RESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Suboptimal water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) practices constitute a serious public health risk, affecting one-third of the world's population. Remarkable progress has been made to improve WASH; however, challenges remain, with rapid population growth adding pressure on WASH systems. This study explores the current state of WASH practices and diseases in Africa, identifies challenges, and proposes public health recommendations for sustainable implementation. MAIN BODY: The staggering burden of WASH-related diseases in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), particularly in Africa, threatens public health, with millions of deaths and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) attributed to poor WASH practices annually. Notable challenges plaguing WASH practices in the region include poverty, malnutrition, poor data reporting, illiteracy, climate change, and poor healthcare financing. This results in adverse health consequences, including waterborne infections like cholera, typhoid, dysentery, and diarrheal diseases. Additionally, neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) such as intestinal worms, schistosomiasis, trachoma, lost productivity, and environmental pollution from soil and underground water contamination have been implicated. Geographical disparities, cultural norms, and inadequate funding further complicate efforts to improve WASH infrastructure and practices. Globally concerted efforts are required to address these issues and permit WASH practices to protect human health by preventing infectious diseases and contributing to economic growth. Strong financial frameworks, skills training, and tools like WASH Fit are recommended for a stronger WASH approach in Africa. CONCLUSION: The consequences of poor WASH extend beyond public health, impacting economic growth, gender equality, and environmental sustainability. WaterAid's policy recommendations prioritizing government administration, institutional capacity enhancement, and more financial resources are expedient.
RESUMEN
Stigma poses a significant barrier to accessing care, managing, and preventing infectious diseases in Africa. The authors conducted an extensive search across Scopus, PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar to identify relevant English-language articles, with no constraints on publication dates, using the keywords "Stigma," and "Infectious Disease," in conjunction with "Africa." This article explores the multifaceted nature of stigma associated with infectious diseases, highlighting its impact on healthcare access and public health outcomes. It delves into the current situation of infectious disease-related stigma in Africa, emphasizing the various diseases and contexts affected. The article identifies drivers of stigma, including negative attitudes, misinformation, and institutional practices, and discusses their role in perpetuating discrimination. Importantly, it provides recommendations for addressing infectious disease stigma in Africa through comprehensive strategies encompassing health education, contact-based interventions, professionalized counselling and peer support services, and community engagement. The article calls for collaboration among governments, healthcare organizations, NGOs, and community leaders to implement holistic strategies that prioritize inclusivity and stigma reduction. Ultimately, it underscores the urgent need to combat stigma to improve healthcare access and outcomes for individuals affected by infectious diseases in Africa.
RESUMEN
Diphtheria, a vaccine-preventable disease, has resurfaced in Nigeria, where many outbreaks have been reported in recent years. The outbreaks have occurred across the country, including in areas with high vaccination coverage. Corynebacterium diphtheriae, the causal agent, is a highly contagious bacteria that can cause severe respiratory and systemic symptoms and can be fatal if not treated. The reemergence of diphtheria in Nigeria is most likely due to a combination of factors, including gaps in routine immunization regimens. The outbreak is further aggravated by multiple epidemics, which have diverted resources and attention away from the emergency of other infectious diseases. Furthermore, there is a lack of awareness of diphtheria in Nigeria. With a focus on the difficulties in controlling the disease, methods of diagnosis, available treatments, and preventive measures, this study provides a thorough analysis of diphtheria, covering its historical context, clinical presentation, associated complications, and current outbreaks. It emphasizes how important vaccination, early detection, and better access to healthcare are in reducing diphtheria outbreaks. The study highlights the serious effects of diphtheria on public health, particularly in regions with scarce resources and vaccine resistance, and offers a number of suggestions to overcome these challenges and prevent further outbreaks.
RESUMEN
The emergence of the XBB.1.16 Omicron subvariant of COVID-19 has been a cause for concern for the WHO and health authorities globally. This subvariant, which originated from a hybrid of two BA.2 progeny pedigree, has two amino acid mutations in its spike protein and shares a genetic makeup similar to the XBB.1.5 variant. The WHO initially labeled it as a variant under monitoring before elevating it to a variant of interest after it was found to have caused a surge of COVID-19 cases in India for seven months. The XBB.1.16 subvariant has a proliferative edge and can evade the immune system. It has been spreading rapidly on a global scale and has been linked with a higher effective reproductive number than other subvariants. As such, a concerted international effort to prevent and contain its transmission has been recommended. Health authorities must strengthen their health systems, surveillance, and data collection systems to enable them to detect, track, and respond to emerging and reemerging strains of the virus in a timely and effective manner. Research into the XBB.1.16 subvariant is crucial for alerting and preparing the global populace for a potential outbreak, developing treatment options, and potential vaccines. Implementing the One Health approach can promote greater collaboration between diverse disciplines and societal levels to build a more resilient and sustainable future for all.
