ABSTRACT
P157 Figure 1DiscussionOf those who attended, the LTBI rate was 20%, highlighting the importance of targeted population screening. Early identification prevents some cases developing active TB. 7 active TB cases were identified early, with improved patient outcomes and reduced contacts. Limitations are the poor uptake, partly due the COVID-19 pandemic (service suspension). Barriers include language (non-English speakers);lack of understanding about latent TB;stigma associated with TB;financial constraints;and temporary accommodation of this population, hence difficulty arranging appointments. Leaflets in different languages and work with community and religious leaders would help to raise awareness.ReferencesTuberculosis in England 2021 report – UK Health Security Agencyhttps://www.england.nhs.uk/tuberculosis-programme/area-for-action-8-national-latent-tb-infection-testing-and-treatment-programme/
ABSTRACT
Introduction. In connection with the Ebola epidemic in the West African countries, including the Republic of Guinea, a failure in implementing measles immunization program was noted. A proportion of measles seronegative subjects in 2017 was 52.4% of total examined individuals. In 2018, a high proportion of measles cases among children aged 1-5 years (61.6%) was identified. In order to stop the 2018 outbreak, the Supplemental Immunization Campaign was conducted in the Konakri and Nzerekore prefectures in the Republic of Guinea. The aim of this study was to examine the 2019-2020 measles epidemic situation and access the measles population immunity in the Republic of Guinea. Materials and methods. Measles-specific antibodies were examined in 1697 blood serum samples collected from residents of different regions of the Republic of Guinea, aged from 7 months to 76 years, obtained in 2019-2020, and tested retrospectively. The ELISA test systems Anti-Measles Virus ELISA (IgM) Euroimmun and Anti-Measles Virus ELISA (IgG) Euroimmun (Germany) were used. The presence of serum IgM measles antibodies was considered as acute measles infection. Statistical analysis was performed using the software package Statistica 6.0. Results. Blood sera (n = 638) were tested for IgM-measles, and in 46.6% of cases the diagnosis was confirmed by laboratory tests. The biggest proportion of the total cases (61.6%) was found in children aged 1-4 years. The second most important age group was 5-9 years of age, the third is children under 1 year: 18.5% and 11.8% of the total number of patients, respectively. Measles infection was registered in vaccinated patients in 7.4% of the total number of laboratory-confirmed cases. 1059 subjects were examined for IgG measles antibody. The lowest seroprevalence rate was found among children under 4 years of age (47.8%). The highest (85.5%) was found among subjects of 40 years old and older. Conclusion. Measles in GR remains a poorly controlled infection. As in the previous years of observation (2017-2018), children under 5 years of age are the most vulnerable cohort of the population, despite the 2018 DI campaign conducted in a number of GR territories. More problems with the measles control in the Republic of Guinea are expected in the period from 2021, as along with the COVID-19 epidemic, Ebola is repeatedly registered in the country. The Republic of Guinea particularly requires assistance from the international community to implement the WHO measles elimination program on a global scale.
ABSTRACT
This study aimed to assess the initial implementation of the Flexible Learning Modality of Pangasinan State University Lingayen Campus during the School Year 2020-2021. It explored on the issues and challenges faced by both teachers and students during flexible instruction. Using extracts from the responses of teachers (n=123) and students (6370) in the survey questionnaire, the findings showed that an unstable, weak and poor internet connection and no comfortable teaching and learning spaces at home appear to pose as greatest barriers for online learning to both the faculty and students. Further, the study noted that PSU was quick to implement an online learning platform but found that the gadgets available for use by a number of the respondents could not run the app or at least run its full features, and which led to another challenge found on the difficulty to download teaching and learning resources using the software. The researchers concluded that the PSU Lingayen Campus was prepared in aspects under its control including provision of and orientation to online platforms, and plans to provide printed guides, but have an understandable lacking on challenges met including teaching and learning spaces, poor internet connection, and the capacity to purchase mobile load as means of students to attend classes online. The researchers recommend periodic assessment of the PSU's policies for Flexible Learning to provide continued and improved service delivery for both the faculty and students.
ABSTRACT
Introduction. In connection with the Ebola epidemic in the West African countries, including the Republic of Guinea, a failure in implementing measles immunization program was noted. A proportion of measles seronegative subjects in 2017 was 52.4% of total examined individuals. In 2018, a high proportion of measles cases among children aged 1–5 years (61.6%) was identified. In order to stop the 2018 outbreak, the Supplemental Immunization Campaign was conducted in the Konakri and Nzerekore prefectures in the Republic of Guinea. The aim of this study was to examine the 2019–2020 measles epidemic situation and assess the measles population immunity in the Republic of Guinea. Materials and methods. Measles-specific antibodies were examined in 1697 blood serum samples collected from residents of different regions of the Republic of Guinea, aged from 7 months to 76 years, obtained in 2019–2020, and tested retrospectively. The ELISA test systems Anti-Measles Virus ELISA (IgM) Euroimmun and Anti-Measles Virus ELISA (IgG) Euroimmun (Germany) were used. The presence of serum IgM measles antibodies was considered as acute measles infection. Statistical analysis was performed using the software package Statistica 6.0. Results. Blood sera (n = 638) were tested for IgM-measles, and in 46.6% of cases the diagnosis was confirmed by laboratory tests. The biggest proportion of the total cases (61.6%) was found in children aged 1–4 years. The second most important age group was 5–9 years of age, the third is children under 1 year: 18.5% and 11.8% of the total number of patients, respectively. Measles infection was registered in vaccinated patients in 7.4% of the total number of laboratory-confirmed cases. 1059 subjects were examined for IgG measles antibody. The lowest seroprevalence rate was found among children under 4 years of age (47.8%). The highest (85.5%) was found among subjects of 40 years old and older. Conclusion. Measles in GR remains a poorly controlled infection. As in the previous years of observation (2017–2018), children under 5 years of age are the most vulnerable cohort of the population, despite the 2018 DI campaign conducted in a number of GR territories. More problems with the measles control in the Republic of Guinea are expected in the period from 2021, as along with the COVID-19 epidemic, Ebola is repeatedly registered in the country. The Republic of Guinea particularly requires assistance from the international community to implement the WHO measles elimination program on a global scale. © 2021 Saint Petersburg Pasteur Institute. All rights reserved.
ABSTRACT
This paper provides an overview of posters accepted for the EduPar 21 poster session. Poster sessions have been an important part of the EduPar workshops, providing an opportunity to facilitate interactions and fostering the community. After a hiatus caused by the COVID-19 pandemic we decided to resume the poster session tradition and to hold the first virtual poster session in EduPar's eleven years history.