Poliovirus returns to the UK after nearly 40 years: current efforts and future recommendations.

On 22 June 2022, the UK Health Security Agency declared a 'rare national incidence' after finding poliovirus in sewage in London for the first time in nearly 40 years. Although no cases of the disease or accompanying paralysis have been documented, the general public's risk is considered minimal. However, public health experts recommend that families are up to date on their polio vaccines to decrease the chance of harm. This article discusses the epidemiology of poliovirus by examining the aetiology of the disease and current mitigation policies implemented to prevent the spread of type 2 vaccine-deceived poliovirus in the UK. Finally, by examining the clinical features of polio, which range from mild gastroenteritis episodes, respiratory sickness, malaise and severe paralysis type, this article offers an advice on particular therapies and tactics to avoid poliovirus outbreaks and other future outbreaks.

Management and Prevention of Pre-Eclampsia in Nigeria.

This research paper analyses the management and prevention of pre-eclampsia in Nigeria. Although efforts have been made to reduce outcomes due to pre-eclampsia, it still rears its head in the form of high maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality. The aim of this review was to identify the main obstacles, gaps, and interventions related to the prevention and management of pre-eclampsia in order to be fully knowledgeable of the magnitude of the issue at the national level, to assess if current government policies are adequate and to recommend solutions. A search was performed on online databases and it was completed with hand searches related to the subject matter. Screening tests for early detection of pre-eclampsia are hardly available in Nigeria as many hospitals rely on the history of previous and current pregnancies, blood pressure monitoring and urinalysis-proteinuria. The administration of low-dose aspirin, antihypertensive drugs and magnesium sulphate, coupled with calcium in calcium deficit regions, was recommended. The main barriers to the wider implementation of these strategies are inadequacy of the antenatal care services in providing appropriate care, lack of resources and trained personnel, high healthcare costs, and low antennal care attendance. Improving education and awareness, use of low-cost screening modalities and low-dose aspirin can be deployed in developing countries to curb pre-eclampsia.

Addressing neglected tropical diseases in Africa: a health equity perspective.

Africa accounts for over one-third of the global burden of neglected tropical diseases (NTDs). Although continental efforts have been made to combat these diseases, there still exists a significant gap in the fight, ranging from a lack of data to multisectoral participation and, most critically, health inequity. Here, we assess the effort made to combat challenges caused by health disparities to prevent and control neglected tropical diseases. This article engages a health equity view to addressing the need for inclusion in achieving universal health coverage towards eradicating NTDs and outlines strategies to achieve such. Health disparities exist, and there is substantial and irrefutable evidence for them. Inequitable distribution and limited access to basic and essential life resources such as water, housing, toilets, soap, and literacy continue to facilitate the existence of NTDs such as Schistosomiasis, soil-transmitted helminths, and trachoma, the occurrence of which can be avoided if affected populations have better access to those resources. To eradicate NTDs, health disparities must be addressed to provide excellent health care to all populations and adequate universal health coverage for long-term sustainability. NTD programmes need to be data-driven to ensure better decision-making and ensure the inclusion of diverse population groups including women, children, and youths. This will ensure that no one is left behind, drawing upon the sustainable development goals. Community participation and engagement should also be considered as an essential approach to ensure people are at the centre of health programmes and their implementation.