ABSTRACT
The year 2022 witnessed an alarming surge in state-based armed conflicts globally, reaching a staggering 56, with major hostilities in Ukraine, Myanmar, and Nigeria resulting in over 10,000 estimated conflict-related deaths. This trend continued with the onset of a significant conflict between Israel and Hamas in October 2023. The escalating frequency of armed conflicts, reaching the highest number since 1946, poses a critical threat to global health. This paper explores the multifaceted health impacts of armed conflicts, encompassing physical injuries, infectious diseases, malnutrition, and profound mental health consequences. Healthcare systems in conflict zones face severe strain, and achieving Sustainable Development Goals by 2030 becomes increasingly challenging. The surge in armed conflicts globally is characterized as a "pandemic," justifying urgent attention. The paper identifies and discusses strategies to safeguard public health in conflict zones, emphasizing humanitarian response, protecting healthcare workers and infrastructure, building preparedness and resilience, and promoting mental health support. In navigating this "pandemic" of armed conflicts, comprehensive strategies are imperative to address the intricate challenges and secure a healthier global future.
Subject(s)
Armed Conflicts , Global Health , Humans , Pandemics , Public Health , Mental HealthABSTRACT
Bariatric surgery has emerged as a highly effective option for individuals with obesity, offering significant and sustainable weight loss outcomes. This surgical approach involves various procedures that alter the anatomy of the gastrointestinal tract, leading to reduced food intake and nutrient absorption. Established procedures such as sleeve gastrectomy, gastric bypass, adjustable gastric banding, and biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch have proven track records. In contrast, emerging options like intragastric balloons, AspireAssist devices, and endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty show promise but require further investigation. Numerous studies have highlighted the remarkable benefits of bariatric surgery, not only in weight loss but also in the resolution of obesity-related comorbidities and significant improvements in quality of life. However, successful outcomes rely on a multidisciplinary approach, encompassing preoperative evaluation, patient selection, comprehensive postoperative care, nutritional support, and psychological counseling. Regular follow-up and adherence to postsurgical recommendations are crucial for sustained weight loss and positive long-term results. As bariatric surgery continues to evolve, tailored procedures based on individual needs and ongoing research hold the potential for even more refined and effective approaches. Through this ongoing advancement, bariatric surgery is poised to offer improved patient outcomes, transforming lives for those grappling with the challenges of obesity.
ABSTRACT
Stroke is a major health concern worldwide, and its impact is particularly pronounced across Africa. This paper delves into the challenges faced in African stroke care and explores the significant potential benefits of mobile stroke units (MSUs) in mitigating these issues. Key challenges include the limited healthcare infrastructure, funding constraints, difficulties reaching remote and rural areas, and shortages of qualified healthcare professionals, especially neurologists and stroke specialists. To address these challenges, recommendations are provided, emphasizing the importance of infrastructure development, sustainable funding mechanisms, solutions for rural accessibility, and healthcare workforce development through training programs and incentives. Additionally, the paper discusses prospects for MSUs in Africa, highlighting the potential for technology advancements to yield more cost-effective and compact MSU models. The integration of telemedicine capabilities within MSUs is examined to enhance communication with specialist physicians at remote hospitals, ultimately improving stroke care outcomes. Furthermore, data collection on MSU outcomes and their impact on stroke care is emphasized to inform evidence-based policies and enhance MSU operations. Collaboration and partnerships between governments, healthcare organizations, and international stakeholders are critical for facilitating MSU expansion. These partnerships can provide essential funding, expertise, and support for the implementation and sustainable operation of MSUs in Africa.
Subject(s)
Stroke , Telemedicine , Humans , AfricaABSTRACT
This perspective article delves into the transformative potential of drone technology in revolutionising healthcare delivery in Africa. The continent faces numerous challenges in providing timely and efficient medical services to its vast and diverse population, compounded by geographical barriers, inadequate infrastructure and limited access to medical facilities. Amidst these challenges, the integration of drone technology emerges as a promising solution, offering unprecedented opportunities to overcome longstanding obstacles and improve healthcare accessibility across Africa. Drawing from existing drone-based healthcare initiatives in Africa, the article explores various applications of drones in healthcare delivery. These encompass but are not limited to, delivering vaccines, medications, blood samples, diagnostic tools and medical personnel to remote locations in a timely and cost-effective manner. Furthermore, the paper examines the operational challenges and regulatory considerations in deploying drone technology for healthcare and the ethical implications surrounding privacy and security.
ABSTRACT
Breast cancer remains a significant global health challenge, necessitating innovative therapeutic strategies. This review synthesizes findings from multiple studies investigating the safety profile and efficacy of the AE37 human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-targeted vaccine, offering insights into its potential role in breast cancer immunotherapy. A systematic search of electronic databases, including PubMed, MEDLINE, Scopus, and Web of Science, was conducted to identify relevant articles published up to October 2023. The search strategy utilized a combination of keywords, including "AE37 HER2 vaccine," "breast cancer recurrence prevention," and related terms. Boolean operators (AND, OR) were employed to refine the search. The AE37 vaccine exhibited a favorable safety profile across all studies, with minimal adverse effects reported. Efficacy outcomes varied, with promising trends observed in specific breast cancer subgroups, such as advanced-stage, HER2 under-expressed, and triple-negative breast cancer patients. Subgroup analyses suggested potential benefits, emphasizing the need for precise patient stratification. While the AE37 HER2-targeted vaccine demonstrates a promising safety profile and potential efficacy in specific breast cancer subgroups, an understanding requires addressing identified limitations and advancing research in nuanced directions. This paper provides a foundation for navigating the complex landscape of breast cancer immunotherapy with the AE37 vaccine.
