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Johnston JS, Zhang Aluri K, Job N, Kuhnert KL, Prober C, Ward V, Skinner NA. Exploring the role of community health organizations in promoting public health during a health crisis: a qualitative study of COVID-19 responses in South Africa and Zambia. Glob Health Promot 2024; 31:65-74. [PMID: 37909401 PMCID: PMC11010546 DOI: 10.1177/17579759231205854] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2022] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023]
Abstract
While the COVID-19 pandemic amplified the need for accurate and actionable health information, uncertainty and the proliferation of misinformation have contributed to significant mistrust in public health messages, especially among marginalized communities. Community health organizations can play an important role in creating trust and providing targeted health information to vulnerable groups. This qualitative study, which is focused on community health organizations supporting vulnerable populations in South Africa and Zambia, finds that during the pandemic, community health organizations expanded their roles and leveraged their established access and trust to support the communities they serve with health education and services. However, the reliance on external support limits the organizations' ability to respond in an effective and efficient manner during health crises.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Nophiwe Job
- Stanford Center for Health Education, Standford University, South Africa
| | - Kira-Leigh Kuhnert
- Stanford Center for Health Education, Standford University, South Africa
| | - Charles Prober
- Stanford Center for Health Education, Stanford University, USA
- School of Medicine, Stanford University, USA
| | - Victoria Ward
- Stanford Center for Health Education, Stanford University, USA
- School of Medicine, Stanford University, USA
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Ugwu CA, Alao O, John OG, Akinnawo B, Ajayi I, Odebode O, Bejide I, Campbell A, Campbell J, Adole JA, B. Olawoye I, Akano K, Okolie J, Eromon P, Olaitan P, Olagunoye A, Adebayo I, Adebayo V, Babalola E, Abioye O, Ajayi N, Ogah E, Ukwaja K, Okoro S, Oje O, Kingsley OC, Eke M, Onyia V, Achonduh-Atijegbe O, Ewah FE, Obasi M, Igwe V, Ayodeji O, Chukwuyem A, Owhin S, Oyejide N, Abah S, Ingbian W, Osoba M, Alebiosu A, Nadesalingam A, Aguinam ET, Carnell G, Krause N, Chan A, George C, Kinsley R, Tonks P, Temperton N, Heeney J, Happi C. Immunological insights into COVID-19 in Southern Nigeria. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1305586. [PMID: 38322252 PMCID: PMC10844438 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1305586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 02/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction One of the unexpected outcomes of the COVID-19 pandemic was the relatively low levels of morbidity and mortality in Africa compared to the rest of the world. Nigeria, Africa's most populous nation, accounted for less than 0.01% of the global COVID-19 fatalities. The factors responsible for Nigeria's relatively low loss of life due to COVID-19 are unknown. Also, the correlates of protective immunity to SARS-CoV-2 and the impact of pre-existing immunity on the outcome of the COVID-19 pandemic in Africa are yet to be elucidated. Here, we evaluated the natural and vaccine-induced immune responses from vaccinated, non-vaccinated and convalescent individuals in Southern Nigeria throughout the three waves of the COVID-19 pandemic in Nigeria. We also examined the pre-existing immune responses to SARS-CoV-2 from samples collected prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods We used spike RBD and N- IgG antibody ELISA to measure binding antibody responses, SARS-CoV-2 pseudotype assay protocol expressing the spike protein of different variants (D614G, Delta, Beta, Omicron BA1) to measure neutralizing antibody responses and nucleoprotein (N) and spike (S1, S2) direct ex vivo interferon gamma (IFNγ) T cell ELISpot to measure T cell responses. Result Our study demonstrated a similar magnitude of both binding (N-IgG (74% and 62%), S-RBD IgG (70% and 53%) and neutralizing (D614G (49% and 29%), Delta (56% and 47%), Beta (48% and 24%), Omicron BA1 (41% and 21%)) antibody responses from symptomatic and asymptomatic survivors in Nigeria. A similar magnitude was also seen among vaccinated participants. Interestingly, we revealed the presence of preexisting binding antibodies (N-IgG (60%) and S-RBD IgG (44%)) but no neutralizing antibodies from samples collected prior to the pandemic. Discussion These findings revealed that both vaccinated, non-vaccinated and convalescent individuals in Southern Nigeria make similar magnitude of both binding and cross-reactive neutralizing antibody responses. It supported the presence of preexisting binding antibody responses among some Nigerians prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. Lastly, hybrid immunity and heterologous vaccine boosting induced the strongest binding and broadly neutralizing antibody responses compared to vaccine or infection-acquired immunity alone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chinedu A. Ugwu
- The Africa Centre of Excellence for Genomics of Infectious Diseases (ACEGID), Redeemer’s University, Ede, Osun, Nigeria
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Redeemer’s University, Ede, Osun, Nigeria
| | - Oluwasina Alao
- The Africa Centre of Excellence for Genomics of Infectious Diseases (ACEGID), Redeemer’s University, Ede, Osun, Nigeria
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Redeemer’s University, Ede, Osun, Nigeria
| | - Oluwagboadurami G. John
- The Africa Centre of Excellence for Genomics of Infectious Diseases (ACEGID), Redeemer’s University, Ede, Osun, Nigeria
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Redeemer’s University, Ede, Osun, Nigeria
| | - Blossom Akinnawo
- The Africa Centre of Excellence for Genomics of Infectious Diseases (ACEGID), Redeemer’s University, Ede, Osun, Nigeria
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Redeemer’s University, Ede, Osun, Nigeria
| | - Israel Ajayi
- The Africa Centre of Excellence for Genomics of Infectious Diseases (ACEGID), Redeemer’s University, Ede, Osun, Nigeria
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Redeemer’s University, Ede, Osun, Nigeria
| | - Ooreofe Odebode
- The Africa Centre of Excellence for Genomics of Infectious Diseases (ACEGID), Redeemer’s University, Ede, Osun, Nigeria
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Redeemer’s University, Ede, Osun, Nigeria
| | - Ifeoluwa Bejide
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Redeemer’s University, Ede, Osun, Nigeria
| | - Allan Campbell
- The Africa Centre of Excellence for Genomics of Infectious Diseases (ACEGID), Redeemer’s University, Ede, Osun, Nigeria
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Redeemer’s University, Ede, Osun, Nigeria
| | - Julian Campbell
- The Africa Centre of Excellence for Genomics of Infectious Diseases (ACEGID), Redeemer’s University, Ede, Osun, Nigeria
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Redeemer’s University, Ede, Osun, Nigeria
| | - Jolly A. Adole
- The Africa Centre of Excellence for Genomics of Infectious Diseases (ACEGID), Redeemer’s University, Ede, Osun, Nigeria
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Redeemer’s University, Ede, Osun, Nigeria
| | - Idowu B. Olawoye
- The Africa Centre of Excellence for Genomics of Infectious Diseases (ACEGID), Redeemer’s University, Ede, Osun, Nigeria
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Redeemer’s University, Ede, Osun, Nigeria
| | - Kazeem Akano
- The Africa Centre of Excellence for Genomics of Infectious Diseases (ACEGID), Redeemer’s University, Ede, Osun, Nigeria
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Redeemer’s University, Ede, Osun, Nigeria
| | - Johnson Okolie
- The Africa Centre of Excellence for Genomics of Infectious Diseases (ACEGID), Redeemer’s University, Ede, Osun, Nigeria
| | - Philomena Eromon
- The Africa Centre of Excellence for Genomics of Infectious Diseases (ACEGID), Redeemer’s University, Ede, Osun, Nigeria
| | - Peter Olaitan
- Osun State University Teaching Hospital (UNIOSUNTH), Osogbo, Nigeria
| | - Ajibola Olagunoye
- Osun State University Teaching Hospital (UNIOSUNTH), Osogbo, Nigeria
| | - Ibukun Adebayo
- Osun State University Teaching Hospital (UNIOSUNTH), Osogbo, Nigeria
| | - Victor Adebayo
- Osun State University Teaching Hospital (UNIOSUNTH), Osogbo, Nigeria
| | | | - Omowumi Abioye
- Osun State University Teaching Hospital (UNIOSUNTH), Osogbo, Nigeria
| | - Nnennaya Ajayi
- Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital Abakaliki (AEFUTHA), Abakaliki, Nigeria
| | - Emeka Ogah
- Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital Abakaliki (AEFUTHA), Abakaliki, Nigeria
| | - Kingsley Ukwaja
- Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital Abakaliki (AEFUTHA), Abakaliki, Nigeria
| | - Sylvanus Okoro
- Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital Abakaliki (AEFUTHA), Abakaliki, Nigeria
| | - Ogbonnaya Oje
- Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital Abakaliki (AEFUTHA), Abakaliki, Nigeria
| | | | - Matthew Eke
- Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital Abakaliki (AEFUTHA), Abakaliki, Nigeria
| | - Venatius Onyia
- Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital Abakaliki (AEFUTHA), Abakaliki, Nigeria
| | - Olivia Achonduh-Atijegbe
- The Africa Centre of Excellence for Genomics of Infectious Diseases (ACEGID), Redeemer’s University, Ede, Osun, Nigeria
| | - Friday Elechi Ewah
- Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital Abakaliki (AEFUTHA), Abakaliki, Nigeria
| | - Mary Obasi
- Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital Abakaliki (AEFUTHA), Abakaliki, Nigeria
| | - Violet Igwe
- Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital Abakaliki (AEFUTHA), Abakaliki, Nigeria
| | | | | | | | - Nicholas Oyejide
- The Africa Centre of Excellence for Genomics of Infectious Diseases (ACEGID), Redeemer’s University, Ede, Osun, Nigeria
| | | | - Winifred Ingbian
- The Africa Centre of Excellence for Genomics of Infectious Diseases (ACEGID), Redeemer’s University, Ede, Osun, Nigeria
| | - Moyosoore Osoba
- The Africa Centre of Excellence for Genomics of Infectious Diseases (ACEGID), Redeemer’s University, Ede, Osun, Nigeria
| | - Ahmed Alebiosu
- The Africa Centre of Excellence for Genomics of Infectious Diseases (ACEGID), Redeemer’s University, Ede, Osun, Nigeria
| | - Angalee Nadesalingam
- Laboratory of Viral Zoonotics, Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Ernest T. Aguinam
- Laboratory of Viral Zoonotics, Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - George Carnell
- Laboratory of Viral Zoonotics, Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Nina Krause
- Laboratory of Viral Zoonotics, Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew Chan
- Laboratory of Viral Zoonotics, Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Charlotte George
- Laboratory of Viral Zoonotics, Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Rebecca Kinsley
- Laboratory of Viral Zoonotics, Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Paul Tonks
- Laboratory of Viral Zoonotics, Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Nigel Temperton
- Viral Pseudotype Unit, Medway School of Pharmacy, The Universities of Greenwich and Kent, Kent, United Kingdom
| | - Jonathan Heeney
- Laboratory of Viral Zoonotics, Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Christian Happi
- The Africa Centre of Excellence for Genomics of Infectious Diseases (ACEGID), Redeemer’s University, Ede, Osun, Nigeria
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Redeemer’s University, Ede, Osun, Nigeria
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Soko ND, Dlamini S, Ntsekhe M, Dandara C. The COVID-19 Pandemic and Explaining Outcomes in Africa: Could Genomic Variation Add to the Debate? OMICS : A JOURNAL OF INTEGRATIVE BIOLOGY 2022; 26:594-607. [PMID: 36322905 PMCID: PMC9700373 DOI: 10.1089/omi.2022.0108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the etiological agent of COVID-19, emanated from the Wuhan Province in China and rapidly spread across the globe causing extensive morbidity and mortality rate, and affecting the global economy and livelihoods. Contrary to early predictions of "body bags" across Africa, the African COVID-19 pandemic was marked by apparent low case numbers and an overall mortality rate when compared with the other geographical regions. Factors used to describe this unexpected pattern included a younger population, a swifter and more effective national health policy, limited testing capacities, and the possibility of inadequate reporting of the cases, among others. However, despite genomics contributing to interindividual variations in many diseases across the world, there are inadequate genomic and multiomics data on COVID-19 in Africa that prevent richer transdisciplinary discussions on the contribution of genomics to the spread of COVID-19 pandemic. To invite future debates on comparative studies of COVID-19 genomics and the pandemic spread around the world regions, this expert review evaluates the reported frequency distribution of genetic variants in candidate genes that are likely to affect COVID-19 infection dynamics/disease outcomes. We propose here that genomic variation should be considered among the many factors determining the COVID-19 infection and its outcomes in African populations and across the world.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nyarai D. Soko
- Pharmacogenomics and Drug Metabolism Research Group, Division of Human Genetics, Department of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- UCT/South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) Platform for Pharmacogenomics Research and Translation, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Sipho Dlamini
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Groote Schuur Hospital, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Mpiko Ntsekhe
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Groote Schuur Hospital, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Collet Dandara
- Pharmacogenomics and Drug Metabolism Research Group, Division of Human Genetics, Department of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- UCT/South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) Platform for Pharmacogenomics Research and Translation, Cape Town, South Africa
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Cremades-Martínez P, Parker LA, Chilet-Rosell E, Lumbreras B. Evaluation of Diagnostic Strategies for Identifying SARS-CoV-2 Infection in Clinical Practice: a Systematic Review and Compliance with the Standards for Reporting Diagnostic Accuracy Studies Guideline (STARD). Microbiol Spectr 2022; 10:e0030022. [PMID: 35699441 PMCID: PMC9430610 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.00300-22] [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: 01/24/2022] [Accepted: 05/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
We aimed to review strategies for identifying SARS-CoV-2 infection before the availability of molecular test results, and to assess the reporting quality of the studies identified through the application of the STARD guideline. We screened 3,821 articles published until 30 April 2021, of which 23 met the inclusion criteria: including at least two diagnostic variables, being designed for use in clinical practice or in a public health context and providing diagnostic accuracy rates. Data extraction and application of STARD criteria were performed independently by two researchers and discrepancies were discussed with a third author. Most of the studies (16, 69.6%) included symptomatic patients with suspected infection, six studies (26.1%) included patients already diagnosed and one study (4.3%) included individuals with close contact to a COVID-positive patient. The main variables considered in the studies, which included symptomatic patients, were imaging and demographic characteristics, symptoms, and lymphocyte count. The values for area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC)ranged from 53-97.4. Seven studies (30.4%) validated the diagnostic model in an independent sample. The average number of STARD criteria fulfilled was 17.6 (maximum, 27 and minimum, 5). High diagnostic accuracy values are shown when more than one diagnostic variable is considered, mainly imaging and demographic characteristics, symptoms, and lymphocyte count. This could offer the potential to identify individuals with SARS-CoV-2 infection with high accuracy when molecular testing is not available. However, external validation for developed models and evaluations in populations as similar as possible to those in which they will be applied is urgently needed. IMPORTANCE According to this review, the inclusion of more than one diagnostic test in the diagnostic process for COVID-19 infection shows high diagnostic accuracy values. Imaging characteristics, patients' symptoms, demographic characteristics, and lymphocyte count were the variables most frequently included in the diagnostic models. However, developed models should be externally validated before reaching conclusions on their utility in practice. In addition, it is important to bear in mind that the test should be evaluated in populations as similar as possible to those in which it will be applied in practice.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lucy A. Parker
- Public Health, History of Medicine and Gynecology Department, Miguel Hernandez University, Alicante, Spain
- CIBER Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
| | - Elisa Chilet-Rosell
- Public Health, History of Medicine and Gynecology Department, Miguel Hernandez University, Alicante, Spain
- CIBER Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
| | - Blanca Lumbreras
- Public Health, History of Medicine and Gynecology Department, Miguel Hernandez University, Alicante, Spain
- CIBER Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
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Ngoy N, Oyugi B, Ouma PO, Conteh IN, Woldetsadik SF, Nanyunja M, Okeibunor JC, Yoti Z, Gueye AS. Coordination mechanisms for COVID-19 in the WHO Regional office for Africa. BMC Health Serv Res 2022; 22:711. [PMID: 35643550 PMCID: PMC9142827 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-022-08035-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Accepted: 04/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Aim
This study describes the coordination mechanisms that have been used for management of the COVID 19 pandemic in the WHO AFRO region; relate the patterns of the disease (length of time between onset of coordination and first case; length of the wave of the disease and peak attack rate) to coordination mechanisms established at the national level, and document best practices and lessons learned.
Method
We did a retrospective policy tracing of the COVID-19 coordination mechanisms from March 2020 (when first cases of COVID-19 in the AFRO region were reported) to the end of the third wave in September 2021. Data sources were from document and Literature review of COVID-19 response strategies, plans, regulations, press releases, government websites, grey and peer-reviewed literature. The data was extracted to Excel file database and coded then analysed using Stata (version 15). Analysis was done through descriptive statistical analysis (using measures of central tendencies (mean, SD, and median) and measures of central dispersion (range)), multiple linear regression, and thematic analysis of qualitative data.
Results
There are three distinct layered coordination mechanisms (strategic, operational, and tactical) that were either implemented singularly or in tandem with another coordination mechanism. 87.23% (n = 41) of the countries initiated strategic coordination, and 59.57% (n = 28) initiated some form of operational coordination. Some of countries (n = 26,55.32%) provided operational coordination using functional Public Health Emergency Operation Centres (PHEOCs) which were activated for the response. 31.91% (n = 15) of the countries initiated some form of tactical coordination which involved the decentralisation of the operations at the local/grassroot level/district/ county levels. Decentralisation strategies played a key role in coordination, as was the innovative strategies by the countries; some coordination mechanisms built on already existing coordination systems and the heads of states were effective in the success of the coordination process. Financing posed challenge to majority of the countries in initiating coordination.
Conclusion
Coordinating an emergency is a multidimensional process that includes having decision-makers and institutional agents define and prioritise policies and norms that contain the spread of the disease, regulate activities and behaviour and citizens, and respond to personnel who coordinate prevention.
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Zhao W, Zhang L, Wang J, Wang L. How has academia responded to the urgent needs created by COVID-19? A multi-level global, regional and national analysis. J Inf Sci 2022. [DOI: 10.1177/01655515221084646] [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]
Abstract
In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, gaining insights into how academia has responded to this urgent challenge is of great significance. This article presents academic response patterns at a global, regional and national level from an analysis of publication volume versus reported cases of COVID-19, scientific collaboration and research focus. We also compare academic activity associated with this newly emerging infection to that related to long-standing infections. Our results show that the research community has responded quickly to COVID-19. The highly developed countries, which have the highest number of confirmed cases, are also the major academic contributors. National-level analysis reveals diverse response patterns from different countries. Specifically, academic research in the United Kingdom remained at a relatively constant level throughout the whole year (2020), while the global share of China’s research output was prone to shift as its domestic pandemic status changed. Strong alliances have formed among countries with academic capabilities in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The distribution of disciplines is relatively decentralised, indicating that a diverse and broad knowledge base contributes to the COVID-19 literature. Most of the analysed countries show dynamic patterns of research focus that vary over time as the pandemic evolves, except India. As one of the world’s biggest suppliers of vaccines, India makes consistent efforts on vaccine research, especially those related to pharmaceutical preparations. Our findings may serve as resources for fostering strategies to respond to future threats of pandemics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenjing Zhao
- Center for Studies of Information Resources, School of Information Management, Wuhan University, P.R. China; Center for Science, Technology & Education Assessment (CSTEA), Wuhan University, P.R. China
| | - Lin Zhang
- Center for Studies of Information Resources, School of Information Management, Wuhan University, P.R. China; Center for Science, Technology & Education Assessment (CSTEA), Wuhan University, P.R. China; Centre for R&D Monitoring (ECOOM) and Department of MSI, KU Leuven, Belgium
| | - Junling Wang
- Department of Computer Science, ETH Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Lili Wang
- UNU-MERIT, Maastricht University, The Netherlands
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Brown C, Wilkins K, Craig-Neil A, Upshaw T, Pinto AD. Reducing Inequities During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Rapid Review and Synthesis of Public Health Recommendations. Public Health Rev 2022; 42:1604031. [PMID: 35140994 PMCID: PMC8802804 DOI: 10.3389/phrs.2021.1604031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2021] [Accepted: 11/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives: Efforts to contain the COVID-19 pandemic should take into account worsening health inequities. While many public health experts have commented on inequities, no analysis has yet synthesized recommendations into a guideline for practitioners. The objective of this rapid review was to identify the areas of greatest concern and synthesize recommendations. Methods: We conducted a rapid systematic review (PROSPERO: CRD42020178131). We searched Ovid MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, CINAHL and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials databases from December 1, 2019 to April 27, 2020. We included English language peer-reviewed commentaries, editorials, and opinion pieces that addressed the social determinants of health in the context of COVID-19. Results: 338 articles met our criteria. Authors represented 81 countries. Income, housing, mental health, age and occupation were the most discussed social determinants of health. We categorized recommendations into primordial, primary, secondary and tertiary prevention that spoke to the social determinants of COVID-19 and equity. Conclusion: These recommendations can assist efforts to contain COVID-19 and reduce health inequities during the pandemic. Using these recommendations, public health practitioners could support a more equitable pandemic response. Systematic Review Registration: PROSPERO, CRD42020178131.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chloe Brown
- Upstream Lab, MAP/Centre for Urban Health Solutions, Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, Unity Health Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Undergraduate Medical Education, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Katie Wilkins
- Upstream Lab, MAP/Centre for Urban Health Solutions, Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, Unity Health Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Undergraduate Medical Education, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Amy Craig-Neil
- Upstream Lab, MAP/Centre for Urban Health Solutions, Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, Unity Health Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Tara Upshaw
- Upstream Lab, MAP/Centre for Urban Health Solutions, Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, Unity Health Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Andrew David Pinto
- Upstream Lab, MAP/Centre for Urban Health Solutions, Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, Unity Health Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Institute of Health Policy Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
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COVID-19 in Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs): A Narrative Review from Prevention to Vaccination Strategy. Vaccines (Basel) 2021; 9:vaccines9121477. [PMID: 34960223 PMCID: PMC8704834 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines9121477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2021] [Revised: 12/03/2021] [Accepted: 12/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The management of the COVID-19 pandemic represents a challenging process, especially for low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) due to the serious economic and health resource problems it generates. In this article, we assess COVID-19 situation in LMICs and outline emerging problems and possible solutions. The prevention and control of COVID-19 would be based on focused tests exploiting those systems (e.g., GeneXpert®) already used in other scenarios. This would be less stressful for the healthcare system in LMICs. Avoiding close contact with people suffering from acute respiratory infections, frequent handwashing, and avoiding unprotected contact with farm or wild animals are recommended infection control interventions. The appropriate use of personal protective equipment (PPE) is required, despite its procurement being especially difficult in LMICs. Patients’ triage should be based on a simple and rapid logarithm to decide who requires isolation and targeted testing for SARS-CoV-2. Being able to estimate which patients will develop severe disease would allow hospitals to better utilize the already limited resources more effectively. In LMICs, laboratories are often in the capital cities; therefore, early diagnosis and isolation become difficult. The number of ICU beds is often insufficient, and the equipment is often old and poorly serviced. LMICs will need access to COVID-19 treatments at minimal prices to ensure that all who need them can be treated. Year-to-date, different vaccines have been approved and are currently available. The main obstacle to accessing them is the limited ability of LMICs to purchase significant quantities of the vaccine.
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Nwaeze O, Langsi R, Osuagwu UL, Oloruntoba R, Ovenseri-Ogbomo GO, Abu EK, Chikasirimobi G T, Charwe DD, Ekpenyong B, Mashige KP, Goson PC, Ishaya T, Agho K. Factors affecting willingness to comply with public health measures during the pandemic among sub-Sahara Africans. Afr Health Sci 2021; 21:1629-1639. [PMID: 35283990 PMCID: PMC8889798 DOI: 10.4314/ahs.v21i4.17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The unprecedented outbreak of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) drastically spread worldwide, resulting in extraordinary measures put in place in various countries including Sub Saharan Africa (SSA) countries. Objective To assess the factors associated with compliance with the public health measures imposed by various SSA countries. Method Cross sectional study using self-administered surveys distributed on social media platforms between April 18th and May 16th, 2020, corresponding with the mandatory lockdown period in most SSA countries. Multivariate analysis examined the associated factors. Results The prevalence of hand hygiene, quarantine, self isolation practices, wearing of face mask and attending large gatherings during COVID-19 were 94%, 39%, 31%, 64% and 14%, respectively. In multivariate models, older age 49+ years: adjusted OR 2.13, 95%CI 1.22,3.71), females (OR 1.41,95%CI 1.03,1.93), Central African countries (OR 3.73,95%CI 2.02,6.87) were associated with wearing face mask. Living alone (aOR 1.52,95%CI 1.04,2.24) during the lockdown was associated with avoiding large gatherings including religious events. Female respondents (aOR 1.61, 95%CI 1.30, 2.00), married (aOR 1.71,95%CI 1.33,2.21) and unemployed (aOR 1.62,95%CI 1.25,2.09) SSAs were more likely to practice self-quarantine measures. Conclusion The low prevalence of mitigation practices suggest the need for targeted education campaign programs to sensitise the population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Obinna Nwaeze
- County Durham and Darlington, National Health Service (NHS) Foundation, DL3 0PD, UK;
| | - Raymond Langsi
- Health Division, University of Bamenda, Bambili, Cameroon;
| | - Uchechukwu L Osuagwu
- Translational Health Research Institute (THRI), School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Campbelltown, NSW 2560, Australia;
- Westville Campus, African Vision Research Institute, Discipline of Optometry, University of KwaZu-lu-Natal, Durban 3629, South Africa;
| | | | - Godwin O Ovenseri-Ogbomo
- Department of Optometry, University of Highlands and Islands, Center for Health Science, Old Perth Road, Inverness United Kingdom;
- Westville Campus, African Vision Research Institute, Discipline of Optometry, University of KwaZu-lu-Natal, Durban 3629, South Africa;
| | - Emmanuel K Abu
- Department of Optometry and Vision Science, School o fA llied Health Sciences, College of Health and Allied Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Ghana;
| | - Timothy Chikasirimobi G
- Department of Optometry and Vision Sciences, School o fp ublic health, Biomedical sciences and technology, Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology, Kakamega Kenya;
| | | | - Bernadine Ekpenyong
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Allied Medical Sciences, College of Medical Sciences, University of Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria;
- Westville Campus, African Vision Research Institute, Discipline of Optometry, University of KwaZu-lu-Natal, Durban 3629, South Africa;
| | - Khathutshelo P Mashige
- Westville Campus, African Vision Research Institute, Discipline of Optometry, University of KwaZu-lu-Natal, Durban 3629, South Africa;
| | | | - Tanko Ishaya
- Department of Computer Science, University of Jos, Nigeria;
| | - Kingsley Agho
- Westville Campus, African Vision Research Institute, Discipline of Optometry, University of KwaZu-lu-Natal, Durban 3629, South Africa;
- School of Health Sciences, Western Sydney University, Campbelltown, NSW 2560, Australia.
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10
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Wruck W, Adjaye J. Detailed phylogenetic analysis tracks transmission of distinct SARS-COV-2 variants from China and Europe to West Africa. Sci Rep 2021; 11:21108. [PMID: 34702899 PMCID: PMC8548492 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-00267-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2021] [Accepted: 10/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2, the virus causing the COVID-19 pandemic emerged in December 2019 in China and raised fears it could overwhelm healthcare systems worldwide. Mutations of the virus are monitored by the GISAID database from which we downloaded sequences from four West African countries Ghana, Gambia, Senegal and Nigeria from February 2020 to April 2020. We subjected the sequences to phylogenetic analysis employing the nextstrain pipeline. We found country-specific patterns of viral variants and supplemented that with data on novel variants from June 2021. Until April 2020, variants carrying the crucial Europe-associated D614G amino acid change were predominantly found in Senegal and Gambia, and combinations of late variants with and early variants without D614G in Ghana and Nigeria. In June 2021 all variants carried the D614G amino acid substitution. Senegal and Gambia exhibited again variants transmitted from Europe (alpha or delta), Ghana a combination of several variants and in Nigeria the original Eta variant. Detailed analysis of distinct samples revealed that some might have circulated latently and some reflect migration routes. The distinct patterns of variants within the West African countries point at their global transmission via air traffic predominantly from Europe and only limited transmission between the West African countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wasco Wruck
- Institute for Stem Cell Research and Regenerative Medicine, Medical Faculty, Heinrich Heine University, 40225, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - James Adjaye
- Institute for Stem Cell Research and Regenerative Medicine, Medical Faculty, Heinrich Heine University, 40225, Düsseldorf, Germany.
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11
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Geva GA, Ketko I, Nitecki M, Simon S, Inbar B, Toledo I, Shapiro M, Vaturi B, Votta Y, Filler D, Yosef R, Shpitzer SA, Hir N, Peri Markovich M, Shapira S, Fink N, Glasberg E, Furer A. Data Empowerment of Decision-Makers in an Era of a Pandemic: Intersection of "Classic" and Artificial Intelligence in the Service of Medicine. J Med Internet Res 2021; 23:e24295. [PMID: 34313589 PMCID: PMC8437401 DOI: 10.2196/24295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2020] [Revised: 12/14/2020] [Accepted: 04/10/2021] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 outbreak required prompt action by health authorities around the world in response to a novel threat. With enormous amounts of information originating in sources with uncertain degree of validation and accuracy, it is essential to provide executive-level decision-makers with the most actionable, pertinent, and updated data analysis to enable them to adapt their strategy swiftly and competently. OBJECTIVE We report here the origination of a COVID-19 dedicated response in the Israel Defense Forces with the assembly of an operational Data Center for the Campaign against Coronavirus. METHODS Spearheaded by directors with clinical, operational, and data analytics orientation, a multidisciplinary team utilized existing and newly developed platforms to collect and analyze large amounts of information on an individual level in the context of SARS-CoV-2 contraction and infection. RESULTS Nearly 300,000 responses to daily questionnaires were recorded and were merged with other data sets to form a unified data lake. By using basic as well as advanced analytic tools ranging from simple aggregation and display of trends to data science application, we provided commanders and clinicians with access to trusted, accurate, and personalized information and tools that were designed to foster operational changes and mitigate the propagation of the pandemic. The developed tools aided in the in the identification of high-risk individuals for severe disease and resulted in a 30% decline in their attendance to their units. Moreover, the queue for laboratory examination for COVID-19 was optimized using a predictive model and resulted in a high true-positive rate of 20%, which is more than twice as high as the baseline rate (2.28%, 95% CI 1.63%-3.19%). CONCLUSIONS In times of ambiguity and uncertainty, along with an unprecedented flux of information, health organizations may find multidisciplinary teams working to provide intelligence from diverse and rich data a key factor in providing executives relevant and actionable support for decision-making.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gil A Geva
- Medical Corps, Israel Defense Force, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Itay Ketko
- Medical Corps, Israel Defense Force, Ramat Gan, Israel
- Heller Institute of Medical Research, Sheba Medical Center, Tel-HaShomer, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Maya Nitecki
- Medical Corps, Israel Defense Force, Ramat Gan, Israel
- Department of Military Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Shoham Simon
- Planning Directorate, Israel Defense Force, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Barr Inbar
- Computer and IT Directorate, Israel Defense Force, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Itay Toledo
- Computer and IT Directorate, Israel Defense Force, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | | | - Barak Vaturi
- Computer and IT Directorate, Israel Defense Force, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Yoni Votta
- Computer and IT Directorate, Israel Defense Force, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Daniel Filler
- Computer and IT Directorate, Israel Defense Force, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Roey Yosef
- Computer and IT Directorate, Israel Defense Force, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | | | - Nabil Hir
- Medical Corps, Israel Defense Force, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Michal Peri Markovich
- Medical Corps, Israel Defense Force, Ramat Gan, Israel
- Israel Veterinary Services, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Shachar Shapira
- Medical Corps, Israel Defense Force, Ramat Gan, Israel
- Department of Military Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
- Institute for Research in Military Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Noam Fink
- Medical Corps, Israel Defense Force, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Elon Glasberg
- Medical Corps, Israel Defense Force, Ramat Gan, Israel
- The Azrieli Faculty of Medicine, Bar-Ilan University, Safed, Israel
| | - Ariel Furer
- Medical Corps, Israel Defense Force, Ramat Gan, Israel
- Department of Military Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
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12
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Losso JN, Losso MN, Toc M, Inungu JN, Finley JW. The Young Age and Plant-Based Diet Hypothesis for Low SARS-CoV-2 Infection and COVID-19 Pandemic in Sub-Saharan Africa. PLANT FOODS FOR HUMAN NUTRITION (DORDRECHT, NETHERLANDS) 2021; 76:270-280. [PMID: 34169470 PMCID: PMC8225309 DOI: 10.1007/s11130-021-00907-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/15/2021] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Since the outbreak of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) that caused the coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19), in December 2019, the infection has spread around the globe. Some of the risk factors include social distancing, mask wearing, hand washing with soap, obesity, diabetes, hypertension, asthma, cardiovascular disease, and dysbiosis. Evidence has shown the incidence of total infection and death rates to be lower in sub-Saharan Africa when compared with North Africa, Europe and North America and many other parts of the world. The higher the metabolic syndrome rate, the higher the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Africa has a lower rate of metabolic syndrome risk than many other continents. This paradox has puzzled several in the biomedical and scientific communities. Published results of research have demonstrated the exciting correlation that the combination of young age of the population coupled with their native plant-based diet has lowered their risk factors. The plant-based diet include whole grains (millet, sorghum), legumes (black-eye peas, dry beans, soybean), vegetables, potato, sweet potato, yams, squash, banana, pumpkin seeds, and moringa leaves, and lower consumption of meat. The plant-based diet results in a different gut microbiota than of most of the rest of the world. This has a significant impact on the survival rate of other populations. The "plant-based diet" results in lower rates of obesity, diabetes and dysbiosis, which could contribute to lower and less severe infections. However, these hypotheses need to be supported by more clinical and biostatistics data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jack N Losso
- School of Nutrition and Food Sciences, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA, USA.
| | - MerryJean N Losso
- Department of Neurology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Marco Toc
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition, University of Illinois, Urbana Champaign, Champaign, IL, USA
| | - Joseph N Inungu
- School of Health Sciences, Central Michigan University, Mt Pleasant, MI, USA
| | - John W Finley
- School of Nutrition and Food Sciences, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA, USA
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13
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Wamai RG, Hirsch JL, Van Damme W, Alnwick D, Bailey RC, Hodgins S, Alam U, Anyona M. What Could Explain the Lower COVID-19 Burden in Africa despite Considerable Circulation of the SARS-CoV-2 Virus? INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:8638. [PMID: 34444386 PMCID: PMC8391172 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18168638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2021] [Revised: 08/13/2021] [Accepted: 08/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
The differential spread and impact of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), causing Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), across regions is a major focus for researchers and policy makers. Africa has attracted tremendous attention, due to predictions of catastrophic impacts that have not yet materialized. Early in the pandemic, the seemingly low African case count was largely attributed to low testing and case reporting. However, there is reason to consider that many African countries attenuated the spread and impacts early on. Factors explaining low spread include early government community-wide actions, population distribution, social contacts, and ecology of human habitation. While recent data from seroprevalence studies posit more extensive circulation of the virus, continuing low COVID-19 burden may be explained by the demographic pyramid, prevalence of pre-existing conditions, trained immunity, genetics, and broader sociocultural dynamics. Though all these prongs contribute to the observed profile of COVID-19 in Africa, some provide stronger evidence than others. This review is important to expand what is known about the differential impacts of pandemics, enhancing scientific understanding and gearing appropriate public health responses. Furthermore, it highlights potential lessons to draw from Africa for global health on assumptions regarding deadly viral pandemics, given its long experience with infectious diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard G. Wamai
- Department of Cultures, Societies, and Global Studies, Northeastern University, 201 Renaissance Park, 360 Huntington Ave., Boston, MA 02115, USA;
| | - Jason L. Hirsch
- Department of Cultures, Societies, and Global Studies, Northeastern University, 201 Renaissance Park, 360 Huntington Ave., Boston, MA 02115, USA;
| | - Wim Van Damme
- Department of Public Health, Institute of Tropical Medicine, B-2000 Antwerp, Belgium;
| | - David Alnwick
- DUNDEX (Deployable U.N.-Experienced Development Experts), FX68 Belturbet, Ireland;
| | - Robert C. Bailey
- School of Public Health, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60607, USA;
| | - Stephen Hodgins
- School of Public Health, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 1C9, Canada;
| | - Uzma Alam
- Researcher Africa Institute for Health Policy Foundation, Nairobi 020, Kenya;
| | - Mamka Anyona
- T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston, MA 02115, USA;
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14
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Salyer SJ, Maeda J, Sembuche S, Kebede Y, Tshangela A, Moussif M, Ihekweazu C, Mayet N, Abate E, Ouma AO, Nkengasong J. The first and second waves of the COVID-19 pandemic in Africa: a cross-sectional study. Lancet 2021; 397:1265-1275. [PMID: 33773118 PMCID: PMC8046510 DOI: 10.1016/s0140-6736(21)00632-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 201] [Impact Index Per Article: 67.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2020] [Revised: 03/05/2021] [Accepted: 03/09/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic progressed more slowly in Africa than the rest of the world, by December, 2020, the second wave appeared to be much more aggressive with many more cases. To date, the pandemic situation in all 55 African Union (AU) Member States has not been comprehensively reviewed. We aimed to evaluate reported COVID-19 epidemiology data to better understand the pandemic's progression in Africa. METHODS We did a cross-sectional analysis between Feb 14 and Dec 31, 2020, using COVID-19 epidemiological, testing, and mitigation strategy data reported by AU Member States to assess trends and identify the response and mitigation efforts at the country, regional, and continent levels. We did descriptive analyses on the variables of interest including cumulative and weekly incidence rates, case fatality ratios (CFRs), tests per case ratios, growth rates, and public health and social measures in place. FINDINGS As of Dec 31, 2020, African countries had reported 2 763 421 COVID-19 cases and 65 602 deaths, accounting for 3·4% of the 82 312 150 cases and 3·6% of the 1 798 994 deaths reported globally. Nine of the 55 countries accounted for more than 82·6% (2 283 613) of reported cases. 18 countries reported CFRs greater than the global CFR (2·2%). 17 countries reported test per case ratios less than the recommended ten to 30 tests per case ratio range. At the peak of the first wave in Africa in July, 2020, the mean daily number of new cases was 18 273. As of Dec 31, 2020, 40 (73%) countries had experienced or were experiencing their second wave of cases with the continent reporting a mean of 23 790 daily new cases for epidemiological week 53. 48 (96%) of 50 Member States had five or more stringent public health and social measures in place by April 15, 2020, but this number had decreased to 36 (72%) as of Dec 31, 2020, despite an increase in cases in the preceding month. INTERPRETATION Our analysis showed that the African continent had a more severe second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic than the first, and highlights the importance of examining multiple epidemiological variables down to the regional and country levels over time. These country-specific and regional results informed the implementation of continent-wide initiatives and supported equitable distribution of supplies and technical assistance. Monitoring and analysis of these data over time are essential for continued situational awareness, especially as Member States attempt to balance controlling COVID-19 transmission with ensuring stable economies and livelihoods. FUNDING None.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie J Salyer
- Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Division of Global Health Protection, Center for Global Health, US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA.
| | - Justin Maeda
- Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Senga Sembuche
- Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Yenew Kebede
- Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Akhona Tshangela
- Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | | | | | - Natalie Mayet
- National Institute for Communicable Diseases, Division of the National Health Laboratory Service, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Ebba Abate
- Ethiopian Public Health Institute, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Ahmed Ogwell Ouma
- Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - John Nkengasong
- Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
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15
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Zhang Y, Olufadewa II, Adesina MA, Ekpo MD, Akinloye SJ, Iyanda TO, Nwachukwu P, Kodzo LD. Lessons from the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic response in China, Italy, and the U.S.: a guide for Africa and low- and middle-income countries. GLOBAL HEALTH JOURNAL 2021; 5:56-61. [PMID: 33585052 PMCID: PMC7871778 DOI: 10.1016/j.glohj.2021.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2020] [Revised: 12/06/2020] [Accepted: 01/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Africa can be "left behind" after other advanced continents recover from the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic as reflected by the global pandemic of HIV/AIDS. In this paper, we summarize potentially adaptable, effective and innovative strategies from China, Italy, and the U.S. The purpose is to help African countries with weaker healthcare systems better respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. China, being the first to report COVID-19 infection swiftly swung into anti-epidemic actions by the use of innovative risk communication and epidemic containment strategies. Italy and U.S., the next rapidly hit countries after China, however, experienced sustained infections and deaths due to delayed and ineffective response. Many African countries responded poorly to the COVID-19 pandemic as evidenced by the limited capacity for public health surveillance, poor leadership, low education and socioeconomic status, among others. Experience from China, Italy and U.S. suggests that a better response to the COVID-19 pandemic in Africa needs a strong public health leadership, proactive strategies, innovative risk communication about the pandemic, massive tests and isolation, and scaling-up community engagement. Lastly, African countries must collaborate with other countries to facilitate real-time information and experience exchange with other countries to avoid being left behind.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Isaac Iyinoluwa Olufadewa
- Faculty of Public Health, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Oyo State 200212, Nigeria
- Slum and Rural Health Initiative Research Academy, Ibadan, Oyo State 200212, Nigeria
| | - Miracle Ayomikun Adesina
- Faculty of Public Health, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Oyo State 200212, Nigeria
- Slum and Rural Health Initiative Research Academy, Ibadan, Oyo State 200212, Nigeria
| | - Marlene Davis Ekpo
- Slum and Rural Health Initiative Research Academy, Ibadan, Oyo State 200212, Nigeria
- Department of Public Health, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510515, China
| | - Seyi John Akinloye
- Slum and Rural Health Initiative Research Academy, Ibadan, Oyo State 200212, Nigeria
- Department of Oral Pathology, Dental Clinic, University College Hospital, Ibadan, Oyo State 200212, Nigeria
| | - Temiloluwa Ololade Iyanda
- Slum and Rural Health Initiative Research Academy, Ibadan, Oyo State 200212, Nigeria
- Department of Public Health, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510515, China
| | - Pamela Nwachukwu
- Faculty of Public Health, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Oyo State 200212, Nigeria
- Slum and Rural Health Initiative Research Academy, Ibadan, Oyo State 200212, Nigeria
| | - Lalit Dzifa Kodzo
- Slum and Rural Health Initiative Research Academy, Ibadan, Oyo State 200212, Nigeria
- Department of Public Health, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510515, China
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16
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Geteneh A, Alemnew B, Tadesse S, Girma A. Clinical characteristics of patients infected with SARS-CoV-2 in North Wollo Zone, North-East Ethiopia. Pan Afr Med J 2021; 38:217. [PMID: 34046123 PMCID: PMC8140732 DOI: 10.11604/pamj.2021.38.217.27859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2021] [Accepted: 02/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2); the causative agent of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), pandemics has remained to be a public health emergency of international concern. This ongoing pandemic has resulted in the death of millions of people globally. About one and a half thousand people have died due to this illness in Ethiopia. The clinical presentations of the disease vary with geography and populations. We therefore aimed at investigating the clinical characteristics of patients infected with SARS-CoV-2 in North-East Ethiopia. METHODS real time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was conducted for 18,112 individuals suspected of SARS-CoV-2 infection during June 27 to October 20, 2020, at Woldia university COVID-19 testing center. Recorded data of 372 Ethiopians who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 infection at Woldia university COVID-19 testing center were retrospectively extracted and analyzed using SPSS v25.0. A P-value of < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS nearly 2.1% of the screened participants were found positive for SARS-CoV-2 infection. Among them, three fourth of SARS-CoV-2 infected patients were male, with an overall median age of 30 years. About 85% of the patients were asymptomatic. The most common clinical manifestations were cough (14.2%), followed by fever (11.0%) and headache (8.6%), whereas hypertension (1.6%), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) (1.6%) diabetes mellitus (1.1%), and chronic respiratory diseases (1.1%) were relatively the most common comorbidities noted. The case-fatality ratio was found at 1.6%. Age and underlying comorbidities had a statistically significant association with severity and poor outcome of patients (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION the finding from this study indicated that older age and people with underlying comorbidities are at high risk of having the severe disease and poor outcomes. Hence, appropriate care and priority should be given to these people to decrease the morbidity and mortality caused by this illness. The presence of higher asymptomatic infection is the possible indicator of potential asymptomatic transmissions within the community. This highlights the need for widespread testing, and contact tracing to flatten the transmission curve.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alene Geteneh
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science, College of Health Sciences, Woldia University, Woldia, Ethiopia
| | - Birhan Alemnew
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science, College of Health Sciences, Woldia University, Woldia, Ethiopia
| | - Selamyhun Tadesse
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science, College of Health Sciences, Woldia University, Woldia, Ethiopia
| | - Abebe Girma
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Natural Sciences, Woldia University, Woldia, Ethiopia
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17
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Singer M, Rylko-Bauer B. The Syndemics and Structural Violence of the COVID Pandemic: Anthropological Insights on a Crisis. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020. [DOI: 10.1515/opan-2020-0100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
This paper examines the COVID-19 pandemic in light of two key concepts in medical anthropology: syndemics and structural violence. Following a discussion of the nature of these two concepts, the paper addresses the direct and associated literatures on the syndemic and structural violence features of the COVID pandemic, with a specific focus on: 1) the importance of local socioenvironmental conditions/demographics and disease configurations in creating varying local syndemic expressions; 2) the ways that the pandemic has exposed the grave weaknesses in global health care investment; and 3) how the syndemic nature of the pandemic reveals the rising rate of noncommunicable diseases and their potential for interaction with current and future infectious disease. The paper concludes with a discussion on the role of anthropology in responding to COVID-19 from a syndemics perspective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Merrill Singer
- University of Connecticut , Department of Anthropology , 354 Mansfield Road, Unit 1176, Storrs, CT 06269-1176, United States
| | - Barbara Rylko-Bauer
- Michigan State University , Department of Anthropology , 655 Auditorium Drive – East Lansing, MI 48824, United States
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18
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Otuonye NM, Olumade TJ, Ojetunde MM, Holdbrooke SA, Ayoola JB, Nyam IY, Iwalokun B, Onwuamah C, Uwandu M, Abayomi A, Osibogun A, Bowale A, Osikomaiya B, Thomas B, Mutiu B, Odunukwe NN. Clinical and Demographic Characteristics of COVID-19 patients in Lagos, Nigeria: A Descriptive Study. J Natl Med Assoc 2020; 113:301-306. [PMID: 33358220 PMCID: PMC7759120 DOI: 10.1016/j.jnma.2020.11.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2020] [Revised: 10/06/2020] [Accepted: 11/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Introduction COVID-19 is an emerging, rapidly evolving global situation, infecting over 25 million people and causing more than 850,000 deaths. Several signs and symptoms have been described to be characteristic of the disease. However, there is a dearth of report on the description of the clinical characteristics of the disease in patients from Nigeria. This study was designed to provide a description of the clinical and demographic characteristics of COVID-19 patients in Nigeria. Methods This study is a case series that includes patients that are evaluated between May and August 2020, and diagnosed with COVID-19. Patient health records were reviewed and evaluated to describe the clinical characteristics on presentation. Results A total of 154 COVID-19 patients were included in this study, with a mean age (S.D.) of 46.16 (13.701). Most of the patients survived (mortality rate of 2.6%), and were symptomatic (89.6%). There were more males (74.7%) than females, and the most common symptoms were fever, breathing difficulty, dry cough and malaise. Co-morbidities were also present in almost half of the study participants (49.4%). Conclusion This study presents the most extensive description, to date, on the clinical and demographic characteristics of COVID-19 patients in Nigeria. Males are more likely than females to be infected with COVID-19 and the most occurring symptoms are fever, breathing difficulty, malaise, dry cough and chest pain. Old age and the presence of co-morbidities may also be associated with developing the severe disease.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Testimony Jesupamilerin Olumade
- Department of Biological Sciences, Redeemer's University, Ede, Osun state; African Centre of Excellence for Genomics of Infectious Diseases, Redeemer's University, Ede, Osun state
| | | | | | | | - Itse Yusuf Nyam
- Central Research Laboratory, Nigerian Institute of Medical Research, Yaba, Lagos
| | - Bamidele Iwalokun
- Molecular Biological and Biotechnology Department, Nigerian Institute of Medical Research, Yaba, Lagos
| | - Chika Onwuamah
- Centre for Human Virology and Genomics, Nigerian Institute of Medical Research, Yaba, Lagos
| | - Mabel Uwandu
- Centre for Human Virology and Genomics, Nigerian Institute of Medical Research, Yaba, Lagos
| | - Akinola Abayomi
- Lagos State Ministry of Health, Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - Akin Osibogun
- College of Medicine University of Lagos, Nigeria; Lagos State Primary Health Care Board, Lagos, Nigeria
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19
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Ndwandwe D, Mathebula L, Adetokunboh O, Kamadjeu R, Wiysonge CS. Cochrane corner: universal screening for SARS-CoV-2 infection. Pan Afr Med J 2020; 37:48. [PMID: 33552376 DOI: 10.11604/pamj.supp.2020.37.48.26881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2020] [Accepted: 12/16/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is caused by the novel coronavirus, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2). Most people infected with SARS-CoV-2 have mild disease with non-specific symptoms, although a few becoming critically ill with septic shock and multiple organ failure. There is an unknown proportion of infected individuals who remain asymptomatic and infectious. Universal screening for COVID-19 infections to detect individuals who are infected before they present clinically could therefore be an important measure to contain the spread of the disease. We highlight a Cochrane rapid review which assessed the effectiveness and accuracy of universal screening for COVID-19 infection. Methods the authors of the Cochrane review searched multiple electronic databases to identify studies reporting on the effectiveness of universal screening and reporting on screening test accuracy. Eligible participants for the review included people who had not sought care for potential COVID-19 symptoms. Results the authors included 22 publications, with none of them conducted in Africa. Two modelling studies reported on the beneficial and negative effects of screening; and 20 studies (cohort and modelling) reported data on the accuracy of screening tests. The included studies had wide variability in the baseline prevalence of COVID-19 infection as well as study settings and methods. All cohort studies compared screening strategies to reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) as the gold standard. The rapid review suggests that there is low certainty of evidence that screening at travel hubs may slow the importation of infected cases. Furthermore, the review highlights the uncertainty and variation in the accuracy of screening. Conclusion given the low accuracy of the tests included in this review, a high proportion of COVID-19 infected individuals may be missed and go on to infect others. In addition, some healthy individuals may be falsely identified as positive, requiring confirmatory testing and potentially leading to the unnecessary isolation of these individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Duduzile Ndwandwe
- Cochrane South Africa, South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Lindi Mathebula
- Cochrane South Africa, South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa.,Communicable Disease Control, Department of Health, Western Cape, South Africa
| | - Olatunji Adetokunboh
- Department of Science and Innovation-National Research Foundation (DSI-NRF) Centre of Excellence in Epidemiological Modelling and Analysis, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa.,Department of Global Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Raoul Kamadjeu
- UNICEF Program Division, Public Health Emergencies Team, New York, USA
| | - Charles Shey Wiysonge
- Cochrane South Africa, South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa.,Department of Global Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa.,School of Public Health and Family Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
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20
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Kasozi KI, Niedbała G, Alqarni M, Zirintunda G, Ssempijja F, Musinguzi SP, Usman IM, Matama K, Hetta HF, Mbiydzenyuy NE, Batiha GES, Beshbishy AM, Welburn SC. Bee Venom-A Potential Complementary Medicine Candidate for SARS-CoV-2 Infections. Front Public Health 2020; 8:594458. [PMID: 33363088 PMCID: PMC7758230 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2020.594458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2020] [Accepted: 10/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is characterized by severe cytokine storm syndrome following inflammation. SARS-CoV-2 directly interacts with angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE-2) receptors in the human body. Complementary therapies that impact on expression of IgE and IgG antibodies, including administration of bee venom (BV), have efficacy in the management of arthritis, and Parkinson's disease. A recent epidemiological study in China showed that local beekeepers have a level of immunity against SARS-CoV-2 with and without previous exposure to virus. BV anti-inflammatory properties are associated with melittin and phospholipase A2 (PLA2), both of which show activity against enveloped and non-enveloped viruses, including H1N1 and HIV, with activity mediated through antagonist activity against interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL-8, interferon-γ (IFN-γ), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). Melittin is associated with the underexpression of proinflammatory cytokines, including nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB), extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERK1/2), and protein kinase Akt. BV therapy also involves group III secretory phospholipase A2 in the management of respiratory and neurological diseases. BV activation of the cellular and humoral immune systems should be explored for the application of complementary medicine for the management of SARS-CoV-2 infections. BV "vaccination" is used to immunize against cytomegalovirus and can suppress metastases through the PLA2 and phosphatidylinositol-(3,4)-bisphosphate pathways. That BV shows efficacy for HIV and H1NI offers opportunity as a candidate for complementary therapy for protection against SARS-CoV-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keneth Iceland Kasozi
- Infection Medicine, Deanery of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom.,School of Medicine, Kabale University, Kabale, Uganda
| | - Gniewko Niedbała
- Department of Biosystems Engineering, Faculty of Environmental Engineering and Mechanical Engineering, Poznan University of Life Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | - Mohammed Alqarni
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, Taif University, Taif, Saudi Arabia
| | - Gerald Zirintunda
- Faculty of Agriculture and Animal Sciences, Busitema University Arapai Campus, Soroti, Uganda
| | - Fred Ssempijja
- Faculty of Biomedical Sciences, Kampala International University Western Campus, Bushenyi, Uganda
| | | | - Ibe Michael Usman
- Faculty of Biomedical Sciences, Kampala International University Western Campus, Bushenyi, Uganda
| | - Kevin Matama
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacy Practice, School of Pharmacy, Kampala International University Western Campus, Bushenyi, Uganda
| | - Helal F Hetta
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
| | - Ngala Elvis Mbiydzenyuy
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Michael Chilufya Sata School of Medicine, Copperbelt University, Ndola, Zambia
| | - Gaber El-Saber Batiha
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Damanhour University, Damanhour, Egypt
| | - Amany Magdy Beshbishy
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Japan
| | - Susan Christina Welburn
- Infection Medicine, Deanery of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom.,Zhejiang University-University of Edinburgh Institute, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Haining, China
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21
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Lalaoui R, Bakour S, Raoult D, Verger P, Sokhna C, Devaux C, Pradines B, Rolain JM. What could explain the late emergence of COVID-19 in Africa? New Microbes New Infect 2020; 38:100760. [PMID: 32983542 PMCID: PMC7508045 DOI: 10.1016/j.nmni.2020.100760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2020] [Revised: 09/08/2020] [Accepted: 09/09/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
At the end of November 2019, a novel coronavirus responsible for respiratory tract infections emerged in China. Despite drastic containment measures, this virus, known as severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), spread in Asia and Europe. The pandemic is ongoing with a particular hotspot in southern Europe and America in spring 2020. Many studies predicted an epidemic in Africa similar to that currently seen in Europe and the USA. However, reported data do not confirm these predictions. Several hypotheses that could explain the later emergence and spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic in African countries are being discussed, including the lack of health-care infrastructure capable of clinically detecting and confirming COVID-19 cases, the implementation of social distancing and hygiene, international air traffic flows, the climate, the relatively young and rural population, the genetic polymorphism of the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 receptor, cross-immunity and the use of antimalarial drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- R. Lalaoui
- Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, APHM, MEPHI, Marseille, France
- IHU-Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
| | - S. Bakour
- Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, APHM, MEPHI, Marseille, France
- IHU-Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
| | - D. Raoult
- Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, APHM, MEPHI, Marseille, France
- IHU-Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
| | - P. Verger
- IHU-Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
- Southeastern Health Regional Observatory, Marseille, France
- Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, SSA, AP-HM, VITROME, Marseille, France
| | - C. Sokhna
- IHU-Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
- Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, SSA, AP-HM, VITROME, Marseille, France
| | - C. Devaux
- Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, APHM, MEPHI, Marseille, France
- IHU-Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
- CNRS, Marseille, France
| | - B. Pradines
- IHU-Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
- Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, SSA, AP-HM, VITROME, Marseille, France
- Unité parasitologie et entomologie, Institut de recherche biomédicale des armées, Marseille, France
- Centre national de référence du paludisme, Marseille, France
| | - J.-M. Rolain
- Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, APHM, MEPHI, Marseille, France
- IHU-Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
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22
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Zawawi A, Alghanmi M, Alsaady I, Gattan H, Zakai H, Couper K. The impact of COVID-19 pandemic on malaria elimination. Parasite Epidemiol Control 2020; 11:e00187. [PMID: 33102823 PMCID: PMC7574840 DOI: 10.1016/j.parepi.2020.e00187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2020] [Revised: 08/26/2020] [Accepted: 10/15/2020] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 has spread throughout the world and become the cause of the infectious coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). As low- and middle-income countries shift increasingly to focus on identifying and treating COVID-19, questions are emerging about the impact this shift in focus will have on ongoing efforts to control other infectious diseases, such as malaria. This review discusses how the spread of SARS-CoV-2 in low- and middle-income countries might impact these efforts, focusing in particular on the effects of co-infection and the use of antimalarial drugs used to treat malaria as therapeutic interventions for COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayat Zawawi
- Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Maimonah Alghanmi
- Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Special Infectious Agents Unit, King Fahad Medical Research center, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Isra Alsaady
- Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Special Infectious Agents Unit, King Fahad Medical Research center, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hattan Gattan
- Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Special Infectious Agents Unit, King Fahad Medical Research center, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Haytham Zakai
- Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Kevin Couper
- Lydia Becker Institute of Immunology and Inflammation, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine, and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester M13 9PT, United Kingdom
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23
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Stricker RB, Fesler MC. Flattening the Risk: Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis for COVID-19. Infect Drug Resist 2020; 13:3689-3694. [PMID: 33116688 PMCID: PMC7586021 DOI: 10.2147/idr.s264831] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2020] [Accepted: 08/23/2020] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
To date, more than 35 million people worldwide have been infected with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the agent of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), and more than one million have died in the COVID-19 pandemic. International economies are stalled and social isolation based on palpable fear of death remains the order of the day. The United States and other countries are moving toward resuming work activities and social interaction to boost economic recovery. While this makes financial sense, from a medical perspective our population has already suffered and will continue to suffer severe losses in the absence of a viable aggressive prophylaxis strategy for SARS-CoV-2. Herein, we present a plan to address this problem.
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24
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Vilakati PN, Villa S, Alagna R, Khumalo B, Tshuma S, Quaresima V, Nieman NR, Cirillo DM, Raviglione MC. The neglected role of Faith-based Organizations in prevention and control of COVID-19 in Africa. Trans R Soc Trop Med Hyg 2020; 114:784-786. [PMID: 32853360 PMCID: PMC7499790 DOI: 10.1093/trstmh/traa073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2020] [Revised: 07/20/2020] [Accepted: 07/29/2020] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has exposed health system weaknesses of economically wealthy countries with advanced technologies. COVID-19 is now moving fast across Africa where small outbreaks have been reported so far. There is a concern that with the winter transmission will grow rapidly. Despite efforts of African Governments to promptly establish mitigating measures, rural areas, especially in sub-Saharan Africa, risk being neglected. In those settings, faith-based and other non-governmental organizations, if properly equipped and supported, can play a crucial role in slowing the spread of COVID-19. We describe our experience in two rural health facilities in eSwatini and Ethiopia highlighting the struggle towards preparedness and the urgency of international support to help prevent a major public health disaster.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Simone Villa
- Centre for Multidisciplinary Research in Health Science, University of Milan, Via Francesco Sforza 35, 20122, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Bongani Khumalo
- Health and Clinical Consultant Programs, Cabrini Ministries Africa, Ethiopia
| | - Sarah Tshuma
- Health and Clinical Consultant Programs, Cabrini Ministries Africa, ESwatini
| | | | - Nicole Rose Nieman
- Programs and Operations, Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Mario Carlo Raviglione
- Centre for Multidisciplinary Research in Health Science, University of Milan, Via Francesco Sforza 35, 20122, Milan, Italy
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25
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COVID-19 Vaccine Studies and Ethical Issues in the Context of Gene Editing Technologies. ANADOLU KLINIĞI TIP BILIMLERI DERGISI 2020. [DOI: 10.21673/anadoluklin.773834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
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26
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Kerboua KE. The perplexing question of trained immunity vs adaptive memory in COVID‐19. J Med Virol 2020; 92:1858-1863. [DOI: 10.1002/jmv.26083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2020] [Revised: 05/26/2020] [Accepted: 05/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- K. E. Kerboua
- Laboratory of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine University of Kasdi Merbah Ouargla Algeria
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27
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Mehtar S, Preiser W, Lakhe NA, Bousso A, TamFum JJM, Kallay O, Seydi M, Zumla A, Nachega JB. Limiting the spread of COVID-19 in Africa: one size mitigation strategies do not fit all countries. Lancet Glob Health 2020; 8:e881-e883. [PMID: 32530422 PMCID: PMC7195296 DOI: 10.1016/s2214-109x(20)30212-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 97] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2020] [Revised: 04/19/2020] [Accepted: 04/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Shaheen Mehtar
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Wolfgang Preiser
- Division of Medical Virology, Department of Pathology, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa; National Health Laboratory Service Tygerberg, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Ndèye Aissatou Lakhe
- Service de Maladies Infectieuses et Tropicales, Centre Hospitalo-Universitaire de Fann, Université Cheik Anta-Diop, Dakar, Senegal
| | - Abdoulaye Bousso
- Centre des opérations d'urgences sanitaires du Sénégal, Dakar, Senegal
| | | | - Oscar Kallay
- Erasme Hospital, Université libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Moussa Seydi
- Infection Control Africa Network, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Alimuddin Zumla
- Division of Infection and Immunity, Centre for Clinical Microbiology, and National Institute for Health Research Biomedical Research Centre, University College London Hospitals University College London, London, UK
| | - Jean B Nachega
- Department of Medicine and Centre for Infectious Diseases, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa; Department of Epidemiology and International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA; Department of Epidemiology and Center for Global Health, University of Pittsburgh, Graduate School of Public, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA.
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