Non-SHEF2 Model related containment and control measures against COVID-19 in Africa.

COVID-19 Pandemic has the potential to overwhelm the underserved health care systems of African countries characterized by inadequate infrastructure and too few medical personnel. In responding to the COVID-19 Pandemic, many African countries are using a combination of containment and mitigation activities but in this commentary, we focus on what we term the Non-SHEF2 (S: Social distancing, H: Hands, E: Elbows, F: Face, F: Feel) model related control and containment measures which include seven key measures against COVID-19 doped 'TITHQC2' namely, T: Travel-related measures, I: Information and guidance, T: Treatment; H: Hospital containment measures; Q: Quarantine, C: Community containment measures, C: Case detection and contact tracing. COVID-19 is a reality and demands rapid and decisive action to be taken.

COVID-19 pandemic: implementing control measures in Africa using the 'SHEF2' model.

The COVID-19 Pandemic in Africa is a severe reminder of the brunt of emerging and re-emerging infectious pathogens and the need for simple, context-oriented, and sustainable health models to combat them when the need arises. In this commentary, an analytical discursive approach was chosen to owe to Africa's unique situation of weak health systems, with most of its member states showing an initial reluctance to deal openly with the COVID-19 situation. This paper discusses five major control measures doped the SHEF2 Model i.e. ("SHEF2"- S: Social distancing, H: Hands, E: Elbows, F: Face, F: Feel) of COVID-19 implemented in Africa. We also review the issues related to implementing SHEF2 control measures in Africa. The measures being taken in Asia, Europe, and North America such as social distancing and regular hand washing are a particular challenge for African countries with dense populations, unequal access to water, and limited social safety nets. COVID-19 is challenging the public health and socio-political systems of all affected African countries. The burden of COVID-19 demands rapid and decisive action to be taken, yet the comparison shows how difficult it is was for an unknown new coronavirus disease. In line with the steps being taken across the globe to control and contain COVID-19 pandemic, African countries are preparing for the great effects of this pandemic and ensuing deep recession thus the reason we assert, the greater hope for African countries is implementing an aggressive SHEF2 model strategy. The spread of the pandemic will eventually stop, and the international system will find a balance, but most of the damage will be felt particularly by Africa.

Vaccination Coverage Under the Expanded Program on Immunization in South West Cameroon.

BACKGROUND: Inadequate vaccination coverage with increased risk of vaccine preventable disease outbreaks remain a problem in Africa. The aim of this study was to assess the vaccination coverage levels under the Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI) in a health area and to identify factors that affect vaccination coverage in view of providing valuable data for disease prevention. METHODS: A cross-sectional household survey was conducted in August 2017 in the Mbonge health area, Southwest Cameroon. Clustered sampling technique was used to select study communities and a purposive sampling design was used to select households. An interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to obtain information from consenting caregivers of children aged 9-23 months. Vaccination coverage was assessed by consulting the vaccination cards and parents' recall. In households with more than one child aged 9-23months, the youngest was chosen. RESULTS: Overall, 300 caregivers were enrolled into the study. The average vaccination coverage for the past three years (2014-2016) was 34.0%. Two hundred and fifty-five (85%) children had vaccination cards. Amongst the children, 143 (47.7%) had taken all vaccines as recommended while 30 (10%) had not received a single dose. Factors significantly associated with incomplete vaccination status included: occupation (being a farmer) (p-value=0.011), marital status (married) (p-value=0.048), caregiver's utilization of health facility (p-value=0.003), low levels of mothers' utilization of antenatal care (ANC) services (p-value=0.000), and low knowledge on vaccination (p-value=0.000). CONCLUSION AND GLOBAL HEALTH IMPLICATIONS: Adequate vaccination coverage can be attained through good sensitization and health education for primary caregivers. Targeting families living far away from vaccination centers, using appropriate communication and vaccination strategies may improve vaccination coverage in the Mbonge Health Area of South West Region, Cameroon.