Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in Morocco: situation update and proposed remedial measures

Uncertainty Quantification for Epidemic Risk Management: Case of SARS-CoV-2 in Morocco

In this paper, we propose a new method for epidemic risk modelling and prediction, based on uncertainty quantification (UQ) approaches. In UQ, we consider the state variables as members of a convenient separable Hilbert space, and we look for their representation in finite dimensional subspaces generated by truncations of a suitable Hilbert basis. The coefficients of the finite expansion can be determined by approaches established in the literature, adapted to the determination of the probability distribution of epidemic risk variables. Here, we consider two approaches: collocation (COL) and moment matching (MM). Both are applied to the case of SARS-CoV-2 in Morocco, as an epidemic risk example. For all the epidemic risk indicators computed in this study (number of detections, number of deaths, number of new cases, predictions and human impact probabilities), the proposed models were able to estimate the values of the state variables with precision, i.e., with very low root mean square errors (RMSE) between predicted values and observed ones. Finally, the proposed approaches are used to generate a decision-making tool for future epidemic risk management, or, more generally, a quantitative disaster management approach in the humanitarian supply chain.

Anti-SARS-CoV-2 Antibody Responses 5 Months Post Complete Vaccination of Moroccan Healthcare Workers

Data about the duration of antibodies after vaccination show that the protection against SARS-CoV-2 infection begins to decline over time. This study aims to determine anti-SARS-CoV-2 anti-S IgG levels in healthcare workers five months after the second vaccination dose. We collected samples from 82 participants who were fully vaccinated with ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 or BBIBP-CorV. We assessed anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies using a Euroimmun ELISA and an Abbott Architect ™ SARS-CoV-2 IgG test. Of the 82 participants, 65.85% were seropositive for IgG using ELISA, and 86.59% were positive for IgG according to the Abbott Architect ™ test. Individuals vaccinated with the ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 vaccine had a median anti-S1 antibody level of 1.810 AU/mL [interquartile range (IQR), 1.080-3.7340] and 171.7 AU/mL [79.9-684.6] according to the Euroimmun ELISA and Abbott Architect test, respectively. These tests indicated that people vaccinated with BBIBP-CorV had a median anti-S1 antibody level of 1.840 AU/mL [0.810-2.960] and 126.7 AU/mL [54.9-474.3], respectively. Statistical analysis showed no significant difference between the positivity rates of the vaccinated individuals, either for gender or for age. In addition, we found no significant difference between the two vaccines. Our study provides information on the longevity of the anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies in people at least five months after vaccination.

Exploring Household Food Dynamics During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Morocco

Alongside the dramatic impact on health systems, eating, shopping, and other food-related habits may have been affected by the COVID-19 crisis. This paper analyses the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on food shopping habits and food-related activities of a diverse sample of 340 adult consumers in Morocco. The study is based on an online survey conducted in Morocco from September 15 to November 5, 2020, utilizing a standardized questionnaire delivered in French and Arabic via Survey Monkey. The findings show that consumers' diet, shopping behavior, and food interactions have changed significantly. Indeed, the survey outcomes indicated (i) an increase in the consumption of local items owing to food safety concerns; (ii) an increase in online grocery shopping; (iii) a rise in panic buying and food hoarding; and (iv) an increase in culinary capabilities. The findings are expected to help guide Morocco's current emergency measures as well as long-term food-related policies.

The social accountability of nursing training institutes in Morocco: The knowledge, perceptions and realization of its aspects

INTRODUCTION

The social accountability (SA) challenges health professional training institutes to reorient their missions to train the graduates aligned with the society's priority needs and produce quality, population centered care. The objective was to assess the knowledge, perceptions, and implementation of SA by nursing education institutions.

METHOD

The cross-sectional observational survey was conducted at the Higher Institute of Health Professions and Techniques of Marrakech (ISPITS-M) and its annexes between May 17 and June 4, 2020, using a mixed methodology. The data were collected through an online questionnaire, which was tested with 11 students and teachers. It was completed by 50 teachers and 213 students, recruited on a voluntary basis and was developed based on the literature review, aspects and principles of social accountability. In addition, eight semi-structured interviews were performed with administrative staff recruited by purposive sampling.

RESULTS

Out of a total of 924 students and 75 teachers, 213 students and 50 teachers participated in the survey, with a response rate of 23% and 67% simultaneously. The average age was 40.2±8.9 years for the teachers and 19.7±1.3 years for the students. 36% of the students had no knowledge of SA; teachers and leaders had different perceptions and the concreteness of the aspects of SA was low. The students felt they were less prepared in social determinants of health (85%), community lifestyles to be served (85%), outreach care, and frontline work (83%).

CONCLUSION

The knowledge of SA is average; there is a need to raise awareness of SA in addition to strengthening training programs and the concretization of actions in this direction.

Assessment of blood supply and usage pre- and during COVID-19 pandemic: A lesson from non-voluntary donation

BACKGROUND

Ensuring steady stream of safe blood is the ultimate goal of blood transfusion practice. The current COVID-19 pandemic has affected almost every part of life and economy. Consequently, this study sets off to assess the effect of the pandemic on blood supply and blood transfusion in the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital.

METHODS

Data from the Donor Clinic and Blood Group Serology Unit of the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital were retrospectively extracted to evaluate supply and use of blood before and during COVID-19 pandemic.

RESULT

A total of 1638 donors were recorded within the study period. Age range 15-29 and 30-44 years constituted majority of the subjects (58.9% and 33.4%, respectively). The donor pool were male-dominated. Commercial donors (61.7%) and family replacement donors (30.6%) constituted majority of the donor pool. Most of the donor pool were students (37.1%), public servants (22.8%) and artisans (18.6%). A concomitant decrease of 26.1% and 18.9% were recorded in blood donation and request during the COVID-19 pandemic.

CONCLUSION

Blood supply was not significantly affected in our study center as both requests and donations decreased. Consideration for improving family replacement donation was advised.