Health system reforms in five sub-Saharan African countries that experienced major armed conflicts (wars) during 1990-2015: a literature review

Determinants of translating routine health information system data into action in Mozambique: a qualitative study

INTRODUCTION

Routine health information systems (RHISs) are an essential source of data to inform decisions and actions around health facility performance, but RHIS data use is often limited in low and middle-income country contexts. Determinants that influence RHIS data-informed decisions and actions are not well understood, and few studies have explored the relationship between RHIS data-informed decisions and actions.

METHODS

This qualitative thematic analysis study explored the determinants and characteristics of successful RHIS data-informed actions at the health facility level in Mozambique and which determinants were influenced by the Integrated District Evidence to Action (IDEAs) strategy. Two rounds of qualitative data were collected in 2019 and 2020 through 27 in-depth interviews and 7 focus group discussions with provincial, district and health facility-level managers and frontline health workers who participated in the IDEAs enhanced audit and feedback strategy. The Performance of Routine Information System Management-Act framework guided the development of the data collection tools and thematic analysis.

RESULTS

Key behavioural determinants of translating RHIS data into action included health worker understanding and awareness of health facility performance indicators coupled with health worker sense of ownership and responsibility to improve health facility performance. Supervision, on-the-job support and availability of financial and human resources were highlighted as essential organisational determinants in the development and implementation of action plans. The forum to regularly meet as a group to review, discuss and monitor health facility performance was emphasised as a critical determinant by study participants.

CONCLUSION

Future data-to-action interventions and research should consider contextually feasible ways to support health facility and district managers to hold regular meetings to review, discuss and monitor health facility performance as a way to promote translation of RHIS data to action.

Health system strengthening in fragile and conflict-affected states: A review of systematic reviews

BACKGROUND

Globally, there is growing attention towards health system strengthening, and the importance of quality in health systems. However, fragile and conflict-affected states present particular challenges. The aim of this study was to explore health system strengthening in fragile and conflict-affected states by synthesising the evidence from published literature.

METHODS

We conducted a review of systematic reviews (Prospero Registration Number: CRD42022371955) by searching Ovid (Medline, Embase, and Global Health), Scopus, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library databases. Only English-language publications were considered. The Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) Critical Appraisal Tool was employed to assess methodological quality of the included studies. The findings were narratively synthesised and presented in line with the Lancet's 'high-quality health system framework'.

RESULTS

Twenty-seven systematic reviews, out of 2,704 identified records, considered key dimensions of health systems in fragile and conflict-affected states, with the 'foundations' domain having most evidence. Significant challenges to health system strengthening, including the flight of human capital due to safety concerns and difficult working conditions, as well as limited training capacities and resources, were identified. Facilitators included community involvement, support systems and innovative financing mechanisms. The importance of coordinated and integrated responses tailored to the context and stage of the crisis situation was emphasised in order to strengthen fragile health systems. Overall, health system strengthening initiatives included policies encouraging the return and integration of displaced healthcare workers, building local healthcare workers capacity, strengthening education and training, integrating healthcare services, trust-building, supportive supervision, and e-Health utilisation.

CONCLUSION

The emerging body of evidence on health system strengthening in fragile and conflict-affected states highlights its complexity. The findings underscore the significance of adopting a comprehensive approach and engaging various stakeholders in a coordinated manner considering the stage and context of the situation.

Health transformation toward universal healthcare coverage amidst conflict: examining the impact of international cooperation in Niger

Background

Approximately 70% of Sub-Saharan African countries have experienced armed conflicts with significant battle-related fatalities in the past two decades. Niger has witnessed a substantial rise in conflict-affected populations in recent years. In response, international cooperation has aimed to support health transformation in Niger's conflict zones and other conflict-affected areas in Sub-Saharan Africa. This study seeks to review the available evidence on health interventions facilitated by international cooperation in conflict zones, with a focus on Niger.

Methods

We conducted a systematic literature review (SLR) adhering to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. The search was conducted from 2000 to 4 September 2022 using MeSH terms and keywords to identify relevant studies and reports in Sub-Saharan Africa and specifically in Niger. Databases such as PubMed (Medline), Google Scholar, Google, and gray literature were utilized. The findings were presented both narratively and through tables and a conceptual framework.

Results

Overall, 24 records (10 studies and 14 reports) that highlighted the significant role of international cooperation in promoting health transformation in conflict zones across Sub-Saharan Africa, including Niger, were identified. Major multilateral donors identified were the World Health Organization (WHO), United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), United Nations Fund for Population Activities (UNFPA), World Bank, United States Agency for International Development (USAID), European Union, European Commission Humanitarian Aid (ECHO), Global Fund, and Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization (GAVI). Most supports targeted maternal, newborn, child, adolescent, and youth health, nutrition, and psycho-social services. Furthermore, interventions were in the form of public health initiatives, mobile clinic implementation, data management, human resource capacity building, health information systems, health logistics, and research funding in conflict zones.

Conclusion

This literature review underscores the significant engagement of international cooperation in strengthening and transforming health services in conflict-affected areas across Sub-Saharan Africa, with a particular focus on Niger. However, to optimize the effectiveness of healthcare activities from short- and long-term perspectives, international partners and the Ministry of Public Health need to re-evaluate and reshape their approach to health intervention in conflict zones.

Trends, Projections, and Regional Disparities of Maternal Mortality in Africa (1990-2030): An ARIMA Forecasting Approach

With the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) (2015-2030) focused on the reduction in maternal mortality, monitoring and forecasting maternal mortality rates (MMRs) in regions like Africa is crucial for health strategy planning by policymakers, international organizations, and NGOs. We collected maternal mortality rates per 100,000 births from the World Bank database between 1990 and 2015. Joinpoint regression was applied to assess trends, and the autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) model was used on 1990-2015 data to forecast the MMRs for the next 15 years. We also used the Holt method and the machine-learning Prophet Forecasting Model. The study found a decline in MMRs in Africa with an average annual percentage change (APC) of -2.6% (95% CI -2.7; -2.5). North Africa reported the lowest MMR, while East Africa experienced the sharpest decline. The region-specific ARIMA models predict that the maternal mortality rate (MMR) in 2030 will vary across regions, ranging from 161 deaths per 100,000 births in North Africa to 302 deaths per 100,000 births in Central Africa, averaging 182 per 100,000 births for the continent. Despite the observed decreasing trend in maternal mortality rate (MMR), the MMR in Africa remains relatively high. The results indicate that MMR in Africa will continue to decrease by 2030. However, no region of Africa will likely reach the SDG target.

Barriers to mental health treatment in primary care practice in low- and middle-income countries in a post-covid era: A systematic review

General primary care workers and family physicians are a crucial work force in managing the mental health of people in any given region. However, the barriers they face in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) may be worsened by the pandemic. This review aims to bring together evidence about mental health treatment challenges experienced by people in LMICs in primary care settings. The review focuses on the shortage of essential mental healthcare services, stigma and lack of competent primary care professionals in establishing these services and their importance in the COVID-19 pandemic context. The systematic review adhered to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, and the search strategy included keyword search terms (MeSH) to perform a search across three electronic databases - Critical Appraisal Skills Program assessed PubMed, SpringerLink, and Cochrane and quality of the articles. The articles selected were analyzed through thematic analysis to identify the main themes and conclude our findings. Findings indicate that out of 1792 publications found, 14 studies matched the desired criteria for the studies. Endnotes, database search filters, and Covidence data extraction tools were used to generate the relevant articles in this study. This study shows that primary care institutions have financial and management issues in providing mental health services and a shortage of competent mental health experts in primary care, especially mental health-trained family physicians. The study also identifies community stigma as the most prevalent barrier to seeking mental health therapy, reflecting the lack of community health education in LMICs.

Trends Analysis of HIV Infection and Antiretroviral Treatment Outcome in Amhara Regional from 2015 to 2021, Northeast Ethiopia

Background

The persistent efforts of HIV/AIDS epidemiology remain one of the world's most important community health threats. To avoid becoming an epidemic, UNAIDS has set three 90% fast-track targets for 2020, and Ethiopia has also changed its implementation since 2015. However, the achievement targets in the Amhara region have yet to be evaluated at the end of the programme period.

Objective

The aim of this study was to assess the Trends of HIV Infection and Antiretroviral Treatment outcome in Eastern Amhara Regional from 2015 to 2021, Northeast Ethiopia.

Methods

A retrospective study was conducted by reviewing the District Health Information System from 2015 to 2021. The collected data includes the trend of HIV testing services, the trend of HIV positivity, the yield of HIV testing approaches, the number of HIV positive patients linked to HIV care and treatment or access to lifelong antiretroviral therapy, viral load testing coverage, and viral suppression. A descriptive statistic and trend analysis were computed.

Results

A total of 145,639 people accessed antiretroviral therapy. The trend of HIV test positivity has been declining since 2015, peaking at 0.76% in 2015 and declining to 0.60% in 2020. A high level of positivity was reported in volunteer counselling and testing as compared with provider-initiated testing and counselling services. Following an HIV positive, there was an increase in linkage to HIV care and treatment. High suppression rates of viral load indicate testing coverage grew over time. The viral load monitoring coverage was 70% in 2021, with a viral suppression rate of 94%.

Conclusion and Recommendations

The trend in achievement in the first 90s was not consistent with predefined goals (90%). On the other hand, there was good achievement in the second and third goals. Hence, intensified case-finding approaches to HIV testing should be strengthened.

Global, regional, and national burden of cardiovascular diseases in youths and young adults aged 15-39 years in 204 countries/territories, 1990-2019: a systematic analysis of Global Burden of Disease Study 2019

BACKGROUND

Understanding the temporal trends in the burden of overall and type-specific cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) in youths and young adults and its attributable risk factors is important for effective and targeted prevention strategies and measures. We aimed to provide a standardized and comprehensive estimation of the prevalence, incidence, disability-adjusted life years (DALY), and mortality rate of CVDs and its associated risk factors in youths and young adults aged 15-39 years at global, regional, and national levels.

METHODS

We applied Global Burden of Disease, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study (GBD) 2019 analytical tools to calculate the age-standardized incidence, prevalence, DALY, and mortality rate of overall and type-specific CVDs (i.e., rheumatic heart disease, ischemic heart disease, stroke, hypertensive heart disease, non-rheumatic valvular heart disease, cardiomyopathy and myocarditis, atrial fibrillation and flutter, aortic aneurysm, and endocarditis) among youths and young adults aged 15-39 years by age, sex, region, sociodemographic index and across 204 countries/territories from 1990 to 2019, and proportional DALY of CVDs attributable to associated risk factors.

RESULTS

The global age-standardized DALY (per 100,000 population) for CVDs in youths and young adults significantly decreased from 1257.51 (95% confidence interval 1257.03, 1257.99) in 1990 to 990.64 (990.28, 990.99) in 2019 with an average annual percent change (AAPC) of - 0.81% (- 1.04%, - 0.58%, P < 0.001), and the age-standardized mortality rate also significantly decreased from 19.83 (19.77, 19.89) to 15.12 (15.08, 15.16) with an AAPC of - 0.93% (- 1.21%, - 0.66%, P < 0.001). However, the global age-standardized incidence rate (per 100,000 population) moderately increased from 126.80 (126.65, 126.95) in 1990 to 129.85 (129.72, 129.98) in 2019 with an AAPC of 0.08% (0.00%, 0.16%, P = 0.040), and the age-standardized prevalence rate significantly increased from 1477.54 (1477.03, 1478.06) to 1645.32 (1644.86, 1645.78) with an AAPC of 0.38% (0.35%, 0.40%, P < 0.001). In terms of type-specific CVDs, the age-standardized incidence and prevalence rate in rheumatic heart disease, prevalence rate in ischemic heart disease, and incidence rate in endocarditis increased from 1990 to 2019 (all P < 0.001). When stratified by sociodemographic index (SDI), the countries/territories with low and low-middle SDI had a higher burden of CVDs than the countries/territories with high and high-middle SDI. Women had a higher prevalence rate of CVDs than men, whereas men had a higher DALY and mortality rate than women. High systolic blood pressure, high body mass index, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol were the main attributable risk factors for DALY of CVDs for all included countries and territories. Household air pollution from solid fuels was an additional attributable risk factor for DALY of CVDs in low and low-middle SDI countries compared with middle, high-middle, and high SDI countries. Compared with women, DALY for CVDs in men was more likely to be affected by almost all risk factors, especially for smoking.

CONCLUSIONS

There is a substantial global burden of CVDs in youths and young adults in 2019. The burden of overall and type-specific CVDs varied by age, sex, SDI, region, and country. CVDs in young people are largely preventable, which deserve more attention in the targeted implementation of effective primary prevention strategies and expansion of young-people's responsive healthcare systems.

The impact of decentralisation on health systems in fragile and post-conflict countries: a narrative synthesis of six case studies in the Indo-Pacific

A health system has three key stakeholders, the State-at national and subnational levels-the health service providers and the citizens. In most settings and especially in peacetime, these stakeholders are typically well-defined. In contrast, during conflict and crisis as well as during ceasefire and post-conflict peacebuilding, stakeholders in the health system are often more diverse and contested. Health systems in such settings tend to be more decentralised, de facto-often in addition to de jure decentralisation. Despite much debate on the potential benefits of decentralisation, assessing its impact on health system performance remains difficult and its effect is open to dispute in the literature. This narrative synthesis aims to support efforts to assess and make sense of how decentralisation impacts health system performance in fragile and post-conflict countries-by synthesising evidence on the impact of decentralisation on health system performance from six country case studies: Papua New Guinea, the Philippines, Indonesia, Pakistan, Myanmar and Nepal. The impact of decentralisation on health system performance is optimised when combining centralisation (e.g., the benefits of central coordination in improving efficiency) with decentralisation (e.g., the benefits of local decision making in improving equity and resilience). The findings may inform efforts to think through what to centralise or decentralise, the impacts of those choices, and how the impact may change over time as countries go through and emerge from conflict-and as they go through and recover from the Covid-19 pandemic and prepare for future pandemics.

Aspirations and realities of intergovernmental collaboration in national- level interventions: insights from maternal, neonatal and child health policy processes in Nigeria, 2009-2019

In Nigeria's federal government system, national policies assign concurrent healthcare responsibilities across constitutionally arranged government levels. Hence, national policies, formulated for adoption by states for implementation, require collaboration. This study examines collaboration across government levels, tracing implementation of three maternal, neonatal and child health (MNCH) programmes, developed from a parent integrated MNCH strategy, with intergovernmental collaborative designs, to identify transferable principles to other multilevel governance contexts, especially low-income countries.National-level setting was Abuja, where policymaking is domiciled, while two subnational implementation settings (Anambra and Ebonyi states) were selected based on their MNCH contexts. A qualitative case study triangulated information from 69 documents and 44 in-depth interviews with national and subnational policymakers, technocrats, academics and implementers. Emerson's integrated collaborative governance framework was applied thematically to examine how governance arrangements across the national and subnational levels impacted policy processes.The results showed that misaligned governance structures constrained implementation. Specific governance characteristics (subnational executive powers, fiscal centralisation, nationally designed policies, among others) did not adequately generate collaboration dynamics for collaborative actions. Collaborative signing of memoranda of understanding happened passively, but the contents were not implemented. Neither state adhered to programme goals, despite contextual variations, because of an underlying disconnect in the national governance structure.Collaboration across government levels could be better facilitated via full devolution of responsibilities by national authorities to subnational governments, with the national level providing independent evaluation and guidance only. Given the existing fiscal structure, innovative reforms which hold government levels accountable should be linked to fiscal transfers. Sustained advocacy and context-specific models of achieving distributed leadership across government levels are required across similar resource-limited countries. Stakeholders should be aware of what drivers are available to them for collaboration and what needs to be built within the system context.

Global Burden of Ischemic Stroke in Young Adults in 204 Countries and Territories

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

To estimate the rates of incidence, death, and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) of ischemic stroke in young adults aged 15-49 years and the relevant risk factors by sex, age group, and sociodemographic index (SDI) in 204 countries and territories.

METHODS

Data from the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors (GBD) 2019 study were used. The estimated annual percentage changes (EAPCs) were calculated to evaluate the temporal trends from 1990 to 2019. We also estimated the risk factors contributing to DALYs resulting from ischemic stroke.

RESULTS

From 1990 to 2019, the global age-standardized incidence (EAPC = -0.97), death (EAPC = -0.11), and DALYs rates (EAPC = -0.55) of ischemic stroke in young adults decreased. The largest increases in age-standardized incidence, death, and DALYs rates were observed in the low and low-middle SDI quintiles. At the regional level, North Africa and the Middle East and Southeast Asia showed the largest increases in the age-standardized incidence, death, and DALYs rates of ischemic stroke. The age-standardized incidence rate was higher among young women than among young men in 2019. Globally, a high environmental temperature, high body mass index (BMI), and a high fasting plasma glucose contributed to the largest increases in age-standardized DALYs rates between 1990 and 2019. In the same period, the largest increases in the age-standardized DALYs rates in high-SDI and low-SDI regions were attributable to high environmental temperatures and alcohol use, respectively.

DISCUSSION

The burden of ischemic stroke in young adults continues to increase in low-SDI regions such as North Africa and the Middle East and Southeast Asia. There were differences in the primary risk factors related to the burden of ischemic stroke in different SDI regions. Targeted implementation of cost-effective policies and interventions is an urgent need to reduce the burden of ischemic stroke in young adults.

Maternal Mortality in Africa: Regional Trends (2000-2017)

BACKGROUND

United Nations Sustainable Development Goals state that by 2030, the global maternal mortality rate (MMR) should be lower than 70 per 100,000 live births. MMR is still one of Africa's leading causes of death among women. The leading causes of maternal mortality in Africa are hemorrhage and eclampsia. This research aims to study regional trends in maternal mortality (MM) in Africa.

METHODS

We extracted data for maternal mortality rates per 100,000 births from the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) databank from 2000 to 2017, 2017 being the last date available. Joinpoint regression was used to study the trends and estimate the annual percent change (APC).

RESULTS

Maternal mortality has decreased in Africa over the study period by an average APC of -3.0% (95% CI -2.9; -3,2%). All regions showed significant downward trends, with the greatest decreases in the South. Only the North African region is close to the United Nations' sustainable development goals for Maternal mortality. The remaining Sub-Saharan African regions are still far from achieving the goals.

CONCLUSIONS

Maternal mortality has decreased in Africa, especially in the South African region. The only region close to the United Nations' target is the North African region. The remaining Sub-Saharan African regions are still far from achieving the goals. The West African region needs more extraordinary efforts to achieve the goals of the United Nations. Policies should ensure that all pregnant women have antenatal visits and give birth in a health facility staffed by specialized personnel.

Towards universal health coverage: The level and determinants of enrollment in the Community-Based Health Insurance (CBHI) scheme in Ethiopia: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

Community-based health insurance (CBHI) is a risk-pooling approach that tries to disperse health expenditures across families with varying health profiles to provide greater access to healthcare services by allowing cross-subsidies from wealthy to poor populations. It is crucial to assess the level of CBHI enrolment and its determinants in Ethiopia, where government health spending is limited to less than 5% of GDP, far below the Alma Ata Declaration’s benchmark of 15%. Although various epidemiological studies on CBHI enrolment status and its determinants have been undertaken in Ethiopia, the results have been inconsistent, with significant variability. However, no nationwide study assessing the pooled estimates exists today. Furthermore, the estimated strength of association at the country level varied and was inconsistent across studies. Hence, this systematic review and meta-analysis aimed at estimating the pooled prevalence of CBHI enrolment and its determinants in Ethiopia.

Methods

A comprehensive search of studies was done by using PubMed, EMBASE, Science Direct, HINARI, Scopus, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library. The database search was complemented by google scholar and some repositories for grey literature. The search was carried out from February 11 to March 12, 2022. The relevant data were extracted using a Microsoft Excel 2013 spreadsheet and analyzed using STATA^TM Version 16. Studies reporting the level and determinants of CBHI enrolment in Ethiopia were considered. A weighted DerSimonian Laired random effect model was applied to estimate the pooled national prevalence of CBHI enrolment. The Cochrane Q test statistics and I² tests were used to assess the heterogeneity of the included studies. A funnel plot, Begg’s and Egger’s tests, were used to check for the presence of publication bias.

Results

Fifteen studies were eligible for this systematic review and meta-analysis with a total of 8418 study participants. The overall pooled prevalence of CBHI enrolment in Ethiopia was 45.5% (95% CI: 32.19, 58.50). Affordability of premium for the scheme[OR = 2.58, 95% CI 1.68, 3.47], knowledge of respondents on the CBHI scheme[OR = 4.35, 95% CI 2.69, 6.01], perceived quality of service[OR = 3.21, 95% CI 2.04, 4.38], trust in the scheme[OR = 2.32, 95% CI 1.57, 3.07], and the presence of a person with a chronic disease in the household [OR = 3.58, 95% CI 2.37, 4.78] were all found to influence CBHI enrolment.

Conclusion

Community health workers (CHWs) need to make a high effort to improve knowledge of CBHI in rural communities by providing health education. To deal with the issue of affordability, due emphasis should be placed on building local solidarity groups and strengthening local initiatives to aid poor members. Stakeholders in the health service delivery points need to focus on the dimensions of high service quality. The financial gap created by the adverse selection of households with chronically ill members should be rectified by implementing targeted subsidies with robust plans.

Pooled coverage of community based health insurance scheme enrolment in Ethiopia, systematic review and meta-analysis, 2016-2020

BACKGROUND

Community Based Health Insurance (CBHI) is a type of health insurance program that provides financial protection against the cost of illness and improving access to health care services for communities engaged in the informal sector. In Ethiopia, the coverage of CBHI enrolment varies across regions and decision of household enrolment is affected by different factors. There are pocket studies on CBHI scheme with different coverage in Ethiopia and there is no pooled study on CBHI enrolment coverage in Ethiopia for better understanding the scheme and decision making. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to identify the pooled coverage of CBHI enrolment in Ethiopia to understand its policy implications.

METHODS

The systematic review and meta-analysis was done by adhering the PRISMA guideline with exhaustive search in PubMed/Medline, HINARI, SCOPUS and Google scholar complemented by manual search. Two authors independently selected studies, extracted data, and assessed quality of studies. The I2 test statistic was used to test heterogeneity among studies. The overall coverage of CBHI scheme was estimated by using random-effects model.

RESULT

Among 269 identified, 17 studies were included in this meta-analysis and the overall coverage of CBHI scheme was 45% (95% CI 35%, 55%) in Ethiopia. The sub-group analysis shows higher enrolment rate 55.97 (95%CI: 41.68, 69.77) in earlier (2016-2017) studies than recent 37.33 (95%CI: 24.82, 50.77) studies (2018-2020).

CONCLUSION

The pooled coverage of CBHI enrolment is low in Ethiopia compared the national target of 80% set for 2020. It is also concentrated in only major regions of the country. The finding of the study helps national decision making for CBHI scheme service improvement. Due attention to be given to improving geographic expansion of CBHI and to the declining coverages with in the CBHI implementing regions by addressing the main bottlenecks restraining coverages.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

The protocol of this systematic review and meta-analysis was published in PROSPERO with registration number: CRD42021252762 .

Post-traumatic stress disorder psychological interventions in sub-Saharan Africa: protocol for a systematic review of the literature

INTRODUCTION

Untreated post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) results in considerable morbidity and higher risk of mortality. However, little is being done to treat PTSD in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) settings where rates of PTSD are likely to be elevated due to mass exposure of the population to traumatic events. This systematic review aims to summarise available evidence on the efficacy of psychological therapies for PTSD in SSA.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

A systematic search of the literature will be conducted in four electronic databases: PubMed, PsychInfo, EMBASE and Cochrane Register of Controlled Trials using keywords and synonyms related to 'PTSD', 'psychological therapies' and 'SSA'. Studies will be included if they were conducted in SSA and used a randomised controlled trial design. Two researchers will screen the studies for eligibility to be included, and data on intervention types, population, comorbidities, comparison group intervention and PTSD outcomes will be extracted from those included. Risk of bias will be assessed using Cochrane risk-of-bias tool for randomised trials (version 2). Narrative synthesis of data will be conducted and pooled effect estimates calculated.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

Ethical approval is not required as this is a protocol of a systematic review of available data. Findings will be disseminated to the scientific community through peer-reviewed publications and presentation at conferences.

PROSPERO REGISTRATION

CRD42020181638.

The burden of stroke and its attributable risk factors in the Middle East and North Africa region, 1990-2019

Stroke is one of the leading causes of mortality and morbidity across the globe. Providing comprehensive data on the burden of stroke in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) could be useful for health policy makers in the region. Therefore, this article reported the burden of stroke and its attributable risk factors between 1990 and 2019 by age, sex, type of stroke, and socio-demographic index. Data on the point prevalence, death, and disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs), due to stroke, were retrieved from the Global Burden of Disease study 2019 for the 21 countries located in the MENA region from 1990 to 2019. The counts and age-standardised rates (per 100,000) were presented, along with their corresponding 95% uncertainty intervals (UIs). In 2019, the regional age-standardised point prevalence and death rates of stroke were 1537.5 (95% UI: 1421.9–1659.9) and 87.7 (78.2–97.6) per 100,000, which represent a 0.5% (− 2.3 to 1.1) and 27.8% (− 35.4 to − 16) decrease since 1990, respectively. Moreover, the regional age-standardised DALY rate in 2019 was 1826.2 (1635.3–2026.2) per 100,000, a 32.0% (− 39.1 to − 23.3) decrease since 1990. In 2019, Afghanistan [3498.2 (2508.8–4500.4)] and Lebanon [752.9 (593.3–935.9)] had the highest and lowest age-standardised DALY rates, respectively. Regionally, the total number of stroke cases were highest in the 60–64 age group and was more prevalent in women in all age groups. In addition, there was a general negative association between SDI and the burden of stoke from 1990 to 2019. Also, in 2019, high systolic blood pressure [53.5%], high body mass index [39.4%] and ambient particulate air pollution [27.1%] made the three largest contributions to the burden of stroke in the MENA region. The stroke burden has decreased in the MENA region over the last three decades, although there are large inter-country differences. Preventive programs should be implemented which focus on metabolic risk factors, especially among older females in low SDI countries.

Primary health care facility readiness to implement primary eye care in Nigeria: equipment, infrastructure, service delivery and health management information systems

Background

Over two-thirds of Africans have no access to eye care services. To increase access, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends integrating eye care into primary health care, and the WHO Africa region recently developed a package for primary eye care. However, there are limited data on the capacities needed for delivery, to guide policymakers and implementers on the feasibility of integration. The overall purpose of this study was to assess the technical capacity of the health system at primary level to deliver the WHO primary eye care package. Findings with respect to service delivery, equipment and health management information systems (HMIS) are presented in this paper.

Methods

This was a mixed-methods, cross sectional feasibility study in Anambra State, Nigeria. Methods included a desk review of relevant Nigerian policies; a survey of 48 primary health facilities in six districts randomly selected using two stage sampling, and semi-structured interviews with six supervisors and nine purposively selected facility heads. Quantitative study tools included observational checklists and questionnaires. Survey data were analysed descriptively using STATA V.15.1 (Statcorp, Texas). Differences between health centres and health posts were analysed using the z-test statistic. Interview data were analysed using thematic analysis assisted by Open Code Software V.4.02.

Results

There are enabling national health policies for eye care, but no policy specifically for primary eye care. 85% of facilities had no medication for eye conditions and one in eight had no vitamin A in stock. Eyecare was available in < 10% of the facilities. The services delivered focussed on maternal and child health, with low attendance by adults aged over 50 years with over 50% of facilities reporting ≤10 attendances per year per 1000 catchment population. No facility reported data on patients with eye conditions in their patient registers.

Conclusion

A policy for primary eye care is needed which aligns with existing eye health policies. There are currently substantial capacity gaps in service delivery, equipment and data management which will need to be addressed if eye care is to be successfully integrated into primary care in Nigeria.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12913-021-07359-3.

Human resource and governance challenges in the delivery of primary eye care: a mixed methods feasibility study in Nigeria

Background

To increase access to eye care, the World Health Organization’s Africa Region recently launched a primary eye care (PEC) package for sub-Saharan Africa. To determine the technical feasibility of implementing this package, the capacity of health systems at primary level needs to be assessed, to identify capacity gaps that would need to be addressed to deliver effective and sustainable PEC. This study reports on the human resource and governance challenges for delivering PEC in Anambra State, Nigeria.

Methods

Design: This was a mixed methods feasibility study. A desk review of relevant Nigerian national health policy documents on both eye health and primary health care was conducted, and 48 primary health care facilities in Anambra state were surveyed. Data on human resource and governance in primary health facilities were collected using structured questionnaires and through observation with checklists. In-depth interviews were conducted with district supervisors and selected heads of facilities to explore the opportunities and challenges for the delivery of PEC in their facilities/districts. Data were analysed using the World Health Organization’s health system framework.

Results

A clear policy for PEC is lacking. Supervision was conducted at least quarterly in 54% of facilities and 56% of facilities did not use the standard clinical management guidelines. There were critical shortages of health workers with 82% of facilities working with less than 20% of the number recommended. Many facilities used volunteers and/or ad hoc workers to mitigate staff shortages.

Conclusion

Our study highlights the policy, governance and health workforce gaps that will need to be addressed to deliver PEC in Nigeria. Developing and implementing a specific policy for PEC is recommended. Implementation of existing national health policies may help address health workforce shortages at the primary health care level.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12913-021-07362-8.

[Contrat unique, une approche innovante de financement du niveau intermédiaire du système de santé en République Démocratique du Congo : processus et défis de mise en œuvre]

Basket fund, an innovative approach for intermediate health system level financing in the Democratic Republic of Congo: Implementation process and challenges.

First recourse for care-seeking and associated factors among rural populations in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo

BACKGROUND

Access to quality healthcare is a global fundamental human right. However, in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, several parameters affect the choices of health service users in fragile, rural contexts (zones). The overarching aim of this study was to identify the first recourse of healthcare-seeking and the determinants of utilization of health centers (primary health care structures) in the rural health zones of Katana and Walungu.

METHODS

A cross-sectional survey was conducted from June to September 2017. Consenting respondents comprised 1751 adults. Continuous data were summarized using means (standard deviation) and medians (interquartile range). We used Pearson's chi-square test and Fisher exact test to compare proportions. Logistic regression was run to assess socio-determinants of health center utilization.

RESULTS

The morbidity rate of the sample population for the previous month was 86.4% (n = 1501) of which 60% used health centers for their last morbid episode and 20% did not. 5.3% of the respondents patronized prayer rooms and 7.9% resorted to self-medication principally because the cost was low, or the services were fast. Being female (OR: 1.51; p = 0.005) and a higher level of education (OR: 1.79; p = 0.032) were determinants of the use of health centers in Walungu. Only the level of education was associated with the use of health centers in Katana (OR: 2.78; p = 0.045).

CONCLUSION

Our findings suggest that health centers are the first recourse for the majority of the population during an illness. However, a significant percentage of patients are still using traditional healers or prayer rooms because the cost is low. Our results suggest that future interventions to encourage integrated health service use should target those with lower levels of education.

Technical capacities needed to implement the WHO's primary eye care package for Africa: results of a Delphi process

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the study was to establish the technical capacities needed to deliver the WHO African Region's primary eye care package in primary healthcare facilities.

DESIGN

A two-round Delphi exercise was used to obtain expert consensus on the technical complexity of each component of the package and the technical capacities needed to deliver them using Gericke's framework of technical feasibility. The panel comprised nine eyecare experts in primary eyecare in sub-Saharan Africa. In each round panel members used a 4-point Likert scale to indicate their level of agreement. Consensus was predefined as ≥70% agreement on each statement. For round 1, statements on technical complexity were identified through a literature search of primary eyecare in sub-Saharan Africa from January 1980 to April 2018. Statements for which consensus was achieved were included in round 2, and the technical capacities were agreed.

RESULTS

Technical complexity statements were classified into four broad categories: intervention characteristics, delivery characteristics, government capacity requirements and usage characteristics. 34 of the 38 (89%) statements on health promotion and 40 of the 43 (93%) statements on facility case management were considered necessary technical capacities for implementation.

CONCLUSION

This study establishes the technical capacities needed to implement the WHO Africa Office primary eye care package, which may be generalisable to countries in sub-Saharan Africa.

Determinants of enrollment decision in the community-based health insurance, North West Ethiopia: a case-control study

OBJECTIVE

To identify the determinants for enrollment decision in the community-based health insurance program among informal economic sector-engaged societies, North West Ethiopia.

METHOD

Unmatched case-control study was conducted on 148 cases (member-to-insurance) and 148 controls (not-member-to-insurance program) from September 1 to October 30,2016. To select the villages and households, stratified then simple random sampling method was employed respectively. The data were entered in to Epi-info version 7 and exported to SPSS version 20 for analysis. Descriptive statistics, bi-variable, and multi-variable logistic regression analyses were computed to describe the study objectives and identify the determinants of enrolment decision for the insurance program. Odds ratio at 95% CI was used to describe the association between the independent and outcome variables.

RESULTS

A total of 296 respondents (148 cases and 148 controls) were employed. The mean age for both cases and controls were 42 ± 11.73 and 40 ± 11.37 years respectively. Majority of respondents were males (87.2% for cases and 79% for controls). Family size between 4 and 6 (AOR = 2.26; 95% CI: 1.04, 4.89), history of illness by household (AOR = 3.24; 95% CI: 1.68, 6.24), perceived amount of membership contribution was medium (AOR = 2.3; 95% CI: 1.23, 4.26), being married (AOR = 6; 95% CI:1.43, 10.18) and trust on program (AOR = 4.79; 95% CI: 2.40, 9.55) were independent determinants for increased enrollment decision in the community-based health insurance. While, being merchant (AOR = 0.07; 95% CI: 0.09, 0.6) decreased the enrollment decision.

CONCLUSION

Societies' enrollment decision to community-based health insurance program was determined by demographic, social, economic and political factors. Households with large family sizes and farmers in the informal sector should be given maximal attention for intensifying enrollment decision in the insurance program.

Trends and patterns of deaths, injuries and intentional disabilities within the Libyan armed conflict: 2012-2017

Background

The consequences of armed conflicts impose considerable burdens on the economy and health care services, particularly in countries that are not equipped to deal with them, such as in the Middle-East, and North African countries. Little is known about the burden of mortality and injury resulting from the Libyan armed conflict. This study aimed to determine the trends and patterns of mortality, injury and disabilities directly associated with the Libyan armed conflict and analyze the geographic variation within the country during 2012–2107.

Methods

Data on conflict-related deaths, injuries, and disabilities were obtained from the national registry offices. The information included date, place, and demographic information. A questionnaire was also used to obtain information from the affected individuals and their families. National and regional trends of mortality, injury and disabilities were calculated. Spatial analysis was performed using geographic data available on all documented cases to analyze clustering of mortality and injury.

Results

A total of 16,126 deaths and 42,633 injuries were recorded with complete information during the Libyan conflict from 2012 till 2017. The overall mortality rate was 2.7/1000 population and injury rate was 7.1/1000. The overall male-to-female ratio of mortality and injury was 4.4:1; 42.3% were single and aged 20–30 years old, and 26.4% were aged 31–40 years. Moreover, injuries resulted in death in 20.1% of cases and disability in 33.5% of the cases. Most of the disabilities were caused by blasts, while gun shots resulted in more deaths. The overall mortality and injury rates were highest during 2015–2017. These rates were highest in the eastern region. Injuries were most concentrated in Benghazi and Derna in the east, followed by Sert and Musrata in the central region.

Conclusions

Conflict-related mortality, injury and disability has inflicted a heavy burden on the Libyan society that may persist for a long time. The rates of these casualties varied in time and place. National, well-planned efforts are needed to address this serious situation and its consequences.

Harnessing instability as an opportunity for health system strengthening: A review of health system resilience

In recent years, resilience has emerged as a prominent topic in global health systems discourse as a result of the increasing variety and volume of sources of instability inflicting strain on systems. In line with this study's intent to bring together existing literature on health system resilience as a means to understand the process through which systems achieve resilience, a review of academic literature related to health system resilience was conducted. Emerging from this review is an operational model of resilience that builds on existing health systems frameworks. The model highlights health system resilience as a process through which leaders in all sectors need to be mobilized in order to harness instability as an opportunity for health system strengthening rather than a threat to the system's sustainability and integrity.