel
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COVID-19 ,RIFT Valley fever ,MEDICAL personnel ,EBOLA virus disease ,CHOLERA ,COVID-19 pandemic - Abstract
Keywords: COVID-19; Africa; Response; Innovation; Public health EN COVID-19 Africa Response Innovation Public health 1 3 3 05/23/20 20200522 NES 200522 Background As the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) continues to spread, countries in sub-Saharan Africa are still experiencing outbreaks of other infectious diseases; the top causes of outbreaks from 2016 to 2018 were cholera, measles, and viral hemorrhagic diseases, such as Ebola virus disease, yellow fever, dengue fever, Lassa fever, and Rift Valley fever. In our recent paper [[3]], we observed that Africa is better prepared than ever before because of our stronger national public health institutes, the rapid scale-up of testing capacity, better coordination at the continental level, and the capacity of built-in surveillance and contact tracing which has occurred since the 2013-2016 West African Ebola outbreak. COVID-19 Coronavirus disease HIV Human immunodeficiency virus IDSR Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response IHR International Health Regulations JEE Joint External Evaluation NAPHS National Action Plan for Health Security Publisher's Note Springer Nature remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations. [Extracted from the article]
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- 2020
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39. Modelling spatio-temporal patterns of disease for spatially misaligned data: An application on measles incidence data in Namibia from 2005-2014.
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Ntirampeba, D., Neema, I., and Kazembe, L.
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MEASLES ,SOCIAL services ,MEASUREMENT errors ,PUBLIC health ,SPATIOTEMPORAL processes - Abstract
Background: Making inferences about measles distribution patterns at small area level is vital for more focal targeted intervention. However, in statistical literature, the analysis of originally collected data on one resolution with the purpose to make inferences on a different level of spatial resolution is referred to as the misalignment problem. In Namibia the measles data were available in aggregated format at regional level for the period 2005 to 2014. This leads to a spatial misalignment problem if the purpose is to make decisions at constituency level. Moreover, although data on risk covariates of measles could be obtained at constituency level, they were not available each year between 2005 and 2014. Thus, assuming that covariates were constant through the study period would induce measurement errors which might have effects on the analysis results. This paper presents a spatio-temporal model through a multi-step approach in order to deal with misalignment and measurement error. Methods: For the period 2005–2014, measles data from the Ministry of Health and Social Services (MoHSS) were analysed in two steps. First, a multi-step approach was applied to correct spatial misalignment in the data. Second, a classical measurement error model was fitted to account for measurement errors. The time effects were specified using a nonparametric formulation for the linear trend through first order random walk. An interaction between area and time was modelled through type I and type II interaction structures. Results: The study showed that there was high variation in measles risk across constituencies and as well as over the study period (2005–2014). Furthermore, the risk of measles was found to be associated with (i) the number of people aged between 0 and 24 years, (ii) the percentages of women aged 15–49 with an educational level more than secondary, (iii) the percentages of children age 12–23 months who received measles vaccine, (iv) the percentages of malnourished children under 5 years, and (vi) the measles cases for each previous year. Conclusion: The study showed some of the determinants of measles risk and revealed areas at high risk through disease mapping. Additionally, the study showed a non-linear temporal distribution of measles risk over the study period. Finally, it was shown that ignoring the measurement errors may yield misleading results. It was recommended that group and geographically targeted intervention, prevention and control strategies can be tailored on the basis these findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2018
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40. Results of a confirmatory mapping tool for Lymphatic filariasis endemicity classification in areas where transmission was uncertain in Ethiopia.
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Sime, Heven, Gass, Katherine M., Mekasha, Sindew, Assefa, Ashenafi, Woyessa, Adugna, Shafi, Oumer, Meribo, Kadu, Kebede, Biruck, Ogoussan, Kisito, Pelletreau, Sonia, Bockarie, Moses J., Kebede, Amha, and Rebollo, Maria P.
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FILARIASIS ,PUBLIC health ,ANTIGENS ,ENDEMIC diseases ,CHILDREN'S health - Abstract
Background: The goal of the global lymphatic filariasis (LF) program is to eliminate the disease as a public health problem by the year 2020. The WHO mapping protocol that is used to identify endemic areas in need of mass drug administration (MDA) uses convenience-based sampling. This rapid mapping has allowed the global program to dramatically scale up treatment, but as the program approaches its elimination goal, it is important to ensure that all endemic areas have been identified and have received MDA. In low transmission settings, the WHO mapping protocol for LF mapping has several limitations. To correctly identify the LF endemicity of woredas, a new confirmatory mapping tool was developed to test older school children for circulating filarial antigen (CFA) in settings where it is uncertain. Ethiopia is the first country to implement this new tool. In this paper, we present the Ethiopian experience of implementing the new confirmatory mapping tool and discuss the implications of the results for the LF program in Ethiopia and globally. Methods: Confirmatory LF mapping was conducted in 1,191 schools in 45 woredas, the implementation unit in Ethiopia, in the regions of Tigray, Amhara, Oromia, SNNP, Afar and Harari, where the results of previous mapping for LF using the current WHO protocol indicated that LF endemicity was uncertain. Within each woreda schools were selected using either cluster or systematic sampling. From selected schools, a total of 18,254 children were tested for circulating filarial antigen (CFA) using the immuno-chromatographic test (ICT). Results: Of the 18,254 children in 45 woredas who participated in the survey, 28 (0.16%) in 9 woredas tested CFA positive. According to the confirmatory mapping threshold, which is ≥2% CFA in children 9–14 years of age, only 3 woredas out of the total 45 had more CFA positive results than the threshold and thus were confirmed to be endemic; the remaining 42 woredas were declared non-endemic. These results drastically decreased the estimated total population living in LF-endemic woredas in Ethiopia and in need of MDA by 49.1%, from 11,580,010 to 5,893,309. Conclusion: This study demonstrated that the new confirmatory mapping tool for LF can benefit national LF programs by generating information that not only can confirm where LF is endemic, but also can save time and resources by preventing MDA where there is no evidence of ongoing LF transmission. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2018
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41. The double burden of disease and the challenge of health access: Evidence from Access, Bottlenecks, Cost and Equity facility survey in Ghana.
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Kushitor, Mawuli Komla and Boatemaa, Sandra
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MEDICAL care costs ,COMMUNICABLE disease treatment ,HEALTH services accessibility ,NON-communicable diseases ,PUBLIC health - Abstract
Despite the double burden of infectious and chronic non-communicable diseases in Africa, health care expenditure disproportionately favours infectious diseases. In this paper, we examine quantitatively the extent of this disproportionate access to diagnoses and treatment of diabetes, hypertension and malaria in Ghana. A total of 220 health facilities was surveyed across the country in 2011. Findings indicate that diagnoses and treatment of infectious diseases were more accessible than NCDs. In terms of treatment, 78% and 87% of health facilities had two of the recommended malaria drugs while less than 35% had essential diabetes and hypertension drugs. There is a significant unmet need for diagnoses and treatment of NCDs in Ghana. These inequities have implications for high morbidity and mortality from NCDs. We recommend the use of task shifting as a model to increase the delivery of NCD services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2018
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42. Cost of diabetes mellitus in Africa: a systematic review of existing literature.
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Mutyambizi, Chipo, Pavlova, Milena, Chola, Lumbwe, Hongoro, Charles, and Groot, Wim
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MEDICAL care costs ,TREATMENT of diabetes ,PUBLIC health ,ESTIMATION theory ,MEDICAL care ,DIABETES ,ECONOMIC aspects of diseases ,SYSTEMATIC reviews ,ECONOMICS - Abstract
Background: There is an increasing recognition that non communicable diseases impose large economic costs on households, societies and nations. However, not much is known about the magnitude of diabetes expenditure in African countries and to the best of our knowledge no systematic assessment of the literature on diabetes costs in Africa has been conducted. The aim of this paper is to capture the evidence on the cost of diabetes in Africa, review the methods used to calculate costs and identify areas for future research.Methods: A desk search was conducted in Pubmed, Medline, Embase, and Science direct as well as through other databases, namely Google Scholar. The following eligibility criteria were used: peer reviewed English articles published between 2006 and 2016, articles that reported original research findings on the cost of illness in diabetes, and studies that covered at least one African country. Information was extracted using two data extraction sheets and results organized in tables. Costs presented in the studies under review are converted to 2015 international dollars prices (I$).Results: Twenty six articles are included in this review. Annual national direct costs of diabetes differed between countries and ranged from I$3.5 billion to I$4.5 billion per annum. Indirect costs per patient were generally higher than the direct costs per patient of diabetes. Outpatient costs varied by study design, data source, perspective and healthcare cost categories included in the total costs calculation. The most commonly included healthcare items were drug costs, followed by diagnostic costs, medical supply or disposable costs and consultation costs. In studies that reported both drug costs and total costs, drug costs took a significant portion of the total costs per patient. The highest burden due to the costs associated with diabetes was reported in individuals within the low income group.Conclusion: Estimation of the costs associated with diabetes is crucial to make progress towards meeting the targets laid out in Sustainable Development Goal 3 set for 2030. The studies included in this review show that the presence of diabetes leads to elevated costs of treatment which further increase in the presence of complications. The cost of drugs generally contributed the most to total direct costs of treatment. Various methods are used in the estimation of diabetes healthcare costs and the costs estimated between countries differ significantly. There is room to improve transparency and make the methodologies used standard in order to allow for cost comparisons across studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]- Published
- 2018
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43. Evaluation of a community-based intervention to improve maternal and neonatal health service coverage in the most rural and remote districts of Zambia.
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Jacobs, Choolwe, Michelo, Charles, Chola, Mumbi, Oliphant, Nicholas, Halwiindi, Hikabasa, Maswenyeho, Sitali, Baboo, Kumar Sridutt, and Moshabela, Mosa
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MATERNAL health ,NEWBORN infant health ,MEDICAL care ,RURAL health ,PUBLIC health - Abstract
Background: A community-based intervention comprising both men and women, known as Safe Motherhood Action Groups (SMAGs), was implemented in four of Zambia’s poorest and most remote districts to improve coverage of selected maternal and neonatal health interventions. This paper reports on outcomes in the coverage of maternal and neonatal care interventions, including antenatal care (ANC), skilled birth attendance (SBA) and postnatal care (PNC) in the study areas. Methodology: Three serial cross-sectional surveys were conducted between 2012 and 2015 among 1,652 mothers of children 0–5 months of age using a ‘before-and-after’ evaluation design with multi-stage sampling, combining probability proportional to size and simple random sampling. Logistic regression and chi-square test for trend were used to assess effect size and changes in measures of coverage for ANC, SBA and PNC during the intervention. Results: Mothers’ mean age and educational status were non-differentially comparable at all the three-time points. The odds of attending ANC at least four times (aOR 1.63; 95% CI 1.38–1.99) and SBA (aOR 1.72; 95% CI 1.38–1.99) were at least 60% higher at endline than baseline surveillance. A two-fold and four-fold increase in the odds of mothers receiving PNC from an appropriate skilled provider (aOR 2.13; 95% CI 1.62–2.79) and a SMAG (aOR 4.87; 95% CI 3.14–7.54), respectively, were observed at endline. Receiving birth preparedness messages from a SMAG during pregnancy (aOR 1.76; 95% CI, 1.20–2.19) and receiving ANC from a skilled provider (aOR 4.01; 95% CI, 2.88–5.75) were significant predictors for SBA at delivery and PNC. Conclusions: Strengthening community-based action groups in poor and remote districts through the support of mothers by SMAGs was associated with increased coverage of maternal and newborn health interventions, measured through ANC, SBA and PNC. In remote and marginalised settings, where the need is greatest, context-specific and innovative task-sharing strategies using community health volunteers can be effective in improving coverage of maternal and neonatal services and hold promise for better maternal and child survival in poorly-resourced parts of sub-Saharan Africa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2018
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44. Operational evaluation of rapid diagnostic testing for Ebola Virus Disease in Guinean laboratories.
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VanSteelandt, Amanda, Aho, Josephine, Franklin, Kristyn, Likofata, Jacques, Kamgang, Jean Baptiste, Keita, Sakoba, Koivogui, Lamine, Magassouba, N’Faly, Martel, Lise D., and Dahourou, Anicet George
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EBOLA virus disease ,INFRASTRUCTURE (Economics) ,SYSTEMS engineering ,QUALITY assurance ,PUBLIC health - Abstract
Background: Rapid Diagnostic Tests (RDTs) for Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) at the point of care have the potential to increase access and acceptability of EVD testing and the speed of patient isolation and secure burials for suspect cases. A pilot program for EVD RDTs in high risk areas of Guinea was introduced in October 2015. This paper presents concordance data between EVD RDTs and PCR testing in the field as well as an assessment of the acceptability, feasibility, and quality assurance of the RDT program. Methods and findings: Concordance data were compiled from laboratory surveillance databases. The operational measures of the laboratory-based EVD RDT program were evaluated at all 34 sentinel sites in Guinea through: (1) a technical questionnaire filled by the lab technicians who performed the RDTs, (2) a checklist filled by the evaluator during the site visits, and (3) direct observation of the lab technicians performing the quality control test. Acceptability of the EVD RDT was good for technicians, patients, and families although many technicians (69.8%) expressed concern for their safety while performing the test. The feasibility of the program was good based on average technician knowledge scores (6.6 out of 8) but basic infrastructure, equipment, and supplies were lacking. There was much room for improvement in quality assurance of the program. Conclusions: The implementation of new diagnostics in weak laboratory systems requires general training in quality assurance, biosafety and communication with patients in addition to specific training for the new test. Corresponding capacity building in terms of basic equipment and a long-term commitment to transfer supervision and quality improvement to national public health staff are necessary for successful implementation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2017
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45. Evaluation of cholera surveillance systems in Africa: a systematic review.
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Mercy, Kyeng, Pokhariyal, Ganesh, Fongwen, Noah Takah, and Kivuti-Bitok, Lucy
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PREVENTION of cholera ,EVIDENCE-based medicine ,COMMUNICABLE diseases ,PUBLIC health - Abstract
Introduction: Despite several interventions on the control of cholera, it still remains a significant public health problem in Africa. According to the World Health Organization, 251,549 cases and 4,180 deaths (CFR: 2.9%) were reported from 19 African countries in 2023. Tools exist to enhance the surveillance of cholera but there is limited evidence on their deployment and application. There is limited evidence on the harmonization of the deployment of tools for the evaluation of cholera surveillance. We systematically reviewed available literature on the deployment of these tools in the evaluation of surveillance systems in Africa. Method: Three electronic databases (PubMed, Medline and Embase) were used to search articles published in English between January 2012 to May 2023. Grey literature was also searched using Google and Google Scholar. Only articles that addressed a framework used in cholera surveillance in Africa were included. The quality of articles was assessed using the appropriate tools. Data on the use of surveillance tools and frameworks were extracted from articles for a coherent synthesis on their deployment. Result: A total of 13 records (5 frameworks and 8 studies) were fit for use for this study. As per the time of the study, there were no surveillance frameworks specific for the evaluation of surveillance systems of cholera in Africa, however, five frameworks for communicable diseases and public health events could be adapted for cholera surveillance evaluation. None (0%) of the studies evaluated capacities on cross border surveillance, multisectoral one health approach and linkage of laboratory networks to surveillance systems. All (100%) studies assessed surveillance attributes even though there was no synergy in the attributes considered even among studies with similar objectives. There is therefore the need for stakeholders to harmoniously identify a spectrum of critical parameters and attributes to guide the assessment of cholera surveillance system performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2024
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46. Aflatoxin exposure in developing countries: the critical interface of agriculture and health.
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Wild, Christopher Paul
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AFLATOXINS ,FOOD contamination ,AGRICULTURE ,COMMUNICABLE diseases ,PUBLIC health ,FOOD contamination prevention ,AGE distribution ,CARCINOGENS ,CHILD nutrition ,DEVELOPING countries ,HUMAN growth ,NUTRITIONAL requirements ,RESEARCH funding ,STATURE - Abstract
Background: Aflatoxins are common contaminants of staple foods in sub-Saharan Africa. These toxins are human liver carcinogens, especially in combination with chronic infection with hepatitis B virus. However, in an agricultural setting, the effects on growth, immune status, and susceptibility to infectious disease in farm animals are also well recognized. These latter effects have been far less explored in human populations.Objectives: To review some of the more recent work on aflatoxins where the health outcomes seen in the agricultural setting, including growth impairment and immune suppression, have been investigated in human populations. The paper draws largely on examples from West Africa. The paper also sets out how knowledge gained about aflatoxins in the agricultural setting can be used to design intervention studies in human populations.Methods: A review of the relevant literature.Results: Human exposure to aflatoxins begins early in life, and recent studies in West Africa have demonstrated an association between exposure and growth faltering, particularly stunting, in young children. At present the underlying mechanisms for the latter effects are unknown but may include impairment of immunity and increased susceptibility to infections. Simple postharvest intervention strategies were successful in reducing aflatoxin exposure in a subsistence farm setting, providing a rationale for prevention of aflatoxin-related disease.Conclusions: There are potential benefits to public health from intervention strategies combining expertise in the agricultural and health settings to address the aflatoxin problem. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]- Published
- 2007
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47. Access to medicines and hepatitis C in Africa: can tiered pricing and voluntary licencing assure universal access, health equity and fairness?
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Assefa, Yibeltal, Hill, Peter S., Ulikpan, Anar, and Williams, Owain D.
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HEPATITIS A ,HEALTH services accessibility ,MEDICAL care ,PRICING ,PUBLIC health - Abstract
Background: The recent introduction of Direct Acting Antivirals (DAAs) for treating Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) can significantly assist in the world reaching the international target of elimination by 2030. Yet, the challenge facing many individuals and countries today lies with their ability to access these treatments due to their relatively high prices. Gilead Sciences applies differential pricing and licensing strategies arguing that this provides fairer and more equitable access to these life-saving medicines. This paper analyses the implications of Gilead's tiered pricing and voluntary licencing strategy for access to the DAAs.Methods: We examined seven countries in Africa (Egypt, Ethiopia, Nigeria, Democratic Republic of Congo, Cameroon, Rwanda and South Africa) to assess their financial capacity to provide DAAs for the treatment of HCV under present voluntary licensing and tiered-pricing arrangements. These countries have been selected to explore the experience of countries with a range of different burdens of HCV and shared eligibility for supply by licensed generic producers or from discounted Gilead prices.Results: The cost of 12-weeks of generic DAA varies from $684 per patient treated in Egypt to $750 per patient treated in other countries. These countries can also procure the same DAA for 12-weeks of treatment from the originator, Gilead, at a cost of $1200 per patient. The current prices of DAAs (both from generic and originator manufacturers) are much more than the median annual income per capita and the annual health budget of most of these countries. If governments alone were to bear the costs of universal treatment coverage, then the required additional health expenditure from present rates would range from a 4% increase in South Africa to a staggering 403% in Cameroon.Conclusion: The current arrangements for increasing access to DAAs, towards elimination of HCV, are facing challenges that would require increases in expenditure that are either too burdensome to governments or potentially so to individuals and families. Countries need to implement the flexibilities in the Doha Declaration on Trade Related Intellectual Property Rights agreement, including compulsory licensing and patent opposition. This also requires political commitment, financial will, global solidarity and civil society activism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]- Published
- 2017
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48. Spatiotemporal and molecular epidemiology of cutaneous leishmaniasis in Libya.
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Amro, Ahmad, Al-Dwibe, Hamida, Gashout, Aisha, Moskalenko, Olga, Galafin, Marlena, Hamarsheh, Omar, Frohme, Marcus, Jaeschke, Anja, Schönian, Gabriele, and Kuhls, Katrin
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CUTANEOUS leishmaniasis ,MOLECULAR epidemiology ,PUBLIC health ,DERMATOLOGY ,URBANIZATION ,TROPICAL medicine - Abstract
Background: Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is a major public health problem in Libya. In this paper, we describe the eco-epidemiological parameters of CL during the armed conflict period from January 2011 till December 2012. Current spatiotemporal distributions of CL cases were explored and projected to the future using a correlative modelling approach. In addition the present results were compared with our previous data obtained for the time period 1995–2008. Methodology/Principal findings: We investigated 312 CL patients who presented to the Dermatology Department at the Tripoli Central Hospital and came from 81 endemic areas distributed in 10 districts. The patients presented with typical localized lesions which appeared commonly on the face, arms and legs. Molecular identification of parasites by a PCR-RFLP approach targeting the ITS1 region of the rDNA was successful for 81 patients with two causative species identified: L. major and L. tropica comprised 59 (72.8%) and 22 (27.2%) cases, respectively. Around 77.3% of L. tropica CL and 57.7% of L. major CL caused single lesions. Five CL patients among our data set were seropositive for HIV. L. tropica was found mainly in three districts, Murqub (27.3%), Jabal al Gharbi (27.3%) and Misrata (13.7%) while L. major was found in two districts, in Jabal al Gharbi (61%) and Jafara (20.3%). Seasonal occurrence of CL cases showed that most cases (74.2%) admitted to the hospital between November and March, L. major cases from November till January (69.4%), and L. tropica cases mainly in January and February (41%). Two risk factors were identified for the two species; the presence of previously infected household members, and the presence of rodents and sandflies in patient’s neighborhoods. Spatiotemporal projections using correlative distribution models based on current case data and climatic conditions showed that coastal regions have a higher level of risk due to more favourable conditions for the transmitting vectors. Conclusion: Future projection of CL until 2060 showed a trend of increasing incidence of CL in the north-western part of Libya, a spread along the coastal region and a possible emergence of new endemics in the north-eastern districts of Libya. These results should be considered for control programs to prevent the emergence of new endemic areas taking also into consideration changes in socio-economical factors such as migration, conflicts, urbanization, land use and access to health care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2017
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49. Development of a set of community-informed Ebola messages for Sierra Leone.
- Author
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Kinsman, John, de Bruijne, Kars, Jalloh, Alpha M., Harris, Muriel, Abdullah, Hussainatu, Boye-Thompson, Titus, Sankoh, Osman, Jalloh, Abdul K., and Jalloh-Vos, Heidi
- Subjects
EBOLA virus ,SIERRA Leonean social conditions ,COMMUNICATION ,PUBLIC health ,QUALITATIVE research - Abstract
The West African Ebola epidemic of 2013–2016 was by far the largest outbreak of the disease on record. Sierra Leone suffered nearly half of the 28,646 reported cases. This paper presents a set of culturally contextualized Ebola messages that are based on the findings of qualitative interviews and focus group discussions conducted in 'hotspot' areas of rural Bombali District and urban Freetown in Sierra Leone, between January and March 2015. An iterative approach was taken in the message development process, whereby (i) data from formative research was subjected to thematic analysis to identify areas of community concern about Ebola and the national response; (ii) draft messages to address these concerns were produced; (iii) the messages were field tested; (iv) the messages were refined; and (v) a final set of messages on 14 topics was disseminated to relevant national and international stakeholders. Each message included details of its rationale, audience, dissemination channels, messengers, and associated operational issues that need to be taken into account. While developing the 14 messages, a set of recommendations emerged that could be adopted in future public health emergencies. These included the importance of embedding systematic, iterative qualitative research fully into the message development process; communication of the subsequent messages through a two-way dialogue with communities, using trusted messengers, and not only through a one-way, top-down communication process; provision of good, parallel operational services; and engagement with senior policy makers and managers as well as people in key operational positions to ensure national ownership of the messages, and to maximize the chance of their being utilised. The methodological approach that we used to develop our messages along with our suggested recommendations constitute a set of tools that could be incorporated into international and national public health emergency preparedness and response plans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2017
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
50. Integrative modelling for One Health: pattern, process and participation.
- Author
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Scoones, I., Jones, K., Iacono, G. Lo, Redding, D. W., Wilkinson, A., and Wood, J. L. N.
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EBOLA virus ,LASSA fever ,ZOONOSES ,MACROECOLOGY ,PUBLIC health - Abstract
This paper argues for an integrative modelling approach for understanding zoonoses disease dynamics, combining process, pattern and participatory models. Each type of modelling provides important insights, but all are limited. Combining these in a ‘3P’ approach offers the opportunity for a productive conversation between modelling efforts, contributing to a ‘One Health’ agenda. The aim is not to come up with a composite model, but seek synergies between perspectives, encouraging cross-disciplinary interactions. We illustrate our argument with cases from Africa, and in particular from our work on Ebola virus and Lassa fever virus. Combining process-based compartmental models with macroecological data offers a spatial perspective on potential disease impacts. However, without insights from the ground, the ‘black box’ of transmission dynamics, so crucial to model assumptions, may not be fully understood. We show how participatory modelling and ethnographic research of Ebola and Lassa fever can reveal social roles, unsafe practices, mobility and movement and temporal changes in livelihoods. Together with longer-term dynamics of change in societies and ecologies, all can be important in explaining disease transmission, and provide important complementary insights to other modelling efforts. An integrative modelling approach therefore can offer help to improve disease control efforts and public health responses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2017
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
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