Atlas of African health statistics 2022: Health situation analysis of the WHO African Region

The population of the World Health Organization's (WHO) African Region was estimated to be 1 120 161 000 in 2020 and about 14.4% of the world's population of 7 758 157 000. It was 8 billion in 20211 . It is the third largest population among the WHO regions after South-East Asia and the Western Pacific. Between 2019 and 2020, the population differential was equivalent to that of a state of more than 28 million inhabitants. The five most populated countries account for more than 45% of the Region's population. Among these, Nigeria and the Democratic Republic of the Congo represent about 50% of the population of the West African and Central African subregions, respectively, and Ethiopia represents about 20% of the population of the East and Southern Africa subregions. The average annual population growth in Africa was 2.5% in 2020. If the heterogeneity of the population growth between the regions of the world and between countries in the same subregion is considered, countries from and East and Southern Africa subregions seem to have lower population growth rates than countries in other large subregions, which show significantly higher increases. The current population density of Africa is low, estimated to be 36 inhabitants per km2 for the whole continent. However, many areas are uninhabitable and some countries have relatively large populations. High population density is a concern that must be addressed through policies, because it could generate surges and high concentrations of populations in mega cities and urban slums, which can be an issue when it comes to accessing various qualitative services. Gross domestic product (GDP) reflects a country's resources and therefore its potential to provide access to services to its people, particularly health services. This dynamic creates a circle, with healthier people going to work and contributing to the production of wealth for the benefit of the country. The most vulnerable people live from agriculture in rural areas, or in conflict-affected states. Difficulties in accessing health services, low education and inequalities between men and women are additional obstacles to poverty reduction. The population of sub-Saharan Africa is expected to almost double over the next three decades, growing from 1.15 billion in 2022 to 2.09 billion in 2050. The world's population is expected to grow from 7.94 billion at present to 8.51 billion in 2030 and 9.68 billion in 2050. The demographic dividend2 for African countries will emanate from the acceleration of economic growth following a de crease in fertility with a change in the structure of the age pyramid where the active population, that is those aged 18­65 years, will be more important, reaching a certain optimum to make positive the ratio between the population able to finance health and education systems and the population that benefits from these systems. This is the human capital for development at a given moment. The demographic dividend appears to be an opportunity and an invitation to action, but it is also a real challenge, that of creating sustainable jobs to generate the development to activate the economic growth lever.

Atlas of African Health Statistics 2022: Health situation analysis of the WHO African Region - Country profiles

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Atlas of African health statistics 2022: health situation analysis of the WHO African Region ­ summary report

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Atlas des statistiques sanitaires africaines 2022: analyse de la situation sanitaire de la Région africaine ­ rapport de synthèse

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Atlas des statistiques sanitaires africaines 2022: Analyse de la situation sanitaire de la Région africaine ­ Profils Pays

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Knowledge, risk-perception, and uptake of COVID-19 prevention measures in sub-Saharan Africa: a scoping review

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has almost affected the entire globe and is currently in a resurgent phase within the sub-Saharan African region. Objective: This paper presents results from a scoping review of literature on knowledge, risk-perception, conspiracy theories and uptake of COVID-19 prevention measures in sub-Saharan Africa. Methods: We used the following search terms: 'COVID-19', 'knowledge', 'perceptions', 'perspectives', 'misconceptions', 'conspiracy theories', 'practices' and 'sub-Saharan Africa'. Basing on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for scoping reviews (PRISMA-ScR) guidelines, we identified 466 articles for review; 36 articles met the inclusion criteria. We extracted data on knowledge, risk perception, conspiracy theories and uptake of COVID-19 primary prevention measures. Results: Knowledge of COVID-19 was high (91.3-100%) and associated with age and education; risk-perception was equally high (73.3-86.9%) but varied across studies. Uptake of handwashing with water and soap or hand-sanitizing ranged between 63-96.4%, but wearing of face masks and social distancing fared poorly (face masks: 2.7%-37%; social distancing: 19-43%). Conclusion: While knowledge of COVID-19 is nearly universal, uptake of COVID-19 prevention measures remains sub-optimal to defeat the pandemic. These findings suggest a need for continued health promotion to increase uptake of the recommended COVID-19 prevention measures in sub-Saharan Africa

Empathy and use of evidence in handling travellers coming from COVID-19 high-risk countries

A recent commentary published in this journal correctly notes the important challenges that must be addressed to mitigate the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic in Africa. While we agree with the basic assumptions and arguments of their essay, we argue that common social institutional norms in most rural settings could be marshalled for organizing preventive measures

Trends in Perinatal Health Indices in the Amajuba District; KwaZulu-Natal; South Africa; 1990-2012

Background. In order to address the high perinatal mortality rate; South Africa (SA) commenced a number of interventions from 1995. These included the abolition of user fees; basic antenatal care; on-the-spot diagnosis and treatment of syphilis; and the prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV. However; there is a dearth of information on the long-term effect of these programmes on perinatal indicators in district hospitals; where most births and deaths occur.Objective. To determine the levels and trends in maternal and neonatal indicators in Amajuba District; KwaZulu-Natal Province; SA; and to ascertain the dynamics of these indicators vis-a-vis the transformation of healthcare in SA. Methods. The study location was Madadeni Hospital and its nine feeder maternity clinics. Information pertaining to all deliveries and their outcome from these health facilities from 1990 to 2012 was extracted from the clinical registers. Data were analysed using SPSS version 15.0 (IBM; USA). Quantitative variables were summarised as means; while qualitative data were expressed as proportions and percentages. The trends for each outcome variable for the entire study period (1990 - 2012) were analysed and presented as line graphs and tables. Results. There were 154 821 live births and 4 133 stillbirths from 1990 to 2012. The overall mean values for stillbirth rate; perinatal mortality rate; neonatal mortality rate and maternal mortality ratio were 26.3 (standard deviation 5.6); 40.9 (9.6); 16.8 (4.7) and 114 (56.6); respectively. There was a general improvement in all the perinatal health indices in the early 90s; followed by a general worsening until the early 2000s; after which a consistent decline was noted. Conclusion. The perinatal health indices in Amajuba District have followed a pattern similar to that found in the rest of SA: an increase during the late 90s to early 2000s; followed by a decline from the late second half of the first decade of this century

Resources, indicators, data management, dissemination and use in health information systems in Sub-Saharan Africa: results of a questionnaire-based survey

OBJECTIVE:To describe the status of health information systems in 14 sub-Saharan African countries of the World Health Organization African Region.DESIGN:A questionnaire-based survey.SETTING:Fourteen sub-Saharan African countries of the African Region.PARTICIPANTS:Key informants in the ministries of health, national statistics offices, health programmes, donors and technical agencies.MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES:State of resources, indicators, data sources, data management, information products, dissemination and use of health information.RESULTS:The highest average score was in the identification and harmonisation of indicators (73%), reflecting successful efforts to identify priority indicators and reach international consensus on indicators for several diseases. This was followed by information products (63%), which indicated the availability of accurate and reliable data. The lowest score (41%) was in data management, the ability to collect, store, analyse and distribute data, followed by resources - policy and planning, human and financial resources, and infrastructure (53%). Data sources (e.g. censuses, surveys) were on average inadequate with a score of 56%. The average score for dissemination and use of health information was 57%, which indicated limited or inadequate use of data for advocacy, planning and decision-making. CONCLUSIONS:National health information systems are weak in the surveyed countries and much more needs to be done to improve the quality and relevance of data, and their management, sharing and use for policy-making and decision-making

Male circumcision programmes in Kenya: lessons from the Kenya AIDS Indicator Survey 2007

Objective:To provide guidance for male circumcision programmes in Kenya by estimating the population of uncircumcised men and investigating the association between circumcision and infection with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV); with particular reference to uncircumcised; HIV-uninfected men. Methods Data on men aged 15 to 64 years were derived from the 2007 Kenya AIDS Indicator Survey; which involved interviews and blood collection to test for HIV and herpes simplex virus 2 (HSV-2). The prevalence of HIV infection and circumcision in Kenyan provinces was calculated and the demographic characteristics and sexual behaviour of circumcised and uncircumcised; HIV-infected and HIV-uninfected men were recorded. Findings The national prevalence of HIV infection in uncircumcised men was 13.2(95confidence interval; CI: 10.8-15.7) compared with 3.9(95CI: 3.3-4.5) among circumcised men. Nyanza province had the largest estimated number of uncircumcised; HIV-uninfected men (i.e. 601 709); followed by Rift Valley; Nairobi and Western Province; respectively; and most belonged to the Luo ethnic tribe. Of these men; 77.8did not know their HIV status and 33.2were HSV-2-positive. In addition; 65.3had had unprotected sex with a partner of discordant or unknown HIV status in the past 12 months and only 14.7consistently used condoms with their most recent partner. However; only 21.8of the uncircumcised; HIV-uninfected men aged 15 to 19 years were sexually active. Conclusion The Kenyan male circumcision strategy should focus on the provinces with the highest number of uncircumcised; HIV-uninfected men and target young men before or shortly after sexual debut

Assessing the Knowledge and Perceptions of Medical Students from the Western Cape; South Africa; Regarding the Millennium Development Goals

Background: Health science students are key players in implementing the Millennium Development Goals (MDG). Knowledge and understanding at university level is essential to achieve the goals by 2015. The primary objective of this study was to assess the knowledge and perceptions of fifth-year medical students at Stellenbosch University and the University of Cape Town regarding the MDG. The secondary objectives were to determine the degree to which students are involved in awareness campaigns and implementation of the MDG; and to assess students' perceptions regarding the need for the MDG in South Africa. Method: This observational; descriptive; cross-sectional study collected quantitative data. A census was carried out. All participants completed a self-administered questionnaire. Results: Of the 176 participants; 61.14 said they had previously heard or read about the MDG. Forty per cent had heard about the MDG through awareness campaigns. More than half (54.86) claimed to know what the MDG were; but could not name all of the goals. Participants identified a mean of three out of eight MDG correctly. The majority of students considered MDG implementation in South Africa important but ineffective (69.85); and 85.82 believed that the MDG would not be achieved on time.Conclusion: It was found that fifth-year medical students in the Western Cape were not adequately informed about the MDG and their importance in South Africa. However; their perceptions were positive; in that the majority agreed that the implementation of the MDG in South Africa is important and that more needs to be done in creating awareness about the goals

Comparative Analysis of Global Health Statistics; Implication for Health Education and Promotion

This study examined the differences in health statistics of some selected developing and developed countries. Secondary data were sourced from various international sources such as World Fact book (2008); World Health Organization (2010) and UNICEF(2010). The variables of the study were HIV/ AIDS prevalence and education statistics of Nigeria; Ghana Australia; USA countries formed the dependent. HIV/AIDS is not significant as a predictor of life expectancy in these countries as HIV/ AIDS statistics of the five countries contributed 5.4to life expectancy (R=0.548). However it is a predictor of life expectancy in Ghana and Nigeria; with a t-value of 2.975 and -3.090 respectively. Both were significant at 0.05 alpha levels. The t-value of all five countries shows that none was significant in the use of education as a predictor of life expectancy. It was recommended that Nigerian government should to raise health expenditure to the agreed 15of the budget and make more effort at increasing school enrollment at the primary and secondary levels. This must be followed with employment opportunities to raise the living standard of the people. This comprehensive approach to health status will increase life expectancy among Nigeria

Dietary Fat Intake and Nutritional Status Indicators of Primary School Children in a Low-Income Informal Settlement in the Vaal Region

Background: The objective of this study was to examine growth indicators; serum cholesterol; high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and triglyceride levels; as well as dietary fat intakes usually associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk in healthy primary school children.Method: The respondents in this study included a convenience sample of 97 primary school children aged 6-13 years from a selected school. Anthropometric measurements (weight and height) and three 24-hour recall questionnaires were completed for each child. Registered nurses drew blood from the vena cephalica of seated children after an eight-hour fast.Results: The results of this study indicated that stunting; underweight and thinness were prevalent in this group of children. The prevalence rate for stunting (12.5) was lower than the national prevalence rate of 20; whereas the prevalence rate for underweight (15.1) was higher than the national prevalence rate of 10. Overweight was prevalent in only 1 of the sample; and more so in boys (2.3) than girls (0). None of the children in this study were obese. Serum cholesterol; HDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels were within the normal range. However; the mean serum LDL cholesterol levels were very high. The total dietary fat intakes showed significant relationships with total dietary cholesterol (r = 0.324; p-value = 0.001); linolenic acid (r = 0.605; p-value 0.0001) and linoleic acid (r

Comparison of low dose and standard dose adrenocorticotropin stimulation tests in healthy Nigerians

Hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis dysfunction is a potentially life-threatening condition. It is of paramount importance that safe; reliable diagnostic tests be available to identify patients at risk for adrenal insufficiency. The 250?g Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) stimulation test is commonly used to assess adrenocortical function. The 250?g dose is supraphysiological; therefore several investigators; over the years; have used 1?g ACTH stimulation test to assess adrenocortical function.The aim of the study was to compare the response of healthy adult Nigerian subjects to the 250?g and 1?g ACTH tests.Ten healthy subjects; five males and five females; aged between 20-60 years; (mean; 38.7 years) participated in this study. They all had normal medical histories and physical examinations; were nonsmokers; and had never received any type of glucocorticoid therapy. Serum chemistries; full blood counts; erythrocyte sedimentation rate; were all within normal limits. Both low dose ACTH test and standard dose ACTH test were performed on the 10 subjects in a randomized order on different days.There was no statistically significant difference in mean serum cortisol levels between the two test doses at 30 minutes (928.4 vs 929.8nmol/L). There was a strong correlation between 30-minute cortisol responses to 1?g and 250?g ACTH stimulation tests; r=0.999; p0.001.In agreement with other published data; our study confirms that 1?g ACTH stimulates adrenocortical secretion in normal subjects in the period 30 minutes post injection comparable to 250?g ACTH testing

Obstetric Indices at The Ebonyi State University Teaching Hospital; Abakaliki; South East

Background: Some vital health statistics are usually necessary in planning and execution of certain health policies and programmes. This is especially important in an obstetric unit where reduction of maternal and perinatal mortality have become yardstick for achieving some aspects of the Millennium Development Goal. Nigeria. Method: A review of Obstetric records in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology; EBSUTH; Abakaliki; over a three-year period (January 2001-December 2003 was done. Results: A total 1660 deliveries were conducted during the review period. Of these; 82.2were registered for antenatal care. Caesarean section rate was; 17.8; instrumental deliveries 2.1while 0.5had destructive operations.. Teenage pregnancy and grandmultiparity accounted for 6.0and 15respectively. Sixteen. Percent of the babies were of low birth weight while 4.5were macrosomic. Maternal mortality ratio and perinatal mortally rate were 3;392 per 100;000 and 86.3 per 1;000 respectively. Conclusion: Some of the vital obstetric indices were still within the range comparable to other centers. Grandmultiparity contributed a significant proportion of the cases and this calls for aggressive family planning campaigns. Maternal and perinatal mortality rates were outrageous. It is suggested that periodic review of some vital obstetric indices will pinpoint priority areas and help health policy makers and implementers provide the basic rudiments of safe motherhood initiative to our women

Health risks associated with obesity

The association of obesity with a number of pathological disorders; such as hypertension; type 2 diabetes mellitus; cardiovascular diseases; neoplasms; gallstones; respiratory system diseases and sleep apnoea; is discussed. Also; the different factors that determine the degree of impairment in obesity are discussed; these include the amount of body fat; distribution of fat and presence of other risk factors. Brief discussions on the prevalence of obesity in South Africa and the effects of obesity on reproductive function are also presented