Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever during the COVID-19 pandemic in Africa:Efforts, recommendations and challenges at hand

Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, millions have suffered globally and as a result, attention and resources for other diseases, such as Crimean-Congo Haemorrhagic Fever (CCHF), has declined. Despite a significantly lower incidence rate compared to COVID-19, CCHF has a considerably higher mortality rate at approximately 30%. Both diseases share symptoms such as headache, fever, nausea and vomiting, fatigue, sore throat, however they have different modes of transmission, mortality rates, and incubation periods. Public health professionals have faced several challenges when attempting to prevent and control the spread of both diseases and despite their differences, many of the prevention methods remain the same. These include increasing public awareness regarding avoiding contact with infected individuals and animals, training healthcare professionals in emergency and preparedness for disease outbreaks and increasing the investment in medical supplies and treatment to control the spread of both diseases

The burden of monkeypox virus amidst the Covid-19 pandemic in Africa:A double battle for Africa

The Coronavirus Disease - 19 (COVID-19) pandemic has put additional strain on Africa's fragile healthcare systems and has impacted the rise of emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases. Currently, there is a rise in cases of Monkeypox Disease, a zoonotic viral disease caused by the Monkeypox virus, which was first documented in 1970 in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Most of the clinical symptoms of Monkeypox resemble that of smallpox, whose virus also belongs to the same genus. Initial symptoms include headache, fever, and fatigue, followed by lymphadenopathy and a rash. This study aims to provide more insight into Monkeypox by exposing its current burden and efforts to combat it amidst COVID-19 in Africa. Since Monkeypox disease is re-emerging and is less contagious than COVID-19, prevention and treatment are much more manageable. Still, African countries face several crucial challenges in responding to the Monkeypox in times of the covid-19 pandemic. These include lack of a well-functioning surveillance system for early detection of the disease, lack of awareness and knowledge of the monkeypox disease across the general population, lack of healthcare facilities already burdened by COVID-19 cases, and shortage of trained healthcare professionals. On the other hand, one significant factor contributing to the minimized risk in Africa was the smallpox vaccination done before 1980. However, a declining cross-protective immunity is seen in those inoculated with the smallpox vaccine and the ever-increasing risk to the unvaccinated population. Thus, focusing on vaccination and disease surveillance operations and diligent monitoring, as well as cross-border collaborations with international sectors, including One Health, FOA, OIE, and WHO is critical to achieving the ultimate eradication of monkeypox in Africa

Marburg virus outbreak in Ghana:An impending crisis

Since the initial identification of the Marburg virus in 1967, it has sporadically emerged in several countries throughout Africa, including Zimbabwe, Kenya, South Africa, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Uganda, and Zimbabwe. Due to the concurrent occurrence of other epidemics like the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), this outbreak could endanger the healthcare systems in these many African nations. Recently, two cases of the Marburg virus were detected in Ghana for the first time. However, there has been a noticeable lack of information concerning this recent outbreak of July 2022 in Ghana. Therefore, this article seeks to provide an overview of this outbreak in Ghana to better understand the most recent status and current efforts being made to mitigate the dissemination of the Marburg virus. We also suggest recommendations that may contribute to limiting the burden of this virus

Surgical mentorship in low-resource environments : opportunities and challenges; a perspective

Background and aims: In low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), a shortage of skilled surgical practitioners hampers healthcare delivery, impacting well-being and economic growth. Surgical mentorship programs offer a promising solution but face challenges in implementation. This review aims to comprehensively assess the impact of surgical mentorship programs in LMICs and identify challenges and opportunities for their development and implementation. Methods: A thorough literature search was conducted from 2000 to 2023 using multiple databases, focusing on surgical mentorship programs in LMICs. Inclusion criteria encompassed full-text articles in English that demonstrated characteristics of mentorship. Rigorous exclusion criteria were applied to ensure high-quality evidence inclusion. Results: Surgical mentorship programs in LMICs strengthen local surgical capacity, improve surgical skills and patient outcomes, optimize resources and technology utilization, and positively impact medical students aspiring to be surgeons. However, challenges such as resistance to change, resource limitations, financial constraints, logistical and technological challenges, and time constraints hinder their implementation. Conclusion: Despite challenges, surgical mentorship programs hold promise for enhancing surgical capacity and healthcare quality in LMICs. Standardized metrics for accountability, innovative funding mechanisms, collaborative partnerships for scalability, interdisciplinary integration, and leveraging virtual mentorship programs are key strategies to overcome challenges and foster sustainable learning cultures, ultimately contributing to improved healthcare equity and quality in low-resource settings.Peer reviewe

Anifrolumab in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE): A Critical Appraisal of Clinical Trials and its Prospects for Elevating Patients' Quality of Life

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) presents a complex autoimmune challenge characterized by chronic inflammation and multi-organ involvement. This paper offers a comprehensive analysis of anifrolumab, a promising monoclonal antibody that targets type I interferon signaling, as a potential treatment for SLE. It also compares with existing therapies, namely belimumab and rituximab. Anifrolumab received FDA approval in 2021 based on evidence from clinical trials, such as MUSE and TULIP-2, demonstrating its effectiveness in reducing disease activity, glucocorticoid usage, and flares among SLE patients. However, concerns regarding its safety profile, particularly herpes zoster infections and immunosuppression, should be addressed. Comparative analysis of belimumab and rituximab reveals their distinct mechanisms of action and levels of clinical evidence. Belimumab, focusing on B-cell activity, has a longer history of reducing disease activity and flares. Rituximab, while promising, lacks direct comparative data. Challenges related to the long-term safety and efficacy of anifrolumab emphasize the need for personalized treatment strategies, patient selection, and real-world data integration. The paper discusses the importance of tailoring therapies based on biomarker profiles and clinical characteristics, involving patients in shared decision-making, and monitoring treatment responses over time. The paper highlights ongoing research and clinical trials exploring new therapeutic approaches for SLE, offering hope for improved outcomes. It underscores that anifrolumab, while promising, should be considered within the context of individual patient needs, with further studies necessary to refine treatment choices for SLE patients

Bridging minds and machines : the recent advances of brain-computer interfaces in neurological and neurosurgical applications

Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCIs), a remarkable technological advancement in neurology and neurosurgery, mark a significant leap since the inception of electroencephalography (EEG) in 1924. These interfaces effectively convert central nervous system signals into commands for external devices, offering revolutionary benefits to patients with severe communication and motor impairments due to a myriad of neurological conditions like stroke, spinal cord injuries, and neurodegenerative disorders. BCIs enable these individuals to communicate and interact with their environment, using their brain signals to operate interfaces for communication and environmental control. This technology is especially crucial for those completely locked in, providing a communication lifeline where other methods fall short. The advantages of BCIs are profound, offering autonomy and an improved quality of life for patients with severe disabilities. They allow for direct interaction with various devices and prostheses, bypassing damaged or non-functional neural pathways. However, challenges persist, including the complexity of accurately interpreting brain signals, the need for individual calibration, and ensuring reliable, long-term use. Additionally, ethical considerations arise regarding autonomy, consent, and the potential for dependence on technology. Despite these challenges, BCIs represent a transformative development in neurotechnology, promising enhanced patient outcomes and a deeper understanding of brain-machine interfaces.Peer reviewe

Examining the provision of renal denervation therapy in low- and middle-income nations: Current landscape, challenges, future prospects—A mini perspective review

This paper delves into Renal Denervation Therapy as a promising intervention for resistant hypertension in low- and middle-income countries. With rates of hypertension increasing in LMICs due to lifestyle factors, RDN presents a potentially transformative approach. The methodology involves a comprehensive literature review, focusing on studies in LMICs that unveil proactive developments in standardized guidelines and precision targeting in clinical trials. LMICs actively contribute to research, emphasizing the safety and efficacy of RDN. However, despite these strides, the current landscape reveals challenges, encompassing initial costs, economic disparities, and limitations in healthcare infrastructure. Despite these hurdles, the paper envisions promising future prospects, emphasizing innovative strategies for cost-effective RDN implementation. It advocates for global collaboration and partnerships with international organizations, proposing the expansion of the Global SYMPLICITY Registry to include more LMICs; a testament to a commitment to research advancement. The paper concludes by highlighting comprehensive strategies to overcome challenges, making RDN financially viable in resource-limited settings. It underscores the potential for RDN to enhance global healthcare outcomes, particularly in regions grappling with diverse economic and healthcare challenges

Unlocking the hidden burden of epilepsy in Africa: Understanding the challenges and harnessing opportunities for improved care

Abstract Background Epilepsy is a common neurological disorder that affects many people in Africa, yet the burden of the disease is often hidden. The management of epilepsy in Africa is often inadequate due to a lack of awareness and education, limited access to diagnostic tools and treatments, inadequate coordination of care, and the stigma associated with the condition. Method A comprehensive literature review was conducted to gather information on the epidemiology, diagnosis, management, and outcomes of epilepsy in Africa. The review included studies from peer‐reviewed journals, government reports, and gray literature. Results The review revealed a high burden of epilepsy in Africa. The studies also showed a significant gap in the availability and accessibility of diagnostic tools, antiepileptic drugs, and specialized therapies such as physical, occupational, and speech therapy. Additionally, the review found that cultural beliefs and practices, socioeconomic factors such as poverty and lack of access to healthcare, and the stigma associated with the condition, also pose significant challenges to managing epilepsy in Africa. Conclusion The study highlights the urgent need for improved epilepsy management in Africa. Additionally, the study calls for further research on epilepsy in Africa and collaboration between all stakeholders to improve the management of epilepsy in Africa

The essential role of neuroimaging in diagnosing and managing cerebrovascular disease in Africa: a review

AbstractBackground Cerebrovascular disease is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in Africa, and using neuroimaging techniques has improved the diagnosis and management of this disease. However, there is a lack of comprehensive reviews of the role and effectiveness of neuroimaging techniques in the African context.Methods We reviewed the literature to evaluate the role of neuroimaging in diagnosing and managing cerebrovascular disease in Africa. Our search included electronic databases such as PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar from 2000 to April 2023. We included peer-reviewed studies written in English that reported on the use of neuroimaging in diagnosing and managing cerebrovascular disease in African populations. We excluded non-peer-reviewed articles, letters, editorials, and studies unrelated to cerebrovascular disease, neuroimaging, or Africa. A total of 102 potential articles were identified; after applying our exclusion criteria and removing duplicated articles, 51 articles were reviewed.Results Our findings suggest that neuroimaging techniques such as CT, MRI, and Skull x-ray play a crucial role in diagnosing and managing cerebrovascular disease in Africa. CT and MRI were the most commonly used techniques, with CT being more widely available and less expensive than MRI. However, challenges to using neuroimaging in Africa include the high cost of equipment and maintenance, lack of trained personnel, and inadequate infrastructure. These challenges limit the widespread use of neuroimaging in diagnosing and managing cerebrovascular disease in Africa.Conclusion Neuroimaging techniques are essential for diagnosing and managing cerebrovascular disease in Africa, but challenges to their use must be addressed to improve healthcare outcomes. Our policy recommendations can help improve the availability and accessibility of neuroimaging services in Africa