Abstract
BackgroundInfluenza viruses cause significant morbidity and mortality in Africa, particularly among high-risk groups, but influenza vaccines and antiviral drugs may not be commonly available and used. The main aim of this study was to determine the availability and use of influenza vaccines and antiviral drugs as well as to describe existing related guidelines and policies in Africa.MethodsA self-administered survey was distributed among key influenza experts in 40 African countries.ResultsOf the 40 countries surveyed, 31 (78%) responded; 14/31 (45%) reported availability of seasonal influenza vaccine, and 19/31 (65%) reported availability of antiviral drugs for the treatment of influenza. Vaccine coverage data were only available for 4/14 (29%) countries that reported availability of seasonal influenza vaccine and ranged from <0.5% to 2% of the population.ConclusionsInfluenza vaccines and antiviral drugs are available in many countries in Africa but coverage estimates are low and remain largely unknown. Describing the local burden of disease and identifying funding are essential to encourage countries to use influenza vaccine more widely.
Highlights
Influenza viruses cause significant morbidity and mortality in Africa, among high-risk groups, but influenza vaccines and antiviral drugs may not be commonly available and used
Influenza epidemiology has been described in countries with temperate climates like South Africa and Morocco [3,4] but there are data that comprehensively describe influenza viruses in tropical countries like Kenya and Zambia [5,6]
Populations in low and middle income countries like many of those in Africa are more vulnerable to influenzarelated complications because of the high prevalence of underlying medical conditions and limited access to health care
Summary
Influenza viruses cause significant morbidity and mortality in Africa, among high-risk groups, but influenza vaccines and antiviral drugs may not be commonly available and used. The main aim of this study was to determine the availability and use of influenza vaccines and antiviral drugs as well as to describe existing related guidelines and policies in Africa. Influenza epidemiology has been described in countries with temperate climates like South Africa and Morocco [3,4] but there are data that comprehensively describe influenza viruses in tropical countries like Kenya and Zambia [5,6]. In Africa, influenza causes severe illness and deaths in both temperate and tropical settings [7,8]. The high prevalence of comorbidities including human immunodeficiency virus and tuberculosis contribute to increased influenza-associated mortality in Africa [7]
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