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Shafi J, Virk MK, Kalk E, Carlucci JG, Chepkemoi A, Bernard C, McHenry MS, Were E, Humphrey J, Davies MA, Mehta UC, Patel RC. Pharmacovigilance in Pregnancy Studies, Exposures and Outcomes Ascertainment, and Findings from Low- and Middle-Income Countries: A Scoping Review. Drug Saf 2024; 47:957-990. [PMID: 38907172 PMCID: PMC11399196 DOI: 10.1007/s40264-024-01445-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/12/2024] [Indexed: 06/23/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Pharmacovigilance (PV), or the ongoing safety monitoring after a medication has been licensed, plays a crucial role in pregnancy, as clinical trials often exclude pregnant people. It is important to understand how pregnancy PV projects operate in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), where there is a disproportionate lack of PV data yet a high burden of adverse pregnancy outcomes. We conducted a scoping review to assess how exposures and outcomes were measured in recently published pregnancy PV projects in LMICs. METHODS We utilized a search string, secondary review, and team knowledge to review publications focusing on therapeutic or vaccine exposures among pregnant people in LMICs. We screened abstracts for relevance before conducting a full text review, and documented measurements of exposures and outcomes (categorized as maternal, birth, or neonatal/infant) among other factors, including study topic, setting, and design, comparator groups, and funding sources. RESULTS We identified 31 PV publications spanning at least 24 LMICs, all focusing on therapeutics or vaccines for infectious diseases, including HIV (n = 17), tuberculosis (TB; n = 9), malaria (n = 7), pertussis, tetanus, and diphtheria (n = 1), and influenza (n = 3). As for outcomes, n = 15, n = 31, and n = 20 of the publications covered maternal, birth, and neonatal/infant outcomes, respectively. Among HIV-specific publications, the primary exposure-outcome relationship of focus was exposure to maternal antiretroviral therapy and adverse outcomes. For TB-specific publications, the main exposures of interest were second-line drug-resistant TB and isoniazid-based prevention therapeutics for pregnant people living with HIV. For malaria-specific publications, the primary exposure-outcome relationship of interest was antimalarial medication exposure during pregnancy and adverse outcomes. Among vaccine-focused publications, the exposure was assessed during a specific time during pregnancy, with an overall interest in vaccine safety and/or efficacy. The study settings were frequently from Africa, designs varied from cohort or cross-sectional studies to clinical trials, and funding sources were largely from high-income countries. CONCLUSION The published pregnancy PV projects were largely centered in Africa and concerned with infectious diseases. This may reflect the disease burden in LMICs but also funding priorities from high-income countries. As the prevalence of non-communicable diseases increases in LMICs, PV projects will have to broaden their scope. Birth and neonatal/infant outcomes were most reported, with fewer reporting on maternal outcomes and none on longer-term child outcomes; additionally, heterogeneity existed in definitions and ascertainment of specific measures. Notably, almost all projects covered a single therapeutic exposure, missing an opportunity to leverage their projects to cover additional exposures, add scientific rigor, create uniformity across health services, and bolster existing health systems. For many publications, the timing of exposure, specifically by trimester, was crucial to maternal and neonatal safety. While currently published pregnancy PV literature offer insights into the PV landscape in LMICs, further work is needed to standardize definitions and measurements, integrate PV projects across health services, and establish longer-term monitoring.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Emma Kalk
- Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology & Research, School of Public Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Mary-Ann Davies
- Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology & Research, School of Public Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Ushma C Mehta
- Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology & Research, School of Public Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Rena C Patel
- University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.
- University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA.
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Manyara AM, Musotsi P. Scooping Review of Diabetes Research in Kenya from 2000 to 2020. East Afr Health Res J 2024; 8:215-221. [PMID: 39296765 PMCID: PMC11407127 DOI: 10.24248/eahrj.v8i2.784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 05/19/2024] [Indexed: 09/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Background The prevalence of diabetes is on the rise globally, with likely disproportionate increase in Sub-Saharan Africa. In Kenya, diabetes has been acknowledged as one of the top non-communicable diseases needing prevention and control. Research can contribute to diabetes prevention and control: however, the landscape of diabetes research in Kenya remains understudied. Methods PubMed, MEDLINE, Scopus, PsycINFO, CINAHL, Google Scholar and ProQuest were searched for relevant articles. We included studies on humans, reporting on any type of diabetes, conducted in Kenya between 2000 to 2020. Results From the search, 983 records were retrieved out of which 102 met the study inclusion criteria. Most studies were facility based (71%) cross sectional (65%) and descriptive (71%) conducted in Nairobi (38%) between 2013-2020 (82%), focused on diabetes control, (71%) and funded by organisations/institutions from high income countries (73%). Conclusion Despite the recent increase in research outputs, there is still limited diabetes research being conducted in Kenya necessitating more research in the country and particularly outside Nairobi to inform prevention and control efforts. Specifically, more focus should be given to etiological and intervention studies (which use longitudinal and randomised controlled trial designs), community-based and public health research. Finally, increased local funding for diabetes research is required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony Muchai Manyara
- School of Health and Wellbeing, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
- Global Health and Ageing Research Unit, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
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Quek ZBR, Ng SH. Hybrid-Capture Target Enrichment in Human Pathogens: Identification, Evolution, Biosurveillance, and Genomic Epidemiology. Pathogens 2024; 13:275. [PMID: 38668230 PMCID: PMC11054155 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens13040275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2024] [Revised: 03/11/2024] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024] Open
Abstract
High-throughput sequencing (HTS) has revolutionised the field of pathogen genomics, enabling the direct recovery of pathogen genomes from clinical and environmental samples. However, pathogen nucleic acids are often overwhelmed by those of the host, requiring deep metagenomic sequencing to recover sufficient sequences for downstream analyses (e.g., identification and genome characterisation). To circumvent this, hybrid-capture target enrichment (HC) is able to enrich pathogen nucleic acids across multiple scales of divergences and taxa, depending on the panel used. In this review, we outline the applications of HC in human pathogens-bacteria, fungi, parasites and viruses-including identification, genomic epidemiology, antimicrobial resistance genotyping, and evolution. Importantly, we explored the applicability of HC to clinical metagenomics, which ultimately requires more work before it is a reliable and accurate tool for clinical diagnosis. Relatedly, the utility of HC was exemplified by COVID-19, which was used as a case study to illustrate the maturity of HC for recovering pathogen sequences. As we unravel the origins of COVID-19, zoonoses remain more relevant than ever. Therefore, the role of HC in biosurveillance studies is also highlighted in this review, which is critical in preparing us for the next pandemic. We also found that while HC is a popular tool to study viruses, it remains underutilised in parasites and fungi and, to a lesser extent, bacteria. Finally, weevaluated the future of HC with respect to bait design in the eukaryotic groups and the prospect of combining HC with long-read HTS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Z. B. Randolph Quek
- Defence Medical & Environmental Research Institute, DSO National Laboratories, Singapore 117510, Singapore
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Tine R, Herrera S, Badji MA, Daniels K, Ndiaye P, Smith Gueye C, Tairou F, Slutsker L, Hwang J, Ansah E, Littrell M. Defining operational research priorities to improve malaria control and elimination in sub-Saharan Africa: results from a country-driven research prioritization setting process. Malar J 2023; 22:219. [PMID: 37517990 PMCID: PMC10387205 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-023-04654-8] [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: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 07/22/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In order to reignite gains and accelerate progress toward improved malaria control and elimination, policy, strategy, and operational decisions should be derived from high-quality evidence. The U.S. President's Malaria Initiative (PMI) Insights project together with the Université Cheikh Anta Diop of Dakar, Senegal, conducted a broad stakeholder consultation process to identify pressing evidence gaps in malaria control and elimination across sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), and developed a priority list of country-driven malaria operational research (OR) and programme evaluation (PE) topics to address these gaps. METHODS Five key stakeholder groups were engaged in the process: national malaria programmes (NMPs), research institutions in SSA, World Health Organization (WHO) representatives in SSA, international funding agencies, and global technical partners who support malaria programme implementation and research. Stakeholders were engaged through individual or small group interviews and an online survey, and asked about key operational challenges faced by NMPs, pressing evidence gaps in current strategy and implementation guidance, and priority OR and PE questions to address the challenges and gaps. RESULTS Altogether, 47 interviews were conducted with 82 individuals, and through the online survey, input was provided by 46 global technical partners. A total of 33 emergent OR and PE topics were identified through the consultation process and were subsequently evaluated and prioritized by an external evaluation committee of experts from NMPs, research institutions, and the WHO. The resulting prioritized OR and PE topics predominantly focused on generating evidence needed to close gaps in intervention coverage, address persistent challenges faced by NMPs in the implementation of core strategic interventions, and inform the effective deployment of new tools. CONCLUSION The prioritized research list is intended to serve as a key resource for informing OR and PE investments, thereby ensuring future investments focus on generating the evidence needed to strengthen national strategies and programme implementation and facilitating a more coordinated and impactful approach to malaria operational research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roger Tine
- Université Cheikh Anta Diop, Dakar, Senegal
| | | | | | - Kyle Daniels
- PMI Insights Project/University of California, San Francisco Malaria Elimination Initiative, San Francisco, USA
| | | | - Cara Smith Gueye
- PMI Insights Project/University of California, San Francisco Malaria Elimination Initiative, San Francisco, USA
| | | | | | - Jimee Hwang
- U.S. President's Malaria Initiative, Malaria Branch, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Evelyn Ansah
- University of Health and Allied Sciences, Accra, Ghana
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Sarpong E, Acheampong DO, Fordjour GNR, Anyanful A, Aninagyei E, Tuoyire DA, Blackhurst D, Kyei GB, Ekor M, Thomford NE. Zero malaria: a mirage or reality for populations of sub-Saharan Africa in health transition. Malar J 2022; 21:314. [PMID: 36333802 PMCID: PMC9636766 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-022-04340-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
The global burden of malaria continues to be a significant public health concern. Despite advances made in therapeutics for malaria, there continues to be high morbidity and mortality associated with this infectious disease. Sub-Saharan Africa continues to be the most affected by the disease, but unfortunately the region is burdened with indigent health systems. With the recent increase in lifestyle diseases, the region is currently in a health transition, complicating the situation by posing a double challenge to the already ailing health sector. In answer to the continuous challenge of malaria, the African Union has started a "zero malaria starts with me" campaign that seeks to personalize malaria prevention and bring it down to the grass-root level. This review discusses the contribution of sub-Saharan Africa, whose population is in a health transition, to malaria elimination. In addition, the review explores the challenges that health systems in these countries face, that may hinder the attainment of a zero-malaria goal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esther Sarpong
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, School Biological Sciences, College of Agriculture and Natural Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
| | - Desmond Omane Acheampong
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School Allied Health Sciences, College of Health and Allied Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
| | - George Nkansah Rost Fordjour
- Pharmacogenomics and Genomic Medicine Group, Department of Medical Biochemistry, School of Medical Sciences, College of Health and Allied Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
| | - Akwasi Anyanful
- Pharmacogenomics and Genomic Medicine Group, Department of Medical Biochemistry, School of Medical Sciences, College of Health and Allied Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
| | - Enoch Aninagyei
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Basic and Biomedical Sciences, University of Health and Allied Sciences, Ho, Volta Region, Ghana
| | - Derek A Tuoyire
- Department of Community Medicine, School of Medical Sciences, College of Health and Allied Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
| | - Dee Blackhurst
- Division of Chemical Pathology, Department of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Anzio Road, Observatory,, Cape Town, 7925, South Africa
| | - George Boateng Kyei
- Department of Virology, College of Health Sciences, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Martins Ekor
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medical Sciences, College of Health and Allied Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
| | - Nicholas Ekow Thomford
- Pharmacogenomics and Genomic Medicine Group, Department of Medical Biochemistry, School of Medical Sciences, College of Health and Allied Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana.
- Division of Human Genetics, Department of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Anzio Road, Observatory, Cape Town, 7925, South Africa.
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Abstract
Background Quantifying disease costs is critical for policymakers to set priorities, allocate resources, select control and prevention strategies, and evaluate the cost-effectiveness of interventions. Although malaria carries a very large disease burden, the availability of comprehensive and comparable estimates of malaria costs across endemic countries is scarce. Methods A literature review to summarize methodologies utilized to estimate malaria treatment costs was conducted to identify gaps in knowledge. Results Only 45 publications met the inclusion criteria. They utilize different methods, include distinct cost components, have varied geographical coverage (a country vs a city), include different periods in the analysis, and focus on specific parasite types or population groups (e.g., pregnant women). Conclusions Cost estimates currently available are not comparable, hindering broad statements on the costs of malaria, and constraining advocacy efforts towards investment in malaria control and elimination, particularly with the finance and development sectors of the government. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12936-022-04303-6.
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Nzoumbou-Boko R, Velut G, Imboumy-Limoukou RK, Manirakiza A, Lekana-Douki JB. Malaria research in the Central African Republic from 1987 to 2020: an overview. Trop Med Health 2022; 50:70. [PMID: 36131331 PMCID: PMC9490699 DOI: 10.1186/s41182-022-00446-z] [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: 05/08/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The national malaria control policy in the Central African Republic (CAR) promotes basic, clinical, and operational research on malaria in collaboration with national and international research institutions. Preparatory work for the elaboration of National Strategic Plans for the implementation of the national malaria control policy includes developing the research component, thus requiring an overview of national malaria research. Here, this survey aims to provide an inventory of malaria research as a baseline for guiding researchers and health authorities in choosing the future avenues of research. Methods Data sources and search strategy were defined to query the online Medline/PubMed database using the “medical subject headings” tool. Eligibility and study inclusion criteria were applied to the selected articles, which were classified based on year, research institute affiliations, and research topic. Results A total of 118 articles were retrieved and 51 articles were ultimately chosen for the bibliometric analysis. The number of publications on malaria has increased over time from 1987 to 2020. These articles were published in 32 different journals, the most represented being the Malaria Journal (13.73%) and the American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene (11.76%). The leading research topics were drug evaluation (52.94%), expatriate patients (23.54%), malaria in children (17.65%), morbidity (13.7%), and malaria during pregnancy (11.76%). The publications’ authors were mainly affiliated with the Institut Pasteur of Bangui (41%), the French Military Medical Service (15.5%), and the University of Bangui (11.7%). Collaborations were mostly established with France, the UK, and the USA; some collaborations involved Switzerland, Austria, Pakistan, Japan, Sri Lanka, Benin, Cameroun, Ivory Coast, and Madagascar. The main sources of research funding were French agencies (28.6%) and international agencies (18.3%). Most studies included were not representative of the whole country. The CAR has the capacity to carry out research on malaria and to ensure the necessary collaborations. Conclusion Malaria research activities in the CAR seem to reflect the priorities of national policy. One remaining challenge is to develop a more representative approach to better characterize malaria cases across the country. Finally, future research and control measures need to integrate the effect of COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Romaric Nzoumbou-Boko
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie, Institut Pasteur de Bangui, PO Box 923, Bangui, Central African Republic.
| | - Guillaume Velut
- French Military Health Service, French Armed Forces Centre for Epidemiology and Public Health (CESPA), Marseille, France
| | - Romeo-Karl Imboumy-Limoukou
- Unité Évolution, Épidémiologie Et Résistances Parasitaires (UNEEREP), Centre International de Recherche Médicale de Franceville (CIRMF), BP769, Franceville, Gabon
| | - Alexandre Manirakiza
- Service d'épidémiologie, Institut Pasteur de Bangui, PO Box 923, Bangui, Central African Republic
| | - Jean-Bernard Lekana-Douki
- Unité Évolution, Épidémiologie Et Résistances Parasitaires (UNEEREP), Centre International de Recherche Médicale de Franceville (CIRMF), BP769, Franceville, Gabon.,Département de Parasitologie-Mycologie Médecine Tropicale, Faculté de Médecine, Université des Sciences de la Santé, Libreville, B.P. 4009, Franceville, Gabon
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Malaria Publications before and during COVID-19 Pandemic: A Bibliometric Analysis. PUBLICATIONS 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/publications10030028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has been reported to affect malaria intervention strategies, the suspension of malaria elimination programs, and the publication of malaria research. We compared differences in authorship, affiliations, countries, funding sources, article types, keywords, languages, and citations between studies published before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. The searches were performed online using the Scopus database on 8 April 2022. The searches were limited to two periods: before the COVID-19 pandemic (2018–2019) and during the COVID-19 pandemic (2020–2021). The information of authorship, affiliations, countries, funding sources, article types, keywords, languages, and citations between studies published before and during the COVID-19 pandemic were compared using frequency and percentage. The relationships between the most productive authors, countries, affiliations, journals, and frequently used keywords were visualized using the VOSviewer (version 1.6.18) software. A total of 2965 articles were identified in two periods and, among those, 1291 relevant studies were included. There was no difference in malaria publications before and during the COVID-19 pandemic (679 articles, 52.6% vs. 612 articles, 47.4%). Compared between the two periods, the preliminary trend of malaria publications in terms of authorship, affiliations, countries, funding sources, article types, keywords, languages, and citations were different. In conclusion, the current study showed the preliminary trends in malaria publications before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. The findings of this study would encourage researchers to perform a scoping review or systematic review to better understand the direction of malaria publications during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Tadesse Boltena M, El-Khatib Z, Kebede AS, Asamoah BO, Yaw ASC, Kamara K, Constant Assogba P, Tadesse Boltena A, Adane HT, Hailemeskel E, Biru M. Malaria and Helminthic Co-Infection during Pregnancy in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:5444. [PMID: 35564842 PMCID: PMC9101176 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19095444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2022] [Revised: 04/25/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Malaria and helminthic co-infection during pregnancy causes fetomaternal haemorrhage and foetal growth retardation. This study determined the pooled burden of pregnancy malaria and helminthic co-infection in sub-Saharan Africa. CINAHL, EMBASE, Google Scholar, Scopus, PubMed, and Web of Science databases were used to retrieve data from the literature, without restricting language and publication year. The Joanna Briggs Institute's critical appraisal tool for prevalence studies was used for quality assessment. STATA Version 14.0 was used to conduct the meta-analysis. The I2 statistics and Egger's test were used to test heterogeneity and publication bias. The random-effects model was used to estimate the pooled prevalence at a 95% confidence interval (CI). The review protocol has been registered in PROSPERO, with the number CRD42019144812. In total, 24 studies (n = 14,087 participants) were identified in this study. The pooled analysis revealed that 20% of pregnant women were co-infected by malaria and helminths in sub-Saharan Africa. The pooled prevalence of malaria and helminths were 33% and 35%, respectively. The most prevalent helminths were Hookworm (48%), Ascaris lumbricoides (37%), and Trichuris trichiura (15%). Significantly higher malaria and helminthic co-infection during pregnancy were observed. Health systems in sub-Saharan Africa must implement home-grown innovative solutions to underpin context-specific policies for the early initiation of effective intermittent preventive therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minyahil Tadesse Boltena
- Armauer Hansen Research Institute, Ministry of Health, Addis Ababa 1005, Ethiopia; (H.T.A.); (E.H.); (M.B.)
| | - Ziad El-Khatib
- Department of Global Public Health, Karolinska Institutet, 17176 Stockholm, Sweden
- World Health Programme, Université du Québec en Abitibi-Témiscamingue (UQAT), Rouyn-Noranda, QC J9X 5E4, Canada
| | | | - Benedict Oppong Asamoah
- Social Medicine and Global Health, Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, 22184 Lund, Sweden; (B.O.A.); (A.T.B.)
| | - Appiah Seth Christopher Yaw
- Department of Sociology and Social Work, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi 101, Ghana;
| | - Kassim Kamara
- Directorate of Health Security and Emergencies, Ministry of Health and Sanitation, Freetown 00232, Sierra Leone;
| | - Phénix Constant Assogba
- Research Unit in Applied Microbiology and Pharmacology of Natural Substances, Polytechnic School of Abomey-Calavi, University of Abomey-Calavi, Abomey-Calavi 526, Benin;
| | - Andualem Tadesse Boltena
- Social Medicine and Global Health, Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, 22184 Lund, Sweden; (B.O.A.); (A.T.B.)
| | - Hawult Taye Adane
- Armauer Hansen Research Institute, Ministry of Health, Addis Ababa 1005, Ethiopia; (H.T.A.); (E.H.); (M.B.)
| | - Elifaged Hailemeskel
- Armauer Hansen Research Institute, Ministry of Health, Addis Ababa 1005, Ethiopia; (H.T.A.); (E.H.); (M.B.)
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Mulatu Biru
- Armauer Hansen Research Institute, Ministry of Health, Addis Ababa 1005, Ethiopia; (H.T.A.); (E.H.); (M.B.)
- Child and Family Health, Department of Health Sciences, Lund University, 22184 Lund, Sweden
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Arvanitis R, Mouton J, Néron A. Funding Research in Africa: Landscapes of Re-institutionalisation. SCIENCE TECHNOLOGY AND SOCIETY 2022. [DOI: 10.1177/09717218221078235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
This article begins with an overview of recent and current trends in scientific output in Africa. The focus is on how global dynamics and foreign funding support are directly affecting structural aspects of scientific research. It examines the fundamental role of foreign programmes and new forms of academic cooperation in African science. This includes a discussion of multilateral or transcontinental agreements and local universities, the role of private philanthropy and public institutions, trends in domestic expenditure on research and innovation, and how these are linked to the recent positive upturn in scientific production in many African countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rigas Arvanitis
- Rigas Arvanitis (corresponding author), Centre Population et Développement (Ceped), Université de Paris Cité, Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, Paris, France; Global Research Institute of Paris (GRIP), France
| | - Johann Mouton
- Johann Mouton, Centre for Research on Evaluation, Science and Technology at Stellenbosch University and the DST-NRF Centre of Excellence for Scientometrics and STI Policy, South Africa
| | - Adeline Néron
- Adeline Néron, IFRIS Post-doctoral Researcher, Centre Population et Développement (Ceped), Université de Paris Cité, Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, Paris, France
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Metchanun N, Borgemeister C, Amzati G, von Braun J, Nikolov M, Selvaraj P, Gerardin J. Modeling impact and cost-effectiveness of driving-Y gene drives for malaria elimination in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Evol Appl 2022; 15:132-148. [PMID: 35126652 PMCID: PMC8792473 DOI: 10.1111/eva.13331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2021] [Revised: 11/15/2021] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Malaria elimination will be challenging in countries that currently continue to bear high malaria burden. Sex-ratio-distorting gene drives, such as driving-Y, could play a role in an integrated elimination strategy if they can effectively suppress vector populations. Using a spatially explicit, agent-based model of malaria transmission in eight provinces spanning the range of transmission intensities across the Democratic Republic of the Congo, we predict the impact and cost-effectiveness of integrating driving-Y gene drive mosquitoes in malaria elimination strategies that include existing interventions such as insecticide-treated nets and case management of symptomatic malaria. Gene drive mosquitoes could eliminate malaria and were the most cost-effective intervention overall if the drive component was highly effective with at least 95% X-shredder efficiency at relatively low fertility cost, and associated cost of deployment below 7.17 $int per person per year. Suppression gene drive could be a cost-effective supplemental intervention for malaria elimination, but tight constraints on drive effectiveness and cost ceilings may limit its feasibility.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Gaston Amzati
- Université Evangélique en AfriqueBukavuDemocratic Republic of the Congo
| | | | | | | | - Jaline Gerardin
- Institute for Disease ModelingBellevueWashingtonUSA
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Institute for Global HealthNorthwestern UniversityChicagoIllinoisUSA
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Williams C. Global human burden and official development assistance in health R&D: The role of medical absorptive capacity. RESEARCH POLICY 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.respol.2021.104365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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Adegnika OS, Honkpehedji YJ, Mougeni Lotola F, Agnandji ST, Adegnika AA, Lell B, Sicuri E. Funding patterns for biomedical research and infectious diseases burden in Gabon. BMC Public Health 2021; 21:2155. [PMID: 34819025 PMCID: PMC8611934 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-021-12201-w] [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: 01/11/2021] [Accepted: 11/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Biomedical research plays an important role in improving health. There seems to exist a negative correlation between the amount of biomedical research funding and disease burden from all Sub-Saharan African countries. In this study, we describe funding patterns for biomedical research, explore the correlation between funding and burden of diseases, and quantify inequalities in funds distribution across diseases in Gabon over the period 2005–2015. Methods Data on medical research funds from 2005 to 2015 were retrieved through a structured questionnaire distributed to Gabonese biomedical research institutions and by consulting online databases. Data on the burden of diseases were gathered from the World Health Organization and the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation. We used Kendall rank correlation coefficient to explore the correlation between cumulative funds over time and the burden of disease. The inequality distribution of funding across diseases was assessed through Gini coefficient and Lorenz curve. Results Biomedical research funding was characterized by a remarkable growth from 2005 to 2010 and a decline from 2010 to 2014. Funds were mostly from external sources and from partnerships. There was inequality in research funds allocation across diseases and malaria was far the most funded disease. There was a significant negative correlation between cumulative funding and the burden of HIV, tuberculosis, and of Helminthiasis (from 2006 to 2010) suggesting that research may be contributing to the management of such diseases. A positive, although not significant, correlation was found between cumulative funds and malaria burden. Conclusions The negative correlation between HIV and tuberculosis cumulative funding and burden suggests that research may be contributing to the management of such diseases but further research is needed to assess the causal direction of such as relationship. As the burden of non-communicable diseases is increasing, more research funds should be focused on those. While research partnerships have been and will remain fundamental, Gabon should increase the amount of national funds to overcome periods of reduced research funding flows from abroad. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12889-021-12201-w.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Selidji Todagbe Agnandji
- Centre de Recherches Médicales de Lambaréné, Lambaréné, Gabon.,Institute for Tropical Medicine, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Ayola Akim Adegnika
- Centre de Recherches Médicales de Lambaréné, Lambaréné, Gabon.,Institute for Tropical Medicine, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.,Department of Parasitology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands.,German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), African partner institution, CERMEL, Lambaréné, Gabon.,German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), partner site Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Bertrand Lell
- Centre de Recherches Médicales de Lambaréné, Lambaréné, Gabon.,Department of Medicine I, Division of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicines, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Elisa Sicuri
- ISGlobal, Hospital Clinic, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,Health Economics Group, Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, UK
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14
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Bonam SR, Rénia L, Tadepalli G, Bayry J, Kumar HMS. Plasmodium falciparum Malaria Vaccines and Vaccine Adjuvants. Vaccines (Basel) 2021; 9:1072. [PMID: 34696180 PMCID: PMC8541031 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines9101072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2021] [Revised: 09/10/2021] [Accepted: 09/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Malaria-a parasite vector-borne disease-is a global health problem, and Plasmodium falciparum has proven to be the deadliest among Plasmodium spp., which causes malaria in humans. Symptoms of the disease range from mild fever and shivering to hemolytic anemia and neurological dysfunctions. The spread of drug resistance and the absence of effective vaccines has made malaria disease an ever-emerging problem. Although progress has been made in understanding the host response to the parasite, various aspects of its biology in its mammalian host are still unclear. In this context, there is a pressing demand for the development of effective preventive and therapeutic strategies, including new drugs and novel adjuvanted vaccines that elicit protective immunity. The present article provides an overview of the current knowledge of anti-malarial immunity against P. falciparum and different options of vaccine candidates in development. A special emphasis has been made on the mechanism of action of clinically used vaccine adjuvants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Srinivasa Reddy Bonam
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Equipe-Immunopathologie et Immunointervention Thérapeutique, Sorbonne Université, Université de Paris, F-75006 Paris, France;
| | - Laurent Rénia
- A*STAR Infectious Diseases Labs, 8A Biomedical Grove, Singapore 138648, Singapore
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 308232, Singapore
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 308232, Singapore
| | - Ganesh Tadepalli
- Vaccine Immunology Laboratory, Organic Synthesis and Process Chemistry Division, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology, Hyderabad 500007, India;
| | - Jagadeesh Bayry
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Equipe-Immunopathologie et Immunointervention Thérapeutique, Sorbonne Université, Université de Paris, F-75006 Paris, France;
- Biological Sciences & Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Palakkad, Palakkad 678623, India
| | - Halmuthur Mahabalarao Sampath Kumar
- Vaccine Immunology Laboratory, Organic Synthesis and Process Chemistry Division, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology, Hyderabad 500007, India;
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15
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Akintunde TY, Akintunde OD, Musa TH, Sayibu M, Tassang AE, Reed LM, Chen S. Expanding telemedicine to reduce the burden on the healthcare systems and poverty in Africa for a post-coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic reformation. GLOBAL HEALTH JOURNAL 2021; 5:128-134. [PMID: 36338822 PMCID: PMC9625850 DOI: 10.1016/j.glohj.2021.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2021] [Revised: 06/21/2021] [Accepted: 07/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) global public health emergency, has exposed the fragility of health systems. Access to healthcare became a scarce commodity as healthcare providers and resource-poor populations became victims of the novel corona virus. Therefore, this study focuses on Africa's readiness to integrate telemedicine into the weak health systems and its adoption may help alleviate poor healthcare and poverty after COVID-19. We conducted a narrative review through different search strategies in Scopus on January 20, 2021, to identify available literature reporting implementation of various telemedicine modes in Africa from January 1, 2011 to December 31, 2020. We summarized 54 studies according to geographies, field, and implementation methods. The results show a willingness to adopt telemedicine in the resource-poor settings and hard-to-reach populations, which will bring relief to the inadequate healthcare systems and alleviate poverty of those who feel the burden of healthcare cost the most. With adequate government financing, telemedicine promises to enhance the treating of communicable and non-communicable diseases as well as support health infrastructure. It can also alleviate poverty among vulnerable groups and hard-to-reach communities in Africa with adequate government financing. However, given the lack of funding in Africa, the challenges in implementing telemedicine require global and national strategies before it can yield promising results. This is especially true in regards to alleviating the multidimensionality of poverty in post-COVID-19 Africa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tosin Yinka Akintunde
- Department of Demography and Statistics, Faculty of Social Sciences, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State 220282, Nigeria
- Department of Sociology, School of Public Administration, Hohai University, Jiangsu, Nanjing 211100, China
| | - Oluseye David Akintunde
- Management Science Engineering, School of Economics and Finance, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212013, China
| | - Taha Hussein Musa
- Biomedical Research Institute, Darfur College, Nyala, South Darfur 63313, Sudan
- Department Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210009, China
| | - Muhideen Sayibu
- Department of Philosophy of Science and Technology, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230026, China
| | - Angwi Enow Tassang
- Department of Sociology, School of Public Administration, Hohai University, Jiangsu, Nanjing 211100, China
| | - Linda M Reed
- Meten International Education Group, Nanjing, Jiangsu 200009, China
| | - Shaojun Chen
- Department of Sociology, School of Public Administration, Hohai University, Jiangsu, Nanjing 211100, China
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16
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Ajibola O, Diop MF, Ghansah A, Amenga-Etego L, Golassa L, Apinjoh T, Randrianarivelojosia M, Maiga-Ascofare O, Yavo W, Bouyou-Akotet M, Oyebola KM, Andagalu B, D'Alessandro U, Ishengoma D, Djimde AA, Kamau E, Amambua-Ngwa A. In silico characterisation of putative Plasmodium falciparum vaccine candidates in African malaria populations. Sci Rep 2021; 11:16215. [PMID: 34376744 PMCID: PMC8355234 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-95442-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2020] [Accepted: 07/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Genetic diversity of surface exposed and stage specific Plasmodium falciparum immunogenic proteins pose a major roadblock to developing an effective malaria vaccine with broad and long-lasting immunity. We conducted a prospective genetic analysis of candidate antigens (msp1, ama1, rh5, eba175, glurp, celtos, csp, lsa3, Pfsea, trap, conserved chrom3, hyp9, hyp10, phistb, surfin8.2, and surfin14.1) for malaria vaccine development on 2375 P. falciparum sequences from 16 African countries. We described signatures of balancing selection inferred from positive values of Tajima's D for all antigens across all populations except for glurp. This could be as a result of immune selection on these antigens as positive Tajima's D values mapped to regions with putative immune epitopes. A less diverse phistb antigen was characterised with a transmembrane domain, glycophosphatidyl anchors between the N and C- terminals, and surface epitopes that could be targets of immune recognition. This study demonstrates the value of population genetic and immunoinformatic analysis for identifying and characterising new putative vaccine candidates towards improving strain transcending immunity, and vaccine efficacy across all endemic populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- O Ajibola
- Medical Research Council Unit, The Gambia at London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Banjul, The Gambia
- First Technical University, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - M F Diop
- Medical Research Council Unit, The Gambia at London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Banjul, The Gambia
| | - A Ghansah
- Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, P.O. Box LG 581, Legon, Ghana
| | - L Amenga-Etego
- West African Center for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - L Golassa
- Aklilu Lemma Institute of Pathobiology, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - T Apinjoh
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon
| | | | - O Maiga-Ascofare
- Bernhard Nocht Institute for Topical Medicine (BNITM), Hamburg, Germany
| | - W Yavo
- Unite Des Sciences Pharmaceutiques et Biologiques, University Félix Houphouët-Boigny, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire
| | - M Bouyou-Akotet
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Health Sciences, Libreville, Gabon
| | - K M Oyebola
- Department of Zoology, University of Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - B Andagalu
- United States Army Medical Research Directorate-Africa, Kenya Medical Research Institute/Walter Reed Project, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - U D'Alessandro
- Medical Research Council Unit, The Gambia at London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Banjul, The Gambia
| | - D Ishengoma
- National Institute for Medical Research (NIMR), Tanga, Tanzania
| | - A A Djimde
- Malaria Research and Training Centre, University of Science, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako, Bamako, Mali
| | - E Kamau
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA.
- U.S. Military HIV Research Program, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, MD, 20910, USA.
| | - A Amambua-Ngwa
- Medical Research Council Unit, The Gambia at London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Banjul, The Gambia.
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17
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Adetokunboh OO, Mthombothi ZE, Dominic EM, Djomba-Njankou S, Pulliam JRC. African based researchers' output on models for the transmission dynamics of infectious diseases and public health interventions: A scoping review. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0250086. [PMID: 33956823 PMCID: PMC8101744 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0250086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2020] [Accepted: 03/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Applied epidemiological models are used in predicting future trends of diseases, for the basic understanding of disease and health dynamics, and to improve the measurement of health indicators. Mapping the research outputs of epidemiological modelling studies concerned with transmission dynamics of infectious diseases and public health interventions in Africa will help to identify the areas with substantial levels of research activities, areas with gaps, and research output trends. METHODS A scoping review of applied epidemiological models of infectious disease studies that involved first or last authors affiliated to African institutions was conducted. Eligible studies were those concerned with the transmission dynamics of infectious diseases and public health interventions. The review was consistent with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) extension for scoping reviews. Four electronic databases were searched for peer-reviewed publications up to the end of April 2020. RESULTS Of the 5927 publications identified, 181 met the inclusion criteria. The review identified 143 publications with first authors having an African institutional affiliation (AIA), while 81 had both first and last authors with an AIA. The publication authors were found to be predominantly affiliated with institutions based in South Africa and Kenya. Furthermore, human immunodeficiency virus, malaria, tuberculosis, and Ebola virus disease were found to be the most researched infectious diseases. There has been a gradual increase in research productivity across Africa especially in the last ten years, with several collaborative efforts spread both within and beyond Africa. CONCLUSIONS Research productivity in applied epidemiological modelling studies of infectious diseases may have increased, but there remains an under-representation of African researchers as leading authors. The study findings indicate a need for the development of research capacity through supporting existing institutions in Africa and promoting research funding that will address local health priorities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olatunji O. Adetokunboh
- DSI-NRF Centre of Excellence in Epidemiological Modelling and Analysis (SACEMA), Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
- Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Department of Global Health, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Zinhle E. Mthombothi
- DSI-NRF Centre of Excellence in Epidemiological Modelling and Analysis (SACEMA), Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
| | - Emanuel M. Dominic
- DSI-NRF Centre of Excellence in Epidemiological Modelling and Analysis (SACEMA), Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
| | - Sylvie Djomba-Njankou
- DSI-NRF Centre of Excellence in Epidemiological Modelling and Analysis (SACEMA), Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
| | - Juliet R. C. Pulliam
- DSI-NRF Centre of Excellence in Epidemiological Modelling and Analysis (SACEMA), Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
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18
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Ogega OM, Alobo M. Impact of 1.5 oC and 2 oC global warming scenarios on malaria transmission in East Africa. AAS Open Res 2021; 3:22. [PMID: 33842833 PMCID: PMC8008358 DOI: 10.12688/aasopenres.13074.3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Malaria remains a global challenge with approximately 228 million cases and 405,000 malaria-related deaths reported in 2018 alone; 93% of which were in sub-Saharan Africa. Aware of the critical role than environmental factors play in malaria transmission, this study aimed at assessing the relationship between precipitation, temperature, and clinical malaria cases in East Africa and how the relationship may change under 1.5
oC and 2.0
oC global warming levels (hereinafter GWL1.5 and GWL2.0, respectively). Methods: A correlation analysis was done to establish the current relationship between annual precipitation, mean temperature, and clinical malaria cases. Differences between annual precipitation and mean temperature value projections for periods 2008-2037 and 2023-2052 (corresponding to GWL1.5 and GWL2.0, respectively), relative to the control period (1977-2005), were computed to determine how malaria transmission may change under the two global warming scenarios. Results: A predominantly positive/negative correlation between clinical malaria cases and temperature/precipitation was observed. Relative to the control period, no major significant changes in precipitation were shown in both warming scenarios. However, an increase in temperature of between 0.5
oC and 1.5
oC and 1.0
oC to 2.0
oC under GWL1.5 and GWL2.0, respectively, was recorded. Hence, more areas in East Africa are likely to be exposed to temperature thresholds favourable for increased malaria vector abundance and, hence, potentially intensify malaria transmission in the region. Conclusions: GWL1.5 and GWL2.0 scenarios are likely to intensify malaria transmission in East Africa. Ongoing interventions should, therefore, be intensified to sustain the gains made towards malaria elimination in East Africa in a warming climate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Obed Matundura Ogega
- Programmes, The African Academy of Sciences, Nairobi, Kenya.,School of Environmental Studies, Kenyatta University, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Moses Alobo
- Programmes, The African Academy of Sciences, Nairobi, Kenya
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19
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Ogega OM, Alobo M. Impact of 1.5 oC and 2 oC global warming scenarios on malaria transmission in East Africa. AAS Open Res 2021; 3:22. [PMID: 33842833 PMCID: PMC8008358 DOI: 10.12688/aasopenres.13074.2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Malaria remains a global challenge with approximately 228 million cases and 405,000 malaria-related deaths reported in 2018 alone; 93% of which were in sub-Saharan Africa. Aware of the critical role than environmental factors play in malaria transmission, this study aimed at assessing the relationship between precipitation, temperature, and clinical malaria cases in East Africa and how the relationship may change under 1.5 oC and 2.0 oC global warming levels (hereinafter GWL1.5 and GWL2.0, respectively). Methods: A correlation analysis was done to establish the current relationship between annual precipitation, mean temperature, and clinical malaria cases. Differences between annual precipitation and mean temperature value projections for periods 2008-2037 and 2023-2052 (corresponding to GWL1.5 and GWL2.0, respectively), relative to the control period (1977-2005), were computed to determine how malaria transmission may change under the two global warming scenarios. Results: A predominantly positive/negative correlation between clinical malaria cases and temperature/precipitation was observed. Relative to the control period, no major significant changes in precipitation were shown in both warming scenarios. However, an increase in temperature of between 0.5 oC and 1.5 oC and 1.0 oC to 2.0 oC under GWL1.5 and GWL2.0, respectively, was recorded. Hence, more areas in East Africa are likely to be exposed to temperature thresholds favourable for increased malaria vector abundance and, hence, potentially intensify malaria transmission in the region. Conclusions: GWL1.5 and GWL2.0 scenarios are likely to intensify malaria transmission in East Africa. Ongoing interventions should, therefore, be intensified to sustain the gains made towards malaria elimination in East Africa in a warming climate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Obed Matundura Ogega
- Programmes, The African Academy of Sciences, Nairobi, Kenya
- School of Environmental Studies, Kenyatta University, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Moses Alobo
- Programmes, The African Academy of Sciences, Nairobi, Kenya
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20
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Head MG, Brown RJ, Newell ML, Scott JAG, Batchelor J, Atun R. The allocation of USdollar;105 billion in global funding from G20 countries for infectious disease research between 2000 and 2017: a content analysis of investments. LANCET GLOBAL HEALTH 2020; 8:e1295-e1304. [PMID: 32971052 PMCID: PMC7505652 DOI: 10.1016/s2214-109x(20)30357-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2020] [Revised: 07/01/2020] [Accepted: 07/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Each year, billions of US$ are spent globally on infectious disease research and development. However, there is little systematic tracking of global research and development. We present research on investments into infectious diseases research from funders in the G20 countries across an 18-year time period spanning 2000-17, comparing amounts invested for different conditions and considering the global burden of disease to identify potential areas of relative underfunding. METHODS The study examined research awards made between 2000 and 2017 for infectious disease research from G20-based public and philanthropic funders. We searched research databases using a range of keywords, and open access data were extracted from funder websites. Awards were categorised by type of science, specialty, and disease or pathogen. Data collected included study title, abstract, award amount, funder, and year. We used descriptive statistics and Spearman's correlation coefficient to investigate the association between research investment and disease burden, using Global Burden of Disease 2017 study data. FINDINGS The final 2000-17 dataset included 94 074 awards for infectious disease research, with a sum investment of $104·9 billion (annual range 4·1 billion to 8·4 billion) and a median award size of $257 176 (IQR 62 562-770 661). Pre-clinical research received $61·1 billion (58·2%) across 70 337 (74·8%) awards and public health research received $29·5 billion (28·1%) from 19 197 (20·4%) awards. HIV/AIDS received $42·1 billion (40·1%), tuberculosis received $7·0 billion (6·7%), malaria received $5·6 billion (5·3%), and pneumonia received $3·5 billion (3·3%). Funding for Ebola virus ($1·2 billion), Zika virus ($0·3 billion), influenza ($4·4 billion), and coronavirus ($0·5 billion) was typically highest soon after a high-profile outbreak. There was a general increase in year-on-year investment in infectious disease research between 2000 and 2006, with a decline between 2007 and 2017. Funders based in the USA provided $81·6 billion (77·8%). Based on funding per 2017 disability-adjusted life years (DALYs), HIV/AIDS received the greatest relative investment ($772 per DALY), compared with tuberculosis ($156 per DALY), malaria ($125 per DALY), and pneumonia ($33 per DALY). Syphilis and scabies received the least relative investment (both $9 per DALY). We observed weak positive correlation (r=0·30) between investment and 2017 disease burden. INTERPRETATION HIV research received the highest amount of investment relative to DALY burden. Scabies and syphilis received the lowest relative funding. Investments for high-threat pathogens (eg, Ebola virus and coronavirus) were often reactive and followed outbreaks. We found little evidence that funding is proactively guided by global burden or pandemic risk. Our findings show how research investments are allocated and how this relates to disease burden and diseases with pandemic potential. FUNDING Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael G Head
- Clinical Informatics Research Unit, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK.
| | - Rebecca J Brown
- Clinical Informatics Research Unit, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Marie-Louise Newell
- School of Human Development and Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK; School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - J Anthony G Scott
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - James Batchelor
- Clinical Informatics Research Unit, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Rifat Atun
- Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Global Health and Social Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA
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21
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Loucaides EM, Fitchett EJA, Sullivan R, Atun R. Global public and philanthropic investment in childhood cancer research: systematic analysis of research funding, 2008-16. Lancet Oncol 2020; 20:e672-e684. [PMID: 31797794 DOI: 10.1016/s1470-2045(19)30662-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2019] [Revised: 07/29/2019] [Accepted: 08/05/2019] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Childhood cancers caused an estimated 75 000 deaths in children aged 0-14 years in 2018, of which 90% were in low-income and middle-income countries, and yet this group is missing from global health agendas. We examined global patterns in public and philanthropic funding for childhood cancer research-a proxy for global research activity-to address the critical gaps in knowledge. We used data from the Dimensions database to systematically search for and analyse 3414 grants from 115 funders across 35 countries between 2008 and 2016, organised by funding source, recipient, tumour type, research focus, and pipeline categories, to investigate trends over time. During this period, global funding for childhood cancer research was US$2 billion, of which $772 million (37·9%) was for general childhood cancer, $449 million (22·0%) was for leukaemias, and $330 million (16·2%) was for CNS tumours. $1·6 billion (77·7%) of funding was awarded from, and to, institutions based in the USA. Preclinical research received $1·2 billion (59·3%), and around $525 million (25·7%) included support for clinical trials, but only $113 million (5·5%) supported health-care delivery research. Overall, funding was inadequate and geographically inequitable, and new commitments to funding have declined since 2011.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Elizabeth J A Fitchett
- UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Richard Sullivan
- Institute of Cancer Policy, Conflict and Health Research Group, School of Cancer Sciences, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Rifat Atun
- Department of Global Health and Population, Department of Health Policy and Management, Harvard T H Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA.
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22
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Giesen C, Roche J, Redondo-Bravo L, Ruiz-Huerta C, Gomez-Barroso D, Benito A, Herrador Z. The impact of climate change on mosquito-borne diseases in Africa. Pathog Glob Health 2020; 114:287-301. [PMID: 32584659 PMCID: PMC7480509 DOI: 10.1080/20477724.2020.1783865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite being one of the continents with the least greenhouse gas emissions, no continent
is being struck as severely by climate change (CC) as Africa. Mosquito-borne diseases
(MBD) cause major human diseases in this continent. Current knowledge suggests that MBD
range could expand dramatically in response to CC. This study aimed at assessing the
relationship between CC and MBD in Africa. Methods For this purpose, a systematic peer
review was carried out, considering all articles indexed in PubMed, Scopus, Embase and
CENTRAL. Search terms referring to MBD, CC and environmental factors were screened in
title, abstract and keywords.Results A total of twenty-nine studies were included, most of
them on malaria (61%), being Anopheles spp. (61%) the most
commonly analyzed vector, mainly in Eastern Africa (48%). Seventy-nine percent of these
studies were based on predictive models. Seventy-two percent of the reviewed studies
considered that CC impacts on MBD epidemiology. MBD prevalence will increase according to
69% of the studies while 17% predicted a decrease. MBD expansion throughout the continent
was also predicted. Most studies showed a positive relationship between observed or
predicted results and CC. However, there was a great heterogeneity in methodologies and a
tendency to reductionism, not integrating other variables that interact with both the
environment and MBD. In addition, most results have not yet been tested. A global health
approach is desirable in this kind of research. Nevertheless, we cannot wait for science
to approve something that needs to be addressed now to avoid greater effects in the
future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine Giesen
- Unidad de Medicina Preventiva, Hospital Universitario Infanta Sofía , Madrid, Spain
| | - Jesús Roche
- Escuela Nacional de Sanidad, Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII) , Madrid, Spain
| | - Lidia Redondo-Bravo
- Servicio de Medicina Preventiva, Hospital Universitario la Paz , Madrid, Spain
| | - Claudia Ruiz-Huerta
- Servicio de Medicina Preventiva, Hospital Universitario de la Cruz Roja , Madrid, Spain
| | - Diana Gomez-Barroso
- Centro Nacional de Epidemiología, Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII) , Madrid, Spain.,Consorcio de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP) , Madrid, Spain
| | - Agustin Benito
- Centro Nacional de Medicina Tropical, Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII) , Madrid, Spain.,Red de Investigación Cooperativa en Enfermedades Tropicales (RICET) , Madrid, Spain
| | - Zaida Herrador
- Centro Nacional de Medicina Tropical, Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII) , Madrid, Spain.,Red de Investigación Cooperativa en Enfermedades Tropicales (RICET) , Madrid, Spain
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Ogega OM, Alobo M. Impact of 1.5 oC and 2 oC global warming scenarios on malaria transmission in East Africa. AAS Open Res 2020; 3:22. [DOI: 10.12688/aasopenres.13074.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Malaria remains a global challenge with approximately 228 million cases and 405,000 malaria-related deaths reported in 2018 alone; 93% of which were in sub-Saharan Africa. Aware of the critical role than environmental factors play in malaria transmission, this study aimed at assessing the relationship between precipitation, temperature, and clinical malaria cases in E. Africa and how the relationship may change under 1.5 oC and 2.0 oC global warming levels (hereinafter GWL1.5 and GWL2.0, respectively). Methods: A correlation analysis was done to establish the current relationship between annual precipitation, mean temperature, and clinical malaria cases. Differences between annual precipitation and mean temperature value projections for periods 2008-2037 and 2023-2052 (corresponding to GWL1.5 and GWL2.0, respectively), relative to the control period (1977-2005), were computed to determine how malaria transmission may change under the two global warming scenarios. Results: A predominantly positive/negative correlation between clinical malaria cases and temperature/precipitation was observed. Relative to the control period, no major significant changes in precipitation were shown in both warming scenarios. However, an increase in temperature of between 0.5 oC and 1.5 oC and 1.0 oC to 2.0 oC under GWL1.5 and GWL2.0, respectively, was recorded. Hence, more areas in E. Africa are likely to be exposed to temperature thresholds favourable for increased malaria vector abundance and, hence, potentially intensify malaria transmission in the region. Conclusions: GWL1.5 and GWL2.0 scenarios are likely to intensify malaria transmission in E. Africa. Ongoing interventions should, therefore, be intensified to sustain the gains made towards malaria elimination in E. Africa in a warming climate.
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Combination of Serological, Antigen Detection, and DNA Data for Plasmodium falciparum Provides Robust Geospatial Estimates for Malaria Transmission in Haiti. Sci Rep 2020; 10:8443. [PMID: 32439948 PMCID: PMC7242420 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-65419-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2020] [Accepted: 05/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Microscopy is the gold standard for malaria epidemiology, but laboratory and point-of-care (POC) tests detecting parasite antigen, DNA, and human antibodies against malaria have expanded this capacity. The island nation of Haiti is endemic for Plasmodium falciparum (Pf) malaria, though at a low national prevalence and heterogenous geospatial distribution. In 2015 and 2016, serosurveys were performed of children (ages 6–7 years) sampled in schools in Saut d’Eau commune (n = 1,230) and Grand Anse department (n = 1,664) of Haiti. Children received malaria antigen rapid diagnostic test and provided a filter paper blood sample for further laboratory analysis of the Pf histidine-rich protein 2 (HRP2) antigen, Pf DNA, and anti-Pf IgG antibodies. Prevalence of Pf infection ranged from 0.0–16.7% in 53 Saut d’Eau schools, and 0.0–23.8% in 56 Grand Anse schools. Anti-Pf antibody carriage exceeded 80% of students in some schools from both study sites. Geospatial prediction ellipses were created to indicate clustering of positive tests within the survey areas and overlay of all prediction ellipses for the different types of data revealed regions with high likelihood of active and ongoing Pf malaria transmission. The geospatial utilization of different types of Pf data can provide high confidence for spatial epidemiology of the parasite.
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26
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Head MG. Databases for Research and Development. Emerg Infect Dis 2019; 25:1996. [PMID: 31539319 PMCID: PMC6759262 DOI: 10.3201/eid2510.181411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
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27
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Haakenstad A, Harle AC, Tsakalos G, Micah AE, Tao T, Anjomshoa M, Cohen J, Fullman N, Hay SI, Mestrovic T, Mohammed S, Mousavi SM, Nixon MR, Pigott D, Tran K, Murray CJL, Dieleman JL. Tracking spending on malaria by source in 106 countries, 2000-16: an economic modelling study. THE LANCET. INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2019; 19:703-716. [PMID: 31036511 PMCID: PMC6595179 DOI: 10.1016/s1473-3099(19)30165-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2019] [Revised: 03/02/2019] [Accepted: 03/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sustaining achievements in malaria control and making progress toward malaria elimination requires coordinated funding. We estimated domestic malaria spending by source in 106 countries that were malaria-endemic in 2000-16 or became malaria-free after 2000. METHODS We collected 36 038 datapoints reporting government, out-of-pocket (OOP), and prepaid private malaria spending, as well as malaria treatment-seeking, costs of patient care, and drug prices. We estimated government spending on patient care for malaria, which was added to government spending by national malaria control programmes. For OOP malaria spending, we used data reported in National Health Accounts and estimated OOP spending on treatment. Spatiotemporal Gaussian process regression was used to ensure estimates were complete and comparable across time and to generate uncertainty. FINDINGS In 2016, US$4·3 billion (95% uncertainty interval [UI] 4·2-4·4) was spent on malaria worldwide, an 8·5% (95% UI 8·1-8·9) per year increase over spending in 2000. Since 2000, OOP spending increased 3·8% (3·3-4·2) per year, amounting to $556 million (487-634) or 13·0% (11·6-14·5) of all malaria spending in 2016. Governments spent $1·2 billion (1·1-1·3) or 28·2% (27·1-29·3) of all malaria spending in 2016, increasing 4·0% annually since 2000. The source of malaria spending varied depending on whether countries were in the malaria control or elimination stage. INTERPRETATION Tracking global malaria spending provides insight into how far the world is from reaching the malaria funding target of $6·6 billion annually by 2020. Because most countries with a high burden of malaria are low income or lower-middle income, mobilising additional government resources for malaria might be challenging. FUNDING The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Golsum Tsakalos
- Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Angela E Micah
- Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Tianchan Tao
- Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Mina Anjomshoa
- Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Rafsanjan, Iran; Department of Health Management and Economics, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Tehran University of Medical Sciences Department of Health Management and Economics, Tehran, Iran
| | - Jessica Cohen
- Harvard T H Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Nancy Fullman
- Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Simon I Hay
- Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Tomislav Mestrovic
- Dr Zora Profozic Polyclinic Clinical Microbiology and Parasitology Unit, Zagreb, Croatia; University Centre Varazdin, Varazdin, Croatia
| | - Shafiu Mohammed
- Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria; Heidelberg University Institute of Public Health, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Seyyed Meysam Mousavi
- Tehran University of Medical Sciences Department of Health Management and Economics, Tehran, Iran
| | - Molly R Nixon
- Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - David Pigott
- Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Khanh Tran
- University of Auckland Department of Molecular Medicine and Pathology, Auckland, New Zealand; Military Medical University Department of Clinical Hematology and Toxicology, Hanoi, Vietnam
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Nabirye RC, Kinengyere AA, Edwards G. Nursing and Midwifery Research Output in Africa: A Review of the Literature. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CHILDBIRTH 2019. [DOI: 10.1891/2156-5287.8.4.236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUNDNurses and midwives form the backbone of health service delivery and satisfaction with care often depends on the competencies of nurses and midwives who provide the care (World Health Organization [WHO], 2002). Healthcare has become complex, challenging, and demanding across diverse sociocultural and socioeconomic changes and environments. To optimize their impact, nurses and midwives therefore need to be prepared with evidence-based competences. Nursing research therefore, is the cornerstone for evidence-based practice and for establishing the professional status of nursing and building research capacity. However, although nursing research began in the 19th century, it is limited in Africa, with little evidence generated to inform policy and practice. Although nursing and midwifery education in the region has advanced with graduate and postgraduate level education, little is known about nursing and midwifery research conducted in universities and where to find such research.OBJECTIVESThe literature review aimed at quantifying and identifying the types and gaps in nursing and midwives' research and publications in Africa.METHODSArticles published between January 1, 2007 and January 31, 2017 were retrieved from PubMed and Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL) with a search strategy that employed four sets of terms: (a) terms identifying published research done by nurses or midwives, or both; (b) terms identifying types of publications; (c) terms identifying filters for African countries; and (d) filters for publication dates. We also searched Google Scholar to capture nonindexed sources.RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONSThere is evidence of an increasing number of African nurses and midwives publishing research; however, much of this research may not be readily available. The promotion of nursing research and capacity building/mentorship in research for nurses and midwives is recommended to increase nurses' and midwives' skills to critically evaluate research and apply the best evidence to their practice.
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Shaffer JG, Mather FJ, Wele M, Li J, Tangara CO, Kassogue Y, Srivastav SK, Thiero O, Diakite M, Sangare M, Dabitao D, Toure M, Djimde AA, Traore S, Diakite B, Coulibaly MB, Liu Y, Lacey M, Lefante JJ, Koita O, Schieffelin JS, Krogstad DJ, Doumbia SO. Expanding Research Capacity in Sub-Saharan Africa Through Informatics, Bioinformatics, and Data Science Training Programs in Mali. Front Genet 2019; 10:331. [PMID: 31031807 PMCID: PMC6473184 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2019.00331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2018] [Accepted: 03/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Bioinformatics and data science research have boundless potential across Africa due to its high levels of genetic diversity and disproportionate burden of infectious diseases, including malaria, tuberculosis, HIV and AIDS, Ebola virus disease, and Lassa fever. This work lays out an incremental approach for reaching underserved countries in bioinformatics and data science research through a progression of capacity building, training, and research efforts. Two global health informatics training programs sponsored by the Fogarty International Center (FIC) were carried out at the University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako, Mali (USTTB) between 1999 and 2011. Together with capacity building efforts through the West Africa International Centers of Excellence in Malaria Research (ICEMR), this progress laid the groundwork for a bioinformatics and data science training program launched at USTTB as part of the Human Heredity and Health in Africa (H3Africa) initiative. Prior to the global health informatics training, its trainees published first or second authorship and third or higher authorship manuscripts at rates of 0.40 and 0.10 per year, respectively. Following the training, these rates increased to 0.70 and 1.23 per year, respectively, which was a statistically significant increase (p < 0.001). The bioinformatics and data science training program at USTTB commenced in 2017 focusing on student, faculty, and curriculum tiers of enhancement. The program's sustainable measures included institutional support for core elements, university tuition and fees, resource sharing and coordination with local research projects and companion training programs, increased student and faculty publication rates, and increased research proposal submissions. Challenges reliance of high-speed bandwidth availability on short-term funding, lack of a discounted software portal for basic software applications, protracted application processes for United States visas, lack of industry job positions, and low publication rates in the areas of bioinformatics and data science. Long-term, incremental processes are necessary for engaging historically underserved countries in bioinformatics and data science research. The multi-tiered enhancement approach laid out here provides a platform for generating bioinformatics and data science technicians, teachers, researchers, and program managers. Increased literature on bioinformatics and data science training approaches and progress is needed to provide a framework for establishing benchmarks on the topics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey G. Shaffer
- Department of Global Biostatistics and Data Science, Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, New Orleans, LA, United States
| | - Frances J. Mather
- Department of Global Biostatistics and Data Science, Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, New Orleans, LA, United States
| | - Mamadou Wele
- Faculty of Medicine and Odontostomatology, University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako, Bamako, Mali
| | - Jian Li
- Department of Global Biostatistics and Data Science, Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, New Orleans, LA, United States
| | - Cheick Oumar Tangara
- Faculty of Medicine and Odontostomatology, University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako, Bamako, Mali
| | - Yaya Kassogue
- Faculty of Medicine and Odontostomatology, University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako, Bamako, Mali
| | - Sudesh K. Srivastav
- Department of Global Biostatistics and Data Science, Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, New Orleans, LA, United States
| | - Oumar Thiero
- Faculty of Medicine and Odontostomatology, University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako, Bamako, Mali
| | - Mahamadou Diakite
- Faculty of Medicine and Odontostomatology, University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako, Bamako, Mali
| | - Modibo Sangare
- Faculty of Medicine and Odontostomatology, University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako, Bamako, Mali
| | - Djeneba Dabitao
- Faculty of Medicine and Odontostomatology, University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako, Bamako, Mali
| | - Mahamoudou Toure
- Faculty of Medicine and Odontostomatology, University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako, Bamako, Mali
| | - Abdoulaye A. Djimde
- Faculty of Medicine and Odontostomatology, University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako, Bamako, Mali
| | - Sekou Traore
- Faculty of Medicine and Odontostomatology, University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako, Bamako, Mali
| | - Brehima Diakite
- Faculty of Medicine and Odontostomatology, University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako, Bamako, Mali
| | - Mamadou B. Coulibaly
- Faculty of Medicine and Odontostomatology, University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako, Bamako, Mali
| | - Yaozhong Liu
- Department of Global Biostatistics and Data Science, Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, New Orleans, LA, United States
| | - Michelle Lacey
- Department of Mathematics, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, United States
| | - John J. Lefante
- Department of Global Biostatistics and Data Science, Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, New Orleans, LA, United States
| | - Ousmane Koita
- Faculty of Medicine and Odontostomatology, University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako, Bamako, Mali
| | - John S. Schieffelin
- Sections of Pediatric & Adult Infectious Diseases, School of Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, United States
| | - Donald J. Krogstad
- Department of Global Biostatistics and Data Science, Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, New Orleans, LA, United States
| | - Seydou O. Doumbia
- Faculty of Medicine and Odontostomatology, University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako, Bamako, Mali
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Wang D, Zhang Z, Cui S, Zhao Y, Craft S, Fikrig E, You F. ELF4 facilitates innate host defenses against Plasmodium by activating transcription of Pf4 and Ppbp. J Biol Chem 2019; 294:7787-7796. [PMID: 30898878 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ra118.006321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2018] [Revised: 03/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Platelet factor 4 (PF4) is an anti-Plasmodium component of platelets. It is expressed in megakaryocytes and released from platelets following infection with Plasmodium Innate immunity is crucial for the host anti-Plasmodium response, in which type I interferon plays an important role. Whether there is cross-talk between innate immune signaling and the production of anti-Plasmodium defense peptides is unknown. Here we demonstrate that E74, like ETS transcription factor 4 (ELF4), a type I interferon activator, can help protect the host from Plasmodium yoelii infection. Mechanically, ELF4 binds to the promoter of genes of two C-X-C chemokines, Pf4 and pro-platelet basic protein (Ppbp), initiating the transcription of these two genes, thereby enhancing PF4-mediated killing of parasites from infected erythrocytes. Elf4 -/- mice are much more susceptible to Plasmodium infection than WT littermates. The expression level of Pf4 and Ppbp in megakaryocytes from Elf4 -/- mice is much lower than in those from control animals, resulting in increased parasitemia. In conclusion, our study uncovered a distinct role of ELF4, an innate immune molecule, in host defense against malaria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dandan Wang
- From the Institute of Systems Biomedicine, Department of Immunology, and Beijing Key Laboratory of Tumor Systems Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China 100191
| | - Zeming Zhang
- From the Institute of Systems Biomedicine, Department of Immunology, and Beijing Key Laboratory of Tumor Systems Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China 100191
| | - Shuang Cui
- the Key Laboratory for Neuroscience, Neuroscience Research Institute, Peking University, Beijing, China 100191.,the National Health and Family Planning Commission of the People's Republic of China, Ministry of Education, Beijing, China 100083, and
| | - Yingchi Zhao
- From the Institute of Systems Biomedicine, Department of Immunology, and Beijing Key Laboratory of Tumor Systems Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China 100191
| | - Samuel Craft
- the Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut 06520
| | - Erol Fikrig
- the Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut 06520
| | - Fuping You
- From the Institute of Systems Biomedicine, Department of Immunology, and Beijing Key Laboratory of Tumor Systems Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China 100191,
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Abbey M, Afagbedzi SK, Afriyie-Mensah J, Antwi-Agyei D, Atengble K, Badoe E, Batchelor J, Donkor ES, Esena R, Goka BQ, Head MG, Labi AK, Nartey E, Sagoe-Moses I, Tette EMA. Pneumonia in Ghana-a need to raise the profile. Int Health 2018; 10:4-7. [PMID: 29401244 DOI: 10.1093/inthealth/ihx062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2017] [Accepted: 11/23/2017] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite the high mortality, pneumonia retains a relatively low profile among researchers, funders and policymakers. Here we reflect on the problems and priorities of pneumonia in Ghana, briefly review the evidence base and reflect upon in-person discussions between Southampton-based authors MGH and JB and academic, clinical and policy colleagues in Ghana. The discussions took place in Accra in August 2017.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mercy Abbey
- Research and Development Division, Ghana Health Service, Accra, Ghana
| | | | - Jane Afriyie-Mensah
- Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, Accra, Ghana
| | | | | | - Ebenezer Badoe
- Department of Child Health, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - James Batchelor
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Tremona Road, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK
| | - Eric S Donkor
- Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Reuben Esena
- School of Public Health, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Bamenla Q Goka
- Department of Child Health, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Michael G Head
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Tremona Road, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK
| | - Appiah-Korang Labi
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, AccraGhana
| | - Edmund Nartey
- Centre for Tropical Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | | | - Edem M A Tette
- Department of Community Health, School of Public Health, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
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Morel T, Maher D, Nyirenda T, Olesen OF. Strengthening health research capacity in sub-Saharan Africa: mapping the 2012-2017 landscape of externally funded international postgraduate training at institutions in the region. Global Health 2018; 14:77. [PMID: 30064479 PMCID: PMC6066939 DOI: 10.1186/s12992-018-0395-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2018] [Accepted: 07/11/2018] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The objective was to guide key stakeholders on future directions of external funding of international postgraduate training (Master’s and PhD) of health research students at institutions in sub-Saharan Africa by mapping the numbers and characteristics of students, the location of institutions, and sources of external support. A cross-sectional survey of eligible external funding organizations and programmes was conducted in 2017. Information was gathered from funders’ websites or through the assistance of institutional contacts. The information requested included the number of Master’s and PhD grantees supported from January 2012 to June 2017, as well as each grantee’s institution of study, gender, country of origin and research area. Results Of 72 organizations contacted, there were 44 responses. Of the 44, 30 funders reported programmes within the inclusion criteria, and 19 funders provided data on relevant programmes. The Wellcome Trust, the International Development Research Centre and the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation supported the greatest number of grantees. There was concentrated support for grantees in eastern and southern Africa, countries with developed research capacity, and highly-developed research and training centres. More support was provided for PhD than Master’s degree programmes and for research areas more upstream along the research spectrum. Challenges were identified in recognizing relevant funding organizations and obtaining responses. Information was presented inconsistently across organizations, which were often unable to provide relevant and complete data within the survey timeframe. Conclusions External funders should collect, analyse and report data at regular intervals on their support for strengthening postgraduate health research capacity in sub-Saharan Africa. Standardization of this process and development of an online database would not only help to avoid overlap between programmes and promote synergy between funders, but also inform dialogue between external funders and key stakeholders on strategic issues. These issues include how external funders can a) optimise their support for research capacity strengthening to maximise the benefits of research for health and development on an equitable basis, and b) optimise the distribution of support for researchers at different career stages and for research on different parts of the research spectrum to maximise the health benefits of research. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12992-018-0395-0) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Dermot Maher
- The Special Programme for Research and Training in Tropical Diseases (TDR), c/o World Health Organization, Avenue Appia, 1211, 27, Geneva, Switzerland.
| | - Thomas Nyirenda
- European & Developing Countries Clinical Trials Partnership, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Ole F Olesen
- European & Developing Countries Clinical Trials Partnership, The Hague, the Netherlands
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Onyiah P, Adamu AMY, Afolabi RF, Ajumobi O, Ughasoro MD, Odeyinka O, Nguku P, Ajayi IO. Bottlenecks, concerns and needs in malaria operational research: the perspectives of key stakeholders in Nigeria. BMC Res Notes 2018; 11:272. [PMID: 29728139 PMCID: PMC5935974 DOI: 10.1186/s13104-018-3379-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2017] [Accepted: 04/30/2018] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective We conducted a study to determine stakeholders’ perspective of the bottlenecks, concerns and needs to malaria operational research (MOR) agenda setting in Nigeria. Results Eighty-five (37.9%) stakeholders identified lack of positive behavioural change as the major bottleneck to MOR across the malaria thematic areas comprising of malaria prevention 58.8% (50), case management 34.8% (39), advocacy communication and social mobilisation 4.7% (4) while procurement and supply chain management (PSM) and programme management experts had the least response of 1.2% (1) each. Other bottlenecks were inadequate capacity to implement (13.8%, n = 31), inadequate funds (11.6%, n = 26), poor supply management (9.4%, n = 21), administrative bureaucracy (5.8%, n = 13), inadequacy of experts (1.3%, n = 3) and poor policy implementation (4.9%, n = 11). Of the 31 stakeholders who opined lack of capacity to execute malaria operational research; 17 (54.8%), 10 (32.3%), 3 (9.7%) and 1 (3.2%) were experts in case management, malaria prevention, surveillance, monitoring and evaluation and PSM respectively. Improvement in community enlightenment and awareness strategies; and active involvement of health care workers public and private sectors were identified solutions to lack of positive behavioural change. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13104-018-3379-5) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pamela Onyiah
- Nigeria Field Epidemiology and Laboratory Training Programme, Abuja, Nigeria
| | - Al-Mukhtar Y Adamu
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Clinical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Bayero University, Kano, Nigeria
| | - Rotimi F Afolabi
- Department of Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, Faculty of Public Health, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Queen Elizabeth Road, UCH Campus, Ibadan, 23402, Oyo State, Nigeria.
| | - Olufemi Ajumobi
- Nigeria Field Epidemiology and Laboratory Training Programme, Abuja, Nigeria.,African Field Epidemiology Network, Abuja, Nigeria
| | - Maduka D Ughasoro
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Nigeria Enugu Campus, Enugu, Nigeria
| | - Oluwaseun Odeyinka
- Department of Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, Faculty of Public Health, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Queen Elizabeth Road, UCH Campus, Ibadan, 23402, Oyo State, Nigeria
| | - Patrick Nguku
- Nigeria Field Epidemiology and Laboratory Training Programme, Abuja, Nigeria.,African Field Epidemiology Network, Abuja, Nigeria
| | - IkeOluwapo O Ajayi
- Nigeria Field Epidemiology and Laboratory Training Programme, Abuja, Nigeria.,Department of Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, Faculty of Public Health, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Queen Elizabeth Road, UCH Campus, Ibadan, 23402, Oyo State, Nigeria
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34
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McPake B. Inequalities in investment in malaria research in sub-Saharan Africa: are they inequities? LANCET GLOBAL HEALTH 2017; 5:e730-e731. [PMID: 28668231 DOI: 10.1016/s2214-109x(17)30252-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2017] [Accepted: 06/12/2017] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Barbara McPake
- Nossal Institute for Global Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia.
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