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Gómez-Pérez GP, de Graaff AE, Dekker JT, Agyei BB, Dada I, Milimo E, Ommeh MS, Risha P, Rinke de Wit TF, Spieker N. Preparing healthcare facilities in sub-Saharan Africa for future outbreaks: insights from a multi-country digital self-assessment of COVID-19 preparedness. BMC Health Serv Res 2024; 24:254. [PMID: 38413977 PMCID: PMC10900561 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-024-10761-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 02/29/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite previous experience with epidemics, African healthcare systems were inadequately prepared and substantially impacted by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Limited information about the level of COVID-19 preparedness of healthcare facilities in Africa hampers policy decision-making to fight future outbreaks in the region, while maintaining essential healthcare services running. METHODS Between May-November 2020, we performed a survey study with SafeCare4Covid - a free digital self-assessment application - to evaluate the COVID-19 preparedness of healthcare facilities in Africa following World Health Organization guidelines. The tool assessed (i) COVID-19-related capabilities with 31 questions; and (ii) availability of essential medical supplies with a 23-supplies checklist. Tailored quality improvement plans were provided after assessments. Information about facilities' location, type, and ownership was also collected. RESULTS Four hundred seventy-one facilities in 11 African countries completed the capability assessment; 412 also completed the supplies checklist. The average capability score on a scale of 0-100 (n=471) was 58.0 (interquartile range 40.0-76.0), and the average supplies score (n=412) was 61.6 (39.0-83.0). Both scores were significantly lower in rural (capability score, mean 53.6 [95%CI:50.3-57.0]/supplies score, 59.1 [55.5-62.8]) versus urban facilities (capability score, 65.2 [61.7-68.7]/supplies score, 70.7 [67.2-74.1]) (P<0.0001 for both comparisons). Likewise, lower scores were found for public versus private clinics, and for primary healthcare centres versus hospitals. Guidelines for triage and isolation, clinical management of COVID-19, staff mental support, and contact tracing forms were largely missing. Handwashing stations were partially equipped in 33% of facilities. The most missing medical supply was COVID-19 specimen collection material (71%), while 43% of facilities did not have N95/FFP2 respirators and 19% lacked medical masks. CONCLUSIONS A large proportion of public and private African facilities providing basic healthcare in rural areas, lacked fundamental COVID-19-related capabilities and life-saving personal protective equipment. Decentralization of epidemic preparedness efforts in these settings is warranted to protect healthcare workers and patients alike in future epidemics. Digital tools are of great value to timely measure and improve epidemic preparedness of healthcare facilities, inform decision-making, create a more stakeholder-broad approach and increase health-system resilience for future disease outbreaks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gloria P Gómez-Pérez
- PharmAccess Foundation, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
- Amsterdam Institute for Global Health and Development, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Peter Risha
- PharmAccess Tanzania, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Tobias F Rinke de Wit
- PharmAccess Foundation, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Institute for Global Health and Development, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Feindouno S, Arcand JL, Guillaumont P. COVID-19's death transfer to Sub-Saharan Africa. Soc Sci Med 2024; 340:116486. [PMID: 38141493 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2023.116486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2022] [Revised: 11/26/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 12/25/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 spread very quickly around the world following its discovery in China, in December 2019. Lockdowns implemented in China and the Global North to control the propagation of the virus and to save human lives have resulted in a global recession. The transmission of the recessionary effects from the Global North to the Global South is reflected in the decline in sub-Saharan Africa's (SSA) GDP and the associated increase in poverty. The purpose of this paper is to illustrate how the recession induced in China and the Global North by COVID-19 lockdowns may have had indirect effects on SSA mortality that are higher than those directly attributed to the pandemic itself. Our methodology relies on a three-step relationship: (i) the impact of lockdowns on the recession in the North, (ii) the impact of the recession in the North on income in SSA countries, and (iii) the impact of a decline in income on mortality in SSA. We show that COVID-19-induced lockdowns in the Global North, through the severe recessions they induced in the Global South, resulted in the transfer of between 538,000 and 679,000 deaths in one year to SSA, including the deaths of 140,000 to 177,000 children aged 0-5 years. This corresponds to a 6-7% increase in the crude death rate and a 5-6% increase in under-5 mortality. These figures are much higher than the number of deaths directly attributable to COVID-19 in SSA. Thus, policymakers must not lose sight of the indirect excess mortality caused by global economic recession triggered by the pandemic. Our results reveal the need to increase the resilience of SSA countries to exogenous shocks, including COVID-19, which, in addition to increasing poverty, may induce excessive mortality due to the high sensitivity of mortality in SSA countries to economic recession.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jean-Louis Arcand
- FERDI, Clermont Ferrand, France; The Graduate Institute, Geneva, Switzerland.
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Oladipo EK, Olufemi SE, Ojo TO, Adediran DA, Idowu AF, Idowu UA, Onyeaka H. Africa (COVID-19) Vaccine Technology Transfer: Where Are We? Life (Basel) 2023; 13:1886. [PMID: 37763290 PMCID: PMC10532490 DOI: 10.3390/life13091886] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2023] [Revised: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The rampant spread of the COVID-19 infection poses a grave and formidable challenge to global healthcare, with particular concern to the inhabitants of the African continent. In response to these pressing concerns, different strategies have been employed to combat the emergence of this insidious disease, encompassing crucial measures such as physical distancing, the utilization of face masks, meticulous hand hygiene, and widespread vaccination campaigns. Nevertheless, the economic realities faced by numerous African nations, characterized by their classification as "low-income countries (LICs)", present a formidable barrier to accessing and distributing approved vaccines to their populations. Moreover, it is essential to discuss the hesitancy of the European Union (EU) in releasing intellectual property rights associated with the transfer of vaccine technology to Africa. While the EU has been a key player in global efforts to combat the pandemic, there has been reluctance in sharing valuable knowledge and resources with African countries. This hesitancy raises concerns about equitable vaccine access and the potential for a prolonged health crisis in Africa. This review underscores the urgent imperative and need of establishing localized vaccine development and production facilities within Africa, necessitating the active involvement of governments and collaborative partnerships to achieve this crucial objective. Furthermore, this review advocates for the exploration of viable avenues for the transfer of vaccine technology as a means to facilitate equitable vaccine access across the African continent and also the cruciality and the need for the EU to reconsider its stance and actively engage in transferring vaccine technology to Africa through sharing intellectual property. The EU can contribute to the establishment of localized vaccine production facilities on the continent, which will not only increase vaccine availability but also promote self-sufficiency and resilience in the face of future health emergencies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elijah Kolawole Oladipo
- Department of Microbiology, Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Bioinformatics and Immunology, Adeleke University, P.M.B. 250, Ede 232104, Osun State, Nigeria
- Genomics Unit, Helix Biogen Institute, Ogbomoso 212102, Oyo State, Nigeria; (S.E.O.); (T.O.O.); (D.A.A.); (A.F.I.); (U.A.I.)
| | - Seun Elijah Olufemi
- Genomics Unit, Helix Biogen Institute, Ogbomoso 212102, Oyo State, Nigeria; (S.E.O.); (T.O.O.); (D.A.A.); (A.F.I.); (U.A.I.)
- Department of Biochemistry, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso 210214, Oyo State, Nigeria
| | - Taiwo Ooreoluwa Ojo
- Genomics Unit, Helix Biogen Institute, Ogbomoso 212102, Oyo State, Nigeria; (S.E.O.); (T.O.O.); (D.A.A.); (A.F.I.); (U.A.I.)
- Department of Biochemistry, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso 210214, Oyo State, Nigeria
| | - Daniel Adewole Adediran
- Genomics Unit, Helix Biogen Institute, Ogbomoso 212102, Oyo State, Nigeria; (S.E.O.); (T.O.O.); (D.A.A.); (A.F.I.); (U.A.I.)
- Department of Biochemistry, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso 210214, Oyo State, Nigeria
| | - Akindele Felix Idowu
- Genomics Unit, Helix Biogen Institute, Ogbomoso 212102, Oyo State, Nigeria; (S.E.O.); (T.O.O.); (D.A.A.); (A.F.I.); (U.A.I.)
- Department of Biochemistry, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso 210214, Oyo State, Nigeria
| | - Usman Abiodun Idowu
- Genomics Unit, Helix Biogen Institute, Ogbomoso 212102, Oyo State, Nigeria; (S.E.O.); (T.O.O.); (D.A.A.); (A.F.I.); (U.A.I.)
- Department of Pure and Applied Biology, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso 210214, Oyo State, Nigeria
| | - Helen Onyeaka
- School of Chemical Engineering, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham B12 2TT, UK
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Walia K, Mendelson M, Kang G, Venkatasubramanian R, Sinha R, Vijay S, Veeraraghavan B, Basnyat B, Rodrigues C, Bansal N, Ray P, Mathur P, Gopalakrishnan R, Ohri VC. How can lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic enhance antimicrobial resistance surveillance and stewardship? THE LANCET. INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2023; 23:e301-e309. [PMID: 37290476 DOI: 10.1016/s1473-3099(23)00124-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2022] [Revised: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
COVID-19 demanded urgent and immediate global attention, during which other public health crises such as antimicrobial resistance (AMR) increased silently, undermining patient safety and the life-saving ability of several antimicrobials. In 2019, WHO declared AMR a top ten global public health threat facing humanity, with misuse and overuse of antimicrobials as the main drivers in the development of antimicrobial-resistant pathogens. AMR is steadily on the rise, especially in low-income and middle-income countries across south Asia, South America, and Africa. Extraordinary circumstances often demand an extraordinary response as did the COVID-19 pandemic, underscoring the fragility of health systems across the world and forcing governments and global agencies to think creatively. The key strategies that helped to contain the increasing SARS-CoV-2 infections included a focus on centralised governance with localised implementation, evidence-based risk communication and community engagement, use of technological methods for tracking and accountability, extensive expansion of access to diagnostics, and a global adult vaccination programme. The extensive and indiscriminate use of antimicrobials to treat patients, particularly in the early phase of the pandemic, have adversely affected AMR stewardship practices. However, there were important lessons learnt during the pandemic, which can be leveraged to strengthen surveillance and stewardship, and revitalise efforts to address the AMR crisis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kamini Walia
- Division of Epidemiology and Communicable Diseases, Indian Council of Medical Research, New Delhi 110029, India.
| | - Marc Mendelson
- Division of Infectious Diseases and HIV Medicine, Department of Medicine, Groote Schuur Hospital, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Gagandeep Kang
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Christian Medical College, Vellore, India
| | | | - Rina Sinha
- World Health Organization, Country Office for India, New Delhi, India
| | - Sonam Vijay
- Division of Epidemiology and Communicable Diseases, Indian Council of Medical Research, New Delhi 110029, India
| | | | - Buddha Basnyat
- Oxford University Clinical Research Unit, Patan Academy of Health Sciences, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Camilla Rodrigues
- Department of Microbiology, PD Hinduja Hospital, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
| | - Nitin Bansal
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Rajiv Gandhi Cancer Institute and Research Centre, New Delhi, India
| | - Pallab Ray
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - Purva Mathur
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Jai Prakash Narayan Apex Trauma Center, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | | | - Vinod C Ohri
- Division of Epidemiology and Communicable Diseases, Indian Council of Medical Research, New Delhi 110029, India
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Gómez-Pérez GP, de Groot R, Abajobir AA, Wainaina CW, Rinke de Wit TF, Sidze E, Pradhan M, Janssens W. Reduced incidence of respiratory, gastrointestinal and malaria infections among children during the COVID-19 pandemic in Western Kenya: An analysis of facility-based and weekly diaries data. J Glob Health 2023; 13:06024. [PMID: 37448326 DOI: 10.7189/jogh.13.06024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Epidemics can cause significant disruptions of essential health care services. This was evident in West-Africa during the 2014-2016 Ebola outbreak, raising concerns that COVID-19 would have similar devastating consequences for the continent. Indeed, official facility-based records show a reduction in health care visits after the onset of COVID-19 in Kenya. Our question is whether this observed reduction was caused by lower access to health care or by reduced incidence of communicable diseases resulting from reduced mobility and social contacts. Methods We analysed monthly facility-based data from 2018 to 2020, and weekly health diaries data digitally collected by trained fieldworkers between February and November 2020 from 342 households, including 1974 individuals, in Kisumu and Kakamega Counties, Kenya. Diaries data was collected as part of an ongoing longitudinal study of a digital health insurance scheme (Kakamega), and universal health coverage implementation (Kisumu). We assessed the weekly incidence of self-reported medical symptoms, formal and informal health-seeking behaviour, and foregone care in the diaries and compared it with facility-based records. Linear probability regressions with household fixed-effects were performed to compare the weekly incidence of health outcomes before and after COVID-19. Results Facility-based data showed a decrease in health care utilization for respiratory infections, enteric illnesses, and malaria, after start of COVID-19 measures in Kenya in March 2020. The weekly diaries confirmed this decrease in respiratory and enteric symptoms, and malaria / fever, mainly in the paediatric population. In terms of health care seeking behaviour, our diaries data find a temporary shift in consultations from health care centres to pharmacists / chemists / medicine vendors for a few weeks during the pandemic, but no increase in foregone care. According to the diaries, for adults the incidence of communicable diseases/symptoms rebounded after COVID-19 mobility restrictions were lifted, while for children the effects persisted. Conclusions COVID-19-related containment measures in Western Kenya were accompanied by a decline in respiratory infections, enteric illnesses, and malaria / fever mainly in children. Data from a population-based survey and facility-based records aligned regarding this finding despite the temporary shift to non-facility-based consultations and confirmed that the drop in utilization of health care services was not due to decreased accessibility, but rather to a lower incidence of these infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gloria P Gómez-Pérez
- Amsterdam Institute of Global Health and Development, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- PharmAccess Foundation, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Richard de Groot
- Amsterdam Institute of Global Health and Development, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | | | - Caroline W Wainaina
- African Population and Health Research Centre, Nairobi, Kenya
- Universiteit Utrecht, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Tobias F Rinke de Wit
- Amsterdam Institute of Global Health and Development, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- PharmAccess Foundation, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Estelle Sidze
- African Population and Health Research Centre, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Menno Pradhan
- Amsterdam Institute of Global Health and Development, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Universiteit van Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Wendy Janssens
- Amsterdam Institute of Global Health and Development, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
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Solanki R, Shankar A, Modi U, Patel S. New insights from nanotechnology in SARS-CoV-2 detection, treatment strategy, and prevention. MATERIALS TODAY. CHEMISTRY 2023; 29:101478. [PMID: 36950312 PMCID: PMC9981536 DOI: 10.1016/j.mtchem.2023.101478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2022] [Revised: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
The recent outbreak of SARS-CoV-2 resulted into the deadly COVID-19 pandemic, which has made a profound impact on mankind and the world health care system. SARS-CoV-2 is mainly transmitted within the population via symptomatic carriers, enters the host cell via ACE2 and TMPSSR2 receptors and damages the organs. The standard diagnostic tests and treatment methods implemented lack required efficiency to beat SARS-CoV-2 in the race of its spreading. The most prominently used diagnostic test,reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (a nucleic acid-based method), has limitations including a prolonged time taken to reveal results, limited sensitivity, a high rate of false negative results, and lacking specificity due to a homology with other viruses. Furthermore, as part of the treatment, antiviral drugs such as remdesivir, favipiravir, lopinavir/ritonavir, chloroquine, daclatasvir, atazanavir, and many more have been tested clinically to check their potency for the treatment of SARS-CoV-2 but none of these antiviral drugs are the definitive cure or suitable prophylaxis. Thus, it is always required to combat SARS-CoV-2 spread and infection for a better and precise prognosis. This review answers the above mentioned challenges by employing nanomedicine for the development of improved detection, treatment, and prevention strategies for SARS-CoV-2. In this review, nanotechnology-based detection methods such as colorimetric assays, photothermal biosensors, molecularly imprinted nanoparticles sensors, electrochemical nanoimmunosensors, aptamer-based biosensors have been discussed. Furthermore, nanotechnology-based treatment strategies involving polymeric nanoparticles, metallic nanoparticles, lipid nanoparticles, and nanocarrier-based antiviral siRNA delivery have been depicted. Moreover, SARS-CoV-2 prevention strategies, which include the nanotechnology for upgrading personal protective equipment, facemasks, ocular protection gears, and nanopolymer-based disinfectants, have been also reviewed. This review will provide a one-site informative platform for researchers to explore the crucial role of nanomedicine in managing the COVID-19 curse more effectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Solanki
- School of Life Sciences, Central University of Gujarat, Sector-30, Gandhinagar, 382030, India
| | - A Shankar
- School of Life Sciences, Central University of Gujarat, Sector-30, Gandhinagar, 382030, India
| | - U Modi
- Biomaterials & Biomimetics Laboratory, School of Life Sciences, Central University of Gujarat, Sector-30, Gandhinagar, 382030, India
| | - S Patel
- School of Life Sciences, Central University of Gujarat, Sector-30, Gandhinagar, 382030, India
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Kploanyi EE, Kenu J, Atsu BK, Opare DA, Asiedu-Bekoe F, Schroeder LF, Dowdy DW, Yawson AE, Kenu E. An assessment of the laboratory network in Ghana: A national-level ATLAS survey (2019-2020). Afr J Lab Med 2023; 12:1844. [PMID: 36873292 PMCID: PMC9982496 DOI: 10.4102/ajlm.v12i1.1844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2022] [Accepted: 09/29/2022] [Indexed: 02/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Integrated health systems with strong laboratory networks are critical in improving public health. The current study assessed the laboratory network in Ghana and its functionality using the Assessment Tool for Laboratory Services (ATLAS). Intervention A national-level laboratory network survey was conducted among stakeholders of the Ghanaian laboratory network in Accra. Face-to-face interviews were conducted from December 2019 to January 2020, with follow-up phone interviews between June and July 2020. Also, we reviewed supporting documents provided by stakeholders for supplementary information and transcribed these to identify themes. Where possible, we completed the Laboratory Network scorecard using data obtained from the ATLAS. Lessons learnt The Laboratory Network (LABNET) scorecard assessment was a valuable addition to the ATLAS survey as it quantified the functionality of the laboratory network and its overall advancement toward achieving International Health Regulations (2005) and Global Health Security Agenda targets. Two significant challenges indicated by respondents were laboratory financing and delayed implementation of the Ghana National Health Laboratory Policy. Recommendations Stakeholders recommended a review of the country's funding landscape, such as funding laboratory services from the country's internally generated funds. Also, they recommended laboratory policy implementation to ensure adequate laboratory workforce and standards.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma E Kploanyi
- School of Public Health, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Joseph Kenu
- School of Public Health, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Benedicta K Atsu
- School of Public Health, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - David A Opare
- National Public Health and Reference Laboratory, Ghana Health Service, Accra, Ghana
| | | | - Lee F Schroeder
- Department of Pathology and Clinical Laboratories, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States
| | - David W Dowdy
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, United States
| | - Alfred E Yawson
- Department of Community Health, University of Ghana Medical School, Accra, Ghana
| | - Ernest Kenu
- School of Public Health, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
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Aborode AT, Huang H, Wireko AA, Mehta A, Kalmanovich J, Abdul‐Rahman T, Sikora V, Awaji AA. Approaching COVID-19 with epidemiological genomic surveillance and the sustainability of biodiversity informatics in Africa. J Med Virol 2023; 95:e28308. [PMID: 36372783 PMCID: PMC9878081 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.28308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2022] [Revised: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 11/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
COVID-19 is an acute respiratory illness caused by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome-Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The first case was reported in Africa on February 14, 2020 and has surged to 11 million as of July 2022, with 43% and 30% of cases in Southern and Northern Africa. Current epidemiological data demonstrate heterogeneity in transmission and patient outcomes in Africa. However, the burden of infectious diseases such as malaria creates a significant burden on public health resources that are dedicated to COVID-19 surveillance, testing, and vaccination access. Several control measures, such as the SHEF2 model, encompassed Africa's most effective preventive measure. With the help of international collaborations and partnerships, Africa's pandemic preparedness employs effective risk-management strategies to monitor patients at home and build the financial capacity and human resources needed to combat COVID-19 transmission. However, the lack of safe sanitation and inaccessible drinking water, coupled with the financial consequences of lockdowns, makes it challenging to prevent the transmission and contraction of COVID-19. The overwhelming burden on contact tracers due to an already strained healthcare system will hurt epidemiological tracing and swift counter-measures. With the rise in variants, African countries must adopt genomic surveillance and prioritize funding for biodiversity informatics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdullahi Tunde Aborode
- Healthy Africans PlatformResearch and DevelopmentIbadanNigeria,Mississippi State UniversityStarkvilleMississippiUSA
| | - Helen Huang
- Royal College of Surgeons in IrelandUniversity of Medicine and Health SciencesDublinIreland
| | | | - Aashna Mehta
- University of Debrecen‐Faculty of MedicineDebrecenHungary
| | | | | | | | - Aeshah A. Awaji
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University College of TaymaaUniversity of TabukTabukSaudi Arabia
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Tusabe F, Tahir IM, Akpa CI, Mtaki V, Baryamujura J, Kamau B, Lidoroh S, Kobugabe PL, Maaga NO, Bongomin F. Lessons Learned from the Ebola Virus Disease and COVID-19 Preparedness to Respond to the Human Monkeypox Virus Outbreak in Low- and Middle-Income Countries. Infect Drug Resist 2022; 15:6279-6286. [PMID: 36329989 PMCID: PMC9624151 DOI: 10.2147/idr.s384348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2022] [Accepted: 10/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Recently, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the human monkeypox virus disease an international health emergency. In the past decades, infectious disease epidemics have significantly impacted low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), with coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) being the most recent. LMICs, particularly in Africa and Asia, responded reasonably well by strengthening health systems, including infection prevention and control strategies, laboratory systems, risk communication, and training of essential healthcare workers for surge capacity in preparation for and response to COVID-19. With the possibility of other epidemics, such as the current epidemic of human Monkeypox, a consolidated global response is required. This article discusses lessons learned from previous Ebola and COVID-19 outbreaks and also provides recommendations on how these lessons can be useful to strengthen monkeypox disease outbreak preparedness and response in LMIC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fred Tusabe
- Global Health Security Department, Infectious Diseases Institute, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Imtiaz Mahmood Tahir
- College of Allied Health Professionals, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Government College University, Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Chijioke Igwe Akpa
- Surveillance and Epidemiology Department, Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), Abuja, Nigeria
| | - Victor Mtaki
- Medical Laboratory Department, Baylor College of Medicine Children’s Foundation, Mwanza, Tanzania
| | - Jovan Baryamujura
- Global Health Security Department, Baylor College of Medicine Children’s Foundation, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Beatrice Kamau
- Health Services Department, Nairobi County, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Sharon Lidoroh
- Public Health Department, Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), Addis Ababa, Kenya
| | - Penlope Lillian Kobugabe
- Counselling Department, Makerere University-John Hopkins Research Collaboration, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Nathan Okemwa Maaga
- Department of Diagnostics, Ministry of Health, Kisii County Government, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Felix Bongomin
- Department of Medical Microbiology & Immunology, Gulu University, Gulu, Uganda
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Moser W, Fahal MAH, Abualas E, Bedri S, Elsir MT, Mohamed MFERO, Mahmoud AB, Ahmad AII, Adam MA, Altalib S, DafaAllah OA, Hmed SA, Azman AS, Ciglenecki I, Gignoux E, González A, Mwongera C, Miranda MA. SARS-CoV-2 Antibody Prevalence and Population-Based Death Rates, Greater Omdurman, Sudan. Emerg Infect Dis 2022; 28:1026-1030. [PMID: 35450565 PMCID: PMC9045432 DOI: 10.3201/eid2805.211951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
In a cross-sectional survey in Omdurman, Sudan, during March–April 2021, we estimated that 54.6% of the population had detectable severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 antibodies. Overall population death rates among those >50 years of age increased 74% over the first coronavirus disease pandemic year.
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Liu Y, Zhan L, Shen JW, Baro B, Alemany A, Sackrison J, Mitjà O, Bischof JC. fM-aM Detection of the SARS-CoV-2 Antigen by Advanced Lateral Flow Immunoassay Based on Gold Nanospheres. ACS APPLIED NANO MATERIALS 2021; 4:13826-13837. [PMID: 34957379 PMCID: PMC8691201 DOI: 10.1021/acsanm.1c03217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2021] [Accepted: 12/02/2021] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
The SARS-CoV-2 global pandemic created an unprecedented need for rapid, sensitive, and inexpensive point-of-care (POC) diagnostic tests to treat and control the disease. Many POC SARS-CoV-2 lateral flow immunoassays (LFAs) have been developed and/or commercialized, but with only limited sensitivity (μM-fM). We created an advanced LFA based on gold nanospheres (GNSs) with comprehensive assay redesign for enhanced specific binding and thermal contrast amplification (TCA) on GNSs for signal amplification, which enabled fM-aM detection sensitivity for SARS-CoV-2 spike receptor-binding domain (RBD) proteins within 30 min. The advanced LFA can visually detect RBD proteins down to 3.6 and 28.6 aM in buffer and human nasopharyngeal wash, respectively. This is the first reported LFA achieving sensitivity comparable to that of the PCR (aM-zM) by visual reading, which was much more sensitive than traditional LFAs. We also developed a fast (<1 min) TCA reading algorithm, with results showing that this TCA could distinguish 26-32% visual false negatives for clinical commercial LFAs. When our advanced LFAs were applied with this TCA, the sensitivities were further improved by eightfold to 0.45 aM (in buffer) and 3.6 aM (in the human nasopharyngeal wash) with a semiquantitative readout. Our proposed advanced LFA with a TCA diagnostic platform can help control the current SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. Furthermore, the simplicity and speed with which this assay was assembled may also facilitate preparedness for future pandemics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yilin Liu
- Department
of Mechanical Engineering, University of
Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Li Zhan
- Department
of Mechanical Engineering, University of
Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Jesse W. Shen
- Department
of Mechanical Engineering, University of
Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Bàrbara Baro
- ISGlobal,
Hospital Clínic, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona 08036, Spain
| | - Andrea Alemany
- Fight
AIDS and Infectious Diseases Foundation, Badalona 08916, Spain
- Hospital
Universitari Germans Trias i Pujol, Badalona 08916, Spain
| | - James Sackrison
- 3984
Hunters Hill Way, Minnetonka, Minnesota 55345, United States
| | - Oriol Mitjà
- Fight
AIDS and Infectious Diseases Foundation, Badalona 08916, Spain
- Hospital
Universitari Germans Trias i Pujol, Badalona 08916, Spain
- Lihir Medical
Centre − International SOS, Lihir Island, New Ireland 633, Papua New Guinea
| | - John C. Bischof
- Department
of Mechanical Engineering, University of
Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
- Department
of Biomedical Engineering, University of
Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
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12
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Amponsah SK, Tagoe B, Afriyie DK. One year after first case of COVID-19 in Ghana: epidemiology, challenges and accomplishments. Pan Afr Med J 2021; 39:226. [PMID: 34630838 PMCID: PMC8486924 DOI: 10.11604/pamj.2021.39.226.29069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2021] [Accepted: 07/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by the novel coronavirus, has affected many lives, health systems and economies across the globe. Countries in both resource-rich and poor have equally been affected. In Ghana, COVID-19 has caused morbidity and mortality among the populace. The first two cases of COVID-19 were reported in Ghana in March 2020. At the onset of the pandemic in Ghana, there were challenges in securing isolation centers and quarantine facilities. Nonetheless, the government of Ghana put in place a number of measures in line with World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines, to halt the spread of the virus. Some measures taken by the government included partial lockdown of areas deemed hotspots for the spread of the virus. In April 2020, Ghana was ranked number one among African countries in administering tests per million people, because of the effective “trace and test” approach. The government of Ghana also encouraged local manufacturing of personal protective equipment, antivirals and hand sanitizers to help meet the demand of the nation. There were also restrictions on public gathering within the early parts of 2020, and these were eased with time. In February 2021, Ghana became the first country to receive vaccines through the COVAX initiative with a delivery of 600,000 doses of Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccines. The efforts by Ghana to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic have been commendable. Not withstanding, the adverse impact of the COVID-19 on public health in Ghana has been significant, and there is still a lot to learn from other countries in the sub-region, and the world as whole.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seth Kwabena Amponsah
- Department of Medical Pharmacology, University of Ghana Medical School, Accra, Ghana
| | - Benjamin Tagoe
- Fulfilment Operations and Academy, Zipline Ghana, Accra, Ghana
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13
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Assefa N, Hassen JY, Admassu D, Brhane M, Deressa M, Marami D, Teklemariam Z, Dessie Y, Oundo J. COVID-19 Testing Experience in a Resource-Limited Setting: The Use of Existing Facilities in Public Health Emergency Management. Front Public Health 2021; 9:675553. [PMID: 34195170 PMCID: PMC8236620 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2021.675553] [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: 03/03/2021] [Accepted: 05/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a public health emergency with little testing and treatment experiences at its occurrence. Diagnostic and treatment rapidly changed in the world including Ethiopia. Haramaya University has strived to change its diagnostic capacity using existing facilities in response to the national call to the pandemic. Objective: This summary aims to detail experiences of setting up COVID-19 testing in Haramaya University laboratories, Eastern Ethiopia. Methods: Desktop exercise was conducted to understand the start-up and implementations of COVID-19 testing in two Haramaya University laboratories, Hararghe Health Research Partnership and Campylobacter Genomics and Environmental Enteric Dysfunction laboratories. Communication, formats, guidelines, and standards were reviewed and summarized. Discussion with those involved in the start-up and implementation of the testing were also held. Ideas were summarized to learn the experiences the COVID-19 testing exercises. Lesson Learned: This is a huge experience for Haramaya University to participate in the national call to increase the testing platform in the management of COVID19. Close work relationship with the public health authorities at all levels demonstrated the university's commitment to public service. The university has used the opportunity to advance its molecular testing capability by training its staff and students. The University has also contributed to the capacity development for laboratories in the surrounding areas of Harar, Somali, Oromia, and Dire Dawa. The pandemic has been an opportunity in harnessing existing resource for the benefit of the public during such times of dire needs to provide critical public health laboratory interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nega Assefa
- College of Health and Medical Sciences, Haramaya University, Harar, Ethiopia.,Hararghe Health Research Partnerships, Haramaya University, Harar, Ethiopia
| | - Jemal Yousuf Hassen
- College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, Haramaya University, East Hararghe, Ethiopia
| | - Desalegn Admassu
- College of Health and Medical Sciences, Haramaya University, Harar, Ethiopia
| | - Mussie Brhane
- Hararghe Health Research Partnerships, Haramaya University, Harar, Ethiopia
| | - Mersen Deressa
- Hararghe Health Research Partnerships, Haramaya University, Harar, Ethiopia
| | - Dadi Marami
- College of Health and Medical Sciences, Haramaya University, Harar, Ethiopia.,Hararghe Health Research Partnerships, Haramaya University, Harar, Ethiopia
| | - Zelalem Teklemariam
- College of Health and Medical Sciences, Haramaya University, Harar, Ethiopia.,Hararghe Health Research Partnerships, Haramaya University, Harar, Ethiopia
| | - Yadeta Dessie
- College of Health and Medical Sciences, Haramaya University, Harar, Ethiopia
| | - Joseph Oundo
- Hararghe Health Research Partnerships, Haramaya University, Harar, Ethiopia
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14
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COVID-19 preparedness at health facilities and community service points serving people living with HIV in Sierra Leone. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0250236. [PMID: 33857253 PMCID: PMC8049332 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0250236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2020] [Accepted: 04/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
After a decade of civil war and the 2014–2016 West African Ebola outbreak, Sierra Leone now faces the COVID-19 pandemic with a fragile health system. As was demonstrated during Ebola, preparedness is key to limiting a health crisis’ spread and impact on health systems and ensuring continued care for vulnerable populations including people living with HIV (PLHIV). To assess COVID-19 preparedness and inform interventions to ensure continuity of HIV services at health facilities (HFs) and community service points (CSPs), we conducted site readiness assessments in Freetown, the epicenter of COVID-19 in Sierra Leone. Data were collected at nine high-volume HIV HFs and seven CSPs in April 2020, a month after COVID-19 was declared a pandemic. CSPs comprised three community drop-in centers providing HIV counseling and testing services as well as HIV prevention services (e.g., condoms and lubricants) for key and priority populations and four community-based support groups serving PLHIV. At the time of assessment, CSPs did not provide antiretroviral therapy (ART) but were considered potential sites for expansion of differentiated service delivery (DSD)—a client-centered approach to HIV care—in the context of COVID-19. Overall, 5/9 HFs had trained staff on use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and prevention of COVID-19 transmission. Most had access to masks (5/9) and gloves (7/9) for management of suspected/confirmed COVID-19 cases, and 4/9 HFs had triage procedures for isolation of suspected cases. Conversely, few CSPs had access to masks (2/7) or gloves (2/7) and no staff were trained on PPE use or COVID-19 transmission. 7/9 HFs had adequate ART stock for multi-month dispensing though few had procedures for (3/9) or had trained staff in providing DSD (2/9). Among CSPs where measures were applicable, 2/4 had procedures for DSD, 1/3 had staff trained on DSD and none had adequate ART stock. Identification of gaps in COVID-19 preparedness is a critical step in providing support for infection control and modified service delivery. Findings from this assessment highlight gaps in COVID-19 preparedness measures at sites supporting PLHIV in Sierra Leone and indicate CSPs may require intensive supervision and training to ensure HIV services are uninterrupted while minimizing COVID-19 risk, especially if used as sites to scale up DSD.
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Gudina EK, Gobena D, Debela T, Yilma D, Girma T, Mekonnen Z, Woldie M, Abdena D, Shume G, Kenate B, Lemi M, Diriba D, Degfie TT. COVID-19 in Oromia Region of Ethiopia: a review of the first 6 months' surveillance data. BMJ Open 2021; 11:e046764. [PMID: 33782023 PMCID: PMC8008954 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2020-046764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Despite unrelenting efforts to contain its spread, COVID-19 is still causing unprecedented global crises. Ethiopia reported its first case on 13 March 2020 but has an accelerated case load and geographical distribution recently. In this article, we described the epidemiology of COVID-19 in Oromia Region, the largest and most populous region in Ethiopia, during the early months of the outbreak. METHODS We analysed data from the COVID-19 surveillance database of the Oromia Regional Health Bureau. We included all reverse transcription-PCR-confirmed cases reported from the region between 13 March and 13 September 2020. RESULTS COVID-19 was confirmed in 8955 (5.5%) of 164 206 tested individuals. The test positivity rate increased from an average of 1.0% in the first 3 months to 6.3% in August and September. About 70% (6230) of the cases were men; the mean age was 30.0 years (SD=13.3), and 90.5% were <50 years of age. Only 64 (0.7%) of the cases had symptoms at diagnosis. Cough was the most common among symptomatic cases reported in 48 (75.0%), while fever was the least. Overall, 4346 (48.5%) have recovered from the virus; and a total of 52 deaths were reported with a case fatality rate of 1.2%. However, we should interpret the reported case fatality rate cautiously since in 44 (84.6%) of those reported as COVID-19 death, the virus was detected from dead bodies. CONCLUSION Despite the steady increase in the number of reported COVID-19 cases, Ethiopia has so far avoided the feared catastrophe from the pandemic due to the milder and asymptomatic nature of the disease. However, with the current pattern of widespread community transmission, the danger posed by the pandemic remains real. Thus, the country should focus on averting COVID-19-related humanitarian crisis through strengthening COVID-19 surveillance and targeted testing for the most vulnerable groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esayas Kebede Gudina
- Department of Internal Medicine, Jimma University Institute of Health, Jimma, Ethiopia
| | - Dabesa Gobena
- Public Health Management and Health Research Directorate, Oromia Regional Health Bureau, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Tessema Debela
- Public Health Management and Health Research Directorate, Oromia Regional Health Bureau, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Daniel Yilma
- Department of Internal Medicine, Jimma University Institute of Health, Jimma, Ethiopia
| | - Tsinuel Girma
- Fenot Project, Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard University T H Chan School of Public Health, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Zeleke Mekonnen
- School of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Jimma University Institute of Health, Jimma, Ethiopia
| | - Mirkuzie Woldie
- Fenot Project, Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard University T H Chan School of Public Health, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Dereje Abdena
- Disease Prevention and Health Promotion Directorate, Oromia Regional Health Bureau, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Gemechu Shume
- Public Health Emergency Management and Health Research Directorate, Oromia Regional Health Bureau, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Birhanu Kenate
- Health Research Team Coordinator, Oromia Regional Health Bureau, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Meles Lemi
- Public Health Management and Health Research Directorate, Oromia Regional Health Bureau, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Dereje Diriba
- Public Health Management and Health Research Directorate, Oromia Regional Health Bureau, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Tizta Tilahun Degfie
- Fenot Project, Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard University T H Chan School of Public Health, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
- Department of Reproductive Health and Population Studies, Bahir Dar University College of Medical and Health Sciences, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia
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Bright B, Babalola CP, Sam-Agudu NA, Onyeaghala AA, Olatunji A, Aduh U, Sobande PO, Crowell TA, Tebeje YK, Phillip S, Ndembi N, Folayan MO. COVID-19 preparedness: capacity to manufacture vaccines, therapeutics and diagnostics in sub-Saharan Africa. Global Health 2021; 17:24. [PMID: 33658050 PMCID: PMC7927760 DOI: 10.1186/s12992-021-00668-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2020] [Accepted: 02/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The COVID-19 pandemic is a biosecurity threat, and many resource-rich countries are stockpiling and/or making plans to secure supplies of vaccine, therapeutics, and diagnostics for their citizens. We review the products that are being investigated for the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of COVID-19; discuss the challenges that countries in sub-Saharan Africa may face with access to COVID-19 vaccine, therapeutics, and diagnostics due to the limited capacity to manufacture them in Africa; and make recommendations on actions to mitigate these challenges and ensure health security in sub-Saharan Africa during this unprecedented pandemic and future public-health crises. MAIN BODY Sub-Saharan Africa will not be self-reliant for COVID-19 vaccines when they are developed. It can, however, take advantage of existing initiatives aimed at supporting COVID-19 vaccine access to resource-limited settings such as partnership with AstraZeneca, the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness and Innovation, the Global Alliance for Vaccine and Immunisation, the Serum Institute of India, and the World Health Organization's COVID-19 Technology Access Pool. Accessing effective COVID-19 therapeutics will also be a major challenge for countries in sub-Saharan Africa, as production of therapeutics is frequently geared towards profitable Western markets and is ill-adapted to sub-Saharan Africa realities. The region can benefit from pooled procurement of COVID-19 therapy by the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention in partnership with the African Union. If the use of convalescent plasma for the treatment of patients who are severely ill is found to be effective, access to the product will be minimally challenging since the region has a pool of recovered patients and human resources that can man supportive laboratories. The region also needs to drive the local development of rapid-test kits and other diagnostics for COVID-19. CONCLUSION Access to vaccines, therapeutics, and diagnostics for COVID-19 will be a challenge for sub-Saharan Africans. This challenge should be confronted by collaborating with vaccine developers; pooled procurement of COVID-19 therapeutics; and local development of testing and diagnostic materials. The COVID-19 pandemic should be a wake-up call for sub-Saharan Africa to build vaccines, therapeutics, and diagnostics manufacturing capacity as one of the resources needed to address public-health crises.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bisi Bright
- , COVID-19 Think Tank, Nigeria
- Live Well Initiative Academy Nigeria, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - Chinedum Peace Babalola
- , COVID-19 Think Tank, Nigeria
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
- Centre for Drug Discovery, Development & Production, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
- Genetics & Bioethics Unit, Institute of Advanced Medical Research & Training, College of Medicine, Ibadan, Nigeria
- College of Basic Medical Sciences, Chrisland University, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria
| | - Nadia Adjoa Sam-Agudu
- , COVID-19 Think Tank, Nigeria
- Institute of Human Virology Nigeria, Abuja, Nigeria
- Institute of Human Virology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, USA
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Cape Coast School of Medical Sciences, Cape Coast, Ghana
| | - Augustine Anayochukwu Onyeaghala
- , COVID-19 Think Tank, Nigeria
- Unit of Clinical Chemistry, Department of Medical Laboratory Science, University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria
- Unit of Clinical Chemistry, Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Lead City University, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Adebola Olatunji
- , COVID-19 Think Tank, Nigeria
- Fort Worth Internal Medicine, Fort Worth, TX, USA
| | - Ufuoma Aduh
- , COVID-19 Think Tank, Nigeria
- World Health Organisation, Asaba, Delta State, Nigeria
| | - Patrick O Sobande
- , COVID-19 Think Tank, Nigeria
- Stephen's Pedi & Pulmonary Medicine, Fort Worth, TX, USA
| | - Trevor A Crowell
- U.S. Military HIV Research Program, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, MD, USA
- Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Yenew Kebede Tebeje
- Africa Center for Disease Control and Prevention, African Union Commission, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Sunny Phillip
- , COVID-19 Think Tank, Nigeria
- Institute of Human Virology Nigeria, Abuja, Nigeria
| | - Nicaise Ndembi
- , COVID-19 Think Tank, Nigeria
- Institute of Human Virology Nigeria, Abuja, Nigeria
- Institute of Human Virology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, USA
- Africa Center for Disease Control and Prevention, African Union Commission, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
- Kanazawa University, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Morenike Oluwatoyin Folayan
- , COVID-19 Think Tank, Nigeria.
- Department of Child Dental Health, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria.
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17
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Lopez-Lopez V, Morales A, García-Vazquez E, González M, Hernandez Q, Baroja-Mazo A, Palazon D, Tortosa JA, Rodriguez MA, Torregrosa NM, Kanyi W, Ndungu JK, Martinez JG, Rodriguez JM. Humanitarian Surgical Missions in Times of COVID-19: Recommendations to Safely Return to a Sub-Saharan Africa Low-Resource Setting. World J Surg 2021; 45:1297-1305. [PMID: 33611661 PMCID: PMC7896831 DOI: 10.1007/s00268-021-06001-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
Background Since the declaration of the pandemic, humanitarian medicine has been discontinued. Until now, there have been no general recommendations on how humanitarian surgical missions should be organized. Methods Based on our experience in the field of humanitarian surgical missions to Sub-Saharan Africa, a panel of recommendations in times of COVID-19 was developed. The fields under study were as follows: (1) Planning of a multidisciplinary project; (2) Organization of the infrastructure; (3) Screening, management and treatment of SARS-COV-2; (4) Diagnostic tests for SARS-COV-2; (5) Surgical priorization and (6) Context of patients during health-care assistance. We applied a risk bias measurement to obtain a consensus among humanitarian health-care providers with experience in this field. Results A total of 94.36% of agreement were reached for the approval of the recommendations. Emergency surgery must be a priority, and elective surgery adapted. For emergency surgery, we established a priority level 1a (< 24 h) and 1b (< 72 h). For an elective procedure, according our American College of Surgeon adaptation score, process with more than 60 points should be reconsidered. Due to the low life expectancy in many African countries, we consider 45–50 years as age of risk. In case of SARS-COV-2 active infection or high clinical suspicion, the screening, management and treatment should be following the international guidelines adapted to duration of the stay, available infrastructure, size of the cooperation team and medical resources. Conclusions Humanitarian surgical mission in times of COVID-19 is a challenge that must extrapolate the established recommendations to the local cooperation environment. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at (10.1007/s00268-021-06001-x).
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Affiliation(s)
- Víctor Lopez-Lopez
- Department of Surgery, Virgen de la Arrixaca Clinic and University Hospital, IMIB-Arrixaca, El Palmar, Murcia, Spain.
| | - Ana Morales
- Department of Neurology, Virgen de la Arrixaca University Hospital, IMIB-Arrixaca, Murcia, Spain
| | - Elisa García-Vazquez
- Department of Internal Medicine, Virgen de la Arrixaca University Hospital, IMIB-Arrixaca, Murcia, Spain
| | - Miguel González
- Department of Surgery, Reina Sofía University Hospital, Murcia, Spain
| | - Quiteria Hernandez
- Department of Surgery, Virgen de la Arrixaca Clinic and University Hospital, IMIB-Arrixaca, El Palmar, Murcia, Spain
| | - Alberto Baroja-Mazo
- Digestive and Endocrine Surgery and Transplantation of Abdominal Organs, Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia, IMIB-Arrixaca, Murcia, Spain
| | - Dolores Palazon
- Department of Surgery, Virgen de la Arrixaca Clinic and University Hospital, IMIB-Arrixaca, El Palmar, Murcia, Spain
| | - Jose A Tortosa
- Department of Anesthesiology, Molina Hospital, Murcia, Spain
| | - Maria A Rodriguez
- Department of Maxilofacial Surgery, Virgen de la Arrixaca University Hospital, IMIB-Arrixaca, Murcia, Spain
| | - Nuria M Torregrosa
- Department of Surgery, Santa Lucía University Hospital, Cartagena, Murcia, España
| | | | - J K Ndungu
- Department of Surgery Maragua Hospital, Maragua, Kenia
| | - José Gil Martinez
- Department of Surgery, Virgen de la Arrixaca Clinic and University Hospital, IMIB-Arrixaca, El Palmar, Murcia, Spain
| | - José M Rodriguez
- Department of Surgery, Virgen de la Arrixaca Clinic and University Hospital, IMIB-Arrixaca, El Palmar, Murcia, Spain
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Designing a conserved peptide-based subunit vaccine against SARS-CoV-2 using immunoinformatics approach. In Silico Pharmacol 2021; 9:8. [PMID: 33425647 PMCID: PMC7785481 DOI: 10.1007/s40203-020-00062-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2020] [Accepted: 11/19/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The widespread of coronavirus (COVID-19) is a new global health crisis that poses a threat to the world. The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) originated in bats and was discovered first in Wuhan, Hubei province, China in December 2019. Immunoinformatics and bioinformatics tools were employed for the construction of a multi-epitope subunit vaccine to prevent the diseases. The antigenicity, toxicity and allergenicity of all epitopes used in the construction of the vaccine were predicted and then conjugated with adjuvants and linkers. Vaccine Toll-Like Receptors (2, 3, 4, 8 and 9) complex was also evaluated. The vaccine construct was antigenic, non-toxic and non-allergic, which indicates the vaccines ability to induce antibodies in the host, making it an effective vaccine candidate. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40203-020-00062-x.
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