Comparative efficacy and safety of anti-infective drugs for patients with mild to severe COVID-19: A systematic review and network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Different anti-infecthe drugs have been proposedfor the treatment ofpatients with COVID-19. We carried out a network meta-analysis to assess their relath'e efficacy and safety. Methods: We searched relevant databases for all randomized controlled trials that reported the efficacy and or safety ofany anti-infective drugs published up to April 30, 2022 for different outcomes. We did both painvise and network meta-analysis with 95% confidence intervals using afixed-effect model. We assessed studies for quality of evidence using an extension of the standard Grading ofRecommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation approach considering P

Fighting against HIV and AIDS within a resource constrained rural setting: a case study of the Ruvheneko Programme in Chirumhanzu, Zimbabwe

Since reports of the first incidence of the HIV virus in Zimbabwe in 1985, the epidemic has negatively impacted on every facet of human security. Rural areas, by virtue of being the periphery and constrained in terms of resources and health care provision, bear the brunt of the epidemic. In light of the above background, this paper examined how the establishment of Ruvheneko Programme by the people of Chirumhanzu helped in mitigating on the impact of HIV and AIDS in the rural sphere. The paper analyses how the community of Chirumhanzu successfully engaged each other to the extent of coming up with such a vibrant programme. This is raised against the backdrop of failure usually associated with HIV and AIDS engagement projects. The study made use of field interviews and focus group discussions as data collection instruments. Participants were purposively selected on the basis of their knowledge and participation in the establishment and activities of Ruvheneko Programme. Selected were 5 St Theresa's Hospital Staff, 10 Roman Catholic Church members of which, 5 were from the St Anna's woman prayer group and 5 men from St Joseph's men prayer group, 1 village head and 2 elders from the same nearby village constituted key informants. Complementing the use of interviews and focus group discussions was the analysis of secondary data sources on HIV and AIDS in Zimbabwe as well as the Ruvheneko Programme. To understand the collective role of various sectors of the community in establishing Ruvheneko Programme, the paper derives insights from the perspective of social capital theory and its notion of commonality to strengthen communities. Findings from the study show that, unlike other HIV and AIDS programmes that are exported from the urban to the rural areas, Ruvheneko Programme demonstrates a grassroots-level response to HIV and AIDS. Again, social cohesion fostered by aspects such as religiosity, cultural ethos of Ubuntu, and a consultative approach played a key role in unifying people towards fighting HIV and AIDS in Rural Chirumhanzu

Overview of the WHO Polio Laboratory Network in the African Region

The Polio Laboratory Network has always played a critical role in diagnosing poliovirus disease (poliomyelitis) and the detection of poliovirus transmission. In the new millennium; the strength of the laboratory network is often a direct reflection of the success of the Polio Eradication Initiative (PEI) programme. The network has taken advantage of new technologies that provide speedy turnaround times for results reporting thus contributing to the success of the PEI programme. This article presents a brief overview of the work of the network

Natural products research networks in sub-Saharan Africa

Networking is a means of calibrating the quality of work that a group of people is undertaking; fostering international collaboration; pooling of available resources to provide quality training and research in various scientific disciplines and ensuring rapid worldwide dissemination of research information. Several networks involved in research and development of medicinal plants exist in the various sub-regions of the African Region. However; this paper discusses only six such networks of African researchers which share certain common characteristics. These networks aim to foster research on natural products and their sustainable use in human health; and the dissemination of information on research into natural products among others. They also aim to enhance research training capabilities of institutions through national and Regional activities; promote collaboration and research partnerships and mentoring of young researchers in the advancement of natural products research and support the principles of biodiversity conservation. However; these networks have many challenges; mostly financial. A suggestion has been made for the African Network of Drug and Diagnostics Innovation to consider the involvement of other existing networks in its structure for synergizing the efforts to create health products

A community-based investigation of the avoidable factors of maternal mortality in Nigeria: the pilot experience

"Background: Reduction of maternal mortality is one of the major goals of several recent international conferences and has been included within the Millennium Development Goals. However; because measuring maternal mortality is difficult and complex; reliable estimates of the dimensions of the problem are not generally available and assessing progress towards the goal is difficult in some countries. Reliable baseline data are crucial to effectively track progress and measure that targets or goals of reducing maternal mortality have been met. Objectives:The objectives of this pilot study were: to test adequacy of research instruments; to improve research techniques; to determine an appro- priate workload; to determine the time required for interviews; and to assess the feasibility of a (full-scale) study/ survey. Methods:This pilot study was conducted between 11th April and 22nd April 2005. 420 houses were visited and interviews of 420 respondents between the ages of 15-49 were conducted in a randomly pre-selected Local Government Area of Oyo state using a structured instrument developed using the principles of the Sisterhood Method. Results:There was willingness of the public to participate in the study. The response rate was 100.There was no issue raised as regards the structure;wording and translation of the question- naire.This pilot study uncovered local political problems and other issues that may be encountered during the main study. Conclusions:The pilot raised a number of fundamental issues related to the process of designing the research instrument; identifying and recruiting Data Collectors; training and supervision of Data Collectors and the research project; gaining access to respondents and obtaining support and approval from ""gate- keepers"".This paper highlights the lessons learned and reports practical issues that occurred during pilot study."