Influenza vaccination situation in Middle-East and North Africa countries: Report of the 7th MENA Influenza Stakeholders Network (MENA-ISN)

Background

The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region faces a dual challenge with regard to influenza infection due to severe zoonotic influenza outbreaks episodes and the circulation of Northern Hemisphere human influenza viruses among pilgrims.

Methods

The MENA Influenza Stakeholder Network (MENA-ISN) was set-up with the aim of increasing seasonal influenza vaccination coverage by (i) enhancing evidence-based exchanges, and (ii) increasing awareness on the safety and benefits of seasonal vaccination. During the 7th MENA-ISN meeting, representatives from 8 countries presented their influenza surveillance, vaccination coverage and actions achieved and provided a list of country objectives for the upcoming 3 years.

Results

MENA-ISN countries share the goal to reduce influenza related morbidity and mortality. Participants admitted that lack of knowledge about influenza, its consequences in terms of morbidity, mortality and economy are the major barrier to attaining higher influenza vaccination coverage in their countries. The cost of the vaccine is another key barrier that could contribute to low vaccination coverage. Participants drew a list of strategic interventions to bridge gaps in the knowledge of influenza burden in this region.

Conclusions

Participating countries concluded that despite an increase in vaccine uptake observed during the last few years, influenza vaccination coverage remains relatively low. Priority areas should be identified and action plans tailored to each country situation set-up to investigate the best way to move forward.

Dyslipidemia and its relation with body mass index versus waist hip ratio

To study the magnitude of dyslipidemia in asymptomatic subjects and its relation to body mass index (BMI) and waist-hip-ratio (WHR), 88 subjects attending the health analysis programme were examined and their age, sex, BMI, WHR, fasting blood glucose and lipids were measured. The distribution of the lipid levels and the frequency of dyslipidemia were noted. Forty-eight percent had a total cholesterol of > 200 mg/dl and 50% had an HDL-cholesterol of < 40 mg/dl. On comparing the means of total cholesterol to BMI and WHR, it was found that total cholesterol level was statistically significant for WHR above and below 0.9 for males and 0.8 for females, whereas not so for BMI above and below 27 kg/m2. The prevalence of dyslipidemia in asymptomatic people in this group emphasizes the need for routine health screening for early institution of preventive measures. The correlation with WHR rather than BMI points towards importance of measuring parameters of central obesity rather than body weight and height only.