Journal of Public Health in Africa最新文献

{"title":"Determinants of immunisation in children with sickle cell disease in Libreville.","authors":"Edgard B Ngoungou, Ulrick J Bisvigou, Jean Engohang-Ndong, Valessa Anguezomo, Maghendji N Sydney, Euloge Ibinga","doi":"10.4102/jphia.v16i1.663","DOIUrl":"10.4102/jphia.v16i1.663","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Infectious diseases are frequent and sometimes deadly in sickle cell disease (SCD) patients. Some of these infectious diseases could be avoided through immunisation, but an immunisation schedule for children with SCD is not available in Gabon.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong>This study looked into the determinants of immunisation in children with SCD in Libreville.</p><p><strong>Setting: </strong>This work was performed in five healthcare facilities in Libreville.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A cross-sectional study on knowledge, attitudes, and practices was conducted from February 2019 to September 2019 in Libreville healthcare facilities, targeting children under 18 years with SCD.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A total of 172 parents of children with SCD participated. The average age of children was 7.1 ± 4.2 years, with a sex ratio of 1:36. Immunisation status was considered complete for 87.9% (95% CI = 79.8-93.1) according to the Expanded Programme of Immunisation (EPI) schedule. Only 49 (28.5%) parents understood SCD complications, and 39 (22.7%) knew how to prevent them. Immunisation coverage was better for children near public health centres (<i>p</i> = 0.008). For non-EPI vaccines, coverage improved for children of married parents (<i>p</i> = 0.041) and those seen by paediatricians in private facilities (<i>p</i> = 0.046). Multivariate analysis indicated that marital status, a lack of knowledge, facility access, and high vaccine costs predicted immunisation coverage.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Immunisation coverage of children with SCD was better than the national immunisation coverage in Gabon.</p><p><strong>Contribution: </strong>This study unravels the need for Gabon to improve its immunisation programmes in public healthcare facilities.</p>","PeriodicalId":44723,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Public Health in Africa","volume":"16 1","pages":"663"},"PeriodicalIF":0.6,"publicationDate":"2025-02-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11905189/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143626436","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Acceptability of the social uses of the COVID-19 screening test among women in southern Benin.","authors":"Mingnimon A Affo","doi":"10.4102/jphia.v16i1.810","DOIUrl":"10.4102/jphia.v16i1.810","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Screening tests are some of the essential measures in the fight against all diseases with epidemic potential. The refusal to use it is the major challenge that hinders this fight.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong>This article aims to highlight the factors for the rejection of the COVID-19 screening test among women in the informal sector in Benin.</p><p><strong>Setting: </strong>The data were collected in southern Benin.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A cross-sectional approach was used to collect data in two areas (intervention area and buffer zone). The sample was drawn using a two-stage random sampling design. In the first stage, primary sampling units or clusters or villages or neighbourhoods were drawn, and in the second stage, 40 households were selected by primary sampling units. Overall, 2500 households per area in which about 2500 women aged 15-64 years were interviewed. Descriptive and explanatory analyses were carried out.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The results show that a strong majority (84.2%) of respondents showed aversion to the COVID-19 screening test. Individual factors (age, level of education, religion) and contextual factors (sectors and types of activities of the respondents) are the main reasons behind this refusal.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Insufficient consideration of local contexts around health emergencies, infodemia and social inequalities in health have contributed to aversion to the COVID-19 screening test.</p><p><strong>Contribution: </strong>The results call on public authorities to support a constant improvement of knowledge on COVID-19 taking into account local approaches to facilitate the adherence of populations to the screening test.</p>","PeriodicalId":44723,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Public Health in Africa","volume":"16 1","pages":"810"},"PeriodicalIF":0.6,"publicationDate":"2025-02-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11905202/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143626428","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Bacteraemia in a Nigerian hospital: Implementing antimicrobial resistance surveillance.","authors":"Adewale A Amupitan, Adeyemi T Adeyemo, Adefunke O Amupitan, Temitope O Obadare, Aaron O Aboderin","doi":"10.4102/jphia.v16i1.655","DOIUrl":"10.4102/jphia.v16i1.655","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Surveillance of drug-resistant infections is crucial for antimicrobial resistance (AMR) control. Implementing surveillance in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) is challenging.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong>To investigate bacteraemia and describe AMR surveillance.</p><p><strong>Setting: </strong>Tertiary healthcare facility.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Case finding was by WHO Global AMR and Use Surveillance System (GLASS). Blood samples were processed between May 2017 and June 2018, using BACTEC blood culture system. Bacterial identification, antibiotic susceptibility testing and detection of AMR genes followed standard protocols.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Aerobic blood cultures were conducted in a third of clinical sepsis cases (<i>n</i> = 601/1851), of which 114 (19.0%) were true positives, with a 2.2% contamination rate. Pathogens recovered included six priority blood pathogens reportable to WHO GLASS. Sixteen (30.2%) of 53 Gram-negative isolates were extended-spectrum beta-lactamase producers, predominantly harbouring <i>bla</i> _CTX-M, three (5.7%) were AmpC beta-lactamase producers, and 20 (37.7%) were carbapenem-resistant, predominantly harbouring <i>bla</i> _KPC. Twenty-nine (50.9%) of 57 <i>Staphylococcus aureus</i> isolates were methicillin-resistant; 17 (58.6%) of these harboured <i>mec</i>A genes. Hospital-acquired infection (odds ratio [OR] = 0.3, 95% confidence interval [CI]=0.1-0.7, <i>p</i> = 0.004) was identified as a predisposing factor for the development of multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteraemia. Bacteraemia with MDR organisms was significantly associated with mortality (OR = 3.8, 95% CI = 1.6-9.1, <i>p</i> = 0.001).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>A wide variety of bacteria are responsible for bacteraemia in our setting, with more than half being multidrug-resistant. Bacteraemia with multidrug-resistant organisms was significantly associated with mortality, hence, the need for this AMR surveillance initiative.</p><p><strong>Contribution: </strong>Implementing healthcare facility-based surveillance of AMR in LMICs is achievable despite limited microbiological laboratory capacity.</p>","PeriodicalId":44723,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Public Health in Africa","volume":"16 1","pages":"655"},"PeriodicalIF":0.6,"publicationDate":"2025-02-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11905166/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143626430","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The mental health implication of mpox: Enhancing care with genetic insights.","authors":"Ovinuchi Ejiohuo","doi":"10.4102/jphia.v16i1.786","DOIUrl":"10.4102/jphia.v16i1.786","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The intersection of mpox and mental health is a critical concern, particularly for individuals with pre-existing mental disorders, who face heightened psychological stress and exacerbation of symptoms. This study explores the potential of genetic testing, such as Polygenic Risk Scores and pharmacogenetics, in enhancing mental disorders and mpox management. By tailoring treatment and prevention strategies to an individual's genetic profile, clinicians can provide more personalised care, reducing adverse effects and improving outcomes. Furthermore, genetic insights can inform the development of safer vaccines and early interventions, particularly for vulnerable populations. The study underscores the importance of integrating mental and public health strategies, advocating for targeted research and fostering interdisciplinary collaboration to effectively address these complex health challenges.</p>","PeriodicalId":44723,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Public Health in Africa","volume":"16 1","pages":"786"},"PeriodicalIF":0.6,"publicationDate":"2025-01-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11830839/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143450747","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Prostate cancer screening knowledge and attitude among men over 50 at a referral Hospital in Oshana region, Namibia.","authors":"Lonia Kashihakumwa, Daniel O Ashipala, Yahaya Jafaru","doi":"10.4102/jphia.v16i1.652","DOIUrl":"10.4102/jphia.v16i1.652","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Prostate cancer is the third most common cancer in men and fourth in causing cancer-related deaths in both men and women in Africa.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong>The aim of this study was to assess knowledge and attitudes about prostate cancer screening among men over 50 years.</p><p><strong>Setting: </strong>The study setting is Intermediate Hospital Oshakati.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A quantitative cross-sectional design was adopted. Census sampling was employed, and the data were collected through the use of a structured, self-administered questionnaire. Data were analysed with the aid of the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26.0 using frequencies and percentages, and Chi-square test of association.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Majority of the respondents were knowledgeable about prostate cancer except in questionnaire items 3, 12 and 13 in which they (71.8%, 82.4% and 94.7%, respectively) were not knowledgeable. In all the items of the questionnaire, majority of the respondents had positive attitudes towards prostate cancer screening. The percentages of the positive attitude range from 80% to 95% across all the items. There is no significant association between the respondents' prostate cancer screening knowledge and all the respondents' characteristics (age, level of education, marital status and religion), <i>p</i> > 0.05, respectively. There is no significant association between respondents' prostate cancer screening attitude and all the respondents' characteristics, <i>p</i> > 0.05, respectively.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The survey respondents were knowledgeable about prostate cancer screening, except when it comes to the different methods of diagnosing prostate cancer, what happens to the prostate gland in prostate cancer and who should be screened for prostate cancer.</p><p><strong>Contribution: </strong>The results from this study can be used by the Ministry of Health and Social Services and its stakeholders to create a baseline data which help to develop appropriate preventative measures and awareness programmes. Furthermore, this study can be used to identify possible reasons for the late reporting of men for PCa screening and aid to inform the public on the need for early-seeking behaviour through screening.</p>","PeriodicalId":44723,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Public Health in Africa","volume":"16 1","pages":"652"},"PeriodicalIF":0.6,"publicationDate":"2025-01-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11830851/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143450741","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Is differential cleaning needed for SARS-CoV-2 beyond standard procedures? A systematic review.","authors":"Uduak Okomo, Ememobong N Aquaisua, Osamagbe Asemota, Deborah Ndukwu, Josephine E Egbung, Ekpereonne B Esu, Olabisi A Oduwole, John E Ehiri","doi":"10.4102/jphia.v16i2.601","DOIUrl":"10.4102/jphia.v16i2.601","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>There is a substantial risk of indirect transmission of SARS-CoV-2 from contaminated surfaces and objects in healthcare settings.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong>To evaluate the effectiveness of enhanced cleaning protocols for high-touch surfaces during COVID-19, focusing on cleaning products, concentrations, contact time, and recommended frequency.</p><p><strong>Setting: </strong>We focused on research conducted in healthcare settings or where samples were obtained from healthcare environments.</p><p><strong>Method: </strong>We assessed studies that compared different cleaning, disinfection, sterilisation, or decontamination procedures and cleaning frequency with standard or routine procedures. We prioritised randomised trials, non-randomised controlled trials, controlled before-and-after studies, and interrupted time series analyses carried out between 01 January 2020 and 31 August 2022.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Three studies met our criteria from 2139 references searched. These studies, which took place in Iran, China and the United States, found that routine terminal cleaning and enhanced terminal cleaning with different cleaning enhancements significantly reduced SARS-CoV-2 surface contamination. One of the studies tested residual SARS-CoV-2 levels after routine and terminal cleaning with varying strengths of disinfectant and evaluated the efficacy of two common types of disinfectants in inactivating SARS-CoV-2 on inanimate surfaces in different hospital wards.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Limited evidence supports cleaning strategies that can reduce the transmission of SARS-CoV-2 from surfaces in healthcare settings. Combining various cleaning methods and using multiple disinfectants can effectively reduce surface contamination.</p><p><strong>Contribution: </strong>Randomised controlled trials are crucial for evaluating cleaning effectiveness. They must outline cleaning protocols, detailing frequency, product concentration and volume, application methods, soil and surface types, and environmental conditions, to provide strong evidence.</p>","PeriodicalId":44723,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Public Health in Africa","volume":"16 2","pages":"601"},"PeriodicalIF":0.6,"publicationDate":"2025-01-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11830871/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143450754","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Trends and factors associated with skilled birth attendance in a post-Ebola context: DHS Guinea 2018.","authors":"Madeleine Toure, Fanta Barry, Tiany Sidibe, Sadan Camara, Ramata Diallo, Kaba Saran Keita, Maimouna Balde, Bienvenu Salim Camara, Karifa Kourouma, Mamadou Dioulde Balde","doi":"10.4102/jphia.v16i1.512","DOIUrl":"10.4102/jphia.v16i1.512","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>In Guinea, the 2013-2015 Ebola epidemic profoundly affected maternal health service use. The frequency of births attended by skilled health professionals in the post-Ebola context remains under-documented.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong>The aim of this study was to analyze the trend and factors associated with skilled births among women aged 15-49 between 2016 and 2018 in Guinea.</p><p><strong>Setting: </strong>The Republic of Guinea was the setting for this study.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Data from 3018 women aged 15-49 years who had at least one live birth over the period 2016-2018 were analysed. The simple binary logistic regression model was used to analyse factors associated with skilled births using Stata software version 16.1. The significance level was set at 5%.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Our study found that 57.3% of deliveries were skilled births. This proportion showed a remarkable variation with a trend in assisted deliveries from 61% in 2016 to 59% in 2017 and then to 50% (<i>p</i> = 0.003) in 2018. Factors associated with skilled birth attendance in post-Ebola were: having no level of education (odds ratio [OR] = 0.39; confidence interval [CI]: 0.31-0.77), performing four or more antenatal care (ANC) (OR = 12.10; CI: 8.24-17.77), residing in a rural area (OR = 0.25 [0.17-0.37]), having a spouse who was a trader or manual worker, belonging to a household with an intermediate or poor wealth index and residing in the Labé region.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This study showed that the proportion of assisted births showed a downward trend between 2016-2018.</p><p><strong>Contribution: </strong>The interventions undertaken to strengthen the maternal health system in the aftermath of the Ebola epidemic should be reinforced and maintained, in particular the retention of health providers deployed in rural areas and capacity building (training, equipment) for community health workers would help to improve this indicator.</p>","PeriodicalId":44723,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Public Health in Africa","volume":"16 1","pages":"512"},"PeriodicalIF":0.6,"publicationDate":"2025-01-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11830842/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143450749","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Screening for diabetic retinopathy at a health centre in South Africa: A cross-sectional study.","authors":"Ntokozo Zulu, Patrick Ngassa Piotie, Elizabeth M Webb, Wezi G Maphenduka, Steve Cook, Paul Rheeder","doi":"10.4102/jphia.v16i1.681","DOIUrl":"10.4102/jphia.v16i1.681","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>In South Africa, screening for diabetic retinopathy (DR) is non-existent at the primary healthcare (PHC) level because of the absence of a screening programme. This leads to preventable vision loss.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong>To describe the clinical characteristics and outcomes of eye screenings and subsequent referrals.</p><p><strong>Setting: </strong>Laudium Community Health Centre (CHC), a PHC facility in Tshwane.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We conducted a cross-sectional study from February 2022 to August 2022. Individuals with diabetes were screened for eye complications using visual acuity testing, intraocular pressure measurement, and fundoscopy with a non-mydriatic digital fundus camera. Fundus images were analysed by an optometrist and an artificial intelligence (AI) programme. Demographic and clinical data were collected.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A total of 120 participants were included, with the majority (60.7%) from Laudium CHC. Most participants (64.2%) were on oral agents, and 66.7% were women. The mean haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) was 8.3%, with a median diabetes duration of 8 years. Artificial intelligence detected more glaucoma cases (17.5% vs 9.2%) and DR (23.3% vs 15.8%) compared to the optometrist. In contrast, the optometrist identified more cases of macula pathology (29.2% vs 19.2%). Participants (<i>n</i> = 79) were referred to an ophthalmologist for diagnosis confirmation and management.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The study revealed that while DR was not highly prevalent among PHC patients with diabetes, there was a significant referral rate for other ocular complications. Artificial intelligence can enhance early detection and improve efficiency.</p><p><strong>Contribution: </strong>The findings underscore the need to integrate diabetes eye screening programmes into PHC services for people living with diabetes.</p>","PeriodicalId":44723,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Public Health in Africa","volume":"16 1","pages":"681"},"PeriodicalIF":0.6,"publicationDate":"2025-01-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11830854/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143450743","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Asymptomatic testing people for SARS-CoV-2 in healthcare facilities: A systematic review.","authors":"Olabisi A Oduwole, Glory Bassey, Grace Esebanmen, Samuel Shoyinka, Johnsolomon Ohenhen, Elise Cogo, Nicholas Henschke, Eleanor Ochodo, Martin M Meremikwu","doi":"10.4102/jphia.v16i2.581","DOIUrl":"10.4102/jphia.v16i2.581","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Asymptomatic testing involves the process whereby individuals who do not show symptoms of COVID-19 are tested for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection using any of the available laboratory test techniques.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong>To evaluate the effectiveness of testing asymptomatic individuals visiting, living or working in healthcare facilities in reducing SARS-CoV-2 viral infections.</p><p><strong>Setting: </strong>Healthcare databases.</p><p><strong>Method: </strong>Electronic databases were searched and limited to English language and studies published 2020 to 02 September 2022. Following the methods for rapid systematic reviews, data were analysed using a fixed effect model, and results of the effect estimate were reported as odds ratios (OR) with their confidence intervals (CI) (95% CI).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Databases' searches yielded 3065 articles after deduplication and 3 studies by searching reference lists of included articles. After screening abstracts and full text articles, 3 cohort studies were included, each with serious risk of bias. Very low certainty evidence shows a decrease in occurrence of SARS-CoV-2 infections in the asymptomatic testing group among patients going for index surgery (OR: 0.05, 95 % CI: 0.00-0.82; 501 participants; 1 study) and among long term care facility staff (OR: 0.31, 95 % CI: 0.18-0.52; 3457 participants; 2 studies, <i>I</i> ² = 89%) than the 'no asymptomatic testing' group. However, its effect on their residents was contradictory.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>There is limited quality evidence to support asymptomatic testing of individuals for SARS-CoV-2 in the prevention of virus transmission in health care settings.</p><p><strong>Contribution: </strong>In the event of a future pandemic, this review offers current evidence on the potential effects of asymptomatic testing.</p>","PeriodicalId":44723,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Public Health in Africa","volume":"16 2","pages":"581"},"PeriodicalIF":0.6,"publicationDate":"2025-01-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11830837/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143450753","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Policy analysis: Key milestones in MDR-TB management over the past decade in South Africa.","authors":"Lee-Ann C Davids, Talitha Crowley","doi":"10.4102/jphia.v15i1.703","DOIUrl":"10.4102/jphia.v15i1.703","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Significant strides have been made globally and in South Africa (SA) in the policy and biomedical management of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB). However, MDR-TB remains a significant public health threat.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong>This policy content analysis aims to explore the key milestones in MDR-TB management in SA and globally over the last decade, 2013-2023, to identify gaps and opportunities for improvement.</p><p><strong>Setting: </strong>This review focussed on global and South African national MDR-TB policies since SA is on all three World Health Organization (WHO) watch lists for TB, TB/HIV and MDR-TB, despite its significant contributions to policy.</p><p><strong>Method: </strong>A policy review and content analysis were conducted of all publicly available SA and WHO drug-resistant TB policies developed between 2013 and 2023.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Key changes identified were in the areas of new drug development and regimens, care delivery settings, task shifting and, terminology used in the field of drug-resistant TB. Changes in the biomedical sphere predominated in both SA and WHO policies.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Important biomedical interventions have offered renewed hope for the SA MDR-TB programme. This review highlights that policy translation and implementation in non-biomedical interventions have been slow, sometimes lagging up to 10 years behind an intervention being recommended. This article recommends equal weight be placed on non-biomedical interventions and that these policy translations occur at a more rapid speed to positively impact the dire public health consequences of MDR-TB.</p><p><strong>Contribution: </strong>Insights offered through this policy review may contribute to policy development, translation and implementation towards improving MDR-TB outcomes in SA.</p>","PeriodicalId":44723,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Public Health in Africa","volume":"15 1","pages":"703"},"PeriodicalIF":0.6,"publicationDate":"2024-12-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11736563/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143013816","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}