Afghanistan's humanitarian crisis and its impacts on the mental health of healthcare workers during COVID-19

Afghanistan's humanitarian crisis has severely impacted the mental health of frontline workers. With the introduction of the Taliban government, ongoing civil unrest, and other forms of violent attacks, healthcare workers (HCWs) continue to provide patient care despite minimal resources. A severe contraction in the economy, poor supply of medications, political turmoil, and insufficient humanitarian aid have added to pre-existing problems. High levels of insecurity and instability as well as decades of traumatic experiences have contributed to increasing mental health challenges amongst frontline workers. Despite the scarcity of mental health services, HCWs continue to persevere with their service to the community. However, inadequate interventions may have serious implications for HCWs bearing the brunt of multiple traumas. Thus, governmental and international involvement is needed to address both the economic and psychological needs of HCWs in Afghanistan

The role of Memantine in slowing cognitive decline in patients with Down syndrome–A systematic review and meta analysis

Background: Memantine, an NMDA antagonist, has shown to be an effective and well-tolerated pharmacological therapy for the reduction of cognitive decline in the general population with Alzheimer's disease. Individuals with Down syndrome (trisomy 21) have higher rates of cognitive decline than the general population in addition to a greatly increased risk for the development of early-onset Alzheimer's disease. The potential efficacy of Memantine as a therapy for cognitive improvement in DS patients is not well understood. Objective: To assess the effectiveness of Memantine in comparison to placebo as a pharmacological therapy for patients with Down syndrome. Search strategy: Multiple databases including Pubmed, CENTRAL, CDSR, and clinicaltrials.gov were searched with terms including “Memantine Hydrochloride” and “Trisomy 21.” Selection criteria: Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials measuring tolerability, efficacy, and safety of memantine in DS patients were used. Three (3) studies were ultimately included. Data collection and analysis: Standard Mean Difference (SMD), Odds Ratio (OR) and 95 % confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated to assess the significance of intervention. Main results: No statistically significant therapeutic effect was found upon administration of Memantine relative to placebo in DS patients

What has been learned about COVID‐19 vaccine hesitancy in Pakistan: Insights from a narrative review

Abstract Background Vaccine hesitancy is not a new phenomenon to Pakistan. This is evidenced through the slow progress of previous vaccination campaigns and programs against MMR, BCG, and especially polio. This issue continues to persist and is therefore becoming the cause of low COVID‐19 vaccination rates in Pakistan. Aim To provide insights about COVID‐19 vaccine hesitancy among Pakistanis, and its potential harm on public health. Moreover, we aim provide recommendations to counter the factors limiting the COVID‐19 vaccination in Pakistan. Methodology A Boolean search was conducted to find the literature in MEDLINE‐PubMed, Google Scholar, and Clinicaltrials.gov databases up till March 16, 2022. Specific keywords were used which comprised of “SARS‐CoV‐2,” “COVID‐19,” “vaccine hesitancy,” “vaccine acceptance,” “intention to vaccinate,” and “Pakistan,” with use of “OR” and “AND.” Only free full‐text original studies in English language were used to compare and contrast. Results As proven by various studies, COVID‐19 vaccination rates are influenced by multiple factors, including inaccurate beliefs about COVID‐19, hesitancy amongst healthcare workers, uncertainty regarding vaccine's efficacy and fear of side effects. Various conspiracy theories and lower testing rates among others also add up to impose a negative impact on the vaccination rates and public health of Pakistan. This may lead to newer strains of potentially harmful COVID‐19, mental health deterioration, and prolonged lockdowns. Conclusion Vaccine hesitancy is a global public health threat, and its impacts are pronounced in Pakistan. This is reflected in the COVID‐19 pandemic; low vaccination rates in Pakistan may lead to future outbreaks of new, potentially harmful, strains of COVID‐19 which can prolong lockdowns in the country and affect mental health of the population. To improve the current situations, it is imperative for the government, educational institutes, and healthcare systems to develop trust and continually use dialogue, communication, and education to address misconceptions to improve COVID‐19 vaccination in Pakistan

Viral hepatitis amidst COVID-19 in Africa: Implications and recommendations

Hepatitis, a significant cause of mortality worldwide, results in around 1.34 million deaths each year globally. Africa is not exempt from the plague of Hepatitis. Around 100 million estimated individuals are infected with Hepatitis B or C. Egypt has the highest prevalence of cases of Hepatitis followed by Cameroon and Burundi. The continent is severely affected by the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, as the virus has added an additional burden on the already fragile continent. With the pandemic, it is presumable that Hepatitis like other viral diseases will pose a threat to collapsing healthcare system. Therefore, for Africa to become more resilient in the face of such menaces, including Hepatitis, further prevention policies are required to be implemented.Sin financiación2.327 JCR (2020) Q4, 29/37 Virology0.782 SJR (2020) Q2, 133/293 Infectious DiseasesNo data IDR 2020UE

The impact of violence on healthcare workers' mental health in conflict based settings amidst COVID‐19 pandemic, and potential interventions: A narrative review

Abstract Healthcare workers (HCWs) have faced an increased amount of mental health struggles amidst the COVID‐19 pandemic. However, those in conflict‐based settings with fragile healthcare systems meet additional challenges. This study reviews violence, conflict and mental health among HCWs in five countries: Syria, Palestine, Yemen, Afghanistan and Lebanon. Our study reports that HCWs are targeted by violence, bombings, mistreatment and different forms of abuse, including verbal and physical. With the additional burdens of the pandemic including prolonged working hours, limited resources and insufficient humanitarian aid, the healthcare workers fall victim to increased levels of burnout and mental illnesses. The situation leads to dire consequences on their personal lives and professional development, compelling them to quit their job or country all together. Although healthcare workers remain resilient in these conflict‐based settings, immediate interventions are required to prevent violence against them and cater to their rapidly declining mental health