Deaths In Africa Research Articles

Sibling mortality burden in low-income countries: A descriptive analysis of sibling death in Africa, Asia, and Latin America and the Caribbean.

In high-income countries, emerging research suggests sibling bereavement can have significant health and life course consequences for young people. Yet, we know far less about its burden in lower-income countries. Due to higher fertility and mortality in lower-income countries, the level, timing, intensity, and circumstances surrounding sibling mortality are likely to follow patterns distinct from those in higher-income settings. Thus, in this study, we offer a descriptive overview of sibling death in 43 countries across sub-Saharan Africa, South and Southeast Asia, and Latin America and the Caribbean. Specifically, we analyze Demographic and Health Survey data from nationally representative samples of 352,930 15- to 34-year-old women, born between 1985 and 2003, to document experiences of sibling death before age 25. On average, roughly one-third of individuals report a deceased sibling in these countries; estimates reach 40–50% of respondents in multiple African countries, particularly those that have experienced conflict and war. Although some sibling deaths occurred before the focal respondent was born, most bereaved individuals recalled a death during their lifetime—often in late childhood/early adolescence. High proportions of bereaved respondents report multiple sibling deaths, highlighting the clustering of deaths within families. Even so, bereaved individuals tend to come from large families and thus frequently have a comparable number of surviving siblings as people who never experienced a sibling die. Together, the results offer a window into global inequality in childhood experiences, and they attest to the need for research that explores the implications of sibling mortality for young people in world regions where the experience is concentrated.

The impact of COVID-19 control measures on social contacts and transmission in Kenyan informal settlements

BackgroundMany low- and middle-income countries have implemented control measures against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). However, it is not clear to what extent these measures explain the low numbers of recorded COVID-19 cases and deaths in Africa. One of the main aims of control measures is to reduce respiratory pathogen transmission through direct contact with others. In this study, we collect contact data from residents of informal settlements around Nairobi, Kenya, to assess if control measures have changed contact patterns, and estimate the impact of changes on the basic reproduction number (R0).MethodsWe conducted a social contact survey with 213 residents of five informal settlements around Nairobi in early May 2020, 4 weeks after the Kenyan government introduced enhanced physical distancing measures and a curfew between 7 pm and 5 am. Respondents were asked to report all direct physical and non-physical contacts made the previous day, alongside a questionnaire asking about the social and economic impact of COVID-19 and control measures. We examined contact patterns by demographic factors, including socioeconomic status. We described the impact of COVID-19 and control measures on income and food security. We compared contact patterns during control measures to patterns from non-pandemic periods to estimate the change in R0.ResultsWe estimate that control measures reduced physical contacts by 62% and non-physical contacts by either 63% or 67%, depending on the pre-COVID-19 comparison matrix used. Masks were worn by at least one person in 92% of contacts. Respondents in the poorest socioeconomic quintile reported 1.5 times more contacts than those in the richest. Eighty-six percent of respondents reported a total or partial loss of income due to COVID-19, and 74% reported eating less or skipping meals due to having too little money for food.ConclusionCOVID-19 control measures have had a large impact on direct contacts and therefore transmission, but have also caused considerable economic and food insecurity. Reductions in R0 are consistent with the comparatively low epidemic growth in Kenya and other sub-Saharan African countries that implemented similar, early control measures. However, negative and inequitable impacts on economic and food security may mean control measures are not sustainable in the longer term.

Predictors of Neonatal Mortality in a Tertiary Institution of a Developing Country

Background: Nigeria continues to have one of the highest rates of neonatal deaths in Africa. Hospital-based studies had implicated prematurity, neonatal sepsis, poor antenatal care, and perinatal asphyxia as major causes of neonatal mortality. This study aimed to highlight the predictors of neonatal deaths and offer solutions to reduce them.Methods: This 5-year retrospective review investigated the neonatal mortality rate at the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital from 2013 to 2018. The demographic characteristics, clinical parameters, duration of hospital stay, and challenges encountered in managing the patients were documented in this study. The obtained data were analysed in SPSS software (version 26).Results: Neonatal mortality rate of 60 per 1000 live births was recorded in this study. The major causes of death were prematurity (n=86, 39.8%), perinatal asphyxia (n=45, 20.8%), neonatal sepsis (n=37, 17.1%), and congenital malformation (n=34, 15.7%). Low socioeconomic class and out-born were additional risk factors in this regard.Conclusion: The neonatal mortality rate is higher than the average national rate and the figure obtained in the same center more than a decade ago. Infrastructural decay during the study period may partly explain the high neonatal mortality rate. Enhancement of the infrastructure and use of kangaroo mother care are recommended to reduce neonatal death, especially among premature babies.

Levels of DDTs and other organochlorine pesticides in healthy wild Nile crocodiles (Crocodylus niloticus) from a flagship conservation area

Mass Nile crocodile (Crocodylus niloticus) deaths in Africa’s premier conservation area, the Kruger National Park (KNP), prompted numerous studies to determine possible causes of the sudden die-offs. The majority highlighted the involvement of the anthropocene to crocodile mass mortalities. One of the potential causative agents was identified as legacy compounds such as organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) present in the various aquatic ecosystems of the KNP. Thus, this study aimed to quantify OCP levels in wild crocodiles from the aquatic systems associated with the KNP. As part of a larger study, muscle tissue samples were collected from tails of 12 wild crocodiles. Results indicated that eight of the 19 OCPs analysed for were quantifiable. These included DDTs (2130–167968 ng/g lw), chlordanes (BD – 7583 ng/g lw) and cyclodeines (BD – 872 ng/g lw). Measured concentrations indicated spatial- and sex-related differences in accumulation patterns. DDT and its metabolites, paricularly p,p’-DDE accumulated to the highest concentrations of the OCP groups. Levels of the different groups of OCPs were the highest recorded in recent history from any crocodilian tissue. The different measured OCP residues were between 2.5 and 120 times higher than levels reported in literature, depending on the compound. These results are of ecotoxicological significance and have several management implications. In view of individuals being sampled from a conservation area it emphasizes the fact that pollutants know no boundaries and that premier conservation areas such as the world renowned KNP may be some of the most contaminated areas of the world.

COVID-19 Pandemic at the Intersection of Ebola, Global Leadership, and the Opportunity to Decolonize the Political Economy of Sierra Leone

Abstract The COVID-19 global pandemic has so far not resulted in apocalyptic deaths in Sierra Leone or other countries in the subregion, despite an exponential rise in positive cases. Western views of massive COVID-19-related deaths in Africa have largely come from colonialism and the long-held Western narratives of Africa as the continent of poverty, disease, backwardness, weak health-care infrastructure, and dependent bodies in need of foreign aid and “white” saviors. Sierra Leone was among the last of the African countries to record the COVID-19 disease, and along with Liberia and Guinea have a powerful Ebola experience that few countries in the world enjoyed. Yet, the COVID-19 pandemic has exposed serious weaknesses in its epidemic preparedness, health-care infrastructure, public health system, and the overall political economy. Why then have Sierra Leone and the Mano River Union (MRU) countries with Ebola experience not displayed global leadership in the face of the global pandemic? This article argues that the ineffective response to the COVID-19 epidemic in Sierra Leone, despite the country’s huge Ebola experience, may be linked to an entanglement among social, economic, and political factors within the political economy and deep, dense structural distal factors of slavery, colonialism, neocolonialism, and economic and cultural dependencies. These distal factors have largely dictated the approach and modelling of COVID-19 in Sierra Leone and other MRU countries.

Changing the COVID-19 Narrative in Africa: Using an Implementation Research Lens to Understand Successes and Plan for Challenges Ahead.

Despite predictions that the number of deaths in Africa due to COVID-19 will reach 10 million, overall, the continent has reported relatively few cases compared to the rest of the world. Many African countries have been successful in containing initial outbreaks by rapidly using evidence-based interventions through implementation strategies adapted from other countries’ COVID-19 response as well as from prior epidemics. However, it is unclear whether these interventions will lead to long-term and complete success in stopping COVID-19 spread. Implementation research is a tool that can be used by countries to learn how to identify and understand contextual factors impacting COVID-19 prevention and control and select evidence-based interventions and strategies known to reduce spread of the virus. We identify seven key contextual factors that are facilitators or barriers to implementation of these interventions, and several strategies that can be leveraged if the factor is present or ones to strengthen if weak to improve implementation. These factors are: a culture of accountability, national coordination, financial stability of the population, culture of innovation, culture and capacity for research, health systems strength, and cross-border economies. Implementation science methods can serve to develop knowledge at a country and regional level on how to identify, utilize, and address these and other contextual factors, and inform relevant evidence-based interventions and implementation strategies. This approach can support African countries’ ability to address key challenges as they arise, both in fighting COVID-19 and future health systems challenges.

Covid-19: Addressing health systems deficits and peculiarities in the african region

Covid-19: Addressing health systems deficits and peculiarities in the african region

Hepatitis B virus preS2Δ38-55 variants: A newly identified risk factor for hepatocellular carcinoma.

Background & AimsAlthough HBV is a major cause of death in Africa, its genetic variability has been poorly documented. This study aimed to address whether HBV genotype and surface gene variants are associated with HBV-related liver disease in The Gambia.MethodsWe conducted a case-control study nested in the Prevention of Liver Fibrosis and Cancer in Africa programme. Consecutive treatment-naive patients with chronic HBV infection and detectable viral load were recruited: 211 controls with no significant liver disease and 91 cases (56 cirrhosis and 35 HCC cases). HBV genotypes and surface gene variants were determined by Sanger sequencing or next-generation sequencing (NGS) in serum DNA. Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1)-specific codon 249 TP53 mutation was determined by NGS in circulating cell-free plasma DNA.ResultsIn phylogenetic analysis, 85% of individuals carried HBV genotype E, 14% genotype A, and 1% A/E recombinant viruses. Surface gene variants were more frequently observed in cases (43% and 57% in cirrhosis and HCC cases, respectively) than controls (25%; p <0.001), with preS2 deletions between nucleotides 38–55 (preS2Δ38–55) being the main genetic variant detected. In multivariable analysis, HBeAg seropositivity, low HBsAg levels, and HDV seropositivity were significantly associated with cirrhosis and HCC, whilst older age, higher viral load, genotype A, preS2Δ38–55, and AFB1 exposure were only associated with HCC. There was a multiplicative joint effect of preS2Δ38–55 variants with HBeAg seropositivity (odds ratio [OR] 43.1 [10.4–177.7]), high viral load >2,000 IU/ml (OR 22.7 [8.0–64.9]), HBsAg levels <10,000 IU/ml (OR 19.0 [5.5–65.3]), and AFB1 exposure (OR 29.3 [3.7–230.4]) on HCC risk.ConclusionsThis study identified a hotspot for HBV preS2 deletions as a strong independent factor for HCC in The Gambia, with HBV genotypes and AFB1 exposure contributing to the high liver cancer risk.Lay summaryAlthough HBV-related liver disease is highly prevalent in sub-Saharan Africa, the associated virological characteristics are poorly studied. Using clinical data from African patients chronically infected with HBV, an assessment of the virological variability (genotypes and mutations) and exposure to AFB1, a toxin often contaminating food, was carried out. Our results show that HBV genotypes, the presence of a highly prevalent mutant form of HBV, and AFB1 exposure contribute to the high liver cancer risk in this population.

Improving Access to Vitally Important Chemotherapy Treatments in Northern Nigeria Through the African Access Initiative

PURPOSE Cancer now kills more Africans than malaria. Without intervention, the number of cancer deaths in Africa is projected to double by 2040. BIO Ventures for Global Health (BVGH) launched the African Access Initiative (AAI) to address Africa’s cancer crisis by establishing sustainable access to cancer medicines. Through AAI, BVGH and the Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital (ABUTH) are piloting a first-of-its-kind program focused on improving Nigeria’s access to affordable, gold-standard cancer drugs manufactured by multinational pharmaceutical companies. METHODS BVGH, the Federal Ministry of Health, and Nigerian oncologists held a stakeholder meeting to prioritize cancers and their associated drugs. After the meeting, pharmaceutical companies were invited to submit proposals outlining the terms by which the prioritized drugs could be made available. In parallel, Nigeria’s regulatory agency, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, was engaged to discuss expediting its review and approval of priority drugs. RESULTS Forty-one priority cancer drugs covering 8 of Nigeria’s most prevalent cancers were selected for this program. Requests for proposals were sent to 14 multinational pharmaceutical companies. Companies responded with deeply discounted access prices, the majority of which were more affordable than cancer drugs available through ABUTH’s current procurement structure. On the basis of the companies’ proposed prices, BVGH crafted a budgeting tool tailored to the cancer treatment protocols offered at ABUTH. Using this tool, ABUTH, together with 7 northern Nigerian teaching hospitals and under the leadership of Ahmadu Bello University, calculated the number of patients they could treat and drug quantities they could purchase with their current budget. The relevant funds will be placed in an externally managed escrow account to ensure oversight of the drug procurement process. BVGH is working with the pharmaceutical companies and National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control to hasten approval of priority drugs. CONCLUSION The AAI drug access model is not donation based. Instead, it is an innovative, demand-driven program that is uniquely positioned to ensure affordable and sustainable access to cancer drugs in Africa.

Epidemiology of COVID-19 in Africa - daily cumulative index and mortality rate

COVID-19 outbreak which originated from Wuhan, a city in China has spread to over 180 countries in the world, disrupting several sectors of the human life, and causing deaths. This unprecedented event has affected 55 countries in Africa in different ways. This study aims to outline the current epidemiological data of COVID-19 in Africa. The number of confirmed cases and deaths in Africa was obtained from COVID-19 Dashboard by the Center for Systems Science and Engineering (CSSE) at Johns Hopkins University. Mortality rate and daily cumulative index were calculated for each country. The mortality rate in Africa is low compared to other Continents regardless of the high Daily Cumulative Index recorded.

What does the COVID-19 pandemic mean for HIV, tuberculosis, and malaria control?

Despite its current relatively low global share of cases and deaths in Africa compared to other regions, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has the potential to trigger other larger crises in the region. This is due to the vulnerability of health and economic systems, coupled with the high burden of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), tuberculosis (TB), and malaria. Here we examine the potential implications of COVID-19 on the control of these major epidemic diseases in Africa. We use current evidence on disease burden of HIV, TB, and malaria, and epidemic dynamics of COVID-19 in Africa, retrieved from the literature. Our analysis shows that the current measures to control COVID-19 neglect important and complex context-specific epidemiological, social, and economic realities in Africa. There is a similarity of clinical features of TB and malaria, with those used to track COVID-19 cases. This coupled with institutional mistrust and misinformation might result in many patients with clinical features similar to those of COVID-19 being hesitant to voluntarily seek care in a formal health facility. Furthermore, most people in productive age in Africa work in the informal sector, and most of those in the formal sector are underemployed. With the current measures to control COVID-19, these populations might face unprecedented difficulties to access essential services, mainly due to reduced ability of patients to support direct and indirect medical costs, and unavailability of transportation means to reach health facilities. Therefore, if not accompanied with appropriate economic and epidemiological considerations, we anticipate that these measures might result in unprecedented difficulties among vulnerable segments of society to access essential services, including antiretroviral and prophylactic drugs among people living with HIV and Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome, anti-tuberculosis drugs, and curative and preventive treatments for malaria among pregnant women and children. This might increase the propensity of patients taking substandard doses and/or medicines, which has the potential to compromise drug efficacy, and worsen health inequalities in the region. COVID-19 responses at country level should include measures to protect vulnerable and under-served segments of society.

Structure-Activity-Relationship and Mechanistic Insights for Anti-HIV Natural Products.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS), which chiefly originatesfroma retrovirus named Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), has impacted about 70 million people worldwide. Even though several advances have been made in the field of antiretroviral combination therapy, HIV is still responsible for a considerable number of deaths in Africa. The current antiretroviral therapies have achieved success in providing instant HIV suppression but with countless undesirable adverse effects. Presently, the biodiversity of the plant kingdom is being explored by several researchers for the discovery of potent anti-HIV drugs with different mechanisms of action. The primary challenge is to afford a treatment that is free from any sort of risk of drug resistance and serious side effects. Hence, there is a strong demand to evaluate drugs derived from plants as well as their derivatives. Several plants, such as Andrographis paniculata, Dioscorea bulbifera, Aegle marmelos, Wistaria floribunda, Lindera chunii, Xanthoceras sorbifolia and others have displayed significant anti-HIV activity. Here, weattempt to summarize the main results, which focus on the structures of most potent plant-based natural products having anti-HIV activity along with their mechanisms of action and IC50 values, structure-activity-relationships and important key findings.

Comparing verbal autopsy cause of death findings as determined by physician coding and probabilistic modelling: a public health analysis of 54 000 deaths in Africa and Asia.

BackgroundCoverage of civil registration and vital statistics varies globally, with most deaths in Africa and Asia remaining either unregistered or registered without cause of death. One important constraint has been a lack of fit–for–purpose tools for registering deaths and assigning causes in situations where no doctor is involved. Verbal autopsy (interviewing care–givers and witnesses to deaths and interpreting their information into causes of death) is the only available solution. Automated interpretation of verbal autopsy data into cause of death information is essential for rapid, consistent and affordable processing.MethodsVerbal autopsy archives covering 54 182 deaths from five African and Asian countries were sourced on the basis of their geographical, epidemiological and methodological diversity, with existing physician–coded causes of death attributed. These data were unified into the WHO 2012 verbal autopsy standard format, and processed using the InterVA–4 model. Cause–specific mortality fractions from InterVA–4 and physician codes were calculated for each of 60 WHO 2012 cause categories, by age group, sex and source. Results from the two approaches were assessed for concordance and ratios of fractions by cause category. As an alternative metric, the Wilcoxon matched–pairs signed ranks test with two one–sided tests for stochastic equivalence was used.FindingsThe overall concordance correlation coefficient between InterVA–4 and physician codes was 0.83 (95% CI 0.75 to 0.91) and this increased to 0.97 (95% CI 0.96 to 0.99) when HIV/AIDS and pulmonary TB deaths were combined into a single category. Over half (53%) of the cause category ratios between InterVA–4 and physician codes by source were not significantly different from unity at the 99% level, increasing to 62% by age group. Wilcoxon tests for stochastic equivalence also demonstrated equivalence.ConclusionsThese findings show strong concordance between InterVA–4 and physician–coded findings over this large and diverse data set. Although these analyses cannot prove that either approach constitutes absolute truth, there was high public health equivalence between the findings. Given the urgent need for adequate cause of death data from settings where deaths currently pass unregistered, and since the WHO 2012 verbal autopsy standard and InterVA–4 tools represent relatively simple, cheap and available methods for determining cause of death on a large scale, they should be used as current tools of choice to fill gaps in cause of death data.

Incidence and epidemiology of acute kidney injury in a pediatric Malawian trauma cohort: a prospective observational study

BackgroundAcute kidney injury (AKI) is highly associated with mortality risk in children worldwide. Trauma can lead to AKI and is a leading cause of pediatric death in Africa. However, there is no information regarding the epidemiology of pediatric, trauma-associated AKI in Africa.MethodsProspective cohort study of pediatric trauma patients admitted to a tertiary referral hospital in Malawi. Participants enrolled at admission were followed prospectively throughout their hospitalization. AKI was defined by creatinine-only Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes criteria. We calculated descriptive statistics and univariate relative risks (RR) for hypothesis-generation of potential risk factors associated with AKI.ResultsWe analyzed data from 114 participants. Depending on baseline creatinine definition, AKI incidence ranged from 4 to 10%. The new Schwartz equation estimated baseline creatinine values best and yielded an AKI incidence of 9.7%. Almost one in ten children died during hospitalization, but those with AKI (n = 4) were at significantly higher risk of death compared to those without AKI (40.0% vs 6.2%; RR 6.5, 95% CI 2.2–19.1). Burn injuries were most commonly associated with AKI (63.6%). Other potential AKI risk factors included multiple injuries, trunk or facial injuries, and recent consumption of herbal remedies.ConclusionsAKI occurs in up to 10% of admitted pediatric trauma patients in Malawi and increases the risk of death 7-fold compared to those without AKI. This large unrecognized burden in trauma requires further investment by researchers, clinicians and policymakers to develop evidenced-based triage, recognition, and management approaches to prevent the associated sequelae and potential mortality from AKI.

Risk Factors of Neonatal Death in Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Sheik Hassan Yabare Referral Hospital, East Ethiopia, 2019: Unmatched Case Control Study

Child and neonatal mortality are a grave problem in Ethiopia. The first one month of life-the neonatal period is the most vulnerable time for a child’s survival. Ethiopia remains to have one of the highest rates of neonatal deaths in Africa with the rate of 30 deaths per 1000 live births. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the risk factors of neonatal death among Neonates admitted in Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Sheik Hassan Yabare Referral Hospital, East Ethiopia. Materials and methods: Unmatched Case Control Study was conducted from August 1 to August 30, 2019. Data were extracted from the medical records of neonates admitted during a two-year period from July 30, 2017 to August 01, 2019. using pretested questionnaire. Cases and controls were selected using the systematic sampling technique. Data were entered using Epidata 3.1 and exported to SPSS version 23.0 for cleaning and analyses. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regressions were done to determine factors associated with neonatal mortality and P-values <0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results: A total of 76 (33.3%) cases and 152 (66.7%) controls were included in this study. The multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that the possible risk factors of neonatal death in this study were; history of maternal urinary tract infection or sexually transmitted infection [AOR=3.058; 95% CI (1.136-8.229)]. Conclusion: The major risk factor of neonatal mortality in this study was maternal urinary tract infection, it was also investigated risk factors such as Residence, Birth weight, Parity, Antenatal visits, Type of breastfeeding, premature rupture of membranes or Place of delivery, Intrauterine growth retardation but were not observed to be predictors for neonatal death. Consolidation of the existing risk-based prevention and treatment strategies as well as boosting up of antenatal care and institutional delivery practices are recommended to improve neonatal survival.

Prevalence and Causes of Neonatal Mortality Among Neonates Admitted in Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Sultan Hassan Yabare Referral Hospital, East Ethiopia 2019

Despite the fact that progresses in reducing child mortality, neonatal survival remains an urgent concern it estimated that the reduction in neonatal mortality was comparatively low; Ethiopia continues to have one of the highest rates of neonatal deaths in Africa with the rate of 29 deaths per 1000 live births. Thus, updated information about the prevalence and causes of neonatal mortality is very decisive for policies consequently improve services and lead to better health for newborns by training health care providers. Therefore, the objective of this study was to assess neonatal death and its possible causes among Neonates Admitted in Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Sheik Hassan Yabare Referral Hospital, East Ethiopia. An institution based Retrospective cross-sectional study design was conducted in NICU at Sheik Hassan Yabare Referral Hospital from August 1 to August 30, 2019. Data was collected using structured questionnaire adapted from other related literatures. Then the Collected data were cleaned, coded and entered into Epidata 3.1 and exported, to SPSS version 23.0 for cleaning and analyses, data were presented, by using simple frequency tables, percentages and graphs. Prevalence of neonatal mortality on neonates admitted to the NICU at Sheik Hassan Yabare Referral Hospital was 20.5% (95% CI: 16.47-25.53). The current study sepsis (29.5%), multi organ failure and premature related (11.5%) followed respiratory failure and hypoglycemia (7.7%) and low birth weight as well as congenital anomalies and hypothermia (6.4%) were the main causes of neonatal mortality. This study revealed that neonatal mortality is still high in NICU at Sheik Hassan Yabare Referral Hospital. Sepsis, multi organ failure, premature related, respiratory failure and hypoglycemia accounted among major causes. Therefore, effective management of neonatal illness, neonatal infection prevention and interventions on maternal health with training of caregivers in neonatal resuscitation plus improved of newborns care were recommended to reduce neonatal mortality and improve neonatal survival.

Novel Corona Virus Covid-19: Impact on Economic Development and Mitigating Solution for Developing Countries

The outbreak of coronavirus named COVID-19 has disrupted the developing countries economy highly. According to World Health Organization (WHO) there have been 4,660,658 confirmed cases of COVID 19, including 309,710 death till May 16, 2020 globally. And 78,280 Confirmed cases and 2,624 Number of deaths in Africa. Data for the study was generated from desk review of secondary materials, online blogs and interview through social media chat. Findings of the study reveal that the outbreak and spread of covid-19 disease led to rapid shutdowns in cities and states across the country, which greatly affected the economic development. The evolution of the disease and its economic impact is highly uncertain which makes it difficult for policymakers to formulate an appropriate macroeconomic policy response. The article describes the impact of the COVID-19 virus on the economic development of developing countries and its mitigating solution. The scenarios in this paper demonstrate that even a contained outbreak could significantly impact the developing countries economy in the short run. These scenarios demonstrate the scale of costs that might be avoided by greater investment in public health systems in all economies but particularly in less developed economies where health care systems are less developed and population density is high. Among the suggested policy solutions are: proactive management approaches, health policy framework addressing many of the social determinants of health, education and health literacy, national and international shifts in investments, public and private partnerships and the establishment of the Developing countries Technical Council on Coronavirus. Effective implementation of these policy solutions will require full support of all stakeholders, including governments, the media, non- governmental organizations, health professionals, communities, and individuals.

Association of Directly Observed Prophylaxis with Sulfadoxine-Pyrimethamine for Prevention of Mother-to-Fetus Transmission of Malaria, Kananga, Democratic Republic of the Congo

Over 90 percent of illness and death attributable to malaria occurs in Sub-Saharan Africa, frequently among pregnant women and young children. Infection with P. falciparum results in high parasitemia percentages and it is the most frequent cause of malaria that results in illness and death in Africa. In areas with holoendemic transmission, such as in most of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), adults are exposed to malaria every few days or weeks throughout life and, if surviving, have relatively mild bouts of illness because of acquired immunity.

Coronavirus vs. The African Economy

This article studies the economic impact of COVID-19 on African states. Although Africa is the land of most adversities and the novel coronavirus is not the first of diseases that this region has dealt with, the economic impact of the global pandemic has surely caused hindrance in the economic growth of African states. These states were demonstrating positive trends in the recent past before the global pandemic brought the world’s economy at standstill and at a critical verge of collapsing. Regional evaluation is conducted on North, West, Central, East, and South African. The trends show that due to the smaller populations and past experiences of dealing with deadly viruses like Ebola, there were not as many cases and deaths in Africa, as were in the rest of the world and especially the Western states. However, the GDPs and annual economic growth rates show a depreciation. This is because the states dependent on oil export, tourism, commercial services, industry, and wholesale and retail trade are severely affected. The demand and supply from the Western states have decreased since they endured the massive impact of the pandemic, oil prices reduced, travel and international trade has been restricted as per virus containment measures, and even the African states themselves have to take protective measures, limiting the day-to-day commercial and economic activities.

Socio-economic and demographic determinants of non-communicable diseases in Kenya: a secondary analysis of the Kenya stepwise survey.

Introductionnon-communicable diseases (NCDs) are projected to become the leading cause of death in Africa by 2030. Gender and socio-economic differences influence the prevalence of NCDs and their risk factors.Methodswe performed a secondary analysis of the STEPS 2015 data to determine prevalence and correlation between diabetes, hypertension, harmful alcohol use, smoking, obesity and injuries across age, gender, residence and socio-economic strata.Resultstobacco use prevalence was 13.5% (males 19.9%, females 0.9%, p<0.001); harmful alcohol use was 12.6% (males 18.1%, females 2.2%, p<0.001); central obesity was 27.9% (females 49.5%, males 32.9%, p=0.017); type 2 diabetes prevalence 3.1% (males 2.0%, females 2.8%, p=0.048); elevated blood pressure prevalence was 23.8% (males 25.1%, females 22.6%, p<0.001), non-use of helmets 72.8% (males 89.5%, females 56.0%, p=0.031) and seat belts non-use 67.9% (males 79.8%, females 56.0%, p=0.027). Respondents with <12 years of formal education had higher prevalence of non-use of helmets (81.7% versus 54.1%, p=0.03) and seat belts (73.0% versus 53.9%, p=0.039). Respondents in the highest wealth quintile had higher prevalence of type II diabetes compared with those in the lowest (5.2% versus 1.6%,p=0.008). Rural dwellers had 35% less odds of tobacco use (aOR 0.65, 95% CI 0.49, 0.86) compared with urban dwellers, those with ≥12 years of formal education had 89% less odds of tobacco use (aOR 0.11, 95% CI 0.07, 0.17) compared with <12 years, and those belonging to the wealthiest quintile had 64% higher odds of unhealthy diets (aOR 1.64, 95% CI 1.26, 2.14). Only 44% of respondents with type II diabetes and 16% with hypertension were aware of their diagnosis.Conclusionprevalence of NCD risk factors is high in Kenya and varies across socio-demographic attributes. Socio-demographic considerations should form part of multi-sectoral, integrated approach to reduce the NCD burden in Kenya.