Muktar Musa Shallangwa, Shuaibu Saidu Musa, Hassan Muhammad Bello, Abdulraz Yahaya, S. A. Abdullahi, Muhammad Sanusi Ahmad, Mohammed Garba Buwa, Usman Abubakar Haruna, Abdullahi Adamu Malala
{"title":"Integrating pediatric HIV testing and treatment with other child health services in Nigeria","authors":"Muktar Musa Shallangwa, Shuaibu Saidu Musa, Hassan Muhammad Bello, Abdulraz Yahaya, S. A. Abdullahi, Muhammad Sanusi Ahmad, Mohammed Garba Buwa, Usman Abubakar Haruna, Abdullahi Adamu Malala","doi":"10.1002/puh2.147","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/puh2.147","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":74613,"journal":{"name":"Public health challenges","volume":"100 ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139024406","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
C. Sente, H. Onyuth, A. Tamale, Bob Mali, B. Namara, Jacob Gizamba Mugoya, Andrew Rwot Omara
{"title":"Waterborne parasites in Uganda: A survey in Queen Elizabeth Protected Area","authors":"C. Sente, H. Onyuth, A. Tamale, Bob Mali, B. Namara, Jacob Gizamba Mugoya, Andrew Rwot Omara","doi":"10.1002/puh2.142","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/puh2.142","url":null,"abstract":"Pathogenic waterborne protozoa and helminths have the potential to cause infections in vulnerable populations such as children and immunocompromised individuals. Those residing in close proximity to wildlife‐protected areas in sub‐Saharan Africa, who are among the most economically disadvantaged, may have an increased susceptibility to these infections. This study aimed at detecting protozoan trophozoites/cysts, and helminth eggs in environmental and piped tap water (PTW) used by locals and tourists in the Queen Elizabeth Protected Area (QEPA) in western Uganda.Water samples were taken from the natural environment and domestic PTW sources. The samples were analysed for helminth eggs, free‐living amoeba (FLA) trophozoites/cysts, Cryptosporidium oocysts and Giardia cysts. The parasites were examined under the microscope, after which they were identified and counted. The data was subjected to univariate analysis to compare the prevalence rates across the different sample sites. The variables were summed using the mean and standard error of the mean.The overall prevalence rates of the protozoan parasites, from highest to lowest, were as follows: FLA (56.6%), Cryptosporidium spp. (38.2%), Giardia spp. (36.5%), Eimeria spp. (20.3%) and Paramecium spp. (2.7%). Similarly, helminth parasite prevalence was as follows: Strongyle (38.2%), Ascaris spp. (33.3%), Trematodes (25%), Strongyloides (10.5%), Toxocara spp. (8.3%) and Capillaria spp. (3.2%).The presence of parasites in natural water sources inside QEPA presents a significant hazard for the contamination of domestic water. It is imperative to implement established procedures for enhancing water quality.","PeriodicalId":74613,"journal":{"name":"Public health challenges","volume":"32 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139024166","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Jyoti Shandilya, D. Parai, Hariram Choudhary, J. Kshatri, Biren Kumar Padhy, Padma Mohan Pradhan, Deepika Saket, Annalisha Peter, Matrujyoti Pattnaik, A. Padhi, Sanghamitra Pati, D. Bhattacharya
{"title":"Suspected human anthrax outbreak investigation in a tribal village of Koraput, India, 2021","authors":"Jyoti Shandilya, D. Parai, Hariram Choudhary, J. Kshatri, Biren Kumar Padhy, Padma Mohan Pradhan, Deepika Saket, Annalisha Peter, Matrujyoti Pattnaik, A. Padhi, Sanghamitra Pati, D. Bhattacharya","doi":"10.1002/puh2.125","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/puh2.125","url":null,"abstract":"Odisha is a state in India endemic to anthrax disease with frequent reports of suspected animal cases. A suspected outbreak of anthrax in humans was reported on 24 October 2021 at Tukum village in Koraput district of Odisha, India after a bullock was found dead and consumed by the locals on 17 October 2021.This extended outbreak investigation was carried out through house‐to‐house active surveillance from 24 October to 2 November 2021 in the Koraput district. Eschar skin swabs from wounds were collected and processed at District Public Health Laboratory, Koraput, and analyzed in Indian Council of Medical Research‐Regional Medical Research Centre, Bhubaneswar for molecular confirmation. Samples from bone, soil, and dried meat were collected from the contaminated sites and were transported to Animal Diseases Research Institute, Cuttack for confirmation.Four suspected cases of human anthrax were identified who had handled and consumed dead bullock meat, among which one human had died later. The attack rate of the persons at risk in the village was calculated to be 1.23%. However, no Bacillus anthracis were identified in human swab samples when tested in real‐time polymerase chain reaction. Samples collected from contaminated sites were confirmed to have anthrax bacilli.Investigation revealed that a suspected anthrax cluster outbreak was due to butchering/de‐skinning and consumption of the anthrax‐infected dead animal. The presence of bacilli in human samples could not be confirmed due to the intake of antibiotics before the collection of sample. This finding highlighted the importance of sample collection at a suitable time and a possible need for one health approach for better coordination among the different responsible departments.","PeriodicalId":74613,"journal":{"name":"Public health challenges","volume":"10 6","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"138627212","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Patricia Mejía, Leona Smith Di Faustino, Alicia DiGiammarino, Thea Sigerman, Sabrina Sanchez, Caitlin Dunn, Jen Tougas, Valerie Kryger, Andrew D Maher, Rachel Willard‐Grace
{"title":"Trauma‐informed health coaching: A practical guide for COVID‐19 and other disease intervention interviews","authors":"Patricia Mejía, Leona Smith Di Faustino, Alicia DiGiammarino, Thea Sigerman, Sabrina Sanchez, Caitlin Dunn, Jen Tougas, Valerie Kryger, Andrew D Maher, Rachel Willard‐Grace","doi":"10.1002/puh2.144","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/puh2.144","url":null,"abstract":"For people who have experienced psychological trauma, distressing experiences like being notified of exposure to an infectious disease, may trigger a trauma response, a natural, often unconscious, emotional reaction. Disease investigation specialists (DIS), including contact tracers and case investigators, may encounter clients who exhibit trauma responses during outreach calls. In this paper, we describe a novel approach to these calls that combines two evidence‐based approaches: trauma‐informed care and health coaching. These two approaches are put into practice using the HEAR technique, which uses the four steps of Hear, Express Gratitude, Ask, and Respond, to engage with emotionally triggered clients. We provide a series of case vignettes and practical examples of how disease investigation specialists can use the HEAR technique to support clients who may be experiencing trauma. Equipped with this approach, DIS can better engage with the public around existing and emerging infectious diseases, thereby improving both individual health outcomes and public health more broadly.","PeriodicalId":74613,"journal":{"name":"Public health challenges","volume":"277 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"138985918","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
M. L. Manirakiza, Aphrodis Gustave Tuyishime, A. Ndibaza, Francoise Musabeyezu, Benjamin Kulaaza, Francois Biziyaremye, Dieudonne Ndatimana, Richard Kalisa, Diane Rinda, A. Kayinamura, Christian Mazimpaka
{"title":"Effect of neonatal nurse mentorship in improving neonatal care competencies among neonatal nurses in Rwandan hospitals","authors":"M. L. Manirakiza, Aphrodis Gustave Tuyishime, A. Ndibaza, Francoise Musabeyezu, Benjamin Kulaaza, Francois Biziyaremye, Dieudonne Ndatimana, Richard Kalisa, Diane Rinda, A. Kayinamura, Christian Mazimpaka","doi":"10.1002/puh2.141","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/puh2.141","url":null,"abstract":"Despite healthcare improvements in Rwanda, newborn mortality remains high. This study assesses the impact of neonatal mentorship on enhancing nurses’ competencies within neonatal units, aiming to address this mortality concern and strengthen healthcare providers’ abilities.The prospective cohort study included 25 health facilities supported by Ingobyi Activity in Rwanda, which were beneficiaries of a monthly mentorship program focusing on five critical neonatal competencies. These included adopt manipulation of neonatal equipment, effective management of small and sick newborns, stringent infection prevention and control (IPC), kangaroo mother care (KMC) implementation, and family‐centered care provision. We employed an observation checklist to measure neonatal practice competencies, comparing practices at the time point of the baseline, at the 6th mentorship session, and finally at the 12th mentorship session.The program engaged 188 neonatal nurse mentees. Data analysis highlighted a substantial increase in overall neonatal practice competencies from a baseline of 42.7%–75.4% after 12 mentorship sessions. Specific competency enhancements included family‐centered care (40.3%–70.3%), IPC (43.2%–84.2%), KMC (56.9%–73.3%), management of small and sick newborns (38.5%–77.6%), and manipulation of neonatal equipment (42.7%–75.4%).This neonatal mentorship program was effective in enhancing nursing competencies, leading to significant improvements in neonatal care practices. Future work should evaluate the program's cost‐effectiveness and explore its potential to positively impact neonatal health outcomes, thus ensuring sustainable healthcare advancements.","PeriodicalId":74613,"journal":{"name":"Public health challenges","volume":"424 ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139021604","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Elisabeth Schorling, Sebastian Knorr, Sonja Lick, Pablo Steinberg, Dagmar Adeline Brüggemann
{"title":"Probability of sequelae following Campylobacter spp. infections: Update of systematic reviews and meta‐analyses","authors":"Elisabeth Schorling, Sebastian Knorr, Sonja Lick, Pablo Steinberg, Dagmar Adeline Brüggemann","doi":"10.1002/puh2.145","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/puh2.145","url":null,"abstract":"Reactive arthritis (REA) and Guillain–Barré syndrome (GBS) are postinfectious complications of Campylobacter enteritis (CE); associations with inflammatory bowel diseases and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) are also discussed. The objective of this study was to summarize existing evidence on the probability of sequelae following confirmed CE.All studies included in previous reviews and meta‐analyses on this topic were retrieved and assessed for eligibility; a systematic literature search was conducted to collect more recent reports. For each sequela, random effects meta‐analyses were performed; the risk of bias and the quality of evidence were evaluated.In total, 50 reports of observational studies were included; between 110,765 and 175,839 CE cases were considered for each sequela. The pooled proportion of CE cases that developed a sequela was 1.72% (95% CI 0.81–3.61; prediction interval [PI]: 0.03–47.65) for REA, 0.07% (0.03–0.16; PI: 0.003–1.59) for GBS, 0.22% (0.06–0.73; PI: 0.002–20.69) for Crohn's disease (CD), 0.35% (0.11–1.15; PI: 0.003–28.16) for ulcerative colitis (UC), and 4.48% (1.92–10.08; PI: 0.09–70.62) for IBS. The high between‐study heterogeneity could partially be explained by study size and design, the method of assessing sequelae, and the period between CE and sequelae onset. The quality of evidence was rated as moderate for GBS and UC, and low for REA, CD, and IBS.Updated estimates of the probability to develop sequelae after CE are provided, for CD and UC for the first time. However, uncertainty regarding the true probabilities remains, which is reflected in the broad PIs.","PeriodicalId":74613,"journal":{"name":"Public health challenges","volume":"3 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"138992725","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Miriam Window, Mama Tamanda Msiska, S. Nayupe, Gaily Lungu
{"title":"Dignity in childbirth: A perspective from sub‐Saharan Africa","authors":"Miriam Window, Mama Tamanda Msiska, S. Nayupe, Gaily Lungu","doi":"10.1002/puh2.146","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/puh2.146","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":74613,"journal":{"name":"Public health challenges","volume":"21 9","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139018734","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Charlotte Salgaard Nielsen, Patricia Garvey, Martin Cormican, N. Delappe, Mary Lenahan, Orla Moore, Kay Casey, S. Cotter, Sarah Gee, Benjamin Aniugbo, Gerard Meagher, Elaine Brabazon, K. I. Quintyne, Anthony Breslin, RoseMary McBride, Eimear Burke, Margaret White, Marie Casey, L. Evans, Catherine Conlon, Annette Dillon, Regina Kiernan, Donna Kilmartin, Cale Lawlor, Ruth McDermott, P. McKeown
{"title":"Investigation of a monophasic Salmonella Typhimurium outbreak linked to chocolate products as part of wider international outbreak: A matched case–control study, Ireland, 2022","authors":"Charlotte Salgaard Nielsen, Patricia Garvey, Martin Cormican, N. Delappe, Mary Lenahan, Orla Moore, Kay Casey, S. Cotter, Sarah Gee, Benjamin Aniugbo, Gerard Meagher, Elaine Brabazon, K. I. Quintyne, Anthony Breslin, RoseMary McBride, Eimear Burke, Margaret White, Marie Casey, L. Evans, Catherine Conlon, Annette Dillon, Regina Kiernan, Donna Kilmartin, Cale Lawlor, Ruth McDermott, P. McKeown","doi":"10.1002/puh2.116","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/puh2.116","url":null,"abstract":"In March 2022, an outbreak investigation was initiated in Ireland after identifying a cluster of monophasic Salmonella Typimurium cases, affecting primarily small children. Microbiological investigations revealed that the cluster was part of a wider international outbreak.A total of 18 Irish outbreak cases were identified. We undertook a matched case–control study using the case–case method to determine if exposure to the implicated products was associated with illness.In univariable analysis, the highest odds of disease due to monophasic S. Typhimurium versus other gastrointestinal disease were obtained for a chocolate Product A of Brand A [matched odds ratio (mOR) = 7.77, 95% confidence intervals (CI): 0.89–67.20]. When grouping the implicated products in a composite variable, the odds of disease due to monophasic S. Typhimurium versus other gastrointestinal disease were 10.5 times higher with a consumption of at least one of the implicated products [mOR = 10.50, 95% CI: 1.24–88.60, p = 0.031].This analytical study supported the internationally generated hypothesis which led to the implementation of control measures. Owing to the high levels of chocolate purchasing with Easter approaching, early outbreak identification and involvement in the internationally coordinated investigation was essential to an efficient response and to minimise the risk of further harm to a particularly vulnerable population group.","PeriodicalId":74613,"journal":{"name":"Public health challenges","volume":"126 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-11-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139256854","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Majani M Edward, G. Y. Scott, Withness John, Martha Ernest Rajabu, Elton Mahulu, Shuaibu Saidu Musa, Lucero-Prisno Iii Don Eliseo
{"title":"Marburg virus outbreak in Tanzania: A threat to global health security","authors":"Majani M Edward, G. Y. Scott, Withness John, Martha Ernest Rajabu, Elton Mahulu, Shuaibu Saidu Musa, Lucero-Prisno Iii Don Eliseo","doi":"10.1002/puh2.140","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/puh2.140","url":null,"abstract":"The current Marburg virus (MARV) outbreak in Tanzania served as a stark reminder of the ongoing threat posed by emerging infectious diseases and the urgent need for global health security. The Tanzanian Ministry of Health (MoH) officially declared the outbreak on March 21, 2023. Eight cases in all, five of which included fatalities, have been reported in the country at present. The virus is a member of the Filoviridae family closely related to the widely known Ebola virus. Similar to other filoviruses, MARV causes acute and lethal hemorrhagic fever in both human and nonhuman primates with high case fatality rates ranging from 24% to 90%. The outbreak has highlighted the need for improved disease surveillance and response systems, as well as increased funding for research into emerging infectious diseases. The Tanzanian MoH has deployed a response team to investigate and monitor the transmission in the Kagera Region. The team works closely in collaboration with other organizations, such as the World Health Organization and the Africa Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, to ensure the effective control of the situation. Although there is no vaccine or treatment approved for Marburg virus disease (MVD), supportive management improves survival. Existing infection prevention and control protocols for Ebola and other viral hemorrhagic fevers such as isolation and use of appropriate personal protective equipment can be used to prevent transmission of MVD. The global community must work together to strengthen health systems, enhance research efforts, and build resilient and responsive health systems to prevent future outbreaks of this kind. In this article, we have analyzed the MVD outbreak in Tanzania, specifically in the Bukoba district of the Kagera Region, and provided recommendations for the management of the current outbreak and future outbreaks.","PeriodicalId":74613,"journal":{"name":"Public health challenges","volume":"8 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-11-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139258337","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Improving public safety in events of mass gathering: The 2022 Kanjuruhan Stadium Disaster in Indonesia","authors":"Lowilius Wiyono, Irfan Kresnadi, Awliya Syamsul Munir, Medhavini Tannuardi, L. Mirtha","doi":"10.1002/puh2.139","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/puh2.139","url":null,"abstract":"The Kanjuruhan tragedy has caused tremendous sorrow for Indonesia and its football history. The incident happened during the match between the Arema and Persebaya football teams that was followed by a chaotic stampede due to supporters’ anarchy. The incident caused 135 deaths due to a stampede in the chaotic stadium. However, it has also brought into the limelight several violations and depravity of safety measures that have been neglected by the Indonesian officials and its football association. Despite being banned by FIFA's Safety and Security Regulations, the use of crowd‐control gas is hypothesized as one of the key driving factors for the stampede. There were also violations of the evacuation plan with overloaded stadium capacity, lack of safety protocol, and no regard for the disaster management command chain needed in such a situation. Inappropriate security plans, lack of safety officers, lack of a contingency plan in the event of a stampede, and lack of appropriate safe infrastructure contributed to the severity of this incident. We discuss the incident with the possible causes and notable issues in the management of mass gatherings, as well as the might‐be solution and precaution for all parties involved, from the evaluation of the use of crowd‐control gas, reassessment of safety protocol, and infrastructure to the appropriate response for stampede or any similar situations. The Kanjuruhan tragedy is heart‐wrenching, with various issues involved, showing the lack of regulations by the Indonesian government and its football association. However, it might also be an opportunity to learn and inspect all parties to achieve a peaceful and safe football in Indonesia.","PeriodicalId":74613,"journal":{"name":"Public health challenges","volume":"54 6","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-11-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139272401","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}