Leucospidae of Morocco with a comparison to the other countries ofNorth Africa

Simple SummaryWe reviewed the classification of ~900 Metriorrhynchina net-winged beetles, and modified the alpha-taxonomy to reflect recently proposed phylogenetic hypotheses. There were >200 species transferred between subtribes and genera. The resulting checklist enabled us to identify New Guinea as the hotspot of Metriorrhynchina diversification. The centers of endemism include Sulawesi and New Guinea (in total 14 genera) in contrast with a single endemic genus in continental Australia. Most genera are diverse in New Guinea and the Wallacea, and only certain species crossed zoogeographic lines and colonized South East Asia. The study should boost the biodiversity research in the group and support biogeographic and evolutionary studies. We reviewed the species-level classification of Metriorrhynchina net-winged beetles to make the group accessible for further studies. Altogether, 876 valid species are listed in a checklist along with known synonyms, combinations, and distribution data. The compilation of geographic distribution showed that Metriorrhynchina is distributed mainly in the Australian region with very high diversity in the islands at the northern edge of the Australian craton, i.e., in the Moluccas and New Guinea (54 and 423 spp. respectively). The neighboring northern part of the Australian continent houses a majority of known Australian species (112 spp.) and the diversity of net-winged beetles gradually decreases to the south (43 spp.). The fauna of Sulawesi is highly endemic at the generic level (4 of 10 genera, 67 of 84 spp.). Less Metriorrhynchina occur in the Solomon Islands and Oceania (in total 22 spp.). The Oriental Metriorrhynchina fauna consists of a few genera and a limited number of species, and most of these are known from the Philippines (51 of 94 Oriental spp.). We identified a high species level turn-over between all neighboring landmasses. The genus-level endemism is high in Sulawesi (4 genera) and New Guinea (11 genera), but only a single genus is endemic to Australia. During the compilation of the checklist, we identified some homonyms, and we propose the following replacement names and a new synonym: Metriorrhynchus pseudobasalis, nom. nov. for M. basalis Lea, 1921 nec M. basalis Bourgeois, 1911; Metriorrhynchus pseudofunestus, nom. nov. for M. funestus Lea, 1921 nec M. funestus (Guérin-Méneville, 1838), Trichalus pseudoternatensis, nom. nov. for T. ternatensis Kleine, 1930 nec T. ternatensis Bourgeois, 1900, Procautires subparallelus, nom. nov. for P. parallelus (Pic, 1926) nec P. parallelus (Bourgeois, 1883), and Cautires pseudocorporaali, nom. nov. for C. corporaali (Pic, 1921: 12), (formerly Odontocerus and Cladophorus) nec C. corporaali (Pic, 1921) (formerly Bulenides, later Cautires). Diatrichalus biroi Kleine, 1943, syn. nov. is proposed as a junior subjective synonym of D. subarcuatithorax (Pic, 1926). Altogether, 161 new combinations are proposed, and 47 species earlier placed in Xylobanus Waterhouse, 1879 transferred from Cautirina to Metriorrhynchina incertae sedis. The study clarifies the taxonomy of Metriorrhynchini and should serve as a restarting point for further taxonomic, evolutionary, and biogeographic studies.

As of May 21, more than 323,256 people worldwide have died and counting of COVID-19, the highly infectious respiratory disease caused by the coronavirus. The number of people, who have tested positive for COVID-19, has exceeded 4.9 million and counting, according to data compiled by the World Health Organization (WHO).The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak in the WHO African Region has rapidly evolved over the past few weeks, as reflected by the significant upsurge in the number of cases, and the rapid geographical expansion of the disease. Since the last situation report by the Johns Hopkins University on 18 March 2020 (External Situation Report 3), 11 new countries in the WHO African Region including Angola, Cape Verde, Chad, Eritrea, Niger, Madagascar, Mali, Mauritius, Mozambique, Uganda, and Zimbabwe have confirmed 1 371 and counting COVID-19 cases. As of 25 March 2020, a cumulative total of 1 716 confirmed cases have been reported across 38 countries in the region, bringing the total number of reported deaths to 30, which corresponds to a case fatality ratio of 1.8% among reported confirmed cases.The most affected countries in the WHO African Region are: South Africa (5647 cases and counting), Algeria (4006 cases and counting), Burkina Faso (645 cases and counting), Senegal (933 cases and counting), Cameroon (1832 cases and counting), and Cote d’Ivoire (1275 and counting) [13].This paper seeks to lay a theoretical foundation for a broader intellectual discourse on the emerging challenges presented by pandemics while discussing and examining how law as a social determinant of health and a factor in the cause, distribution and prevention of disease and injury in populations within Africa and Kenya in particular can be utilized in understanding trends in health laws, study the impact and effectiveness of laws in health, informing and supporting best practices and developing an evidence base of what works in the prevention of infectious diseases and in particular COVID – 19 in Africa (Kenya).

ABSTRACTBackground: Influenza is a highly contagious disease that affects the upper and lower respiratory tract caused by several subtypes of influenza viruses. While vaccination remains the mainstay strategy to protect populations against influenza, there is a global shortage and inequitable access to influenza vaccines. Although influenza vaccine production capacity increased from 500 million doses in 2006 to 1.5 billion doses in 2013, little is known about the global distribution of these vaccines albeit its introduction. We assessed the global status of influenza vaccine introduction.Research design and methods: We analyzed data from the World Health Organization (WHO) Joint Reporting Form, a publicly available source of immunization data from 194 countries of all six WHO regions. We used 2017 data, available as of July 2018.Results: By December 2017, 117 of 194 (60%) WHO Member States had introduced the seasonal influenza vaccine. European and American regions accounted for 70% (82/117) of the total number of countries that had introduced influenza vaccine. The other four regions account for only 30%. Ninety-four percent (50/53) of countries in the European region and 91% (32/35) in the American region had introduced influenza vaccine. In the Eastern Mediterranean and Western Pacific regions, 67% (14/21) and 52% (14/27), respectively, had introduced the vaccine. Yet only 27% (3/11) and 9% (4/47) in the Southeast Asian and African regions, respectively, had introduced the vaccine. Among countries (n = 117) that had introduced the vaccine, children (56%), older adults (87%), and risk groups (99%) were prioritized and given the vaccines.Conclusions: Introduction of influenza vaccine in the African and Southeast Asian regions remains suboptimal. This critically underscores the need for financing mechanisms and having countries in the regions that are lagging behind to prioritize seasonal influenza vaccine.

To estimate the prevalence of alcohol consumption and binge drinking during pregnancy among the general population in the World Health Organization (WHO) African Region, by country. First, a comprehensive systematic literature search was performed to identify all published and unpublished studies. Then, several meta-analyses, assuming a random-effects model, were conducted to estimate the prevalence of alcohol consumption and binge drinking during pregnancy among the general population for countries in the WHO African Region with two or more studies available. Lastly, for countries with less than two studies or no known data predictions were obtained using regression modelling. The estimated prevalence of alcohol consumption during pregnancy among the general population ranged from 2.2% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.6-2.8%; Equatorial Guinea) to 12.6% (95% CI: 9.9-15.4%; Cameroon) in Central Africa, 3.4% (95% CI: 2.6-4.3%; Seychelles) to 20.5% (95% CI: 16.4-24.7%; Uganda) in Eastern Africa, 5.7% (95% CI: 4.4-7.1%; Botswana) to 14.2% (95% CI: 11.1-17.3%; Namibia) in Southern Africa, 6.6% (95% CI: 5.0-8.3%; Mauritania) to 14.8% (95% CI: 11.6-17.9%; Sierra Leone) in Western Africa, and 4.3% (95% CI: 3.2-5.3%; Algeria) in Northern Africa. The high prevalence of alcohol consumption and binge drinking during pregnancy in some African countries calls for educational campaigns, screening and targeted interventions for women of childbearing age.

Rotavirus is a leading cause of severe pediatric diarrhea globally, estimated to have caused 120,000 deaths among children aged <5 years in sub-Saharan Africa in 2013 (1). In 2009, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommended rotavirus vaccination for all infants worldwide (2). Two rotavirus vaccines are currently licensed globally: the monovalent Rotarix vaccine (RV1, GlaxoSmithKline; 2-dose series) and the pentavalent RotaTeq vaccine (RV5, Merck; 3-dose series). This report describes progress of rotavirus vaccine introduction (3), coverage (using estimates from WHO and the United Nations Children's Fund [UNICEF]) (4), and impact on pediatric diarrhea hospitalizations in the WHO African Region. By December 2016, 31 (66%) of 47 countries in the WHO African Region had introduced rotavirus vaccine, including 26 that introduced RV1 and five that introduced RV5. Among these countries, rotavirus vaccination coverage (completed series) was 77%, according to WHO/UNICEF population-weighted estimates. In 12 countries with surveillance data available before and after vaccine introduction, the proportion of pediatric diarrhea hospitalizations that were rotavirus-positive declined 33%, from 39% preintroduction to 26% following rotavirus vaccine introduction. These results support introduction of rotavirus vaccine in the remaining countries in the region and continuation of rotavirus surveillance to monitor impact.

The 5th edition of the African Vaccination Week (AVW) kicked off in Lusaka, Zambia, on 23 April 2016, the same day as did the 4th World Immunization Week (WIW), and vaccination week in other WHO regions. The theme was "Save lives, prevent disabilities, vaccinate!". The aim was to draw attention to the need to attain universal immunization coverage in the African Region by closing the immunization gap, while also celebrating the important polio eradication milestone reached in the African Region. Twenty-eight (59.6%) of the 47 countries in the African Region celebrated the AVW within the regionally set dates of 24th to 30th April 2015. However, given its flexibility, the celebration continued until September in 15 other countries in the Region. Three countries, namely Comoros, Gabon, and Cape Verde did not join the celebration for the 2015 edition of the AVW. Countries used the opportunity to introduce new vaccines into their routine immunization. Populations, hitherto unreached with basic health services were reached with needed services, such as vitamin A supplementation, deworming, and catch up immunization services. The programmes promoted awareness of the benefits of vaccines and the rights of communities to demand vaccines and immunization services to save lives and prevent disabilities. The number of participating countries rose steadily from 40 in 2011 to 43 and 46 countries in 2013 and 2014 respectively. The number ranged from one intervention integrated with AVW in 17 countries to 5 interventions integrated with the AVW in three countries. In 2015, 67.4% of the participating countries integrated other interventions with AVW activities.

Measles or rubella elimination is verified when endemic transmission of the corresponding virus has been absent for over 36 months in a defined area, in the presence of a well-performing surveillance system. This report updates the progress by 47 countries in the WHO African Region towards the goal of attaining verification of measles and rubella elimination in at least 80% of the countries of the region by 2030. We reviewed the WHO-UNICEF vaccination coverage estimates for the first and second doses of measles- and measles-rubella-containing vaccines, as well as the available coverage data for measles supplementary immunization activities, during 2022-2023. We also reviewed the measles-surveillance performance and analyzed the epidemiological trends of measles and rubella as reported in the case-based surveillance database. The WHO-UNICEF estimates of first measles vaccine dose (MCV1) and second measles vaccine dose (MCV2) coverage for the African Region for 2022 were 69% and 45%, respectively. Rubella-containing vaccines have been introduced in the routine immunization program in 32 of 47 (68%) countries as of the end of 2022, with no introductions during 2023. In 2022 and 2023, a total of 144,767,764 children were vaccinated in the region with measles or MR vaccines in 24 countries through 32 mass vaccination campaigns. The administrative coverage target of 95% was reached in only 15 (49%) of the 32 vaccination campaigns. In 2023, a total of 125,957 suspected cases of measles were reported through the case-based surveillance system, and 73,625 cases (58%) were confirmed to be measles, either by laboratory testing, by epidemiological linkage, or based on clinical compatibility. A total of 4805 confirmed rubella cases were reported, though this total represents substantial under-ascertainment. The regional incidence of measles was 60.3 cases per million population. Twenty-six countries (55%) met the targets for the two principal surveillance system performance-monitoring indicators. No country in the region has attained the verification of measles or rubella elimination as of the end of 2023. Addressing systemic problems with routine immunization and using tailored approaches to reach unvaccinated children can contribute to progress towards measles and rubella elimination. In addition, periodic and timely high-quality preventive SIAs remain a critical programmatic strategy to reach unvaccinated children.

To understand early-life growth in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, and how it has changed over time, we estimated the prevalence of wasting and overweight at ages under 5 years. Cross-sectional data from twenty-nine Demographic and Health Surveys with direct anthropometric data and parent-reported demographic information were examined. The study utilised the WHO Child Growth Standards to classify overweight (weight-for-height z-score ≥ 2 sd above the median), wasting (weight-for-height z-score ≤ 2 sd below the median) and unhealthy weight defined as either wasting or overweight. Nationally representative for nine of the MENA countries (Armenia, Azerbaijan, Egypt, Jordan, Mauritania, Morocco, Tunisia, Turkey and Yemen). Children under age 5 from nine MENA countries between 1987 and 2016 (n 155 961). Across the region, at the most recent time point, between 7·3 and 23·6 % of children experienced unhealthy weight (Jordan - 7·3 %, Egypt -23·6 %); 1·7 and 16·6 % had wasting (Turkey, Yemen) and 2·0 and 15·0 % had overweight (Yemen, Egypt). Overweight was more common than wasting in all countries except Yemen and Mauritania. Between 1987 and 2016, the prevalence of unhealthy weight in the region increased (10·0-18·4 %) due to increases in both wasting and overweight. Boys had a higher prevalence of unhealthy weight than girls. Undernutrition continues to be a problem in some countries in the MENA region, and overnutrition is emerging as a health concern in many countries in the region. Countries in the region must advance programmes that reduce undernutrition while not overlooking or inadvertently promoting overnutrition.

Background/Aims Implementation of preconception care is vital to improve maternal health and enhance perinatal outcomes. In most low- and middle-income countries, coverage and implementation of preconception care is low. This review aimed to explore the implementation of preconception care in southern African countries and barriers and enablers to implementation. Methods This scoping review searched Google Scholar, Science Direct and PubMed for studies published between 2014 and 2023 in English that focused on implementation of preconception care or reported on factors promoting or hindering implementation across nine countries in southern Africa. Data extracted from selected studies were analysed thematically. Results A total of 12 studies were included in the review. Most countries in the southern African region have not implemented preconception care and those that had were targeting specific sub-groups of women. Barriers to implementation included lack of awareness among women of childbearing age, inadequate knowledge among healthcare professionals, and the lack of policy and clear guidelines. Promoting factors were awareness being raised through research, healthcare professionals’ knowledge, the use of a reproductive lifeplan and positive attitudes to and perceptions of preconception care. Conclusions There is inadequate implementation of preconception care in southern Africa, and there are more barriers to implementation than factors enabling it. Countries in this region should develop clear policies and guidelines regarding preconception care and equip healthcare professionals with knowledge in this area. Implications for practice There is a need for countries in the southern African region to develop clear policies and guidelines regarding preconception care and ensure that healthcare professionals are provided with appropriate training to fast-track implementation of preconception care recommendations.

Background Estimating the distribution of new HIV infections according to identifiable characteristics is a priority for programmatic planning in HIV prevention. We propose a mathematical modelling approach that uses robust data sources to estimate the distribution of new infections acquired in the generalised epidemics of sub-Saharan Africa and validate it against cohort data. Methods We developed a predictive model that represents the population according to factors powerfully associated with risk: gender, marital status, geographic location, key risk behaviours (sex-work, injecting drug-use, male-to-male sex), sero-discordancy within couples, circumcision and ART status. Incidence inference methods are applied to estimate the short-term distribution of new infections by group. The model is applied within a Bayesian framework whereby regional demographic and epidemiological prior information is updated, where possible, with local data. We validated and trained the model against cohort data from Manicaland (Zimbabwe), Kisesa (Tanzania) and Rakai (Uganda). Building on the results from the acquisition model we infer likely sources of transmission. The model was applied to six countries in the region to investigate potential differences in incidence patterns. Results Without training using the site-specific data, the model was able to predict the pattern of new infections with reasonable accuracy: 95% credible intervals were substantially overlapping and the rank ordering of groups with new infections was consistent. With training using group-specific data on new infections, the accuracy of predictions for subsequent rounds of data improved further and credible intervals narrowed. When applied to the six countries in the region the model showed variation in the distribution of infections between and within countries consistent with the data on prevalence. Conclusions It is possible to accurately predict, the distribution of new HIV infections acquired using data routinely available in many countries in the Sub-Saharan African region. This validated tool can complement additional analyses on resource allocation and data collection priorities. Declaration of conflicts of interest All authors declare having no conflicts of interest.

The move towards universal health coverage is premised on having well-functioning health systems, which can assure provision of the essential health and related services people need. Efforts to define ways...

The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that countries introduce rubella containing vaccines (RCVs) to reduce rubella circulation and the occurrence of congenital rubella syndrome (CRS). As of June 2017, a total of 18 countries have already introduced or are in the process of introducing RCV in routine child vaccination programs. RCV introduction during 2013 - 2014 in five countries in the Region resulted in a reduction of rubella incidence of 48% to 96% in the post-introduction period as compared to the average incidence in the years before introduction. These results suggest that initial mass vaccination campaigns and introduction of RCVs in routine immunization programs result in significant reduction in rubella incidence and a reduced potential for the occurrence of CRS.

Africa accounts for nearly half of all deaths resulting from communicable diseases globally. A deteriorating health system can be attributed to these deaths. Unfortunately, most African countries have some of the weakest health systems. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that strong health systems are critical for the improvement of health outcomes and for accelerating progress towards the achievement of Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) related to health. This has led to the rise of health system strengthening as a political agenda for countries in the WHO African Region. At a time when countries in this region are facing an economic downturn, the novel coronavirus, “severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2)” adds to the challenges faced in health system strengthening. The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has revealed major weaknesses in health systems globally, presenting a major threat to the already fragile health systems in Africa, revealing the urgent need for stronger health systems in Africa. In this paper, we present an updated literature review of the pertinent gaps in Africa’s health systems and synthesized the findings by utilizing the six basic building blocks of health system strengthening (health workforce, access to equipment and essential medicines, service delivery, health information systems, leadership &amp; governance) and other related aspects (health policy, health research, health monitoring and evaluation and disaster preparedness) in the context of COVID-19. Finally, the paper identifies priority strategies for health system strengthening in Africa.

Francophonie and politics "Françafrique" occupy a dominant role in French foreign policy. French President Charles de Gaulle initiated this model of foreign relations of France in the world. France actively used in the 60s and 70s of the last century by the results of this policy, and it is rightly considered "golden times" of French society. The results of management have manifested themselves at the beginning of the new century. Consequences the management of the colonial legacy and the "Arab Spring" caused radical changes in the social system. Since the presidency of N. Sarkozy (2007–2012), the threat of illegal emigration, religious extremism and terrorism disturb the well-being of France. For French politicians these changes have become indicators of the effectiveness of conducting affairs in overseas territories as well as indicators of manifested activity of competitors and allies of Paris in such regions positioned like zone of national interests of France. The purpose. The aim of the scientific analysis is to reveal the phenomenon of Francophonie in development of the political course of "the greatness of France", initiated by French President Charles de Gaulle, also to reveal the reasons for the contradictions between France and its African colonial legacy. Francophonie as a certain strategy French national security policy considered in unity with the logic of the secret toolkit of the "Francafrique" policy that hides numerous corrupt connections between the elites of France and African countries to preserve the influence of France in the countries of this region. Contents of four sections of the study reveals four tasks. These tasks are: to investigate the content and orientation of the modern phenomenon of Francophonie; to reveal the significance of the African colonial heritage in France's national security strategy; to identify features the concept of "Françafrique" in the policy of presidents N. Sarkozy, F. Hollande and E. Macron; to reveal the peculiarities and contradictions of the economic imperative French policy of neocolonialism. Sections are linked and reflect the content of the problem. Methodology. The research carried out by using comparative, dialectical, historical and systemic methods. This made it possible to consider the policy of "Françafrique" as a shadow side of the strategy "Francophonie" and to consider features and goals in retrospect national security strategy of France in the 21st century. Results. The research has established existing contradictions between the parties of the Franco-African dialogue. The different goals of development and strategies for their achievement determine the content of contradictions. France tends to use Francophonie and "Françafrique" policy as a set of tools for winning "places in the sun" (J. Attali). Countries of colonial heritage use it to get rid of poverty, religious extremism and terrorism. There is evidence that since 2010 – the beginning of the "Arab Spring", the severity of problems in countries of the "Françafrique" club, has grown significantly. This forced a number of countries regions of the Sahel, West and Central Africa to review relations with France, and Paris – to announce a new strategy in the region. In 2023, the focus is on finding new alliances, business interests, effective management of military equipment with all interested countries of the African region, in order to maintain security and stability. Practical implications. Research results can be used in Blocks of humanitarian disciplines that consider international issues politics and regional security. Value/originality. The scientific novelty of the research lies in the disclosure ontological foundations of the modern phenomenon of Francophonie as a manifestation of strategy "soft power" of France. Paris positions this strategy as an antithesis to existing international models cooperation, as a universal key to national development of countries participating in the Francophone Club. Conclusions. Since 1970 – the time of creation of the International organizations of Francophones, Francophonie should be considered as a component of France's foreign policy course on the way for the Fifth republic to achieving the status of "the greatness of France" [global leadership]. The African region plays a key role in the achievement of this status. In the "Strategic Review" (2017) stated, that the policy of ensuring national the interests of France and the implementation of the security strategy is directly connected with overseas territories, that "have a strategic and economic significance" in today's conditions. The "Françafrique" policy is a proven instrument of "French greatness". It preserves the connections of the corrupted elites of France and African countries and serves as the basis for the continuation of the policy "economic colonialism" opposed today by virtually all countries of the "Françafrique" club.

Ecological footprint, natural resource rent, and industrial production in MENA region: Empirical evidence using the SDM model