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AROMOLARAN OLUKEMI, SAMSON TIMOTHYKAYODE, FALODUN OLUTAYOISRAEL. Knowledge and practices associated with Lassa fever in rural Nigeria: Implications for prevention and control. J Public Health Afr 2023; 14:2001. [PMID: 37908393 PMCID: PMC10615167 DOI: 10.4081/jphia.2023.2001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2021] [Accepted: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 11/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Lassa fever (LF) is a haemorrhagic illness endemic in West Africa, which can be attributed to poor rat control and poor sanitation, especially in the rural communities. Increasing awareness and education about LF has been advocated for its prevention and control. This study investigated the level of awareness and knowledge associated with LF among the residents of Iwo and Oluponna areas of Osun State, southwest Nigeria. A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out among the adult residents using a structured questionnaire. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used in analysing the data. In total, 534 (79.11%) respondents had heard about LF, but only 15.4% had good knowledge of the disease. Their main source of information was the media (46.3%, P=0.002, P<0.01), while only 21.2% got information from health workers. About 45% of respondents have rats in their houses. Respondents from Iwo were better informed than Oluponna. Multiple logistic regression analysis indicated location to be significantly associated with awareness (OR=1.62, C.I=1.078-2.433, P<0.05), knowledge of prevention (OR=5.88, C.I=2.807-12.317, P=0.000, P<0.01) and treatment (OR=1.648, C.I=1.122-2.420, P=0.011, P<0.05). Although the residents of Iwo are better informed about LF than Oluponna residents, the knowledge of the disease is poor in both areas. Health workers should be well informed, and the government should increase enlightenment programmes about LF, especially in rural communities of Nigeria, so as to curtail the spread and prevent outbreaks.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - TIMOTHY KAYODE SAMSON
- Statistics Programme, College of Agriculture, Engineering and Science, Bowen University, Iwo
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Reddy M. Flattening the curve: voluntary association participation and the 2013-16 West Africa Ebola epidemic. DISASTERS 2023; 47:366-388. [PMID: 35612956 DOI: 10.1111/disa.12548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
To what extent does voluntary association participation correlate with reduced Ebola duration in districts of Guinea, Liberia, and Sierra Leone during the epidemic in West Africa in 2013-16? This study, the first cross-national quantitative analysis of Ebola outcomes across these countries, answers this question by investigating how social capital influences epidemic outcomes. Ebola virus disease struck along the borders of three countries with similar levels of human development as well as cultural practices, yet resulted in different outcomes. This study examines the role of social trust, political trust, voluntary association participation, religious organisation membership, and community meeting attendance in explaining international policy failure to reduce Ebola outcomes. Overall, in districts with a culture of raising issues and participating in voluntary and religious organisations, Ebola duration rates were lower. These findings have implications not only for health crisis response, but also for disaster response and the provision of international aid to civil society.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle Reddy
- Postdoctoral Fellow, Center for International Studies (CERI), Sciences Po, France
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Montiel Ishino FA, Rowan C, Talham C, Villalobos K, Poudel D, Rajbhandari-Thapa J, Ambikile JS, Williams F. Household profiles of neglected tropical disease symptoms among children: A latent class analysis of built-environment features of Tanzanian households using the Demographic and Health Survey. J Glob Health 2022; 12:04067. [PMID: 36057837 PMCID: PMC9441010 DOI: 10.7189/jogh.12.04067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background While malaria and neglected tropical disease (NTD) morbidity and mortality rates among children <5 years old have decreased through public health efforts in the United Republic of Tanzania, associations between household environments and disease outcomes are relatively unknown. Methods We conducted latent class analysis (LCA) on 2015-2016 Tanzania Demographic Health Survey data from mothers with children <5 years old (N = 10 233) to identify NTD household risk profiles. The outcome of child NTD was assessed by mothers’ reports of recent diarrhoea, cough, treatment for enteric parasites, and fever symptoms. Household-built environment indicators included urban/rural designation, electricity access, water source, cooking fuel, flooring, wall, and roofing materials. External environmental covariates were considered to further differentiate profiles. Results Five profiles were identified in the sample: rural finished walls households (40.2%) with the lowest NTD risk; rural rudimentary households (20.9%) with intermediate-low NTD risk; finished material households (22.5%) with intermediate NTD risk; urban households (14.4%) with intermediate-high NTD risk and high likelihood of enteric parasites; rural finished roof/walls households (2.1%) with the highest overall NTD risk. Conclusions This study is among the first to use LCA to examine household environment characteristics to assess child NTD risk in Tanzania. This paper serves as a framework for community-level rapid NTD risk assessment for targeted health promotion interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisco A Montiel Ishino
- Division of Intramural Research, National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Claire Rowan
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Charlotte Talham
- Division of Intramural Research, National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Kevin Villalobos
- Division of Intramural Research, National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Dikshit Poudel
- Department of Agricultural and Applied Economics, College of Agricultural and Environmental Science, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, USA
| | - Janani Rajbhandari-Thapa
- Department of Health Policy and Management, College of Public Health, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, USA
| | - Joel Seme Ambikile
- Department of Community Health Nursing, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, United Republic of Tanzania
| | - Faustine Williams
- Division of Intramural Research, National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
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Bwirire D, Crutzen R, Ntabe Namegabe E, Letschert R, de Vries N. Health inequalities in post-conflict settings: A systematic review. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0265038. [PMID: 35286351 PMCID: PMC8920275 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0265038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2021] [Accepted: 02/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Conflict can be a primary driver of health inequalities, but its impact on the distribution of social determinants of health is not very well documented. Also, there is limited evidence on the most suitable approaches aiming at addressing health inequalities in post-conflict settings. Thus, we undertook a systematic review of the literature concerning the current knowledge and knowledge gaps about structural determinants of health inequalities and assessed the effects of approaches aimed at addressing health inequalities in post-conflict settings. We performed a systematic search in bibliographic databases such as Web of Science, PubMed, and PsycINFO for relevant publications, as well as institutional websites that are relevant to this topic. The search was initiated in March 2018 and ultimately updated in December 2020. No time or geographical restrictions were applied. The quality of each study included in this review was independently assessed using criteria developed by CASP to assess all study types. Sixty-two articles were deemed eligible for analysis. The key findings were captured by the most vulnerable population groups, including the civilian population, women, children, internally displaced persons (IDPs), and people with symptoms of mental illness. A considerable range of approaches has been used to address health inequalities in post-conflict settings. These approaches include those used to address structural determinants of health inequalities which are accountable for the association between poverty, education, and health inequalities, the association between human rights and health inequalities, and the association between health inequalities and healthcare utilization patterns. However, these approaches may not be the most applicable in this environment. Given the multifactorial characteristics of health inequalities, it is important to work with the beneficiaries in developing a multi-sector approach and a strategy targeting long-term impacts by decision-makers at various levels. When addressing health inequalities in post-conflict settings, it may be best to combine approaches at different stages of the recovery process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dieudonne Bwirire
- Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Science, Department of Health Promotion, CAPHRI Care and Public Health Research Institute, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Rik Crutzen
- Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Science, Department of Health Promotion, CAPHRI Care and Public Health Research Institute, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Edmond Ntabe Namegabe
- Faculté de Santé et Développement Communautaires, Université Libre des Pays des Grands Lacs (ULPGL), Goma, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | | | - Nanne de Vries
- Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Science, Department of Health Promotion, CAPHRI Care and Public Health Research Institute, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
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Wolf T, Ellwanger R, Goetsch U, Wetzstein N, Gottschalk R. Fifty years of imported Lassa fever: a systematic review of primary and secondary cases. J Travel Med 2020; 27:5808990. [PMID: 32219400 DOI: 10.1093/jtm/taaa035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2019] [Revised: 03/08/2020] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
RATIONALE FOR SYSTEMATIC REVIEW Lassa fever is the most common cause of imported haemorrhagic fevers cases in non-endemic countries. As a disease with a high case fatality rate that has regularly caused clusters of nosocomial transmission in endemic areas, prompt diagnosis is vital. We conducted a systematic review of imported cases of the last 50 years with the aim of defining the clinical and epidemiological characteristics that will enhance early diagnosis, prompt initiation of treatment and an appropriate public health response to Lassa fever cases. METHODS We performed a retrospective, systematic review of 36 primary and two secondary cases of Lassa fever in non-endemic countries outside West Africa by searching the PubMed database. This yielded 56 relevant publications that were included in our analysis. RESULTS The case fatality rate of 35.1% for imported cases was higher than that reported for endemic countries. The majority of patients showed clinical features consistent with Lassa fever and had a typical exposure. There was a considerable delay in diagnosis in imported cases with high associated numbers of contacts. Ribavirin was rarely used for post-exposure prophylaxis. Only two secondary transmissions occurred. Thirty-one percent of patients received Lassa fever-specific treatment and five required intensive care. CONCLUSIONS Although importation of Lassa fever to non-endemic countries is a rare event, it has repeatedly happened over five decades. Suspicion of Lassa fever should be based on careful consideration of clinical features and exposure history in order to assist early diagnosis in returning travellers from West Africa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timo Wolf
- Department of Internal Medicine II-Infectious Diseases, University Hospital Frankfurtxs, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Regina Ellwanger
- Department of Internal Medicine II-Infectious Diseases, University Hospital Frankfurtxs, Frankfurt, Germany.,Health Protection Authority, Municipality of Frankfurt am Main, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Udo Goetsch
- Health Protection Authority, Municipality of Frankfurt am Main, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Nils Wetzstein
- Department of Internal Medicine II-Infectious Diseases, University Hospital Frankfurtxs, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Rene Gottschalk
- Health Protection Authority, Municipality of Frankfurt am Main, Frankfurt, Germany.,Institute of Medical Virology, University Hospital Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany
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Wogu JO. Mass media awareness campaign and the prevention of the spread of Lassa fever in the rural communities of Ebonyi State, Nigeria: Impact evaluation. J Public Health Afr 2018; 9:882. [PMID: 30854180 PMCID: PMC6379693 DOI: 10.4081/jphia.2018.882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2018] [Accepted: 08/23/2018] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
This paper investigates the impact of media campaign on the prevention and spread of Lassa fever in Ebonyi state. 354 respondents were randomly selected from six rural communities in the state as study sample, while structured questionnaires were used for collecting data. SPSS version 20.0 was used to analyze the data. Results of analysis reveal that the media campaign has rural reach but has little or no impact. The results also reveal that the campaign failed to create appropriate awareness of the disease, its preventive/curative health behaviors. It further reveals that there are no health behavior modifications among the people because of the campaign. Therefore, this paper recommends the modification of media contents to incorporate the required preventive/curative health behaviors. Secondly, mandatory mass media awareness campaign and jingles in every news hour is recommended.
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Gibb R, Moses LM, Redding DW, Jones KE. Understanding the cryptic nature of Lassa fever in West Africa. Pathog Glob Health 2017; 111:276-288. [PMID: 28875769 PMCID: PMC5694855 DOI: 10.1080/20477724.2017.1369643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Lassa fever (LF) is increasingly recognized by global health institutions as an important rodent-borne disease with severe impacts on some of West Africa's poorest communities. However, our knowledge of LF ecology, epidemiology and distribution is limited, which presents barriers to both short-term disease forecasting and prediction of long-term impacts of environmental change on Lassa virus (LASV) zoonotic transmission dynamics. Here, we synthesize current knowledge to show that extrapolations from past research have produced an incomplete picture of the incidence and distribution of LF, with negative consequences for policy planning, medical treatment and management interventions. Although the recent increase in LF case reports is likely due to improved surveillance, recent studies suggest that future socio-ecological changes in West Africa may drive increases in LF burden. Future research should focus on the geographical distribution and disease burden of LF, in order to improve its integration into public policy and disease control strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rory Gibb
- Centre for Biodiversity and Environment Research, Department of Genetics, Evolution and Environment, University College London, London, UK
| | - Lina M. Moses
- Department of Global Community Health and Behavioral Sciences, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - David W. Redding
- Centre for Biodiversity and Environment Research, Department of Genetics, Evolution and Environment, University College London, London, UK
| | - Kate E. Jones
- Centre for Biodiversity and Environment Research, Department of Genetics, Evolution and Environment, University College London, London, UK
- Institute of Zoology, Zoological Society of London, London, UK
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Bonwitt J, Sáez AM, Lamin J, Ansumana R, Dawson M, Buanie J, Lamin J, Sondufu D, Borchert M, Sahr F, Fichet-Calvet E, Brown H. At Home with Mastomys and Rattus: Human-Rodent Interactions and Potential for Primary Transmission of Lassa Virus in Domestic Spaces. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2017; 96:935-943. [PMID: 28167603 PMCID: PMC5392645 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.16-0675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The multimammate mouse (Mastomys natalensis) is the reservoir for Lassa virus (LASV). Zoonotic transmission occurs when humans are directly or indirectly exposed to fluids of the multimammate mouse, such as urine, saliva, and blood. Housing characteristics and domestic organization affect rodent density in and around households and villages, and are likely to be a risk factor for Lassa fever in humans where the reservoir exists. We use semi-structured interviews (N = 51), a quantitative survey (N = 429), direct observations, and a rodent ecology study to provide new insights into how the organization of domestic spaces brings together humans and rodents and creates pathways for infection in rural settlements in Bo District, Sierra Leone. Rodents were frequently reported inside houses (92.4% of respondents), in which we predominantly trapped M. natalensis (57% of trapped rodents) and Rattus rattus (38% of trapped rodents). Building design and materials provide hiding and nesting places for rodents and lead to close proximity with humans. Patterns of contact are both unintentional and intentional and research participants reported high levels of contact with rodents (34.2% of respondents) and rodent fluids (52.8% of respondents). Rodents are also perceived as a serious threat to food security. These results present detailed knowledge about how humans live with and come into contact with rodents, including the LASV reservoir. Our results argue for further collaborative research in housing and environmental modification such as ceiling construction, food storage, and sanitation as prevention against zoonotic LASV transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesse Bonwitt
- Department of Anthropology, University of Durham, Durham, United Kingdom
| | - Almudena Mari Sáez
- Institute of Tropical Medicine and International Health, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Joseph Lamin
- Mercy Hospital Research Laboratory, Bo, Sierra Leone
| | | | | | - Jacob Buanie
- Mercy Hospital Research Laboratory, Bo, Sierra Leone
| | - Joyce Lamin
- Mercy Hospital Research Laboratory, Bo, Sierra Leone
| | - Diana Sondufu
- Mercy Hospital Research Laboratory, Bo, Sierra Leone
| | - Matthias Borchert
- Institute of Tropical Medicine and International Health, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Foday Sahr
- Department of Microbiology, College of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences, University of Sierra Leone, Freetown, Sierra Leone
| | | | - Hannah Brown
- Department of Anthropology, University of Durham, Durham, United Kingdom
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda L Coyle
- Amanda Coyle is an assistant professor at The College at Brockport in Brockport, N.Y
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10
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Abstract
South African low-income communities face many challenges (e.g., insufficient housing, poor service delivery, and abject poverty); additionally, a silent challenge of pest infestation plagues these areas resulting in disease risks, nuisances, and stigma. Consequently, an enterprising urban informal sector business has emerged providing residents with highly toxic, effective, cheap, and illegal "street pesticides." These pesticides pose acute and chronic health risks for vendors and residents. The economic opportunity provided by the high demand for effective and cheap pest control results in the high risk of health effects being traded for income. Current measures to control and "regulate" the massive street pesticide sales result in toxic stockpiles and government's "turning a blind eye." Solutions will only be achieved through open dialog identifying and developing non-toxic pest control strategies while ensuring vendors' income; and relevant stakeholder recognition that pest infestation is a social and environmental health determinant needing acknowledgement in different government policies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanna-Andrea Rother
- Environmental Health Division & Centre for Environmental and Occupational Health Research, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, South Africa
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Native functionality and therapeutic targeting of arenaviral glycoproteins. Curr Opin Virol 2016; 18:70-5. [PMID: 27104809 DOI: 10.1016/j.coviro.2016.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2016] [Revised: 03/08/2016] [Accepted: 04/01/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Surface glycoproteins direct cellular targeting, attachment, and membrane fusion of arenaviruses and are the primary target for neutralizing antibodies. Despite significant conservation of the glycoprotein architecture across the arenavirus family, there is considerable variation in the molecular recognition mechanisms used during host cell entry. We review recent progress in dissecting these infection events and describe how arenaviral glycoproteins can be targeted by small-molecule antivirals, the natural immune response, and immunoglobulin-based therapeutics. Arenaviral glycoprotein-mediated assembly and infection pathways present numerous opportunities and challenges for therapeutic intervention.
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Hartnett JN, Boisen ML, Oottamasathien D, Jones AB, Millett MM, Nelson DS, Muncy IJ, Goba A, Momoh M, Fullah M, Mire CE, Geisbert JB, Geisbert TW, Holton DL, Rouelle JA, Kannadka CB, Reyna AA, Moses LM, Khan SH, Gevao SM, Grant DS, Robinson JE, Happi C, Pitts KR, Garry RF, Branco LM. Current and emerging strategies for the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of Lassa fever. Future Virol 2015. [DOI: 10.2217/fvl.15.41] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Lassa fever (LF) is a potentially fatal disease that affects an estimated 300,000–500,000 people in endemic areas of west Africa each year. Though past studies have identified fatality rates of 5–20% in patients suspected to have contracted Lassa virus (LASV), new studies using more precise clinical diagnoses and modern diagnostic assays show fatalities rates above 60% in acutely ill patients from endemic regions. Currently, there are no approved vaccines or therapeutics, and only one Comformité Européenne (CE) marked rapid immunodiagnostic for acute LASV infection. Therefore, preventing LASV transmission is the primary goal in endemic regions. Development of rapid immunodiagnostics and research into the efficacy of current treatment options continues toward saving lives in west Africa as well as creating a line of defense against the nefarious use of LASV in bioterrorism settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica N Hartnett
- Department of Microbiology, Tulane University School of Medicine, 1430 Tulane Avenue, SL-38, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
| | - Matthew L Boisen
- Department of Microbiology, Tulane University School of Medicine, 1430 Tulane Avenue, SL-38, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
- Corgenix Medical Corporation, Broomfield, CO 80020, USA
| | | | | | | | | | - Ivana J Muncy
- Corgenix Medical Corporation, Broomfield, CO 80020, USA
| | | | - Mambu Momoh
- Kenema Government Hospital, Kenema, Sierra Leone
- Eastern Polytechnic College, Kenema, Sierra Leone
| | | | - Chad E Mire
- Galveston National Laboratory, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - Joan B Geisbert
- Galveston National Laboratory, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - Thomas W Geisbert
- Galveston National Laboratory, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - Debra L Holton
- Department of Microbiology, Tulane University School of Medicine, 1430 Tulane Avenue, SL-38, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
| | - Julie A Rouelle
- Department of Microbiology, Tulane University School of Medicine, 1430 Tulane Avenue, SL-38, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
| | - Chandrika B Kannadka
- Department of Microbiology, Tulane University School of Medicine, 1430 Tulane Avenue, SL-38, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
| | - Ashley A Reyna
- Department of Microbiology, Tulane University School of Medicine, 1430 Tulane Avenue, SL-38, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
| | - Lina M Moses
- Department of Microbiology, Tulane University School of Medicine, 1430 Tulane Avenue, SL-38, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
| | | | - Sahr M Gevao
- Ministry of Health and Sanitation, Freetown, Sierra Leone
- University of Sierra Leone, Freetown, Sierra Leone
| | - Donald S Grant
- Kenema Government Hospital, Kenema, Sierra Leone
- Ministry of Health and Sanitation, Freetown, Sierra Leone
| | - James E Robinson
- Department of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
| | | | - Kelly R Pitts
- Corgenix Medical Corporation, Broomfield, CO 80020, USA
| | - Robert F Garry
- Department of Microbiology, Tulane University School of Medicine, 1430 Tulane Avenue, SL-38, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
- Zalgen Labs, LLC, Germantown, MD 20876, USA
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In Their Own Words: Mental Health and Quality of Life of West African Refugees in Nigeria. JOURNAL OF INTERNATIONAL MIGRATION AND INTEGRATION 2014. [DOI: 10.1007/s12134-014-0409-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
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Abstract
This article outlines a research program for an anthropology of viral hemorrhagic fevers (collectively known as VHFs). It begins by reviewing the social science literature on Ebola, Marburg, and Lassa fevers and charting areas for future ethnographic attention. We theoretically elaborate the hotspot as a way of integrating analysis of the two routes of VHF infection: from animal reservoirs to humans and between humans. Drawing together recent anthropological investigations of human-animal entanglements with an ethnographic interest in the social production of space, we seek to enrich conceptualizations of viral movement by elaborating the circumstances through which viruses, humans, objects, and animals come into contact. We suggest that attention to the material proximities-between animals, humans, and objects-that constitute the hotspot opens a frontier site for critical and methodological development in medical anthropology and for future collaborations in VHF management and control.
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Suarez EB, Logie C, Arocha JF. An open debate about the object and purpose of global health knowledge in the context of an interdisciplinary research partnership on HIV/STI prevention priorities in Peru. Global Health 2014; 10:40. [PMID: 24886493 PMCID: PMC4033682 DOI: 10.1186/1744-8603-10-40] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2013] [Accepted: 05/16/2014] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background With the failure of the latest vaccine trial, HVTN-505, HIV prevention efforts remain critical. Social and structural factors contributing to HIV and STI transmission include stigma regarding sexual violence, HIV infection and sexual orientation. For instance, HIV prevention and overall sexual health programs in Peru have been implemented yet key populations of youth (sex workers, male and transgender youth) continue to be overrepresented in new cases of HIV and STI. This suggests that interventions must take new directions and highlights the need for additional research. Discussion While interdisciplinary, international research collaborations often are indicated as best practice in developing new knowledge in global health and an important component of the leadership in health systems, this does not mean they are free of challenges. In this debate we document our reflections on some of the challenges in developing an interdisciplinary and international research team to understand HIV and STI prevention priorities among youth in two culturally diverse cities in Peru: Lima, the capital city, and Ayacucho, in the Andean region. Summary Rather than offering solutions we aim to contribute to the debate about the object and purpose of global health research in the context of developing international research partnerships that genuinely promote a reciprocal and bidirectional flow of knowledge between the Global South and the Global North, and researchers at intersections of these locations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eliana Barrios Suarez
- Lyle S, Hallman Faculty of Social Work, Wilfrid Laurier University, 120 Duke Street West, N2H 3W8 Kitchener, ON, Canada.
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Grant DS, Khan H, Schieffelin J, Bausch DG. Lassa Fever. Emerg Infect Dis 2014. [DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-416975-3.00004-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022] Open
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