Nigeria Countries Research Articles

Building Public Health Quantitative Methods Capacity and Networks in sub-Saharan Africa: An Evaluation of a Faculty Training Program.

There is a shortage of individuals trained in using quantitative methods in biomedical research in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Improving public health in SSA requires new ways to promote quantitative knowledge and skills among faculty in biomedical research and better-integrated network systems of support. We describe the development, implementation, and evaluation of an innovative faculty training and support program in SSA from December 2017-June 2020, using courses in monitoring and evaluation, data management, and complex surveys as prototypical examples. Indicators were selected to follow the 4 levels outlined in the Kirkpatrick evaluation model: reaction, learning, behavior, and results. We used survey data from faculty fellows and students and reported median change and interquartile ranges (IQR). The training program created an international community of 26 faculty members working collaboratively to lead the training of 3 quantitative methods courses. The program increased faculty members' knowledge of the course content (median increase 17 percentage points [IQR: 0, 20]). Faculty members, in turn, trained 380 students at institutions of higher education in 8 SSA countries (Botswana, Ethiopia, Ghana, Nigeria, Rwanda, South Africa, Tanzania, and Uganda). The program relied on collaborative funding from participating institutions and focused on individual capacity-strengthening. In the future, the program will be scaled to include other emerging areas, such as data science, will integrate institutional support and feedback, and will move some of the training and mentoring activities to an online platform. Finally, to ensure that faculty have both improved confidence and improvement in competence, in future iterations, the program will include competency evaluation at the start and end and pair fellows who need additional training with those who excelled to co-teach.

Adolescent pregnancy, maternal and child anaemia: Empirical analysis from India, Bangladesh, and Nigeria.

Early childbearing poses several potential risks to maternal and child health. This paper empirically analyses the association between teenage pregnancy and child nutritional status, maternal and child anaemia in three countries (Nigeria, India and Bangladesh) that account for the highest proportion of teenage births and/or total number of malnourished teenage mothers and children. Data were sourced from nine waves of Demographic and Health Surveys conducted in Bangladesh, India, and Nigeria from 2005-2018, covering a sample of 27,705 children from Bangladesh, 266,308 children from India and 54,719 children from Nigeria. Our outcome measures of maternal and child nutrition include (i) a composite measure of anthropometric failure for children (CIAF), (ii) maternal anaemia, (iii) childhood anaemia, and (iv) anaemia in maternal-child pairs. Using multivariate regression analysis, we examine the associations between early childbirth, child nutrition, and maternal and child anaemia, controlling for an array of household-level socioeconomic and demographic characteristics. Across all three countries, the prevalence of CIAF (childhood anthropometric failure) is significantly higher among children born to women aged below 17 at first birth. We further find that early pregnancy and childbearing are associated with significantly higher rates of severe/moderate anaemia among both mothers and children in Bangladesh and Nigeria. In the three countries studied, the proportions of teenage mothers with vulnerable socioeconomic status and suboptimal pre-conception care are relatively high, which raises the risk of maternal and child morbidity as well as mortality.

Association between e-health literacy and perceived importance of future pandemic preparedness in sub-saharan Africa

IntroductionEmerging and re-emerging infectious diseases continue to pose a severe threat to public health in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) and globally. Community-related interventions, such as community e-Health literacy, can contribute to the preparedness to respond effectively to emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases. This study investigated the relationship between e-Health literacy and SSA countries’ perceptions of the importance of readiness for potential pandemics.MethodThis cross-sectional study was conducted in sub-Saharan African countries (Nigeria, Rwanda, Burundi, and South Africa) among adults aged 18 years and above between July 2020 and August 2021, respondents were recruited through a non-probability sampling technique. Participants were asked to self-report the perceived importance of 13 items on future pandemic preparedness scored on a 5 Likert-point scale. The four key dimensions of pandemic preparedness were online medical consultation, online courses, messaging for healthcare, and shopping. E-Health literacy was the key exposure. The questionnaire was adapted from a previously validated e-Health literacy scale. Data was collected through a self-administered questionnaire online. Data analysis was done using Stata and descriptive statistics including frequency, proportions, means, and standard deviation were used to summarize variables. Inferential statistics including chi-square and logistic regressions were used to test the significance of association between e-health literacy and pandemic preparedness setting the level of significance at 5%.ResultsA total of 1295 people participated in this study. Roughly half of all participants, 685 (52.90%), were aged between 18 and 29 and 685 (52.90%) were females. The standardised average (SE) e-Health literacy score was 29.55 (0.19). Shopping was perceived as the most important dimension of pandemic preparedness across participating countries (mean (SE) of 3.32 (0.06) and above across all countries for online shopping), while online medical consultation was the least perceived as important (mean (SE) of 2.88 (0.08) or less in two countries for instant health advice from chatbot). In the fully adjusted model, e-Health literacy was associated with 8 out of 13 items of the perceived importance of the pandemic preparedness questionnaire. Those include online consultation with doctors (OR = 1.11, 95% CI 1.02–1.21), telephone health advice (OR = 1.07, 95%CI 1.00–1.15), medicine delivery (OR = 1.04, 95% CI 1.03–1.06), getting medicine prescribed in a hospital visit/follow-up in a community pharmacy (OR = 1.07, 95% CI 1.05–1.10), receiving health information via email (OR = 1.08, 95% CI 1.01–1.17) and via social media (OR = 1.08, 95% CI 1.03–1.14), online shopping (OR = 1.07, 95% CI 1.03–1.11) and instant streaming courses (OR = 1.09, 95% CI 1.02–1.16).ConclusionsThe higher e-Health literacy scores were associated with a higher perception of most elements as important in future pandemic readiness. Strengthening e-Health literacy can be a key element of the preparation for pandemics in SSA countries.

Knowledge, attitudes and practices of the general population towards Marburg virus disease in sub-Saharan African countries: a cross-sectional study.

Marburg virus disease (MVD) is categorized among viral hemorrhagic fevers. MVD is associated with high rates of morbidity and mortality. This study aimed to identify factors affecting MVD knowledge, attitudes and practices in sub-Saharan African countries. Using a validated questionnaire, a cross-sectional survey was conducted from 21 April to 23 May 2023 in eight English-speaking sub-Saharan African countries (Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Lesotho, Nigeria, Senegal, South Africa and Tanzania). Of 3142 participants, 51% were males, 66.0% were aged 18-29 y, 74.4% were living in urban areas, 47.9% completed their university education and 21.7% were healthcare workers (HCWs). Tanzanians had the highest good knowledge (89%), while Kenyans had the lowest (26%). Tanzanians had the highest positive attitude (82%), while Nigerians had the highest negative attitude (95%). The best practices exhibited were by Ethiopians (70%), and the poorest practices exhibited were by Ghanaians (94%). The predictors of good knowledge were marital status (adjusted OR [aOR]=0.75; 95% CI 0.59 to 0.94; p=0.013), knowing the correct mode of transmission (aOR=18.31; 95% CI 13.31 to 25.66; p<0.001), whether the participant has heard before about MVD (aOR=2.24; 95% CI 1.82 to 2.75; p<0.001), whether they modified their working habits (aOR=2.79; 95% CI 2.12 to 3.67; p<0.001), nationality (p<0.001) and being a HCW (aOR=2.71; 95% CI 2.01 to 3.67; p<0.001). The predictors of good attitude were being female (aOR=0.71; 95% CI 0.60 to 0.85; p<0.001), age (aOR=0.99; 95% CI 0.98 to 0.99; p=0.01), place of residence (aOR=3.13; 95% CI 2.46 to 3.99; p<0.001), level of education (aOR=1.67; 95% CI 1.37 to 2.04; p<0.001), knowing the correct mode of transmission (aOR=1.59; 95% CI 1.28 to 1.98; p<0.001), modification of working habits (aOR=1.30; 95% CI 1.01 to 1.68; p=0.039) and nationality (p<0.001). The predictors of practice were being female (aOR=1.17; 95% CI 1.01 to 1.37; p=0.042), place of residence (aOR=1.23; 95% CI 1.02 to 1.48; p=0.033), marital status (aOR=0.65; 95% CI 0.55 to 0.78; p<0.001), knowing the correct mode of transmission (aOR=0.46; 95% CI 0.38 to 0.56; p<0.001), modification of working habits (aOR=0.40; 95% CI 0.32 to 0.49; p<0.001) and occupation (aOR=0.37; 95% CI 0.30 to 0.46; p<0.001). Different modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors can be targeted to improve population perspectives towards MVD.

Malaria Prevention for Pregnant Women and Under-Five Children in 10 Sub-Saharan Africa Countries: Socioeconomic and Temporal Inequality Analysis.

Malaria remains a public health challenge in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Despite gains from strategies like Insecticide-Treated Nets (ITNs) and Intermittent Preventive Treatment during pregnancy (IPTp), significant socioeconomic inequalities persist, particularly among pregnant women and children under five. This study analyzed temporal and socioeconomic inequalities in malaria prevention in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Nationally representative Demographic Health Surveys from 10 SSA countries (Mozambique, Burkina Faso, Tanzania, Côte d'Ivoire, Madagascar Kenya, Rwanda, Nigeria, Uganda, and Cameroon) were used, comparing two time periods. Changes in ITN use by pregnant women and children under five, as well as IPTp coverage, were assessed. Inequalities based on socioeconomic status (SES) and residence were analyzed using the Erreygers Normalized Concentration Index and Theil index. The results revealed significant variability in ITN use and IPTp coverage within countries. Eight countries showed improvements in ITN use during pregnancy, with Nigeria seeing a 173.9% increase over five years. Burkina Faso and Tanzania consistently reported high ITN use (~87%) in children under five. IPTp coverage increased in all countries except Kenya. Decomposition using the Theil index indicated that within-group inequalities, particularly based on SES and residence, were the primary drivers of disparities. To ensure progress toward universal health coverage, malaria prevention programs must prioritize vulnerable populations and be continuously evaluated.

The impact of export diversification on business startups in Africa

This paper aims to examine the impact of export diversification on business formation in Africa. The study used a panel dataset comprising 10 African countries (Algeria, Gabon, Lesotho, Morocco, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Togo, Tunisia, Uganda and Zambia) observed annually from 2008 to 2018. The model was estimated using an instrumental variable regression approach within a count data framework and the difference-in-difference method. Main findings of the study demonstrate that (i) export diversification facilitates the formation of new businesses in the sampled countries, (ii) the odds of a business start-up increase by 1.7 – 3.5 times in response to a percentage point increase in export diversification, and finally (iii) business start-ups are at least 95 percent higher in countries with high export diversification compared to countries with narrow export baskets. These findings emphasize the need for policies aimed at moving away from concentrated export baskets towards more diversified ones to leverage entrepreneurial effort in the selected African countries.

Cognitive Stimulation Therapy for older people with Dementia in Africa: A Scoping Review

Background Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (CST) is a non-pharmacological intervention developed for dementia that is useful in Africa but has not been studied widely. We reviewed the existing evidence regarding CST among older people living with dementia in Africa. Methods A systematic literature search on CST among older people with dementia in Africa from 2000–2021 was done in MEDLINE (PubMed), CINAHL (EBSCOhost), and PsycINFO. A narrative approach was taken to chart, synthesize and interpret the data using Microsoft Excel. Results After removing duplicates using Endnote, a total of 122 studies were retained and screened first by title, then abstract, and finally by full text. Six articles matched the inclusion/exclusion criteria. CST has been adapted and piloted in two African countries (Nigeria and Tanzania). CST studies in Africa indicate improvements in clinical outcomes including cognition and quality of life. Although there are some barriers to overcome, CST has significant facilitators in an African context. Conclusions CST is feasible, adaptable, and acceptable in the African countries it has been implemented in. Some cultural barriers, such as religious affiliation and respect for older people, should be overcome. Further research is needed to further evaluate the efficacy of CST in various African contexts.

Piloting Market Food Environment Assessments in LMICs: A Feasibility Assessment and Lessons Learned.

Food environments are rapidly changing in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), leading to dietary shifts. Many gaps exist in the measurement of food environments in LMICs making it difficult to characterize the linkages between food environments and diets. The objective of this study was to examine the feasibility of implementing USAID Advancing Nutrition's Market Food Environment Assessment (MFEA)-a suite of 7 non-resource intensive food environment assessments. We implemented the MFEA package in 4 countries (Liberia, Honduras, Nigeria, and Timor-Leste) and assessed the feasibility of implementing the package by conducting a descriptive analysis, using both qualitative and quantitative data of enumerators' feedback collected through training evaluations, feedback forms, detailed notes from meetings, and final reports from in-country partners. Overall, we found it feasible to implement the MFEA, some assessments being easier to implement and more practical than others. Several key themes related to the MFEA implementation were identified across the countries, including: the potential for vendors to be hesitant to engage in assessments; the importance of ascertaining buy-in from local officials; the need to shift toward electronic, rather than paper-based, data collection; difficulties in selecting markets; the time constraints of conducting some of the assessments; and the need for better alignment between the instructions, data collection, and data analysis sheets. The package of food environment assessments, with minimal additional refinement, can be used to characterize market food environments in LMIC settings to inform context-specific interventions.

Intimate Partner Violence in the Late COVID-19 Period: A Study of 10 Countries from the I-SHARE Consortium

ABSTRACT Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a serious public health issue and violation of human rights. During 2021–2022, many countries relaxed COVID-19 restrictions. This provided a unique opportunity to understand the prevalence and correlates of IPV during a period of relaxing COVID-19 restrictions. This cross-sectional study examined IPV during this period from the International Sexual HeAlth and REproductive Health (I-SHARE) study conducted from March to July 2022. Mixed-effects modeling was used to determine correlations of physical, sexual, and psychological violence as compared to before the COVID-19 restrictions. The population comprised individuals in 10 countries (Armenia, Brazil, Egypt, Denmark, Germany, Moldova, Nigeria, Portugal, Singapore and Spain). Our sample included 4,464 participants from these countries. In the previous 3 months, a total of 150 (6.1%) and 114 (4.6%) participants experienced physical violence once or multiple times, respectively. A total of 129 (5.1%) and 174 (6.9%) of participants experienced any form of sexual violence once or multiple times, respectively; and 377 (13.7%) and 574 (20.9%) of participants experienced any form of psychological violence once or multiple times, respectively. In general, identifying as a sexual minority and having children at home were associated with higher odds of experiencing IPV. Age, economic situation, cohabitation status, and a country’s GDP per capita were associated with recent IPV or a worsening of IPV compared to before the COVID-19 restrictions, although results varied depending on the types of violence. Further work is needed to strengthen IPV support for several groups, especially in emergency situations or future pandemics.

Reconstructing culture and building societal values in the global era: The imperative of mother-tongue in elementary school curriculum in Africa

Every tribe has a unique culture of which language is a distinctive feature. Culture and language are inherently intertwined in the sense that understanding one’s native language is easy access to understanding one’s culture, which is the way of life of a people. Language, thus, serves as the connecting force to all, irrespective of status, geographical location, or ethnic background, amongst others. The indigenous language of a people, regarded as the mother tongue plays important roles in identifying one’s culture. Using language to foster social engagement, uphold societal principles, strengthen national unity, and safeguard cultural heritage holds considerable importance, serving as the foundation for all forms of communication. Africans are known for their diverse ethnicities and native languages (mother tongue) but they are majorly influenced by foreign languages like English language and French language. Due to colonial effects, the Anglophone (English-speaking) African countries (Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Liberia, and South Africa, amongst others) have English language as their official language while the French language has been adopted as an official language by Francophone African countries such as Cameroon, Senegal, Togo, Benin, Cote d’Ivoire, amongst others. The official adoption of English and French languages has caused “disinterest” in native languages by African youths, who are supposed to be future leaders and promoters of African values and heritage. They prefer speaking foreign languages to their native languages, and this has escalated to African youths feeling more comfortable with the Western lifestyle than with the African way of life. The issue is even worse in African schools as the means of communication between teachers and learners is either English or French. As such, adopting a qualitative method of investigation, this work argues for the imperative of mother tongue in elementary school curricula in Africa as a solution to the problems of “disinterest” and “code-switching/code-mixing” in Africa.

Competition and Specialization Analysis of N11 Countries in the EU Market According to Net Trade Index

This study aims to reveal the level of specialization in foreign trade of N11 countries (Bangladesh, Egypt, Indonesia, Iran, Iran, South Korea, Mexico, Nigeria, Pakistan, Philippines, Turkey and Vietnam) by using the Net Trade Index (NTI) with data for the period 2000-2022. In this context, the level of specialization in the foreign trade of these countries is analyzed sectorally on the basis of technology according to ISIC Rev. 3 classification. A few of the countries examined were able to gain competitive advantage and comparative advantage in foreign trade only in certain product sectors during the period under review. The disadvantage in other products negatively affects the competitiveness of the countries in foreign trade throughout the period analyzed. When we make an analysis for the future periods, it is concluded that if a few of the countries invest in technology-intensive sectors, they can gain a comparative advantage in the framework of foreign trade.

Methodological insights regarding the impact of COVID-19 dataset on stock market performance in African countries: A computational analysis

This research aims to evaluate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on stock markets in Africa. The study analyzes the stock market returns in nine selected African countries (South Africa, Morocco, Tunisia, Botswana, Nigeria, Uganda, Kenya, Mauritius, and Tanzania) before, during, and after the COVID-19 pandemic. We investigate the impact of COVID-19 on stock market returns and the effect of the worst-hit country's volatility on other African countries' stock market returns utilizing autoregressive conditional heteroscedasticity (ARCH), generalized ARCH (GARCH), and threshold ARCH (TARCH) tests. Additionally, we explore the implications for foreign investors in terms of portfolio diversification and risk management, contributing to the existing literature on the effects of the COVID-19 crisis on financial markets and investment risk. Thereby, we provide insights into African stock markets' interconnectedness and help foreign investors reduce their losses and manage risks associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. Finally, we discuss the need for further research.

Linking Human Development Index, Urbanization, Economic Growth and the Ecological Footprint: The Case of MINT Countries

The main purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship between human development index, urbanization, economic growth and ecological footprint in MINT countries (Mexico, Indonesia, Nigeria and Turkiye) for the years 2003-2022. First of all, the cointegration relationship between human development index, urbanization, economic growth and ecological footprint was examined with Gengenbach, Urbain and Westerlund (2016) panel cointegration. As a result of the cointegration analysis, it was concluded that the variables were cointegrated. The long-term relationship was estimated by the DOLSMG method. According to the DOLSMG estimator, it was determined that a 1% increase in the human development index in MINT countries reduced the ecological footprint by 1.89%, a 1% increase in urbanization increased the ecological footprint by 0.22%, and a 1% increase in economic growth increased the ecological footprint insignificantly. Secondly, the relationship between human development index, urbanization, economic growth and ecological footprint was examined with Dumitrescu and Hurlin (2012) panel causality analysis. According to the findings, there is a bidirectional causality relationship between ecological footprint and urbanization in MINT countries. Additionally, the findings of the study show that there is a unidirectional causality relationship from ecological footprint to human development index and a unidirectional causality relationship from economic growth to ecological footprint.

The effect of tranexamic acid on postpartum bleeding in women with moderate and severe anaemia (WOMAN-2): an international, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial

Tranexamic acid, given within 3 h of birth, reduces bleeding deaths in women with postpartum haemorrhage. We examined whether giving tranexamic acid shortly after birth can prevent postpartum haemorrhage in women with moderate or severe anaemia. This international, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was done in 34 hospitals across four countries (Nigeria, Pakistan, Tanzania, and Zambia). We recruited women of any age in active labour with moderate or severe anaemia (haemoglobin <100 g/L). We randomly assigned women (1:1) who had given birth vaginally to receive 1 g of tranexamic acid or matching placebo by slow intravenous injection (over 10 min) within 15 min of the umbilical cord being cut or clamped. Women were randomly assigned by selection of the lowest numbered treatment pack from a box containing 20 packs that were identical apart from the pack number. Participants, care givers, and those assessing outcomes were masked to group assignment. The primary outcome was a clinical diagnosis of primary postpartum haemorrhage, which might be an estimated blood loss of more than 500 mL or any blood loss sufficient to compromise haemodynamic stability within 24 h of randomisation, analysed on an intention-to-treat basis. Safety analyses were performed in all participants included in the intention-to-treat population. This trial was registered on ISRCTN (ISRCTN62396133), ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03475342), and the Pan African Clinical Trial Registry (PACTR201909735842379) and is closed to recruitment. From Aug 24, 2019, to Sept 19, 2023, 16 586 women aged 14-50 years were invited to take part and 1518 were excluded. 7580 women were randomly assigned to receive tranexamic acid and 7488 to receive placebo. Primary outcome data were unavailable for one woman in each group. The median time interval from the start of the administration of the trial treatment to the diagnosis of postpartum haemorrhage was 18·5 min (IQR 5-58); 20 min (8-64) in women with moderate anaemia and 13 min (7-44) in women with severe anaemia. 358 (35%) of 1024 with postpartum haemorrhage for whom time data were available were diagnosed before the trial treatment had been fully administered. Clinically diagnosed postpartum haemorrhage occurred in 530 (7·0%) of 7579 in the tranexamic acid group and in 497 (6·6%) of 7487 in the placebo group (risk ratio [RR] 1·05, 95% CI 0·94-1·19). There was no strong evidence against the null hypothesis of homogeneity of effects for any of the prespecified subgroup analyses: severity of anaemia (p=0·44), antepartum haemorrhage (p=0·044), birth canal trauma (p=0·37), use of pain control (p=0·37), and baseline risk of postpartum haemorrhage (p=0·31). There were no vascular occlusive events (pulmonary embolism, deep vein thrombosis, stroke, and myocardial infarction) reported in either group. There were no adverse events related to the treatment and no treatment-related deaths. In women with moderate and severe anaemia, giving tranexamic acid within 15 min of the umbilical cord being clamped did not reduce the risk of clinically diagnosed postpartum haemorrhage. The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and the Wellcome Trust.

Global Assessment of Diarrhoea Impact on Childhood Stunting, Wasting and Underweight

Diarrhoea is considered as one of the major challenges and causes behind malnutrition related issues in children, including stunting, wasting and under-weight. Stunting, wasting and under-weight are considerably some of the most challenging health problems that occur among children under the age of 5 years, with an increased vulnerability towards the disease. Globally, these are some of the most incident occurrences to children, with low- and middle-income countries facing the vulnerability most strongly. The study had conducted a globally focused evaluation, with special focus on the countries India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Nigeria and Ethiopia.

Singlestick purchases: a comparative cross-country analysis in 10 African countries, Global Adult Tobacco Survey, 2012-21.

We utilized Global Adult Tobacco Survey data to examine singlestick purchases and related demographic characteristics in 10 African countries (Botswana, Cameroon, Ethiopia, Kenya, Nigeria, Mauritania, Senegal, South Africa, Uganda and Tanzania). Results show the weighted percentages and prevalence ratios with predicted marginal means to evaluate significant differences between groups (P < 0.05). The prevalence of singlestick purchases among the 10 African countries ranged from 48.4% in South Africa to 92.0% in Tanzania. Across countries, the incidence of singlestick purchases was higher in urban areas than rural areas in Kenya; among those aged 15-24 years versus those aged 45 years and older in Botswana, Ethiopia, Mauritania, Nigeria and South Africa; and among those aged 25-44 years versus those aged 45 years and older in Botswana, South Africa and Tanzania. The incidence in Botswana was higher among adults with no formal or primary education than among those with secondary or higher education. In South Africa, the incidence was higher among adults in the middle or lower wealth index than among those in the high or highest wealth index. The findings suggest opportunities for strengthening efforts to prevent singlestick purchases through effective legislation and enforcement in line with Article 16 of the World Health Organization Framework Convention on Tobacco Control.

Monitoring the Cost and Affordability of a Healthy Diet within Countries: Building Systems in Ethiopia, Ghana, Malawi, Nigeria, Pakistan, Tanzania, and Viet Nam

BackgroundGovernments around the world collect food price data on a frequent basis, often monthly, for the purpose of monitoring inflation. These routine economic data can be used with a nutrition-sensitive lens for understanding economic access to a healthy diet. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations has adopted the cost and affordability of a healthy diet (CoAHD) for annual tracking alongside other food security indicators. This indicator is relevant in many countries for informed decision-making and accountability toward Food Systems Summit pathways. National governments may wish to include this indicator in their own monitoring systems, using existing subnational price and income data. ObjectivesWe describe emerging systems in several countries for monitoring CoAHD and analytical tools that facilitate the calculation of CoAHD. We discuss reasons why the indicator may differ when calculated using subnational data compared with the global monitoring system and how to interpret differences. MethodsBetween June 2016 and February 2024, 19 workshops were held in 7 countries (Ethiopia, Ghana, Malawi, Nigeria, Pakistan, Tanzania, and Viet Nam), where stakeholder discussions covered sources of food price data, institutions involved, policy uses, and direct training in calculation of CoAHD. Food price data collected by national organizations were used to calculate CoAHD in partnership with government agencies. ResultsCalculating CoAHD using subnational data uses the same methods across settings, but the mechanisms for monitoring and dissemination are different in each country, illustrating heterogeneity in how the metric can most effectively be incorporated within existing structures. Results from national and global monitoring systems have expected differences based on data sources, healthy diet standards, and affordability standards. ConclusionsCoAHD can be calculated with existing data and resources, facilitated by new software tools and user tutorials. In the future, it can be further streamlined, leveraging technical assistance from global institutions and aligning national and global monitoring systems.

Educational Leadership and Learners’ Academic Achievement in Secondary Schools in Developing Countries: A Critical Review

The study explored three leadership styles in education for students’ academic achievement in secondary schools viz: democratic, laissez-faire and autocratic leadership styles in developing countries. The main crux of the study was examining the impact of heads of schools' leadership towards academic achievement of secondary schools’ students and recommending the most effective leadership style for heads. In-depth study of heads of schools' leadership styles to students’ academic achievement through systematic review of previous related literature was conducted. The study used qualitative method to analyse 49 published documents of which 5 were books published from 2002 to 2023 and 44 were papers published from 2006 to 2023 years. This study was confined in the following sample of countries Nigeria, Ghana, Tanzania, Kenya and South Africa. Also, supplementary papers from Kuwait and USA were reviewed to study more how leadership in education is done. The findings showed that no single leadership style in educational context fits all schools’ environments. Moreover, it was shown that most heads of schools prefer the use of the democratic type of leadership style which does not fit all schools’ environments. The studies revealed that educational situations differ, thus the leadership style chosen should rely on the school situation. The current study recommends some effective measures for leadership development of secondary schools’ heads.

EXAMINING THE EFFECTS OF GOVERNANCE INDICATORS ON ECONOMIC GROWTH IN NIGERIA: AN ARDL APPROACH

The effects of certain governance indicators on economic growth in an African country (Nigeria) have been researched in this study. Governance indicators such as institutional quality, and rule of law are analysed to understand their effect and direction on economic growth. The data are from the World Development and Governance Indicators (WDI &amp; WGI) and cover the years 1996 to 2016. Using the autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) approach to estimate the relationship, we discovered that the coefficient of governance indicators produces mixed results, even though the index of governance has a negative influence on economic growth. Furthermore, uni-directional causality was evident between certain governance indicators and trade openness. Significant policy implications suggested by the findings include the government of this African country should put in more effort into improving the general governance structure toward stability. Hence, this will lead to increased investor confidence in the countries’ economies.

The Role of Copyright Law in the Attainment of Inclusive and Equitable Quality Education in English-Speaking West African Countries

AbstractEducation is a prerequisite for the attainment of sustainable development, with multiplier effects on society. This study examines the possibility of achieving inclusive and equitable education under the UN Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4, AU Agenda 2063 and ECOWAS Vision 2050. Copyright plays an essential role in either encouraging or barring access to educational materials, which are necessary for the attainment of SDG 4. Through a desk study using the laws and policies of English-speaking West African countries (Gambia, Ghana, Liberia, Nigeria and Sierra Leone), the article examines the copyright laws of these jurisdictions in order to determine how they facilitate or stop access to knowledge. It finds that most of the jurisdictions (except Nigeria) have not maximized the flexibilities available for access to knowledge through copyright limitations and exceptions, thereby barring access to educational materials. It recommends a review of national copyright legislations in line with a developmental perspective.