African Nations Research Articles

An automated cervical cancer diagnosis using genetic algorithm and CANFIS approaches.

Cervical malignancy is considered among the most perilous cancers affecting women in numerous East African and South Asian nations, both in terms of its prevalence and fatality rates. This research aims to propose an efficient automated system for the segmentation of cancerous regions in cervical images. The proposed techniques encompass preprocessing, feature extraction with an optimized feature set, classification, and segmentation. The original cervical image undergoes smoothing using the Gaussian Filter technique, followed by the extraction of Local Binary Pattern (LBP) and Grey Level Co-occurrence Matrix (GLCM) features from the enhanced cervical images. LBP features capture pixel relationships within a mask window, while GLCM features quantify energy metrics across all pixels in the images. These features serve to distinguish normal cervical images from abnormal ones. The extracted features are optimized using Genetic Algorithm (GA) as an optimization method, and the optimized sets of features are classified using the Co-Active Adaptive Neuro-Fuzzy Inference System (CANFIS) classification method. Subsequently, a morphological segmentation technique is employed to categorize irregular cervical images, identifying and segmenting malignant regions within them. The proposed approach achieved a sensitivity of 99.09%, specificity of 99.39%, and accuracy of 99.36%. The proposed approach demonstrated superior performance compared to state-of-the-art techniques, and the results have been validated by expert radiologists.

Incidence and risk factors for catheter-associated urinary tract infection in 623 intensive care units throughout 37 Asian, African, Eastern European, Latin American, and Middle Eastern nations: A multinational prospective research of INICC.

To identify urinary catheter (UC)-associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI) incidence and risk factors. A prospective cohort study. The study was conducted across 623 ICUs of 224 hospitals in 114 cities in 37 African, Asian, Eastern European, Latin American, and Middle Eastern countries. The study included 169,036 patients, hospitalized for 1,166,593 patient days. Data collection took place from January 1, 2014, to February 12, 2022. We identified CAUTI rates per 1,000 UC days and UC device utilization (DU) ratios stratified by country, by ICU type, by facility ownership type, by World Bank country classification by income level, and by UC type. To estimate CAUTI risk factors, we analyzed 11 variables using multiple logistic regression. Participant patients acquired 2,010 CAUTIs. The pooled CAUTI rate was 2.83 per 1,000 UC days. The highest CAUTI rate was associated with the use of suprapubic catheters (3.93 CAUTIs per 1,000 UC days); with patients hospitalized in Eastern Europe (14.03) and in Asia (6.28); with patients hospitalized in trauma (7.97), neurologic (6.28), and neurosurgical ICUs (4.95); with patients hospitalized in lower-middle-income countries (3.05); and with patients in public hospitals (5.89).The following variables were independently associated with CAUTI: Age (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.01; P < .0001), female sex (aOR, 1.39; P < .0001), length of stay (LOS) before CAUTI-acquisition (aOR, 1.05; P < .0001), UC DU ratio (aOR, 1.09; P < .0001), public facilities (aOR, 2.24; P < .0001), and neurologic ICUs (aOR, 11.49; P < .0001). CAUTI rates are higher in patients with suprapubic catheters, in middle-income countries, in public hospitals, in trauma and neurologic ICUs, and in Eastern European and Asian facilities.Based on findings regarding risk factors for CAUTI, focus on reducing LOS and UC utilization is warranted, as well as implementing evidence-based CAUTI-prevention recommendations.

Exploring South African Students’ STEM Self-Efficacy and Attitudes in Non-Formal Learning Experiences

This study explored the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) attitudes and self-efficacy of secondary students identifying as Black South African, multi-racial or Afrikaans South African, or Botswana, Namibia and Zimbabwe nationals who participated in a non-formal STEM education camp programme. Using Bandura’s social cognitive theory for self-efficacy and attitude, this study sought to document participants’ STEM self-efficacy and attitudinal factors related to the camp experience. Survey data were collected before and after participants’ participation in the camp and a delayed post-measurement after 18 months of exposure. Results indicated a significant increase in the self-efficacy concept of conceptual understanding over time between the pre-test and delayed post-test; however, there were no indicated differences over time for the other self-efficacy constructs of Higher Order Cognitive Skills, Practical Work, Everyday Application and Science Communication. Analyses of the STEM attitude constructs showed differences between the Twenty-first Century Skills (increase over time from pre-test to delayed post-test) and Your Future (decrease over time from pre-test to delayed post-test) constructs with no differences for Mathematics, Science and Engineering and Technology. Furthermore, there were no detected differences of self-efficacy and attitudes from pre-test to post-test. These findings suggest that participating in a singular, non-formal STEM learning event may not be sufficient to document changes in self-efficacy and attitudes from the pre- to post-learning experience; however, the experience could have been one of many learning events that may have provided an opportunity for supporting South African students’ self-efficacy and attitude growth, especially in Conceptual Understanding and Twenty-first Century Skills.

How gender and political ideology impact women-focused aid to sub-Saharan Africa

ABSTRACT Foreign aid plays a critical role in actualising pro-women outcomes in the Global South. However, there is a paucity of research on how gender and political ideology inform gender-oriented foreign aid to sub-Saharan countries. This study examines how gender and political ideology inform the trends of women-focused foreign aid donations from Australia, Canada, Finland, and Germany to sub-Saharan African nations from 2002 to 2016. During this period, government leaders and ministers in the donor countries were from different genders and political ideologies. The study reveals that female heads of government gave more women-focused aid to sub-Saharan Africa than male heads of government. The study also found that right-wing heads of government allocated more women-focused assistance to sub-Saharan Africa than left-wing politicians. This study points to the importance of the active role of female heads of government in effectively mainstreaming and furthering the idea of gender equality on a global scale.

Accessing the impact of poverty age groupings on carbon neutrality targets: scenarios from developing Sub Sahara African countries.

Sustainable development aims to both alleviate poverty and protect the environment. Previous research has explored the connection between poverty and carbon emissions. However, in Sub-Saharan Africa, nearly half of the population lives below the international poverty line, hindering economic growth and sustainable development. Therefore, this current study aims to further explore different age groupings of poverty and economic growth relates to environmental pollution, in 43 Sub-Saharan African nations. This study addresses existing gaps by employing the Driscoll-Kraay (D-K) standard error technique and the method of moments quantile regression to examine the connections between variables, yielding significant findings. The results indicate that youth and middle age poverty has an inverse relationship with environmental pollution. In conclusion, this study emphasizes the critical importance of addressing poverty in the formulation of policies aimed at mitigating environmental pollution and promoting sustainable development in Sub-Saharan African countries. Insights from this research can inform policymakers and other stakeholders in designing more effective interventions, programs, and initiatives to combat both poverty and environmental degradation, ultimately leading to a better and more equitable environment.

Discrimination against HIV/AIDS patients and associated factors among women in East African countries: using the most recent DHS data (2015–2022)

IntroductionThe biggest health problem in East Africa is the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Combating stigma and discrimination related to HIV/AIDS is a key goal of many international organizations in their efforts to ensure universal access to HIV/AIDS prevention, treatment, care, and support programs. However, previous studies in various regions of Africa have shown that the prevalence of discriminatory attitudes related to HIV/AIDS is particularly high. Furthermore, there is a current evidence gap in the region. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of discriminatory attitude toward HIV/AIDS patients, and its associated factors among women in East African countries.MethodsThe data we utilized were gathered from the most recent Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS), which were carried out in east African nations between 2016 and 2022. We integrated DHS data from ten countries into our investigation. For our analysis, a weighted sample of 139,812 women overall was employed. The analysis used multiple logistic regressions. The adjusted odds ratio and its 95% confidence interval were then shown, and components with binary logistic regression p values of less than or equal to 0.2 and < 0.05 were regarded as significant predictors of discrimination against HIV/AIDS patients.ResultsIn this study, 32.73% (95% CI 34.48–32.97) of respondents had a discriminatory attitude toward HIV/AIDS patients. In the multiple logistic regression analysis, being in the older age groups, having a better education level, being from a wealthy household, having employment status, having ANC follow-up, institutional delivery, mass media exposure, and having female household heads were associated with higher odds of not having a discriminatory attitude toward HIV/AIDS patients. However, being unmarried and living far from the health facilities were associated with higher odds of discriminatory attitudes toward HIV/AIDS patients.ConclusionThis study concluded that women in East Africa still had a very discriminatory attitude toward HIV/AIDS patients. The good news for East Africa is that prevalence has decreased when compared to earlier findings. Improving women's empowerment, maternal health services, and health facilities' accessibility are crucial.

Unlocking the potential of novel RTS, S/AS01, and R21/Matrix-M™ malaria vaccines in African nations.

Mass malaria vaccination, rather than vaccinating only children below age 5, has been proven to have the potential to reduce morbidity and mortality among those vaccinated, both young and old. Addressing vaccine scepticism and misinformation is crucial in African nations to build public trust in malaria prevention. Therefore, including a wider range of demographics in vaccine trials is necessary for equitable representation and achieving herd immunity against malaria. This present article aims to identify some of the obstacles that impede malaria vaccination usage and acceptability in African Nations in combating malaria in the region as it continues to pose a significant global public health problem. A literature search was done on the Malaria vaccine between 2000 and 2023. Past and present articles/studies on this topic were consulted on PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus and Web of Science using the following keywords; "Malaria," "Vaccines," "African Nations," "Obstacles, Strategies," and "Public Health." The recently approved RTS, S/AS01, and R21/Matrix-M™ Malaria vaccines have the potential to prevent numerous deaths and cases of Malaria in Africa. These vaccines Malaria vaccines are cost-effective in African areas with moderate to high plasmodium falciparum and can be delivered through routine immunization. To combat malaria effectively in African Nations, African leaders need to set up a comprehensive approach that involves; prevention, healthcare access, implementation research strategies towards adoption and acceptance of malaria vaccines in Africa as well as community engagement with the religious leaders, the market women, community heads, schools, as well as students' union towards the willingness and acceptability of the malaria vaccines among the African populations.

Exploring EdTech Policies in Africa

National Educational Technology (EdTech) policy analysis research is essential for various reasons. For example, identifying factors that influenced the formulation of policies, informing the use of EdTech for policymakers, investigating cost-benefit analysis and comparison of national plans across countries and regions. There is a lack of updated research on African nations’ educational technology (EdTech) policies analysis resulting in a lack of knowledge on current EdTech policy landscape of Africa. This paper examined the EdTech policies for selected African countries. By adapting Zhao et al. (2006) 's policy analysis framework, this study aimed to investigate what EdTech policy documents are in place, by which government bodies, and the role of teachers, students, and technologies in the education sector are depicted in these documents.

The Margaret Wrong Memorial Fund, Late Colonial Development, and the Prizing of African Literatures, 1950–62

ABSTRACT: As scholars such as Caroline Ritter have recently demonstrated, late colonial development policy exercised significant influence on the print culture infrastructures of decolonizing African nations. The history of the Margaret Wrong Memorial Fund (MWMF) and its literary prize (1950–62) renders visible the influence of the ideology of late colonial development on this emergent field: while the positioning of language in the field was bound up in the metropolitan conferral of literary legitimacy on European languages (and, conversely, in African struggles to confer the same legitimacy on African vernaculars), the positioning of language in the surrounding field of power formed the site of a different kind of struggle regarding late colonial development in British Africa. Those members of the MWMF administrative committee who advocated after 1949 and through the 1950s for the inclusion of African vernaculars were appealing to the early twentieth-century ideology of Phelps-Stokeism, a theory of differentiated education for Africans that was based on a Social Darwinist assumption of racial inferiority. Associated with Wrong’s interwar and wartime work for the International Committee on Christian Literature for Africa and particularly with the late colonial development impulses of this work, the Phelps-Stokeist rationale for legitimizing African languages does not always line up neatly with African nationalist and anticolonial motivations for supporting vernaculars. The influence of late colonial development on the emergence of the postcolonial field of cultural production matters: the history of this field must be tracked via the metropolitan (British) welfare state and the emergent postwar development paradigm, both of which shaped debates about language, for instance, that have long been attributed to the influence of metropolitan publishers and the African nationalisms of figures such as Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o, among other forces.

Seroprevalence of Marburg virus: A modeling study in endemic area.

An old disease called the Marburg virus infection has just recently started to appear in some African nations in recent years. The disease is currently being scrutinized for its potential to become a new global public health issue. The authors of this work employed a mathematical modeling technique to determine the final seroprevalence rate. The seroprevalence rate can be estimated based on the results of the current investigation. This incidence may indicate that the endemic nation has an asymptomatic Marburg virus infection. This may also point to the significance of a possible asymptomatic Marburg virus sickness, which may be the cause of the disease's broad transmission. In light of the resurfacing Marburg virus disease concern, it is important to recognize this problem.

Brazil towards malaria elimination: A time-series analysis of imported cases from 2007 to 2022.

Malaria is a global health challenge, and international efforts are underway to alleviate its impact by 2035. Within the 249 million global cases, 0.6 million occur in the Americas, mainly in Venezuela, Brazil, and Colombia. Considering Brazil's geographical proximity to malaria-endemic countries in South America, this study objective is to analyze the epidemiological characteristics and time trends of imported malaria cases in Brazil from 2007 to 2022, discussing their influence on the elimination process. This is an ecological time-series study that analyses malaria imported cases (infected in other countries) notified in Brazil, from 2007 to 2022. Brazil's Ministry of Health data were used. Descriptive statistics were employed to analyze sociodemographic and spatial patterns, while the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on imported malaria trends was assessed using Prais-Winsten regression methods. In the study period there was a total of 109,914 imported cases (2.6% of Brazil's total malaria burden). There was an annual reduction of 515.3 cases (p = 0.001) prior to the Covid-19 pandemic. During the pandemics there was an overall reduction of -3,301.8 cases (p = 0.001). In the Amazon region P. vivax imported infections predominated, whereas in the extra-Amazon region P. falciparum imported infections were more prevalent. Most imported cases were males (67.8%), of Black ethnicity (47.5%), with incomplete primary education (45.1%), aged 20-39 (61.1%), and primarily gold miners (54.0%). Most cases are from French Guiana (31.7%), Venezuela (30.0%), and Guyana (17.9%). African nations, notably Angola and Nigeria, were primary sources of imported cases to the extra-Amazon region. The imported cases flux, predominantly from Latin America, threatens Brazil's elimination goals by potentially reintroducing the disease into previously cleared areas and sustaining the transmission in endemic areas. Strengthening epidemiological surveillance at the borders and fostering international cooperation are imperative steps in addressing this challenge.

WITHDRAWN: Trend analysis of the extreme rainfall indices from Lake Tana Sub-Basin of the Upper Blue Nile, Ethiopia

Ethiopia is among the African nations most susceptible to climate change because of its frequent droughts and heavy rainfall. Therefore, hydrological and water management problems require an investigation of regional variability and extreme rainfall patterns. This study analyzed the spatiotemporal trends of extreme rainfall in the Lake Tana Sub-Basin (LTSB) of Ethiopia's Upper Blue Nile Basin (UBNB) between 1981 and 2019. The trend and geographic patterns of ten extreme rainfall indices is evaluated using high-resolution data from Climate Hazards Group InfraRed Precipitation Stations (CHIRPS). We used RClimDex, an R software tool, to analyze the ten severe rainfall indices. The variability of the extreme rain indices was also assessed by applying the standard anomaly index (SAI). The trend analysis shows that the majority of rainfall indices decreased in the majority of station locations. Among the rainfall locations, the decreasing trend was only significant in 40% (CWD), 13.33% (R95p and R99p), and 6.66% (RX1day). In contrast, significant positive patterns were revealed in the incidence of rainfall events of R10mm, PRCPTOT, and CDD, with significant positive trends of 26.66% (R10mm) and 40% (PRCPTOT). Furthermore, a spatial distribution result of extreme rainfall trends reveals considerable variations between stations in spatial distribution. Thus, these findings point to the necessity of creating adaptation and mitigation plans for climate change variability within the sub-basin.

Urbanization, economic access to food and child stunting prevalence: Empirical evidence from urban children of 220 districts in India

India has a higher child stunting prevalence than many South Asian and African nations. Child stunting is a multi-dimensional concept. The impact of most dimensions of child stunting has been studied in the last two decades, but the impact of urbanization using satellite data at cluster level and economic access to food at district level using food expenditure data has not been studied in context of India. There is negative linkage between urbanization and stunting in urban children of 220 districts in India. The Engel ratio is positively linked with child stunting, it means economic access to food is negatively associated with child stunting prevalence in India. Child diet diversity is negatively linked with child stunting. Animal source food and iron rich food consumption are also negatively associated with child stunting in urban children. India is experiencing very slow decline in child stunting prevalence in urban India. Therefore, economic access to food must be increased through economic policies by increasing income level of urban households and controlling food prices in urban India. Polices for inclusive urbanization should be used to catalyse negative association between urbanization and child stunting prevalence.

Prevalence and prognostic role of hypochloremia in patients with acute heart failure in Ethiopia: A single-center retrospective analysis.

In patients with heart failure (HF), multiple electrolyte disorders are common, and recent studies have shown that chloride disorders play a significant role in the prognosis of HF. Data about the prevalence and prognostic role of hypochloremia in patients with acute HF (AHF) are scarce in African nations, including Ethiopia. Hence, this study aimed to assess the prevalence, associated factors, and prognostic role of hypochloremia in patients with AHF in Ethiopia. This was a single-center retrospective analysis of AHF patients, aged ≥15 years, with chloride determination upon admission to the medical wards and medical ICU of Yekatit 12 Hospital Medical College, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, from July 1, 2022, to July 1, 2023. Statistical Package for Social Sciences, version 26, was used to enter and analyze the data. Descriptive analysis was used to summarize clinical profiles, laboratory data, and outcomes of AHF patients stratified by the presence and absence of hypochloremia. Logistic regression analysis was used to determine the factors associated with hypochloremia and to assess the association of hypochloremia and other factors with in-hospital mortality in patients with AHF. A two-tailed P value <0.05 was regarded as statistically significant. A total of 267 AHF patients who had chloride determination on admission were included in this study; the mean age was 56.7 years (standard deviation: 18.6), and the gender-based distribution of the patients was nearly equal. The prevalence of hypochloremia was 36.7%. Diastolic blood pressure <60 mm Hg [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 3.63, 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.04, 12.72] and hyponatremia (AOR = 29.20, 95% CI, 13.21, 64.56) were significantly associated with hypochloremia. The in-hospital mortality rate was higher in AHF patients with hypochloremia (16.3%) compared to those without hypochloremia (4.7%). The odds of in-hospital mortality among AHF patients with hypochloremia were 2.8 times higher compared to patients without hypochloremia (AOR = 2.82, 95% CI: 1.08, 7.04) after adjusting for ICU admission, systolic blood pressure < 120 mm Hg and diastolic blood pressure < 60 mm Hg. This study revealed a high prevalence of hypochloremia among patients with AHF. Low diastolic blood pressure and hyponatremia were significantly associated with the development of hypochloremia. Most importantly, AHF patients with hypochloremia had a higher in-hospital mortality rate compared to those without hypochloremia. Hence, hypochloremia on admission should be considered a potential prognostic factor in patients with AHF, and further research with a larger sample size is needed to support the findings of this study.

The Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) Prosecutions: Exploring Legal Approaches to Combat Gender-Based Violence and Protect Women's Rights Across African Nations

The Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) Prosecutions: Exploring Legal Approaches to Combat Gender-Based Violence and Protect Women's Rights Across African Nations

Comprehensive in silico analyses of fifty-one uncharacterized proteins from Vibrio cholerae.

Due to the rise of multidrug-resistant strains of Vibrio cholerae and the recent cholera outbreaks in African and Asian nations, it is imperative to identify novel therapeutic targets and possible vaccine candidates. In this regard, this work primarily aims to identify and characterize new antigenic molecules using comparative RNA sequencing data and label-free proteomics data, carried out with essential GTPase cgtA knockdown and wild-type strain of V. cholerae. We identified hitherto 51 characterized proteins from high-throughput RNA-sequencing and proteomics data. This work involved the assessment of their physicochemical characteristics, subcellular localization, solubility, structures, and functional annotations. In addition, the immunoinformatic and reverse vaccinology technique was used to find new vaccine targets with high antigenicity, low allergenicity, and low toxicity profiles. Among the 51 proteins, 24 were selected based on their immunogenic profiles to identify B/T-cell epitopes. In addition, 20 prospective therapeutic targets were identified using virulence predictions and related investigations. Furthermore, two proteins, UniProt ID- Q9KRD2 and Q9KU58, with molecular weight of 92kDa and 12kDa, respectively, were chosen for cloning and expression towards in vitro biochemical characterization based on their range of expression patterns, high antigenic, low allergenic, and low toxicity properties. In conclusion, we believe that this study will reveal new facets and avenues for drug discovery and put us a step forward toward novel therapeutic interventions against the deadly disease of cholera.

Determinants of early initiation of breastfeeding following birth in West Africa: A multilevel analysis using data from multi-country national health surveys.

Early initiation of breastfeeding (EIBF), within the first hour of birth, is crucial for promoting exclusive breastfeeding and establishing optimal nursing practices. However, global EIBF rates remain low, with even lower rates observed in Africa. Despite existing research gaps, this study aims to determine the prevalence of EIBF and identify maternal and child-related factors associated with its practice in West Africa. This study utilized West African Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) data from 13 countries, including 146,964 children's records. To assess model fit, likelihood test and deviance were used. Similarly, intraclass correlation coefficient, median odds ratio, and proportional change in variance were employed for random effect. A multilevel logistic regression model was used to identify individual- and community-level factors influencing EIBF due to the hierarchical nature of the data. Variables with p-values ≤0.2 in the binary model and <0.05 in the final analysis were considered significantly associated with EIBF. The pooled prevalence of EIBF in West African nations was 50.60% (95% CI; 50.34-50.85%). The highest prevalence rate was observed in Serra Leone (75.33%) and the lowest prevalence was found in Senegal (33.94%). In the multilevel multiple logistic regression model, maternal education (AOR = 1.10, 95% CI, 1.03,1.16), marital status AOR = 1.07, 95% CI, 1.01,1.13), birth weight (AOR = 0.91, CI 0.86,0.96), birth orders (AOR = 1.09, CI 1.03,1.16), and (AOR = 1.11, CI 1.03,1.19), place of residence (AOR = 1.14, CI 1.07,1.21), and mode of delivery type (AOR = 0.26, CI 0.24,0.29) were significantly correlated with EIBF in West Africa. The incidence of EIBF in West Africa was found to be low. The study emphasizes the need for targeted behavioral change communication programs to address timely breastfeeding initiation, specifically targeting mothers and child characteristics. Factors such as education, delivery mode, marital status, birth weight, birth order, and place of residence were significantly associated with EIBF. Special attention should be given to improving EIBF rates among women undergoing caesarean sections, infants with low birth weight, and primiparous mothers, along with structural improvements in the healthcare sector in West Africa.

Networks as Catalysts of Entrepreneurial Dynamics in Low-Income Territories: A Case Study of Five African Entrepreneurial Ecosystems

What distinguishes an entrepreneurial ecosystem (EE) that supports entrepreneurial dynamics from one that does not? Despite being a hot issue, several scholars address the paucity of empirical studies that attempt to explain the overall functioning of EEs. To provide this perspective, we present a novel study of the theoretical and methodological facets of the interorganizational network among EE actors at the national level. Exploratory research based on network theory is conducted in five low-income African nations to better understand the organizational models of these EEs and their effects on businesses and regions. Innovative research techniques such as web scraping, quantitative graph theory, and qualitative comparative analysis are used in this study. Metrics of interorganizational ties such as closeness, cohesiveness, and interconnectivity are crucial to this viewpoint because they are fundamental causal factors for understanding the genesis of high rates of entrepreneurial dynamics in these low-income countries. To facilitate the spread of entrepreneurial support components to entrepreneurs, this study emphasizes the importance of the characteristics of EE networks and, consequently, of the interactions between their actors. It also emphasizes how crucial it is for knowledge and information to move freely inside an EE, as well as how important it is to have a strong collaborative and cooperative environment. Thus, a deeper comprehension of EEs helps us identify the circumstances that are generally favorable for alliance games and coopetition to flourish in a given region.

Resilience of mental health services amidst Ebola disease outbreaks in Africa.

Health systems including mental health (MH) systems are resilient if they protect human life and produce better health outcomes for all during disease outbreaks or epidemics like Ebola disease and their aftermaths. We explored the resilience of MH services amidst Ebola disease outbreaks in Africa; specifically, to (i) describe the pre-, during-, and post-Ebola disease outbreak MH systems in African countries that have experienced Ebola disease outbreaks, (ii) determine the prevalence of three high burden MH disorders and how those prevalences interact with Ebola disease outbreaks, and, (iii) describe the resilience of MH systems in the context of these outbreaks. This was a scoping review employing an adapted PRISMA statement. We conducted a five-step Boolean strategy with both free text and Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) to search 9 electronic databases and also searched WHO MINDbank and MH Atlas. The literature search yielded 1,230 publications. Twenty-five studies were included involving 13,449 participants. By 2023, 13 African nations had encountered a total of 35 Ebola outbreak events. None of these countries had a metric recorded in MH Atlas to assess the inclusion of MH in emergency plans. The three highest-burden outbreak-associated MH disorders under the MH and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) framework were depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and anxiety with prevalence ranges of 1.4-7%, 2-90%, and 1.3-88%, respectively. Furthermore, our analysis revealed a concerning lack of resilience within the MH systems, as evidenced by the absence of pre-existing metrics to gauge MH preparedness in emergency plans. Additionally, none of the studies evaluated the resilience of MH services for individuals with pre-existing needs or examined potential post-outbreak degradation in core MH services. Our findings revealed an insufficiency of resilience, with no evaluation of services for individuals with pre-existing needs or post-outbreak degradation in core MH services. Strengthening MH resilience guided by evidence-based frameworks must be a priority to mitigate the long-term impacts of epidemics on mental well-being.

Beijing 1995 and female terrorism in 21st century West Africa

This article examines the relationship between the 1995 World Conference on Women held in Beijing and the emergence of female terrorism in West Africa during the 21st century. It examines how the conference, which was intended to promote global gender equality and women's rights, unintentionally influenced the dynamics of female participation in extremist activities. This study provides insights into the motivations, strategies, and effects of female terrorism in West Africa by analysing historical events, regional context, and socio-political factors, casting light on the complex relationship between gender, empowerment, and violence. The gendered socialisation theory served as the theoretical framework for this study. Noting that the study is qualitative and non-experimental, a descriptive research design was chosen for this investigation. The qualitative method was used to generate data for this study, and the qualitative descriptive method was used to analyse the collected data. The study revealed a correlation between the 1995 World Conference on Women in Beijing and the rise of female terrorism in West African nations. The study recommended adequate public enlightenment, strengthened responsive counterterrorism strategies, enhanced women’s participation in counterterrorism efforts and genuine empowerment of women and girls through education and economic opportunities.