Technical Working Group Research Articles

P4flow: A software-defined networking approach with programmable switches for accounting and forwarding IPv6 packets with user-defined flow label tags

A comprehensive analysis of the HEP (High Energy Physics) experiment traffic across LHCONE (Large Hadron Collider Open Network Environment) and other networks, is essential for immediate network optimisation (for example by the NOTED project) and highly desirable for long-term network planning. Such an analysis requires two steps: tagging of network packets to indicate the type and owner of the traffic being carried and then processing of the tagged packets. The RNTWG (Research Network Technical Working Group) has defined a specification to identify the experiment and the application that originates a given network flow, named scitags (Scientific Network Tags) that is applied to the flow label field of the IPv6 header. We report here on the second step: processing of packets tagged according to this specification. We developed P4flow as a software-defined networking approach by using P4 (Programming Protocol-Independent Packet Processors), a language for programming the data plane of network devices to accounting and process IPv6 packets with a scitags-based stamp in the flow label field, to understand the network utilisation and the applications used by the WLCG (Worldwide Large Hadron Collider Computing Grid) sites. With P4flow, and exploiting the control plane capabilities provided by RARE/FreeRtr (an Open Source Network Operating System developed by the GÉANT community), we cannot only generate statistics concerning the traffic per experiment and application but can also, using an Intel Tofino P4-programmable ASIC Ethernet Switch, decide how to forward traffic matching defined flow labels. This latter capability is particularly interesting as we prepare for a future where LHC experiments will be sharing network links with other major science collaborations such as SKA and ITER.

Institutionalizing Health Technology Assessment in Ghana: Enablers, Constraints, and Lessons

ABSTRACT Health Technology Assessment (HTA) has been institutionalized in Ghana with structures, processes, and methods. This paper identifies and analyzes the policy players involved; the way in which issues were framed; and the manner in which administrative structures were used to set the agenda for, adopt, and implement HTA. It shows that the Ministry of Health, supported by other players, led HTA agenda-setting through training activities and discussions on evidence of selection pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and other health-related technologies. HTA was then captured in a health sector aide memoire that summarized the decisions made at a national health summit. In implementing the HTA policy, technical working groups and a steering committee were constituted to provide recommendations to the minister of health on high-level decisions. The ability of agenda influencers to maneuver existing administrative and bureaucratic structures, align them with national strategic goals, and sustain HTA implementation enabled Ghana to institutionalize HTA. Limited financial support and a dearth of in-country expertise are being addressed through capacity building and funding. To ensure early national buy-in and uptake, policy makers and agenda influencers need to understand each country’s health system and align HTA with national policy decision-making processes.

Evaluation of the administrative, coordination and financing capacity of the sub-national malaria elimination programs in Nigeria: a case study of cross river state.

This study appraised the implementers' perspective of the program's existing administrative and management; coordination and collaboration; and financing and accountability capacities to deliver its malaria prevention and control mandate. The instrument used was a structured interviewer-administered questionnaire adapted from an already existing National Malaria Programme's Capacity Assessment tool. Being a widely used open-source program tool, a pretest was done to ascertain its suitability and applicability to the study context and for field assistants to gain familiarity with it. The total population sampling method was used due to the small size of the target population. The target population/sample size was therefore 137, comprising the State Malaria Technical Working Group members, key officers of Cross River State Malaria Elimination Program (CRSMEP), and the Local Government Areas (LGA) Malaria implementing teams. It was a descriptive cross-sectional study. Each element per section of the questionnaire was weighted using the Likert scale and calculated using simple percentages. Research results showed that the malaria program at the State and LGA level have adequate administrative and management capacity with confirmation by 64 and 82.1% of respondents respectively. 80% of respondents confirmed average coordination and collaboration capacity at the State level while 50% of respondents at the LGA level confirmed that the program has adequate coordination and collaboration capacity. For financing and accountability capacity, 36% of respondents affirmed that there is average capacity at the State level while 37.5% confirmed that there is no capacity at LGA level. The study revealed the program's capacity gaps at State and LGA in the 3 aforementioned key areas. Therefore, interventions to address the capacity gaps are training/re-training of program staff and health workers on program management, administration, and finance, establishing performance management and accountability mechanisms, conducting evidence-based advocacy visits to policymakers for prioritizing allocating and releasing funds for malaria control activities, especially for intervention areas that are not supported by donor/partner organizations.

A guide for the validation of DNA based species identification in forensic casework

Method validation is an essential step ahead of applying a method in forensic casework, to ensure the results will be admissible in court. However, unlike mainstream forensic disciplines, wildlife forensic labs often evolve from conservation-oriented units and may not have a strong foundation in generating data within a legal context. As such, the processes and principles of method validation may not be familiar or fully understood. In this paper we describe the process of method validation in a wildlife forensic science context. We provide guidance on the documentation required to take a DNA based method, which has been developed to identify a specific target species, through the validation process so that it is fit for use in forensic casework. This process has been agreed upon among members of the Society for Wildlife Forensic Sciences (SWFS) Technical Working Group (TWG) to illuminate the requirements for both practitioners and academics.

Development of the National Policy for Quality in Healthcare for Malaysia

BackgroundQuality in healthcare is a fundamental pillar of health systems performance, leading to improved health outcomes and reduced waste. The World Health Organization recommends that countries establish a national quality policy and strategy (NQPS) to steer the provision of safe and high-performing healthcare services and foster a quality culture. This paper describes the development process and key content of Malaysia’s new 5-year National Policy for Quality in Healthcare.MethodsThe development process was managed by a technical working group led by the Institute for Health Systems Research in the Ministry of Health. Situational analysis was conducted through a multi-pronged approach, underpinned by a review of the past and present healthcare sectoral and quality plans and guided by the WHO NQPS framework. This approach involved: (i) review of quality-related policy documents, (ii) online surveys of healthcare providers and the public, (iii) key-informant facilitated discussions and (iv) mapping of existing quality improvement initiatives (QIIs). Data gathered from these approaches informed the content of the new policy. Following thematic analysis, the findings were grouped into specific domains, which were then organized into a strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) framework. ResultsTen key areas of concern identified were (i) a people-centred holistic approach, (ii) governance for quality, (iii) resources, (iv) quality culture, (v) stakeholder engagement, (vi) health management information system, (vii) workforce competency, (viii) knowledge exchange, (ix) quality indicators and (x) monitoring and evaluation of quality activities. These led to the formulation of seven strategic priorities for the planning of improvements aimed at addressing the key areas of concern. The national definition of quality was affirmed. A total of 40 QIIs were mapped and grouped into three broad categories, namely (i) regulatory, (ii) domain-specific QIIs and (iii) Quality Improvement (QI) method.ConclusionsThe National Policy for Quality in Healthcare for Malaysia was developed through a comprehensive situational analysis using a multi-method approach that identified priorities across national, state, institutional and community levels. This evidence-informed approach led to meaningful contextual adaptation of the NQPS framework to shape the strategic direction to advance quality and achieve effective and safe outcomes for all Malaysians.

7.K. Workshop: Best Practice Portals: what is needed for health promotion interventions

Abstract Background Best practice portals include public health interventions and aim to promote health and improve health outcomes, not only to support professionals but also policymakers with evidence-based information. These portals, which have been developed for several years in North America and in some European countries and whose added value is undisputed, are only useful if the interventions they contain are also used by professionals and policymakers. Therefor the portals must address the needs of the professionals and policymakers. Germany, France, the Netherlands, Finland, Italy, Poland, Portugal, and Slovenia are working closely together in the Technical Working Group (TWIG) at EuroHealthNet to assess and learn from joint and independent approaches in development and management of Best Practice Portals as well as implementation of good and best practices. Several questions are the result of the debate within this working group: Should interventions be developed from science or rather from practice? Both starting points are important, but what criteria should be taken into account when developing, assessing and selecting interventions? And whether and how these criteria should be weighted. In addition to the evaluation criteria themselves, it is also important to gain insight into how evaluators understand the criteria and methodology, and wether they are properly used when assessing interventions. Experience in the countries has shown that the provision of interventions in a portal alone, no matter how searchable and combinable, is not sufficient to select the right intervention and successfully transfer and implement it in another context. A range of other support is needed, ideally provided through the Best Practice Portal itself. This can be provided by the so-called ‘What Works’ but also the support for the implementation and adaptation of the good and best practices of the portal. Objective The aim of the workshop is to share the approaches and experiences with the Best Practice Portals and to discuss with the workshop participants the possible next steps for the further development of the portals themselves and the support strategies. Methods After the introduction, the workshop starts with four very short presentations to illustrate the different elements that are important for a Best Practice Portal. Discussion with the open space method In each of the four corners of a room there will be a flipchart with a moderator. Each participant is welcome to choose one of the flipcharts and discuss with the other participants one of the topics presented in the short presentations. Conclusions Every moderator will present one main takeaway message which reflects the discussion. Key messages • Best practice portals include public health interventions and aim to promote health and improve health outcomes. • Several elements are important for the successful use of the Best Practice Portals.

6.O. Workshop: Overview of Comprehensive Sexuality Education Status in Moldova, Georgia, Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan

Abstract Sexual and reproductive health (SRH) is a key dimension of overall health and wellbeing of individuals. Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) is one of the most important means of promoting and supporting youth is their sexual and overall development, and a key component of HIV and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) prevention. It is widely recognised that school plays a central role in learning about health and health promotion skills, including sexuality and sexual health. Nevertheless, there is often a lack of evaluation of CSE implementation in school curriculums. This is why UNFPA (United Nations Population Fund) and BZgA (Bundeszentrale für gesundheitliche Aufklärung), in cooperation with UNESCO((United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization), WHO (World Health Organization) and IPPF EN (International Planned Parenthood Federation), conducted a study in Moldova, Georgia, Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan to assess the status of CSE. In this workshop, we will describe the study process, reflect on the main findings in four countries and discuss two case studies of Moldova and Georgia. The speakers will also share their experiences of translating these findings into advocacy measures and achievements since the study conducted in 2022. The data was collected using the standardized Sexuality Education Review and Assessment Tool (SERAT) via desk reviews of relevant policies, curricula and national data, questionnaires, stakeholder interviews (e.g., with teachers, representatives of technical working groups and ministries of education, young people) and discussions to validate the findings. Overall, we have seen that all four countries teach sexuality education, which is supported by adequate legal and policy frameworks, and integrate it into their school curricula. The comprehensiveness of the curriculum, teacher training and learning methods differ across the four countries. In Georgia, the biggest CSE-related challenge is that there is a stigma in society around sexuality-related issues and there is a need to support an open dialog with key stakeholders. In Moldova, this was the second SERAT assessment within 5 years, which demonstrated a significant progress in the development of sexuality education program since 2017, achieving a much higher score of compliance with the international standards for CSE. Key messages • This study shows that the four countries assessed are on a positive track in implementing and expanding their sexuality education programmes, which are supported by a legal and policy environment. • Gaps still remain in teacher training, monitoring and evaluation, and the comprehensiveness of the delivered content.

Current progress in developing a MARPOL Annex VI enforcement strategy in the Bonn Agreement through remote measurements

The harmful environmental and human health consequences of air pollution from ships are widely acknowledged, leading to their regulation under IMO’s MARPOL Annex VI, setting limits on the emission of SOx and NOx from ships. This article provides an overview of the current progress made by the Bonn Agreement (BA) in adopting a MARPOL Annex VI monitoring strategy. In 2019, the North Sea Ministers of the parties of the BA formally agreed to include MARPOL Annex VI within the jurisdiction of the BA. Through cooperation on MARPOL Annex VI enforcement at sea, the BA aims to attain a significant decrease in air pollution violations, similar to the accomplished outcomes observed in the past three decades regarding oil pollution. Subsequently, in 2021, a BA MARPOL Annex VI expert workshop was convened, which identified a series of action points. To effectively address these action points, two working groups (WGs) were established: the Strategic Operational WG and the Technical WG. The primary objective of the WGs is the exchange of best practices, monitoring outcomes and the harmonization of enforcement practices among the Parties of the BA, with the aim of implementing an efficient monitoring and enforcement strategy within the BA. The BA has recognized that remote monitoring operations play a pivotal role within this strategy. This article explores the extent to which remote measurements can contribute to the development of a regional enforcement strategy for MARPOL Annex VI within the framework of the BA.

Technical guidelines for seasonal influenza vaccination in China (2023-2024)

Technical guidelines for seasonal influenza vaccination in China (2023-2024)

Interpretation of the National Regulation for the Rabies Exposure Prophylaxis (2023 Edition)

Rabies is one of the important zoonotic infectious diseases, with a mortality rate of almost 100%. Rabies is a vaccine preventable disease, and proper rabies exposure prophylaxis can effectively prevent the occurrence of human rabies. In recent years, there has been significant progress in clinical research on the rabies exposure prophylaxis both domestically and internationally. World Health Organization (WHO) released the Rabies Vaccine: WHO Position Paper-April 2018. In order to guide medical institutions of all levels in rabies exposure prophylaxis, the National Administration of Disease Prevention and Control, in conjunction with the National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China, organized the Rabies Vaccine Working Group of the National Immunization Program Technical Working Group and invited experts to revise and issue the National Regulation for the Rabies Exposure Prophylaxis (2023 Edition). This article compares the National Regulation for the Rabies Exposure Prophylaxis (2009 Edition) and interprets the updated key points and supporting basis of the new version of the guidelines to guide clinical application and implementation.

Developing an infection prevention and control intervention to reduce hospital-acquired infections in Cambodia and Lao People's Democratic Republic: the HAI-PC study protocol.

Hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) are significant public health issues, especially in low-and middle-income countries (LMICs). Hand hygiene and low-level disinfection of equipment practices among healthcare workers are some of the essential measures to reduce HAIs. Various infection prevention and control (IPC) interventions to reduce HAI incidence have been developed. However, effective interventions have not been well developed in the LMICs context. Therefore, this protocol aims to develop, pilot, and assess the feasibility and acceptability of an IPC intervention in Cambodia and the Lao People's Democratic Republic. This study will consist of four phases guided by the Medical Research Council (MRC) Framework. Three hospitals will be purposely selected - each from the district, provincial, and national levels - in each country. The gap analysis will be conducted in Phase 1 to explore IPC practices among healthcare workers at each hospital through desk reviews, direct observation of hand hygiene and low-level disinfection of equipment practices, in-depth interviews with healthcare workers, and key informant interviews with stakeholders. In Phase 2, an IPC intervention will be developed based on the results of Phase 1 and interventions selected from a systematic literature review of IPC interventions in LMICs. In Phase 3, the developed intervention will be piloted in the hospitals chosen in Phase 1. In Phase 4, the feasibility and acceptability of the developed intervention will be assessed among healthcare workers and representatives at the selected hospitals. National consultative workshops in both countries will be conducted to validate the developed intervention with the national technical working groups. The MRC Framework will be employed to develop and evaluate an intervention to reduce HAIs in two LMICs. This theoretical framework will be used to explore the factors influencing hand hygiene compliance among healthcare workers. The gap analysis results will allow us to develop a comprehensive IPC intervention to reduce HAI incidence in Cambodia and Lao People's Democratic Republic. Findings from this protocol will feed into promising IPC interventions to reduce HAI incidence in other resource-limited settings. ClinicalTrial.Gov, identifier NCT05547373.

Assessment of the Implementation of Plastic and Styrofoam-Free Policy in Baguio City Public Market

Plastic waste has been one of the pressing problems in Baguio City. Among the largest contributors to waste is the City's Public Market. The study's main objective is to assess the implementation of the Plastic and Styrofoam-free Policy of Baguio City in its public market to draft an action plan for its possible improvement. Specifically, it sought to determine the level of implementation of the Plastic and Styrofoam-free Policy by the technical working group from the City General Services Office; to determine the level of compliance with the Plastic and Styrofoam-free Policy among the registered stall owners in the public market; and to determine significant difference between the level of compliance among the different groups of registered stall owners in the public market according to their Line of business. The findings shall be a basis for preparing and proposing an action plan. The researchers used a quantitative research design, particularly the descriptive survey research method, and a survey questionnaire as a data collection method. The overall results showed that the ordinance must be implemented and complied with. Given this, the ordinance must be amended, allowing the use of biodegradable plastics as primary packaging for fresh and wet goods. Massive information dissemination thereof will heighten the implementation and compliance therewith.

Development of the WHO eye care competency framework

BackgroundThe eye care workforce, particularly in lower resource settings, face challenges of limited integration into the health system, limited workforce capacity, mismatch of workforce to population need and poor quality of care. In recognition of these challenges, coupled with a gap in existing tools, provides a strong rationale for the development of the Eye care competency framework (ECCF).MethodsA mixed methods approach was utilised to develop and validate the ECCF. Content was developed by extracting relevant components of existing frameworks used both within and outside of eye care. A diverse technical working group provided feedback and guidance on the structure, design, and content to create a preliminary draft. Competencies and activities were validated using a modified-Delphi study, and the framework was then piloted at four sites to understand how the tool can be implemented in different settings.ResultsThe final version of the ECCF included eight outcomes, nine guiding principles, and content of each of the key elements, including the six domains, 22 competencies, 21 activities, 193 behaviours and 234 tasks, and the knowledge and skills that underpin them. 95/112 participants from the six WHO regions completed the modified-Delphi study, yielding an average of 96% agreement across the competencies and activities in the ECCF. The pilot showcased the versatility and flexibility of the ECCF, where each of the four sites had a different experience in implementing the ECCF. All sites found that the ECCF enabled them to identify gaps within their current workforce documentation.ConclusionsThe ECCF was developed using a collaborative approach, reflecting the opinions of participants and stakeholders from all around the world. The comprehensive competencies and activities developed in the ECCF encompass the diverse roles of eye care workers, and thus encourage multi-disciplinary care and better integration into the health system. It is recommended that eye care workforce planners and developers use the ECCF, and adapt it to their context, to support workforce development and focus on the quality and scope of eye care service provision.

The Implementation Of Satu Data Bencana Indonesia (SDBI) For Sustainable Development

The likelihood of disaster statistics is not the same across all countries and ups and downs over time. As country with the potential disasters more than 3.000 events every year, disaster data and statistics play an important role in reducing disaster risks and building resilience through estimating the risks, hazards and vulnerability. Therefore, the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) and the Central Statistical Agency (BPS) jointly developed Satu Data Bencana Indonesia (SDBI) as the official sectoral statistical domain within the National Statistical System to Disaster Statistical Framework (DRFS) established by UN ESCAP and was designed adhering to the principles of Satu Data Indonesia. Based on the background described above, research needs to be carried out as learning material to increase knowledge about intergovernmental-disaster data and its implementation for decision-makers. The method used is qualitative with a descriptive exploratory approach: data collection by observation, in-depth interviews, and documentation; data analysis techniques by data collection, data reduction, and data presentation. Several issues in implementing the platform of SDBI as regulated in the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) Regulations Number 1 of 2023 concerning Satu Data Bencana are weak coordination, non-standardized methodology, and poor communication. The conclusion from this study is that the methodological practices and procedures of disaster management for data collection and management should be shared with agencies involved in the technical working group to ensure coordination. The needs to form technical working group consisting of BPS, BNPB and BIG to minimize problems in implementing Satu Data Bencana Indonesia cannot be delayed to ensure the sustainability of nations ‘development.

Functionality of technical working groups in enabling evidence-informed decision-making within Malawi's Ministry of Health: a cross-sectional qualitative study

BackgroundThe roles and functionality of technical working groups (TWGs) in the health sectors vary across countries, still they aim to support government and ministries in formulating evidence-informed recommendations for policies and facilitate dialogue and alignment of activities among stakeholders within the health sector. Thus, TWGs have a role in enhancing the functionality and effectiveness of the health system structure. However, in Malawi, the functionality of TWGs and how they utilize research evidence to contribute to decision-making is not monitored. This study sought to understand the TWGs' performance and functionality in enabling evidence-informed decision-making (EIDM) in Malawi's health sector.MethodsA cross-sectional descriptive qualitative study. Data were collected through interviews, documents review and observation of three TWG meetings. Qualitative data were analysed using a thematic approach. The WHO-UNICEF Joint Reporting Form (JRF) was used to guide the assessment of TWG functionality.ResultsTWG functionality varied in the Ministry of Health (MoH) in Malawi. The reasons for those perceived to be functioning well included meeting frequently, diverse representation of members, and that their recommendations to MoH were usually considered when decisions were made. For the TWGs that were perceived as not functioning well, the main reasons included lack of funding, periodic meetings and discussions that needed to provide clear decisions on the actions to be taken. In addition, evidence was recognized as important in decision-making, and research was valued by decision-makers within the MoH. However, some of the TWGs lacked reliable mechanisms for generating, accessing and synthesizing research. They also needed more capacity to review and use the research to inform their decisions.ConclusionsTWGs are highly valued and play a critical role in strengthening EIDM within the MoH. Our paper highlights the complexity and barriers of TWG functionality in supporting pathways for health policy-making in Malawi. These results have implications for EIDM in the health sector. This suggests that the MoH should actively develop reliable interventions and evidence tools, strengthen capacity-building and increase funding for EIDM.

Abstract 84: The Process of Setting Up an Inter-Country Cancer Care Program in Low-And-Middle-Income Countries: A Case of International Cancer Institute’s Uganda Blueprint for Innovative Healthcare Access Program

Abstract Purpose: Close to 70% of all cancer deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) with the rising cancer burden causing a strain on the already weak health care and economic infrastructures. The extrapolation of the experiences of cancer control programs in High Income Countries (HICs) to LMICs is often inappropriate requiring a regional scale up of successfully implemented cancer programs across LMICs. Methods: International Cancer Institute (ICI) is a non-governmental, not-for-profit organization whose main purpose is to expand education and training opportunities in cancer care, education and research across Sub-Saharan Africa through multisectoral corroborations and partnerships. ICI successfully implemented two Blueprint programs in Kenya thus sought to scale up the program to Western Uganda. An online search of key players in Cancer care in Uganda was conducted that identified six potential partners including Ministry of Health – Uganda, Uganda Cancer Institute (UCI), Uganda Cancer Society (UCS), Uganda Non-communicable Diseases Alliance (UNCDA), Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital and Mbarara University of Science and Technology. Virtual meetings were held with two of them with a site visit scheduled for face-to-face meetings. Results: ICI team met with UCS and UNCDA teams in Uganda where contacts of other potential partners were obtained resulting in face-to-face meetings with UCI; Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital; Ministry of Health Western Uganda; District leadership of Western Uganda; Kampala International University Teaching Hospital; and Kampala International University, Western Campus. An assessment of the scope of districts of focus, distribution of facilities and the health system structure was done. A technical working group with representatives from ICI and the identified partners will then be formed to guide program design, implementation, monitoring and evaluation. Conclusion: The process of setting up a cancer care program in LMICs applies not only new innovations but also resource appropriate interventions. Leveraging on existing partner expertise maximizes positive program outcomes. Citation Format: Gloria Kitur, Kevin Makori, Chite Asirwa. The Process of Setting Up an Inter-Country Cancer Care Program in Low-And-Middle-Income Countries: A Case of International Cancer Institute’s Uganda Blueprint for Innovative Healthcare Access Program [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 11th Annual Symposium on Global Cancer Research; Closing the Research-to-Implementation Gap; 2023 Apr 4-6. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2023;32(6_Suppl):Abstract nr 84.

A continent-wide effort and solidarity at curbing COVID-19 pandemic: the Africa task force for novel coronavirus (AFTCOR) infection prevention and control technical working group’s experience

A continent-wide Africa Task Force for Coronavirus with its six technical working groups was formed to prepare adequately and respond to the novel Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak in Africa. This research in practice article aimed to describe how the infection prevention and control (IPC) technical working group (TWG) supported Africa Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) in preparedness and response to COVID-19 on the continent. To effectively address the multifaceted IPC TWG mandate of organizing training and implementing rigorous IPC measures at healthcare service delivery points, the working group was sub-divided into four sub-groups—Guidelines, Training, Research, and Logistics. The action framework was used to describe the experiences of each subgroup. The guidelines subgroup developed 14 guidance documents and two advisories; all of which were published in English. In addition, five of these documents were translated and published in Arabic, while three others were translated and published in French and Portuguese. Challenges faced in the guidelines subgroup included the primary development of the Africa CDC website in English, and the need to revise previously issued guidelines. The training subgroup engaged the Infection Control Africa Network as technical experts to carry out in-person training of IPC focal persons and port health personnel across the African continent. Challenges faced included the difficulty in conducting face-to-face IPC training and onsite technical support due to the lockdown. The research subgroup developed an interactive COVID-19 Research Tracker on the Africa CDC website and conducted a context-based operation and implementation research. The lack of understanding of Africa CDC’s capacity to lead her own research was the major challenge faced by the research subgroup. The logistics subgroup assisted African Union (AU) member states to identify their IPC supply needs through capacity building for IPC quantification. A notable challenge faced by the logistics subgroup was the initial lack of experts on IPC logistics and quantifications, which was later addressed by the recruitment of professionals. In conclusion, IPC cannot be built overnight nor can it be promoted abruptly during outbreaks of diseases. Thus, the Africa CDC should build strong national IPC programmes and support such programmes with trained and competent professionals.

The Biosafety Research Road Map: The Search for Evidence to Support Practices in Human and Veterinary Laboratories.

Lack of evidence-based information regarding potential biological risks can result in inappropriate or excessive biosafety and biosecurity risk-reduction strategies. This can cause unnecessary damage and loss to the physical facilities, physical and psychological well-being of laboratory staff, and community trust. A technical working group from the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH, formerly OIE), World Health Organization (WHO), and Chatham House collaborated on the Biosafety Research Roadmap (BRM) project. The goal of the BRM is the sustainable implementation of evidence-based biorisk management of laboratory activities, particularly in low-resource settings, and the identification of gaps in the current biosafety and biosecurity knowledge base. A literature search was conducted for the basis of laboratory design and practices for four selected high-priority subgroups of pathogenic agents. Potential gaps in biosafety were focused on five main sections, including the route of inoculation/modes of transmission, infectious dose, laboratory-acquired infections, containment releases, and disinfection and decontamination strategies. Categories representing miscellaneous, respiratory, bioterrorism/zoonotic, and viral hemorrhagic fever pathogens were created within each group were selected for review. Information sheets on the pathogens were developed. Critical gaps in the evidence base for safe sustainable biorisk management were identified. The gap analysis identified areas of applied biosafety research required to support the safety, and the sustainability, of global research programs. Improving the data available for biorisk management decisions for research with high-priority pathogens will contribute significantly to the improvement and development of appropriate and necessary biosafety, biocontainment and biosecurity strategies for each agent.

How Selected Pro-Duterte Facebook Pages Framed the ABS-CBN Shutdown Issue: A Discussion on Epistemic Discrediting in Echo Chambers

Abstract This article looks into the discursive frames employed by selected pro-Duterte pages on Facebook that tackled the ABS-CBN shutdown and franchise denial issues in 2020. The legal frames were mostly derived from the findings of the lawmakers’ technical working group (TWG). The political frames, meanwhile, include ABS-CBN’s alleged biased reporting, the victory-over-oligarchs narrative pushed by the Duterte administration and other related pronouncements. The article identifies these frames as reinforcing layers to fortify the echo chamber behavior of pro-Duterte pages through an attack-amplify-attract stratagem. C. Thi Nguyen’s study resembling echo chambers anchored on “epistemic discrediting” was operationalized for this purpose. Data from the selected pro-Duterte pages were mined using the timeline feature of Crowd Tangle as the official social listening tool of Facebook. The article also explored the impact of pro-Duterte pages on ABS-CBN’s stature as a legacy media giant and on the Duterte presidency as a social media-driven administration.

Survey Results on the Risk-Based Quality of Selected Medicines Available in ECOWAS Countries in Mali

Background and Objectives: Medicines are not ordinary commercial products. In most cases, consumers are unable to decide when and how to use drugs and weigh the potential benefits against the risks, because no drug is completely safe. The use of ineffective, poor quality and harmful drugs leads to treatment failure, exacerbation of disease, drug resistance and sometimes even death. It also contributes to reducing consumer confidence in health systems, healthcare providers, manufacturers and distributors of pharmaceutical products. Methods: The survey focused on establishments identified in cross-border areas selected by the ECOWAS PMS technical working group. These can be manufacturers, importers, central purchasing bodies, wholesalers, hospital distribution centers, health centers, retail outlets. It took place from September to November 2022 and aimed to conduct quality risk-based post-marketing survey of antimalarials, antibiotics and COVID-19 drugs circulating at selected distribution levels in Mali. Results: A total of 33 samples were taken and analyzed according to a risk-based protocol, of which 27 were compliant with a rate of 82% against 06 were non-compliant or 22%. Non-compliant drugs were from both the public and private sectors. We found that 79% of drugs were unregistered among which antimicrobials were the least registered drugs with a rate of 73% and came mainly from India and China. Conclusion: This study with its cross-border character allowed us to take samples in certain areas often not covered by routine PMS. It allowed us to detect 6 non-compliant products that were withdrawn from the market and regulatory measures were taken to ensure health and guarantee access to quality medicines for health and the well-being of populations.