Situation Analysis of Uncorrected Refractive Errors In Sub-Saharan Francophone African Countries

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amassagou Dougnon ◽  
Nouhoum Guirou ◽  
Seydou Bakayoko ◽  
Fatoumata Korika Tounkara ◽  
Sadio Maiga ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Human Resources ◽  
Health System ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Refractive Errors ◽  
Policy Documents ◽  
Eye Health ◽  
Research Activities ◽  
French Speaking ◽  
Sub Saharan

Abstract Background: Uncorrected refractive errors (URE) are a serious public health problem by their magnitude, the multiple consequences they result in, but also by the inability of the countries of French-speaking Sub-Saharan Africa (FSSA) to meet the needs of the population. Governance problems, associated with human resources problems, financing problems for care, infrastructure and consumables, led us to initiate this study, the objective of which is to analyze the situation of UREs in FSSA with the stakeholders involved in the eye health system. Materials and Methods: We carried out a cross-sectional survey of eye health actors and stakeholders in all of the French-speaking Sub-Saharan Africa countries from March 1st to August 31st, 2020. An online questionnaire was developed and translated into French, and then sent to the targeted eye health stakeholders involved in eye health. The survey and data collection were carried out in two phases: first by collecting information from the eye health officials of the countries which then enabled us to reach all the other actors in the country. Data were entered directly into SPSS 20 software followed by cleaning prior to analysis and presented as percent, mean or median, and standard deviation. Results: A total of 500 questionnaires were sent to the various actors involved in eye health in the 21 countries of French-speaking Sub-Saharan Africa. The number of people who opened the questionnaire is 215, of which 151 have completed at least one question.Eye health policy documents existed in countries according to 95% of respondents. In the words of 76.6%, 54.6% and 85.2% of the participants respectively, the mechanisms for describing the tasks of the agents, for reporting to the actors and for collecting data existed. Also, according to respectively 61.5%, 58.8 % and 61.3% of respondents, the following are not effective: existence of documents of standards and procedures, specific allocation of eye health in the budget of the Ministry of Health and the obligation of continuous training.Conclusion: Although policy documents that comply with standards do exist in the French-speaking region of sub-Saharan Africa, several challenges remain to be taken up; in particular the involvement of all stakeholders of the health system, and the strengthening in the areas of governance, financial and human resources, as well as the information and supply system for materials and consumables, hence the need to initiate more targeted research activities.

scholarly journals Trends and implications for achieving VISION 2020 human resources for eye health targets in 16 countries of sub-Saharan Africa by the year 2020

2014 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jennifer J Palmer ◽  
Farai Chinanayi ◽  
Alice Gilbert ◽  
Devan Pillay ◽  
Samantha Fox ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Human Resources ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Vision 2020 ◽  
Health Targets ◽  
Eye Health ◽  
Sub Saharan

scholarly journals Strengths and weaknesses of eye care services in sub-Saharan Africa: a meta-synthesis of eye health system assessments

2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Stevens Bechange ◽  
Emma Jolley ◽  
Bhavisha Virendrakumar ◽  
Vladimir Pente ◽  
Juliet Milgate ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health System ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Eye Care ◽  
Care Services ◽  
Eye Health ◽  
Sub Saharan

scholarly journals Mapping human resources for eye health in 21 countries of sub-Saharan Africa: current progress towards VISION 2020

2014 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jennifer J Palmer ◽  
Farai Chinanayi ◽  
Alice Gilbert ◽  
Devan Pillay ◽  
Samantha Fox ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Human Resources ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Vision 2020 ◽  
Eye Health ◽  
Sub Saharan

scholarly journals Setting targets for human resources for eye health in sub-Saharan Africa: what evidence should be used?

2016 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Paul Courtright ◽  
Wanjiku Mathenge ◽  
Amir Bedri Kello ◽  
Colin Cook ◽  
Khumbo Kalua ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Human Resources ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Eye Health ◽  
Sub Saharan

scholarly journals A brief review on features of falciparum malaria during pregnancy

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexandre Manirakiza ◽  
Eugène Serdouma ◽  
Richard Norbert Ngbalé ◽  
Sandrine Moussa ◽  
Samuel Gondjé ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Falciparum Malaria ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Malaria In Pregnancy ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Malaria During Pregnancy ◽  
Concurrent Infections ◽  
Tropical Areas ◽  
Sub Saharan ◽  
Protection Against Infection ◽  
In Pregnancy

Malaria in pregnancy is a serious public health problem in tropical areas. Frequently, the placenta is infected by accumulation of Plasmodium falciparum-infected erythrocytes in the intervillous space. Falciparum malaria acts during pregnancy by a range of mechanisms, and chronic or repeated infection and co-infections have insidious effects. The susceptibility of pregnant women to malaria is due to both immunological and humoral changes. Until a malaria vaccine becomes available, the deleterious effects of malaria in pregnancy can be avoided by protection against infection and prompt treatment with safe, effective antimalarial agents; however, concurrent infections such as with HIV and helminths during pregnancy are jeopardizing malaria control in sub-Saharan Africa.

scholarly journals Factors associated with oral cavity cancers in Sub-Saharan Africa: Summary of the literature

2021 ◽  
Vol 1 (2) ◽  
pp. 34-41
Author(s):  
A Dieng ◽  
AD Faye ◽  
MM Ndiaye ◽  
G Diop ◽  
A Bouazé ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Oral Cavity ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Epidemiological Data ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
Manual Search ◽  
African Populations ◽  
Localization Strategy ◽  
Sub Saharan ◽  
Oral Cavity Cancers

INTRODUCTION: Oral cavity cancers are now a public health problem according to WHO epidemiological data. There are several risk factors or factors associated with cancers of the oral cavity but they vary according to geographic regions. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to identify factors associated with cancers of the oral cavity in Sub-Saharan African populations through a systematic literature review. METHODOLOGY: Using the data available for the period from January 1980 to December 2019, a synthesis of the literature was carried out. The literature localization strategy included an electronic search of the MEDLINE, EMBASE and GOOGLE SCHOLAR databases from 1980 to 2019 and a manual search of the list of references of articles identified by snowballing. The data were extracted independently by two researchers on an Excel© spreadsheet. Parameters collected from each study were author, country, type of study, period of study, size, age, gender, and factors studied. RESULTS: Out of 1,318 articles found, 24 were selected. The data contained 17,290 patients including 8,229 men, i.e. a male / female sex-ratio of 0.91. Factors studied were tobacco, alcohol, diet, infection, genetics and social factors. CONCLUSION: The results reported showed that several factors are associated with the occurrence of oral cavity cancers in Sub-Saharan Africa. There is a need to conduct further studies with more structured methodologies for more convincing results.

scholarly journals Prise En Charge Des Péritonites Aiguës Dans Un Hôpital De District En Afrique Sub-saharienne : Cas Du Bénin

2017 ◽  
Vol 13 (36) ◽  
pp. 388
Author(s):  
Bio Tamou Sambo ◽  
Salako Alexandre Allodé ◽  
Didier Sewadé Wekpon ◽  
Djifid Morel Séto ◽  
Montcho Adrien Hodonou ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mortality Rate ◽  
District Hospital ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Prise En Charge ◽  
Prospective Data ◽  
Acute Peritonitis ◽  
Generalized Peritonitis ◽  
Sub Saharan ◽  
Surgery Department

Introduction: Peritonitis remains a public health problem in Africa. We aim to describe the epidemiological, etiological and therapeutic aspects of acute peritonitis in a district hospital in Sub Saharan Africa. Methods: This was a descriptive study with prospective data collection over a period of 15 months from May 1 st 2015 to July 31st 2016 in Bembereke district hospital. It has taken into account all the patients managed in the general surgery department for acute generalized peritonitis that has been confirmed at laparotomy. Results: Fifty-three patients, 38 men (71.7 %) and 15 women (28.3 %) had been registered. The average age of the patients was 19.8 ± 16.9 years. The main etiologies were: non-traumatic ileal perforation from typhoid infection 52.8%; perforated gastric or duodenal ulcer 17%; complicated appendicitis and abdominal traumas 11.3% each one. Twenty nine patients (54.7%) have been operated by a surgeon and the 24 remaining (45.3%) by a general practitioner with surgical skills. Twenty one patients (39.6%) had postoperative complications of which 11 cases of parietal suppurations (52.4%). The mortality rate was 11.3%. The mean hospital stay was 22.5 ± 4 days. Conclusion: In northern-Benin, peritonitis remains dominated by the complications of typhoid fever. The mortality rate remains high. Prevention requires good hygiene and awareness of early consultations.

scholarly journals Prevalence of Anemia and Undernutrition of Adolescent Females in Selected Schools in Ghana

2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 ◽  
pp. 1-5
Author(s):  
Marina Aferiba Tandoh ◽  
Abigail Owusuaa Appiah ◽  
Anthony Kwaku Edusei
Keyword(s):  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Adolescent Females ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Health And Wellness ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
High Prevalence ◽  
Sub Saharan ◽  
Poor Nutrition ◽  
Prevalence Of Anemia

Anemia among adolescent females is a major worldwide public health problem which should be given appropriate attention. Half of all anemic cases are caused by iron deficiency. In addition to anemia, poor nutrition is also a challenge in sub-Saharan Africa. This study determined the prevalence of anemia and undernutrition among adolescent females in school. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 151 adolescent females in four basic schools in the Ahafo region of Ghana. The hemoglobin level and anthropometry measures of participants were taken to determine their anemic and nutritional status. The prevalence of anemia among adolescent females in school was 50.3%. Out of the 151 participants, 6.6%, 19.9%, and 23.8% were severely anemic, moderately anemic, or mildly anemic, respectively. Only 2% of the participants were underweight, but the rate of stunting was 26.5%. The notable high prevalence of anemia that was found among adolescent females was correlated with other health and wellness concerns. Anemia and under nutrition negatively affect academic performance, productivity, and general wellbeing of adolescents; therefore, effective measures should be put in place to correct and eradicate these nutritional problems.

scholarly journals Barriers to and enablers of uptake of antiretroviral therapy in integrated HIV and tuberculosis treatment programmes in sub-Saharan Africa: a systematic review and meta-analysis

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Benjamin Momo Kadia ◽  
Christian Akem Dimala ◽  
Noah T. Fongwen ◽  
Adrian D. Smith
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Antiretroviral Therapy ◽  
Health System ◽  
Sample Size ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
System Level ◽  
Comprehensive Treatment ◽  
Barriers And Enablers ◽  
Sub Saharan

Abstract Introduction Programmes that merge management of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and tuberculosis (TB) aim to improve HIV/TB co-infected patients’ access to comprehensive treatment. However, several reports from sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) indicate suboptimal uptake of antiretroviral therapy (ART) even after integration of HIV and TB treatment. This study assessed ART uptake, its barriers and enablers in programmes integrating TB and HIV treatment in SSA. Method A systematic review was performed. Seven databases were searched for eligible quantitative, qualitative and mixed-methods studies published from March 2004 through July 2019. Random-effects meta-analysis was used to obtain pooled estimates of ART uptake. A thematic approach was used to analyse and synthesise data on barriers and enablers. Results Of 5139 references identified, 27 were included in the review: 23/27 estimated ART uptake and 10/27 assessed barriers to and/or enablers of ART uptake. The pooled ART uptake was 53% (95% CI: 42, 63%) and between-study heterogeneity was high (I2 = 99.71%, p < 0.001). WHO guideline on collaborative TB/HIV activities and sample size were associated with heterogeneity. There were statistically significant subgroup effects with high heterogeneity after subgroup analyses by region, guideline on collaborative TB/HIV activities, study design, and sample size. The most frequently described socioeconomic and individual level barriers to ART uptake were stigma, low income, and younger age group. The most frequently reported health system-related barriers were limited staff capacity, shortages in medical supplies, lack of infrastructure, and poor adherence to or lack of treatment guidelines. Clinical barriers included intolerance to anti-TB drugs, fear of drug toxicity, and contraindications to antiretrovirals. Health system enablers included good management of the procurement, supply, and dispensation chain; convenience and accessibility of treatment services; and strong staff capacity. Availability of psychosocial support was the most frequently reported enabler of uptake at the community level. Conclusions In SSA, programmes integrating treatment of TB and HIV do not, in general, achieve high ART uptake but we observe a net improvement in uptake after WHO issued the 2012 guidelines on collaborative TB/HIV activities. The recurrence of specific modifiable system-level and patient-level factors in the literature reveals key intervention points to improve ART uptake in these programmes. Systematic review registration: CRD42019131933.

scholarly journals Health system challenges affecting falls prevention in persons living with HIV: perspectives from physiotherapists in four sub-Saharan regions

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria Y. Charumbira ◽  
Karina Berner ◽  
Quinette A. Louw
Keyword(s):  
Primary Care ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Health System ◽  
Fall Prevention ◽  
Falls Prevention ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Prevention Services ◽  
Persons Living With Hiv ◽  
Sub Saharan ◽  
Living With Hiv

Abstract Aim: The aim of this study was to explore the perspectives of physiotherapists in four selected regions of sub-Saharan Africa regarding health system challenges impacting the integration of physiotherapy-led falls prevention services in the primary care of persons living with HIV (PLWH). Background: Falls may pose a significant problem among younger PLWH in low- and middle-income countries. Physiotherapists’ role in optimising function and quality of life can do much in the prevention of falls in PLWH and reducing the harm that results. However, falls prevention strategies have not been implemented effectively especially in primary health care settings in sub-Saharan Africa. Physiotherapists’ account of the health system challenges they encounter may provide insights into potential strategies that may be considered in optimising fall prevention for PLWH in poorly resourced settings. Methods: A descriptive qualitative study was conducted in selected urban districts in the capital cities of four sub-Saharan African countries. In-depth interviews were conducted with 21 purposively selected physiotherapists involved in the primary care of PLWH. Audio recordings of interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed using deductive thematic content analysis. Findings: The main results are presented in the theme ‘Health care system challenges’ and in nine categories informed by the WHO health system framework: lack of policies and clinical practice guidelines, shortage/Inaccessible falls prevention services, inadequate human resource, physiotherapists not adequately equipped in falls prevention, inaccessible/No facilities for BMD measurement, inefficient data capturing systems, lack of evidence regarding falls among PLWH, unclear physiotherapy role descriptions, inefficient referral system. Physiotherapists highlighted the need for more information and research regarding fall prevention for PLWH, promote their role in the primary care of PLWH and adopt a patient-centred approach to fall prevention.

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