Disease In sub-Saharan Africa Research Articles

Energy poverty and respiratory health in Sub-Saharan Africa: Effects and transmission channels

This paper analyses the effect of energy poverty on respiratory health for a sample of 34 sub-Saharan African countries over the period 2000–2020. Using ordinary least squares (OLS), fixed effect, Driscoll-Kraay, Lewbel 2SLS, Kiviet and S-GMM, the results provide strong evidence of a negative and significant effect of access to electricity and access to clean energy for cooking on respiratory disease in sub-Saharan Africa. This result remained robust to changes in the variables of interest and to alternative estimation techniques. Furthermore, the results showed the existence of a non-linear relationship between energy indicators and respiratory diseases, including a U-shape and an N-shape. Based on these results, we encourage policy makers to better orient their energy policies towards the least polluting sectors in sub-Saharan Africa. In this way, the respiratory health of the inhabitants of sub-Saharan Africa can be improved.

Endoscopic diagnosis of gastric and oesophageal cancer in Lusaka, Zambia: a retrospective analysis

IntroductionThere are uncertainties surrounding the spectrum of upper gastrointestinal (UGI) diseases in sub-Saharan Africa. This is mainly due to the limitations of data collection and recording. We previously reported an audit of UGI endoscopic diagnoses in Zambia spanning from 1977 to 2014. We now have extended this analysis to include subsequent years, in order to provide a more comprehensive picture of how the diagnoses have evolved over 4 decades.MethodsWe combined data collected from the endoscopy unit at the University Teaching Hospital (UTH) in Lusaka during a previous review with that collected from the beginning of 2015 to the end of 2021. Since 2015, an electronic data base of endoscopy reports at the UTH was kept. The electronic data base was composed of drop-down menus that allowed for standardised reporting of findings. Collected data were coded by two experienced endoscopists and analysed.ResultsIn total, the analysis included 25,849 endoscopic records covering 43 years. The number of endoscopic procedures performed per year increased drastically in 2010. With the exception of the last 2 years, the proportion of normal endoscopies also increased during the time under review. In total, the number of gastric cancer (GC) cases was 658 (3%) while that of oesophageal cancer (OC) was 1168 (5%). The number of GC and OC diagnoses increased significantly over the period under review, (p < 0.001 for both). For OC the increase remained significant when analysed as a percentage of all procedures performed (p < 0.001). Gastric ulcers (GU) were diagnosed in 2095 (8%) cases, duodenal ulcers (DU) in 2276 (9%) cases and 239 (1%) had both ulcer types. DU diagnosis showed a significantly decreasing trend over each decade (p < 0.001) while GU followed an increasing trend (p < 0.001).ConclusionsUGI endoscopic findings in Lusaka, Zambia, have evolved over the past four decades with a significant increase of OC and GU diagnoses. Reasons for these observations are yet to be established.

Geohelminthiases: Soil contamination and associated physicochemical parameters favouring ova dispersion in public schools in Ondo State, Nigeria.

Geohelminth infections are common diseases in sub-Saharan Africa and are a major contributor to setbacks in the socioeconomic and health status of people. This study assessed parasite ova/larvae dispersion in public schools and the associated physicochemical parameters in Akungba Akoko, Ondo Statestate, Nigeria. A total number of five hundred and sixteen (516) soil samples were collected from all the public primary schools (6) in the study area and examination was done in triplicate in all the primary schools in the community using standard procedures, a total of six thousand and twenty-eight (6,028) parasites were recovered after laboratory analyses; hookworm larvae n=2210 (36.66%), followed by Trichuris trichiura n=1572 (26.08%), hookworm ova, n= 1001 (16.61%), Strongyloides stercoralis ova, n= 636 (10.55%) and Ascaris lumbricoides ova, n= 600 (9.95%). The physico-chemical parameters of soil samples at different cardinal points within and around the study area revealed the highest pH (7.82 and the highest electrical conductivity (612.54mS/cm, soil temperature ranged from 22.61 and 26.08 and the highest total dissolved solid was 337.72ppm. Correlation analyses carried out on the recovered parasites with physicochemical parameters revealed that hookworm larvae showed a positive correlation with temperature, with a weak negative correlation with electrical conductivity and total dissolved solids, and Trichuris trichiura had a significant negative correlation with pH and total dissolved solids. The other parasites also showed varying correlations with the physicochemical parameters. Based on these findings, environmental modifications are recommended as an effective preventive measure. Harnessing the results of the physicochemical parameters in relation to the parasites, mass chemotherapy of schoolchildren, health education campaigns, improved sanitary conditions, provision of toilet facilities, and personal hygiene are equally recommended.

Parkinson's Disease in Sub-Saharan Africa: Pesticides as a Double-Edged Sword.

Long-term exposure to pesticides used in agriculture is increasingly being identified as a risk factor for developing Parkinson's disease. How chronic pesticide exposure might contribute to the growth of Parkinson's disease in the mainly agricultural communities of Sub-Saharan Africa has thus far received limited attention. There are specific concerns in this area of the world: aging of the population, in combination with chronic exposure to widely used pesticides, including those that have been restricted elsewhere in the world because of neurotoxicity and other health risks. Of interest, the prevalence of Parkinson's disease among specific (semi)nomadic populations in Tanzania seems very low, possibly due to their lack of exposure to agricultural chemicals. But at the same time, pesticides have also brought important benefits to this part of the world. Specifically, in Sub-Saharan Africa, pesticides have been directly helpful in preventing and controlling famine and in containing major human infectious diseases. This creates a complex risk-benefit ratio to the use of pesticides within a global perspective, and urgently calls for the development and implementation of affordable alternatives for areas such as Sub-Saharan Africa, including non-neurotoxic compounds and non-chemical alternatives for the use of pesticides.

Diabetes mellitus and associated risk factors among HIV infected patients on HAART

BackgroundUnderstanding the impact of disease associations is becoming a priority in Kenya and other countries bearing the load of infectious diseases. With the increased incidences of non-communicable diseases and the endemicity of infectious diseases in Sub-Saharan Africa, their co-existence poses significant challenges to patients, health workers and an overwhelmed health sector. Classical risk factors for diabetes such as physical inactivity and unhealthy diet may not solely explain the current trends, suggesting the role of novel risk factors including infections/inflammation. HIV and its treatment have been identified as potential contributors especially to patients with family history of confirmed diabetes cases. Co-infections frequently observed during HIV infection also significantly influence both the epidemiological and pathophysiological of the link between HIV and diabetes. Understanding the correlates of HIV and diabetes is crucial to inform management and prevention strategies of the twin infections. We therefore aimed to determine the prevalence of diabetes mellitus and risk factors in a population of HIV infected patients on HAART. This study determined the association of diabetes/impaired glucose regulation in the context of HIV-1. A cross-sectional study was conducted at a comprehensive care clinic in Nairobi (Kenya). Participants were screened for diabetes and impaired glucose regulation using random blood glucose and glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) This paper describes the prevalence of diabetes mellitus in Human Immunodeficiency Virus positive individuals and the associated risk factors. We have demonstrated that family history is a risk factor for diabetes. While age and BMI are known risk factors, they were not associated with diabetes in this study.

Identifying childhood malaria hotspots and risk factors in a Nigerian city using geostatistical modelling approach

Malaria ranks high among prevalent and ravaging infectious diseases in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). The negative impacts, disease burden, and risk are higher among children and pregnant women as part of the most vulnerable groups to malaria in Nigeria. However, the burden of malaria is not even in space and time. This study explores the spatial variability of malaria prevalence among children under five years (U5) in medium-sized rapidly growing city of Akure, Nigeria using model-based geostatistical modeling (MBG) technique to predict U5 malaria burden at a 100 × 100 m grid, while the parameter estimation was done using Monte Carlo maximum likelihood method. The non-spatial logistic regression model shows that U5 malaria prevalence is significantly influenced by the usage of insecticide-treated nets—ITNs, window protection, and water source. Furthermore, the MBG model shows predicted U5 malaria prevalence in Akure is greater than 35% at certain locations while we were able to ascertain places with U5 prevalence > 10% (i.e. hotspots) using exceedance probability modelling which is a vital tool for policy development. The map provides place-based evidence on the spatial variation of U5 malaria in Akure, and direction on where intensified interventions are crucial for the reduction of U5 malaria burden and improvement of urban health in Akure, Nigeria.

Examining geospatial and temporal distribution of invasive non-typhoidal Salmonella disease occurrence in sub-Saharan Africa: a systematic review and modelling study

BackgroundInvasive non-typhoidal Salmonella (iNTS) disease is a significant health concern in sub-Saharan Africa. While our knowledge of a larger-scale variation is growing, understanding of the subnational variation in iNTS disease...

Evaluation of Household Water Treatment Technologies for Cholera Eradication in Sub-Saharan Africa: Epidemiological and Economic Perspectives

Cholera has been a global pandemic in past centuries, and its persistent emergence and spread pose a significant public health challenge globally. Despite efforts to contain the disease, recurrent cholera outbreaks in sub-Saharan Africa remain a major health threat. This has attracted substantial research interest, raising questions about the effectiveness of prevention and control methods of cholera spread in sub-Saharan Africa. Addressing this health challenge by adopting a sustainable, convenient, and cost-effective intervention will improve the health, well-being, and productivity of vulnerable populations in sub-Saharan Africa. Household-level solutions, which are characterized by relatively low-cost and independence from potentially insufficient public water supply infrastructure were examined to determine their effectiveness in reducing the incidence of cholera if widely adopted across the continent. We perform a mixed-methods retrospective analysis on the Cholera epidemic data obtained from 2010 to 2016 in sub-Saharan Africa. Using an empirical epidemiological model, we estimate the performance efficacy of a suite of household water treatment (HWT) technologies. We also develop economic estimations to perform benefit–cost analyses to determine the cost effectiveness, convenience of use and durability of these products. We find that—if universally adopted—the HWT technologies evaluated here offer comparable and effective microbiological potential for eradicating cholera disease in sub-Saharan Africa but are potentially not affordable for low-income households that reside in cholera hotspots. As such, household subsidies are necessary in lowering barriers to economic access to these products. This finding provides substantial insights on the efficacy and affordability of these household water treatment technologies—insights which can inform stakeholder decisions on the applicability of this intervention in eradicating cholera.

Does Engagement in HIV Care Affect Screening, Diagnosis, and Control of Noncommunicable Diseases in Sub-Saharan Africa? A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Low- and middle-income countries are facing a growing burden of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs). Providing HIV treatment may provide opportunities to increase access to NCD services in under-resourced environments. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate whether use of antiretroviral therapy (ART) was associated with increased screening, diagnosis, treatment, and control of diabetes, hypertension, chronic kidney disease, or cardiovascular disease among people living with HIV in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). A comprehensive search of electronic literature databases for studies published between 01 January 2011 and 31 December 2022 yielded 26 studies, describing 13,570 PLWH in SSA, 61% of whom were receiving ART. Random effects models were used to calculate summary odds ratios (ORs) of the risk of diagnosis by ART status and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs), where appropriate. ART use was associated with a small but imprecise increase in the odds of diabetes diagnosis (OR 1.07; 95% CI 0.71, 1.60) and an increase in the odds of hypertension diagnosis (OR 2.10, 95% CI 1.42, 3.09). We found minimal data on the association between ART use and screening, treatment, or control of NCDs. Despite a potentially higher NCD risk among PLWH and regional efforts to integrate NCD and HIV care, evidence to support effective care integration models is lacking.

In Vitro Filaricidal Properties of Aqueous Extracts of Combretum nigricans (Combretaceae) on Onchocerca ochengi (Onchocercidae).

Onchocerciasis is an endemic parasitic disease in sub-Saharan Africa that significantly impacts animal and human health. In Northern Cameroon, medicinal plants from the Combretum genus are used for onchocerciasis traditional treatment although there is no scientific evidence of their antifilarial potential. This study evaluates the in vitro macro- and microfilaricidal properties of water extracts from Combretum nigricans in Onchocerca ochengi. Material and Methods. O. ochengi microfilariae and adult male worms were recovered from cowhide fragments. Oxidative stress indicators and motility tests were used to assess the filaricidal impact. Female albino rats were used to test for acute toxicity. The contents of secondary metabolites were quantified. The bark aqueous extract was more active on macrofilariae at 1 mg/mL for 24 h (100%) than the leaf (63.9%) and root (75%) extracts at the same concentration. Likewise, a stronger microfilaricidal effect was found with this extract at 0.5 mg/mL for 1 h (100%) compared to root and leaf extracts. The dose-response effect with the bark extract gave an inhibitory concentration 50 (IC50) of 351 μg/mL vs. 113 μg/mL for flubendazole after 24 h incubation, while the microfilaricidal efficacy revealed an IC50 of 158.7 μg/mL vs. 54.09 μg/mL for ivermectin after one-hour incubation. Examining stress indicators on parasite homogenates showed that macrofilaricidal activity is associated with a significant increase in nitric oxide, glutathione, and malondialdehyde generation and a decrease in catalase activity. At 2000 mg/kg, rats showed no harm. The phytochemical investigation revealed that the barks contained more phenolic acids, condensed tannins, flavonoids, and saponins than the leaves (p < 0.001). These findings support C. nigricans' antifilarial activity and identify oxidative stress indicators as prospective treatment targets in O. ochengi. It would be interesting to conduct in vivo studies to understand their antifilarial activity better.

Contribution of Hepatitis D Virus in Liver Cancer Among Hepatitis B Virus Infected Populations of Central Africa: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background and aims: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a rampant disease in sub-Saharan Africa. Viral hepatitis is currently the most common factor in the occurrence of HCC in sub-Saharan Africa. Hepatitis B virus (HBV) causes liver disease which may or may not progress to HCC. In a dual infection with Hepatitis D virus (HDV), HCC tends to have a faster turn out. Our aim is to evaluate the influence of HDV on the risk of HCC and elaborate on factors favouring HDV infection. Methods: A review of available literature in English or French was conducted in major data bases with the search terms “liver disease”, “hepatocellular carcinoma”, “hepatitis delta and liver disease”, “hepatitis D virus infection”, “prevalence of HDV”, and “hepatitis D in Central Africa”, and each term was associated to a central African country. A meta-analysis of included publications was then performed. Results: The prevalence of HDV was 28% (95% CI). There was a higher risk of HCC in HBV-HDV dual infection (OR: 0.82 [95% CI: -0.01 to 1.65]) compared to that in HBV mono-infection. HDV genotype 1 was found to be the most prominent in central Africa, with HDV subgenotypes 1a and 1b dominating. Hepatitis delta was more prevalent in rural areas than in urban areas. Conclusion: Hepatitis D is highly prevalent in the HBV population of central Africa. The presence of HDV increases the risk of HCC. More research has to be carried out to understand how HDV speeds up liver disease and hence how to prevent it.

Prevalence, clinical presentation, and risk factors of chronic venous disease in Cameroon: A general population-based study.

Chronic venous disease is a global public health problem, with high morbidity and economic distress. There is scarcity of data on this disease in sub-Saharan Africa. We conducted the first population-based study over a period of 20months from 1st February 2020 to 30th September 2021 in the 10 regions of Cameroon. A stratify sampling method was chose to select study site. Socio-demographic data, personal and family history, anthropometric parameters, clinical signs, illustrative images, CEAP (Clinical-Etiological-Anatomical-Pathophysiological) classification revised in 2004, VCSS (venous Clinical Severity Score) and risk factor assessment score were used to construct the survey form. Chi-squared test and Fischer exact test were used to compare the prevalence of chronic venous disease across different potential risk factors (sex, age category, previous history of deep vein thrombosis, hypertension, diabetes, smoking status, obesity). Simple and multiple logistic regression models were used to obtain crude and adjusted odds ratio for risk factors associated with chronic venous insufficiency. Statistical analyses were done with R version 4.2 for Linux and the threshold for statistical significance was 0.05. A total of 6578 participants were included in the study, with a mean age of 41.09 ± 16.02years with female predominance (54.3%). The prevalence of chronic venous disease was 21.8% (95% CI: 20.8-22.9) and the prevalence of chronic venous insufficiency (C3-C6) was 7.02% (n = 462). Night cramps (43.2%), oedema (21.7%), lower limbs pain (20.4%) mostly worsens by walking and heavy legs (16.2%) were more common symptoms. The mean total venous clinical severity score was 0.69 ± 1.76 and this score had a significant positive correlation with C classification (p < .001). In the multivariate analysis, the following factors were independently associated with CVD: Male gender (aOR: 1.27; 95%CI: 1.04-1.56; p = .021), retired people (aOR: 46.9; 95% CI: 12.6-174.5; p < .001), hypertension (aOR: 289.5; 95%CI: 169.69-493.1; p < .001), diabetes (aOR: 2.19; 95% CI: 1.21-3.96; p = .009), obesity (aOR: 10.22; 95%CI: 7.67-13.62; p < .001). Smoking appears as a protective factor (aOR: 0.18; 95%CI: 0.10-0.30; p < .001). Chronic venous disease is frequent in Cameroon and main traditional cardiovascular risk factors are associated to this condition. Systematic screening of the CVD in these specific groups could reduce the burden of the disease and its economic impact.

Addressing Mental Health Challenges and Non-communicable Diseases in Sub-Saharan Africa: An Analysis from Health Systems Approach

Abstract Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) including mental health issues are a substantial public health concern globally. This review article explores the mental health challenges of people living with other NCDs in Sub-Saharan Africa and proposes interventions to address them. The authors argue health systems challenges that perpetuate mental health challenges amongst patients with other NCDs that include inadequacy of health professionals, challenges in logistics and supplies, capacity building, poor service delivery and policies. To overcome these challenges, countries in Sub-Saharan Africa must prioritise investment in their health workforce including mental health officers, training, retention, good policy and governance, provision of medications, task shifting and resource allocation to deliver comprehensive and accessible mental health care for individuals living with NCDs. The adoption of health system approach will also help to accelerate progress towards the Sustainable Development Goal 3.4 by 2030.

Chronic non-communicable diseases in sub-Saharan Africa

Chronic non-communicable diseases in sub-Saharan Africa

Predictors for low coverage of uptake of second dose of measles vaccine among children in sub-Saharan Africa, 2023: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Measles became a public health important disease in sub-Saharan Africa. World Health Organization recommended measles-containing vaccine dose 2 (MCV2) through routine service delivery. This study aims to determine coverage of second-dose measles vaccination uptake and its predictors among children aged 24-35 months in sub-Saharan Africa. We conducted an extensive search of literature as indicated in the guideline of reporting systematic review and meta-analysis (PRISMA). The databases used were PubMed, Google Scholar, and HINARI literature. The overall uptake of the second dose of measles vaccine uptake was 41% (95% CI: 28.90-53.47). Caregiver's awareness of the importance of the second dose of measles (2.51, 95% CI 1.77, 3.25), educational status of mothers (1.30, 95% CI 1.16, 1.45), distance from vaccination site (1.22, 95% CI 1.12, 1.32), and attending four and above ANC visit (2.72, 95% CI 2.29, 3.15) were determinants for second dose measles vaccine uptake. Coverage of the second dose of measles uptake in Sub-Saharan Africa was low (41%) which is lower than the recommendation from WHO. Therefore policymakers and stakeholders should increase mother's awareness. Also, special strategies should be developed for those who are far from the vaccination site. ANC: Ante Natal Care; JBI: Joanna Briggs Institute; MCV1: Measles containing vaccine dose 1; MCV2: Measles containing vaccine dose 2; WHO: World Health Organization.

The Burden of Neglected Tropical Diseases in Sub-Saharan Africa

Health is a fundamental human right. However, a large population of the world is dogged with ill health which adversely affects the economy and development of nations. Although neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) cause enormous suffering, rob individuals of social and economic opportunities, and set-back countries’ development efforts, they receive only 0.6% health fund of official development assistance. Globally, more than one billion people suffer from one or more NTDs, and unfortunately, 500,000 die yearly. Despite remarkable progress in the effort against NTDs globally, they still persist in SSA. The objective of this study was to determine the burden of NTDs and suggest ways of reducing the burden. A scoping review of literature was conducted through Google Scholar according to Arksey and O’Malley (2005) methodology using the search terms “Burden” and “Neglected Tropical Diseases” or “NTDs” and “Sub-Saharan Africa” or “SSA”. Eligible studies were those addressing NTDs in SSA, published in English, for which the full text were available, and published between 2021 and 2023 in peer-reviewed scientific journals. Out of 20,800 identified studies, only 36 fully met the inclusion criteria. The study concluded that: SSA has a high burden of NTDs; communities in the region, including healthcare workers, have inadequate knowledge on NTDs; lack of community participation and engagement, and offering of fragmented care to people affected by NTDs; and lack of a robust clinical, public health, laboratory, pharmaceutical, and research capacity. The study recommends educating communities, as well as healthcare workers, on NTDs; ensuring community participation and engagement, and provision of holistic care to people affected by NTDs; and ensuring a robust clinical, public health, laboratory, pharmaceutical, and research capacity in SSA.

Arginine Therapy Supplements Improves the LDH Level in Sickle Cell Patients in Steady States: Preliminary Results from Kinshasa, the Democratic Republic of Congo

Aim: SCD is a congenital hemolytic anemia of autosomal recessive inheritance. The disease has the characteristics of a chronic inflammatory disease. Due to chronic sickling process by intracellular polymerization of red blood cell and precipitation of mutated sickle hemoglobin. It was recently well-established that arginase released from lysed RBCs consumes the eNOS substrate arginine, with a depletion of plasma arginine, the essential substrate for NO production by NO synthase, leading to acute and chronic complications. L-arginine was shown to significantly increase NO levels and decrease oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation, in recent studies. Despite high incidence of the disease in sub-Saharan Africa, there is still very little information on the benefits of arginine dietary supplement, in sickle cell patients. Methods: We carried out a retrospective study to assess the benefit of arginine supplement on the level of LDH. The study group consisted of 31 patients who received 500 mg of Arginine per day for SCDs from 1 to 14 years old and 1000 mg per day from 15 years old. Three follow-up periods were defined: (i) before starting treatment with hydroxyurea (HU); (ii) a period of taking HU, greater than 3 months; (iii) a period of taking HU+ arginine supplement, greater than 3 months. Results: The median age of this group was 12 years (range; 2 years-43 years). During the three periods of the study, the LDH value was above the norms, respectively 649,7 ± 364,2 U/L in period 1, 661,6 ± 367 U/L in period 2, and 529,9± 346,3 U/L in period 3. By comparing the different periods of the study, There is a significant increase (p=0.4589; Kruskal Wallis test) in the mean LDH value in the period 2 compared to the period 1. There is a significant decrease in the mean LDH value in period 3 compared to period 1, and period 2 ( p= 0,4589, Kruskal Wallis test). Conclusion: This study found that the sickle cell patients who received arginine supplements with HU decreased significantly the level of LDH. However, the present study had some limitations. These include its hospital-based retrospective design limiting the potential to make conclusions. On the other hand, further investigations including a large sample in a prospective study with a control group and other biological parameters data will be interesting in our midst.

Standard of care in advanced HIV disease: review of HIV treatment guidelines in six sub-Saharan African countries

BackgroundThe World Health Organization (WHO) recommends an evidence-based package of care to reduce mortality and morbidity among people with advanced HIV disease (AHD). Adoption of these recommendations by national guidelines in sub-Saharan Africa is poorly documented. We aimed to review national guidelines for AHD management across six selected countries in sub-Saharan Africa for benchmarking against the 2021 WHO recommendations.MethodsWe reviewed national guidelines from six countries participating in an ongoing randomized controlled trial recruiting people with AHD. We extracted information addressing 18 items of AHD diagnosis and management across the following domains: [1] Definition of AHD, [2] Screening, [3] Prophylaxis, [4] Supportive care, and [5] HIV treatment. Data from national guideline documents were compared to the 2021 WHO consolidated guidelines on HIV and an agreement score was produced to evaluate extent of guideline adoption.ResultsThe distribution of categories of agreement varied for the national documents. Four of the six countries addressed all 18 items (Malawi, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Uganda). Overall agreement with the WHO 2021 guidelines ranged from 9 to 15.5 out of 18 possible points: Malawi 15.5 points, Nigeria, and Sierra Leone 14.5 points, South Africa 13.5 points, Uganda 13.0 points and Botswana with 9.0 points. Most inconsistencies were reported for the delay of antiretroviral therapy (ART) in presence of opportunistic diseases. None of the six national guidelines aligned with WHO recommendations around ART timing in patients with tuberculosis. Agreement correlated with the year of publication of the national guideline.ConclusionNational guidelines addressing the care of advanced HIV disease in sub-Saharan Africa are available. Besides optimal timing for start of ART in presence of tuberculosis, most national recommendations are in line with the 2021 WHO standards.

Performance evaluation of national healthcare systems in the prevention and treatment of non-communicable diseases in sub-Saharan Africa.

Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) remain a major public health concern globally, threatening the achievement of sustainable development goal 3.4 (SDG 3.4), which seeks to reduce premature NCD-related deaths by one-third by 2030. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), improving the efficiency of NCD spending (i.e., maximizing the impact of every dollar spent on NCDs) is one of the strategic approaches for achieving SDG target 3.4. This study aims to assess the efficiency and productivity of NCDs spending in 34 sub-Saharan African (SSA) countries from 2015 to 2019. The study employed the data envelopment analysis (DEA) double-bootstrap truncated and Tobit regressions, one-stage stochastic frontier analysis (SFA) model, the Malmquist productivity index (MPI), and spatial autocorrelation analysis to estimate NCDs spending efficiency, identify the context-specific environmental factors that influence NCDs spending efficiency, evaluate total productivity change and identify its components, and assess the spatial interdependence of the efficiency scores. The estimated average DEA bias-corrected NCD spending efficiency score was 87.3% (95% CI: 86.2-88.5). Additionally, smoking per capita, solid fuel pollution, alcohol use, governance quality, urbanization, GDP per capita, external funding for NCDs, and private domestic funding for NCDs healthcare services were found to be significantly associated with NCDs spending efficiency. The study also revealed a decline of 3.2% in the MPI, driven by a 10.6% technical regress. Although all countries registered growth in efficiency, except for the Central Africa Republic and DR Congo, the growth in efficiency was overshadowed by the decline in technical change. Global Moran's I test indicated the existence of significant positive spatial autocorrelation in the efficiency of NCDs spending across SSA countries. The study underscores the importance of efficient use of resources in NCDs treatment and prevention and increased investment in NCDs research and development in achieving the SDG target 3.4.

Abstract 16267: Burden of Cardiovascular Disease in Sub-Saharan Africa

Introduction: This study aims to explore the burden of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and associated risk factors in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) using data from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD). Hypothesis: That the burden of CVD has increased in SSA over time, and there are associated risk factors contributing to this burden. Methods: We analyzed CVD prevalence, mortality, and incidence in 46 SSA countries using Bayesian regression, demographic methodologies, and mortality-to-incidence ratios. Disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) were calculated, and risk factors were assessed through the comparative risk assessment framework of the GBD. Results: Between 1990 and 2019, CVD prevalence in SSA increased by 131.7%, with a modest rise of 2.1% in age-standardized prevalence rates. Ischemic heart disease, stroke (CVA), and rheumatic heart disease were the most prevalent conditions. CVD deaths increased from 564,140 to 1,003,893, with a 14.4% decrease in death rates. Non-rheumatic valvular disease showed a significant increase. DALYs increased by 68.4%, but some CVDs saw decreases in DALY rates. Conclusions: Despite rising CVD prevalence in SSA, age-standardized rates only modestly increased. However, the persistently high burden, increasing non-rheumatic valvular disease, and rising DALYs highlight challenges in prevention and management. These findings highlight the persistent challenge of CVD in SSA and emphasize the need for continued efforts in prevention and management strategies to address the growing burden of CVD in this region.