HPV vaccination in Africa in the COVID-19 era: a cross-sectional survey of healthcare providers’ knowledge, training, and recommendation practices

IntroductionAlthough the burden of cervical cancer in Africa is highest, HPV vaccination coverage remains alarmingly low in this region. Providers’ knowledge and recommendation are key drivers of HPV vaccination uptake. Yet, evidence about providers’ knowledge and recommendation practices about the HPV vaccine against a backdrop of emerging vaccine hesitancy fueled by the COVID-19 pandemic is lacking in Africa.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted in 2021–2022 among healthcare providers involved in cervical cancer prevention activities in Africa. They were invited to report prior training, the availability of the HPV vaccine in their practice, whether they recommended the HPV vaccine, and, if not, the reasons for not recommending it. Their knowledge about the HPV vaccine was assessed through self-reporting (perceived knowledge) and with three pre-tested knowledge questions (measured knowledge).ResultsOf the 153 providers from 23 African countries who responded to the survey (mean age: 38.5 years, SD: 10.1), 75 (54.0%) were female and 97 (63.4%) were based In countries with national HPV immunization programs. Overall, 57 (43.8%) reported having received prior training on HPV vaccine education/counseling, and 40 (37.4%) indicated that the HPV vaccine was available at the facility where they work. Most respondents (109, 83.2%) reported recommending the HPV vaccine in their practice. Vaccine unavailability (57.1%), lack of effective communication tools and informational material (28.6%), and need for adequate training (28.6%) were the most commonly reported reasons for not recommending the HPV vaccine. While 63 providers (52.9%) reported that their knowledge about HPV vaccination was adequate for their practice, only 9.9% responded correctly to the 3 knowledge questions.ConclusionTo increase HPV vaccination coverage and counter misinformation about this vaccine in Africa, adequate training of providers and culturally appropriate educational materials are needed to improve their knowledge of the HPV vaccine and to facilitate effective communication with their patients and the community

Medical schools in sub-Saharan Africa

Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/85361/1/MedicalSchoolsinSubSaharaAfrica.pd

Training the Next Generation of African Pathologists

Quality patient care requires correct and timely evidence-based diagnoses. Pathology and laboratory medicine training varies significantly across the continent, but is inadequate to serve the needs of the population. This article summarizes the current state of pathology workforce and training in sub-Saharan Africa; discusses challenges to recruitment and retention; and outlines the necessary elements for training and sustaining a robust workforce in pathology and laboratory medicine. The authors provide several case studies of institutions around the continent that include expansion of existing programs, a de novo program, South-South collaborations, and skill building for the existing workforce

Medical schools in sub-Saharan Africa

Small numbers of graduates from few medical schools, and emigration of graduates to other countries, contribute to low physician presence in sub-Saharan Africa. The Sub-Saharan African Medical School Study examined the challenges, innovations, and emerging trends in medical education in the region. We identified 168 medical schools; of the 146 surveyed, 105 (72) responded. Findings from the study showed that countries are prioritising medical education scale-up as part of health-system strengthening, and we identified many innovations in premedical preparation, team-based education, and creative use of scarce research support. The study also drew attention to ubiquitous faculty shortages in basic and clinical sciences, weak physical infrastructure, and little use of external accreditation. Patterns recorded include the growth of private medical schools, community-based education, and international partnerships, and the benefit of research for faculty development. Ten recommendations provide guidance for efforts to strengthen medical education in sub-Saharan Africa. © 2011 Elsevier Ltd

Medical schools in sub-Saharan Africa

Small numbers of graduates from few medical schools, and emigration of graduates to other countries, contribute to low physician presence in sub-Saharan Africa. The Sub-Saharan African Medical School Study examined the challenges, innovations, and emerging trends in medical education in the region. We identified 168 medical schools; of the 146 surveyed, 105 (72%) responded. Findings from the study showed that countries are prioritising medical education scale-up as part of health-system strengthening, and we identified many innovations in premedical preparation, teambased education, and creative use of scarce research support. The study also drew attention to ubiquitous faculty shortages in basic and clinical sciences, weak physical infrastructure, and little use of external accreditation. Patterns recorded include the growth of private medical schools, community-based education, and international partnerships, and the benefit of research for faculty development. Ten recommendations provide guidance for efforts to strengthen medical education in sub-Saharan Africa.The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.http://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet

Les écoles de médecine en Afrique subsaharienne

Contexte, problématique et objectifs : Les nombres restreints de diplômés sortant d’écoles de médecine peu nombreuses, et l’émigration des diplômés vers d’autres pays contribuent au faible nombre de médecins présents en Afrique subsaharienne. L’étude sur les écoles de médecine en Afrique subsaharienne a examiné les défis, les innovations et les nouvelles tendances au regard de l’éducation en médecine dans la région. Méthodes : Nous avons retenu 168 écoles de médecine; parmi les 146 qui ont été soumises à l’enquête, 105 (72 %) ont répondu. Résultats : Les observations tirées de l’étude indiquaient que les pays mettaient en priorité l’éducation médicale dans le cadre du renforcement du secteur de la santé et nous avons constaté nombre d’innovations dans la préparation « pré-médicale », l’éducation en équipe et l’usage créatif du soutien limité en matière de recherche. L’étude a aussi attiré l’attention sur le problème généralisé d’un effectif insuffisant de professeurs capables d’enseigner les sciences fondamentales et cliniques, d’une infrastructure physique peu développée et du manque d’accréditation externe. Les tendances enregistrées incluent la croissance des écoles de médecine privées, l’éducation axée sur la communauté, les partenariats internationaux et l’effet positif de la recherche pour le développement des professeurs. Dix recommandations orientent l’initiative de renforcement de l’éducation en médecine en Afrique subsaharienne