scholarly journals COVID-19 pandemic: examining the faces of spatial differences in the morbidity and mortality in sub-Saharan Africa, Europe and USA

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Adebayo A. Otitoloju ◽  
Ifeoma P. Okafor ◽  
Mayowa Fasona ◽  
Kafilat A. Bawa-Allah ◽  
Chukwuemeka Isanbor ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Critical Evaluation ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Mean Annual Temperature ◽  
Vaccination Policy ◽  
African Countries ◽  
Bcg Vaccination ◽  
Malaria Burden ◽  
Geographical Regions ◽  
Significant Difference

AbstractBackgroundCOVID-19, the disease associated with the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) is currently a global pandemic with several thousands of confirmed cases of infection and death. However, the death rate across affected countries shows variation deserving of critical evaluation.MethodsIn this study, we evaluated differentials in COVID-19 confirmed cases of infection and associated deaths of selected countries in Sub-Sahara Africa (Nigeria and Ghana), South Africa, Europe (Italy, Spain, Sweden and UK) and USA. Data acquired for various standard databases on mutational shift of the SARS-CoV-2 virus based on geographical location, BCG vaccination policy, malaria endemicity, climatic conditions (temperature), differential healthcare approaches were evaluated over a period of 45 days from the date of reporting the index case.ResultsThe number of confirmed cases of infection and associated deaths in Sub-Sahara Africa were found to be very low compared to the very high values in Europe and USA over the same period. Recovery rate from COVID-19 is not correlated with the mutational attributes of the virus with the sequenced strain from Nigeria having no significant difference (p>0.05) from other geographical regions. Significantly higher (p<0.05) infection rate and mortality from COVID-19 were observed in countries (Europe and USA) without a current universal BCG vaccination policy compared to those with one (Sub-Sahara African countries). Countries with high malaria burden had significantly lower (p<0.05) cases of COVID-19 than those with low malaria burden. A strong negative correlation (−0.595) between mean annual temperature and COVID-19 infection and death was observed with 14.8% variances between temperature and COVID-19 occurrence among the countries. A clear distinction was observed in the COVID-19 disease management between the developed countries (Europe and USA) and Sub-Sahara Africa.ConclusionsThe study established that the wide variation in the outcome of the COVID-19 disease burden in the selected countries are attributable largely to climatic condition (temperature) and differential healthcare approaches to management of the disease. We recommend consideration and mainstreaming of these findings for urgent intervention and management of COVID-19 across these continents.

Perspectives from Four Stages of Development

2019 ◽  
pp. 159-178
Author(s):  
Eleanor M. Fox ◽  
Mor Bakhoum
Keyword(s):  
South African ◽  
Gold Standard ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
The United States ◽  
Point Of View ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
The European Union ◽  
African Countries ◽  
Sub Saharan ◽  
The Developed Countries

This chapter identifies four clusters of nations based on state of development, in order to highlight significant qualitative differences that may call for different law and policies. The first cluster comprises the least developed sub-Saharan African countries with the most resource-challenged competition authorities, such as Benin and Togo. The second cluster compromises nations that have advanced economically to a perceptibly higher level. The third cluster is a “group” of one—South Africa. With all of its challenges, the South African competition regime is as close to a gold standard as there is in sub-Saharan Africa. Finally, for comparison, the fourth cluster comprises the developed countries, led in particular by the European Union and the United States. These nations have open economies, fairly robust markets, good infrastructure, and good institutions. The chapter proceeds to identify, from the point of view of each of the clusters, the most fitting competition framework nationally and globally. The chapter proposes how the divergences can be brought into sympathy.

The National Libraries of the Countries of the Francophonie: A Comparative Study

2008 ◽  
Vol 20 (3) ◽  
pp. 133-146
Author(s):  
Marcel Lajeunesse
Keyword(s):  
International Relations ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
International Organization ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
National Library ◽  
African Countries ◽  
National Archives ◽  
Sub Saharan ◽  
National Libraries

The International Organization of the Francophonie (Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie, OIF) which developed over the last decades of the twentieth century brings together, as of 2008, 53 State and government full members and 13 observer members, spread out over five continents. The Répertoire des bibliothèques nationales de la Francophonie, which is in its third edition (2008), presents index cards on every national library, or library fulfilling such a role, of each member or observer country. After presenting an overview of the International Organization of the Francophonie, this article looks at the creation of the national library in each country, legal deposit and national bibliography. Then, communication (websites) and international relations (membership of IFLA) are addressed. Of the 63 countries surveyed, only 9 countries do not have a national library, although the majority of these nine countries have another institution – a national documentation centre, public or parliamentary library or national archives – that normally fulfils the functions of a national library. It must be recognized that there is a large disparity between the national libraries of developed countries in Europe and North America and those in developing countries of sub-Saharan Africa, Asia and the Antilles. In some sub-Saharan African countries, the national library has only a nominal existence.

scholarly journals PO 8573 RESEARCH, MENTORSHIP AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT: IS RETIREMENT AGE A HURDLE TO RESEARCH SUSTAINABILITY IN AFRICA?

2019 ◽  
Vol 4 (Suppl 3) ◽  
pp. A56.1-A56
Author(s):  
Esther Ngadaya ◽  
Andrew Kitua ◽  
Barbara Castelnuovo ◽  
Blandina T Mmbaga ◽  
Leonard Mboera ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Career Development ◽  
Brain Drain ◽  
Work Experience ◽  
Research Capacity ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Retirement Age ◽  
African Countries ◽  
Generating Capacity ◽  
Research Scientists

BackgroundRetirement age in most of sub-Saharan Africa is between 55 and 60 years, even in academic and research institutions. There is no mechanism to retain even the few most experienced and outstanding among them. There is evidence that institutions retaining experienced researchers access better large research grants.MethodsWe conducted literature review and shared views and experiences among peer research scientistsResultsMost African scientists obtain their first degrees aged 25–30 years. Economic needs compounded with work experience requirements for PhD studies delay their research career development such that most PhD graduates are 40–50 years of age. However, unlike in the developed world where the majority acquire their PhDs in their late 20’s or early 30’s, there is no mechanism to retain them longer at work to maximise their contributions to scientific developments. Instead, African scientists are forced to retire young at 60 years of age. On the contrary, developed countries scientists graduate earlier, work longer and have retention mechanisms even after retirement. African countries do not consider retaining even the few who have demonstrated outstanding performance. Consequently, outstanding research scientists retire at the time when they are needed most. They seek and get jobs abroad or in externally owned projects (brain drain). Their decade or so of work, generates more resources abroad, depriving Africa of resource generating capacity. Secondly, retiring at the height of their performance is economically counterproductive. Thirdly, this affects negatively the career development of young scientists for lack of experienced supervisors and mentors.ConclusionAfrica must rethink the retirement age of its research scientists and create incentives to retain outstanding research scientists who reach retirement age. This is urgently needed to stop brain drain, contribute to economic development, and accelerate ongoing efforts to build sustainable research capacity and mentorship programmes in Africa.

scholarly journals BCG vaccination is associated with reduced malaria prevalence in children under the age of 5 years in sub-Saharan Africa

2019 ◽  
Vol 4 (6) ◽  
pp. e001862 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mike LT Berendsen ◽  
Sjors WL van Gijzel ◽  
Jeroen Smits ◽  
Quirijn de Mast ◽  
Peter Aaby ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Malaria Prevalence ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Cluster Sampling ◽  
Bcg Vaccination ◽  
Malaria Burden ◽  
Specific Effects ◽  
Effective Interventions ◽  
Sub Saharan ◽  
Ssa Countries ◽  
Transmission Reservoir

IntroductionMalaria continues to be a major cause of morbidity and mortality in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) without effective interventions. Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine possesses protective non-specific effects, which extend beyond protection against tuberculosis. This study explores whether BCG is associated with protection against malaria in children under the age of 5 years in SSA.MethodsWe used data from the Demographic Health Survey programme, including 34 206 children from 13 SSA countries. BCG status was taken from vaccination cards when present; if not, mother’s recall was used. Presence of malaria was defined as a positive rapid diagnostic test. Maternally reported presence or absence of fever in the previous 2 weeks defined symptomatic status. Multilevel logistic regression was used to account for the two-stage cluster sampling method.ResultsOf the 34 206 children, 12 325 (36.0%) children were malaria positive and 29 766 (87.0%) were BCG vaccinated. After correction for relevant child, maternal and household factors, BCG vaccination was associated with a lower malaria prevalence (adjusted OR (aOR)=0.94, 95% CI 0.90 to 0.98), especially among children of whom BCG information was retrieved from a vaccination card (aORcard=0.88, 95% CI 0.82 to 0.94). Restricting the analysis to children from regions with suboptimal BCG coverage increased the association (aORcard=0.81, 95% CI 0.73 to 0.89). We observed an increasingly beneficial association with each month of age of the child (aORcard=0.996, 95% CI 0.993 to 0.999). BCG associations were similar for asymptomatic (aORcard=0.86, 95% CI 0.81 to 0.92) and symptomatic (aORcard=0.89, 95% CI 0.78 to 1.01) malaria.ConclusionsBCG vaccination is associated with protection against malaria. This protection is highest in regions with suboptimal BCG coverage. These results indicate a possible role for timely BCG vaccination in the protection of malaria and its elimination by reducing the transmission reservoir. If confirmed in further research, our findings have substantial implications for global efforts to reduce malaria burden.

USING COUPLES’ DISCORDANT REPORTS TO ESTIMATE FEMALE COVERT USE OF MODERN CONTRACEPTION IN SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA

2017 ◽  
Vol 50 (3) ◽  
pp. 326-346 ◽  
Author(s):  
Natalie C. Gasca ◽  
Stan Becker
Keyword(s):  
Contraceptive Use ◽  
Modern Method ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Demographic And Health Surveys ◽  
Modern Contraceptive ◽  
African Countries ◽  
Couple Communication ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Contraceptive Prevalence ◽  
Sub Saharan

SummarySubstantial numbers of married women use contraceptives without their partner’s knowledge in sub-Saharan Africa, but studies of female covert use across time are rare. This study investigates the levels, trends and correlates of covert use in nine countries and determines which contraceptive methods are more frequently used covertly by women. Data from monogamous couples in Demographic and Health Surveys were used from nine sub-Saharan African countries that had experienced an increase of 10 percentage points in current modern contraceptive use between an earlier (1991–2004) and later (2007–2011) survey. Covert use was indirectly estimated as the percentage of women who reported a female modern method whose husband did not report a modern method. The percentage of women using covertly increased in eight of the countries studied (significantly in three of them), yet when comparing across countries cross-sectionally, covert use was lower where contraceptive prevalence was higher. In general, women with more years of schooling and those with larger spousal schooling gaps had lower odds of covert use. There was no significant difference between covert and open injectable use, though more than half of both groups used this method in the later surveys. Encouraging couple communication about contraception, where the woman feels it is safe to do so, could be an important strategy to minimize covert use. Further research is needed to better identify the contraceptive prevalence and social context in which covert use declines within a country.

scholarly journals Developing nephrology services in low income countries: a case of Tanzania

2019 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Francis F. Furia ◽  
Jacqueline Shoo ◽  
Paschal J. Ruggajo ◽  
Kajiru Kilonzo ◽  
Gopal Basu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Care Providers ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Kidney Diseases ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Low Income Countries ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
African Countries ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Sub Saharan

Abstract Background The burden of kidney diseases is reported to be higher in lower- and middle-income countries as compared to developed countries, and countries in sub-Saharan Africa are reported to be most affected. Health systems in most sub-Sahara African countries have limited capacity in the form of trained and skilled health care providers, diagnostic support, equipment and policies to provide nephrology services. Several initiatives have been implemented to support establishment of these services. Methods This is a situation analysis to examine the nephrology services in Tanzania. It was conducted by interviewing key personnel in institutions providing nephrology services aiming at describing available services and international collaborators supporting nephrology services. Results Tanzania is a low-income country in Sub-Saharan Africa with a population of more than 55 million that has seen remarkable improvement in the provision of nephrology services and these include increase in the number of nephrologists to 14 in 2018 from one in 2006, increase in number of dialysis units from one unit (0.03 unit per million) before 2007 to 28 units (0.5 units per million) in 2018 and improved diagnostic services with introduction of nephropathology services. Government of Tanzania has been providing kidney transplantation services by funding referral of donor and recipients abroad and has now introduced local transplantation services in two hospitals. There have been strong international collaborators who have supported nephrology services and establishment of nephrology training in Tanzania. Conclusion Tanzania has seen remarkable achievement in provision of nephrology services and provides an interesting model to be used in supporting nephrology services in low income countries.

scholarly journals The clean development mechanism

2014 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
pp. 166-191 ◽  
Author(s):  
Martin Burian ◽  
Christof Arens
Keyword(s):  
Clean Development Mechanism ◽  
Technical Assistance ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Low Carbon ◽  
Least Developed Countries ◽  
African Countries ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Per Capita ◽  
Development Mechanism

Purpose – Since the registration of the first clean development mechanism (CDM) project in 2004, the CDM has seen a dynamic expansion: the CDM pipeline currently comprises 6,725 projects generating 2.73 billion certified emission reductions (CERs) up to 2012. These CERs result in a substantial financial flow from Annex I to Non-Annex I countries. But CDM projects also result in investments in low carbon technologies, a substantial share of which is focused on the energy sector. The total installed capacity of all CDM projects amounts to 288,944 MW. However, the CDM is not widely taken up in Africa. This holds true for Africa's share in the CDM project pipeline (2.62 per cent), for Africa's share in CERs generated up to 2012 (3.58 per cent) and for the normalized CERs per capita, per country. Two hypothesizes are commonly discussed: first, the continent features low per capita emissions and low abatement potentials. Second, African countries may be hampered by weak institutional frameworks. This article reviews both hypotheses and presents new empirical data. The paper aims to discuss these issues. Design/methodology/approach – Investigating the greenhouse gas (GHS) abatement potential of 16 energy-related sectors for 11 selected least developed countries in sub-Saharan Africa shows a total theoretical CDM potential of 128.6 million CERs per year. Analyzing investment indicators confirms that most countries are impeded by below average investment conditions. Findings – It is concluded that Africa offers a considerable range of substantial abatement potentials. However, the weak institutional framework is limiting the uptake of the CDM in Africa. This is underpinned by an analysis which shows if a CDM sector has high investment cost, Africa will have a low share in the sector. If the sector has low investment needs per CER, Africa's share in the CDM sector will be bigger. Investment needs and Africa's share in the pipeline feature a negative correlation. Research limitations/implications – Supporting CDM development in Africa should not be constraint to technical assistance. It will be crucial to develop an integrated financing approach, comprising the CDM as a co-financing mechanism, to overcome the institutional challenges. Originality/value – Until today, there are few empirical studies that use concrete criteria and indicators to show why the CDM is underrepresented in Africa. The work presented here contributes to filling this gap.

Making Markets Work for Africa

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eleanor M. Fox ◽  
Mor Bakhoum
Keyword(s):  
Competition Law ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
International Standards ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Inclusive Development ◽  
African Countries ◽  
Political Situation ◽  
Law And Policy ◽  
Development Goals ◽  
Sub Saharan

This book explores sub-Saharan Africa, markets, economic development and competition policy. Specifically, the book examines the special social-economic-political situation in sub-Saharan African countries at various stages of development, from small and quite undeveloped countries of West Africa to the middle-class economy of South Africa. It considers what these countries do and what they can be expected to do in competition law and policy and relates these realities and capabilities to what has become known as the “international standards” of competition law and policy. The book seeks to determine the fit of developing countries’ needs with developed countries’ standards, and proposes a new way forward that takes on board the UN post-millennium development goals of sustainable inclusive development.

The Effect of Infrastructure on Water-Related Diseases in Rural African Communities

2012 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Victoria M. Bates
Keyword(s):  
Developed Countries ◽  
Mortality Rates ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
African Countries ◽  
Infrastructure Systems ◽  
Related Disease ◽  
Disease Mortality ◽  
Hygiene Measures ◽  
Sub Saharan ◽  
Sanitation Infrastructure

Water-related diseases are still a leading cause of death in developing countries. Though the relationship between water-related disease mortality rates and water sanitation and hygiene measures is well documented, the means to provide proper water and sanitation treatment remain elusive. This paper examines the effect of hard infrastructure on water-related disease rates and proposes that building infrastructure is the best way to reduce the prevalence of water-related disease in rural African villages. It examines the history of sanitation infrastructure in developed countries as well as why similar measures are difficult to implement in sub-Saharan Africa. This paper analyzes three rural African countries’ sanitation infrastructure systems (Botswana, Rwanda, Swaziland) to recommend best practices in rural African villages. Recommendations for future infrastructure systems are given as well as how governments can best implement those systems to reduce water-related disease mortality rates.

scholarly journals A Framework for Sustainable Implementation of E-Medicine in Transitioning Countries

2013 ◽  
Vol 2013 ◽  
pp. 1-12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephen Robert Isabalija ◽  
Victor Mbarika ◽  
Geoffrey Mayoka Kituyi
Keyword(s):  
Technology Transfer ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Institutional Environment ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
The United States ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
African Countries ◽  
Quantitative And Qualitative Research ◽  
Sustainable Implementation ◽  
Sub Saharan

Organizations in developed countries such as the United States of America and Canada face difficulties and challenges in technology transfer from one organization to another; the complexity of problems easily compounds when such transfers are attempted from developed to developing countries due to differing socioeconomic and cultural environments. There is a gap in the formation of research and education programs to address technology transfer issues that go beyond just transferring the technologies to sustaining such transfers for longer periods. This study examined telemedicine transfer challenges in three Sub-Sahara African countries and developed a framework for sustainable implementation of e-medicine. Both quantitative and qualitative research methods were used. The study findings indicate that e-medicine sustainability in Sub-Saharan Africa is affected by institutional factors such as institutional environment and knowledge management practices; technical factors such as the technological environment and technology transfer project environment; social environmental factors such as social environment and donor involvement. These factors were used to model the proposed framework.

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