Hot-spots of HIV infection in Cameroon: a spatial analysis based on Demographic and Health Surveys data.

BACKGROUND: The Human Immunodeficiency Virus(HIV) infection prevalence in Cameroon has decreased from [Formula: see text] in 2004 to [Formula: see text] in 2018. However, this decrease in prevalence does not show disparities especially in terms of spatial or geographical pattern. Efficient control and fight against HIV infection may require targeting hotspot areas. This study aims at presenting a cartography of HIV infection situation in Cameroon using the 2004, 2011 and 2018 Demographic and Health Survey data, and investigating whether there exist spatial patterns of the disease, may help to detect hot-spots. METHODS: HIV biomarkers data and Global Positioning System (GPS) location data were obtained from the Cameroon 2004, 2011, and 2018 Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) after an approved request from the MEASURES Demographic and Health Survey Program. HIV prevalence was estimated for each sampled area. The Moran's I (MI) test was used to assess spatial autocorrelation. Spatial interpolation was further performed to estimate the prevalence in all surface points. Hot-spots were identified based on Getis-Ord (Gi*) spatial statistics. Data analyses were done in the R software(version 4.1.2), while Arcgis Pro software tools' were used for all spatial analyses. RESULTS: Generally, spatial autocorrelation of HIV infection in Cameroon was observed across the three time periods of 2004 ([Formula: see text], [Formula: see text]), 2011 ([Formula: see text], [Formula: see text]) and 2018 ([Formula: see text], [Formula: see text]). Subdivisions in which one could find persistent hot-spots for at least two periods including the last period 2018 included: Mbéré, Lom et Djerem, Kadey, Boumba et Ngoko, Haute Sanaga, Nyong et Mfoumou, Nyong et So'o Haut Nyong, Dja et Lobo, Mvila, Vallée du Ntem, Océan, Nyong et Kellé, Sanaga Maritime, Menchum, Dounga Mantung, Boyo, Mezam and Momo. However, Faro et Déo emerged only in 2018 as a subdivision with HIV infection hot-spots. CONCLUSION: Despite the decrease in HIV epidemiology in Cameroon, this study has shown that there are spatial patterns for HIV infection in Cameroon and possible hot-spots have been identified. In its effort to eliminate HIV infection by 2030 in Cameroon, the public health policies may consider these detected HIV hot-spots, while maintaining effective control in other parts of the country.

Analysis of the impact of healthcare support initiatives for physically disabled people on their access to care in the city of Saint-Louis, Senegal.

BACKGROUND: People with disabilities represent approximately 6% of the Senegalese population. They face significant barriers to accessing health care. Although several initiatives have been implemented to improve access to health care for this vulnerable population, few studies have examined the effects of these initiatives. We conducted a mixed methods study in three neighborhoods in Saint-Louis City (Senegal) to assess the impact of health systems and social assistance programs aimed at improving access to health care for people with disabilities. METHODS: Data were collected from 105 people living with disabilities aged 1-49 years (or their caregivers). Interviews were also conducted with key stakeholders in the health and welfare sectors. Global Positioning System (GPS) coordinates of all the health and social services within the city were obtained. We also conducted observations in the main regional hospital, the district health center and three level-one health facilities to assess physical accessibility as well as interactions between patients living with disabilities and health and social workers. Descriptive and multivariate analyses were performed using Sphinx software. Spatial data were used to make cartographic representations of the proximity to basic social services using Arc GIS software. RESULTS: Seventy-nine percent of survey respondents reported difficulty obtaining treatment. Key barriers to care included the high cost of care, as well as ill-treatment by health workers. Limited human resources and low levels of financial support, combined with logistical challenges were reported to hamper the success of social welfare initiatives that aim to facilitate access to health care for people with disabilities. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that initiatives to increase access to health care among people with disability in Saint-Louis have had limited impact. Study findings underscore the importance of strengthening social assistance schemes within the health system and the need for social workers and health workers to collaborate to improve access to health care for people with disabilities.