scholarly journals COVID-19 in the MENA Region: Facts and Findings

2021 ◽  
Vol 15 (03) ◽  
pp. 342-349
Author(s):  
Nour K Younis ◽  
Mira Rahm ◽  
Fadi Bitar ◽  
Mariam Arabi
Keyword(s):  
Case Fatality ◽  
World Health ◽  
African Countries ◽  
Mena Region ◽  
Unequal Distribution ◽  
Mena Countries ◽  
Distribution Of Wealth ◽  
Gcc Countries ◽  
Unequal Distribution Of Wealth ◽  
Health Organization

Introduction: Our study aims to assess the prevalence of COVID-19 in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. It aims also to examine the various factors that have led to the unequal distribution of the confirmed cases among the different MENA countries. Methodology: Data was retrieved from the World Health Organization situation reports issued between January 29 and June 5, 2020. It included the numbers of cumulative cases, new cases, and cumulative deaths reported by MENA countries. Similarly, we searched for relevant articles in PubMed and Medline. Results: A total of 481,347 cases and 11,851 deaths occurred in the MENA region, accounting for 7.37% and 3.06% of the global cases and deaths respectively. Iran had the highest number of cases and deaths accounting for 34.1% and 68.1% of the MENA cases and deaths respectively. Together the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries accounted for 52.2% and 10.6% of MENA cases and deaths respectively. Egypt had the highest number of confirmed cases and deaths among the African countries of the region. Syria, Libya and Yemen (countries at war) had the lowest numbers of reported cases. The MENA region overall case fatality rate (CFR) was estimated at 2.46%. The highest CFR (22.75%) occurred in Yemen, and the lowest (0.07%) in Qatar. Conclusions: The unequal distribution of wealth among the MENA countries, the lack of sociopolitical stability, and the high number of undetected and underreported cases in some of them have resulted in varied incidences of COVID-19 related morbidity and mortality.

scholarly journals Characterizing the Qatar advanced-phase SARS-CoV-2 epidemic

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Laith J. Abu-Raddad ◽  
Hiam Chemaitelly ◽  
Houssein H. Ayoub ◽  
Zaina Al Kanaani ◽  
Abdullatif Al Khal ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Ad Hoc ◽  
Case Fatality ◽  
Epidemiologic Studies ◽  
World Health ◽  
Residential Areas ◽  
Antibody Prevalence ◽  
Advanced Phase ◽  
Cumulative Rate ◽  
Blood Specimens ◽  
Health Organization

AbstractThe overarching objective of this study was to provide the descriptive epidemiology of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) epidemic in Qatar by addressing specific research questions through a series of national epidemiologic studies. Sources of data were the centralized and standardized national databases for SARS-CoV-2 infection. By July 10, 2020, 397,577 individuals had been tested for SARS-CoV-2 using polymerase-chain-reaction (PCR), of whom 110,986 were positive, a positivity cumulative rate of 27.9% (95% CI 27.8–28.1%). As of July 5, case severity rate, based on World Health Organization (WHO) severity classification, was 3.4% and case fatality rate was 1.4 per 1,000 persons. Age was by far the strongest predictor of severe, critical, or fatal infection. PCR positivity of nasopharyngeal/oropharyngeal swabs in a national community survey (May 6–7) including 1,307 participants was 14.9% (95% CI 11.5–19.0%); 58.5% of those testing positive were asymptomatic. Across 448 ad-hoc testing campaigns in workplaces and residential areas including 26,715 individuals, pooled mean PCR positivity was 15.6% (95% CI 13.7–17.7%). SARS-CoV-2 antibody prevalence was 24.0% (95% CI 23.3–24.6%) in 32,970 residual clinical blood specimens. Antibody prevalence was only 47.3% (95% CI 46.2–48.5%) in those who had at least one PCR positive result, but 91.3% (95% CI 89.5–92.9%) among those who were PCR positive > 3 weeks before serology testing. Qatar has experienced a large SARS-CoV-2 epidemic that is rapidly declining, apparently due to growing immunity levels in the population.

The Dynamic Relationship between FDI and Wages: Evidence from the People's Republic of China

2005 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 23-42
Author(s):  
Bala Ramasamy ◽  
Matthew Yeung
Keyword(s):  
Granger Causality ◽  
Unequal Distribution ◽  
Republic Of China ◽  
Distribution Of Wealth ◽  
Dynamic Relationship ◽  
Cheap Labour ◽  
Wage Rates ◽  
Significant Relationships ◽  
Unequal Distribution Of Wealth ◽  
The Relationship

The objective of this paper is to evaluate the relationship between FDI and wage rates using the wellestablished Granger causality method but with a panel data setting. The paper considers the dynamic relationship between these two variables for 27 provinces over the 1985 – 2000 period. We also distinguish between the coastal and inland provinces. Results indicate that Granger causality runs from FDI to wages for the coastal provinces but no significant relationships are found for the inland provinces. These results imply that FDI is a contributing factor for increasing wage rates in China. In particular, our findings show that the “cheap labour” hypothesis does not apply for China. It further indicates that increasing inflow of FDI into the coastal provinces relative to the inland provinces exacerbate the unequal distribution of wealth between the regions.

scholarly journals A Scoping Review of Policies Related to the Prevention and Control of Overweight and Obesity in Africa

Nutrients ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (11) ◽  
pp. 4028
Author(s):  
Theodosia Adom ◽  
Anniza De Villiers ◽  
Thandi Puoane ◽  
André Pascal Kengne
Keyword(s):  
Scoping Review ◽  
Population Level ◽  
Overweight And Obesity ◽  
World Health ◽  
Environmental Drivers ◽  
African Countries ◽  
Food Industries ◽  
Nutrition And Diet ◽  
Health Organization ◽  
And Control

To address the issue of obesity, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends a set of comprehensive programmes aimed at changing the obesogenic environments to provide opportunities for healthy food options and increased physical activity in the school, home, and at the population level. The objectives of this study were to examine the nature and range of policies related to overweight and obesity prevention in Africa, and to assess how they align with international guidelines. An existing methodological framework was adapted for this scoping review. A search of publicly available national documents on overweight/obesity, general health, and non-communicable diseases (NCDs) was undertaken from relevant websites, including WHO, ministries, and Google Scholar. Additional requests were sent to key contacts at relevant ministries about existing policy documents. The documents were reviewed, and the policies were categorised, using the Analysis Grid for Environments Linked to Obesity (ANGELO) framework. The framework categorises the environmental drivers of obesity into four domains (physical, economic, legislative, and socio-cultural) and two scales: macro (national, regional, sectors, food industries, media, etc.) and micro (household, institutional, and community). This review included documents from 41 African countries. The policy initiatives to prevent overweight/obesity target the school, family and community settings, and macro environments, and broadly align with global recommendations. The NCD documents were in the majority, with only two on obesity. The majority of the documents detailed strategies and key interventions on unhealthy diets and physical inactivity. The physical, legislative, and sociocultural domains were largely featured, with less emphasis on the economic domain. Additionally, nutrition- and diet-related policies were in the majority. Overlaps and interactions of policies were observed in the application of the ANGELO framework. This study has provided information on national policies and programmes in Africa and can be useful as a first point of call for policymakers. The overlapping and interaction in the initiatives demonstrate the importance of multi-sectoral partnerships in providing supportive environments for healthy behaviours.

scholarly journals Environmental Performance and Economic Growth in Middle East and North Africa Countries

2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (24) ◽  
Author(s):  
Hichem Dkhili
Keyword(s):  
Economic Growth ◽  
Middle East ◽  
North Africa ◽  
Environmental Performance ◽  
Middle Eastern ◽  
Smooth Transition ◽  
African Countries ◽  
Mena Region ◽  
Mena Countries ◽  
The Impact

Background. Studies on environmental performance/quality and economic growth show inconclusive results. Objective. The aim of the present study is to assess the non-linear relationship between environmental performance and economic growth in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region from 2002–2018. Methods. A sample of fourteen (14) MENA countries was used in the present analysis. However, due to important differences between countries in this region, the whole sample was divided into two sub-samples; nine Middle Eastern countries (MEAS) and five North African countries (NAF). We performed the panel smooth transition regression model as an econometric approach. Discussion. Empirical results indicate a threshold effect in the environmental performance and economic growth relationship. The threshold value differs from one group of countries to another. More specifically, we found that the impact of environmental performance and economic growth is positive and significant only if a certain threshold level has been attained. Until then, the effect remains negative. Conclusions. The findings of the present study are of great importance for policymakers since they determine the optimal level of environmental performance required to act positively on the level of economic growth. MENA countries should seek to improve their environmental performance index in order to grow output. Competing Interests. The authors declare no competing financial interests.

scholarly journals Safety and Efficacy of Chloroquine/Hydroxychloroquine in SARS-CoV-2 Infection

2021 ◽  
Vol 33 (8) ◽  
pp. 1718-1722
Author(s):  
Alberto Boretti
Keyword(s):  
Case Fatality Rate ◽  
Case Fatality ◽  
Severe Pneumonia ◽  
World Health ◽  
Fatality Rate ◽  
Late Infection ◽  
Western Countries ◽  
Asymptomatic Patients ◽  
Overwhelming Evidence ◽  
Health Organization

This work summarizes the available evidence of the use of chloroquine/hydroxychloroquine (CQ/HCQ) in SARS-CoV-2 infection. Most of the published works indicate CQ/HCQ is likely effective against SARS-CoV-2 infection, almost 100% in prophylaxis and mild-medium severity cases and 60% in late infection cases. The percentage of positive works is larger if those works conducted under a probable conflict of interest are excluded from the list. Despite this overwhelming evidence from independent studies, the use of CQ/HCQ is currently limited or prevented in many western countries, based on a very singular examination of the science. The case of a work published in late May 2020, despite being openly defective and then retracted, prompted the World Health Organization (WHO) to ban the use of CQ/HCQ. This position has not yet rectified, thanks to the results of the not less questionable RECOVERY trial, where very sick patients were administered more than double the dose, over more than double the time, recommended for asymptomatic patients in current protocols of other countries, where CQ/HCQ are used for asymptomatic and mild but not severe pneumonia critically ill patients. While the case fatality rate does not depend only on therapies, it is finally shown based on the number of cases and fatalities per million and the case fatality rate as the western countries enforcing the ban on CQ/HCQ did not perform better, but much worse, than other countries, also because of therapies.

The Global Perspective

2013 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zoltan J. Acs
Keyword(s):  
Global Economy ◽  
Global Perspective ◽  
The European Union ◽  
Unequal Distribution ◽  
Distribution Of Wealth ◽  
American Model ◽  
The World ◽  
American Style ◽  
Unequal Distribution Of Wealth ◽  
The One

This chapter examines the American economy and American-style capitalism in the context of the global economy. It first provides an overview of American exceptionalism before revisiting who the Americans are and comparing the American model of liberal democracy with that of East Asia and the European Union. It then reflects on what America's future looks like and what the world will look like in 2050. It concludes with an assessment of whether the American model that is spreading around the world in bits and pieces could be better promoted. The chapter suggests that American-style capitalism, with its interplay between entrepreneurship and philanthropy, on the one hand, and its balancing act between wealth and opportunity, on the other, should be encouraged despite the unequal distribution of wealth entrepreneurship creates.

scholarly journals A Systematic Review of the Incremental Costs of Implementing a New Vaccine in the Expanded Program of Immunization in Sub-Saharan Africa

2019 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
pp. 238146831989454
Author(s):  
Joe Brew ◽  
Christophe Sauboin
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Data Collection ◽  
Interquartile Range ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
World Health ◽  
African Countries ◽  
Vaccine Type ◽  
Sub Saharan ◽  
Health Organization ◽  
The Cost

Background. The World Health Organization is planning a pilot introduction of a new malaria vaccine in three sub-Saharan African countries. To inform considerations about including a new vaccine in the vaccination program of those and other countries, estimates from the scientific literature of the incremental costs of doing so are important. Methods. A systematic review of scientific studies reporting the costs of recent vaccine programs in sub-Saharan countries was performed. The focus was to obtain from each study an estimate of the cost per dose of vaccine administered excluding the acquisition cost of the vaccine and wastage. Studies published between 2000 and 2018 and indexed on PubMed could be included and results were standardized to 2015 US dollars (US$). Results. After successive screening of 2119 titles, and 941 abstracts, 58 studies with 80 data points (combinations of country, vaccine type, and vaccination approach–routine v. campaign) were retained. Most studies used the so-called ingredients approach as costing method combining field data collection with documented unit prices per cost item. The categorization of cost items and the extent of detailed reporting varied widely. Across the studies, the mean and median cost per dose administered was US$1.68 and US$0.88 with an interquartile range of US$0.54 to US$2.31. Routine vaccination was more costly than campaigns, with mean cost per dose of US$1.99 and US$0.88, respectively. Conclusion. Across the studies, there was huge variation in the cost per dose delivered, between and within countries, even in studies using consistent data collection tools and analysis methods, and including many health facilities. For planning purposes, the interquartile range of US$0.54 to US$2.31 may be a sufficiently precise estimate.

scholarly journals Elimination of onchocerciasis in Africa by 2025: an ambitious target requires ambitious interventions

2019 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert Colebunders ◽  
Wilma A. Stolk ◽  
Joseph Nelson Siewe Fodjo ◽  
Charles D. Mackenzie ◽  
Adrian Hopkins
Keyword(s):  
Intervention Strategies ◽  
World Health ◽  
Health Programs ◽  
African Countries ◽  
Tailored Interventions ◽  
Evaluation Procedures ◽  
Primary Health ◽  
Mental Health Programs ◽  
Health Organization ◽  
African Setting

Abstract To achieve the elimination of onchocerciasis transmission in all African countries will entail enormous challenges, as has been highlighted by the active discussion around onchocerciasis intervention strategies and evaluation procedures in this journal. Serological thresholds for onchocerciasis elimination, adapted for the African setting, need to be established. The Onchocerciasis Technical Advisory Subgroup of the World Health Organization is currently developing improved guidelines to allow country elimination committees to make evidence-based decisions. Importantly, onchocerciasis-related morbidity should not be forgotten when debating elimination prospects. A morbidity management and disease prevention (MMDP) strategy similar to that for lymphatic filariasis will need to be developed. This will require collaboration between the onchocerciasis elimination program, the community and other partners including primary health and mental health programs. In order to reach the goal of onchocerciasis elimination in most African countries by 2025, we should prioritize community participation and advocate for tailored interventions which are scientifically proven to be effective, but currently considered to be too expensive.

scholarly journals The Costs of Implementing Vaccination With the RTS,S Malaria Vaccine in Five Sub-Saharan African Countries

2019 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
pp. 238146831989628 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elisa Sicuri ◽  
Fadima Yaya Bocoum ◽  
Justice Nonvignon ◽  
Sergi Alonso ◽  
Bakar Fakih ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Burkina Faso ◽  
Relevant Information ◽  
Candidate Vaccine ◽  
World Health ◽  
Future Price ◽  
African Countries ◽  
Fourth Dose ◽  
Sub Saharan ◽  
Expanded Program On Immunization ◽  
Health Organization

Background. The World Health Organization has recommended pilot implementation of a candidate vaccine against malaria (RTS,S/AS01) in selected sub-Saharan African countries. This exploratory study aimed to estimate the costs of implementing RTS,S in Burkina Faso, Ghana, Kenya, Mozambique, and Tanzania. Methods. Key informants of the expanded program on immunization at all levels in each country were interviewed on the resources required for implementing RTS,S for routine vaccination. Unit prices were derived from the same sources or from international price lists. Incremental costs in 2015 US dollars were aggregated per fully vaccinated child (FVC). It was assumed the four vaccine doses were either all delivered at health facilities or the fourth dose was delivered in an outreach setting. Results. The costs per FVC ranged from US$25 (Burkina Faso) to US$37 (Kenya) assuming a vaccine price of US$5 per dose. Across countries, recurrent costs represented the largest share dominated by vaccines (including wastage) and supply costs. Non-recurrent costs varied substantially across countries, mainly because of differences in needs for hiring personnel, in wages, in cold-room space, and equipment. Recent vaccine introductions in the countries may have had an impact on resource availability for a new vaccine implementation. Delivering the fourth dose in outreach settings raised the costs, mostly fuel, per FVC by less than US$1 regardless of the country. Conclusions. This study provides relevant information for donors and decision makers about the cost of implementing RTS,S. Variations within and across countries are important and the unknown future price per dose and wastage rate for this candidate vaccine adds substantially to the uncertainty about the actual costs of implementation.

Neonatal tetanus at the close of the 20th century in Nigeria

2007 ◽  
Vol 37 (3) ◽  
pp. 165-167 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tinuade A Ogunlesi ◽  
John A O Okeniyi ◽  
Joshua A Owa ◽  
Gabriel A Oyedeji
Keyword(s):  
Odds Ratio ◽  
Case Fatality Rate ◽  
Case Fatality ◽  
Neonatal Tetanus ◽  
World Health ◽  
Preventive Strategies ◽  
Primary Health ◽  
Primary Health Centres ◽  
Health Organization ◽  
Year 2000

The year 2000 marked another failed World Health Organization deadline for neonatal tetanus (NNT) eradication. Existing preventive strategies can be enhanced by exploring factors involved in the persistence of the scourge. Thus, records of neonates admitted between 1996 and 2000 into the Wesley Guild Hospital, Ilesa, were analysed. Of 3051 total neonatal admissions,162 (5.3%) had NNT. Eighty-nine (54.9%) mothers had clinic-based antenatal care (ANC), but only 59 (36.4%) had tetanus toxoid (TT) vaccines. The majority (66.7%) of them delivered at home or churches and others at either private clinics or primary health centres. Overall, the case fatality rate was 43.8%, though it was significantly higher among babies whose mothers had neither clinic-based ANC (odds ratio [OR] = 2.62; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.33-5.18) nor antenatal TT vaccination (OR = 2.41; 95% CI = 1.17-5.03). Thus, improvement on ANC, anti-tetanus immunization and ensuring hygienic deliveries are crucial for eliminating NNT in the 21st century.

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