Improving resilience to climate impacts in West Africa through improved availability, access and use of climate information: dialog with users

The stakeholder workshop on “Improving Resilience to Climate Impacts in West Africa Through Improved Availability, Access and Use of Climate Information: Dialogue With Users” was convened by the Centre Regional de Formation et d'Application en Agrométéorologie et Hydrologie Opérationnelle (AGRHYMET) in collaboration with the International Research Institute for Climate and Society (IRI) with funding and technical support from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the CGIAR Research Program on Climate Change, Agriculture and Food Security (CCAFS) and the United Nations Development Program (UNDP). Stakeholders from six Permanent Inter-state Committee for Drought Control in the Sahel (CILSS) countries were invited, in addition to representatives of five river basin organizations and the African Center of Meteorological Application for Development (ACMAD). The three-day meeting in Niamey, Niger (January 21-23, 2014) was attended by 40 participants and facilitators. It consisted of five components: • Introduction to AGRHYMET’s latest climate data, tools, and information products; • Training on the use of the tools for data analysis and visualization; • Engagement on the concept of climate risk management in the different sectors; • Soliciting feedback and needs from participants, to assess the value of the available tools and products to users, and inform improvements that are most relevant to stakeholders; and • Exploration of an Advisory Group for improving Climate Services provided by the AGRHYMET Center. The workshop introduced and solicited feedback on data, products and decision-support tools launched to support improved resilience to climate impacts, across sectors, initially targeting the agriculture, water and disaster risk management communities

Mesusage du tramadol par les adolescents et jeunes adultes en situation de rue

L’objectif de cette étude transversale et descriptive était de décrire quelques caractéristiques de l’addiction au Tramadol chez les adolescents et jeunes adultes en situation de rue, rattachés aux centres d’écoute du Service Educatif, Judiciaire et préventif (SEJUP) de Niamey. Le recueil des données a porté sur les variables sociodémographiques et la consommation de tramadol. L’analyse des données a calculé les moyennes, minima, maxima et écarts types. Les résultats indiquent que : trois centres d’écoute sur huit participaient à l’étude. L’échantillon constituait 61 adolescents et jeunes adultes dont l’âge moyen était de 17,49 ans. L’analyse indique que 47 adolescents et jeunes adultes de toutes les catégories sociodémographiques (sexe, niveau d’instruction, provenance familiale ; région de provenance ; antécdents médicaux; antécédents judiciaires) étaient usagers du Tramadol. 46 étaient dépendants du Tramadol. La quantité moyenne consommée était de 1455,31 ± 901,4mg. Le mésusage du tramadol par les jeunes en situation de rue est probablement une des conséquences de la vente illicite et libre des médicaments, dont il est urgent de préciser les données médicales et sociales.Pan African Medical Journal 2012; 13:5

Déterminants de l’Utilisation de la Contraception par les Femmes en Union dans le District Sanitaire de Guédiawaye, Sénégal

Objectif : Etudier les déterminants de l’utilisation de la contraception par les femmes en âge de procréation en union dans le district sanitaire de Guédiawaye. Méthodologie : Il s’agissait d’une étude transversale descriptive, analytique portant sur 600 femmes en âge de procréer (15 à 49 ans) en union qui s’était déroulée du 5 au 20 Décembre 2016. Les données recueillies ont été analysées avec le logiciel Epi info L’analyse des facteurs associés à l’utilisation de la contraception a été réalisée à l’aide du test statistique de chi Carré au seuil de significativité de 5%. Résultats : L’âge moyen des enquêtées était de 32,38 ans (±6,1) ; 39,3% avaient un niveau d’études secondaires et 67,2% exerçaient des activités génératrices de revenus. La prévalence contraceptive était 46,2% et parmi celles qui utilisaient la contraception, 35,7% étaient sous la méthode injectable. Les enquêtées appartenaient à une organisation sociale dans 61 % de cas et 56,7% de leurs conjoints approuvaient la PF. Les facteurs liés à l’utilisation de la contraception étaient : l’appartenance à une organisation sociale (P<0,05), l’approbation de la planification familiale par les conjoints (P<0,05) et la discussion sur la PF au sein du ménage (p<0,05). Conclusion : L’implication des conjoints à travers des séances de sensibilisations et l’utilisation des méthodes de longue durée d’action (Implant, dispositif Intra Utérin) contribueraient à rendre efficace la planification familiale.   Objective: To study the determinants of contraceptive use by women of childbearing age in union in the Guédiawaye health district. Methodology: This was a descriptive, analytical cross-sectional study of 600 women of childbearing age (15 to 49 years old) in union which took place from December 5 to 20, 2016. The data collected was analyzed with the Epi info software. The analysis of the factors associated with the use of contraception was carried out using the statistical test of chi square at the significance level of 5%. Results: The average age of the respondents was 32.38 years (±6.1); 39.3% had a secondary education level and 67.2% engaged in income generating activities. The contraceptive prevalence was 46.2% and among those who used contraception, 35.7% were under the injectable method. Respondents belonged to a social organization in 61% of cases and 56.7% of their spouses approved of FP. Factors related to contraceptive use were: membership in a social organization (P<0.05), spousal approval of family planning (P<0.05), and discussion of FP within the household (p<0.05).  Conclusion: The involvement of spouses through awareness sessions and the use of long-acting methods (implant, intrauterine device) would help to make family planning effective

Etude des Déterminants de l’Utilisation de la Contraception chez Femmes en Âge de Reproduction en Union dans le District Sanitaire de Guédiawaye, Sénégal

Objectif : Etudier les déterminants de l’utilisation de la contraception chez les femmes en âge de reproduction en union dans le district sanitaire de Guediawaye. Méthodologie : Il s’agissait d’une étude transversale descriptive, analytique portant sur 600 femmes en âge de reproduction (15 à 49 ans) en union qui s’était déroulée du 5 au 20 Décembre 2016. Les données recueillies ont été analysées avec le logiciel Epi info L’analyse des facteurs associés à l’utilisation de la contraception a été réalisée à l’aide du test statistique de chi Carré au seuil de significativité de 5%. Résultats : L’âge moyen des enquêtées était de 32,38 ans (±6,1) ; 78,2% étaient instruites et 67,2% exerçaient des activités génératrices de revenus. La prévalence contraceptive était 46,2% et parmi celles qui utilisaient la contraception, 35,7% étaient sous la méthode injectable. Les enquêtées appartenaient à une organisation sociale dans 61 % de cas et 56,7% de leurs conjoints approuvaient la PF. Les facteurs liés à l’utilisation de la contraception étaient : l’appartenance à une organisation sociale (P<0,05), l’approbation de la planification familiale par les conjoints (P<0,05) et la discussion sur la PF au sein du ménage (p<0,05). Conclusion : L’implication des conjoints à travers des séances de sensibilisations et l’utilisation des méthodes de longue durée d’action contribueraient à rendre efficace la planification familiale.               Objective: To study the determinants of the use of contraception among women of reproductive age in union in the health district of Guediawaye. Methodology: This was a descriptive, analytical cross-sectional study of 600 women of reproductive age (15 to 49 years old) in union which took place from December 5 to 20, 2016. The data collected was analyzed with the Epi info software The analysis of the factors associated with the use of contraception was carried out using the statistical test of chi square at the significance level of 5%. Results: The average age of the respondents was 32.38 years (±6.1); 78.2% were educated and 67.2% engaged in income generating activities. The contraceptive prevalence was 46.2% and among those who used contraception, 35.7% were under the injectable method. Respondents belonged to a social organization in 61% of cases and 56.7% of their spouses approved of FP. Factors related to contraceptive use were: membership in a social organization (P<0.05), spousal approval of family planning (P<0.05), and discussion of FP within the household (p<0.05). Conclusion: The involvement of spouses through awareness sessions and the use of long-acting methods would help to make family planning effective

Etude des Déterminants de l’Utilisation de la Contraception chez Femmes en Âge de Reproduction en Union dans le District Sanitaire de Guédiawaye, Sénégal

Objectif : Etudier les déterminants de l’utilisation de la contraception chez les femmes en âge de reproduction en union dans le district sanitaire de Guediawaye. Méthodologie : Il s’agissait d’une étude transversale descriptive, analytique portant sur 600 femmes en âge de reproduction (15 à 49 ans) en union qui s’était déroulée du 5 au 20 Décembre 2016. Les données recueillies ont été analysées avec le logiciel Epi info L’analyse des facteurs associés à l’utilisation de la contraception a été réalisée à l’aide du test statistique de chi Carré au seuil de significativité de 5%. Résultats : L’âge moyen des enquêtées était de 32,38 ans (±6,1) ; 78,2% étaient instruites et 67,2% exerçaient des activités génératrices de revenus. La prévalence contraceptive était 46,2% et parmi celles qui utilisaient la contraception, 35,7% étaient sous la méthode injectable. Les enquêtées appartenaient à une organisation sociale dans 61 % de cas et 56,7% de leurs conjoints approuvaient la PF. Les facteurs liés à l’utilisation de la contraception étaient : l’appartenance à une organisation sociale (P<0,05), l’approbation de la planification familiale par les conjoints (P<0,05) et la discussion sur la PF au sein du ménage (p<0,05). Conclusion : L’implication des conjoints à travers des séances de sensibilisations et l’utilisation des méthodes de longue durée d’action contribueraient à rendre efficace la planification familiale.               Objective: To study the determinants of the use of contraception among women of reproductive age in union in the health district of Guediawaye. Methodology: This was a descriptive, analytical cross-sectional study of 600 women of reproductive age (15 to 49 years old) in union which took place from December 5 to 20, 2016. The data collected was analyzed with the Epi info software The analysis of the factors associated with the use of contraception was carried out using the statistical test of chi square at the significance level of 5%. Results: The average age of the respondents was 32.38 years (±6.1); 78.2% were educated and 67.2% engaged in income generating activities. The contraceptive prevalence was 46.2% and among those who used contraception, 35.7% were under the injectable method. Respondents belonged to a social organization in 61% of cases and 56.7% of their spouses approved of FP. Factors related to contraceptive use were: membership in a social organization (P<0.05), spousal approval of family planning (P<0.05), and discussion of FP within the household (p<0.05). Conclusion: The involvement of spouses through awareness sessions and the use of long-acting methods would help to make family planning effective

Stress Prevalence and associated Factors among Bank Employees in Niamey, Niger

Introduction: The difficulties associated with the financial crisis have led to deep restructuring in the banking sector. The consequences are the emergence of stress among employees. The objective of this study was to assess job stress and related factors among bank workers in Niamey. Methods: This was a descriptive and analytical cross-sectional study conducted from 24 February to 23 August 2020 among bank workers in Niamey, Niger. A random draw of one agency per bank from four banks of the city, followed by a thorough recruitment of employees from the four selected agencies, was carried out.  Stress was measured using the Karasek and Siegrist model. The data had been analyzed with the Epi info7.2 software. Results: A total of 275 employees had been included. The average age was 38.09 ± 7.1 years. They were 152 men (55.27%), a sex ratio of 1.23. Half (50.55%) were executing agents; 30.91% worked more than 5 days a week. The prevalence of stress was 21.90% and 28%, respectively, according to the Siegrist and Karasek models. Work more than 5 days per week (p=0.0254; OR=2.75), feeling job insecurity (p=0.0047; OR=6.99) with the desire to change jobs (p<0.0041; OR=2.90) were associated with stress. On the other hand, male (p=0.0084; OR=0.42 and feeling satisfied with work (p=0.000; OR=0.10) were protective. Conclusion: The prevalence of stress in the banking sector in Niger is high. Measures to reduce the number of working days; ensuring job stability; to reward employees and support women's work are necessary to reduce stress

New Rapid Diagnostic Tests for Neisseria meningitidis Serogroups A, W135, C, and Y

BACKGROUND: Outbreaks of meningococcal meningitis (meningitis caused by Neisseria meningitidis) are a major public health concern in the African “meningitis belt,” which includes 21 countries from Senegal to Ethiopia. Of the several species that can cause meningitis, N. meningitidis is the most important cause of epidemics in this region. In choosing the appropriate vaccine, accurate N. meningitidis serogroup determination is key. To this end, we developed and evaluated two duplex rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) for detecting N. meningitidis polysaccharide (PS) antigens of several important serogroups. METHODS AND FINDINGS: Mouse monoclonal IgG antibodies against N. meningitidis PS A, W135/Y, Y, and C were used to develop two immunochromatography duplex RDTs, RDT(1) (to detect serogroups A and W135/Y) and RDT(2) (to detect serogroups C and Y). Standards for Reporting of Diagnostic Accuracy criteria were used to determine diagnostic accuracy of RDTs on reference strains and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples using culture and PCR, respectively, as reference tests. The cutoffs were 10(5) cfu/ml for reference strains and 1 ng/ml for PS. Sensitivities and specificities were 100% for reference strains, and 93.8%–100% for CSF serogroups A, W135, and Y in CSF. For CSF serogroup A, the positive and negative likelihood ratios (± 95% confidence intervals [CIs]) were 31.867 (16.1–63.1) and 0.065 (0.04–0.104), respectively, and the diagnostic odds ratio (± 95% CI) was 492.9 (207.2–1,172.5). For CSF serogroups W135 and Y, the positive likelihood ratio was 159.6 (51.7–493.3) Both RDTs were equally reliable at 25 °C and 45 °C. CONCLUSIONS: These RDTs are important new bedside diagnostic tools for surveillance of meningococcus serogroups A and W135, the two serogroups that are responsible for major epidemics in Africa

Field evaluation of two rapid diagnostic tests for Neisseria meningitidis serogroup A during the 2006 outbreak in Niger.

The Pastorex((R)) (BioRad) rapid agglutination test is one of the main rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) for meningococcal disease currently in use in the "meningitis belt". Earlier evaluations, performed after heating and centrifugation of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples, under good laboratory conditions, showed high sensitivity and specificity. However, during an epidemic, the test may be used without prior sample preparation. Recently a new, easy-to-use dipstick RDT for meningococcal disease detection on CSF was developed by the Centre de Recherche Médicale et Sanitaire in Niger and the Pasteur Institute in France. We estimate diagnostic accuracy in the field during the 2006 outbreak of Neisseria meningitidis serogroup A in Maradi, Niger, for the dipstick RDT and Pastorex((R)) on unprepared CSF, (a) by comparing each test's sensitivity and specificity with previously reported values; and (b) by comparing results for each test on paired samples, using McNemar's test. We also (c) estimate diagnostic accuracy of the dipstick RDT on diluted whole blood. We tested unprepared CSF and diluted whole blood from 126 patients with suspected meningococcal disease presenting at four health posts. (a) Pastorex((R)) sensitivity (69%; 95%CI 57-79) was significantly lower than found previously for prepared CSF samples [87% (81-91); or 88% (85-91)], as was specificity [81% (95%CI 68-91) vs 93% (90-95); or 93% (87-96)]. Sensitivity of the dipstick RDT [89% (95%CI 80-95)] was similar to previously reported values for ideal laboratory conditions [89% (84-93) and 94% (90-96)]. Specificity, at 62% (95%CI 48-75), was significantly lower than found previously [94% (92-96) and 97% (94-99)]. (b) McNemar's test for the dipstick RDT vs Pastorex((R)) was statistically significant (p<0.001). (c) The dipstick RDT did not perform satisfactorily on diluted whole blood (sensitivity 73%; specificity 57%).Sensitivity and specificity of Pastorex((R)) without prior CSF preparation were poorer than previously reported results from prepared samples; therefore we caution against using this test during an epidemic if sample preparation is not possible. For the dipstick RDT, sensitivity was similar to, while specificity was not as high as previously reported during a more stable context. Further studies are needed to evaluate its field performance, especially for different populations and other serogroups

Measuring populations to improve vaccination coverage

In low-income settings, vaccination campaigns supplement routine immunization but often fail to achieve coverage goals due to uncertainty about target population size and distribution. Accurate, updated estimates of target populations are rare but critical; short-term fluctuations can greatly impact population size and susceptibility. We use satellite imagery to quantify population fluctuations and the coverage achieved by a measles outbreak response vaccination campaign in urban Niger and compare campaign estimates to measurements from a post-campaign survey. Vaccine coverage was overestimated because the campaign underestimated resident numbers and seasonal migration further increased the target population. We combine satellite-derived measurements of fluctuations in population distribution with high-resolution measles case reports to develop a dynamic model that illustrates the potential improvement in vaccination campaign coverage if planners account for predictable population fluctuations. Satellite imagery can improve retrospective estimates of vaccination campaign impact and future campaign planning by synchronizing interventions with predictable population fluxes

Activité Antibactérienne de l’Écorce de Pilostigma reticulatum (caesalpiniaceae) Sur des Enterrobacteriaceae et Staphylococcaceae

Les extraits aqueux et méthanoïque de l’écorce de Pilostigma reticulatum ont étaient testés sur quatre différentes souches bactériennes cliniques et quatre souches de référence. L’analyse des résultats obtenus montrent que les extraits bruts aqueux et méthanolique présentent une activité antibactérienne moyenne avec des diamètres de zones d’inhibition variant de 9 à 12 mm&nbsp; Les extraits de cette plante n’ont aucune activité sur E. coli&nbsp; et E20081AEEQ. Par ailleurs, la fraction acétate obtenue par fractionnent de l’extrait méthanolique a montré une bonne activité antibactérienne sur S. aureus (18,7 mm), S flexineri (16,7 mm), S2005BAEEQ (15,3 mm) et S ATCC29213 (20,7 mm). La fraction dichlorométhane issue du fractionnement de l’extrait méthanolique présente les mêmes caractéristiques que l’extrait brut méthanolique. Les extraits aqueux bruts montrent une activité antimicrobienne faible par rapport à l’extrait alcoolique. Le quotient CMI/CMB montrent que cette plante présente une activité bactéricide.&nbsp; &nbsp; The aqueous and methanoic extracts of the bark of Pilostigma reticulatum were tested on different clinical bacterial strains and reference strains. Analysis of the results obtained show that the crude aqueous and methanolic extracts have an average antibacterial activity with diameters of inhibition zones varying from 9 to 12 mm. The extracts of this plant have no activity on E. coli and E20081AEEQ. Furthermore, the acetate fraction obtained by fractionating the methanolic extract showed good antibacterial activity on S. aureus (18.7 mm), S flexineri (16.7 mm), S2005BAEEQ (15.3 mm) and S ATCC29213 (20.7mm). The dichloromethane fraction resulting from the fractionation of the methanolic extract has the same characteristics as the crude methanolic extract. The crude aqueous extracts show weak antimicrobial activity compared to the alcoholic extract. The CMI/CMB quotient show that this plant has bactericidal activity