Outbreak ethics: Reflections on the human metapneumovirus (hMPV) from an African lens

Q3 Medicine
A.E. Obasa
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引用次数: 0

Abstract

The interconnected nature of global health means an outbreak anywhere can threaten communities everywhere. This perspective examines ethical considerations for outbreak response through an African lens, drawing lessons from Covid-19 and other epidemics. In this perspective, I focus on transparent, context-sensitive communication and non-stigmatizing information sharing as crucial for public trust. Also capacity development and health system strengthening to improve preparedness. Illustrative examples from across Africa – including South Africa’s early Covid-19 variant reporting, community engagement during West Africa’s Ebola outbreak, Uganda’s infodemic management, Liberia’s local response tactics, the Democratic Republic of Congo’s genomic surveillance, and Rwanda’s risk communication efforts – inform our analysis. Actionable strategies such as anti-stigma messaging, regional funding mechanisms, prevention of brain drain, workforce training programs, and incentives to retain health workers in rural areas. Effective outbreak management in Africa, as globally, requires ethical communication, robust local capacity, and sustained investment in health systems.
疫情伦理:从非洲视角对人偏肺病毒(hMPV)的思考
全球卫生相互关联的性质意味着任何地方的疫情都可能威胁到任何地方的社区。从2019冠状病毒病和其他流行病中吸取教训,从非洲的角度审视应对疫情的伦理考虑。从这个角度来看,我关注透明、上下文敏感的沟通和非污名化的信息共享,这对公众信任至关重要。还有能力发展和卫生系统加强,以改进防范工作。来自非洲各地的说明性例子——包括南非早期的Covid-19变体报告、西非埃博拉疫情期间的社区参与、乌干达的信息管理、利比里亚的地方应对策略、刚果民主共和国的基因组监测和卢旺达的风险沟通工作——为我们的分析提供了信息。可操作的战略,如反污名化信息、区域筹资机制、预防人才流失、劳动力培训计划以及鼓励在农村地区留住卫生工作者。与全球一样,非洲有效的疫情管理需要合乎道德的沟通、强大的地方能力以及对卫生系统的持续投资。
本文章由计算机程序翻译,如有差异,请以英文原文为准。
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来源期刊
Ethics, Medicine and Public Health
Ethics, Medicine and Public Health Medicine-Health Policy
CiteScore
2.20
自引率
0.00%
发文量
107
审稿时长
42 days
期刊介绍: This review aims to compare approaches to medical ethics and bioethics in two forms, Anglo-Saxon (Ethics, Medicine and Public Health) and French (Ethique, Médecine et Politiques Publiques). Thus, in their native languages, the authors will present research on the legitimacy of the practice and appreciation of the consequences of acts towards patients as compared to the limits acceptable by the community, as illustrated by the democratic debate.
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