Couverture de la chimio ­ prévention du paludisme saisonnier chez les enfants de 3 à 59 mois au Bénin en 2023 / Coverage of seasonal malaria chemoprevention in children from 3 to 59 months of age in Benin in 2023

Introduction : la Chimioprévention du Paludisme Saisonnier (CPS) est une intervention pouvant réduire la survenue des cas de paludisme chez les enfants de 3 à 59 mois. L'objectif de cette étude était de mesurer la couverture de la CPS chez les enfants de 3 à 59 mois pendant la campagne (juillet à octobre 2023) vivant dans la zone d'intervention au Bénin. Matériels et méthodes : une étude enquête transversale descriptive et analytique a été conduite du 30 novembre au 14 décembre 2023. Un échantillonnage en grappe à trois degrés a permis de tiré au sort 3573 en milieux urbain et rural dans 172 Zones de Dénombrements (ZD) réparties dans les 15 communes d'intervention. Résultats : l'enquête a révélé que 87,3% des enfants ciblés ont été touchés par la campagne de CPS 2023. Sur les quatre passages, la couverture complète était respectivement de 84,4%, 81,7%, 77,7% et 62,2%. La couverture complète pour les douze doses était de 59,8%. Conclusion : la couverture en CPS a diminué au fur et à mesure des doses. Les refus persistent et proviennent des personnes clés des ménages qui décident de l'accès aux soins. Le plan de communication et les stratégies de déploiement de la CPS doit être investigué et renforcé en vue d'améliorer la couverture.

Introduction: Seasonal malaria chemoprevention (SMC) is an intervention that can reduce the occurrence of malaria in children aged 3-59 months. The study aimed to measure the coverage of SMC among children aged 3 to 59 months from July to October 2023 living in the intervention zone in Benin. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted from 30 November to 14 December 2023. Three-stage sampling was used to randomly select 3573 people in urban and rural areas in 172 enumeration zones (ED) in the 15 intervention municipalities. Results: Of the targeted children, 87.3% of had been reached by the 2023 CPS campaign Over the four rounds, full coverage was 84.4%, 81.7%, 77.7% and 62.2% respectively. Full coverage for the twelve doses was 59.8%. Conclusion: The SMC coverage decreased with each dose and varied across areas. The SMC communication plan and implementation needs to be strengthened to improve coverage

COVID-19 infection prevention preparedness, practices and case management in the primary health care units in Ethiopia

BACKGROUND: COVID-19 as pandemic declared by WHO on March 11, 2020 and first case detected in Ethiopia on March 13/2020. The COVID-19 caused a global crisis, including millions of lives lost, public health systems in shock and economic and social disruption. Strategies depend on how an existing health system is organized. Even though public health emergency operation centers of the Ethiopia switched to emergency response, there is no national evidence about infection prevention and control. Therefore, this project aimed to assess the level of infection prevention and control and management of COVID- 19 in Ethiopia, 2021. METHODS: The cross-sectional study conducted at four regions and one city (Amhara, Oromia, SNNPR, Sidama Region, and Dire Dawa). Being with zonal health departments and woredas health offices, primary health care units were selected. The data were collected electronically through Kobocollect software from November 08-28/2021. Descriptive analysis like frequency and percentage was conducted by SPSS software version 25 and the results were presented by tables, figures and narration. RESULTS: Data were collected from 16 hospitals, 92 health centers, and 344 health posts. All hospitals have designated COVID-19 focal person. There were significant number of woredas and PHCUs who didn't have IPC guidelines and protocols. About 11 woredas had no any type of diagnostic tests for COVID-19. CONCLUSIONS: The study revealed that there were significant gaps on Infection prevention and control practice, shortage of personal protective equipment, isolation and specimen transportation problem, lack of call centers. We recommend concerned bodies to fill the identified gaps.

Determination of knowledge, attitude, and practice of Chinese and local people towards malaria prevention in Kano State, Nigeria

To date, malaria is still a major public health issue in the world. Africa remains the most affected continent with the highest malaria cases and deaths. Since more than one thousand Chinese citizens are living in Nigeria, examination of their knowledge, attitude, and practice compared with those of the local people may be essential towards malaria prevention. This study adopted cross-sectional research. A total of 137 Chinese people and 299 local people residing in Kano State, Nigeria constituted the study subjects. A questionnaire was used for the collection of data on socio-demography and predictors of attitudes. The Cronbach alpha statistic was used to analyze these data. Insecticide spraying, mosquito repellents, wearing protective clothing at night are the malaria preventive measures by both the local and Chinese people living in Kano state, Nigeria. However, there is a significant difference (p < 0.05) between the two groups, with a duration of stay in Nigeria, the use of mosquito, attitude, and practices playing impactful roles among the Chinese people. Hence, Chinese people demonstrated better knowledge and control of malaria transmission and prevention than the local people living in Kano state. In conclusion, attitudes and practices toward malaria diseases are the major causes of a high rate of malaria in Nigeria, particularly in Kano State.

Knowledge and practice of COVID-19 preventive measures: comparative analysis of medical and non-medical students University of Port Harcourt

Background: The influence of COVID-19 has impacted the education sector just like it has other sectors. This study examined the level of knowledge, attitude, and practice of COVID-19 preventive measures among medical and non-medical students of the University of Port Harcourt, Rivers State Method: A comparative cross sectional study design using a selfadministered structured questionnaire involving a total of 406 students; medical (200) and non-medical (200), using multi-stage sampling. Frequency, percentages, means, and standard deviation were used to describe data where necessary. Chi-square and Fisher exact was used to compare knowledge, attitude, and practice of COVID-19 preventive measures between medical and non-medical students. Results: The mean age of medical and non-medical students was 25.04 and 22.59 respectively. A total of 70% from medical students arm received COVID-19 vaccines while 15.5% of non-medical students arm. 152(73.8%) non-medical students and 123(61.5%) medical students had good knowledge of COVID-19. Positive attitude toward COVID-19 preventive measures was showed by 119(59.5%) medical students and 62(30.1%) nonmedical students. Concerning practice of COVID-19 preventive measures, 99(48.1%) medical students and 78(39.0%) non-medical students practiced appropriately. A chi-square test for association showed that gender, academic level, religion, accommodation status, vaccination status, geopolitical zone, and faculty of students were significantly associated with knowledge, attitude, and practice of COVID-19 preventive measures. Chisquare test also showed that knowledge of COVID-19 was significantly associated with the practice of COVID-19 preventive measures. Conclusion: Non-Medical students had better knowledge than medical student although difference was not significant. Attitude was good and practice of COVID-19 preventive measures was poor among medical students, while poor attitude and poor practice among non-medical students was observed.

Facteurs de demande de services de santé préventifs en contexte épidémique (Dengue et COVID 19), Côte d'Ivoire, 2020 / NA

Introduction : L'une des missions de l'Institut National d'Hygiène est de prévenir et contrôler les maladies transmissibles et autres urgences de santé publique à travers ses services compétents. En situation de crises sanitaires comme une épidémie, les besoins augmentent et alors les bénéficiaires sont exemptés de paiement pour toute intervention préventive de masse. Le paiement rentre en vigueur lorsque la demande est exprimée dans une perspective individuelle. L'objectif de l'étude était d'analyser les facteurs de la demande des prestations du service de lutte anti-vectorielle (LAV) en période épidémique de Dengue et de COVID-19. Méthodes : Une étude transversale a été réalisée de janvier 2018 à décembre 2020 dans une antenne communale, celle d'Abobo. La collecte des données a été effectuée à travers une revue documentaire et l'administration d'un questionnaire auprès du gestionnaire et des techniciens du centre. L'analyse des données a été réalisée avec le tableur Excel. Résultats : La recette cumulée du service LAV pour ces trois dernières années s'élèvait à 57 708 100 F CFA (≈ 88 103 €) avec une accentuation de l'ordre de 65,6% en 2020, année de pandémie à Covid-19. Les ménages ont été pour les trois années, les principaux demandeurs du service LAV. Leurs recettes cumulées s'élevaient à 22 663 120 FCFA (≈ 34 600 €). Les facteurs de la demande pour le service LAV étaient le lieu de résidence, le niveau d'instruction, le niveau de revenu et la source d'information. Conclusion: La pandémie à COVID 19 a favorisé une augmentation plus importante des recettes. Les gestionnaires du centre devront ajuster les objectifs de recettes en tenant compte des facteurs de la demande en service de soins préventifs.

Introduction: The National Institute of Hygiene's mission is to prevent communicable diseases andother public health emergencies. During health crises, beneficiaries are exempt from payment. The study's objective was to analyze the factors that influence the demand for vector control services during Dengue and COVID-19 epidemics. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study from January 2018 to december 2020 at the Abobo public health unit. Data collection was done through a literature review and the administration of a questionnaire. Data analysis was performed using Excel software. Results: The cumulative revenue of the LAV service for the last three years amounted to 57,708,100 F CFA (≈ 88,103 €). Households were the principal applicants for the LAV service for the three years. Their cumulative revenue amounted to 22,663,120 FCFA (≈ 34 600 €). Factors influencing demand for the LAV service were residence, level of education, income level, and source of information. Conclusion: Center managers will need to adjust revenue targets by considering demand factors for preventive care services.

Profile of gynecological cancers in a tertiary hospital, Eastern Nigeria

Introduction: there is a great diversity in the profile of cancers in the world. This study set out to analyze the profile of gynecological cancer in Federal University Teaching Hospital, Owerri, [FUTHO] (former Federal Medical Centre, Owerri, Imo state, Nigeria). Methods: this was a retrospective cross sectional descriptive study of the records of women admitted in the gynecological ward in FUTHO from January 2020 to November 2022. It was analyzed using SPSS version 23.0 and reported in simple percentages for categorical variables and measures of central tendency for quantitative variables. Results: a total of 1,378 gynecological patients were admitted into the Gynaecological ward of the hospital, out of which 242 (17.6%) were cancer cases. The most common cancer over the three years in review, was ovarian, 81(33.5%), followed by cervical, 66 (27.3 %), endometrial, 65 (26.8 %), choriocarcinoma, 22 (9.1%), vulvar, 6 (2.5%) and vagina, 2(0.8%). The most common gynecological cancers in this study is very different from previous reports from Nigeria and other African countries. The pattern looks like that seen in the developed countries where endometrial and ovarian cancers top the list. Conclusion: this report shows a possible change in lifestyle and improved access to cervical cancer prevention strategies. It is also assumed that all the facilities who have recorded cervical cancer as the most common cancer can actually have a similar result as ours if a more current review is done.

Compliance and perception towards COVID-19 preventive protocols among hospital staff in a tertiary health facility, Southwest Nigeria

Background: The COVID-19 outbreak response in Nigeria was challenged by the existing weak health sector and the frontline health workers for COVID-19 pandemic response are exposed to the pathogen. One militating factor undermining the control and prevention of COVID-19 in Nigeria was poor compliance to preventive measures. This study assessed the compliance with COVID-19 prevention protocols among healthcare workers in Federal Teaching Hospital, Ido-Ekiti, Ekiti State, Nigeria. Methods: A cross sectional study and subjects were selected through a multi-stage sampling technique. Data collection was done using interviewer-administered semi-structured questionnaire over a period of five months (JuneOctober, 2021). Data was analyzed using IBM, Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 27.0 and p value was set at <0.05 as the threshold for statistical significance. Results: Majority (60.1%), of the respondents got information on COVID-19 protocols through seminars and workshops. However, more than a quarter (28.8%) of the respondents said the use of available PPE was suboptimal. More than one-third, (35.8%), of respondents believe the protocols are too strict. There is, however, good perception (93.3%), but relatively lower compliance (58.7%) of COVID-19 protocols among the staff. Age, marital status and sex were associated with compliance towards COVID-19 protocols in this study (P<0.05). Identified significant predictors (p<0.05) of compliance include age (AOR=1.944), female sex (AOR=7.829). Conclusion: Most respondents had good knowledge of availability, perception of effectiveness, but relatively lower compliance with the COVID-19 protocols in this facility. The government or hospital authority make sure that necessary steps to further boost compliance are taken

Reducing COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy and improving vaccine uptake in Nigeria

By May 30th, 2022, there were 526,182,662 confirmed COVID-19 cases and 6,286,057 deaths globally; of which Nigeria had recorded 256,028 confirmed cases and 3,143 deaths. By the same time, Nigeria had received a total of 93.9 million doses of the COVID-19 vaccine, enough to vaccinate 25% of the population however, only 27.4 million people (13.3% of the population) had received at least one dose of the vaccine. This article examines available evidence on COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy in Nigeria and makes recommendations for improving its uptake. Major causes of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy identified in Nigeria were concerns around vaccine efficacy and safety, disbelief in the existence and severity of the disease, and distrust of the government. To reduce COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy and improve vaccine coverage in Nigeria, a mapping of vaccine acceptance and hesitancy across geographies and demographics, increased stakeholder communication, and effective community engagement are needed.

A review of the recent advances on Lassa fever with special reference to molecular epidemiology and progress in vaccine development

Lassa fever, a viral hemorrhagic fever caused by the Lassa virus (LASV), is endemic in West Africa and is associated with high morbidity and mortality. At least three of the four proposed seven lineages of LASV are found in Nigeria, where the multimammate rat, Mastomys natalensis, serves as the primary reservoir. Endemic countries report approximately 200,000 infections and 5,000 deaths annually, with Nigeria experiencing thousands of infections and hundreds of deaths including healthcare workers. The aim of this review is to provide scientific information for better understanding of the evolutionary biology, molecular epidemiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis, and prevention of Lassa fever in Nigeria and other endemic regions worldwide, which can lead to improved control efforts and reduce morbidity and mortality from recurrent epidemics. To achieve this aim, observational studies such as case series, cross-sectional and cohort studies published between December 2017 and September 2022 were searched for on various online databases including Google Scholar, Africa Journals Online (AJOL), Research Gates, PubMed, PMIC, NCDC, and WHO websites. Although the origin and evolutionary history, and the transmission dynamics of Lassa virus have been revealed through recent molecular epidemiological studies, the factors that drive the evolution of the virus remain unclear. Genetic changes in the viral genome may have enabled the virus to adapt to humans. Diagnosis of Lassa fever has also advanced from basic serological tests to more sophisticated methods such as quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and sequencing, which are particularly useful for identifying outbreak strains. Several vaccines, including recombinant vesicular stomatitis virus (rVSV), virus-like particle (VLP), and DNA-based vaccines, have shown promise in animal models and some have progressed to phase 2 clinical trials. Preventing and controlling Lassa fever is critical to safeguard the health and well-being of affected communities. Effective measures such as rodent control, improved sanitation, and early detection and isolation of infected individuals are essential for reducing transmission. Ongoing research into the genetic and ecological factors that drive the evolution of Lassa virus is necessary to reduce the impacts of Lassa fever

La fièvre de Lassa, une fièvre hémorragique virale causée par le virus de Lassa (LASV), est endémique en Afrique de l'Ouest et est associée à une morbidité et une mortalité élevées. Au moins trois des quatre lignées proposées de LASV se trouvent au Nigeria, où le rat multimammaire, Mastomys natalensis, sert de réservoir principal. Les pays endémiques signalent environ 200,000 infections et 5,000 décès par an, le Nigéria connaissant des milliers d'infections et des centaines de décès, y compris des travailleurs de la santé. L'objectif de cette revue est de fournir des informations scientifiques pour une meilleure compréhension de la biologie évolutive, de l'épidémiologie moléculaire, de la pathogenèse, du diagnostic et de la prévention de la fièvre de Lassa au Nigeria et dans d'autres régions endémiques du monde, ce qui peut conduire à des efforts de contrôle améliorés et réduire la morbidité et la mortalité des épidémies récurrentes. Pour atteindre cet objectif, des études observationnelles telles que des séries de cas, des études transversales et de cohorte publiées entre décembre 2017 et septembre 2022 ont été recherchées sur diverses bases de données en ligne, notamment Google Scholar, Africa Journals Online (AJOL), Research Gate, PubMed, PMIC, Sites Web du NCDC et de l'OMS. Bien que l'origine et l'histoire évolutive, ainsi que la dynamique de transmission du virus de Lassa aient été révélées par des études épidémiologiques moléculaires récentes, les facteurs qui déterminent l'évolution du virus restent flous. Des modifications génétiques du génome viral pourraient avoir permis au virus de s'adapter à l'homme. Le diagnostic de la fièvre de Lassa est également passé des tests sérologiques de base à des méthodes plus sophistiquées telles que la réaction quantitative en chaîne par polymérase en temps réel (qRTPCR) et le séquençage, qui sont particulièrement utiles pour identifier les souches épidémiques. Plusieurs vaccins, y compris le virus recombinant de la stomatite vésiculeuse (rVSV), les particules pseudo-virales (VLP) et les vaccins à base d'ADN, se sont révélés prometteurs dans des modèles animaux et certains ont progressé vers des essais cliniques de phase 2. La prévention et le contrôle de la fièvre de Lassa sont essentiels pour préserver la santé et le bien-être des communautés touchées. Des mesures efficaces telles que le contrôle des rongeurs, l'amélioration de l'assainissement et la détection et l'isolement précoces des personnes infectées sont essentielles pour réduire la transmission. Des recherches continues sur les facteurs génétiques et écologiques qui déterminent l'évolution du virus de Lassa sont nécessaires pour réduire les impacts de la fièvre de Lassa.

Ketamine pour la gestion de la douleur post hystérectomie au CHU Professeur Zafisaona Gabriel Mahajanga Madagascar / Ketamine for the management of post-hysterectomy pain at the Professor Zafisaona Gabriel University Hospital, Mahajanga, Madagascar

Une analgésie multimodale est incontournable pour la prise en charge de la douleur post opératoire. L'objectif de notre étude était de montrer l'intérêt de l'utilisation de la kétamine, avec son effet analgésique, parmi les différentes molécules disponibles. Méthodes : Il s'agit d'une étude prospective monocentrique en simple aveugle de 31 cas d'hystérectomie programmée sur une période de 6 mois (mai­octobre 2016) divisée en deux groupes soumis au même protocole anesthésique : un groupe recevant de la kétamine en bolus suivi d'une perfusion continue peropératoire et sur les premières 24 heures et un groupe contrôle sans kétamine. En période post opératoire les deux groupes bénéficient d'une analgésie multimodale. L'analyse statistique a été faite par le test de Student. Résultats : Les scores de douleur diffèrent peu en moyenne sur les 24 heures de surveillance, tandis qu'une épargne morphinique importante est notée dans le groupe kétamine de l'ordre de 50% avec une valeur de p<0,001 fortement significative. A côté nous n'avons constaté aucun effet indésirable notable. Conclusion : L'adjonction de kétamine même de brève durée dans la prise en charge de la douleur post opératoire a permis de baisser considérablement la consommation morphinique

Compliance with WHO recommended measures against Covid-19 among a Nigerian population

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Screening for eye diseases in a University community in Southwest Nigeria

Background ­ University, a subset of the general population, will expectedly have common ocular problems as prevalent in the population. Knowing these problems as done through screening and health education during WSD activities in 2017 thus raise awareness for their prevention. This study was aimed at determining the types of eye defects in a university community. Methodology ­ A descriptive cross-sectional survey utilizing purposive serial selection to examine inhabitants of a university community. Socio-demographic information and detailed ocular examinations were carried out. Data analysis using SPSS Version 20 and cross tabulations with statistical significance derived using paired sample t-test at p values < 0.05 were done. Results ­ With n=140, 79(56.4 %) were males. Mean age was 26.7 + 11.5years. Majority were staffs (77.1%) with 62.1% having tertiary education. Normal vision was reported in (92.9%), while 5.7% had visual impairment with 1.4% uniocular blindness. Common ocular findings were allergic conjunctivitis (12.9%), glaucoma suspects (10.0%), Pterygium (3.6%), glaucoma/corneal opacity (2.1% respectively), and optic atrophy (1.4%). Conclusion ­Disorders seen were mostly avoidable. Incorporating eye health services into University Healthcare will control their occurrence allowing optimal job performance.

The impact of government- and institution-implemented COVID-19 control measures on tertiary- and regional- level intensive care units in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal Province, South Africa

Background. The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on healthcare systems globally as most countries were not equipped to deal with the outbreak. To avoid complete collapse of intensive care units (ICUs) and health systems as a whole, containment measures had to be instituted. In South Africa (SA), the biggest intervention was the government-regulated national lockdown instituted in March 2020. Objective. To evaluate the effects of the implemented lockdown and institutional guidelines on the admission rate and profile of non-COVID-19 patients in a regional and tertiary level ICU in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal Province, SA. Methods. A retrospective analysis of all non-COVID-19 admissions to Harry Gwala and Greys hospitals was performed over an 8-month period (1 December 2019 - 31 July 2020), which included 4 months prior to lockdown implementation and 4 months post lockdown. Results. There were a total of 678 non-COVID-19 admissions over the 8-month period. The majority of the admissions were at Greys Hospital (52.4%; n=355) and the rest at Harry Gwala Hospital (47.6%; n=323). A change in spectrum of patients admitted was noted, with a significant decrease in trauma and burns admissions post lockdown implementation (from 34.2 - 24.6%; p=0.006). Conversely, there was a notable increase in non-COVID-19 medical admissions after lockdown regulations were implemented (20.1 - 31.3%; p<0.001). We hypothesized that this was due to the gap left by trauma patients in an already overburdened system. Conclusions. Despite the implementation of a national lockdown and multiple institutional directives, there was no significant decrease in the total number of non-COVID-19 admissions to ICUs. There was, however, a notable change in spectrum of patients admitted, which may reflect a bias towards trauma admissions in the pre COVID-19 era

Evolution of SARS-CoV-2 variants: a mini-review

SARS-CoV-2 has evolved over time with several mutations, especially on the spike protein, which has led to emergence of various variants. With the evolution of SARS-CoV-2 come new challenges in surveillance, effectiveness of preventive and treatment strategies, and outcome of the disease. Despite the lockdowns, mask mandates and other preventive measures put in place, in addition to over 10 million vaccine doses that have been administered globally as of February 2022, COVID-19 cases have risen to over 435 million and resulted in over 5.9 million deaths, largely as a result of the evolution of SARS-CoV-2 variants. To review the evolution of these variants, we searched different online database sources using keywords such as "source of SARS-CoV-2", "SARS-CoV-2 origin", "evolution of SARS-CoV-2", "SARS-CoV-2 variants", "variants of concern", "variants of interest", and "variants of high consequence". This was to enable us give a good report about the various variants of SARS-CoV-2 that have emerged so far, and the public health challenges posed by them.

Frontline healthcare workers' experiences of providing care during the COVID-19 pandemic at a COVID-19 centre in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe: A phenomenological study

Background: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has had a far-reaching, negative impact on healthcare systems worldwide. Healthcare workers play a critical role in the country's healthcare delivery system, as they facilitate a continuum of care and containment of diseases such as the COVID-19 pandemic.Objectives: The aim of this study was to explore and describe the experiences of healthcare workers who provided care to COVID-19 patients at a central hospital in Zimbabwe.Method: The researchers used an interpretative phenomenological analysis design. In-depth interviews were conducted virtually with 10 frontline healthcare workers working at a COVID-19 centre in Zimbabwe. Data collection was guided by an interview guide. All audio-recorded interview data were transcribed verbatim into written text. Data analysis was conducted using an interpretative phenomenological analysis framework. An expert in qualitative research acted as an independent co-coder and conducted the open coding of each transcript. Results: Findings reveal inadequate preparation and training of healthcare providers before the commencement of duty, resources-related challenges and a lack of support as significant experiences of healthcare providers. Moreover, healthcare providers have been subjected to stigma and discrimination attached to COVID-19, resulting in psychological effects on frontline healthcare providers. Conclusion: The COVID-19 pandemic brings unique and challenging experiences for frontline healthcare workers, resulting in a physically and emotionally drained workforce. This study calls for comprehensive support in the form of counselling, reasonable work schedules, training and adequate provision of personal protective equipment.

Comparative assessment of infection prevention and control practice among maternity unit health workers in public and private secondary health facilities in Kaduna state, Nigeria

OBJECTIVES: Infection prevention and control (IPC) practice in health facility (HF) is abysmally low in developing countries, resulting in significant preventable morbidity and mortality. This study assessed and compared health workers' (HWs) practice of IPC strategies in public and private secondary HFs in Kaduna State. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A cross-sectional comparative study was employed. Using multistage sampling, 227 participants each were selected comprising of doctors, midwives, and nurses from public and private HF. Data were collected using interviewer-administered questionnaire and observation checklist and analyzed using bivariate and multivariate analysis. Statistical significance determined at P < 0.05. RESULTS: The practice of infection prevention was poor. Overall, 42.3% of the HWs did not change their gowns in-between patients, with the significantly higher rates in 73.1% of private compared to 42.3% of public HF workers (P < 0.001). In addition, 30.5% and 10.1% of HWs do not use face mask and eye goggle, respectively, when conducting procedures likely to generate splash of body fluids, however, there was no significant difference in these poor practices in public compared to private HFs. The mean IPC practice was 51.6 ± 12.5%, this was significantly lower among public (48.8 ± 12.5%) compared to private (54.5 ± 11.9%) HF workers (P < 0.0001). Private HF workers were 3 times more likely to implement IPC interventions compared to public HF workers. CONCLUSION: IPC practice especially among public HF workers was poor.

COVID-19 preventives consumed in South Africa versus other Sub-Saharan African countries

Background: The current coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has been of global concern as it has affected the health of many and the economies of nations. In order to strengthen the immune system against COVID-19, certain plant-source foods were consumed. Aim: This study was designed to identify and compare various special foods and drinks consumed to prevent COVID-19 during the lockdown in various sub-Saharan countries in comparison to South Africa (SA), as well as highlighting some current dietary recommendations. Setting: Online cross-sectional survey in six African countries, namely South Africa, Cameroon, Nigeria, Ghana, Ethiopia and Kenya. Methods: After sample size determination, an online questionnaire was designed and content validated. The survey link was pretested on 25 people and then circulated for 6 weeks during total lockdown. The proportion of responses for each question were reported using descriptive statistics. Results: Half of the 817 participants surveyed were not consuming anything special for COVID-19 prevention. South Africans mostly reported the consumption of supplements or conventional medicines (mainly vitamin C and zinc) while for other countries, a variety of natural foods and drinks were mentioned ­ some having already proved helpful in boosting immune systems. They included infusions of spices with or without honey, fruits and vegetables, medicinal drinks and local beverages. Conclusion: Programmes and campaigns designed to increase awareness of dietary measures for COVID-19 prevention have proved beneficial and should be promoted. Analytical evaluation of the nutritional and health benefits and antiviral potentials of the identified special foods would help in determining which foods to prioritise and promote in the fight against COVID-19. Contribution: This study shows the possibility of finding dietary solutions for managing the pandemic and 'preventive' potentials of certain plant substances.

Seasonal malaria chemoprevention coverage in Burkina Faso in 2018: Descriptive analysis of mothers' knowledge and attitude during cross sectional survey

Seasonal malaria chemoprevention (SMC) is effective to prevent malaria in children 3 to 59 months in the Sahel region. Mother's seasonal malaria chemoprevention related knowledge and attitudes and the coverage of the strategy among targeted children were assessed. A cross-sectional survey was conducted in 1828 children aged 3 to 59 months from November 7 to 18, 2018 in eight health regions of Burkina Faso where SMC was implemented with Malaria Consortium supported fund. Data were collected using structured questionnaire and direct inspection of SMC card. MAGPI software was used for data collection and STATA 12.0 was used for the analysis. A total of 1828 children 3 to 59 months were enrolled and 951 mothers interviewed on different aspects of SMC. Overall, the SMC coverage was high for single cycle or for cumulative coverage basis. Single cycle coverage increased over rounds, from mother and tutor's interview (from 87.09% (1592/1828) to 91.19% (1667/1828); p=0.001). Over 91.18% (869/951) knew that SMC objective was to prevent malaria. Overall SMC was well tolerated and most 95.2% (296/320) of mothers and tutors surveyed owned treated bed nets. Despite combining high coverage and treated bed-net use, at least 16.19% remained rapid diagnosis test positives during the survey. SMS coverage was high in the current survey and most mothers knew the relevance of SMC administration with high bed-net coverage.

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

Community contribution to the control of Ebola outbreaks in Uganda, 2000-2022

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