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Research Article
Shielding Africa, Protecting the World: Unleashing the Power of Preventative Use of Ebola Vaccines
Merawi Aragaw Tegegne,
Githinji Gitahi,
George Kimathi,
Jackline Kiarie*
Issue:
Volume 9, Issue 1, March 2024
Pages:
1-6
Received:
11 January 2024
Accepted:
23 February 2024
Published:
13 March 2024
Abstract: Africa CDC recently conducted a comprehensive risk ranking assessment of epidemic-prone diseases across the continent, identifying Ebola as one of the top 19 infectious diseases with the highest scores in disease severity risk and epidemic potential. The Ebolaviruses first described in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) in 1976 have left a harrowing trail across sub-Saharan Africa, triggering no less than 34 Ebola outbreaks in 11 sub-Saharan Africa countries, a statistic further compounded by the recent outbreak in Uganda in 2022. At present, the World Health Organization (WHO) has approved two Ebola vaccines, including Ervebo and two-component Zabdeno and Mvabea boost vaccines, for use by individuals above the age of 1 year, including pregnant women as per the Strategic Advisory Group of Experts on Immunization (SAGE) recommendations. The use of these vaccines has demonstrated noteworthy efficacy in safeguarding against Ebola in most African communities and frontline health workers in Ebola-endemic countries such as Sierra Leone, Guinea, and Liberia, among others. Unfortunately, the uptake of these vaccines in Ebola-endemic countries remains dishearteningly constrained despite their availability due to, among other things, the unpredictable timing of outbreaks, sub-optimal surveillance, vaccine demand volatility, palpable vaccine hesitancy, and fragile health infrastructure. Addressing these challenges requires a multifaceted approach that includes a synergy of partnerships between governments, communities, development partners, and private sector partners, such as pharmaceuticals. Recognizing that outbreaks originate and seize at the community level, the imperative of confronting hesitancy through sustained proactive community engagement and utilizing promising vaccination strategies such as ring vaccination must be encouraged. Governments must increase investments to strengthen the regulatory environment for timely access to vaccine stockpiles, robust and cost-effective Ebola vaccination programs for at-risk populations, and preventative use for the health workforce. The International Coordinating Group (ICG) on Vaccine Provision also recommends that national and international health authorities initiate vaccine access by submitting a request to the ICG. This opportunity is at no cost for GAVI-eligible countries and on a reimbursement basis for non-eligible countries. In parallel, Africa CDC is also working closely with Member States on the continent to increase availability and access to medical countermeasures, which include therapeutics, vaccines, and diagnostics, making it critical that Africa CDC is included in the ICG. This will promote timely issue profiling and resolution for increased demand for vaccine stockpiles across the continent where they are needed most as the continent moves towards enhanced health security.
Abstract: Africa CDC recently conducted a comprehensive risk ranking assessment of epidemic-prone diseases across the continent, identifying Ebola as one of the top 19 infectious diseases with the highest scores in disease severity risk and epidemic potential. The Ebolaviruses first described in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) in 1976 have left a ...
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Research Article
The HIV Services’ Milestone in Niger State: The Perception of the Frontline Providers
Olabimpe Gbadeyan*
,
Ebenezer Obi Daniel,
Adeola John Gbadeyan,
Oladele Abidoye,
Favour Okorie,
Joseph Clark,
Ahmed Mamuda Bello,
Michael Avwerhota,
Christiana Asibi-Ogben Inegbeboh,
Israel Olukayode Popoola,
Michael Olabode Tomori,
Adebanke Adetutu Ogun,
Oladapo Michael Olagbegi
Issue:
Volume 9, Issue 1, March 2024
Pages:
7-16
Received:
25 February 2024
Accepted:
11 March 2024
Published:
2 April 2024
Abstract: Introduction: On 1st December 2021, the Director General WHO during the world AIDS’s day opening remark stated that, “the global HIV epidemic has fainted from the headlines, but it is not over, far from it”. Nigerian is among the countries that have the highest HIV infection burden, and more HIV babies than anywhere in the world. Objective: The study was embarked upon to understand the perception of the HIV service providers who are in the frontline, on the difficulties being encountered in the course of duty. Method: Qualitative Data was obtained from selected HIV service providers, who were rich in experience across the state, through in-depth interviews (IDI), focus group discussions (FGD), and a non-participant observation with checklist. Saturation was reached, coding was done manually and automatic with NVivo 14, and thematic analytic method used to get a good induction from the data. Results: Among the difficulties being encountered by the HIV service providers from the study were burnt out, staff shortage, training deficiency, secondary stigmatization, and poor remuneration; similarly, lack of incentives, inability to follow-up, language, and religion barriers. Insecurity, the diminished awareness on HIV prevention, frequent change of implementing partners and lack of political will by policy makers were other identified challenges of the HIV services in the state. Conclusion: All relevant stakeholders need to work together towards reducing the difficulties highlighted by the providers toward the HIV eradication strategy. Government should take full possession and ownership of HIV management in Niger state, and the country.
Abstract: Introduction: On 1st December 2021, the Director General WHO during the world AIDS’s day opening remark stated that, “the global HIV epidemic has fainted from the headlines, but it is not over, far from it”. Nigerian is among the countries that have the highest HIV infection burden, and more HIV babies than anywhere in the world. Objective: The stu...
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Review Article
Multi-Drug Resistant Gonorrhea: An Emerging Global Threat
Solome Nekahiwot,
Negeri Debela*
Issue:
Volume 9, Issue 1, March 2024
Pages:
17-25
Received:
22 February 2024
Accepted:
4 March 2024
Published:
2 April 2024
Abstract: Neisseria gonorrhoeae is the bacterial culprit behind gonorrhea, a highly prevalent sexually transmitted infection (STI) found worldwide. Despite over 1 million daily cases, many infections are asymptomatic, contributing to its widespread transmission. The emergence of multidrug-resistant strains poses a significant challenge to public health, limiting treatment options and increasing the risk of complications. Key aspects covered include the bacterium's transmission dynamics, pathogenesis, clinical manifestations, laboratory diagnosis methods, and epidemiology. Transmission primarily occurs through sexual contact, with the bacterium thriving on mucous membranes in various parts of the body. Clinical presentations range from urethritis and cervicitis to more severe complications such as pelvic inflammatory disease and disseminated gonococcal infection. Laboratory diagnosis relies on culture, nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs), and Gram staining, with NAATs offering high sensitivity. However, antimicrobial susceptibility testing is essential to guide treatment decisions, given the rapid emergence of resistance. Gonorrhea's epidemiology varies globally, with higher prevalence rates in low- and middle-income countries. Surveillance programs play a crucial role in monitoring antimicrobial resistance trends and informing treatment guidelines. The economic burden of gonorrhea is substantial, with potential increases in medical expenses and the challenge of managing outbreaks. Despite these challenges, there is hope for the development of new treatments and vaccines. Promising candidates such as zoliflodacin and solithromycin have shown efficacy in clinical trials, while vaccine development faces obstacles due to the bacterium's antigenic variation. The paper provides a comprehensive overview of N. gonorrhoeae, covering its basic features, transmission, pathogenesis, clinical presentation, laboratory diagnosis, epidemiology, challenges of drug-resistant gonorrhea, and prospects for the development of new treatments and vaccines. The paper underscores the urgent need for continued research, surveillance, and development of effective strategies to combat drug-resistant gonorrhea. Investment in new treatments and vaccines is crucial to mitigate the spread of the infection and its associated complications.
Abstract: Neisseria gonorrhoeae is the bacterial culprit behind gonorrhea, a highly prevalent sexually transmitted infection (STI) found worldwide. Despite over 1 million daily cases, many infections are asymptomatic, contributing to its widespread transmission. The emergence of multidrug-resistant strains poses a significant challenge to public health, limi...
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