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Keita M, Boland ST, Okeibunor J, Chamla D, Gueye AS, Moeti M. 10 years after the 2014-16 Ebola epidemic in west Africa: advances and challenges in African epidemic preparedness. Lancet 2024; 403:2573-2575. [PMID: 38527478 DOI: 10.1016/s0140-6736(24)00583-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2024] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/27/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Mory Keita
- WHO Regional Office for Africa, Cité de Djoué, PO Box 06, Brazzaville, Congo
| | - Samuel T Boland
- WHO Regional Office for Africa, Cité de Djoué, PO Box 06, Brazzaville, Congo.
| | - Joseph Okeibunor
- WHO Regional Office for Africa, Cité de Djoué, PO Box 06, Brazzaville, Congo
| | - Dick Chamla
- WHO Regional Office for Africa, Cité de Djoué, PO Box 06, Brazzaville, Congo
| | - Abdou Salam Gueye
- WHO Regional Office for Africa, Cité de Djoué, PO Box 06, Brazzaville, Congo
| | - Matshidiso Moeti
- WHO Regional Office for Africa, Cité de Djoué, PO Box 06, Brazzaville, Congo
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Debie A, Nigusie A, Gedle D, Khatri RB, Assefa Y. Building a resilient health system for universal health coverage and health security: a systematic review. Glob Health Res Policy 2024; 9:2. [PMID: 38173020 PMCID: PMC10765832 DOI: 10.1186/s41256-023-00340-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Resilient health system (RHS) is crucial to achieving universal health coverage (UHC) and health security. However, little is known about strategies towards RHS to improve UHC and health security. This systematic review aims to synthesise the literature to understand approaches to build RHS toward UHC and health security. METHODS A systematic search was conducted including studies published from 01 January 2000 to 31 December 2021. Studies were searched in three databases (PubMed, Embase, and Scopus) using search terms under four domains: resilience, health system, universal health coverage, and health security. We critically appraised articles using Rees and colleagues' quality appraisal checklist to assess the quality of papers. A systematic narrative synthesis was conducted to analyse and synthesise the data using the World Health Organization's health systems building block framework. RESULTS A total of 57 articles were included in the final review. Context-based redistribution of health workers, task-shifting policy, and results-based health financing policy helped to build RHS. High political commitment, community-based response planning, and multi-sectorial collaboration were critical to realising UHC and health security. On the contrary, lack of access, non-responsive, inequitable healthcare services, poor surveillance, weak leadership, and income inequalities were the constraints to achieving UHC and health security. In addition, the lack of basic healthcare infrastructures, inadequately skilled health workforces, absence of clear government policy, lack of clarity of stakeholder roles, and uneven distribution of health facilities and health workers were the challenges to achieving UHC and health security. CONCLUSIONS Advanced healthcare infrastructures and adequate number of healthcare workers are essential to achieving UHC and health security. However, they are not alone adequate to protect the health system from potential failure. Context-specific redistribution of health workers, task-shifting, result-based health financing policies, and integrated and multi-sectoral approaches, based on the principles of primary health care, are necessary for building RHS toward UHC and health security.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayal Debie
- Departement of Health Systems and Policy, Institute of Public Health, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia.
- College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Adelaide, Australia.
| | - Adane Nigusie
- Departement of Health Education and Behavioral Sciences, Institute of Public Health, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Dereje Gedle
- School of Public Health, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Resham B Khatri
- School of Public Health, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Yibeltal Assefa
- School of Public Health, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
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Elnosserry S, Buliva E, Abdalla Elkholy A, Mahboob A, Fazaludeen Koya S, Abubakar A. Rapid response teams in the Eastern Mediterranean Region: Results from the baseline survey of country-level capacities, operations and outbreak response capabilities. Glob Public Health 2024; 19:2341404. [PMID: 38628111 DOI: 10.1080/17441692.2024.2341404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024]
Abstract
The aim of this study is to assess WHO/Eastern Mediterranean region (WHO/EMR) countries capacities, operations and outbreak response capabilities. Cross-sectional study was conducted targeting 22 WHO/EMR countries from May to June 2021. The survey covers 8 domains related to 15 milstones and key performance indicators (KPIs) for RRT. Responses were received from 14 countries. RRTs are adequately organised in 9 countries (64.3%). The mean retention rate of RRT members was 85.5% ± 22.6. Eight countries (57.1%) reported having standard operating procedures, but only three countries (21.4%) reported an established mechanism of operational fund allocation. In the last 6 months, 10,462 (81.9%) alerts were verified during the first 24 h. Outbreak response was completed by the submission of final RRT response reports in 75% of analysed outbreaks. Risk Communication and Community Engagement (RCCE) activities were part of the interventional response in 59.5% of recent outbreaks. Four countries (28.6%) reported an adequate system to assess RRTs operations. The baseline data highlights four areas to focus on: developing and maintaining the multidisciplinary nature of RRTs through training, adequate financing and timely release of funds, capacity and system building for implementing interventions, for instance, RCCE, and establishing national monitoring and evaluation systems for outbreak response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sherein Elnosserry
- World Health Organization Office for the Eastern Mediterranean Region, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Evans Buliva
- World Health Organization Office for the Eastern Mediterranean Region, Cairo, Egypt
| | | | - Amira Mahboob
- World Health Organization Office for the Eastern Mediterranean Region, Cairo, Egypt
| | | | - Abdinasir Abubakar
- World Health Organization Office for the Eastern Mediterranean Region, Cairo, Egypt
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Abdelmagid N, Southgate RJ, Alhaffar M, Ahmed M, Bani H, Mounier-Jack S, Dahab M, Checchi F, Sabahelzain MM, Nor B, Rao B, Singh NS. The Governance of Childhood Vaccination Services in Crisis Settings: A Scoping Review. Vaccines (Basel) 2023; 11:1853. [PMID: 38140257 PMCID: PMC10747651 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines11121853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2023] [Revised: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The persistence of inadequate vaccination in crisis-affected settings raises concerns about decision making regarding vaccine selection, timing, location, and recipients. This review aims to describe the key features of childhood vaccination intervention design and planning in crisis-affected settings and investigate how the governance of childhood vaccination is defined, understood, and practised. We performed a scoping review of 193 peer-reviewed articles and grey literature on vaccination governance and service design and planning. We focused on 41 crises between 2010 and 2021. Following screening and data extraction, our analysis involved descriptive statistics and applying the governance analysis framework to code text excerpts, employing deductive and inductive approaches. Most documents related to active outbreaks in conflict-affected settings and to the mass delivery of polio, cholera, and measles vaccines. Information on vaccination modalities, target populations, vaccine sources, and funding was limited. We found various interpretations of governance, often implying hierarchical authority and regulation. Analysis of governance arrangements suggests a multi-actor yet fragmented governance structure, with inequitable actor participation, ineffective actor collaboration, and a lack of a shared strategic vision due to competing priorities and accountabilities. Better documentation of vaccination efforts during emergencies, including vaccination decision making, governance, and planning, is needed. We recommend empirical research within decision-making spaces.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nada Abdelmagid
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology and International Health, Faculty of Epidemiology and Population Health, The London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London WC1E 7HT, UK
- Health in Humanitarian Crises Centre, The London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London WC1E 7HT, UK
| | | | - Mervat Alhaffar
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology and International Health, Faculty of Epidemiology and Population Health, The London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London WC1E 7HT, UK
- Syria Research Group (SYRG), Co-Hosted by the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London WC1E 7HT, UK and Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117549, Singapore
| | - Matab Ahmed
- School of Health Sciences, Ahfad University for Women (AUW), Omdurman P.O. Box 167, Sudan
| | - Hind Bani
- School of Health Sciences, Ahfad University for Women (AUW), Omdurman P.O. Box 167, Sudan
| | - Sandra Mounier-Jack
- Department of Global Health and Development, Faculty of Public Health and Policy, The London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London WC1H 9SH, UK
| | - Maysoon Dahab
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology and International Health, Faculty of Epidemiology and Population Health, The London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London WC1E 7HT, UK
- Health in Humanitarian Crises Centre, The London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London WC1E 7HT, UK
| | - Francesco Checchi
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology and International Health, Faculty of Epidemiology and Population Health, The London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London WC1E 7HT, UK
- Health in Humanitarian Crises Centre, The London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London WC1E 7HT, UK
| | - Majdi M. Sabahelzain
- School of Health Sciences, Ahfad University for Women (AUW), Omdurman P.O. Box 167, Sudan
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2050, Australia
| | - Barni Nor
- Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, Uppsala University, 751 23 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Bhargavi Rao
- Department of Global Health and Development, Faculty of Public Health and Policy, The London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London WC1H 9SH, UK
| | - Neha S. Singh
- Health in Humanitarian Crises Centre, The London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London WC1E 7HT, UK
- Department of Global Health and Development, Faculty of Public Health and Policy, The London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London WC1H 9SH, UK
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Hanson-DeFusco J, Shi M, Du Z, Zounon O, Hounnouvi FM, DeFusco A. Systems analysis of the effects of the 2014-16 Ebola crisis on WHO-reporting nations' policy adaptations and 2020-21 COVID-19 response: a systematized review. Global Health 2023; 19:96. [PMID: 38053050 PMCID: PMC10696695 DOI: 10.1186/s12992-023-00997-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/25/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recent case studies indicate that the 2014-2016 Ebola outbreak, one of the worst pre-2020 global biological catastrophes in modern history, helped some nations to better prepared their responses for the COVID-19 pandemic. While such national case studies explore how specific nations applied EVD-related policies in their domestic battle against the COVID-19 pandemic, there is no known study that assesses how many WHO nations learned from the West African crisis and to what scale. OBJECTIVE Applying the policy legacies analytical framework and a systematized literature review, this research examines how prior policy experiences with the 2014-16 EVD crisis as a large-scale emergent outbreak helped to inform and to condition WHO nations to proactively prepare their national policies and health systems for future threats, including ultimately COVID-19. METHODS A systematized literature review of 803 evaluated sources assesses to what extent Ebola-affected and non-affected nations directly modified governmental health systems in relation to this warning. The study further evaluates how nations with documented Ebola-related changes fared during COVID-19 compared to nations that did not. We present a categorical theoretical framework that allows for classifying different types of national response activities (termed conditioned learning). RESULTS Ten (90.9%) of 11 nations that were affected by 2014-16 Ebola crisis have documented evidence of repurposing their EVD-related policies to fight COVID-19. 164 (70.0%) of 234 non-EVD-affected nations had documented evidence of specifically adapting national systems to incorporate policy recommendations developed from the 2014-16 crisis, which informed their COVID-19 responses in 2020. CONCLUSIONS The shock of 2014-16 EVD outbreak affected most nations around the world, whether they experienced Ebola cases. We further develop a categorical framework that helps characterised nations previous experiences with this biological catastrophe, providing a means to analyse to what extent that individual nations learned and how these EVD-related changes helped inform their COVID-19 response. Nations that demonstrated EVD-related conditioned learning nations tended to have more stringent COVID-19 responses before April 2020 and utilized documented response mechanisms developed out of the West African crisis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessi Hanson-DeFusco
- University of Texas at Dallas, Cecil H. Green Hall 3.526, 800 West Campbell Road, Richardson, TX, 75080-3021, USA.
| | - Min Shi
- University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX, USA
| | - Zoe Du
- University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX, USA
| | | | | | - Albert DeFusco
- Anaconda, Inc, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, USA
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Khatri RB, Endalamaw A, Erku D, Wolka E, Nigatu F, Zewdie A, Assefa Y. Preparedness, impacts, and responses of public health emergencies towards health security: qualitative synthesis of evidence. Arch Public Health 2023; 81:208. [PMID: 38037151 PMCID: PMC10687930 DOI: 10.1186/s13690-023-01223-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2023] [Accepted: 11/25/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Natural and human-made public health emergencies (PHEs), such as armed conflicts, floods, and disease outbreaks, influence health systems including interruption of delivery and utilization of health services, and increased health service needs. However, the intensity and types of impacts of these PHEs vary across countries due to several associated factors. This scoping review aimed to synthesise available evidence on PHEs, their preparedness, impacts, and responses. METHODS We conducted a scoping review of published evidence. Studies were identified using search terms related to two concepts: health security and primary health care. We used Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for scoping reviews (PRISMA-ScR) guidelines to select studies. We adapted the review framework of Arksey and O'Malley. Data were analyzed using a thematic analysis approach and explained under three stages of PHEs: preparedness, impacts, and responses. RESULTS A total of 64 studies were included in this review. Health systems of many low- and middle-income countries had inadequate preparedness to absorb the shocks of PHEs, limited surveillance, and monitoring of risks. Health systems have been overburdened with interrupted health services, increased need for health services, poor health resilience, and health inequities. Strategies of response to the impact of PHEs included integrated services such as public health and primary care, communication and partnership across sectors, use of digital tools, multisectoral coordination and actions, system approach to responses, multidisciplinary providers, and planning for resilient health systems. CONCLUSIONS Public health emergencies have high impacts in countries with weak health systems, inadequate preparedness, and inadequate surveillance mechanisms. Better health system preparedness is required to absorb the impact, respond to the consequences, and adapt for future PHEs. Some potential response strategies could be ensuring need-based health services, monitoring and surveillance of post-emergency outbreaks, and multisectoral actions to engage sectors to address the collateral impacts of PHEs. Mitigation strategies for future PHEs could include risk assessment, disaster preparedness, and setting digital alarm systems for monitoring and surveillance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Resham B Khatri
- Health Social Science and Development Research Institute, Kathmandu, Nepal.
- School of Public Health, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia.
| | - Aklilu Endalamaw
- School of Public Health, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
- College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Bahir Dar University, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia
| | - Daniel Erku
- Centre for Applied Health Economics, School of Medicine, Griffith University, Brisbane, Australia
- Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Eskinder Wolka
- International Institute for Primary Health Care-Ethiopia, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Frehiwot Nigatu
- International Institute for Primary Health Care-Ethiopia, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Anteneh Zewdie
- International Institute for Primary Health Care-Ethiopia, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Yibeltal Assefa
- School of Public Health, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
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Ramírez Varela A, Touchton M, Miranda JJ, Grueso JM, Laajaj R, Carrasquilla G, Florez MV, Gaviria AMV, Hoyos AMO, Duarte EOV, Morales AV, Velasco N, Restrepo SR. Assessing pandemic preparedness, response, and lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic in four south American countries: agenda for the future. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1274737. [PMID: 38094236 PMCID: PMC10716458 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1274737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction The COVID-19 pandemic emerged in a context that lacked adequate prevention, preparedness, and response (PPR) activities, and global, regional, and national leadership. South American countries were among world's hardest hit by the pandemic, accounting for 10.1% of total cases and 20.1% of global deaths. Methods This study explores how pandemic PPR were affected by political, socioeconomic, and health system contexts as well as how PPR may have shaped pandemic outcomes in Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, and Peru. We then identify lessons learned and advance an agenda for improving PPR capacity at regional and national levels. We do this through a mixed-methods sequential explanatory study in four South American countries based on structured interviews and focus groups with elite policy makers. Results The results of our study demonstrate that structural and contextual barriers limited PPR activities at political, social, and economic levels in each country, as well as through the structure of the health care system. Respondents believe that top-level government officials had insufficient political will for prioritizing pandemic PPR and post-COVID-19 recovery programs within their countries' health agendas. Discussion We recommend a regional COVID-19 task force, post-pandemic recovery, social and economic protection for vulnerable groups, improved primary health care and surveillance systems, risk communication strategies, and community engagement to place pandemic PPR on Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, and Peru and other South American countries' national public health agendas.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Michael Touchton
- Faculty Lead for Global Health, Institute for Advanced Study of the Americas, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL, United States
| | - J. Jaime Miranda
- School of Medicine, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
| | | | - Rachid Laajaj
- Department of Economics, Universidad de los Andes, Bogotá, Colombia
| | | | - Martha Vives Florez
- Department of Biological Sciences, Universidad de los Andes, Bogotá, Colombia
| | | | | | | | | | - Nubia Velasco
- School of Business, Universidad de los Andes, Bogotá, Colombia
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Boland ST, Balabanova D, Mayhew S. The political economy of expedience: examining perspectives on military support to Sierra Leone's Ebola response. Confl Health 2023; 17:53. [PMID: 37932772 PMCID: PMC10626636 DOI: 10.1186/s13031-023-00553-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 11/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The 2013-2016 West Africa Ebola Epidemic is the largest outbreak of Ebola in history. By September, 2014 the outbreak was worsening significantly, and the international president of Médecins Sans Frontières called for military assistance. In Sierra Leone, the British and Sierra Leonean militaries intervened. They quickly established a National Ebola Response Centre and a constituent network of District Ebola Response Centres. Thereafter, these inherently militarised centres are where almost all Ebola response activities were coordinated. In order to examine perspectives on the nature of the militaries' intervention, 110 semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted and analysed. Military support to Sierra Leone's Ebola response was felt by most respondents to be a valuable contribution to the overall effort to contain the outbreak, especially in light of the perceived weakness of the Ministry of Health and Sanitation to effectively do so. However, a smaller number of respondents emphasised that the military deployments facilitated various structural harms, including for how the perceived exclusion of public institutions (as above) and other local actors from Ebola response decision making was felt to prevent capacity building, and in turn, to limit resilience to future crises. The concurrent provision of life-saving assistance and rendering of structural harm resulting from the militaries' intervention is ultimately found to be part of a vicious cycle, which this article conceptualises as the 'political economy of expedience', a paradox that should be considered inherent in any militarised intervention during humanitarian and public health crises.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel T Boland
- Centre for Universal Health, Chatham House, 10 St James's Square, London, SW1Y 4LE, UK.
| | - Dina Balabanova
- Department of Global Health and Development, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, 15-17 Tavistock Square, London, WC1H 9SH, UK
| | - Susannah Mayhew
- Department of Global Health and Development, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, 15-17 Tavistock Square, London, WC1H 9SH, UK
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Rabaan AA, Halwani MA, Garout M, Alotaibi J, AlShehail BM, Alotaibi N, Almuthree SA, Alshehri AA, Alshahrani MA, Othman B, Alqahtani A, Alissa M. Exploration of phytochemical compounds against Marburg virus using QSAR, molecular dynamics, and free energy landscape. Mol Divers 2023:10.1007/s11030-023-10753-0. [PMID: 37925643 DOI: 10.1007/s11030-023-10753-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2023] [Accepted: 10/21/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
Marburg virus disease (MVD) is caused by the Marburg virus, a one-of-a-kind zoonotic RNA virus from the genus Filovirus. Thus, this current study employed AI-based QSAR and molecular docking-based virtual screening for identifying potential binders against the target protein (nucleoprotein (NP)) of the Marburg virus. A total of 2727 phytochemicals were used for screening, out of which the top three compounds (74977521, 90470472, and 11953909) were identified based on their predicted bioactivity (pIC50) and binding score (< - 7.4 kcal/mol). Later, MD simulation in triplicates and trajectory analysis were performed which showed that 11953909 and 74977521 had the most stable and consistent complex formations and had the most significant interactions with the highest number of hydrogen bonds. PCA (principal component analysis) and FEL (free energy landscape) analysis indicated that these compounds had favourable energy states for most of the conformations. The total binding free energy of the compounds using the MM/GBSA technique showed that 11953909 (ΔGTOTAL = - 30.78 kcal/mol) and 74977521 (ΔGTOTAL = - 30 kcal/mol) had the highest binding affinity with the protein. Overall, this in silico pipeline proposed that the phytochemicals 11953909 and 74977521 could be the possible binders of NP. This study aimed to find phytochemicals inhibiting the protein's function and potentially treating MVD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali A Rabaan
- Molecular Diagnostic Laboratory, Johns Hopkins Aramco Healthcare, 31311, Dhahran, Saudi Arabia.
- College of Medicine, Alfaisal University, 11533, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
- Department of Public Health and Nutrition, The University of Haripur, Haripur, 22610, Pakistan.
| | - Muhammad A Halwani
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Al Baha University, 4781, Al Baha, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammed Garout
- Department of Community Medicine and Health Care for Pilgrims, Faculty of Medicine, Umm Al-Qura University, 21955, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Jawaher Alotaibi
- Infectious diseases Unit, Department of Medicine, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, 11564, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Bashayer M AlShehail
- Pharmacy Practice Department, College of Clinical Pharmacy, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, 31441, Dammam, Saudi Arabia
| | - Nouf Alotaibi
- Clinical pharmacy Department, College of Pharmacy, Umm Al-Qura University, 21955, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Souad A Almuthree
- Department of Infectious Disease, King Abdullah Medical City, 43442, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ahmad A Alshehri
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Najran University, 61441, Najran, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammed Abdulrahman Alshahrani
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Najran University, 61441, Najran, Saudi Arabia
| | - Basim Othman
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Al Baha University, 65779, Al Baha, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdulaziz Alqahtani
- Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Khalid University, 61321, Abha, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammed Alissa
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Prince Sattam bin Abdulaziz University, 11942, Al-Kharj, Saudi Arabia.
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TAJUDEEN RAJI, SILAIGWANA BLESSING, YAVLINSKY ALEXEI, EDWARDS SARAHJL. Research ethics during infectious disease outbreaks: A survey of African research stakeholders using the Ebola virus disease outbreak as a case. J Public Health Afr 2023; 14:1632. [PMID: 37881726 PMCID: PMC10594595 DOI: 10.4081/jphia.2023.1632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Conducting research during disease outbreaks can be ethically challenging as evidenced in the 2014-2016 Ebola outbreak in West Africa and COVID-19 pandemic. Yet, there has been little empirical research conducted for understanding the views and perspectives of different stakeholders regarding ethical issues in conducting research during disease outbreaks. This preliminary study was conducted to empirically explore African public health research stakeholders' views about research ethics issues during infectious disease outbreaks in Africa. We conducted an online survey of 330 participants attending the International Conference on Re-emerging and Emerging Infectious Disease (ICREID) meeting that took place from 13-15 March 2019 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia to elicit their views on various research ethics complexities experienced in the 2014 Ebola outbreak. Study results revealed some divergent views on several ethical themes including: ethics of using unregistered interventions in outbreaks; acceptable study design; ethics review processes; risks-benefit assessment; exclusion of pregnant women and children; and biological sample and data sharing. Majority (76.3%) of respondents felt that in the absence of available standard treatments or prevention modalities, the use of investigational interventions can be ethically justifiable if there is a strong scientific rationale and favorable risk-benefit ratio. Regarding conventional placebo-controlled trials during outbreaks with high case fatality rates, respondents that considered this unethical were more than three times those that felt such design were ethically justifiable. We were somewhat surprised that a majority (almost 60%) of respondents were satisfied with the exclusion of pregnant women and children in clinical trials during outbreaks. All respondents concurred with the prioritization of informed consent for research during an outbreak. Based on our findings, research ethics guidance is needed to equip research stakeholders in dealing with ethical complexities arising in the conduct of research during emerging disease outbreaks-especially regarding using experimental interventions; placebo trial design; inclusion or justified exclusion of pregnant women and children; and biological sample/data sharing. The findings will be used in ongoing efforts of developing a consultative and coherent African-centric framework to support ethical conduct of research for future emerging infectious disease outbreaks in Africa.
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Affiliation(s)
- RAJI TAJUDEEN
- African Union, Africa CDC, Division of Public Health Institutes and Research, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - BLESSING SILAIGWANA
- NIHR Group Tackling Infections to Benefit Africa (TIBA), University of Edinburgh
| | - ALEXEI YAVLINSKY
- University College London, Institute of Health Informatics, London, London NW1 2DA
| | - SARAH JL. EDWARDS
- University College London, Science & Technology Studies, Bloomsbury, London WC1H 0AW, UK
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Hamblion E, Saad NJ, Greene-Cramer B, Awofisayo-Okuyelu A, Selenic Minet D, Smirnova A, Engedashet Tahelew E, Kaasik-Aaslav K, Alexandrova Ezerska L, Lata H, Allain Ioos S, Peron E, Abdelmalik P, Perez-Gutierrez E, Almiron M, Kato M, Babu A, Matsui T, Biaukula V, Nabeth P, Corpuz A, Pukkila J, Cheng KY, Impouma B, Koua E, Mahamud A, Barboza P, Socé Fall I, Morgan O. Global public health intelligence: World Health Organization operational practices. PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 3:e0002359. [PMID: 37729134 PMCID: PMC10511126 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0002359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/22/2023]
Abstract
Early warning and response are key to tackle emerging and acute public health risks globally. Therefore, the World Health Organization (WHO) has implemented a robust approach to public health intelligence (PHI) for the global detection, verification and risk assessment of acute public health threats. WHO's PHI operations are underpinned by the International Health Regulations (2005), which require that countries strengthen surveillance efforts, and assess, notify and verify events that may constitute a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC). PHI activities at WHO are conducted systematically at WHO's headquarters and all six regional offices continuously, throughout every day of the year. We describe four interlinked steps; detection, verification, risk assessment, and reporting and dissemination. For PHI operations, a diverse and interdisciplinary workforce is needed. Overall, PHI is a key feature of the global health architecture and will only become more prominent as the world faces increasing public health threats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esther Hamblion
- Department of Alert and Response Coordination, Health Emergencies Programme, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Neil J. Saad
- Department of Alert and Response Coordination, Health Emergencies Programme, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Blanche Greene-Cramer
- Department of Alert and Response Coordination, Health Emergencies Programme, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Adedoyin Awofisayo-Okuyelu
- Department of Alert and Response Coordination, Health Emergencies Programme, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Dubravka Selenic Minet
- Department of Alert and Response Coordination, Health Emergencies Programme, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Anastasia Smirnova
- Department of Alert and Response Coordination, Health Emergencies Programme, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Etsub Engedashet Tahelew
- Department of Alert and Response Coordination, Health Emergencies Programme, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Kaja Kaasik-Aaslav
- Department of Alert and Response Coordination, Health Emergencies Programme, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Lidia Alexandrova Ezerska
- Department of Alert and Response Coordination, Health Emergencies Programme, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Harsh Lata
- Department of Alert and Response Coordination, Health Emergencies Programme, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Sophie Allain Ioos
- Epidemic and Pandemic Preparedness and Prevention Department, Health Emergencies Programme, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Emilie Peron
- WHO Hub for Pandemic and Epidemic Intelligence, Health Emergencies Programme, World Health Organization, Berlin, Germany
| | - Philip Abdelmalik
- WHO Hub for Pandemic and Epidemic Intelligence, Health Emergencies Programme, World Health Organization, Berlin, Germany
| | - Enrique Perez-Gutierrez
- Health Emergency Information & Risk Assessment, Health Emergencies, World Health Organization Regional Office for the Americas, Washington DC, United States of America
| | - Maria Almiron
- Health Emergency Information & Risk Assessment, Health Emergencies, World Health Organization Regional Office for the Americas, Washington DC, United States of America
| | - Masaya Kato
- Health Emergencies Programme, World Health Organization South-East Asia Regional Office, New Delhi, India
| | - Amarnath Babu
- Health Emergencies Programme, World Health Organization South-East Asia Regional Office, New Delhi, India
| | - Tamano Matsui
- Health Emergencies Programme, World Health Organization Western Pacific Regional Office, Manilla, Philippines
| | - Viema Biaukula
- Health Emergencies Programme, World Health Organization Western Pacific Regional Office, Manilla, Philippines
| | - Pierre Nabeth
- Health Emergencies Programme, World Health Organization Eastern Mediterranean Regional Office, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Aura Corpuz
- Health Emergencies Programme, World Health Organization Eastern Mediterranean Regional Office, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Jukka Pukkila
- Health Emergencies Programme, World Health Organization European Regional Office, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Ka-Yeung Cheng
- Health Emergencies Programme, World Health Organization European Regional Office, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Benido Impouma
- Health Emergencies Programme, World Health Organization Africa Regional Office, Brazzaville, Congo
| | - Etien Koua
- Health Emergencies Programme, World Health Organization Africa Regional Office, Brazzaville, Congo
| | - Abdi Mahamud
- Department of Alert and Response Coordination, Health Emergencies Programme, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Phillipe Barboza
- Office of the Assistant Director-General for Emergencies Response, Health Emergencies Programme, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Ibrahima Socé Fall
- Department of Health Emergency Interventions, Health Emergencies Programme, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Oliver Morgan
- WHO Hub for Pandemic and Epidemic Intelligence, Health Emergencies Programme, World Health Organization, Berlin, Germany
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12
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Foley S, Falconer Hall T, Bates D, Attridge K. Global health context for the military in Defence Engagement (Health). BMJ Mil Health 2023:e002374. [PMID: 37536934 DOI: 10.1136/military-2023-002374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/09/2023] [Indexed: 08/05/2023]
Abstract
Global health practice is becoming a key enabler within UK Defence and foreign policy. The definition of global health remains debated, though some important themes have been identified including: the multidisciplinary nature of global health, its ethical foundation and the political nature of global health. This paper contributes to the ongoing rational discourse that this important discipline deserves and recommends a framework and principles to apply to military health and care system strengthening in the Defence Engagement (Health) (DE(H)) practitioner role. DE(H) involves complex multiorganisational relationships and processes, and while practitioners should be mindful of the political nature of their role, the broad aims of preventing conflict and building stability mean DE(H) should contribute positively to global health.This paper forms part of a special issue of BMJ Military Health dedicated to Defence Engagement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sue Foley
- Medical Operational Support Unit (MOSU), British Army, York, UK
| | | | - D Bates
- Institute of Health, University of Cumbria, Carlisle, UK
| | - K Attridge
- Public Health, Royal Air Force Medical Service, Naphill, UK
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13
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Biadgilign S, Hailu A, Gebremichael B, Letebo M, Berhanesilassie E, Shumetie A. The role of universal health coverage and global health security nexus and interplay on SARS-CoV-2 infection and case-fatality rates in Africa : a structural equation modeling approach. Global Health 2023; 19:46. [PMID: 37415196 DOI: 10.1186/s12992-023-00949-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2022] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) caused by SARS-CoV-2 infections remains a significant health challenge worldwide. There is paucity of evidence on the influence of the universal health coverage (UHC) and global health security (GHS) nexus on SARS-CoV-2 infection risk and outcomes. This study aimed to investigate the effects of UHC and GHS nexus and interplay on SARS-CoV-2 infection rate and case-fatality rates (CFR) in Africa. METHODS The study employed descriptive methods to analyze the data drawn from multiple sources as well used structural equation modeling (SEM) with maximum likelihood estimation to model and assess the relationships between independent and dependent variables by performing path analysis. RESULTS In Africa, 100% and 18% of the effects of GHS on SARS-CoV-2 infection and RT-PCR CFR, respectively were direct. Increased SARS-CoV-2 CFR was associated with median age of the national population (β = -0.1244, [95% CI: -0.24, -0.01], P = 0.031 ); COVID-19 infection rate (β = -0.370, [95% CI: -0.66, -0.08], P = 0.012 ); and prevalence of obesity among adults aged 18 + years (β = 0.128, [95% CI: 0.06,0.20], P = 0.0001) were statistically significant. SARS-CoV-2 infection rates were strongly linked to median age of the national population (β = 0.118, [95% CI: 0.02,0.22 ], P = 0.024); population density per square kilometer, (β = -0.003, [95% CI: -0.0058, -0.00059], P = 0.016 ) and UHC for service coverage index (β = 0.089, [95% CI: 0.04,0.14, P = 0.001 ) in which their relationship was statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS The study shade a light that UHC for service coverage, and median age of the national population, population density have significant effect on COVID-19 infection rate while COVID-19 infection rate, median age of the national population and prevalence of obesity among adults aged 18 + years were associated with COVID-19 case-fatality rate. Both, UHC and GHS do not emerge to protect against COVID-19-related case fatality rate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sibhatu Biadgilign
- Independent Public Health Analyst and Research Consultant, P.O.BOX 24414, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
| | - Alemayehu Hailu
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care Medicine, Bergen Center for Ethics and Priority Setting, The University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
- Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston, United States of America
| | | | - Mekitew Letebo
- Independent Public Health Analyst and Research Consultant, P.O.BOX 24414, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Etsub Berhanesilassie
- Independent Public Health Analyst and Research Consultant, P.O.BOX 24414, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
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14
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Agyepong I, Spicer N, Ooms G, Jahn A, Bärnighausen T, Beiersmann C, Brown Amoakoh H, Fink G, Guo Y, Hennig L, Kifle Habtemariam M, Kouyaté BA, Loewenson R, Micah A, Moon S, Moshabela M, Myhre SL, Ottersen T, Patcharanarumol W, Sarker M, Sen G, Shiozaki Y, Songane F, Sridhar D, Ssengooba F, Vega J, Ventura D, Voss M, Heymann D. Lancet Commission on synergies between universal health coverage, health security, and health promotion. Lancet 2023; 401:1964-2012. [PMID: 37224836 DOI: 10.1016/s0140-6736(22)01930-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2021] [Revised: 09/15/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Irene Agyepong
- Faculty of Public Health, Ghana College of Physicians and Surgeons, Accra, Ghana.
| | - Neil Spicer
- Global Health and Development, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Gorik Ooms
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Gent, Belgium
| | - Albrecht Jahn
- Heidelberg Institute of Global Health, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Till Bärnighausen
- Heidelberg Institute of Global Health, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Claudia Beiersmann
- Heidelberg Institute of Global Health, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Hannah Brown Amoakoh
- Department of Epidemiology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana; Ghana and Department of Global Health Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Günter Fink
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Allschwil, Switzerland
| | - Yan Guo
- Department of Global Health School of Public Health, Peking University, Peking, China
| | - Lisa Hennig
- Heidelberg Institute of Global Health, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Mahlet Kifle Habtemariam
- Office of the Director, Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Bocar A Kouyaté
- National Malaria Research and Training Centre, Nouna, Burkina Faso; Ministry of Health, Koulouba, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
| | | | - Angela Micah
- Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, Department of Health Metrics Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Suerie Moon
- Department of International Relations and Political Science, Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Mosa Moshabela
- School of Nursing and Public Health, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Glenwood, Durban, South Africa
| | - Sonja Lynn Myhre
- Division of Health Services, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Trygve Ottersen
- Division of Infection Control, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | | | - Malabika Sarker
- James P Grant School of Public Health, Brac University, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Gita Sen
- Public Health Foundation of India, Bangalore, India
| | | | | | - Devi Sridhar
- Usher Institute, Edinburgh Medical School, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Freddie Ssengooba
- Department of Health Policy, Planning and Management, College of Health Sciences, School of Public Health, Makarere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | | | - Deisy Ventura
- Global Health and Sustainability Graduate Program, School of Public Health, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Maike Voss
- Centre for Planetary Health Policy, Berlin, Germany
| | - David Heymann
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Faculty of Epidemiology and Population Health, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
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15
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Bafandeh S, Khodadadi E, Ganbarov K, Asgharzadeh M, Köse Ş, Samadi Kafil H. Natural Products as a Potential Source of Promising Therapeutics for COVID-19 and Viral Diseases. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE : ECAM 2023; 2023:5525165. [PMID: 37096202 PMCID: PMC10122587 DOI: 10.1155/2023/5525165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Revised: 03/19/2023] [Accepted: 03/24/2023] [Indexed: 04/26/2023]
Abstract
Background A global pandemic has recently been observed due to the new coronavirus disease, caused by SARS-CoV-2. Since there are currently no antiviral medicines to combat the highly contagious and lethal COVID-19 infection, identifying natural sources that can either be viricidal or boost the immune system and aid in the fight against the disease can be an essential therapeutic support. Methods This review was conducted based on published papers related to the herbal therapy of COVID-19 by search on databases including PubMed and Scopus with herbal, COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2, and therapy keywords. Results To combat this condition, people may benefit from the therapeutic properties of medicinal plants, such as increasing their immune system or providing an antiviral impact. As a result, SARS-CoV-2 infection death rates can be reduced. Various traditional medicinal plants and their bioactive components, such as COVID-19, are summarized in this article to assist in gathering and debating techniques for combating microbial diseases in general and boosting our immune system in particular. Conclusion The immune system benefits from natural products and many of these play a role in activating antibody creation, maturation of immune cells, and stimulation of innate and adaptive immune responses. The lack of particular antivirals for SARS-CoV-2 means that apitherapy might be a viable option for reducing the hazards associated with COVID-19 in the absence of specific antivirals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soheila Bafandeh
- Research Center for Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Ehsaneh Khodadadi
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR 72701, USA
| | - Khudaverdi Ganbarov
- Research Laboratory of Microbiology and Virology, Baku State University, Baku, Azerbaijan
| | - Mohammad Asgharzadeh
- Biotechnology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Şükran Köse
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology, Dokuz Eylül Üniversitesi, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Hossein Samadi Kafil
- Drug Applied Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
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16
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Oksa R, Mäkikangas A, Savela N, Latikka R, Oksanen A. Longitudinal development of well-being among Finnish employees during 2019-2021: Relationships with personality trait profiles. Scand J Psychol 2023; 64:179-193. [PMID: 36183236 DOI: 10.1111/sjop.12868] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2021] [Revised: 06/27/2022] [Accepted: 08/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
We examined well-being profiles among Finnish employees before and during the COVID-19 pandemic and their links with personality trait profiles. Longitudinal survey data were collected in 2019-2021, and 733 respondents participated in all five surveys. The data were analyzed with a person-centered approach using latent profile analysis (LPA). Measures included burnout, work engagement, psychological distress; and Big Five personality traits. Six well-being profiles: Disengaged, Declined, Engaged, Fluctuated, Stable, and Burned-out, and four personality profiles: Ordinary, Reserved, Resilient, and Overcontrolled were identified. Resilient participants typically belonged to the Engaged well-being profile and Reserved to Burned-out and Fluctuated well-being profiles. Although some separation in developmental well-being profiles existed, overall, well-being was rather stable. Personality trait profiles played a crucial role in maintaining well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reetta Oksa
- Faculty of Social Sciences, Emerging Technologies Lab, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
| | - Anne Mäkikangas
- Faculty of Social Sciences, Work Research Centre, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
| | - Nina Savela
- Faculty of Social Sciences, Emerging Technologies Lab, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
| | - Rita Latikka
- Faculty of Social Sciences, Emerging Technologies Lab, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
| | - Atte Oksanen
- Faculty of Social Sciences, Emerging Technologies Lab, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
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17
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Peeling RW, Sia SK. Lessons from COVID-19 for improving diagnostic access in future pandemics. LAB ON A CHIP 2023; 23:1376-1388. [PMID: 36629022 DOI: 10.1039/d2lc00662f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, we have witnessed the critical and expanding roles of testing. Despite the development of over a thousand brand of tests - with some close to fulfilling the 4As (accuracy, access, affordability, and actionability via quick time to result) of an ideal diagnostic test - gaps persisted in developing tests to fit public health needs, and in providing equitable access. Here, we review how the use cases for testing evolved over the course of the COVID-19 pandemic, with associated engineering challenges (and potential lessons) at each phase for test developers. We summarise lessons learnt from the recent epidemic and propose four areas for future cooperative effort among test developers, government regulators and policy makers, public health experts, and the public: 1) develop new models for public sector funding and research and development; 2) increase testing capacity by investing in adaptable open-platform technologies at every level of the healthcare system; 3) build data connectivity infrastructures to support a connected diagnostic system as a backbone for surveillance; and 4) facilitate the rapid translation of innovation into use through a coordinated framework for regulatory approval and policy development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosanna W Peeling
- Department of Clinical Research, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London WC1E 7HT, UK.
| | - Samuel K Sia
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, USA
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18
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Traore T, Shanks S, Haider N, Ahmed K, Jain V, Rüegg SR, Razavi A, Kock R, Erondu N, Rahman-Shepherd A, Yavlinsky A, Mboera L, Asogun D, McHugh TD, Elton L, Oyebanji O, Okunromade O, Ansumana R, Djingarey MH, Ali Ahmed Y, Diallo AB, Balde T, Talisuna A, Ntoumi F, Zumla A, Heymann D, Socé Fall I, Dar O. How prepared is the world? Identifying weaknesses in existing assessment frameworks for global health security through a One Health approach. Lancet 2023; 401:673-687. [PMID: 36682374 DOI: 10.1016/s0140-6736(22)01589-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2021] [Revised: 08/09/2022] [Accepted: 08/11/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has exposed faults in the way we assess preparedness and response capacities for public health emergencies. Existing frameworks are limited in scope, and do not sufficiently consider complex social, economic, political, regulatory, and ecological factors. One Health, through its focus on the links among humans, animals, and ecosystems, is a valuable approach through which existing assessment frameworks can be analysed and new ways forward proposed. Although in the past few years advances have been made in assessment tools such as the International Health Regulations Joint External Evaluation, a rapid and radical increase in ambition is required. To sufficiently account for the range of complex systems in which health emergencies occur, assessments should consider how problems are defined across stakeholders and the wider sociopolitical environments in which structures and institutions operate. Current frameworks do little to consider anthropogenic factors in disease emergence or address the full array of health security hazards across the social-ecological system. A complex and interdependent set of challenges threaten human, animal, and ecosystem health, and we cannot afford to overlook important contextual factors, or the determinants of these shared threats. Health security assessment frameworks should therefore ensure that the process undertaken to prioritise and build capacity adheres to core One Health principles and that interventions and outcomes are assessed in terms of added value, trade-offs, and cobenefits across human, animal, and environmental health systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tieble Traore
- WHO Emergency Preparedness and Response Cluster, WHO Regional Office for Africa, Dakar Hub, Dakar, Senegal.
| | - Sarah Shanks
- Institute of Zoology, Zoological Society of London, London, UK
| | - Najmul Haider
- Royal Veterinary College, University of London, London, UK; School of Life Sciences, Keele University, Keele, UK
| | - Kanza Ahmed
- Global Operations, UK Health Security Agency, London, UK
| | - Vageesh Jain
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Simon R Rüegg
- Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Ahmed Razavi
- Global Operations, UK Health Security Agency, London, UK
| | - Richard Kock
- Royal Veterinary College, University of London, London, UK
| | - Ngozi Erondu
- O'Neill Institute for National and Global Health Law, Georgetown University Law Center, Washington, DC, USA
| | | | - Alexei Yavlinsky
- Infectious Disease Informatics, Institute of Health Informatics, University College London, London, UK
| | - Leonard Mboera
- Southern African Centre for Infectious Disease Surveillance Foundation for One Health, Morogoro, Tanzania
| | - Danny Asogun
- Ekpoma and Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital, Ambrose Alli University, Irrua, Nigeria
| | - Timothy D McHugh
- Centre for Clinical Microbiology, Division of Infection and Immunity, University College London, London, UK
| | - Linzy Elton
- Centre for Clinical Microbiology, Division of Infection and Immunity, University College London, London, UK
| | - Oyeronke Oyebanji
- Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | | | - Rashid Ansumana
- School of Community Health Sciences, Niala University, Bo Campus, Bo, Sierra Leone
| | - Mamoudou Harouna Djingarey
- WHO Emergency Preparedness and Response Cluster, WHO Regional Office for Africa, Brazzaville, Republic of the Congo
| | - Yahaya Ali Ahmed
- WHO Emergency Preparedness and Response Cluster, WHO Regional Office for Africa, Brazzaville, Republic of the Congo
| | - Amadou Bailo Diallo
- WHO Emergency Preparedness and Response Cluster, WHO Regional Office for Africa, Dakar Hub, Dakar, Senegal
| | - Thierno Balde
- WHO Emergency Preparedness and Response Cluster, WHO Regional Office for Africa, Brazzaville, Republic of the Congo
| | - Ambrose Talisuna
- WHO Emergency Preparedness and Response Cluster, WHO Regional Office for Africa, Brazzaville, Republic of the Congo
| | - Francine Ntoumi
- Fondation Congolaise pour la Recherche Médicale, Brazzaville, Republic of the Congo; Institute for Tropical Medicine, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Alimuddin Zumla
- Department of Infection, Division of Infection and Immunity, University College London, London, UK; National Institute for Health and Care Research Biomedical Research Centre, University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - David Heymann
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | | | - Osman Dar
- Global Operations, UK Health Security Agency, London, UK; Global Health Programme, Royal Institute of International Affairs, London, UK
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19
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Inadequate diagnostic capacity for monkeypox-sleeping through the alarm again. THE LANCET. INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2023; 23:140-141. [PMID: 36402145 PMCID: PMC9671516 DOI: 10.1016/s1473-3099(22)00744-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2022] [Revised: 10/28/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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20
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Global Health Security Index not a proven surrogate for health systems capacity to respond to pandemics: The case of COVID-19. J Infect Public Health 2023; 16:196-205. [PMID: 36584636 PMCID: PMC9769026 DOI: 10.1016/j.jiph.2022.12.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2022] [Revised: 12/07/2022] [Accepted: 12/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Global Health Security borders on prevention, detection and response to public health threats like the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Global Health Security Index (GHSI) of 2019 and 2021 revealed the world remains ill-prepared to deal with future pandemics, evident in the historic impact of COVID-19 on countries. As at 7th December 2022, COVID-19 has infected over 600 million people and claimed over six million lives, mostly in countries with higher GHSI scores. OBJECTIVE Determine whether the GHSI scores of countries have a correlation with COVID-19 cases, deaths and vaccination coverage, while adjusting for country level dynamics. METHODS This paper utilizes GHSI database of 195 countries. Data consists of 171 questions grouped into 37 indicators across six overarching categories on health security and COVID-19. Multivariate multiple regression analysis with robust standard errors was conducted to test the hypothesis that high GHSI ratings do not guarantee better COVID-19 outcomes like cases, deaths and vaccination coverage. Also, avplots STATA command was used to check outliers with potential negative effect on outcome and predictor variables. RESULTS Global average GHSI score for all 195 countries was 38.9. United States of America recorded the highest GHSI score of 75.9 but also recorded one of the highest COVID-19 cases and deaths; Somalia recorded the worst GHSI score of 16.0 and one of the lowest COVID-19 cases and deaths. High GHSI scores did not associate positively with reduction in COVID-19 cases (Coef=157133.4, p-value=0.009, [95%CI 39728.64 274538.15]) and deaths (Coef=1405.804, p-value=0.047, [95%CI 18.1 2793.508]). However, high GHSI ratings associated with increases in persons fully vaccinated per 100 population (Coef=0.572, p-value=0.000, [95%CI.272.873]). CONCLUSION It appears the world might still not be adequately prepared for the next major pandemic, if the narrative remains unchanged. Countries that recorded higher GHSI scores, counter-intuitively, recorded higher COVID-19 cases and deaths. Countries need to invest more in interventions towards attaining Universal Health Coverage (UHC) including integrated health systems and formidable primary health care to enhance preparedness and response to pandemics.
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21
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Adepoju OA, Afinowi OA, Tauheed AM, Danazumi AU, Dibba LBS, Balogun JB, Flore G, Saidu U, Ibrahim B, Balogun OO, Balogun EO. Multisectoral Perspectives on Global Warming and Vector-borne Diseases: a Focus on Southern Europe. CURRENT TROPICAL MEDICINE REPORTS 2023; 10:47-70. [PMID: 36742193 PMCID: PMC9883833 DOI: 10.1007/s40475-023-00283-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Purpose of Review The climate change (CC) or global warming (GW) modifies environment that favors vectors' abundance, growth, and reproduction, and consequently, the rate of development of pathogens within the vectors. This review highlights the threats of GW-induced vector-borne diseases (VBDs) in Southern Europe (SE) and the need for mitigation efforts to prevent potential global health catastrophe. Recent Findings Reports showed astronomical surges in the incidences of CC-induced VBDs in the SE. The recently (2022) reported first cases of African swine fever in Northern Italy and West Nile fever in SE are linked to the CC-modified environmental conditions that support vectors and pathogens' growth and development, and disease transmission. Summary VBDs endemic to the tropics are increasingly becoming a major health challenge in the SE, a temperate region, due to the favorable environmental conditions caused by CC/GW that support vectors and pathogens' biology in the previously non-endemic temperate regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oluwafemi A. Adepoju
- Department of Biochemistry, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, 2222 Kaduna State Nigeria
| | | | - Abdullah M. Tauheed
- Department of Veterinary Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, 2222 Kaduna State Nigeria
| | - Ammar U. Danazumi
- Faculty of Chemistry, Warsaw University of Technology, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Lamin B. S. Dibba
- Department of Physical and Natural Sciences, School of Arts and Sciences, University of the Gambia, Serrekunda, The Gambia
| | - Joshua B. Balogun
- Department of Biological Sciences, Federal University Dutse, Jigawa State Dutse, Nigeria
| | - Gouegni Flore
- Department of Biochemistry, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, 2222 Kaduna State Nigeria
- Africa Centre of Excellence for Neglected Tropical Diseases and Forensic Biotechnology (ACENTDFB), Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, 2222 Kaduna State Nigeria
| | - Umar Saidu
- Department of Biochemistry, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, 2222 Kaduna State Nigeria
- Africa Centre of Excellence for Neglected Tropical Diseases and Forensic Biotechnology (ACENTDFB), Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, 2222 Kaduna State Nigeria
| | - Bashiru Ibrahim
- Department of Biochemistry, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, 2222 Kaduna State Nigeria
| | - Olukunmi O. Balogun
- Department of Health Policy, National Center for Child Health and Development, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Emmanuel O. Balogun
- Department of Biochemistry, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, 2222 Kaduna State Nigeria
- Africa Centre of Excellence for Neglected Tropical Diseases and Forensic Biotechnology (ACENTDFB), Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, 2222 Kaduna State Nigeria
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22
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Zhao L, Jin Y, Zhou L, Yang P, Qian Y, Huang X, Min M. Evaluation of health system resilience in 60 countries based on their responses to COVID-19. Front Public Health 2023; 10:1081068. [PMID: 36699903 PMCID: PMC9870292 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.1081068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction In 2020, the COVID-19 epidemic swept the world, and many national health systems faced serious challenges. To improve future public health responses, it's necessary to evaluate the performance of each country's health system. Methods We developed a resilience evaluation system for national health systems based on their responses to COVID-19 using four resilience dimensions: government governance and prevention, health financing, health service provision, and health workers. We determined the weight of each index by combining the three-scale and entropy-weight methods. Then, based on data from 2020, we used the Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) method to rank the health system resilience of 60 countries, and then used hierarchical clustering to classify countries into groups based on their resilience level. Finally, we analyzed the causes of differences among countries in their resilience based on the four resilience dimensions. Results Switzerland, Japan, Germany, Australia, South Korea, Canada, New Zealand, Finland, the United States, and the United Kingdom had the highest health system resilience in 2020. Eritrea, Nigeria, Libya, Tanzania, Burundi, Mozambique, Republic of the Niger, Benin, Côte d'Ivoire, and Guinea had the lowest resilience. Discussion Government governance and prevention of COVID-19 will greatly affect a country's success in fighting future epidemics, which will depend on a government's emergency preparedness, stringency (a measure of the number and rigor of the measures taken), and testing capability. Given the lack of vaccines or specific drug treatments during the early stages of the 2020 epidemic, social distancing and wearing masks were the main defenses against COVID-19. Cuts in health financing had direct and difficult to reverse effects on health systems. In terms of health service provision, the number of hospitals and intensive care unit beds played a key role in COVID-19 clinical care. Resilient health systems were able to cope more effectively with the impact of COVID-19, provide stronger protection for citizens, and mitigate the impacts of COVID-19. Our evaluation based on data from 60 countries around the world showed that increasing health system resilience will improve responses to future public health emergencies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laijun Zhao
- Business School, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Yajun Jin
- Business School, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai, China,*Correspondence: Yajun Jin ✉
| | - Lixin Zhou
- Business School, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Pingle Yang
- Business School, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Ying Qian
- Business School, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaoyan Huang
- Emergency Management Office, Shanghai Municipal Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shanghai, China
| | - Mengmeng Min
- Business School, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
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23
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Wai Wong WC, Zhao IY, Ma YX, Dong WN, Liu J, Pang Q, Lu XQ, Molassiotis A, Holroyd E. Primary Care Physicians' and Patients' Perspectives on Equity and Health Security of Infectious Disease Digital Surveillance. Ann Fam Med 2023; 21:33-39. [PMID: 36635084 PMCID: PMC9870645 DOI: 10.1370/afm.2895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2022] [Revised: 09/26/2022] [Accepted: 09/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic facilitated the rapid development of digital detection surveillance (DDS) for outbreaks. This qualitative study examined how DDS for infectious diseases (ID) was perceived and experienced by primary care physicians and patients in order to highlight ethical considerations for promoting patients' autonomy and health care rights. METHODS In-depth interviews were conducted with a purposefully selected group of 16 primary care physicians and 24 of their patients. The group was reflective of a range of ages, educational attainment, and clinical experiences from urban areas in northern and southern China. Interviews were audio recorded, transcribed, and translated. Two researchers coded data and organized it into themes. A third researcher reviewed 15% of the data and discussed findings with the other researchers to assure accuracy. RESULTS Five themes were identified: ambiguity around the need for informed consent with usage of DDS; importance of autonomous decision making; potential for discrimination against vulnerable users of DDS for ID; risk of social inequity and disparate care outcomes; and authoritarian institutions' responsibility for maintaining health data security. The adoption of DDS meant some patients would be reluctant to go to the hospital for fear of either being discriminated against or forced into quarantine. Certain groups (older people and children) were thought to be vulnerable to DDS misappropriation. CONCLUSIONS These findings indicate the paramount importance of establishing national and international ethical frameworks for DDS implementation. Frameworks should guide all aspects of ID surveillance, addressing privacy protection and health security, and underscored by principles of social equity and accountability.Annals "Online First" article.
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Affiliation(s)
- William Chi Wai Wong
- Department of Family Medicine and Primary Care, University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
- Department of Family Medicine and Primary Care, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Ivy Yan Zhao
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Community Health Services, School of Nursing, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hunghom, Kowloon, Hong Kong
| | - Ye Xuan Ma
- Department of Family Medicine and Primary Care, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Wei Nan Dong
- Department of Family Medicine and Primary Care, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Jia Liu
- Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China
| | - Qin Pang
- Department of Information Technology, University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xiao Qin Lu
- School of General Practice and Continuing Education, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Alex Molassiotis
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Community Health Services, School of Nursing, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hunghom, Kowloon, Hong Kong
| | - Eleanor Holroyd
- Office of the Dean, Faculty of Health and Environmental Sciences, Auckland University of Technology, Auckland, New Zealand
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Karačić Zanetti J, Brown M, Viđak M, Marušić A. Diplomatic response to global health challenges in recognizing patient needs: A qualitative interview study. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1164940. [PMID: 37124832 PMCID: PMC10136764 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1164940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 05/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Global health diplomacy is the applied practice of foreign affairs to further national goals that focus on health issues requiring international cooperation and collective action. We aimed to determine how international diplomats and health policy-related professionals in the EU understand the concept of health diplomacy, which impacts both diplomatic relations as well as patients' rights. Methods In a qualitative interview study, we used a heterogeneous stratified purposeful sampling to reach participants from different countries and different practitioners from the Pyramid of Health Diplomacy: core, multi-stakeholder, and informal. Reflexive thematic analysis was used to identify the main themes. Findings We contacted 131 practitioners of GHD, of which 37 responded, and nine agreed to be interviewed. From 11 interview questions, four main themes emerged from the analysis of the individual interview. The participants reported limited knowledge about the definition of GHD but also that they engaged in daily activities and decisions of inter-governmental bodies. They were not aware of existing special education and training for health attachés and made suggestions for improving the field and practice of GHD. They were not fully familiar with the European Charter of Patients' Rights. There was a consensus from all participants that patient rights need to improve as a fundamental right. They stressed the fact that the hospital lockdown and the right access to healthcare were impaired during the COVID pandemic. Interpretation The role of health diplomacy in linking public health and foreign affairs is key to respecting patients' rights. Health over other interests is becoming an increasingly critical element in foreign policy. Establishing a clear career path for health attachés is necessary to foster effective global health agreements and coordination across countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jasna Karačić Zanetti
- International Council of the Patient Ombudsman, Health Diplomacy Unit, Bruxelles, Belgium
- University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
- *Correspondence: Jasna Karačić Zanetti
| | - Matthew Brown
- Global Health Policy Institute, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, CA, United States
| | - Marin Viđak
- Department of Research in Biomedicine and Health, Center for Evidence-Based Medicine, University of Split School of Medicine, Split, Croatia
| | - Ana Marušić
- Department of Research in Biomedicine and Health, Center for Evidence-Based Medicine, University of Split School of Medicine, Split, Croatia
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25
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Marten R, Shroff ZC, Hanson K, Davies S, Reddy S, Vega J, Peters DH, Ghaffar A. Reimagining health systems as systems for health. BMJ 2022; 379:o3025. [PMID: 36526278 DOI: 10.1136/bmj.o3025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Robert Marten
- Alliance for Health Policy and Systems Research, WHO, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Zubin Cyrus Shroff
- Alliance for Health Policy and Systems Research, WHO, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Kara Hanson
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Sally Davies
- Trinity College, Cambridge University, Cambridge, UK
| | - Srinath Reddy
- Public Health Foundation of India (PHFI), New Delhi, India
| | | | - David H Peters
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, USA
| | - Abdul Ghaffar
- Alliance for Health Policy and Systems Research, WHO, Geneva, Switzerland
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26
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Ryan CS, Belizaire MRD, Nanyunja M, Olu OO, Ahmed YA, Latt A, Kol MT, Bamuleke B, Tusiime J, Nsabimbona N, Conteh I, Nyashanu S, Ramadan PO, Woldetsadik SF, Nkata JPM, Ntwari JT, Nzeyimana SD, Ouedraogo L, Batona G, Ndahindwa V, Mgamb EA, Armah M, Wamala JF, Guyo AG, Freeman AYS, Chimbaru A, Komakech I, Kuku M, Firmino WM, Saguti GE, Msemwa F, O-Tipo S, Kalubula PC, Nsenga N, Talisuna AO. Sustainable strategies for Ebola virus disease outbreak preparedness in Africa: a case study on lessons learnt in countries neighbouring the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Infect Dis Poverty 2022; 11:118. [PMID: 36461100 PMCID: PMC9716502 DOI: 10.1186/s40249-022-01040-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2022] [Accepted: 11/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND From May 2018 to September 2022, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) experienced seven Ebola virus disease (EVD) outbreaks within its borders. During the 10th EVD outbreak (2018-2020), the largest experienced in the DRC and the second largest and most prolonged EVD outbreak recorded globally, a WHO risk assessment identified nine countries bordering the DRC as moderate to high risk from cross border importation. These countries implemented varying levels of Ebola virus disease preparedness interventions. This case study highlights the gains and shortfalls with the Ebola virus disease preparedness interventions within the various contexts of these countries against the background of a renewed and growing commitment for global epidemic preparedness highlighted during recent World Health Assembly events. MAIN TEXT Several positive impacts from preparedness support to countries bordering the affected provinces in the DRC were identified, including development of sustained capacities which were leveraged upon to respond to the subsequent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Shortfalls such as lost opportunities for operationalizing cross-border regional preparedness collaboration and better integration of multidisciplinary perspectives, vertical approaches to response pillars such as surveillance, over dependence on external support and duplication of efforts especially in areas of capacity building were also identified. A recurrent theme that emerged from this case study is the propensity towards implementing short-term interventions during active Ebola virus disease outbreaks for preparedness rather than sustainable investment into strengthening systems for improved health security in alignment with IHR obligations, the Sustainable Development Goals and advocating global policy for addressing the larger structural determinants underscoring these outbreaks. CONCLUSIONS Despite several international frameworks established at the global level for emergency preparedness, a shortfall exists between global policy and practice in countries at high risk of cross border transmission from persistent Ebola virus disease outbreaks in the Democratic Republic of Congo. With renewed global health commitment for country emergency preparedness resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic and cumulating in a resolution for a pandemic preparedness treaty, the time to review and address these gaps and provide recommendations for more sustainable and integrative approaches to emergency preparedness towards achieving global health security is now.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Yahaya Ali Ahmed
- grid.463718.f0000 0004 0639 2906WHO Regional Office for Africa, Brazzaville, Congo
| | - Anderson Latt
- grid.452949.7WHO Sub-Regional Office for Africa, Dakar, Senegal
| | - Matthew Tut Kol
- grid.508167.dAfrica Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Bertrand Bamuleke
- grid.463718.f0000 0004 0639 2906WHO Country Office, Brazzaville, Congo
| | - Jayne Tusiime
- grid.463718.f0000 0004 0639 2906WHO Regional Office for Africa, Brazzaville, Congo
| | - Nadia Nsabimbona
- grid.463718.f0000 0004 0639 2906WHO Regional Office for Africa, Brazzaville, Congo
| | - Ishata Conteh
- grid.463718.f0000 0004 0639 2906WHO Regional Office for Africa, Brazzaville, Congo
| | | | - Patrick Otim Ramadan
- grid.463718.f0000 0004 0639 2906WHO Regional Office for Africa, Brazzaville, Congo
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Georges Batona
- grid.463718.f0000 0004 0639 2906WHO Country Office, Brazzaville, Congo
| | | | | | - Magdalene Armah
- grid.463718.f0000 0004 0639 2906WHO Regional Office for Africa, Brazzaville, Congo
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Shikanga O-Tipo
- grid.439056.d0000 0000 8678 0773WHO Country Office, Lusaka, Zambia
| | | | - Ngoy Nsenga
- WHO Country Office, Bangui, Central African Republic
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Moser F, Bump JB. Assessing the World Health Organization: What does the academic debate reveal and is it democratic? Soc Sci Med 2022; 314:115456. [PMID: 36274457 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2022.115456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2021] [Revised: 09/17/2022] [Accepted: 10/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
The World Health Organization (WHO), the leading global authority in public health, routinely attracts loud calls for reform. Although Member States negotiate reform internally, academic debate is more public, and can generate ideas and provide independent accountability. We investigate why authors advocate for WHO reform so commonly. We wondered if this literature had potentially useful themes for WHO, what methods and evidence were used, and we wanted to analyze the geography of participation. We conducted a systematic review using four databases to identify 139 articles assessing WHO or advocating for reform. We discuss these using categories we derived from the management literature on organizational performance. We also analyzed evidence, country of origin, and topic. The literature we reviewed contained 998 claims about WHO's performance or reform, although there were no standard methods for assessing WHO. We developed a framework to analyze WHO's performance and structure a synthesis of the claims, which find WHO imperiled. Its legitimacy and governance are weakened by disagreements about purpose, unequal Member State influence, and inadequate accountability. Contestation of goals and strategies constrain planning. Structure and workforce deficiencies limit coordination, agility, and competence. WHO has technical and normative authority, but insufficient independence and legal power to influence uncooperative states. WHO's identity claims transparency, independence, and courage, but these aspirations are betrayed in times of need. Most articles (88%) were commentaries without specified methods. More than three-quarters (76%) originated from the US, the UK, or Switzerland. A quarter of papers (25%) focused on international infectious disease outbreaks, and another 25% advocated for WHO reform generally. Many criticisms cite wide-ranging performance problems, some of which may relate to obstructive behavior by Member States. This literature is incomplete in the geographic representation of authors, evidence, methods, and topics. We offer ideas for developing more rigorous and inclusive academic debate on WHO.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabian Moser
- Institute of Public Health, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, 10117, Berlin, Germany.
| | - Jesse B Bump
- Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, 665 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA, 02115, USA; Bergen Center for Ethics and Priority Setting, University of Bergen, Norway; Initiative on the Future of Health and Economic Resilience in Africa, Boston MA 02115, USA.
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28
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Herman-Roloff A, Aman R, Samandari T, Kasera K, Emukule GO, Amoth P, Chen TH, Kisivuli J, Weyenga H, Hunsperger E, Onyango C, Juma B, Munyua P, Wako D, Akelo V, Kimanga D, Ndegwa L, Mohamed AA, Okello P, Kariuki S, De Cock KM, Bulterys M. Adapting Longstanding Public Health Collaborations between Government of Kenya and CDC Kenya in Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic, 2020-2021. Emerg Infect Dis 2022; 28:S159-S167. [PMID: 36502403 DOI: 10.3201/eid2813.211550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Kenya's Ministry of Health (MOH) and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Kenya (CDC Kenya) have maintained a 40-year partnership during which measures were implemented to prevent, detect, and respond to disease threats. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the MOH and CDC Kenya rapidly responded to mitigate disease impact on Kenya's 52 million residents. We describe activities undertaken jointly by the MOH and CDC Kenya that lessened the effects of COVID-19 during 5 epidemic waves from March through December 2021. Activities included establishing national and county-level emergency operations centers and implementing workforce development and deployment, infection prevention and control training, laboratory diagnostic advancement, enhanced surveillance, and information management. The COVID-19 pandemic provided fresh impetus for the government of Kenya to establish a national public health institute, launched in January 2022, to consolidate its public health activities and counter COVID-19 and future infectious, vaccine-preventable, and emerging zoonotic diseases.
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29
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Torres Munguía JA, Badarau FC, Díaz Pavez LR, Martínez-Zarzoso I, Wacker KM. A global dataset of pandemic- and epidemic-prone disease outbreaks. Sci Data 2022; 9:683. [PMCID: PMC9648436 DOI: 10.1038/s41597-022-01797-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Accepted: 10/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
This paper presents a new dataset of infectious disease outbreaks collected from the Disease Outbreak News and the Coronavirus Dashboard produced by the World Health Organization. The dataset contains information on 70 infectious diseases and 2227 public health events that occurred over the period from January 1996 to March 2022 in 233 countries and territories around the world. We illustrate the potential use of this dataset to the research community by analysing the spatial distribution of disease outbreaks. We find evidence of spatial clusters of high incidences (“hot spots”) in Africa, America, and Asia. This spatial analysis enables policymakers to identify the regions with the greatest likelihood of suffering from disease outbreaks and, taking into account their degree of preparedness and vulnerability, to develop policies that may help contain the spreading of future outbreaks. Further applications could focus on combining our data with other information sources to study, for instance, the link between environmental, globalization, and/or socioeconomic factors with disease outbreaks. Measurement(s) | Pandemic- and epidemic-prone disease outbreaks | Technology Type(s) | Text mining using R | Sample Characteristic - Organism | Disease outbreaks | Sample Characteristic - Environment | spatiotemporal region | Sample Characteristic - Location | Global |
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Armando Torres Munguía
- grid.7450.60000 0001 2364 4210Faculty of Economic Sciences, Georg-August-Universität Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | | | - Luis Rodrigo Díaz Pavez
- grid.7450.60000 0001 2364 4210Faculty of Economic Sciences, Georg-August-Universität Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Inmaculada Martínez-Zarzoso
- grid.7450.60000 0001 2364 4210Faculty of Economic Sciences, Georg-August-Universität Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany ,grid.9612.c0000 0001 1957 9153Department of Economics, University Jaume I, Castelló de la Plana, Spain
| | - Konstantin M. Wacker
- grid.4830.f0000 0004 0407 1981Faculty of Economics and Business, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
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Lal A, Abdalla SM, Chattu VK, Erondu NA, Lee TL, Singh S, Abou-Taleb H, Vega Morales J, Phelan A. Pandemic preparedness and response: exploring the role of universal health coverage within the global health security architecture. Lancet Glob Health 2022; 10:e1675-e1683. [PMID: 36179734 PMCID: PMC9514836 DOI: 10.1016/s2214-109x(22)00341-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2022] [Revised: 06/22/2022] [Accepted: 07/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, several international initiatives have been developed to strengthen and reform the global architecture for pandemic preparedness and response, including proposals for a pandemic treaty, a Pandemic Fund, and mechanisms for equitable access to medical countermeasures. These initiatives seek to make use of crucial lessons gleaned from the ongoing pandemic by addressing gaps in health security and traditional public health functions. However, there has been insufficient consideration of the vital role of universal health coverage in sustainably mitigating outbreaks, and the importance of robust primary health care in equitably and efficiently safeguarding communities from future health threats. The international community should not repeat the mistakes of past health security efforts that ultimately contributed to the rapid spread of the COVID-19 pandemic and disproportionately affected vulnerable and marginalised populations, especially by overlooking the importance of coherent, multisectoral health systems. This Health Policy paper outlines major (although often neglected) gaps in pandemic preparedness and response, which are applicable to broader health emergency preparedness and response efforts, and identifies opportunities to reconceptualise health security by scaling up universal health coverage. We then offer a comprehensive set of recommendations to help inform the development of key pandemic preparedness and response proposals across three themes-governance, financing, and supporting initiatives. By identifying approaches that simultaneously strengthen health systems through global health security and universal health coverage, we aim to provide tangible solutions that equitably meet the needs of all communities while ensuring resilience to future pandemic threats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arush Lal
- Department of Health Policy, London School of Economics and Political Science, London, UK.
| | - Salma M Abdalla
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Vijay Kumar Chattu
- Center for Interdisciplinary Research, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Saveetha University, Chennai, India,Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Datta Meghe Institute of Medical Sciences, Wardha, India,Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Ngozi Adaeze Erondu
- O'Neill Institute for National and Global Health Law, Georgetown University Law Center, Washington, DC, USA,Global Health Institute for Disease Elimination, United Arab Emirates Global Health Programme, Chatham House, London, UK
| | - Tsung-Ling Lee
- Graduate Institute of Health and Biotechnology Law, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Sudhvir Singh
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Hala Abou-Taleb
- Health System Governance Team, Department of Universal Health Coverage/Health Systems, Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean, World Health Organization, Cairo, Egypt
| | | | - Alexandra Phelan
- O'Neill Institute for National and Global Health Law, Georgetown University Law Center, Washington, DC, USA,Center for Global Health Science and Security, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, USA
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31
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Sazgarnejad S, Takian A. The Universal Triangle to Ensure Health Security. Int J Public Health 2022; 67:1605443. [PMID: 36339658 PMCID: PMC9626511 DOI: 10.3389/ijph.2022.1605443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2022] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Saharnaz Sazgarnejad
- School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran,School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Amirhossein Takian
- Department of Global Health and Public Policy, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran,Department of Health Management, Policy and Economics, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran,Health Equity Research Centre (HERC), Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran,*Correspondence: Amirhossein Takian,
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Duden GS, Gersdorf S, Stengler K. Global impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health services: A systematic review. J Psychiatr Res 2022; 154:354-377. [PMID: 36055116 PMCID: PMC9392550 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2022.08.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2022] [Revised: 08/08/2022] [Accepted: 08/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The purpose of the review was to investigate the changes in mental health services during the COVID-19 pandemic. A systematic review of qualitative, quantitative and mixed-methods studies was conducted from February 2021 to March 2022 using four databases and five languages. 29 studies reporting on mental health services in 63 countries were included. Findings were organised according to nine major topics: (1) lack of preparedness vs. timely response and flexible solutions, (2) changes in access, referrals, and admission, (3) impacts on outpatient, community and psychosocial services, (4) inpatient: reorganisation of hospital psychiatric units/acute wards, (5) diagnostic and therapeutic adaptations, (6) effects on medication, (7) infection control measures, (8), changes in patients' demands, engagement, and mental health, and (9) impacts on staff and team. Many services were closed intermittently or considerably reduced while telepsychiatric services were extensively expanded. Face-to-face services decreased, as did the work with therapeutic groups. Many inpatient units restructured their services to accommodate COVID-19 patients. While the digitalisation of services allowed for better access to services for some, restrictive measures hindered access for most. Staff experienced changes such as heightened impacts on their own mental health, burdens on patients and the pausing of professional training. Clearly, diverse findings of studies relate to different (national) contexts, type of service offered, but also to the time of the investigation, as studies noted several distinct phases of change during the pandemic. This review suggests directions for policy and service development, such as fostering community services and providing support services for particularly vulnerable populations.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Stefanie Gersdorf
- Kunstakademie Düsseldorf, Eiskellerstraße 1, 40213, Düsseldorf, Germany.
| | - Katarina Stengler
- Zentrum für Seelische Gesundheit, Helios Park-Klinikum Leipzig Psychiatrische Kliniken, Morawitzstraße 2, 04289, Leipzig, Germany
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Zada S, Sajjad W, Rafiq M, Ali S, Hu Z, Wang H, Cai R. Cave Microbes as a Potential Source of Drugs Development in the Modern Era. MICROBIAL ECOLOGY 2022; 84:676-687. [PMID: 34693460 PMCID: PMC8542507 DOI: 10.1007/s00248-021-01889-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2021] [Accepted: 09/29/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The world is constantly facing threats, including the emergence of new pathogens and antibiotic resistance among extant pathogens, which is a matter of concern. Therefore, the need for natural and effective sources of drugs is inevitable. The ancient and pristine ecosystems of caves contain a unique microbial world and could provide a possible source of antimicrobial metabolites. The association between humans and caves is as old as human history itself. Historically, cave environments have been used to treat patients with respiratory tract infections, which is referred to as speleotherapy. Today, the pristine environment of caves that comprise a poorly explored microbial world is a potential source of antimicrobial and anticancer drugs. Oligotrophic conditions in caves enhance the competition among microbial communities, and unique antimicrobial agents may be used in this competition. This review suggests that the world needs a novel and effective source of drug discovery. Therefore, being the emerging spot of modern human civilization, caves could play a crucial role in the current medical crisis, and cave microorganisms may have the potential to produce novel antimicrobial and anticancer drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sahib Zada
- Biology Department, College of Science, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Biotechnology, Institute of Marine Sciences, Shantou University, Shantou, China
| | - Wasim Sajjad
- State Key Laboratory of Cryospheric Science, Northwest Institute of Eco-Environment and Resources, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou, 730000, China
| | - Muhammad Rafiq
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Life Sciences and Informatics, Balochistan University of IT, Engineering and Management Sciences, QUETTA, Pakistan
| | - Sardar Ali
- Biology Department, College of Science, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Biotechnology, Institute of Marine Sciences, Shantou University, Shantou, China
| | - Zhong Hu
- Biology Department, College of Science, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Biotechnology, Institute of Marine Sciences, Shantou University, Shantou, China
| | - Hui Wang
- Biology Department, College of Science, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Biotechnology, Institute of Marine Sciences, Shantou University, Shantou, China
| | - Runlin Cai
- Biology Department, College of Science, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Biotechnology, Institute of Marine Sciences, Shantou University, Shantou, China.
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Abagero A, Ragazzoni L, Hubloue I, Barone-Adesi F, Lamine H, Addissie A, Della Corte F, Valente M. A Review of COVID-19 Response Challenges in Ethiopia. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:11070. [PMID: 36078785 PMCID: PMC9518440 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191711070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2022] [Revised: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 08/31/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic has positioned fragile healthcare systems in low-income countries under pressure, leading to critical gaps in service delivery. The pandemic response demands the healthcare system to be resilient and continue provision of healthcare services. This review is aimed at describing the healthcare response challenges during the pandemic in Ethiopia. METHODOLOGY Eligible studies dealing with challenges of the healthcare system in response to the COVID-19 pandemic in Ethiopia were included. The six World Health Organization (WHO) healthcare system building blocks were used to categorize healthcare challenges. PubMed ProQuest, databases were searched, and results were summarized using systematic review synthesis. RESULTS Financial constraints led to a shortage of mechanical ventilators. Furthermore, the pandemic hindered the capacity to avail full packages of personal protective equipment in health facilities and intensive care capacity. The pandemic also affected the delivery of maternal, child and new-born services, prevention, and treatment of childhood illness, including immunization services. CONCLUSIONS The COVID-19 pandemic posed various challenges to the performance of the healthcare system in Ethiopia. It is recommended that policy makers and stakeholders enhance pandemic preparedness and strengthen response capacity by considering the six WHO healthcare system building blocks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdulnasir Abagero
- CRIMEDIM—Center for Research and Training in Disaster Medicine, Humanitarian Aid and Global Health, Università del Piemonte Orientale, 28100 Novara, Italy
- ReGEDiM—Research Group on Emergency Disaster Medicine, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), 1050 Brussels, Belgium
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa 70710, Ethiopia
| | - Luca Ragazzoni
- CRIMEDIM—Center for Research and Training in Disaster Medicine, Humanitarian Aid and Global Health, Università del Piemonte Orientale, 28100 Novara, Italy
- Department of Sustainable Development and Ecological Transition, University of Eastern Piedmont, 28100 Novara, Italy
| | - Ives Hubloue
- ReGEDiM—Research Group on Emergency Disaster Medicine, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), 1050 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Francesco Barone-Adesi
- CRIMEDIM—Center for Research and Training in Disaster Medicine, Humanitarian Aid and Global Health, Università del Piemonte Orientale, 28100 Novara, Italy
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Eastern Piedmont, 28100 Novara, Italy
| | - Hamdi Lamine
- CRIMEDIM—Center for Research and Training in Disaster Medicine, Humanitarian Aid and Global Health, Università del Piemonte Orientale, 28100 Novara, Italy
- Department of Sustainable Development and Ecological Transition, University of Eastern Piedmont, 28100 Novara, Italy
- Faculty of medicine Ibn Aljazzar of Sousse, University of Sousse, Sousse 4002, Tunisia
| | - Adamu Addissie
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa 70710, Ethiopia
| | - Francesco Della Corte
- CRIMEDIM—Center for Research and Training in Disaster Medicine, Humanitarian Aid and Global Health, Università del Piemonte Orientale, 28100 Novara, Italy
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Eastern Piedmont, 28100 Novara, Italy
| | - Martina Valente
- CRIMEDIM—Center for Research and Training in Disaster Medicine, Humanitarian Aid and Global Health, Università del Piemonte Orientale, 28100 Novara, Italy
- Department of Sustainable Development and Ecological Transition, University of Eastern Piedmont, 28100 Novara, Italy
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Rghei AD, van Lieshout LP, Cao W, He S, Tierney K, Lopes JA, Zielinska N, Baracuhy EM, Campbell ESB, Minott JA, Guilleman MM, Hasson PC, Thompson B, Karimi K, Bridle BW, Susta L, Qiu X, Banadyga L, Wootton SK. Adeno-associated virus mediated expression of monoclonal antibody MR191 protects mice against Marburg virus and provides long-term expression in sheep. Gene Ther 2022:10.1038/s41434-022-00361-2. [PMID: 36050451 DOI: 10.1038/s41434-022-00361-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2022] [Revised: 08/09/2022] [Accepted: 08/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Vectored monoclonal antibody (mAb) expression mediated by adeno-associated virus (AAV) gene delivery leads to sustained therapeutic mAb expression and protection against a wide range of infectious diseases in both small and large animal models, including nonhuman primates. Using our rationally engineered AAV6 triple mutant capsid, termed AAV6.2FF, we demonstrate rapid and robust expression of two potent human antibodies against Marburg virus, MR78 and MR191, following intramuscular (IM) administration. IM injection of mice with 1 × 1011 vector genomes (vg) of AAV6.2FF-MR78 and AAV6.2FF-MR191 resulted in serum concentrations of approximately 141 μg/mL and 195 μg/mL of human IgG, respectively, within the first four weeks. Mice receiving 1 × 1011 vg (high) and 1 × 1010 vg (medium) doses of AAV6.2FF-MR191 were completely protected against lethal Marburg virus challenge. No sex-based differences in serum human IgG concentrations were observed; however, administering the AAV-mAb over multiple injection sites significantly increased serum human IgG concentrations. IM administration of three two-week-old lambs with 5 × 1012 vg/kg of AAV6.2FF-MR191 resulted in serum human IgG expression that was sustained for more than 460 days, concomitant with low levels of anti-capsid and anti-drug antibodies. AAV-mAb expression is a viable method for prolonging the therapeutic effect of recombinant mAbs and represents a potential alternative "vaccine" strategy for those with compromised immune systems or in possible outbreak response scenarios.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amira D Rghei
- Department of Pathobiology, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, N1G 2W1, Canada
| | | | - Wenguang Cao
- Special Pathogens Program, Public Health Agency of Canada, Winnipeg, MB, R3E 3R2, Canada
| | - Shihua He
- Special Pathogens Program, Public Health Agency of Canada, Winnipeg, MB, R3E 3R2, Canada
| | - Kevin Tierney
- Special Pathogens Program, Public Health Agency of Canada, Winnipeg, MB, R3E 3R2, Canada
| | - Jordyn A Lopes
- Department of Pathobiology, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Nicole Zielinska
- Department of Pathobiology, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Enzo M Baracuhy
- Department of Pathobiology, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Elena S B Campbell
- Department of Pathobiology, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Jessica A Minott
- Department of Pathobiology, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Matthew M Guilleman
- Department of Pathobiology, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Pamela C Hasson
- Department of Pathobiology, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, N1G 2W1, Canada
| | | | - Khalil Karimi
- Department of Pathobiology, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Byram W Bridle
- Department of Pathobiology, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Leonardo Susta
- Department of Pathobiology, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Xiangguo Qiu
- Special Pathogens Program, Public Health Agency of Canada, Winnipeg, MB, R3E 3R2, Canada
| | - Logan Banadyga
- Special Pathogens Program, Public Health Agency of Canada, Winnipeg, MB, R3E 3R2, Canada
| | - Sarah K Wootton
- Department of Pathobiology, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, N1G 2W1, Canada.
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Delamou A, Sow A, Fofana TO, Sidibé S, Kourouma K, Sandouno M, Touré A, Tounkara TM, Le Marcis F, Van Damme W. A rapid assessment of health system preparedness and response to the COVID-19 pandemic in Guinea. J Public Health Afr 2022; 13:1475. [PMID: 36051518 PMCID: PMC9425928 DOI: 10.4081/jphia.2022.1475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2020] [Accepted: 05/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Epidemic-prone diseases have high adverse impacts and pose important threats to global health security. This study aimed to assess levels of health facility preparedness and response to the COVID-19 pandemic in Guinea. This was a cross-sectional study in public and private health facilities/services across 13 Guinean health districts. Managers and healthcare workers (HCWs) from departments in each facility/service were interviewed. Descriptive statistics and comparisons were presented using Pearson’s Chi-Squared Test or Fischer exact test. Totally, 197 managers and 1020 HCWs participated in the study. Guidance documents and dedicated spaces for management/isolation of suspected COVID-19 cases were available only in 29% and 26% of facilities, respectively. Capacities to collect (9%) and safely transport (14%) samples were low. Intensive care units (5%), dedicated patient beds (3%), oxygenators (2%), and respirators (0.6%) were almost lacking. While 36% of facilities/services had received infection prevention and control supplies, only 20% had supplies sufficient for 30 days. Moreover, only 9% of HCWs had received formal training on COVID-19. The main sources of information for HCWs were the media (90%) and the internet (58%). Only 30% of HCWs had received personal protective equipment, more in the public sector (p<0.001) and in Conakry (p=0.022). This study showed low levels of preparedness of health facilities/services in Guinea and highlighted a lack of confidence among HCWs who felt unsafe at their workplace. Better governance to improve and maintain the capacity of the Guinean health system to respond to current and future epidemics is needed.
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37
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Black A, Brown O, Utunen H, Gamhewage G, Gore J. Insights on Public Health Professionals Non-technical Skills in an Emergency Response (Multi-Team System) Environment. Front Psychol 2022; 13:827367. [PMID: 35774938 PMCID: PMC9239737 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.827367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2021] [Accepted: 05/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
This paper provides practitioner and academic insights into the importance of examining non-technical skills in a multiteam system emergency response. The case of public health professionals is highlighted, illustrated with unique qualitative field data which focused upon the use of non-technical skills at a meso level of analysis. Results reflected the importance of context upon the multiteam system and highlighted seven non-technical skills used by public health professionals to support an effective response. Recommendations for future research and implications for practice are noted for this hard to access professional group, located within emerging advances in the scientific inquiry of complex and increasingly evident, multi-team systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Black
- Health Emergencies, Learning and Capacity Development Unit, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Olivia Brown
- School of Management, University of Bath, Somerset, United Kingdom
| | - Heini Utunen
- Health Emergencies, Learning and Capacity Development Unit, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Gaya Gamhewage
- Health Emergencies, Learning and Capacity Development Unit, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Julie Gore
- Department of Organizational Psychology, Birkbeck College, University of London, London, United Kingdom
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Ochola GO, Li B, Obanda V, Ommeh S, Ochieng H, Yang XL, Onyuok SO, Shi ZL, Agwanda B, Hu B. Discovery of novel DNA viruses in small mammals from Kenya. Virol Sin 2022; 37:491-502. [PMID: 35680114 PMCID: PMC9437603 DOI: 10.1016/j.virs.2022.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2021] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Emergence and re-emergence of infectious diseases of wildlife origin have led pre-emptive pathogen surveillances in animals to be a public health priority. Rodents and shrews are among the most numerically abundant vertebrate taxa and are known as natural hosts of important zoonotic viruses. Many surveillance programs focused more on RNA viruses. In comparison, much less is known about DNA viruses harbored by these small mammals. To fill this knowledge gap, tissue specimens of 232 animals including 226 rodents, five shrews and one hedgehog were collected from 5 counties in Kenya and tested for the presence of DNA viruses belonging to 7 viral families by PCR. Diverse DNA sequences of adenoviruses, adeno-associated viruses, herpesviruses and polyomaviruses were detected. Phylogenetic analyses revealed that most of these viruses showed distinction from previously described viruses and formed new clusters. Furthermore, this is the first report of the discovery and full-length genome characterization of a polyomavirus in Lemniscomys species. This novel polyomavirus, named LsPyV KY187, has less than 60% amino acid sequence identity to the most related Glis glis polyomavirus 1 and Sciurus carolinensis polyomavirus 1 in both large and small T-antigen proteins and thus can be putatively allocated to a novel species within Betapolyomavirus. Our findings help us better understand the genetic diversity of DNA viruses in rodent and shrew populations in Kenya and provide new insights into the evolution of those DNA viruses in their small mammal reservoirs. It demonstrates the necessity of ongoing pathogen discovery studies targeting rodent-borne viruses in East Africa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Griphin Ochieng Ochola
- CAS Key Laboratory of Special Pathogens and Biosafety, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430071, China; Sino-Africa Joint Research Center, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430074, China; Mammalogy Section, National Museums of Kenya, Nairobi, 40658-00100, Kenya; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Bei Li
- CAS Key Laboratory of Special Pathogens and Biosafety, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Vincent Obanda
- Veterinary Services Department, Kenya Wildlife Service, Nairobi, 40241-00100, Kenya
| | - Sheila Ommeh
- Institute of Biotechnology Research, Jomo Kenyatta University of Science and Technology, Nairobi, 62000-00200, Kenya
| | - Harold Ochieng
- Mammalogy Section, National Museums of Kenya, Nairobi, 40658-00100, Kenya
| | - Xing-Lou Yang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Special Pathogens and Biosafety, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430071, China; Sino-Africa Joint Research Center, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430074, China
| | - Samson Omondi Onyuok
- CAS Key Laboratory of Special Pathogens and Biosafety, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430071, China; Mammalogy Section, National Museums of Kenya, Nairobi, 40658-00100, Kenya
| | - Zheng-Li Shi
- CAS Key Laboratory of Special Pathogens and Biosafety, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430071, China; Sino-Africa Joint Research Center, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430074, China
| | - Bernard Agwanda
- Mammalogy Section, National Museums of Kenya, Nairobi, 40658-00100, Kenya.
| | - Ben Hu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Special Pathogens and Biosafety, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430071, China; Sino-Africa Joint Research Center, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430074, China.
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39
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Botero-Mesa S, Coelho FC, Nwosu K, Wicht B, Venkatasubramanian A, Wagner O, Valera C, Nguimbis B, Câmara D, Reis I, Bianchi L, Mahdiani M, Onsimbie PA, Diallo PAN, Jacques L, Muloliwa AM, Bougma M, Mukavhi L, Kaneria A, Peruvemba R, Gupta A, Triulzi I, James A, Carrara V, Ngambi W, Habibi Z, Adhanom MT, Rodriguez Velásquez S, Sestito P, Kousil T, Biru L, Vivacqua D, Dalal J, Mian A, Roelens M, Orel E, Hofer CB, Wangara F, Mboussou F, Mlanda T, Bukhari A, Lee TMH, Ngom R, Stoll B, Chimbetete C, Abbate J, Impouma B, Keiser O. Leveraging human resources for outbreak analysis: lessons from an international collaboration to support the sub-Saharan African COVID-19 response. BMC Public Health 2022; 22:1073. [PMID: 35641949 PMCID: PMC9152815 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-022-13327-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2021] [Accepted: 04/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Emerging infectious diseases are a growing threat in sub-Saharan African countries, but the human and technical capacity to quickly respond to outbreaks remains limited. Here, we describe the experience and lessons learned from a joint project with the WHO Regional Office for Africa (WHO AFRO) to support the sub-Saharan African COVID-19 response.In June 2020, WHO AFRO contracted a number of consultants to reinforce the COVID-19 response in member states by providing actionable epidemiological analysis. Given the urgency of the situation and the magnitude of work required, we recruited a worldwide network of field experts, academics and students in the areas of public health, data science and social science to support the effort. Most analyses were performed on a merged line list of COVID-19 cases using a reverse engineering model (line listing built using data extracted from national situation reports shared by countries with the Regional Office for Africa as per the IHR (2005) obligations). The data analysis platform The Renku Project ( https://renkulab.io ) provided secure data storage and permitted collaborative coding.Over a period of 6 months, 63 contributors from 32 nations (including 17 African countries) participated in the project. A total of 45 in-depth country-specific epidemiological reports and data quality reports were prepared for 28 countries. Spatial transmission and mortality risk indices were developed for 23 countries. Text and video-based training modules were developed to integrate and mentor new members. The team also began to develop EpiGraph Hub, a web application that automates the generation of reports similar to those we created, and includes more advanced data analyses features (e.g. mathematical models, geospatial analyses) to deliver real-time, actionable results to decision-makers.Within a short period, we implemented a global collaborative approach to health data management and analyses to advance national responses to health emergencies and outbreaks. The interdisciplinary team, the hands-on training and mentoring, and the participation of local researchers were key to the success of this initiative.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Botero-Mesa
- Institute of Global Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
- The Global Research and Analysis for Public Health (GRAPH) Network, Association Actions en Santé, Geneve, Switzerland
| | - Flavio Codeço Coelho
- The Global Research and Analysis for Public Health (GRAPH) Network, Association Actions en Santé, Geneve, Switzerland
- School of Applied Mathematics, Getulio Vargas Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Kenechukwu Nwosu
- Institute of Global Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
- The Global Research and Analysis for Public Health (GRAPH) Network, Association Actions en Santé, Geneve, Switzerland
| | - Bertil Wicht
- The Global Research and Analysis for Public Health (GRAPH) Network, Association Actions en Santé, Geneve, Switzerland
- Faculté de Lettres, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Akarsh Venkatasubramanian
- The Global Research and Analysis for Public Health (GRAPH) Network, Association Actions en Santé, Geneve, Switzerland
- Institute for Technology and Global Health, Massachusetts Institute of Technology’, Cambridge, USA
- Transform Health Coalition, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Olena Wagner
- Institute of Global Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
- The Global Research and Analysis for Public Health (GRAPH) Network, Association Actions en Santé, Geneve, Switzerland
| | - Camille Valera
- Institute of Global Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
- The Global Research and Analysis for Public Health (GRAPH) Network, Association Actions en Santé, Geneve, Switzerland
| | - Benedict Nguimbis
- The Global Research and Analysis for Public Health (GRAPH) Network, Association Actions en Santé, Geneve, Switzerland
- Data analysis, The GRAPH Network, Douala, Cameroon
| | - Daniel Câmara
- The Global Research and Analysis for Public Health (GRAPH) Network, Association Actions en Santé, Geneve, Switzerland
- Laboratório de Mosquitos Transmissores de Hematozoários, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Brasil - LATHEMA/IOC/FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Núcleo Operacional Sentinela de Mosquitos Vetores, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Brasil - NOSMOVE/FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Izabel Reis
- The Global Research and Analysis for Public Health (GRAPH) Network, Association Actions en Santé, Geneve, Switzerland
- Laboratório de Mosquitos Transmissores de Hematozoários, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Brasil - LATHEMA/IOC/FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Núcleo Operacional Sentinela de Mosquitos Vetores, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Brasil - NOSMOVE/FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Lucas Bianchi
- The Global Research and Analysis for Public Health (GRAPH) Network, Association Actions en Santé, Geneve, Switzerland
- Sergio Arouca National School of Public Health, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Brasil - ENSP/FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Morteza Mahdiani
- The Global Research and Analysis for Public Health (GRAPH) Network, Association Actions en Santé, Geneve, Switzerland
| | - Papy Ansobi Onsimbie
- The Global Research and Analysis for Public Health (GRAPH) Network, Association Actions en Santé, Geneve, Switzerland
- Research and Training Unit in Ecology and Control of Infectious Diseases (URF-ECMI), Faculty of Medicine, University of Kinshasa, Kinshasa, Congo
| | - Papa Amadou Niang Diallo
- The Global Research and Analysis for Public Health (GRAPH) Network, Association Actions en Santé, Geneve, Switzerland
- National Aids Committe, Fann Hospital Center, Dakar, Senegal
| | - Léa Jacques
- The Global Research and Analysis for Public Health (GRAPH) Network, Association Actions en Santé, Geneve, Switzerland
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Artur Manuel Muloliwa
- The Global Research and Analysis for Public Health (GRAPH) Network, Association Actions en Santé, Geneve, Switzerland
- Faculdade de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Lúrio, Nampula, Moçambique
| | - Moussa Bougma
- The Global Research and Analysis for Public Health (GRAPH) Network, Association Actions en Santé, Geneve, Switzerland
- Institut Supérieur des Sciences de la Population (ISSP), Université Joseph KI-ZERBO, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
| | - Leckson Mukavhi
- The Global Research and Analysis for Public Health (GRAPH) Network, Association Actions en Santé, Geneve, Switzerland
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Adit Kaneria
- The Global Research and Analysis for Public Health (GRAPH) Network, Association Actions en Santé, Geneve, Switzerland
- School of Information Studies, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY USA
| | - Ram Peruvemba
- The Global Research and Analysis for Public Health (GRAPH) Network, Association Actions en Santé, Geneve, Switzerland
- HSR.health, Rockville, MD USA
| | - Ajay Gupta
- The Global Research and Analysis for Public Health (GRAPH) Network, Association Actions en Santé, Geneve, Switzerland
- HSR.health, Rockville, MD USA
| | - Isotta Triulzi
- The Global Research and Analysis for Public Health (GRAPH) Network, Association Actions en Santé, Geneve, Switzerland
- Institute of Management, Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna, Pisa, Italy
| | - Ananthu James
- The Global Research and Analysis for Public Health (GRAPH) Network, Association Actions en Santé, Geneve, Switzerland
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, India
| | - Verena Carrara
- Institute of Global Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
- The Global Research and Analysis for Public Health (GRAPH) Network, Association Actions en Santé, Geneve, Switzerland
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Wingston Ngambi
- Institute of Global Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
- The Global Research and Analysis for Public Health (GRAPH) Network, Association Actions en Santé, Geneve, Switzerland
- Health Economics Policy Unit, Department of Health Systems and Policy, Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Zahra Habibi
- Institute of Global Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
- The Global Research and Analysis for Public Health (GRAPH) Network, Association Actions en Santé, Geneve, Switzerland
| | - Michael Tedros Adhanom
- Institute of Global Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
- The Global Research and Analysis for Public Health (GRAPH) Network, Association Actions en Santé, Geneve, Switzerland
| | - Sabina Rodriguez Velásquez
- Institute of Global Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
- The Global Research and Analysis for Public Health (GRAPH) Network, Association Actions en Santé, Geneve, Switzerland
| | - Paolo Sestito
- Institute of Global Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
- The Global Research and Analysis for Public Health (GRAPH) Network, Association Actions en Santé, Geneve, Switzerland
| | - Timokleia Kousil
- Institute of Global Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
- The Global Research and Analysis for Public Health (GRAPH) Network, Association Actions en Santé, Geneve, Switzerland
| | - Loza Biru
- Institute of Global Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
- The Global Research and Analysis for Public Health (GRAPH) Network, Association Actions en Santé, Geneve, Switzerland
| | - Daniela Vivacqua
- The Global Research and Analysis for Public Health (GRAPH) Network, Association Actions en Santé, Geneve, Switzerland
- Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Jyoti Dalal
- The Global Research and Analysis for Public Health (GRAPH) Network, Association Actions en Santé, Geneve, Switzerland
| | - Anatole Mian
- Data analysis, The GRAPH Network, Abidjan, Ivory Coast
| | - Maroussia Roelens
- Institute of Global Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
- The Global Research and Analysis for Public Health (GRAPH) Network, Association Actions en Santé, Geneve, Switzerland
| | - Erol Orel
- Institute of Global Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
- The Global Research and Analysis for Public Health (GRAPH) Network, Association Actions en Santé, Geneve, Switzerland
| | - Cristina Barroso Hofer
- The Global Research and Analysis for Public Health (GRAPH) Network, Association Actions en Santé, Geneve, Switzerland
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Fatihiyya Wangara
- Institute of Global Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
- The Global Research and Analysis for Public Health (GRAPH) Network, Association Actions en Santé, Geneve, Switzerland
- Department of Health Services, County Government of Kwale, Kwale, Kenya
| | - Franck Mboussou
- World Health Organization, Regional Office for Africa, Brazzaville, Congo
| | - Tamayi Mlanda
- World Health Organization, Regional Office for Africa, Brazzaville, Congo
| | - Arish Bukhari
- World Health Organization, Regional Office for Africa, Brazzaville, Congo
| | | | - Roland Ngom
- World Health Organization, Regional Office for Africa, Brazzaville, Congo
| | - Beat Stoll
- Institute of Global Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
- Association Actions en Santé Publique, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Cleophas Chimbetete
- The Global Research and Analysis for Public Health (GRAPH) Network, Association Actions en Santé, Geneve, Switzerland
- Newlands Clinic, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Jessica Abbate
- The Global Research and Analysis for Public Health (GRAPH) Network, Association Actions en Santé, Geneve, Switzerland
- UMI TransVIHMI (Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Université de Montpellier), Montpellier, France
- Geomatys, Montpellier, France
| | - Benido Impouma
- Institute of Global Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
- World Health Organization, Regional Office for Africa, Brazzaville, Congo
| | - Olivia Keiser
- Institute of Global Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
- The Global Research and Analysis for Public Health (GRAPH) Network, Association Actions en Santé, Geneve, Switzerland
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Ngoy N, Oyugi B, Ouma PO, Conteh IN, Woldetsadik SF, Nanyunja M, Okeibunor JC, Yoti Z, Gueye AS. Coordination mechanisms for COVID-19 in the WHO Regional office for Africa. BMC Health Serv Res 2022; 22:711. [PMID: 35643550 PMCID: PMC9142827 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-022-08035-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Accepted: 04/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Aim
This study describes the coordination mechanisms that have been used for management of the COVID 19 pandemic in the WHO AFRO region; relate the patterns of the disease (length of time between onset of coordination and first case; length of the wave of the disease and peak attack rate) to coordination mechanisms established at the national level, and document best practices and lessons learned.
Method
We did a retrospective policy tracing of the COVID-19 coordination mechanisms from March 2020 (when first cases of COVID-19 in the AFRO region were reported) to the end of the third wave in September 2021. Data sources were from document and Literature review of COVID-19 response strategies, plans, regulations, press releases, government websites, grey and peer-reviewed literature. The data was extracted to Excel file database and coded then analysed using Stata (version 15). Analysis was done through descriptive statistical analysis (using measures of central tendencies (mean, SD, and median) and measures of central dispersion (range)), multiple linear regression, and thematic analysis of qualitative data.
Results
There are three distinct layered coordination mechanisms (strategic, operational, and tactical) that were either implemented singularly or in tandem with another coordination mechanism. 87.23% (n = 41) of the countries initiated strategic coordination, and 59.57% (n = 28) initiated some form of operational coordination. Some of countries (n = 26,55.32%) provided operational coordination using functional Public Health Emergency Operation Centres (PHEOCs) which were activated for the response. 31.91% (n = 15) of the countries initiated some form of tactical coordination which involved the decentralisation of the operations at the local/grassroot level/district/ county levels. Decentralisation strategies played a key role in coordination, as was the innovative strategies by the countries; some coordination mechanisms built on already existing coordination systems and the heads of states were effective in the success of the coordination process. Financing posed challenge to majority of the countries in initiating coordination.
Conclusion
Coordinating an emergency is a multidimensional process that includes having decision-makers and institutional agents define and prioritise policies and norms that contain the spread of the disease, regulate activities and behaviour and citizens, and respond to personnel who coordinate prevention.
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Brown GW, Bridge G, Martini J, Um J, Williams OD, Choupe LBT, Rhodes N, Ho ZJM, Chungong S, Kandel N. The role of health systems for health security: a scoping review revealing the need for improved conceptual and practical linkages. Global Health 2022; 18:51. [PMID: 35570269 PMCID: PMC9107590 DOI: 10.1186/s12992-022-00840-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2021] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Practical links between health systems and health security are historically prevalent, but the conceptual links between these fields remain under explored, with little on health system strengthening. The need to address this gap gains relevance in light of the COVID-19 pandemic as it demonstrated a crucial relationship between health system capacities and effective health security response. Acknowledging the importance of developing stronger and more resilient health systems globally for health emergency preparedness, the WHO developed a Health Systems for Health Security framework that aims to promote a common understanding of what health systems for health security entails whilst identifying key capacities required. METHODS/ RESULTS To further explore and analyse the conceptual and practical links between health systems and health security within the peer reviewed literature, a rapid scoping review was carried out to provide an overview of the type, extent and quantity of research available. Studies were included if they had been peer-reviewed and were published in English (seven databases 2000 to 2020). 343 articles were identified, of those 204 discussed health systems and health security (high and medium relevance), 101 discussed just health systems and 47 discussed only health security (low relevance). Within the high and medium relevance articles, several concepts emerged, including the prioritization of health security over health systems, the tendency to treat health security as exceptionalism focusing on acute health emergencies, and a conceptualisation of security as 'state security' not 'human security' or population health. CONCLUSION Examples of literature exploring links between health systems and health security are provided. We also present recommendations for further research, offering several investments and/or programmes that could reliably lead to maximal gains from both a health system and a health security perspective, and why these should be explored further. This paper could help researchers and funders when deciding upon the scope, nature and design of future research in this area. Additionally, the paper legitimises the necessity of the Health Systems for Health Security framework, with the findings of this paper providing useful insights and evidentiary examples for effective implementation of the framework.
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Affiliation(s)
- Garrett Wallace Brown
- grid.9909.90000 0004 1936 8403School of Politics and International Studies (POLIS), University of Leeds, Leeds, LS2 9JT UK
| | - Gemma Bridge
- grid.4868.20000 0001 2171 1133Institute of Population Health Sciences, Centre for Clinical Trials & Methodology, Queen Mary University London, London, E1 2AD UK
| | - Jessica Martini
- grid.4989.c0000 0001 2348 0746School of Public Health, Université Libre de Bruxelles, 1070 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Jimyong Um
- grid.1013.30000 0004 1936 834XDepartment of Government and International Relations, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Owain D. Williams
- grid.9909.90000 0004 1936 8403School of Politics and International Studies (POLIS), University of Leeds, Leeds, LS2 9JT UK
| | | | - Natalie Rhodes
- grid.9909.90000 0004 1936 8403School of Politics and International Studies (POLIS), University of Leeds, Leeds, LS2 9JT UK
| | - Zheng Jie Marc Ho
- grid.3575.40000000121633745World Health Organisation, WHO Health Emergencies Program, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Stella Chungong
- grid.3575.40000000121633745World Health Organisation, WHO Health Emergencies Program, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Nirmal Kandel
- grid.3575.40000000121633745World Health Organisation, WHO Health Emergencies Program, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland
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Olliaro P, Torreele E. Global challenges in preparedness and response to epidemic infectious diseases. Mol Ther 2022; 30:1801-1809. [PMID: 35218930 PMCID: PMC8864962 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2022.02.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Revised: 02/16/2022] [Accepted: 02/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Lessons drawn from successes and failures with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and Ebola virus disease (EVD) should help shaping a robust health innovation system for infectious disease epidemics. Epidemic response research and development (R&D) can be mobilized quickly for public health priorities and yield medicinal products within months. However, to resolve epidemics, technological advances must be equitably accessible and deployed, and these examples expose the limitations of a supply-driven, fragmented R&D ecosystem relying primarily on the private sector to deliver health products. Efficient epidemic response requires a coordinated public health-focused, end-to-end R&D ecosystem for the development, registration, availability, and use of pharmaceutical products. Because pivotal clinical trials can only be conducted during outbreaks, significant preparation must be done beforehand: strengthening clinical research capacity and developing pre-positioned trial protocols and clinical characterization protocols, as well as conducting discovery and pre-clinical research, manufacturing, and early clinical testing of candidate products. This will allow for speedy execution of clinical research early into an outbreak and delivering products within a short time. Effective interventions should be adopted and deployed ensuring equitable access during the ongoing outbreak. Measures to make products available where and when needed must be integrated throughout the R&D value chain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Piero Olliaro
- ISARIC Global Support Centre, International Severe Acute Respiratory and Emerging Infection Consortium, Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, New Richards Building, Old Road Campus, Roosevelt Drive, Oxford OX3 7FZ, UK.
| | - Els Torreele
- Visiting Fellow, Institute for Innovation and Public Purpose, University College London, London, UK
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The Role of Public Health Emergency Management in Biodefense: A COVID-19 Case Study. Disaster Med Public Health Prep 2022; 17:e185. [PMID: 35492020 PMCID: PMC9253437 DOI: 10.1017/dmp.2022.113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic has had significant impact on human lives as well as economic and social stability. The United States has a complicated history with biosecurity as policy making, biodefense activities, and government transparency have historically been in contention. The terror attacks of September 11, 2001 uncovered various weaknesses in the national public health infrastructure that have persisted into the current pandemic. METHODS This study explores the biodefense and public health preparedness landscape for trends in federal support and capacity building. It also investigates the applicability of public health emergency management principles to the biodefense structure. A mixed method was utilized in this study to investigate the qualitative and quantitative factors of the research inquiry. Braun and Clarke's six phase framework for thematic analysis will assist with defining the important information from a review of the literature. The concurrent triangulation design permits that use of qualitative and quantitative data to more accurately define and analyze the relationship among the variables of interest. RESULTS The results included the identification of 8 common themes of failure during the COVID-19 response: (1) accountable leadership, (2) statutory authorities and policies, (3) inter-agency coordination, (4) coherent data system for situational awareness, (5) strategic national stockpile and supply chain, (6) testing and surveillance, (7) health care system surge capacity and resilience, and (8) federal funds and the role of public health emergency management in the evolving landscape of biothreats, both intentional and natural. DISCUSSION To counter the increasing biothreats, the United States must invest in revamping the biodefense infrastructure to mimic and support public health emergency preparedness initiatives which will increase our resilience to various biothreats.
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Herstein JJ, Vasa A, Sauer LM, Vanairsdale S, ElRayes W, Vasistha S, Herzog C, Leo YS, Vasoo S, Jacobs M, Lowe JJ. Increasing International Collaboration and Networking Among High-level Isolation Units and Programs. Health Secur 2022; 20:S85-S89. [PMID: 35475686 DOI: 10.1089/hs.2021.0183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Jocelyn J Herstein
- Jocelyn J. Herstein, PhD, MPH, is Director, International Programs and Engagement, National Emerging Special Pathogens Training and Education Center (NETEC), and an Assistant Professor, Department of Environmental, Agricultural, and Occupational Health, College of Public Health; all at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE
| | - Angela Vasa
- Angela Vasa, MSN, RN, is Director, Readiness Consultations and Metrics Development, NETEC, and Director, Isolation and Quarantine, Nebraska Medicine; all at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE
| | - Lauren M Sauer
- Lauren M. Sauer, MS, is Director, Special Pathogens Research Network, NETEC, and an Associate Professor, Department of Environmental, Agricultural, and Occupational Health, College of Public Health; all at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE
| | - Sharon Vanairsdale
- Sharon Vanairsdale, DNP, APRN, ACNS-BC, NP-C, CEN, FAEN, FAAN, is Director of Education and Resources, NETEC; an Associate Professor, Clinical Track, School of Nursing, Emory University; and Program Director for Serious Communicable Diseases, Emory University Hospital, all in Atlanta, GA
| | - Wael ElRayes
- Wael ElRayes, MBBCh, PhD, MS, FACHE, is an Assistant Professor, Department of Health Services Research and Administration, College of Public Health; all at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE
| | - Sami Vasistha
- Sami Vasistha, MS, is a Program Manager, NETEC, and a Program Manager, Global Center for Health Security; all at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE
| | - Christian Herzog
- Christian Herzog, PhD, is Head, Strategy and Incidence Response, Centre for Biological Threats and Special Pathogens, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - Yee Sin Leo
- Yee Sin Leo, MBBS, M Med, MPH, MRCP, FRCP, FAMS, is Executive Director, National Centre for Infectious Diseases; Senior Consultant, Department of Infectious Diseases, Tan Tock Seng Hospital; and Adjunct Professor, Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health; all in Singapore
| | - Shawn Vasoo
- Shawn Vasoo, MBBS, MRCP, is Clinical Director, National Centre for Infectious Diseases, and a Senior Consultant, Department of Infectious Diseases, Tan Tock Seng Hospital; both in Singapore
| | - Michael Jacobs
- Michael Jacobs, MA, PhD, FRCP, FRCP Edin, DTM&H, is a Consultant and Honorary Associate Professor of Infectious Diseases, Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - John J Lowe
- John J. Lowe, PhD, is Co-Principal Investigator, NETEC, a Professor, Department of Environmental, Agricultural, and Occupational Health, College of Public Health, and Assistant Vice Chancellor for Health Security Training and Education; all at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE
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Rupasinghe R, Chomel BB, Martínez-López B. Climate change and zoonoses: A review of the current status, knowledge gaps, and future trends. Acta Trop 2022; 226:106225. [PMID: 34758355 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2021.106225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2021] [Revised: 10/25/2021] [Accepted: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Emerging infectious diseases (EIDs), especially those with zoonotic potential, are a growing threat to global health, economy, and safety. The influence of global warming and geoclimatic variations on zoonotic disease epidemiology is evident by alterations in the host, vector, and pathogen dynamics and their interactions. The objective of this article is to review the current literature on the observed impacts of climate change on zoonoses and discuss future trends. We evaluated several climate models to assess the projections of various zoonoses driven by the predicted climate variations. Many climate projections revealed potential geographical expansion and the severity of vector-borne, waterborne, foodborne, rodent-borne, and airborne zoonoses. However, there are still some knowledge gaps, and further research needs to be conducted to fully understand the magnitude and consequences of some of these changes. Certainly, by understanding the impact of climate change on zoonosis emergence and distribution, we could better plan for climate mitigation and climate adaptation strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruwini Rupasinghe
- Center for Animal Disease Modeling and Surveillance (CADMS), Department of Medicine and Epidemiology, University of California, Davis, CA, USA.
| | - Bruno B Chomel
- Department of Population Health and Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Beatriz Martínez-López
- Center for Animal Disease Modeling and Surveillance (CADMS), Department of Medicine and Epidemiology, University of California, Davis, CA, USA.
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Pinter A, Prist PR, Marrelli MT. Biodiversity and public health interface. BIOTA NEOTROPICA 2022. [DOI: 10.1590/1676-0611-bn-2021-1280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Abstract Alongside modernity, the human activity has been a key factor in global environmental risks, with worldwide anthropic modification being the cause of the emergence of diseases for wild and livestock animals, and even humans. In special, the increase in the spatial distribution and in the incidence of some emerging infectious diseases (EID) are directly associated to deforestation and global climate changes. Moreover, the arise of new EID agents, such as the SARS-COV-2 have been reported for the last 30 years. On the other hand, biodiversity has been shown to be a key indicator for ecosystem health, and to pose a role to increase the promotion of human public health. In neotropical regions, and in special, in Brazil, several infectious diseases have been demonstrated to be directly affected for the biodiversity loss, such as malaria, hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, yellow fever, urban arboviruses, spotted fever, amongst other. To better understand the ecosystem capacity of regulation of infectious diseases, FAPESP BIOTA program have supported researchers and research projects to increase knowledge about Brazilian biodiversity and the ecosystems, such as diversity of bird bioagents, venomous animals biodiversity, diversity of mosquitos species in forest patches inside urban areas, propagation of the yellow fever virus over fragmented forest territories, loss of ecological corridors and occurrence of spotted fever and malaria, amongst others. It is noteworthy that FAPESP BIOTA is a successful program and must be expanded as an important tool for present and future public health promotion.
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Ayala A, Brush A, Chai S, Fernandez J, Ginsbach K, Gottschalk K, Halabi S, Hosangadi D, Mapatano D, Monahan J, Moretti C, Pillinger M, Ramirez GS, Rosenfeld E. Advancing Legal Preparedness through the Global Health Security Agenda. THE JOURNAL OF LAW, MEDICINE & ETHICS : A JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN SOCIETY OF LAW, MEDICINE & ETHICS 2022; 50:200-203. [PMID: 35243985 DOI: 10.1017/jme.2022.26] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The Global Health Security Agenda (GHSA) is a multilateral, multisectoral partnership comprised of more than 70 countries, international organizations, foundations, and businesses to strengthen global health security.
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Masika SJ, Muchemi GM, Okumu TA, Mutura S, Zimmerman D, Kamau J. Molecular evidence of Anaplasma phagocytophilum in olive baboons and vervet monkeys in Kenya. BMC Vet Res 2021; 17:385. [PMID: 34906141 PMCID: PMC8669034 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-021-03095-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2021] [Accepted: 11/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Nonhuman primates (NHPs) play a significant role in zoonotic spill-overs, serving as either reservoirs, or amplifiers, of multiple neglected tropical diseases, including tick-borne infections. Anaplasma phagocytophilum are obligate intracellular bacteria of the family Anaplasmatacae, transmitted by Ixodid ticks and cause granulocytic anaplasmosis (formerly known as Human Granulocytic Ehrlichiosis (HGE)) in a wide range of wild and domestic mammals and humans too. The aim of this study was to determine whether Anaplasma phagocytophilum was circulating in olive baboons and vervet monkeys in Laikipia County, Kenya. Results Some 146 blood samples collected from olive baboons and 18 from vervet monkeys from Mpala Research Center and Ol jogi Conservancy in Laikipia County were screened for the presence of Anaplasma species using conventional Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), and then A. phagocytophilum was confirmed by sequencing using conventional PCR targeting 16S rRNA. This study found an overall prevalence of 18.3% for Anaplasma species. DNA sequences confirmed Anaplasma phagocytophilum in olive baboons for the first time in Kenya. Conclusion This study provides valuable information on the endemicity of A. phagocytophilum bacteria in olive baboons in Kenya. Future research is needed to establish the prevalence and public health implications of zoonotic A. phagocytophilum isolates and the role of nonhuman primates as reservoirs in the region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie Jerusa Masika
- Department of Public Health, Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya. .,Molecular biology laboratory, Institute of Primate Research, Nairobi Kenya, Nairobi, Kenya.
| | - Gerald Mwangi Muchemi
- Department of Public Health, Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Tequiero Abuom Okumu
- Department of Public Health, Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Samson Mutura
- Molecular biology laboratory, Institute of Primate Research, Nairobi Kenya, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Dawn Zimmerman
- Global Health Program, Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, Washington, DC, USA.,Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Disease, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Joseph Kamau
- Molecular biology laboratory, Institute of Primate Research, Nairobi Kenya, Nairobi, Kenya
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Bitanihirwe B, Ssewanyana D, Ddumba-Nyanzi I. Pacing Forward in the Face of Fragility: Lessons From African Institutions and Governments' Response to Public Health Emergencies. Front Public Health 2021; 9:714812. [PMID: 34900886 PMCID: PMC8655676 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2021.714812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2021] [Accepted: 10/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Africa is home to 54 United Nation member states, each possessing a wealth of ethno-cultural, physiographic, and economic diversity. While Africa is credited as having the youngest population in the world, it also exhibits a unique set of “unfortunate realties” ranging from famine and poverty to volatile politics, conflicts, and diseases. These unfortunate realities all converge around social inequalities in health, that are compounded by fragile healthcare systems and a lack of political will by the continent's leaders to improve smart investment and infrastructure planning for the benefit of its people. Noteworthy are the disparities in responsive approaches to crises and emergencies that exist across African governments and institutions. In this context, the present article draws attention to 3 distinct public health emergencies (PHEs) that have occurred in Africa since 2010. We focus on the 2013–2016 Ebola outbreak in Western Africa, the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic which continues to spread throughout the continent, and the destructive locust swarms that ravaged crops across East Africa in 2020. Our aim is to provide an integrated perspective on how governments and institutions handled these PHEs and how scientific and technological innovation, along with educational response played a role in the decision-making process. We conclude by touching on public health policies and strategies to address the development of sustainable health care systems with the potential to improve the health and well-being of the African people.
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Affiliation(s)
- Byron Bitanihirwe
- Humanitarian and Conflict Response Institute, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Derrick Ssewanyana
- Alliance for Health Development, Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada
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Oksanen A, Oksa R, Savela N, Mantere E, Savolainen I, Kaakinen M. COVID-19 crisis and digital stressors at work: A longitudinal study on the Finnish working population. COMPUTERS IN HUMAN BEHAVIOR 2021; 122:106853. [PMID: 34754137 PMCID: PMC8569509 DOI: 10.1016/j.chb.2021.106853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2020] [Revised: 04/27/2021] [Accepted: 05/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The global crisis caused by the outbreak of a novel coronavirus and the associated disease (COVID-19) has changed working conditions due to social-distancing policies. Many workers started to use new technologies at work, including social media applications. In this longitudinal study, we investigated the potential stress effects of social media communication (SMC) at work. Based on our integrative theoretical model, we expected that SMC at work would burden some workers, but those who were accustomed to SMC at work would be better off when the crisis started. We collected a nationally representative sample of Finnish workers before (N = 1308) and during (N = 1081) the COVID-19 crisis. Outcome measures included technostress and work exhaustion. Multilevel linear mixed-effects regression models investigated formal and informal SMC at work. Covariates included cyberbullying at work, social media usage, personality, occupational status, and sociodemographic factors. Results showed that formal SMC increased and predicted higher technostress. However, technostress and work exhaustion decreased among workers already accustomed to using SMC at work before the crisis. The results indicate a disparity in workers' resilience during remote work and highlight a need for organizational level support.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atte Oksanen
- Faculty of Social Sciences, Tampere University, Finland
| | - Reetta Oksa
- Faculty of Social Sciences, Tampere University, Finland
| | - Nina Savela
- Faculty of Social Sciences, Tampere University, Finland
| | - Eerik Mantere
- Faculty of Social Sciences, Tampere University, Finland.,Faculty of Sociology, University of Bordeaux, France
| | | | - Markus Kaakinen
- Institute of Criminology and Legal Policy, University of Helsinki, Finland
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