scholarly journals Modelling trachoma post-2020: opportunities for mitigating the impact of COVID-19 and accelerating progress towards elimination

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anna Borlase ◽  
Seth Blumberg ◽  
E Kelly Callahan ◽  
Michael S Deiner ◽  
Scott D Nash ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Mathematical Model ◽  
Drug Administration ◽  
Mass Drug Administration ◽  
Health Problem ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Appropriate Use ◽  
Alternative Strategies ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted planned annual antibiotic mass drug administration (MDA) activities that have formed the cornerstone of the largely successful global efforts to eliminate trachoma as a public health problem. Methods Using a mathematical model we investigate the impact of interruption to MDA in trachoma-endemic settings. We evaluate potential measures to mitigate this impact and consider alternative strategies for accelerating progress in those areas where the trachoma elimination targets may not be achievable otherwise. Results We demonstrate that for districts that were hyperendemic at baseline, or where the trachoma elimination thresholds have not already been achieved after three rounds of MDA, the interruption to planned MDA could lead to a delay to reaching elimination targets greater than the duration of interruption. We also show that an additional round of MDA in the year following MDA resumption could effectively mitigate this delay. For districts where the probability of elimination under annual MDA was already very low, we demonstrate that more intensive MDA schedules are needed to achieve agreed targets. Conclusion Through appropriate use of additional MDA, the impact of COVID-19 in terms of delay to reaching trachoma elimination targets can be effectively mitigated. Additionally, more frequent MDA may accelerate progress towards 2030 goals.

scholarly journals Modelling trachoma post 2020: Opportunities for mitigating the impact of COVID-19 and accelerating progress towards elimination

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anna Borlase ◽  
Seth Blumberg ◽  
E Kelly Callahan ◽  
Michael S Deiner ◽  
Scott D Nash ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Mathematical Model ◽  
Drug Administration ◽  
Mass Drug Administration ◽  
Health Problem ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Appropriate Use ◽  
Alternative Strategies ◽  
The Impact

AbstractBackgroundThe COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted planned annual antibiotic mass drug administration (MDA) activities which have formed the cornerstone of the largely successful global efforts to eliminate trachoma as a public health problem.MethodsUsing a mathematical model we investigate the impact of interruption to MDA in trachoma-endemic settings. We evaluate potential measures to mitigate this impact and consider alternative strategies for accelerating progress in those areas where the trachoma elimination targets may not be achievable otherwise.ResultsWe demonstrate that for districts which were hyperendemic at baseline, or where the trachoma elimination thresholds have not already been achieved after 3 rounds of MDA, the interruption to planned MDA could lead to a delay greater than the duration of interruption. We also show that an additional round of MDA in the year following MDA resumption could effectively mitigate this delay. For districts where probability of elimination under annual MDA was already very low, we demonstrate that more intensive MDA schedules are needed to achieve agreed targets.ConclusionThrough appropriate use of additional MDA, the impact of COVID-19 in terms of delay to reaching trachoma elimination targets can be effectively mitigated. Additionally, more frequent MDA may accelerate progress towards 2030 goals.

scholarly journals Current status of Schistosoma mansoni infection among previously treated rural communities in the Abbey and Didessa Valleys, Western Ethiopia: Implications for sustainable control

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (2) ◽  
pp. e0247312
Author(s):  
Alemayehu Assefa ◽  
Berhanu Erko ◽  
Svein Gunnar Gundersen ◽  
Girmay Medhin ◽  
Nega Berhe
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Schistosoma Mansoni ◽  
Drug Administration ◽  
Mass Drug Administration ◽  
Health Problem ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
World Health ◽  
Current Status ◽  
Mass Treatment ◽  
Western Ethiopia

Background Schistosoma constitutes a major public health problem and developmental challenges in the majority of developing and subtropical regions. The World Health Organization has set guidelines for the control and elimination of schistosomiasis. Ethiopia is providing school-based Mass Drug Administration (MDA) at the study areas of the Abbey and Didessa Valleys of western Ethiopian since 2015. Moreover, mass treatment was already done in the same villages 30 years ago. However, the current Schistosoma mansoni infection status among humans and snails in the study areas is not known. Hence, the present study aims to determine the current status. Methods A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in the three communities; Chessega, Agallu Metti and Shimala in Schistosoma mansoni endemic areas of the Abbey and Didessa valleys in Western Ethiopia. Using the list of households obtained from the Kebele administration, a systematic sampling technique was used to select households in each village. Results Even though the area is under the Ethiopian national Mass Drug Administration campaign, the present study reports prevalence above 50%. Although the majority of the infections were moderate, we found that 13% had heavy infection, above 400 eggs per gram of stool, which is at the same level as before the treatment campaign 30 years ago. The infection was significantly higher among those below 12 years of age, among non-attending school-age children and daily laborers. Conclusion Schistosoma mansoni infection is still a public health problem in the study areas, despite control efforts already 30 years ago and present mass treatment in the last years. We suggest making the mass treatment campaign just early after the rainy season, when the snails are washed away. This should be supplemented with provisions of clean water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) and reduction of water contact and possible snail control efforts’ to prevent reinfection.

scholarly journals Evaluation of mass drug administration against lymphatic filariasis in Bidar district, Karnataka, India

2018 ◽  
Vol 5 (9) ◽  
pp. 4107
Author(s):  
Ravindranath A. Bhovi ◽  
Vijaykumar P. Mane
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Lymphatic Filariasis ◽  
Drug Administration ◽  
Mass Drug Administration ◽  
Health Problem ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Side Reactions ◽  
Cluster Sampling ◽  
Major Public Health Problem ◽  
Programme Implementation

Background: Lymphatic filariasis is a major public health problem in India not only because it causes considerable suffering, deformity and disability but also due to social stigma and economic loss associated with it. The Government of India in 2004 began a nationwide mass drug administration (MDA) campaign in all the known endemic districts with the aim of eliminating it as a public health problem. However, even after a decade, uncertainty prevails about the coverage and compliance to MDA. Objectives of the study were to estimate coverage and compliance to mass drug administration (MDA) in Bidar district and to identify the various reasons for non-compliance to MDA.Methods: A cross sectional evaluation survey was conducted in the month of September 2016 in Bidar district using multi-stage cluster sampling technique. A total of 744 subjects were interviewed and information was collected in a predesigned questionnaire after taking an informed consent. Data thus obtained were entered and analyzed using Epi info software version 3.5.4.Results: The coverage, compliance and effective compliance to MDA in Bidar district were 82.1%, 72.3% and 59.4% respectively. The most common reasons for non-compliance to MDA were fear of side reactions followed by suffering from other chronic diseases and having no faith in tablets. The most common side reactions associated with drug intake were vomiting and fever.Conclusions: The present study demonstrates poor compliance to MDA in Bidar district despite good coverage, indicating an urgent need to revitalize the programme implementation.

scholarly journals The prevalence of scabies in Monrovia, Liberia: a population-based survey

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shelui Collinson ◽  
Joseph Timothy ◽  
Samuel K Zayay ◽  
Karsor K Kollie ◽  
Eglantine Lebas ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Health Problem ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Quality Data ◽  
Local Health ◽  
Sub Saharan ◽  
The Impact

AbstractBackgroundScabies is known to be a public health problem in many settings but the majority of recent data is from rural settings in the Pacific. There is a need for high quality data from sub-Saharan Africa and peri-Urban settings to inform scale up of scabies control efforts. There have been anecdotal reports of scabies being a public health problem in Liberia but robust data are lacking.MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional cluster-randomised prevalence survey for scabies in a peri-urban community in Monrovia, Liberia in February-March 2020. Participants underwent a standardised examination conducted by trained local health care workers. Health related quality of life (HRQoL) was assessed using age-appropriate dermatology life quality indices (DLQIs). Prevalence estimates were calculated accounting for clustering at community and household levels and associations with key demographic variables assessed through multivariable random-effects logistic regression.Results1,318 participants from 477 households were surveyed. The prevalence of scabies prevalence was 9.3% (95% CI: 6.5-13.2%), across 75 (19.7%) households; impetigo or infected scabies prevalence was 0.8% (95% CI: 0.4-1.9%). The majority (52%) of scabies cases were classified as severe. Scabies prevalence was lower in females and higher in the youngest age group; no associations were found with other collected demographic or socio-economic variables. DLQI scores indicated a very or extremely large effect on HRQoL in 29% of adults and 18% of children diagnosed with scabies.ConclusionsOur study indicates a substantial burden of scabies in this peri-Urban population in Liberia. This was associated with significant impact on quality of life, highlighting the need for action to control scabies in this population. Further work is needed to assess the impact of interventions in this context on both the prevalence of scabies and quality of life.Plain English summaryScabies is an infestation with a microscopic mite which affects many people living in low-resource tropical countries. It causes intense itching, which can lead to complications through bacterial infection and poor quality of life. To help develop global scabies control programmes, we need a better understanding of how common it is across different tropical settings. We conducted a survey to assess the burden of scabies and bacterial skin infection in a random sample of people living in a community in Monrovia, Liberia. Information about participants and their household were collected and their skin was examined; those with skin conditions were asked about its impact on quality of life.We examined 1,318 participants and found that almost 10% of people had scanies. Scabies was more common in young children, and was more common in male children than female children. We found that there was a large impact on quality of life due mostly to the itching that scabies causes and to people feeling embarrassed or sad because of their skin condition. This scabies survey is one of the first conducted across all age groups in recent years in sub-Saharan Africa and indicates a substantial burden and impact on quality of life. More work is needed to understand how common scabies is in different settings and the impact that different treatment strategies may have.

International Symposium on Measles Immunization: Summary and Recommendations

PEDIATRICS ◽  
1983 ◽  
Vol 71 (4) ◽  
pp. 653-654
Author(s):  
SAMUEL L. KATZ
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
International Symposium ◽  
Health Problem ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Population Group ◽  
Great Variability ◽  
International Conference ◽  
Environmental Setting ◽  
Group A ◽  
The Impact

The passage of 20 years since the first International Conference on Measles Immunization in November 1961 has been accompanied by very significant advances in our understanding of the impact of measles among different groups, in the development and the utilization of measles vaccines, and in the control of the disease. Throughout all these considerations, there remains great variability. This is manifest in the surveillance data on morbidity and mortality, the extent of vaccine utilization, and the attitudes about measles as a serious public health problem. Because of these variations it is obvious that any recommendations must be evaluated carefully and adapted appropriately to meet the needs of a given nation, a population group, a geographic locale, or an environmental setting.

Students Exposed to Domestic Violence

2012 ◽  
pp. 129-138
Author(s):  
A. BURGESS Deseri ◽  
Lisa Weed Phifer
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Domestic Violence ◽  
Academic Performance ◽  
Social Development ◽  
Health Problem ◽  
Domestic Abuse ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Performance Behavior

Domestic violence is a growing public health problem that affects children nationwide. In fact, research estimates that anywhere between three and 17.8 million children witness domestic abuse each year5. Therefore, it is likely that teachers will regularly encounter students in their classroom who have been exposed to domestic violence. The impact of domestic violence is widespread, affecting academic performance, behavior, and social development. Teachers can make a positive impact by learning how best to identify and support these students. The following chapter will provide an overview of domestic violence, developmental considerations, and strategies for helping children who have been affected by it.

scholarly journals Can we eradicate trachoma? A survey of stakeholders

2020 ◽  
pp. bjophthalmol-2020-315815
Author(s):  
Catherine E Oldenburg ◽  
Solomon Aragie ◽  
Abdou Amza ◽  
Anthony W Solomon ◽  
Jessica Brogdon ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Drug Administration ◽  
Mass Drug Administration ◽  
Operational Research ◽  
Neglected Tropical Diseases ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Tropical Diseases ◽  
Important Goal ◽  
Tremendous Progress ◽  
Global Eradication

Background/AimsAlthough tremendous progress towards the 2020 goal of global elimination of trachoma as a public health problem has been made, it will not be achieved. Future targets are now being considered. One option is changing the goal to eradication. We surveyed trachoma experts to assess beliefs related to trachoma eradication and determine perceived obstacles to achieving it.MethodsWe conducted a survey at the beginning of a trachoma eradication session at the 2019 Coalition for Operational Research on Neglected Tropical Diseases meeting in National Harbor, Maryland, USA. We asked respondents what the most important goal of azithromycin mass drug administration was for trachoma (control, elimination of infection or eradication) and if and when they believed trachoma eradication would occur. We then asked what the biggest obstacles were to global eradication.ResultsFifty-six surveys were returned (95%). Most (91%) participants reported that the most important goal of azithromycin mass drug administration was control or elimination of infection, and 24% of participants reported that global eradication was not possible. Of the 76% who reported a year by which they believed trachoma could be eradicated, most fell between 2040 and 2050. Commonly cited barriers to global eradication included lack of surveillance tools to confirm eradication or monitor for infection recrudescence (32%) and lack of resources (23%).ConclusionsDevelopment of alternative indicators for trachoma surveillance and continued investment in trachoma programmes, particularly focused support in the most heavily affected populations, might increase enthusiasm for the feasibility of eradication.

scholarly journals The prevalence of scabies in Monrovia, Liberia: A population-based survey

2020 ◽  
Vol 14 (12) ◽  
pp. e0008943
Author(s):  
Shelui Collinson ◽  
Joseph Timothy ◽  
Samuel K. Zayzay ◽  
Karsor K. Kollie ◽  
Eglantine Lebas ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Health Problem ◽  
Scale Up ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Quality Data ◽  
Local Health ◽  
The Impact

Scabies is known to be a public health problem in many settings but the majority of recent data is from rural settings in the Pacific. There is a need for high quality data from sub-Saharan Africa and peri-urban settings to inform scale up of scabies control efforts. There have been anecdotal reports of scabies being a public health problem in Liberia but robust data are lacking. We conducted a cross-sectional cluster-randomised prevalence survey for scabies in a peri-urban community in Monrovia, Liberia in February-March 2020. Participants underwent a standardised examination conducted by trained local health care workers. Health related quality of life (HRQoL) was assessed using age-appropriate versions of the dermatology life quality index (DLQI). Prevalence estimates were calculated accounting for clustering at community and household levels and associations with key demographic variables assessed through multivariable random-effects logistic regression. 1,318 participants from 477 households were surveyed. The prevalence of scabies was 9.3% (95% CI: 6.5–13.2%), across 75 (19.7%) households; impetigo or infected scabies prevalence was 0.8% (95% CI: 0.4–1.9%). The majority (52%) of scabies cases were classified as severe. Scabies prevalence was lower in females and higher in the youngest age group; no associations were found with other collected demographic or socio-economic variables. DLQI scores indicated a very or extremely large effect on HRQoL in 29% of adults and 18% of children diagnosed with scabies. Our study indicates a substantial burden of scabies in this peri-urban population in Liberia. This was associated with significant impact on quality of life, highlighting the need for action to control scabies in this population. Further work is needed to assess the impact of interventions in this context on both the prevalence of scabies and quality of life.

scholarly journals Insights from mathematical modelling and quantitative analysis on the proposed WHO 2030 targets for visceral leishmaniasis on the Indian subcontinent

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 ◽  
pp. 1651
Author(s):  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Visceral Leishmaniasis ◽  
Health Problem ◽  
Indian Subcontinent ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
District Level ◽  
World Health ◽  
Kala Azar ◽  
Health Organization ◽  
The Impact

Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is a neglected tropical disease (NTD) caused by Leishmania protozoa that are transmitted by female sand flies. On the Indian subcontinent (ISC), VL is targeted by the World Health Organization (WHO) for elimination as a public health problem by 2020, which is defined as <1 VL case (new and relapse) per 10,000 population at district level in Nepal and sub-district level in Bangladesh and India. WHO is currently in the process of formulating 2030 targets, asking whether to maintain the 2020 target or to modify it, while adding a target of zero mortality among detected cases. The NTD Modelling Consortium has developed various mathematical VL transmission models to gain insight into the transmission dynamics of VL, identify the main knowledge gaps, and predict the feasibility of achieving and sustaining the targets by simulating the impact of varying intervention strategies. According to the models, the current target is feasible at the appropriate district/sub-district level in settings with medium VL endemicities (up to 5 reported VL cases per 10,000 population per year) prior to the start of the interventions. However, in settings with higher pre-control endemicities, additional efforts may be required. We also highlight the risk that those with post-kala-azar dermal leishmaniasis (PKDL) may pose to reaching and sustaining the VL targets, and therefore advocate adding control of PKDL cases to the new 2030 targets. Spatial analyses revealed that local hotspots with high VL incidence remain. We warn that the current target provides a perverse incentive to not detect/report cases as the target is approached, posing a risk for truly achieving elimination as a public health problem although this is taken into consideration by the WHO procedures for validation. Ongoing modelling work focuses on the risk of recrudescence when interventions are relaxed after the elimination target has been achieved.

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