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Gresnigt TM, Kabba M, Boubia S, Davies R, Lado M, Kapuwa MI, Coleman PS, Mabanza T, Gofer K, Gonzalez-Rivas D. Minimally invasive thoracic surgery in Sierra Leone and Liberia. Lancet Respir Med 2024; 12:19-20. [PMID: 38176814 DOI: 10.1016/s2213-2600(23)00464-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Tom M Gresnigt
- University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands.
| | | | | | | | - Marta Lado
- Partners in Health, Freetown, Sierra Leone
| | | | | | | | - Kebede Gofer
- John F Kennedy Medical Center, Monrovia, Liberia
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Yendewa GA, James PB, Mohareb A, Barrie U, Massaquoi SPE, Yendewa SA, Ghazzawi M, Bockarie T, Cummings PE, Diallo IS, Johnson A, Vohnm B, Babawo LS, Deen GF, Kabba M, Sahr F, Lakoh S, Salata RA. Determinants of incomplete childhood hepatitis B vaccination in Sierra Leone, Liberia, and Guinea: Analysis of national surveys (2018-2020). Epidemiol Infect 2023; 151:e193. [PMID: 37920110 PMCID: PMC10728985 DOI: 10.1017/s0950268823001735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2023] [Revised: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Vaccination against hepatitis B virus (HBV) is effective at preventing vertical transmission. Sierra Leone, Liberia, and Guinea are hyperendemic West African countries; yet, childhood vaccination coverage is suboptimal, and the determinants of incomplete vaccination are poorly understood. We analyzed national survey data (2018-2020) of children aged 4-35 months to assess complete HBV vaccination (receiving 3 doses of the pentavalent vaccine) and incomplete vaccination (receiving <3 doses). Statistical analysis was conducted using the complex sample command in SPSS (version 28). Multivariate logistic regression was used to identify determinants of incomplete immunization. Overall, 11,181 mothers were analyzed (4,846 from Sierra Leone, 2,788 from Liberia, and 3,547 from Guinea). Sierra Leone had the highest HBV childhood vaccination coverage (70.3%), followed by Liberia (64.6%) and Guinea (39.3%). Within countries, HBV vaccination coverage varied by socioeconomic characteristics and healthcare access. In multivariate regression analysis, factors that were significantly associated with incomplete vaccination in at least one country included sex of the child, Muslim mothers, lower household wealth index, <4 antenatal visits, home delivery, and distance to health facility vaccination (all p < 0.05). Understanding and addressing modifiable determinants of incomplete vaccination will be essential to help achieve the 2030 viral hepatitis elimination goals.
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Affiliation(s)
- George A. Yendewa
- Department of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
- Division of Infectious Diseases and HIV Medicine, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Peter B. James
- Faculty of Health, Southern Cross University, Lismore, Australia
| | - Amir Mohareb
- Center for Global Health, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Umaru Barrie
- University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | | | | | | | - Tahir Bockarie
- Ministry of Health and Sanitation, Freetown, Sierra Leone
| | | | | | - Ambulai Johnson
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | | | - Lawrence S. Babawo
- Department of Nursing, School of Community Health Sciences, Njala University, Bo Campus, Sierra Leone
| | - Gibrilla F. Deen
- Ministry of Health and Sanitation, Freetown, Sierra Leone
- Connaught Hospital, University of Sierra Leone Teaching Hospitals Complex, Ministry of Health and Sanitation, Freetown, Sierra Leone
- Department of Medicine, College of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences, University of Sierra Leone, Freetown, Sierra Leone
| | - Mustapha Kabba
- Ministry of Health and Sanitation, Freetown, Sierra Leone
- Connaught Hospital, University of Sierra Leone Teaching Hospitals Complex, Ministry of Health and Sanitation, Freetown, Sierra Leone
| | - Foday Sahr
- Ministry of Health and Sanitation, Freetown, Sierra Leone
- Department of Medicine, College of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences, University of Sierra Leone, Freetown, Sierra Leone
| | - Sulaiman Lakoh
- Ministry of Health and Sanitation, Freetown, Sierra Leone
- Connaught Hospital, University of Sierra Leone Teaching Hospitals Complex, Ministry of Health and Sanitation, Freetown, Sierra Leone
- Department of Medicine, College of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences, University of Sierra Leone, Freetown, Sierra Leone
| | - Robert A. Salata
- Department of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
- Division of Infectious Diseases and HIV Medicine, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
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Kamara RZ, Kamara IF, Moses F, Kanu JS, Kallon C, Kabba M, Moffett DB, Fofanah BD, Margao S, Kamara MN, Moiwo MM, Kpagoi SSTK, Tweya HM, Kumar AMV, Terry RF. Improvement in Infection Prevention and Control Compliance at the Three Tertiary Hospitals of Sierra Leone following an Operational Research Study. Trop Med Infect Dis 2023; 8:378. [PMID: 37505674 PMCID: PMC10385074 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed8070378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2023] [Revised: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Implementing infection prevention and control (IPC) programmes in line with the World Health Organization's (WHO) eight core components has been challenging in Sierra Leone. In 2021, a baseline study found that IPC compliance in three tertiary hospitals was sub-optimal. We aimed to measure the change in IPC compliance and describe recommended actions at these hospitals in 2023. This was a 'before and after' observational study using two routine cross-sectional assessments of IPC compliance using the WHO IPC Assessment Framework tool. IPC compliance was graded as inadequate (0-200), basic (201-400), intermediate (401-600), and advanced (601-800). The overall compliance scores for each hospital showed an improvement from 'Basic' in 2021 to 'Intermediate' in 2023, with a percentage increase in scores of 16.9%, 18.7%, and 26.9% in these hospitals. There was improved compliance in all core components, with the majority in the 'Intermediate' level for each hospital IPC programme. Recommended actions including the training of healthcare workers and revision of IPC guidelines were undertaken, but a dedicated IPC budget and healthcare-associated infection surveillance remained as gaps in 2023. Operational research is valuable in monitoring and improving IPC programme implementation. To reach the 'Advanced' level, these hospitals should establish a dedicated IPC budget and develop long-term implementation plans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rugiatu Z. Kamara
- United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Country Office, Emergency Operation Centre, Wilkinson Road, Freetown 00232, Sierra Leone;
| | - Ibrahim Franklyn Kamara
- World Health Organization Country Office, 21 A-B Riverside Drive, Off Kingharman Road, Freetown 00232, Sierra Leone; (I.F.K.); (B.D.F.)
| | - Francis Moses
- Ministry of Health and Sanitation, Fourth Floor, Youyi Building, Freetown 00232, Sierra Leone; (F.M.); (J.S.K.); (C.K.); (M.K.); (S.M.); (M.N.K.); (S.S.T.K.K.)
| | - Joseph Sam Kanu
- Ministry of Health and Sanitation, Fourth Floor, Youyi Building, Freetown 00232, Sierra Leone; (F.M.); (J.S.K.); (C.K.); (M.K.); (S.M.); (M.N.K.); (S.S.T.K.K.)
- College of Medicine and Allied Health Science, University of Sierra Leone, Freetown 00232, Sierra Leone
| | - Christiana Kallon
- Ministry of Health and Sanitation, Fourth Floor, Youyi Building, Freetown 00232, Sierra Leone; (F.M.); (J.S.K.); (C.K.); (M.K.); (S.M.); (M.N.K.); (S.S.T.K.K.)
| | - Mustapha Kabba
- Ministry of Health and Sanitation, Fourth Floor, Youyi Building, Freetown 00232, Sierra Leone; (F.M.); (J.S.K.); (C.K.); (M.K.); (S.M.); (M.N.K.); (S.S.T.K.K.)
| | - Daphne B. Moffett
- United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Country Office, Emergency Operation Centre, Wilkinson Road, Freetown 00232, Sierra Leone;
| | - Bobson Derrick Fofanah
- World Health Organization Country Office, 21 A-B Riverside Drive, Off Kingharman Road, Freetown 00232, Sierra Leone; (I.F.K.); (B.D.F.)
| | - Senesie Margao
- Ministry of Health and Sanitation, Fourth Floor, Youyi Building, Freetown 00232, Sierra Leone; (F.M.); (J.S.K.); (C.K.); (M.K.); (S.M.); (M.N.K.); (S.S.T.K.K.)
| | - Matilda N. Kamara
- Ministry of Health and Sanitation, Fourth Floor, Youyi Building, Freetown 00232, Sierra Leone; (F.M.); (J.S.K.); (C.K.); (M.K.); (S.M.); (M.N.K.); (S.S.T.K.K.)
| | - Matilda Mattu Moiwo
- Ministry of Defence, Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces, Freetown 00232, Sierra Leone;
| | - Satta S. T. K. Kpagoi
- Ministry of Health and Sanitation, Fourth Floor, Youyi Building, Freetown 00232, Sierra Leone; (F.M.); (J.S.K.); (C.K.); (M.K.); (S.M.); (M.N.K.); (S.S.T.K.K.)
| | - Hannock M. Tweya
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA;
- International Training and Education for Health, Lilongwe P.O. Box 30369, Malawi
| | - Ajay M. V. Kumar
- International Union against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease, 2 Rue Jean Lantier, 75001 Paris, France;
- International Union against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease, South-East Asia Office, C-6, Qutub Institutional Area, New Delhi 110016, India
- Department of Community Medicine, Yenepoya Medical College, Yenepoya (Deemed to Be University), University Road, Deralakatte 75018, India
| | - Robert F. Terry
- The Special Program for Research and Training in Tropical Diseases (TDR), World Health Organization, Avenue Appia 20, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland;
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Yendewa GA, Wang GM, James PB, Massaquoi SPE, Yendewa SA, Ghazawi M, Babawo LS, Ocama P, Russell JBW, Deen GF, Sahr F, Kabba M, Tatsuoka C, Lakoh S, Salata RA. Prevalence of Chronic Hepatitis B Virus Infection in Sierra Leone, 1997-2022: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2023:tpmd220711. [PMID: 37217165 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.22-0711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2022] [Accepted: 02/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a major public health problem in Sierra Leone, yet reliable estimates of cases are lacking. This study aimed to provide an estimate of the national prevalence of chronic HBV infection in the general population and select groups in Sierra Leone. We used the electronic databases PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, ScienceDirect, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and African Journals Online to systematically review articles reporting hepatitis B infection surface antigen seroprevalence estimates in Sierra Leone during 1997-2022. We estimated pooled HBV seroprevalence rates and assessed potential sources of heterogeneity. Of 546 publications screened, 22 studies with a total sample size of 107,186 people were included in the systematic review and meta-analysis. The pooled prevalence of chronic HBV infection was 13.0% (95% CI, 10.0-16.0) (I2 = 99%; Pheterogeneity < 0.01). During the study period, the HBV prevalence rates were as follows: 17.9% (95% CI, 6.7-39.8) before 2015, 13.3% (95% CI, 10.4-16.9) during 2015-2019, and 10.7% (95% CI, 7.5-14.9) during 2020-2022. The use of the 2020-2022 HBV prevalence estimates corresponded to 870,000 cases of chronic HBV infection (uncertainty interval, 610,000-1,213,000), or approximately one in nine people. The highest HBV seroprevalence estimates were among adolescents aged 10-17 years (17.0%; 95% CI, 8.8-30.5), Ebola survivors (36.8%; 95% CI, 26.2-48.8), people living with HIV (15.9%; 95% CI, 10.6-23.0), and those in the Northern Province (19.0%; 95% CI, 6.4-44.7) and Southern Province (19.7%; 95% CI, 10.9-32.8) regions. These findings may help inform national HBV program implementation in Sierra Leone.
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Affiliation(s)
- George A Yendewa
- Department of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio
- Division of Infectious Diseases and HIV Medicine, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland, Ohio
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Gi-Ming Wang
- Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Peter B James
- Faculty of Health, Southern Cross University, Lismore, Australia
| | | | - Sahr A Yendewa
- Ministry of Health and Sanitation, Freetown, Sierra Leone
| | | | - Lawrence S Babawo
- Department of Nursing, School of Community Health Sciences, Njala University, Bo, Sierra Leone
| | - Ponsiano Ocama
- Department of Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - James B W Russell
- Ministry of Health and Sanitation, Freetown, Sierra Leone
- Department of Medicine, College of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences, University of Sierra Leone, Freetown, Sierra Leone
- Connaught Hospital, University of Sierra Leone Teaching Hospitals Complex, Ministry of Health and Sanitation, Freetown, Sierra Leone
| | - Gibrilla F Deen
- Ministry of Health and Sanitation, Freetown, Sierra Leone
- Department of Medicine, College of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences, University of Sierra Leone, Freetown, Sierra Leone
- Connaught Hospital, University of Sierra Leone Teaching Hospitals Complex, Ministry of Health and Sanitation, Freetown, Sierra Leone
| | - Foday Sahr
- Ministry of Health and Sanitation, Freetown, Sierra Leone
- Department of Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Mustapha Kabba
- Ministry of Health and Sanitation, Freetown, Sierra Leone
| | - Curtis Tatsuoka
- Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio
- Centers for AIDS Research, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Sulaiman Lakoh
- Ministry of Health and Sanitation, Freetown, Sierra Leone
- Department of Medicine, College of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences, University of Sierra Leone, Freetown, Sierra Leone
- Connaught Hospital, University of Sierra Leone Teaching Hospitals Complex, Ministry of Health and Sanitation, Freetown, Sierra Leone
| | - Robert A Salata
- Department of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio
- Division of Infectious Diseases and HIV Medicine, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland, Ohio
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Ghazzawi M, Yendewa SA, James PB, Massaquoi SP, Babawo LS, Sahr F, Deen GF, Kabba M, Ocama P, Lakoh S, Salata RA, Yendewa GA. Assessment of Knowledge, Stigmatizing Attitudes and Health-Seeking Behaviors Regarding Hepatitis B Virus Infection in a Pharmacy and Community Setting in Sierra Leone: A Cross-Sectional Study. Healthcare (Basel) 2023; 11:healthcare11020177. [PMID: 36673546 PMCID: PMC9859485 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare11020177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2022] [Revised: 12/15/2022] [Accepted: 01/02/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a major global health challenge. Emerging evidence suggests that poor knowledge and stigma are impacting HBV control efforts in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), but their role is not well understood. We conducted a cross-sectional study of adults aged ≥18 years in a community and pharmacy setting in Freetown, Sierra Leone. A structured questionnaire was used to assess knowledge, stigmatizing attitudes and health-seeking behaviors regarding HBV. Logistic regression was used to identify predictors of HBV knowledge and related stigma. A total of 306 adult participants were enrolled (50.7% male, 7.5% HBV positive and 11.7% vaccinated). Overall, 52.2% had good HBV knowledge and 49.3% expressed a stigmatizing attitude towards people with HBV. Notwithstanding, 72.2% stated they would receive the HBV vaccine if offered, 80.4% would take anti-HBV medication and 78.8% would be willing to attend clinic regularly. Good HBV knowledge was associated with HBV positive status (aOR 4.41; p = 0.029) and being vaccinated against HBV (aOR 3.30; p = 0.034). HBV-related stigma was associated with secondary or higher level of education (aOR 2.36; p < 0.001), good HBV knowledge (aOR 2.05; p = 0.006) and pharmacy setting (aOR 1.74, p = 0.037). These findings suggest that education and stigma reduction may benefit HBV elimination efforts in SSA.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Peter B. James
- Faculty of Health, Southern Cross University, Lismore, NSW 2480, Australia
| | | | - Lawrence S. Babawo
- Department of Nursing, School of Community Health Sciences, Njala University, Bo Campus, Freetown, Sierra Leone
| | - Foday Sahr
- Ministry of Health and Sanitation, Freetown, Sierra Leone
| | - Gibrilla F. Deen
- Ministry of Health and Sanitation, Freetown, Sierra Leone
- Department of Medicine, College of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences, University of Sierra Leone, Freetown, Sierra Leone
| | - Mustapha Kabba
- Ministry of Health and Sanitation, Freetown, Sierra Leone
| | - Ponsiano Ocama
- Department of Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala P.O. Box 7062, Uganda
| | - Sulaiman Lakoh
- Ministry of Health and Sanitation, Freetown, Sierra Leone
- Department of Medicine, College of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences, University of Sierra Leone, Freetown, Sierra Leone
| | - Robert A. Salata
- Department of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
- Division of Infectious Diseases and HIV Medicine, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | - George A. Yendewa
- Department of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
- Division of Infectious Diseases and HIV Medicine, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-2168441988
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Kirfel J, Pantelis D, Kabba M, Kahl P, Röper A, Kalff JC, Buettner R. Impaired intestinal wound healing in Fhl2-deficient mice is due to disturbed collagen metabolism. Exp Cell Res 2008; 314:3684-91. [DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2008.09.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2008] [Revised: 09/18/2008] [Accepted: 09/23/2008] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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