Optimizing public health strategies in low-income countries: the challegens to apply the scientific knowledge for disease control and for which diseases

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Benjamin Roche ◽  
Hélène Broutin ◽  
Frédéric Simard
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Infectious Disease ◽  
Disease Control ◽  
Scientific Knowledge ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Evolutionary Ecology ◽  
Low Income Countries ◽  
Control Programs ◽  
Fundamental Knowledge ◽  
Public Health Strategies

The objective of this book is to review the fundamental knowledge in ecology and evolution of infectious disease, as well as how it can be translated into opportunities to improve public health strategies in low-income countries, as well as in accounting and prompting for multisector interactions with the fields of economics, sociology and geopolitics, among others. The chapter explores challenges to applying the scientific knowledge for disease control, and it considers which disease to target. The chapter goes over the main recommendations arising from evolutionary ecology for infectious disease–control programs in low-income settings, and it highlights some crucial points that need to be considered to facilitate and accelerate integration of this fundamental knowledge to improve the efficiency of pathogen control.

Postscript Evolutionary ecology to reconcile public health, ethics and politics for infectious diseases control in low-income countries: time to move forward!

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Awa Marie Coll Seck ◽  
Ibrahima Seck
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Infectious Diseases ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Evolutionary Ecology ◽  
Childhood Vaccination ◽  
Low Income Countries ◽  
Vaccination Programs ◽  
Guinea Worm ◽  
High Profile ◽  
Public Health Challenge

Infectious diseases (IDs) remain a major public health challenge in low-income countries (LICs) despite several striking successes and improvements in their control during the last decades. This includes the eradication of smallpox and rinderpest, and several other pathogens are on the edge of eradication, such as polio or guinea worm. It also concerns other high-profile pathogens that are increasingly more controlled, such as malaria, which has strongly diminished in several regions or measles for which transmission has been strongly impacted by childhood vaccination programs....

Proposal to Enhance Fund Support for Low-Income Countries Hit by Public Health Disasters

Policy Papers ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 2015 (7) ◽  
Author(s):  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Infectious Disease ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Economic Activity ◽  
Debt Service ◽  
Balance Of Payments ◽  
Financial Assistance ◽  
Low Income Countries ◽  
Trust Fund ◽  
International Commerce

The Fund’s existing facilities for low-income countries (LICs) provide a vehicle for the speedy provision of financial assistance to member countries hit by natural disasters, either through the Rapid Credit Facility (RCF) or through augmentation of the funding already being provided through other facilities such as the Standby or Extended Credit Facilities. The quick disbursement of funds strengthens national financial capacity, including external payments capacity, to tackle relief and recovery challenges. To address catastrophic disasters, the Fund created a mechanism in 2010 to provide additional relief to its poorest and most vulnerable member countries to help meet their exceptional balance of payments needs. Under this mechanism, the Fund can provide grants from a trust fund—the Post Catastrophe Debt Relief (PCDR) trust—that are used to pay off debt service falling due to the Fund. These grants ease pressures on the member’s balance of payments and create financial space by reducing its debt service burden. This paper proposes reforms to this mechanism to cover situations where the member is experiencing an epidemic of an infectious disease that constitutes a significant threat to lives, economic activity, and international commerce across countries.

Ecology and Evolution of Infectious Diseases

2018 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Infectious Diseases ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Evolutionary Biology ◽  
Evolutionary Ecology ◽  
Economic Resources ◽  
Low Income Countries ◽  
Health Strategy ◽  
Pathogen Control ◽  
Effective Public Health

During the last thirty years, the ecology and evolution of infectious diseases has been studied extensively. Understanding how pathogens are transmitted in time and space, how they are evolving according to different selective pressures, and how the environment can influence their transmission, has paved the way for new approaches to the study of host/pathogen interactions. At the same time, pathogen control in low-income countries (LIC) has tended to remain largely inspired and informed by classical epidemiology, where the objective is to treat as many people as possible, despite recent findings in ecology and evolutionary biology suggesting new opportunities for improved disease control in the context of limited economic resources. The need to integrate the scientific developments in ecology and evolution of infectious diseases with public health strategy in low-income countries is clearly as important today as it has ever been. In this book, the authors provide an up to date, authoritative, and challenging review of the ecology and evolution of infectious diseases focusing on low-income countries for effective public health applications and outcomes. Accessible to students and researchers working on evolutionary ecology of infectious diseases and public health scientists working on their control in low-income countries, this book combines chapters exposing fundamental concepts in evolutionary ecology with others exploring the most recent advances in the field as well as highlighting how they can provide new innovative approach on the field. This work is concluded by an integrative chapter signed by all the authors highlighting the key missing points to improve this connection between evolutionary ecology and public health in low-income countries.

Afterword II Fundamental knowledge in the evolutionary ecology of infectious diseases

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Benjamin Roche ◽  
Hélène Broutin ◽  
Frédéric Simard
Keyword(s):  
Infectious Diseases ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Evolutionary Ecology ◽  
Climatic Conditions ◽  
High Variability ◽  
Low Income Countries ◽  
Human Populations ◽  
Academic Knowledge ◽  
Fundamental Knowledge ◽  
Tropical Areas

In Part II, the main academic knowledge gathered to date on the ecology and evolution of infectious diseases with relevance for infectious diseases control in low-income countries has been reviewed. We have seen that many pathogens affecting human populations rely strongly on environmental determinants, such as climate, water, abiotic characteristics and inter-specific relationships, among other factors. This is especially important for low-income countries that are mostly located in tropical areas and, therefore, are exposed to high variability in terms of climatic conditions in environments ranging from the deep evergreen equatorial forests to arid deserts....

scholarly journals COVID-19 pandemic: the implications of the natural history, challenges of diagnosis and management for care in sub-Saharan Africa

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Lawrence Omo-Aghoja ◽  
Emuesiri Goodies Moke ◽  
Kenneth Kelechi Anachuna ◽  
Adrian Itivere Omogbiya ◽  
Emuesiri Kohworho Umukoro ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Natural History ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Low Income Countries ◽  
Diagnosis And Management ◽  
Severe Acute Respiratory Infection ◽  
Identification Technique ◽  
Sub Saharan ◽  
Policies And Programs

Abstract Background Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is a severe acute respiratory infection which has afflicted virtually almost all nations of the earth. It is highly transmissible and represents one of the most serious pandemics in recent times, with the capacity to overwhelm any healthcare system and cause morbidity and fatality. Main content The diagnosis of this disease is daunting and challenging as it is dependent on emerging clinical symptomatology that continues to increase and change very rapidly. The definitive test is the very expensive and scarce polymerase chain reaction (PCR) viral identification technique. The management has remained largely supportive and empirical, as there are no officially approved therapeutic agents, vaccines or antiviral medications for the management of the disease. Severe cases often require intensive care facilities and personnel. Yet there is paucity of facilities including the personnel required for diagnosis and treatment of COVID-19 in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). It is against this backdrop that a review of key published reports on the pandemic in SSA and globally is made, as understanding the natural history of a disease and the documented responses to diagnosis and management is usually a key public health strategy for designing and improving as appropriate, relevant interventions. Lead findings were that responses by most nations of SSA were adhoc, paucity of public health awareness strategies and absence of legislations that would help enforce preventive measures, as well as limited facilities (including personal protective equipment) and institutional capacities to deliver needed interventions. Conclusion COVID-19 is real and has overwhelmed global health care system especially low-income countries of the sub-Sahara such as Nigeria. Suggestions for improvement of healthcare policies and programs to contain the current pandemic and to respond more optimally in case of future pandemics are made herein.

scholarly journals Canada’s rapid research response to the COVID-19 pandemic

2021 ◽  
Vol 44 (2/3) ◽  
pp. 50-67
Author(s):  
Vanja Stojanovic
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Infectious Disease ◽  
Bibliometric Analysis ◽  
Infection Prevention ◽  
Vaccine Development ◽  
Research Output ◽  
Effective Response ◽  
Research Areas ◽  
Public Health Strategies

This study assesses the nature of Canada’s rapid research response through term and keyword bibliometric analysis. The following asks: What are the major areas of COVID-19 rapid research output conducted in Canada during the first five and half months of 2020, and how can the results of this analysis inform future accelerated research efforts toward an effective response to infectious disease emergencies? The results suggest that infection prevention, epidemiology, therapeutics, and public health strategies were among the top-producing research areas in Canada during the onset of the pandemic. Moreover, the analysis reflects gaps in the literature addressing diagnostics and vaccine development.

scholarly journals Socially vs. Privately Optimal Control of Livestock Diseases: A Case for Integration of Epidemiology and Economics

2020 ◽  
Vol 7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ângelo J. Mendes ◽  
Daniel T. Haydon ◽  
Emma McIntosh ◽  
Nick Hanley ◽  
Jo E. B. Halliday
Keyword(s):  
Optimal Control ◽  
Disease Control ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Disease Risk ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Low Income Countries ◽  
Control Effort ◽  
Optimal Behavior ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Livestock Diseases

This paper aims to illustrate the interdependencies between key epidemiological and economic factors that influence the control of many livestock infectious diseases. The factors considered here are (i) farmer heterogeneity (i.e., differences in how farmers respond to a perceived disease risk), (ii) off-farm effects of farmers' actions to control a disease (i.e., costs and benefits borne by agents that are external to the farm), and (iii) misalignment between privately and socially optimal control efforts (i.e., privately optimal behavior not conducive to a socially optimal outcome). Endemic chronic diseases cause a wide range of adverse social and economic impacts, particularly in low-income countries. The actions taken by farmers to control livestock diseases minimize some of these impacts, and heterogeneity in those actions leads to variation in prevalence at the farm level. While some farmers respond to perceived disease risks, others free-ride on the actions of these individuals, thereby compromising the potential benefits of collective, coordinated behavior. When evaluating a plausible range of disease cost to price of control ratios and assuming that farmers choose their privately optimal control effort, we demonstrate that achievement of a socially optimal disease control target is unlikely, occurring in <25% of all price-cost combinations. To achieve a socially optimal disease control outcome (reliant on farmers' voluntary actions), control policies must consider farmer heterogeneity, off-farm effects, and the predicted uptake of control measures under the assumption of optimized behavior.

scholarly journals 1669. Trends in Authorship for Infectious Disease Research Conducted in Low-Income Countries

2019 ◽  
Vol 6 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. S610-S611
Author(s):  
Chelsea E Modlin ◽  
Kimberly Powell ◽  
Russell R Kempker
Keyword(s):  
Infectious Disease ◽  
Infectious Diseases ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Research Capacity ◽  
Low Income Countries ◽  
Health Priorities ◽  
Original Research ◽  
Local Health ◽  
Open Forum ◽  
Research Collaborations

Abstract Background Research capacity in low-income countries (LICs) plays an important role in strengthening national healthcare systems and addressing local health priorities. Research in infectious diseases is especially important as they comprise five of the top 10 causes of death in LICs. While academic collaborations between high-income countries (HICs) and LICs offer many benefits, they also risk structural and professional imbalances. This study explores research capacity as a function of first or last authorship and funding for research conducted in LICs that is published in high-impact infectious disease journals. Methods A literature search using the abstract database Scopus was completed for original research conducted within LICs or using samples collected from LIC subjects published between 1998 – 2017 in Clinical Infectious Diseases, Journal of Infectious Diseases, and Open Forum Infectious Diseases. Primary outcomes included the number of LIC first and last authors compared with HIC authors over time. Secondary outcomes included the geographic distribution of research and the proportion of research financed by LICs. Results A total of 1380 articles were identified of which 20% had LIC first authors and 21% had first authors with dual LIC/HIC affiliations. For last authors, 13% were affiliated with a LIC and 15% had dual LIC/HIC affiliation. HIC researchers compiled the majority of first and last authors regardless of geography (Figure 1). The number of studies conducted in LICs increased over the 20-year timeframe (Figure 2) but is attributed to an increase in articles with HIC authors. The number of LIC authors remained unchanged resulting in a decreasing proportion of LIC authors. Only 4% of articles received funding from a LIC; however, 79% of these studies were authored by LIC researchers vs. 39% of studies funded by HIC sources. Conclusion There is a growing appreciation for international HIC/LIC research collaborations with the objective to reduce the burden of infectious diseases that disproportionately affect low-income settings. However, with this increased attention comes the responsibility to improve LIC research capacity. This includes promoting LIC researchers via authorship and supporting sustainability with funding that highlights LIC priorities. Disclosures All authors: No reported disclosures.

scholarly journals Factors that influence the scale up of new interventions in low-income settings: a qualitative case study of the introduction of chlorhexidine cleansing of the umbilical cord in Bangladesh

2020 ◽  
Vol 35 (4) ◽  
pp. 440-451
Author(s):  
Jennifer A Callaghan-Koru ◽  
Munia Islam ◽  
Marufa Khan ◽  
Ardy Sowe ◽  
Jahrul Islam ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Health Systems ◽  
Umbilical Cord ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Qualitative Case Study ◽  
National Level ◽  
Scale Up ◽  
New Drugs ◽  
Low Income Countries

Abstract There is a well-recognized need for empirical study of processes and factors that influence scale up of evidence-based interventions in low-income countries to address the ‘know-do’ gap. We undertook a qualitative case study of the scale up of chlorhexidine cleansing of the umbilical cord (CHX) in Bangladesh to identify and compare facilitators and barriers for the institutionalization and expansion stages of scale up. Data collection and analysis for this case study were informed by the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) and the WHO/ExpandNet model of scale up. At the national level, we interviewed 20 stakeholders involved in CHX policy or implementation. At the district level, we conducted interviews with 31 facility-based healthcare providers in five districts and focus group discussions (FGDs) with eight community-based providers and eight programme managers. At the community level, we conducted 7 FGDs with 53 mothers who had a baby within the past year. Expanded interview notes were thematically coded and analysed following an adapted Framework approach. National stakeholders identified external policy and incentives, and the engagement of stakeholders in policy development through the National Technical Working Committee for Newborn Health, as key facilitators for policy and health systems changes. Stakeholders, providers and families perceived the intervention to be simple, safe and effective, and more consistent with family preferences than the prior policy of dry cord care. The major barriers that delayed or decreased the public health impact of the scale up of CHX in Bangladesh’s public health system related to commodity production, procurement and distribution. Bangladesh’s experience scaling up CHX suggests that scale up should involve early needs assessments and planning for institutionalizing new drugs and commodities into the supply chain. While the five CFIR domains were useful for categorizing barriers and facilitators, additional constructs are needed for common health systems barriers in low-income settings.

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