West Africa Research Articles

Local climate at breeding colonies influences pre-breeding arrival in a long-distance migrant

AbstractThe annual cycles of long-distance migrant species are synchronized with the local climatic conditions at their breeding areas, as they impact the availability of food resources. A timely arrival of individuals to the breeding grounds is crucial for achieving high fitness. Variation in factors influencing timing, including climate, may thus impact the life history of individuals. We studied between-individual variation in migration timing, in particular how local breeding climate influences arrival time and how early-arriving individuals achieve a timely arrival. We tracked individual Lesser Kestrel (Falco naumanni) with GPS tags across a gradient of latitude (37°–42° N) and longitude (6.5° W–16.5° E). Arrival time was influenced by the breeding latitude, the breeding longitude, and the local temperature, without any apparent influence of sex. The time of arrival at the breeding grounds was 6 days later for every degree increase in latitude and 2 days later for every degree increase in longitude. Lesser Kestrels from southwestern colonies achieve earlier arrival than conspecifics breeding at northeastern colonies, mostly due to earlier departure from their non-breeding grounds. While we found some effects of travel speed and stopover duration on arrival date, the latter was primarily influenced by food abundance and wind conditions en route. The large effect of departure date from West Africa on arrival date, relative to the more moderate influence of stopover duration close to breeding colonies, supports the idea that geographically uneven climate change may negatively affect fitness via ecological mismatches in the breeding area.

PIDGINISATION AS LINGUOCULTURAL PHENOMENON (on the example of African linguoculture)

This article identifies the features of such a linguocultural phenomenon as pidginisation and creolisation on the example of African linguoculture. The scientific problem is caused by the influence of globalisation on the state of languages and cultures within the framework of intercultural and interlanguage interaction, on the one hand, and the need to preserve native languages and cultures, on the other hand. The purpose of the article is to identify the key properties of such hybrid languages as Pidgin English and Creole English which operate in the largest country in West Africa – Nigeria. The research work is based on a combination of linguistic and cultural analysis method, which revealed the peculiarities of language and culture in the process of historical development, and comparative analysis method, which is the key to distinguish similar and distinctive features of Nigerian Pidgin English in relation to British English. The research work systematised the key historical, linguistic and cultural factors that influenced the formation and Pidgin English and Creole English development in Africa, and identified its key characteristics. It was proved that English is a universal means of interethnic communication for all social groups, but Pidgin English has simple structure at all language levels – phonetic, grammatical, lexical ones – and suits for everyday communication perfectly. Adapting to local realities, Nigerian Pidgin English at the phonetic level is the subject to assimilation and dissimilation of consonants, quantitative and qualitative reduction of vowels. The grammatical structure of Nigerian Pidgin English is the subject to maximum simplification, this level is characterised by the omission of articles; the use of abstract nouns in the plural form; the formation of adjectives’ comparison degrees and adverbs on the principle of a monosyllabic adjective; the use of simple tense forms of verb. The lexical structure of Nigerian Pidgin English is characterised by the functioning of high-frequency lexemes of autochthonous languages, which is due to the desire to follow the norms of native culture. All deviations from British English are explained by the need to create an accessible form of communication for all social groups using minimal linguistic means.

Gender differences and correlates of bullying victimisation among in-school adolescents in Benin

Bullying is one of the important global health issues affecting both health and educational outcomes of adolescents. The aim of this study was to examine gender differences and correlates of bullying victimisation among in-school adolescents in Benin, West Africa. A secondary analysis was conducted with Benin’s national dataset among 2496 school-going adolescents aged 13 years and above from the 2016 Global School-Based Student Health Survey. The overall prevalence of bullying victimisation among in-school adolescents was 42.1%, with varying rates across males (40.1%) and females (44.6%), respectively. The odds of bullying victimisation were 56% significantly higher among males in lower grades than those in higher grades (AOR = 1.56, 95% CI 1.20–2.03). Also, there was a 32% increased odds of bullying victimisation among males who currently use alcohol compared to those who do not use alcohol (AOR = 1.32, CI 1.02–1.70). Males who were physically attacked (AOR = 1.78, 95% CI 1.32–2.40) and those who were seriously injured (AOR = 1.80, 95% CI 1.41–2.30), respectively, had 78% and 80% increased odds of bullying victimisation compared to males who were not physically attacked or seriously injured. Males who engaged in physical fights had 2.03 higher odds of bullying victimisation compared to those who did not engage in physical fights (AOR = 2.03, 95% CI 1.51–2.72). For females, there were 73%, and 90% increased odds of bullying victimisation among those who were physically attacked (AOR = 1.73, CI 1.21–2.46) and those who engaged in physical fights (AOR = 1.90, CI 1.36–2.66), respectively, compared to those who were not physically attacked or involved in physical fights. The odds of bullying victimisation were 60% higher among females who were seriously injured compared to those who were not injured (AOR = 1.60, CI 1.23–2.09). Also, females who ideated suicide had 2.04 higher odds of bullying victimisation compared to those who did not ideate suicide. Gender-specific variations of bullying victimisation exist among in-adolescents in Benin. Major stakeholders (teachers, school healthcare providers, and other school authorities) should be mindful of the identified risk differentials and develop effective anti-bullying intervention strategies aimed at promoting the mental health and well-being of school-going adolescents in Benin.

Systematics of the Rhinolophus landeri complex, with evidence for 3 additional Afrotropical bat species

Abstract Roughly a third of all horseshoe bat species (Rhinolophidae: Rhinolophus) are found in Africa, where a recent continent-wide genetic survey suggested the presence of both undescribed and apparently invalid species. Here, we focus on the R. landeri species complex and the recent elevation of R. lobatus Peters, 1852, to species rank. That action created ambiguity in the taxonomy of East African members of the group—are both R. landeri Martin, 1838, and R. lobatus sympatric in East Africa or is another, unnamed species present there? Here, we refine genetic, morphological, and behavioral characterizations of R. landeri and its erstwhile synonyms with samples from the vicinity of their type localities. The distribution of R. landeri appears to be limited to Central and West Africa; existing genetic records attributed to this species from Mali clearly represent another taxon. We marshal genetic evidence for the species-level distinction of R. dobsoni Thomas, 1904, from Sudan, which was previously considered a synonym of R. landeri. We reject R. axillaris J. A. Allen, 1917, as a synonym of the R. landeri complex, provisionally regarding it as a valid member of the landeri species group. Finally, we demonstrate that East Africa is home to a fourth species of the landeri complex that is named herein. Final resolution of the systematics of this species complex awaits expanded characterizations (especially of genetics, vocalizations, and noseleaves) and studies of variation in regions of contact.

"One Health" Perspective on Prevalence of ESKAPE Pathogens in Africa: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

The leading cause of hospital-acquired infections worldwide includes Enterococcus faecium, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Enterobacter spp. (ESKAPE) infections. These bacteria are commonly isolated from clinical settings and linked to a number of potentially fatal diseases associated with hospitals. The objective of this study was to review the prevalence of ESKAPE pathogens in Africa. We gathered and systematically reviewed the literature concerning the prevalence of ESKAPE pathogens, published in the English language from January 2014 to February 2024, from three databases (PubMed, Web of Science and ScienceDirect). Our overall results revealed that S. aureus was the most prevalent species (79.5%), followed by A. baumannii (27.6%), K. pneumoniae (24.2%), Enterobacter spp. (20%), P. aeruginosa (9.0%), and E. faecium (5.1%). Moreover, stool samples had the highest Pooled Prevalence Estimates (PPEs) of 44.0%, followed by urine, nasal, and blood samples with 37.3%, 26.9%, and 22.9%, respectively. For the diagnostic method used to identify these ESKAPE pathogens, VITEK-MS had the highest PPE of 55.2%, followed by whole genome sequencing and PCR with 37.1% and 33.2%, respectively. The highest PPE of ESKAPE pathogens was recorded in West Africa with 77.3%, followed by Central/Middle Africa and East Africa with 43.5% and 25.1%, respectively. The overall PPE of ESKAPE pathogens from humans, animals, the environment (water, soil, and surfaces) and food sources was 35.8%, 37.3%, 47.7%, and 34.2%, respectively. Despite their prevalence in nosocomial settings, studies have shown that the ESKAPE pathogens may be isolated from a range of environmental reservoirs, including soil, dumping sites, beach sand, wastewater, food, and fish farms, among others. This wide source of ESKAPE pathogens substrates indicates the need for a multidisciplinary collaborative partnership for epidemiological studies and intervention efforts by the human, veterinary, and environmental health sectors in Africa.

Opsiini leafhopper genus Libengaia Linnavuori (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae: Deltocephalinae) in Africa and India with description of one new subgenus and six new species

The genus Libengaia Linnavuori is redescribed along with one new subgenus Libengaia (Nandiana) subgen. nov. (type species: Litura bharatiensis Malhotra & Sharma) and one new species, L. (Nandiana) ramamurthyi sp. nov. (India: Jarkhand). In addition, five new species of the genus from West Africa, L. (Libengaia) brevistylus sp. nov. (Cameroon), L. (L.) deemingi sp. nov. (Nigeria), L. (L.) immaculata sp. nov. (Cameroon), L. (L.) longistylus sp. nov. (Cameroon) and L. (L) trifida sp. nov. (Nigeria) are described and illustrated. Cestius terminaliae Viraktamath syn. nov. is treated as a junior synonym of Libengaia (Nandiana) bharatiensis (Malhotra & Sharma). L. (L.) deemingi breeds on Terminalia avicennioides Guill. & Perr. and is attended by an ant (Hymenoptera: Formicidae). L. (N.) bharatiensis also breeds on Terminalia arjuna (Roxb., Wight & Arn.) (Conbretaceae) and shows considerable colour variation.

The Mpox outbreak is a public health emergency of international concern: Implications for mental health and global preparedness.

The Mpox, a zoonotic viral disease that has historically affected Central and West Africa, has been declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern by the World Health Organization. Rapid transmission and recent dissemination in Africa may imply significant challenges to global health, including mental health. We reviewed the mental health implications of the Mpox outbreak according to the published literature. We also discussed the psychological effects of the global spreading of this infection and public health preparedness strategies. Key areas of intervention may include the epidemiological surveillance, vaccine development, and mental health strategies. The Mpox outbreak calls for a robust global preparedness to address potential health emergencies. Strengthening epidemiological surveillance, ensuring equitable vaccine distribution, and building resilient public health infrastructure are crucial. Additionally, addressing mental health consequences may require immediate, intermediate, and long-term strategies, including telepsychiatry, stress management training, and the integration of mental health into primary care.

Assessing Impact of AI on Resource Efficiency in Manufacturing in West Africa

This study investigates the impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on resource efficiency in the manufacturing sector within West Africa, a region characterized by infrastructural challenges and resource constraints. Through integrating Transaction Cost Economics (TCE) and the Resource-Based View (RBV) theories, the research explores how AI-driven technologies, including predictive maintenance, production optimization, real-time data analytics, and smart manufacturing systems, enhance resource efficiency. A quantitative research design with a correlational approach was employed, surveying 381 professionals across various manufacturing sectors. The study also examined the moderating role of the regulatory environment and the mediating effect of employee training and adaptation on these relationships. Findings indicate that AI-driven technologies significantly improve resource efficiency by reducing downtime, optimizing production processes, and enhancing decision-making. The regulatory environment positively moderates the relationship between AI technologies and resource efficiency, particularly when coupled with employee training. This study contributes to the existing body of knowledge by providing empirical evidence on the strategic role of AI in resource-constrained environments, emphasizing the importance of supportive regulations and workforce adaptation. The results offer practical implications for policymakers and industry leaders in West Africa, highlighting the need for targeted investments in AI infrastructure, regulatory development, and capacity building to fully leverage AI's potential in manufacturing.

Population genomic evidence of a putative ‘far-west’ African cryptic taxon in the Anopheles gambiae complex

The two main Afrotropical malaria vectors - Anopheles coluzzii and An. gambiae – are genetically distinct and reproductively isolated across West Africa. However, populations at the western extreme of their range are assigned as “intermediate” between the two species by whole genome sequence (WGS) data, and as hybrid forms by conventional molecular diagnostics. By exploiting WGS data from 1190 specimens collected across west Africa via the Anopheles gambiae 1000 Genomes network, we identified a putative taxon in the far-west (provisionally named Bissau molecular form), which did not arise by admixture but rather may have originated at the same time as the split between An. coluzzii and An. gambiae. Intriguingly, this taxon lacks insecticide resistance mechanisms commonly observed in the two main species. These findings lead to a change of perspective on malaria vector species in the far-west region with potential for epidemiological implications, and a new challenge for genetic-based mosquito control approaches.

High SARS-CoV-2 seroincidence but low excess COVID mortality in Sierra Leone in 2020-2022.

While SARS-CoV-2 infection appears to have spread widely throughout Africa, documentation of associated mortality is limited. We implemented a representative serosurvey in one city of Sierra Leone in Western Africa, paired with nationally representative mortality and selected death registration data. Cumulative seroincidence using high quality SARS-CoV-2 serological assays was 69% by July 2021, rising to 84% by April 2022, mostly preceding SARS-CoV-2 vaccination. About half of infections showed evidence of neutralizing antibodies. However, excess death rates were low, and were concentrated at older ages. During the peak weeks of viral activity, excess mortality rates were 22% for individuals aged 30-69 years and 70% for those over 70. Based on electronic verbal autopsy with dual independent physician assignment of causes, excess deaths during viral peaks from respiratory infections were notable. Excess deaths differed little across specific causes that, a priori, are associated with COVID, and the pattern was consistent among adults with or without chronic disease risk factors. The overall 6% excess of deaths at ages ≥30 from 2020-2022 in Sierra Leone is markedly lower than reported from South Africa, India, and Latin America. Thus, while SARS-CoV-2 infection was widespread, our study highlights as yet unidentified mechanisms of heterogeneity in susceptibility to severe disease in parts of Africa.

Footprints of drought risk on Africa’s agricultural, water and nutritional security

Abstract Prolonged and recurrent droughts seriously threaten Africa’s food and water security. This threat frequently coexists with human-induced calamities, such as domestic and international conflicts and civil unrest, which could exacerbate the socio-economic instability already present in the region. Using a novel data-driven approach, we evaluated how drought risk in Africa affects the security of various crucial sectors of sustainable development, such as agriculture, water, and food nutrition/health (referred here as ‘nutritional’). Our findings show that different sectors and geographical areas exhibit distinct risk footprints. In Central African countries, for instance, we found that social instability linked to higher nutritional risk is more prevalent than that resulting from the agriculture and water sectors. Socio-economic volatility rather than uncertainty in the climate is the primary driver of this elevated nutritional risk. However, most Northern African countries are at risk of considerable agriculture and water insecurity because of extreme water stress and unstable climate trends. We indicate that the risk is majorly driven by recurrent drought events in Southern Africa, which significantly affect inclusive sectoral securities. The cause of higher risks in Eastern and Western Africa has been found to be an unfavorable interaction of all the risk components—vulnerability, exposure, and hazard. Notably, basic amenities, climate stability, and access to sustainable and renewable water sources are often missing from Africa’s sectoral risk hotspots. Our results emphasize the necessity of maximizing the efficacy of bottom-up initiatives to achieve sustainable food and water security, by integrating socio-economic policies and climate change at the granular level through observation.

Influences of Central and Eastern Atlantic Niño on the West African and South American summer monsoons

The rainfall variabilities of the West African and South American summer monsoons, pivotal for local and global climate systems, are strongly influenced by tropical Atlantic sea surface temperature anomalies. This study investigates the impacts of two recently identified Atlantic Niño types, central and eastern Atlantic Niño (CAN and EAN), on these monsoon systems using observational data and numerical experiments. During boreal summer, EAN events exhibit increased rainfall over West Africa compared to CAN events, indicating a strengthened West African summer monsoon. Enhanced moisture flux convergence from eastern Atlantic warming drives these wetting conditions during EAN events. Conversely, CAN events have a more pronounced influence on South American monsoon rainfall during austral summer, causing a rainfall anomaly dipole between the Amazon and eastern Brazil, suggesting an eastward shift in the South American summer monsoon rainfall belt. These rainfall changes are linked to cyclonic circulation anomalies over the southwest Atlantic Ocean, attributed to central Atlantic warming during CAN events. Furthermore, a statistical model assesses hindcast skills of rainfall variability in the two summer monsoon regions, affirming the benefits of separating Atlantic Niño into CAN and EAN events for improved seasonal climate predictions.

Bioactive constituents and acute toxicity of Blighia sapida capsule extracts using wistar rats

Ethnopharmacological relevanceBlighia sapida, commonly known as Ackee, is a plant native to West Africa, with great cultural and therapeutic value, particularly in Western Nigeria. Traditionally, Blighia sapida capsule is used in western Nigeria to treat ecthyma in sheep and goats by heating it in hot ash. This process causes the capsule to release a liquid, which is then directly applied to the entire affected area of the skin. However, there is limited information available on its phyto-constituents and medicinal effects. Aim of the studyThis work examined the bioactive constituents, acute toxicity, and sub-acute toxicity of aqueous and ethanolic extracts of Blighia sapida capsule. Materials and methodsExtraction of phytochemical constituents was carried out with distilled water and ethanol and was concentrated at 40 °C. The phytochemical constituents were determined using a variant 3800/4000 gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) machine. Lorke's method was employed to determine the acute toxicity of the aqueous and ethanolic extracts of Blighia sapida capsule. ResultsThe GC-MS analysis revealed 15 bioactive compounds in both extracts, with kaempferol being the most abundant. Notable pharmacologically active compounds included pyrrolidin-2-ylmethanol, rutin, quinoline, apigenin, and naringenin. The study observed distinctive differences in aqueous and ethanolic extracts compound weights and peak areas. Acute toxicity study depicts that the lethal dose of aqueous and ethanolic extracts of Blighia sapida capsule is above 5000 mg/kg as no mortality was recorded in the oral administration of 10, 100, 1000, 1600, 2900, and 5000 mg/kg of aqueous and ethanolic extracts. Sub-acute toxicity results indicated no significant adverse effects on kidney and liver function, although some variations in biochemical parameters were observed. Histological analysis showed normal renal and hepatic architecture in treated animals. ConclusionThis study demonstrated that aqueous and ethanolic extracts of Blighia sapida capsule exhibited no acute toxicity and minimal sub-acute toxicity, suggesting they are safe for consumption at the tested doses.

Coups, Regional Security Complexes and the Impact of Nigeria’s Peacekeeping in West Africa, 1960–2022

Over the years, Africa has continued to experience conflicts caused by civil wars and the tussle for power through military coups. Despite having the Mediation & Security Council within ECOWAS, it has been unable to create sustainable peace within the region. The many porous borders between the countries further exacerbate the complexities of its regional security. The consequences of these problems usually affect neighbouring countries, thereby resulting in regional security complexes and the consequent challenges of peacekeeping operations. This paper uses historical, descriptive and comparative analysis by focusing on coups as precursors to security challenges in the region of West Africa and the resulting peacekeeping operations by countries such as Nigeria. Based on the premise of ECOWAS, it introduces some conflicts caused by coups; the challenges of Regional Security Complex in West Africa and the examination of Nigerian Peacekeeping efforts. Furthermore, it offers some recommendations towards sustainable regional peace. Results show that there is a need for the African Union (AU) to do more to secure the continent. Reliance on non-African countries to support its internal security problems has become counterproductive. It recommends that Nigeria should temporarily suspend its peacekeeping operations and channel its resources towards addressing its internal security challenges; that the AU must establish a standing army as a quick response force to address the various continental crises before they become exponential threats and that ECOWAS should implement its common currency plan. Finally, the African Union must develop best practices that can alleviate poverty and guarantee security in line with the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Tropical tropospheric ozone distribution and trends from in situ and satellite data

Abstract. Tropical tropospheric ozone (TTO) is important for the global radiation budget because the longwave radiative effect of tropospheric ozone is higher in the tropics than midlatitudes. In recent decades the TTO burden has increased, partly due to the ongoing shift of ozone precursor emissions from midlatitude regions toward the Equator. In this study, we assess the distribution and trends of TTO using ozone profiles measured by high-quality in situ instruments from the IAGOS (In-Service Aircraft for a Global Observing System) commercial aircraft, the SHADOZ (Southern Hemisphere ADditional OZonesondes) network, and the ATom (Atmospheric Tomographic Mission) aircraft campaign, as well as six satellite records reporting tropical tropospheric column ozone (TTCO): TROPOspheric Monitoring Instrument (TROPOMI), Ozone Monitoring Instrument (OMI), OMI/Microwave Limb Sounder (MLS), Ozone Mapping Profiler Suite (OMPS)/Modern-Era Retrospective analysis for Research and Applications version 2 (MERRA-2), Cross-track Infrared Sounder (CrIS), and Infrared Atmospheric Sounding Interferometer (IASI)/Global Ozone Monitoring Experiment 2 (GOME2). With greater availability of ozone profiles across the tropics we can now demonstrate that tropical India is among the most polluted regions (e.g., western Africa, tropical South Atlantic, Southeast Asia, Malaysia and Indonesia), with present-day 95th percentile ozone values reaching 80 nmol mol−1 in the lower free troposphere, comparable to midlatitude regions such as northeastern China and Korea. In situ observations show that TTO increased between 1994 and 2019, with the largest mid- and upper-tropospheric increases above India, Southeast Asia, and Malaysia and Indonesia (from 3.4 ± 0.8 to 6.8 ± 1.8 nmol mol−1 decade−1), reaching 11 ± 2.4 and 8 ± 0.8 nmol mol−1 decade−1 close to the surface (India and Malaysia–Indonesia, respectively). The longest continuous satellite records only span 2004–2019 but also show increasing ozone across the tropics when their full sampling is considered, with maximum trends over Southeast Asia of 2.31 ± 1.34 nmol mol−1 decade−1 (OMI) and 1.69 ± 0.89 nmol mol−1 decade−1 (OMI/MLS). In general, the sparsely sampled aircraft and ozonesonde records do not detect the 2004–2019 ozone increase, which could be due to the genuine trends on this timescale being masked by the additional uncertainty resulting from sparse sampling. The fact that the sign of the trends detected with satellite records changes above three IAGOS regions, when their sampling frequency is limited to that of the in situ observations, demonstrates the limitations of sparse in situ sampling strategies. This study exposes the need to maintain and develop high-frequency continuous observations (in situ and remote sensing) above the tropical Pacific Ocean, the Indian Ocean, western Africa, and South Asia in order to estimate accurate and precise ozone trends for these regions. In contrast, Southeast Asia and Malaysia–Indonesia are regions with such strong increases in ozone that the current in situ sampling frequency is adequate to detect the trends on a relatively short 15-year timescale.

Commodity production and African migration to Turkey, Now and in the premodern past

African Migration in Turkey is an under-researched area despite the long history of migration between West Africa and the Ottoman Empire and the large number of African migrants in Turkey. The connection of this historical and contemporary migration movement with commodity production reveals not only the basic dynamics and patterns but also the global character of this mobility. While the flow of labor and commodities between Africa and Turkey continues, especially with Turkey's new Africa policy after 2002, African migrants are also implementing their own interests and agendas. Thus, an interdisciplinary approach encompassing history, economics, and anthropology reveals intertwined transformations and networks that provide a perspective for historical changes.

The labour migration of the Ovambo workers to the diamond fields in German South West Africa

The extraction of several hundred thousand carats of rough diamonds per year in German South West Africa would have been inconceivable without indigenous workers from the Ovamo region. Each year, thousands of migrant workers from the north of the German colony migrated to the diamond fields to engage in diamond mining and wage labour. The Ovambo workers typically entered into short-term employment contracts for six or nine months before returning to their home regions to focus on farming and harvesting for the rest of the year. This article examines the migrant labour of the Ovambo on the diamond fields of German South West Africa from 1908 to 1914. It focuses on the agency of the indigenous miners, the reasons for their migration, and their social profile. Additionally, it explores the interconnections that arose due to the labour migration of the Ovambo between their home regions and the diamond fields, along with their resulting implications. KEYWORDS: Agency. Wage labour. Diamonds.

Queering Masculinities in the Middle East (SWANA) and South Asia

One of the most important shifts in gender scholarship is the attention now being paid to discourses and practices of masculinity in the Global South. This issue of Men and Masculinities contributes to this growing field in three important ways. First, we foreground scholarship on masculinities in two interconnected, but understudied regions of the world, specifically the Middle East, which is also known as South West Asia and North Africa (SWANA), and its neighbor to the east, South Asia. In particular, we demonstrate the ways in which queer identities and communities are being formed across these two regions, connected as they are by historic trade routes, migration pathways, and transregional cultural flows. Second, we point to the vibrant masculinities scholarship that is emerging from these regions. But we focus specifically on non-normative masculinities—or the queer, trans, and other genderqueer masculinities—which have been historically present in these two regions, but which have been much less represented in masculinities literature. Third, we look to identity formation, or the ways in which young cis-gender, trans, and queer men come out in their communities and seek authentic lives of desire, pleasure, and participation. At the same time, we highlight the ever-present precarity within queer communities in the Middle East/SWANA and South Asia, especially given postcolonial nationalist and ethno-nationalist agendas, which promote normative heteropatriarchal masculinities and concomitant homophobia and transphobia.

Monkeypox: A Growing Global Health Challenge and the Need for Vigilant Preparedness

The Ongoing Public Health Challenge of Monkeypox Monkeypox is relatively a new threat to the global community as it has brought into focus the issue of improved surveillance and response to infectious diseases[1]. Initially, a rather exotic zoonotic pathogen limited to certain regions of Central and West Africa, monkeypox is being detected in the countries that previously did not report its occurrence, which creates new challenges for the health care systems of the world[2]. Understanding the Disease Monkeypox is an infectious disease that results from the attack of monkeypox virus which is in the Ortho poxvirus group of the virus family Poxviridae though the smallpox virus has been eradicated. The disease has some symptoms are similar to smallpox and includes fever, body aches, and rash that goes through different stages. Despite the fact that monkeypox is less severe when compared with smallpox, significant morbidity and potentially mortality cannot be ruled out[3]. Direct human-to-human transmission is by contact with infected body fluids, aerosols, or fomites such as used clothing, beddings among others. Recent epidemics have been experienced in the urban areas as this makes it easier for the virus to spread due to high population densities. This has transformed the disease from one which affected isolated African communities to a problem in developed, globally connected cities[4]. Why Should We Be Concerned? The stoppage of smallpox vaccination has exposed the people to Ortho poxviruses such as monkeypox. The constant risk of getting zoonotic diseases due to factors such as deforestation, urbanization and close interaction with animals means that diseases, which are mainly associated with animals, can easily infect human beings. Furthermore, the flexibility in the global interconnectivity of today’s world through travel and business has facilitated the spread of the virus across the borders. In 2022, 34 monkeypox cases were reported in European countries, the Americas, and other areas of the world, where the disease had not been identified[5, 6]. The Public Health Response To this recent outbreak of the disease, the WHO and the CDC have scaled up awareness campaigns and encouraged surveillance as well as put in place measures to contain the spread of the disease. Mass vaccination campaigns using smallpox vaccines that work against monkeypox have been intensified in the affected countries, however, there are several problems with implementing this approach: the difficulties of delivering vaccines in time and the scarcity of the vaccines themselves[7]. These are important in educating communities on how to avoid the disease and this include avoiding contact with sick persons, washing hands regularly and consulting a doctor when experiencing early symptoms of the disease. It also means that health systems need to be ready and able to identify such patients and isolate them to avoid spreading of the virus[8, 9]. Looking Forward The spread of monkeypox in the non-endemic countries is a cause of concern and questions the efficiency of our societies’ prevention, detection, and controlling of infectious diseases. Even as the current outbreaks have informed the world of the virus, it is important to note that this is not a one-off case[10]. Zoonotic diseases, which can be transmitted from animals to people, will remain a threat into the future as people increase in numbers and expand their living space into the domain of wildlife. The fight against monkeypox is the fight against all other infectious diseases that can be most effectively fought for with a proper approach and mutual cooperation of all countries[11]. Monkeypox is not as dangerous as some other infectious diseases but looking at the example of how this disease affected people one can conclude that public health cannot be unguarded. Prevention of such diseases in the future would require increased investment in the global health care system, outcome of research on new diseases and vaccination exercises. We cannot afford to wait for another pandemic to happen in order to start acting[12, 13].

Molecular epidemiology and evolutionary characteristics of dengue virus 2 in East Africa

Despite the increasing burden of dengue, the regional emergence of the virus in Kenya has not been examined. This study investigates the genetic structure and regional spread of dengue virus-2 in Kenya. Viral RNA from acutely ill patients in Kenya was enriched and sequenced. Six new dengue-2 genomes were combined with 349 publicly available genomes and phylogenies used to infer gene flow between Kenya and other countries. Analyses indicate two dengue-2 Cosmopolitan genotype lineages circulating in Kenya, linked to recent outbreaks in coastal Kenya and Burkina Faso. Lineages circulating in Western, Southern, and Eastern Africa exhibiting similar evolutionary features are also reported. Phylogeography suggests importation of dengue-2 into Kenya from East and Southeast Asia and bidirectional geneflow. Additional lineages circulating in Africa are also imported from East and Southeast Asia. These findings underscore how intermittent importations from East and Southeast Asia drive dengue-2 circulation in Kenya and Africa more broadly.