ABSTRACT
The widespread prevalence of fungal infections in the second wave of COVID-19 pandemic could be owed to ubiquitous and injudicious use of steroids and immunosuppressive nature of the virus. However, these fungal infections also meant increased use of antifungal drugs, hence endangering their supply. Amphotericin B is the first line drug for mucormycosis which was declared as an epidemic in India during the second wave. With the increasing demand of the drug, came challenges to manufacture and supply large quantities of the drug and exploitation by creating a black market and spread of false information and imprudent usage. It is of utmost importance to be prepared with adequate supply all over the nation and implementing safety regulations in manufacturing and supply of large quantities of drugs during the demanding times and make them accessible at a reasonable rate.
ABSTRACT
Antiviral drugs are of paramount importance in the accomplishment of the vision of zero new cases of COVID-19 globally, through sustainable retaliation against viral diseases. However, several challenges currently exist in Africa which include insufficient infrastructure, deteriorating health systems, and rising costs of healthcare delivery with concomitant rising inequity with regards to access to health services amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic itself has stimulated an increased use of phytotherapy in Africa as a result of essential drug shortages that have been attributed to a plethora of contributing factors such as travel restrictions, reduced per capita income as well as increased expenditure on transport. As a result, the paucity of antiviral along with antiretroviral drugs used to combat COVID-19 as well as several other endemic viral diseases in Africa has created a worrisome state. This article therefore discusses and aims to underscore the causes, effects, and implications of antiviral and antiretroviral shortages amid COVID-19 in Africa.
ABSTRACT
Ambient air pollution level not only causes respiratory diseases but also cardiovascular diseases, besides, increased visits to the emergency department for asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), bronchitis, allergic rhinitis, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children and premature deaths in infants. The occurrence of Coronavirus-19 (COVID-19) pandemic is both, a boon and bane. Despite the deplorable situation aroused by the pandemic, strict lockdown measures implemented to curb the drastic spread of the disease, also culminated into astonishing outcomes that were not prioritized. This article illustrates the effects of the ongoing pandemic on air pollution and provides recommendations aimed at limiting it.
ABSTRACT
With numbers of active COVID-19 cases in India falling in recent weeks and the healthcare system finally showing signs of coping with the mucormycosis epidemic, several new reports of COVID-19 cases linked to "white fungus" have emerged. This has led to rising concern with the potential to stretch the capacity of an already burdened healthcare system. Moreover, the implications of this disease in the COVID-19 population and its consequences on the health and socio-economic structure of the country have not been vastly studied. This commentary explores the need for government efforts in the context of containing candidiasis during the pandemic and provides key recommendations on combating this imminent public health challenge.
ABSTRACT
COVID-19 is a global health crisis that continues to pose new challenges all around the world. Amidst the growing pandemic, a spike in the number of mucormycosis cases in India and Pakistan has been reported in COVID-19 patients and in those who have recovered from COVID-19. This increase in cases may be related to the overuse of steroids and zinc, the use of industrial oxygen, unsterilized medical equipment, frequent intubation, a weakened immune system, and pre-existing comorbidities such as diabetes. As a result, it is critical to take steps to handle the current increase in mucormycosis cases. Therefore, this article aims to highlight the existence of mucormycosis amidst the COVID-19 pandemic in India and Pakistan, focusing on possible causes and implications, and suggests important plans of action to be taken during this pandemic.