ABSTRACT
A human resource base that ensures appropriate deployment of staff to emergencies, addressing different shock events in emergencies, without disrupting continuity of service is germane to a successful response. Consequently, the WHO Health Emergencies programme in the African Region, in collaboration with Africa Centre for Disease Control (ACDC) launched the African Volunteer Health Corps (AVoHC) and Strengthening and Utilization of Response Group for Emergencies (SURGE), an initiative aimed at ensuring a pool of timely responders. We explored the willingness of WHO staff to work in emergencies. A call for expression of interest to be part of the Elite Emergency Experts (Triple E) was published on 5th July 2022 via email and was open for 5 weeks. The responses were analyzed using simple descriptive statistics and presented with graphic illustrations. A total of 1253 WHO staff, from all the six WHO regions, cutting across all cadre, applied to the call. The applicants had various trainings and experiences in emergency and have responded to mostly disease outbreaks. Two-third of the applicants were males. This paper did not explore reasons for the willingness to work in emergencies. However, contrary to fears expressed in literature that health workers would not want to work in emergencies with potential for infections, the applicants have worked mostly in infectious emergencies. Literature identified some themes on factors that could impact on willingness of health workers to work in emergencies. These include concerns for the safety of the responders and impact of partners, child and elderly care, as well as other family obligations, which emergency planners must consider in planning emergency response.
Subject(s)
Personal Health Services , Africa , Delivery of Health Care , Fear , Health Services , Occupational GroupsABSTRACT
ABSTRACT Introduction: In Africa, where access to diagnosis and treatment of hemophilia is the lowest in the world, prophylaxis is rarely used in preference to on-demand treatment. There are limited data of prophylaxis treatment from sub-Saharan Africa. The aim of this study was to evaluate clinical outcomes and inhibitor development in people with hemophilia receiving low-dose prophylaxis (LDP) in a sub-Saharan African setting. Methods: We conducted a three-year prospective study. A once or twice weekly prophylaxis regimen of 25 IU/kg of rFVIIIFc or 30 IU/kg of rFIXFc was given to Hemophilia A and B, respectively. We evaluated clinical outcomes and inhibitors occurrence, determined by screening and titration using the Nijmegen technique. Results: A total of 15 patients were included in the LDP regimen. The mean age was 6.3 years (1.5 - 10). A significant reduction was noted in the annualized bleeding rate, from 7.53 to 1.33 (p = 0.0001); the annualized joint bleeding rate passed from 3.6 to 1.4 (p = 0.001) and the proportion of severe bleeding, from 86.1% to 16.7% (p = 0.0001). The Hemophilia Joint Health Score (HJHS) moved from 9.6 to 3.4 (p = 0.0001) and the Functional Independence Score in Hemophilia (FISH) improved from 25.8 to 30.9 (p = 0.0001). School absenteeism decreased from 7.33% to 2.59%. Adherence to prophylaxis was 89.5% versus 60%. Consumption was 580 IU/kg/year versus 1254.6 IU/kg/year before and after prophylaxis, respectively. Incidence of inhibitors was 23% (3 /13 HA). Conclusion: The LDP in Hemophilia improves the clinical outcome without a surplus risk of inhibitor development. Using extended half-life clotting factor concentrates (CFCs) is better for prophylaxis in resource-limited countries, as they allow better compliance in treatment.
Subject(s)
Humans , Hemophilia B , Africa , Disease Prevention , Hemophilia A , SenegalABSTRACT
SUMMARY: Parietal foramina of the human skull act as a passageway for emissary veins, connecting the superior sagittal sinus to the veins of the scalp. This passageway can lead to the spread of infection from the scalp to the dural venous sinuses, but may also assist in relieving intracranial pressure. However, variation in the prevalence of parietal foramina has been noted among population groups. This observational and descriptive study aimed to determine the incidence, size and location of parietal foramina by using osteological specimens of 252 African skulls from the Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, South Africa and 95 European skulls from the University of Leipzig, Germany. Parietal foramina were significantly more common in the African sample (61.9 %) compared to the European sample (55.8 %). Moreover, the Central European sample displayed more unilateral foramina (29.5 %), while the African sample exhibited more bilateral foramina (40.8 %). The diameter of the parietal foramen average 1.98 mm and 1.88 mm for the European and African samples, respectively. In this study, a median foramen on the sagittal suture was observed in 14 of the overall skull caps (4 %). This study demonstrated that parietal foramina are more prevalent than anticipated in both population groups. Findings of this study, indicating an increased prevalence, and the subsequent possibility of more emissary veins encountered, can be used to improve the understanding of the variations in the prevalence and clinical implications of the parietal foramen among various population groups located world-wide.
Los forámenes parietales del cráneo humano actúan como una vía para las venas emisarias, conectando el seno sagital superior con las venas del cuero cabelludo. Este pasaje puede conducir a la propagación de infecciones desde el epicráneo (calva) hasta los senos venosos durales, pero también puede ayudar a aliviar la presión intracraneal. Sin embargo, se ha observado una variación en la prevalencia de los forámenes parietales entre los grupos de población. Este estudio observacional y descriptivo tuvo como objetivo determinar la incidencia, el tamaño y la ubicación de los forámenes parietales mediante el uso de muestras osteológicas de 252 cráneos africanos de la Universidad de Ciencias de la Salud Sefako Makgatho, Sudáfrica, y 95 cráneos europeos de la Universidad de Leipzig, Alemania. Los forámenes parietales fueron significativamente más comunes en la muestra africana (61,9 %) en comparación con la muestra europea (55,8 %). Además, la muestra centroeuropea mostró más forámenes unilaterales (29,5 %), mientras que la muestra africana mostró más forámenes bilaterales (40,8 %). El diámetro del foramen parietal promedió 1,98 mm y 1,88 mm para las muestras europeas y africanas, respectivamente. En este estudio, se observó un foramen medio en la sutura sagital en 14 de los cráneos en general (4 %). El estudio demostró que los forámenes parietales son más frecuentes de lo previsto en ambos grupos de población. Los hallazgos de este estudio, que indican una mayor prevalencia y la subsiguiente posibilidad de que se encuentren más venas emisarias, pueden ser útiles para mejorar la comprensión de las variaciones en la prevalencia y las implicaciones clínicas del foramen parietal entre varios grupos de población ubicados en el mundo.
Subject(s)
Humans , Parietal Bone/anatomy & histology , Intracranial Pressure , Africa , EuropeABSTRACT
Objetivo: identificar e analisar os diagnósticos de Enfermagem mais frequentes de pessoas vivendo com HIV/aids em atendimento ambulatorial em Guiné-Bissau por meio de suas narrativas. Método: trata-se de uma análise secundária dos dados de um estudo com abordagem qualitativa, cujos participantes foram 16 pessoas vivendo com HIV/aids. Para identificar os diagnósticos de Enfermagem, foi utilizado o Processo Diagnóstico, que é um processo intelectual complexo na aplicação do Pensamento Crítico. Resultados: havia 16 participantes, sendo 12 do sexo feminino, e a mediana de idade foi de 33,5 anos. A partir das narrativas dos participantes, foram identificados 26 diferentes diagnósticos de Enfermagem, dos quais 10 tiveram frequência igual ou superior a 10%. Os 10 diagnósticos mais frequentemente identificados pertencem aos seguintes domínios: autopercepção; enfrentamento/tolerância ao estresse; promoção da saúde; conforto; percepção/cognição; e papéis e relacionamentos. Embora os diagnósticos identificados com significado mais positivo tenham aparecido em 50% dos participantes (disposição para o autoconceito melhorado e disposição para cuidado da saúde melhorado), as narrativas também indicaram que o processo de viver com HIV/aids tem sido bastante desafiador para o guineenses participantes no estudo, com presença de diagnóstico de risco de dignidade humana comprometida (50% dos participantes) e resiliência prejudicada (43,7% dos participantes). Conclusões: os diagnósticos de Enfermagem mais frequentes das pessoas vivendo com HIV/aids participantes deste estudo foram: disposição para autoconceito melhorado; risco de dignidade humana comprometida; e disposição para cuidado da saúde melhorado. Implicações para a prática de Enfermagem: na assistência de Enfermagem, é fundamental a implementação integral do Processo de Enfermagem, pois, dessa forma, a prestação de cuidados não ocorre apenas na esfera biológica, mas também na promoção de cuidados que atendam às necessidades dos pacientes, visando mais dignidade, cidadania e qualidade de vida.(AU)
Objective: to identify and analyze the most frequent Nursing diagnoses of people living with HIV/Aids in outpatient care in Guinea-Bissau through their narratives. Method: this is a secondary analysis of data from a study with a qualitative approach whose participants were sixteen people living with HIV/Aids. To identify the Nursing diagnoses, the Diagnostic Process was used, which is a complex intellectual process in the application of Critical Thinking. Findings: there were sixteen participants, twelve were female, and the median age was 33.5 years old. From the participants' narratives, 26 different Nursing diagnoses were identified. Of these, 10 had a frequency equal to or greater than 10%. The 10 most frequently identified diagnoses belong to the following Domains: Self-perception, Coping/stress tolerance, Health Promotion, Comfort, Perception/cognition and Role relationship. Although the diagnoses identified with the most positive meaning appeared in 50% of the participants (Readiness for enhanced self-concept and Readiness for enhanced health management), the narratives also indicated that the process of living with HIV/Aids has been quite challenging for the Guineans participating in the study, with presence of the Risk for compromised human dignity (50% of the participants) and Impaired resilience (43.7% of the participants) diagnoses. Conclusions: the more frequent Nursing diagnoses of people living with HIV/Aids that participate in this study were Readiness for enhanced self-concept, Risk for compromised human dignity and Readiness for enhanced health self-management. Implications for the Nursing practice: in Nursing care, the full implementation of the Nursing Process is fundamental since, in this way, provision of care not only occurs in the biological sphere but also in the promotion of care that meets the patients' needs, aiming for more dignity, citizenship and quality of life.(AU)
Objetivo: identificar y analizar los diagnósticos de enfermería más frecuentes de las personas que viven con VIH/SIDA en atención ambulatoria en Guinea-Bissau a través de sus narrativas. Método: se trata de un análisis secundario de datos de un estudio con enfoque cualitativo cuyos participantes fueron dieciséis personas que viven con VIH/SIDA. Para identificar los diagnósticos de enfermería se utilizó el Proceso Diagnóstico, que es un proceso intelectual complejo en la aplicación del Pensamiento Crítico. Resultados: hubo dieciséis...(AU)
Subject(s)
Humans , Male , Female , Adolescent , Adult , Nursing Diagnosis/methods , HIV Infections , Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome/diagnosis , Health Promotion , Nursing Assessment , Quality of Life , Disaster Vulnerability , AfricaABSTRACT
Resumo Manuscrito inédito, datado de 1802, que trata dos métodos a utilizar na recolha e remessa de sementes, tubérculos e bulbos das colônias da África e do Brasil para o Complexo de História Natural da Ajuda, em Portugal.
Abstract Unpublished manuscript, dated 1802, dealing with methods to be used in collecting and shipping seeds, tubers and bulbs from colonies in Africa and Brazil to the Natural History Complex of Ajuda, in Portugal.
Subject(s)
Portugal , Seeds , Africa , Plant Tubers , Economics , History, 19th CenturyABSTRACT
This article presents a severe cerebral malaria patient in shock with a close contact of COVID-19 that was successfully cured in a negative pressure ward during the global pandemic of COVID-19. The patient experienced a sudden onset of high fever and coma in a designated isolation hotel after returning from Africa, and was transferred to a designated hospital. Following antimalarial therapy, blood pressure elevation, increase of blood volume, bedside hemodialysis, mechanical ventilation, plasma and platelet transfusions, the case gradual recovered.
Subject(s)
Humans , COVID-19 , Malaria/drug therapy , Antimalarials/therapeutic use , Africa , TravelABSTRACT
No decorrer da história, sempre foram infindáveis os casos em que os sujeitos recorriam a centros espíritas ou terreiros de religiões de matrizes africanas em decorrência de problemas como doenças, desempregos ou amores mal resolvidos, com o objetivo de saná-los. Por conta disso, este artigo visa apresentar os resultados da pesquisa relacionados ao objetivo de mapear os processos de cuidado em saúde ofertados em três terreiros de umbanda de uma cidade do litoral piauiense. Para isso, utilizamos o referencial da Análise Institucional "no papel". Os participantes foram três líderes de terreiros e os respectivos praticantes/consulentes dos seus estabelecimentos religiosos. Identificamos perspectivas de cuidado que se contrapunham às racionalidades biomédicas, positivistas e cartesianas, e faziam referência ao uso de plantas medicinais, ao recebimento de rezas e passes e à consulta oracular. A partir desses resultados, podemos perceber ser cada vez mais necessário, portanto, que os povos de terreiros protagonizem a construção, implementação e avaliação das políticas públicas que lhe sejam específicas.(AU)
In history, there have always been endless cases of people turning to spiritual centers or terreiros of religions of African matrices due to problems such as illnesses, unemployment, or unresolved love affairs. Therefore, this article aims to present the research results related to the objective of mapping the health care processes offered in three Umbanda terreiros of a city on the Piauí Coast. For this, we use the Institutional Analysis reference "on Paper." The participants were three leaders of terreiros and the respective practitioners/consultants of their religious establishments. We identified perspectives of care that contrasted with biomedical, positivist, and Cartesian rationalities and referred to the use of medicinal plants, the prescript of prayers and passes, and oracular consultation. From these results, we can see that it is increasingly necessary, therefore, that the peoples of the terreiros lead the construction, implementation, and evaluation of public policies that are specific to them.(AU)
A lo largo de la historia, siempre hubo casos en los cuales las personas buscan en los centros espíritas o terreros de religiones africanas la cura para sus problemas, como enfermedades, desempleo o amoríos mal resueltos. Por este motivo, este artículo pretende presentar los resultados de la investigación con el objetivo de mapear los procesos de cuidado en salud ofrecidos en tres terreros de umbanda de una ciudad del litoral de Piauí (Brasil). Para ello, se utiliza el referencial del Análisis Institucional "en el Papel". Los participantes fueron tres líderes de terreros y los respectivos practicantes / consultivos de los establecimientos religiosos que los mismos conducían. Se identificaron perspectivas de cuidado que se contraponían a las racionalidades biomédicas, positivistas y cartesianas, y hacían referencia al uso de plantas medicinales, al recibimiento de rezos y pases y a la consulta oracular. Los resultados permiten concluir que es cada vez más necesario que los pueblos de terreros sean agentes protagónicos de la construcción, implementación y evaluación de las políticas públicas destinadas específicamente para ellos.(AU)
Subject(s)
Humans , Male , Female , Religion , Medicine, African Traditional , Evidence-Based Practice , Pastoral Care , Permissiveness , Prejudice , Psychology , Rationalization , Religion and Medicine , Self Care , Social Adjustment , Social Class , Social Identification , Social Values , Societies , Socioeconomic Factors , Spiritualism , Stereotyping , Taboo , Therapeutics , Behavior and Behavior Mechanisms , Black or African American , Complementary Therapies , Ethnicity , Ceremonial Behavior , Homeopathic Philosophy , Lachnanthes tinctoria , Health-Disease Process , Cross-Cultural Comparison , Efficacy , Coercion , Comprehensive Health Care , Knowledge , Life , Culture , Africa , Mind-Body Therapies , Spiritual Therapies , Faith Healing , Spirituality , Dancing , Dehumanization , Vulnerable Populations , Biodiversity , Racial Groups , Humanization of Assistance , User Embracement , Population Studies in Public Health , Ethnology , Emotional Intelligence , Horticultural Therapy , Social Stigma , Ageism , Racism , Ethnic Violence , Enslavement , Social Norms , Teas, Herbal , Folklore , Cultural Rights , Ethnocentrism , Freedom , Solidarity , Psychological Distress , Empowerment , Social Inclusion , Freedom of Religion , Citizenship , Quilombola Communities , African-American Traditional Medicine , African People , Traditional Medicine Practitioners , History , Human Rights , Individuality , Leisure Activities , Life Style , Magic , Mental Healing , Anthropology , Anthroposophy , Minority Groups , Morale , Music , Mysticism , Mythology , OccultismABSTRACT
Analisamos comparativamente informes demográficos de qualidade aceitável acerca dos escravizados nascidos na África para Minas Gerais, São Paulo e Maranhão de 1804 a 1848. As parcelas dos nascidos na África em relação aos escravizados e às razões de sexo de todos os cativos, de acordo com as idades, auxiliaram-nos a remontar a dinâmica retrospectiva da chegada dos africanos às regiões. Supondo certas hipóteses e procedimentos, a partir das coortes etárias, estimamos as proporções de africanos e as razões de sexo da população cativa para os períodos anteriores aos das listas nominativas de habitantes. A dinâmica retrospectiva da introdução de africanos reconstruída mostrou-se bastante correlacionada à história econômica das diferentes regiões estudadas.
We compare the surviving enslaved people present in demographic censuses of acceptable quality for Minas Gerais, São Paulo and Maranhão from 1804 to 1848. The share of those born in Africa in relation to slaves and the sex ratio of all captives according to their ages helped us find the retrospective dynamics of the arrival of Africans to these regions. When using age cohorts, we estimate, assuming certain hypotheses and procedures, the proportions of Africans and the sex ratios of the captive population for periods prior to those of the nominative lists of inhabitants. The retrospective dynamics of the reconstructed introduction of these Africans proved to be closely correlated with the economic history of the different regions analyzed.
Analizamos comparativamente a los sobrevivientes esclavizados presentes en los informes demográficos evaluados como de calidad aceptable para Minas Gerais, São Paulo y Maranhão entre 1804 y 1848. La proporción de los nacidos en África en relación con los esclavizados y la proporción de sexos de todos los cautivos, según las edades, nos ayudaron a trazar la dinámica retrospectiva de la llegada de africanos a estas regiones. Utilizando las cohortes de edad, estimamos, asumiendo ciertas hipótesis y procedimientos, las proporciones de africanos y las proporciones de sexos de la población cautiva para períodos anteriores a las listas nominativas de habitantes. La dinámica retrospectiva de la introducción reconstruida de africanos demostró estar altamente correlacionada con la historia económica de las diferentes regiones estudiadas.
Subject(s)
Humans , Demography , Africa , Enslaved Persons , Birth Cohort , Brazil , Sex Distribution , Censuses , Exportation of ProductsABSTRACT
This paper presents voices from Africa on digital health in Africa. These voices were gleaned during interviews and an online, focus group session in May 2020, during which 30 experts across Africa, among others from the South, were asked about their experiences and observations on the conceptualization of, and practices in, digital health in their respective communities and countries. Extensive input was provided, both orally and textually. The quotes gathered and presented in this paper indicate that there is a distinct need for the respectful co-development of digital health interventions in Africa. In addition, the quotes show how a one-size-fits-all solution approach does not exist, it is not a solution to Africa. Further, the community-focus, fit, and fragmentation of existing activities digital health interventions is questioned. The narratives provide a rich resource indicating capable and local agency and the need to address power-differences in international health development
Subject(s)
Residence Characteristics , Telemedicine , Anthropology, Cultural , AfricaABSTRACT
The population of the World Health Organization's (WHO) African Region was estimated to be 1 120 161 000 in 2020 and about 14.4% of the world's population of 7 758 157 000. It was 8 billion in 20211 . It is the third largest population among the WHO regions after South-East Asia and the Western Pacific. Between 2019 and 2020, the population differential was equivalent to that of a state of more than 28 million inhabitants. The five most populated countries account for more than 45% of the Region's population. Among these, Nigeria and the Democratic Republic of the Congo represent about 50% of the population of the West African and Central African subregions, respectively, and Ethiopia represents about 20% of the population of the East and Southern Africa subregions. The average annual population growth in Africa was 2.5% in 2020. If the heterogeneity of the population growth between the regions of the world and between countries in the same subregion is considered, countries from and East and Southern Africa subregions seem to have lower population growth rates than countries in other large subregions, which show significantly higher increases. The current population density of Africa is low, estimated to be 36 inhabitants per km2 for the whole continent. However, many areas are uninhabitable and some countries have relatively large populations. High population density is a concern that must be addressed through policies, because it could generate surges and high concentrations of populations in mega cities and urban slums, which can be an issue when it comes to accessing various qualitative services. Gross domestic product (GDP) reflects a country's resources and therefore its potential to provide access to services to its people, particularly health services. This dynamic creates a circle, with healthier people going to work and contributing to the production of wealth for the benefit of the country. The most vulnerable people live from agriculture in rural areas, or in conflict-affected states. Difficulties in accessing health services, low education and inequalities between men and women are additional obstacles to poverty reduction. The population of sub-Saharan Africa is expected to almost double over the next three decades, growing from 1.15 billion in 2022 to 2.09 billion in 2050. The world's population is expected to grow from 7.94 billion at present to 8.51 billion in 2030 and 9.68 billion in 2050. The demographic dividend2 for African countries will emanate from the acceleration of economic growth following a de crease in fertility with a change in the structure of the age pyramid where the active population, that is those aged 1865 years, will be more important, reaching a certain optimum to make positive the ratio between the population able to finance health and education systems and the population that benefits from these systems. This is the human capital for development at a given moment. The demographic dividend appears to be an opportunity and an invitation to action, but it is also a real challenge, that of creating sustainable jobs to generate the development to activate the economic growth lever.
Subject(s)
Humans , Male , Female , Health Statistics , Health Status Indicators , Atlas , Africa , Health Information Systems , Data Analysis , World Health Organization , Mortality , Statistics , Health PlanningABSTRACT
NA
Subject(s)
Humans , Male , Female , World Health Organization , Health Statistics , Health Status Indicators , Atlas , Africa , Health Information Systems , StatisticsABSTRACT
NA
Subject(s)
Humans , Male , Female , Population Characteristics , Health Statistics , Health Status Indicators , Data Science , Statistics , AfricaABSTRACT
NA
Subject(s)
Humans , Male , Female , Health Systems , Health Statistics , Health Status Indicators , Universal Health Insurance , Sustainable Development , World Health Organization , Statistics , AfricaABSTRACT
Introduction: The African Federation of Emergency Medicine (AFEM) recommends the use of emergency point-of-care ultrasound (ePOCUS) as a core skill for health care practitioners in Africa. The study explored the use of ePOCUS by health care practitioners among AFEM members who work across Africa. Methods: An anonymous online survey was distributed to individual members of AFEM and affiliated organisa-tions. The questionnaire was tested by the AFEM Scientific Committee for potential content modifications priorto distribution. Summary statistics are presented. Results: Of the 220 participants that were analysed, 148 (67.3%) were using ePOCUS. The mean age was 36 years;146 (66%) were male; and 198 (90%) obtained their primary medical qualification in Africa. In total, 168 (76%) were doctors, and most participants (n = 204, 93%) have worked in Africa during the last 5 years. Reasons for not using ePOCUS mainly related to lack of training and problems with ultrasound machines or consumables. Most ePOCUS users (116/148, 78%) attended courses with hands-on training, but only 65 (44%) participants were credentialed (by 18 different organizations). The median score for self-perceived level of ePOCUS skills was 75 in credentialed users versus 50 in those that were not credentialed. Ultrasound in trauma was the most frequently used module (n = 141, 99%), followed by focused cardiac assessment (n = 128, 90%) and thoracic (including lung) assessment (n = 128, 90.1%). The FASH-module (Focused Assessment with Sonography for HIV/TB) was the least used (n = 69, 49%). Conclusion: Access barriers to ePOCUS training, mentorship, equipment and consumables are still relevant in Africa. The low credentialing rate and the potential discordance between local burden of disease and ePOCUStraining requires further investigation.
Subject(s)
Humans , Hospital Accreditation , Mentoring , Ultrasonography , Africa , Health Facility AccreditationABSTRACT
Infertility is a reproductive problem that affects all gender, race, or social class. In many African countries, the burden of infertility is usually associated with economic, psychological, and socio-cultural factors. This review aimed to explore the factors that impact the mental health of African women with primary infertility. A qualitative evidence synthesis was used to summarise and analyse primary qualitative studies focused on the impact of primary infertility on African women. Seventeen studies met the eligibility criteria and were included in the review. The review found that social pressure, stigma from family and community members, and financial constraints led to psychological distress. In addition, social stigma also led to marital problems which led to significant psychological distress and low self-worth, especially on the wife. Recommendations to reduce stigma among African infertile women were as follows: advocacy and community mobilisation, education by health professionals, and holistic person-centred care. An intersectional approach to inform public health and social policy was also suggested.
Subject(s)
Humans , Female , Mental Health , Culture , Social Stigma , Psychological Distress , Infertility, Female , Women , AfricaABSTRACT
Recent literature has shown how the HIV architecture, including community systems, has been critical for fighting COVID-19 in many countries, while sustaining the HIV response. Innovative initiatives suggest that fostering the integration of health services would help address the colliding pandemics. However, there are few documented real-life examples of community mobilisation strategies responding to COVID-19 and HIV. The African Union and Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) launched the Partnership to Accelerate COVID-19 Testing (PACT) in june 2020 with the goal of training and deploying one million community health workers across the continent. UNAIDS partnered with Africa CDC to implement the PACT initiative in seven countries, i.e. Algeria, Côte d'Ivoire, Gabon, Ghana, Madagascar, Malawi and Namibia. The initiative engaged networks of people living with HIV and community-led organisations to support two of its pillars, test and trace, and the sensitisation to protective measures against COVID-19 for the most vulnerable populations. It later expanded to improve access to COVID-19 vaccines. Based on the assessment of country projects, this article explains how PACT activities implemented by communities contributed to mitigating COVID-19 and HIV among vulnerable and marginalised groups. This article contributes to a better understanding of the impact of a community-based approach in responding effectively to emerging health threats and provides lessons from integrated COVID-19 and HIV community-led responses.