Any resurgence of leprosy cases in the Togo's post-elimination period? Trend analysis of reported leprosy cases from 2010 to 2022.

BACKGROUND: Leprosy, or Hansen's disease, is a chronic infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium leprae. Togo achieved the target of eliminating leprosy as a public health problem in 2000 (less than 1 case/10 000 population). However, new cases of leprosy are still being reported. The aim of this study was to describe and map trends of leprosy cases notified in Togo from 2010 to 2022. METHODS: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study covering a thirteen-year period from January 1, 2010, to December 31, 2022. The data of the study were leprosy surveillance system's data collected monthly between 2010 and 2022. The estimated number of leprosy cases and the incidence rate of leprosy cases were reported for the whole population by region, by district, by calendar year (2010-2022) and by target sub-population (children under 15, women and people with disabilities). Observed case incidence rates were mapped by health district and by year. RESULTS: From January 1, 2010, to December 31, 2022, 1031 new cases of leprosy were diagnosed in Togo. The median age of subjects was 46 years (interquartile range: 33-60), with extremes from 4 to 96 years. Half the subjects were women (50.7%). Variations in the leprosy incidence rate by year show an increase between 2010 and 2022, from 0.7 cases /100,000 population to 1.1 /100,000 population respectively. From 2010 to 2022, the proportion of cases in children remained low, between 0 and 9%. The proportion of women fluctuated between 39.7% and 67.2% between 2010 and 2017, then stabilized at an average of 50% between 2018 and 2022. The proportion of multi-bacillary leprosy cases increased quasi-linearly between 2010 and 2022, from 70 to 96.6%. Mapping of leprosy cases showed that leprosy was notified in all Togo health districts during the study period, apart from the Lacs district, which reported no leprosy cases. CONCLUSION: Togo has achieved the elimination of leprosy as a public health problem. However, the increase in the number of new leprosy cases and the proportion of leprosy cases in children indicate that transmission of the disease is continuing and that supplementary measures are needed.

Epidemiology of alcohol use disorder in the general population of Togo and Benin: the ALCOTRANS study.

INTRODUCTION: Access to data concerning mental health, particularly alcohol use disorders (AUD), in sub-Saharan Africa is very limited. This study aimed to estimate AUD prevalence and identify the associated factors in Togo and Benin. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted between April and May 2022, targeting individuals aged 18 years and above in the Yoto commune of Togo and the Lalo commune of Benin. Subjects were recruited using a multi-stage random sampling technique. AUD diagnoses were made using the MINI adapted to DSM-5 criteria. Our study collected sociodemographic information, data on psychiatric comorbidities, stigmatization, and assessed cravings, using a series of scales. The association between AUD and various factors was analyzed using multivariable logistic regression. RESULTS: In Togo, 55 of the 445 people investigated had AUD (12.4%; [95% CI: 9.5-15.7%]). Among them, 39 (70.9%) had severe AUD and the main associated comorbidities were suicidal risk (36.4%), and major depressive disorder (16.4%). Associated factors with AUD were male gender (aOR: 11.3; [95% CI: 4.8-26.7]), a higher Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS) score (aOR: 1.2; [95% CI: 1.1-1.3]) and a lower Stigma score measured by the Explanatory Model Interview Catalogue (EMIC) (aOR: 0.9; [95% CI: 0.8-0.9). The stigma scores reflect perceived societal stigma towards individuals with AUD. In Benin, 38 of the 435 people investigated had AUD (8.7%; [95% CI: 6.4-11.7]), and the main associated comorbidities were suicidal risk (18.4%), tobacco use disorder (13.2%) and major depressive episode (16.4%). Associated factors with AUD were male gender (aOR: 6.4; [95% CI: 2.4-17.0]), major depressive disorder (aOR: 21.0; [95% CI: 1.5-289.8]), suicidal risk (aOR: 3.7; [95% CI: 1.2-11.3]), a lower Frontal Assessment Battery (FAB) score (aOR:0.8; [95% CI: 0.8-0.9]) and a lower perceived stigma score (by EMIC )(aOR: 0.9; [95% CI: 0.8-0.9]). CONCLUSION: In these communes of Togo and Benin, AUD prevalence is notably high. A deeper understanding of the disease and its local determinants, paired with effective prevention campaigns, could mitigate its impact on both countries.

Prévalence de Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Treponema pallidum et du VIH chez les femmes à Kara, en 2022.

OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY: To estimate the prevalence of four STIs in women of reproductive age in the Kara region. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted in March 2022. Data were collected using a standardized questionnaire. Screening for HIV and syphilis was performed using the SD-BIOLINE HIV/Syphilis Duo® rapid tests. The GeneXpert PCR technique was used to test for Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae. The prevalences of STIs (Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Treponema pallidum, and HIV) were reported with 95% confidence intervals. RESULTS: A total of 300 women with a median age of 32 years (interquartile range 24–39) were included. Of these, 25.7% had consulted a gynecologist in the last twelve months. The prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis was 4.3% (95% CI [2.4–7.5]); Neisseria gonorrhoeae 3.3% [95% CI: 1.7–6.2], Treponema pallidum 0.3% [95% CI: 0.02–2.1] and HIV 3.7% [95% CI: 1.9–6.7]. Three cases of co-infection with Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Chlamydia trachomatis were reported; no cases of co-infection with HIV and bacterial STIs were reported. CONCLUSION: This study confirms the women’s limited access to gynecological consultations, the low circulation of syphilis, and the presence of Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Chlamydia trachomatis in women of reproductive age in the Kara region. An STI surveillance system is needed to improve STI management among this population.

Knowledge, attitudes, and practices of health care professionals regarding dengue fever: need for training and provision of diagnostic equipment in Togo in 2022, a cross-sectional study.

Background: Health statistics on dengue are virtually non-existent, despite the fact that the virus is circulating in Togo. This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of health professionals in the Kara health region. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from March to June 2022 among healthcare professionals who had worked in the Kara region of northern Togo were selected using an exhaustive recruitment method. Data were collected by trained resident doctors with a face-to-face interview using a standardized, pretested questionnaire based on the WHO 2009 dengue guide. Three multivariate regression models were utilized to investigate factors associated with knowledge, attitudes and, and practices. Results: A total of 464 respondents (37.1% female), median age 35 years, interquartile range (29-43 years) were included. Only (3.0%) of the participants had received training on dengue fever diagnosis, treatment and prevention in the last 3 years, and 10.3% had dengue rapid diagnostic tests available at their hospital. Half of the respondents (49.1%) had good knowledge of dengue fever, compared with 30.0% who had positive attitudes. Of a total of 256 professionals who had encountered a case of dengue fever in their practice, only 24 (9.4%) had appropriate practices for diagnosing and treating dengue fever. In multivariate analysis, the healthcare professionals who had taken part in ongoing training on dengue fever were more likely to have adequate dengue diagnosis and treatment practice aOR = 8.1; CI 95% = [1.7-36.0]. Conclusion: Strengthening healthcare professionals' dengue-related skills through ongoing training and the provision of dengue diagnostic tests could help improve early detection practices and management of dengue fever in Togo.

Pharmaco-virological outcomes and genotypic resistance profiles among children and adolescents receiving a DTG-based regimen in Togo.

BACKGROUND: Few data are available on the real-world efficacy of receiving tenofovir-lamivudine-dolutegravir (DTG) as HIV treatment, particularly among young people in West Africa. Here, we evaluated pharmaco-virological outcomes and resistance profiles among Togolese children and adolescents. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Lomé, Togo, enrolling antiretroviral-treated people with HIV aged from 18 months to 24 years. Plasma HIV-1 viral load and antiretroviral concentrations were measured. Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) of protease, Reverse Transcriptase (RT) and integrase was performed on all samples with viral load >200 c/mL. Drug resistance mutations (DRMs) were identified and interpreted using the ANRS-MIE algorithm. RESULTS: 264 participants were enrolled (median age=17 years), 226 received a DTG-based regimen for a median of 20.5 months. Among them, virological suppression at the 200 c/mL threshold in 80.0% of the participants. Plasma DTG concentrations were adequate (i.e., >640 ng/mL), suboptimal and below the limit of quantification in 74.1%, 6.7% and 19.2% of participants receiving DTG, respectively. Overall, viruses resistant to any of Nucleoside RT Inhibitors, Non-NRTIs, and protease inhibitors were found in 52%, 66% and 1.6% of participants, respectively. A major integrase inhibitor DRM was observed in 9.4% (n=3/32, R263K, E138A-G140A-Q148R, and N155H) of participants with a viral load >200 c/mL. CONCLUSIONS: These first findings in such a large series of adolescents in a low-income country, showed a good virological response of 80% and the presence of an integrase DRM in 9.4% of the virological failures, supporting the need to monitor DTG drug resistance to reduce the risk of resistance acquisition.

Efficacy and safety of three antiretroviral therapy regimens for treatment-naive African adults living with HIV-2 (FIT-2): a pilot, phase 2, non-comparative, open-label, randomised controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Due to the low number of individuals with HIV-2, no randomised trials of HIV-2 treatment have ever been done. We hypothesised that a non-comparative study describing the outcomes of several antiretroviral therapy (ART) regimens in parallel groups would improve understanding of how differences between HIV-1 and HIV-2 might lead to different therapeutic approaches. METHODS: This pilot, phase 2, non-comparative, open-label, randomised controlled trial was done in Burkina Faso, Côte d'Ivoire, Senegal, and Togo. Adults with HIV-2 who were ART naive with CD4 counts of 200 cells per µL or greater were randomly assigned 1:1:1 to one of three treatment groups. A computer-generated sequentially numbered block randomisation list stratified by country was used for online allocation to the next available treatment group. In all groups, tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (henceforth tenofovir) was dosed at 245 mg once daily with either emtricitabine at 200 mg once daily or lamivudine at 300 mg once daily. The triple nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI) group received zidovudine at 250 mg twice daily. The ritonavir-boosted lopinavir group received lopinavir at 400 mg twice daily boosted with ritonavir at 100 mg twice daily. The raltegravir group received raltegravir at 400 mg twice daily. The primary outcome was the rate of treatment success at week 96, defined as an absence of serious morbidity event during follow-up, plasma HIV-2 RNA less than 50 copies per mL at week 96, and a substantial increase in CD4 cells between baseline and week 96. This trial is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02150993, and is closed to new participants. FINDINGS: Between Jan 26, 2016, and June 29, 2017, 210 participants were randomly assigned to treatment groups. Five participants died during the 96 weeks of follow-up (triple NRTI group, n=2; ritonavir-boosted lopinavir group, n=2; and raltegravir group, n=1), eight had a serious morbidity event (triple NRTI group, n=4; ritonavir-boosted lopinavir group, n=3; and raltegravir group, n=1), 17 had plasma HIV-2 RNA of 50 copies per mL or greater at least once (triple NRTI group, n=11; ritonavir-boosted lopinavir group, n=4; and raltegravir group, n=2), 32 (all in the triple NRTI group) switched to another ART regimen, and 18 permanently discontinued ART (triple NRTI group, n=5; ritonavir-boosted lopinavir group, n=7; and raltegravir group, n=6). The Data Safety Monitoring Board recommended premature termination of the triple NRTI regimen for safety reasons. The overall treatment success rate was 57% (95% CI 47-66) in the ritonavir-boosted lopinavir group and 59% (49-68) in the raltegravir group. INTERPRETATION: The raltegravir and ritonavir-boosted lopinavir regimens were efficient and safe in adults with HIV-2. Both regimens could be compared in future phase 3 trials. The results of this pilot study suggest a trend towards better virological and immunological efficacy in the raltegravir-based regimen. FUNDING: ANRS MIE.

Effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on HIV, malaria and tuberculosis indicators in Togo: an interrupted time series analysis.

BACKGROUND: Limited data are available on the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on health-related indicators in sub-Saharan Africa. This study aimed to estimate the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on nine indicators of HIV, malaria and tuberculosis (TB) in Togo. METHODS: For this interrupted time series analysis, national health information system data from January 2019 to December 2021 and TB programmatic data from the first quarter of 2018 to the fourth quarter of 2022 were analysed. Nine indicators were included. We used Poisson segmented regression to estimate the immediate impact of the pandemic and per-pandemic period trends through incidence rate ratios (IRRs) with 95% CIs. RESULTS: Overall, there was a decrease in six of the nine indicators, ranging from 19.3% (IRR 0.807, 95% CI 0.682 to 0.955, p=0.024) for the hospitalisation of patients for malaria to 36.9% (IRR 0.631, 95% CI 0.457 to 0.871, p=0.013) for TB diagnosis by Mycobacterium tuberculosis Xpert immediately after the declaration of the COVID-19 pandemic. A comparison of the observed and predicted trends showed that the trend remained constant between the prepandemic and pandemic periods of COVID-19 for all malaria indicators. A significant downward monthly trend was observed in antiretroviral therapy initiation (IRR 0.909, 95% CI 0.892 to 0.926, p<0.001) and positive TB microscopy (IRR 0.919, 95% CI 0.880 to 0.960, p=0.002). CONCLUSION: HIV, malaria and TB services were generally maintained over time in Togo despite the COVID-19 pandemic. However, given the decline in levels immediately after the onset of the pandemic, there is an urgent need to improve the preparedness of the healthcare system.

Sex-Based Disparities in the Transition to Dolutegravir-Based Antiretroviral Therapy in West African HIV Cohorts.

Transition to dolutegravir among 21 167 individuals experienced in antiretroviral therapy in West Africa showed heterogeneous timelines and patterns. Initially reported sex disparities tended to catch up over time with persisting disparities, according to contributing HIV clinics. Key factors facilitating dolutegravir switch were male sex, age <50 years, viral suppression, and regimens not based on protease inhibitors.

Epidemiological and virological surveillance of the prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV among pregnant women in Togo.

BACKGROUND: In 2015, Togo introduced the "test-and-treat" strategy for the prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) of HIV. Pediatric HIV infection remains a public health problem in Togo, with a mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) rate of 3.6% in 2020. This study aimed to estimate cases of HIV seroconversion during pregnancy and to identify pregnant women at high risk of transmitting HIV to their children in Lomé, Togo. METHODS: A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out from 18 March to 22 May 2022 among women who had given birth in five maternity units providing PMTCT services in Lomé. Umbilical cord blood samples were taken from the maternal side by midwives after delivery. HIV serology was performed in the laboratory using the Alere™ HIV Combo SET and First Response HIV 1-2. Card Test version 2.0. A sample was considered positive if both tests were positive. The HIV-1 viral load in HIV-1-positive samples was measured using Cobas/Roche 4800 equipment. Information on the women was extracted from maternal antenatal records and antenatal consultation registers. RESULTS: A total of 3148 umbilical cord blood samples (median maternal age: 28 years (interquartile range [24-32]) were collected. Among them, 99.3% (3145/3148) had presented for at least one antenatal clinic visit before giving birth, and 78.7% (2456/3122) had presented for at least four visits. One hundred and twenty-one (121) cord samples were HIV-1 positive, representing a seroprevalence of 3.8% (95% CI = [3.2-4.6]). Among them, 67.8% (82/121) were known HIV-positive before the current pregnancy, 29.7 (36/121) were diagnosed as HIV-positive at the antenatal visits and 2.5% (3/121) were diagnosed as HIV-positive in the delivery room. Of the HIV-positive women, 85.9% (104/121) were on ARV treatment before delivery. The viral load was < 1000 copies/ml in 97.5% (118/121) cases. CONCLUSION: This study explored the virologic and epidemiological aspects of HIV among pregnant women in Togo. The results show significant viral suppression at delivery in women ART. Surveillance based on umbilical cord blood specimen screening is an interesting approach for monitoring the effectiveness of PMTCT programmes.

Factors Associated With Precancerous Cervical Lesions in Human Immunodeficiency Virus-Infected Women: A Cross-Sectional Survey in Togo.

Background: The burden of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in cervical cancer remains a major public health challenge in developing countries, like Togo. Precancerous lesions include all cellular abnormalities that have malignant potential that can develop into cancer. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence and factors associated with precancerous cervical lesions in HIV-infected women in our context. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was carried out from November 31, 2022, to January 31, 2023, in an HIV care center in Lomé (Non-Governmental Organization Espoir Vie Togo [NGO EVT] Grand-Lomé-Togo). Results: A total of 271 women were included with a mean age of 47.0 years and a standard deviation of 10.0 years, among whom 20.7% do not have any scholar education. Only 6.7% of them had previously performed cervical smear examinations. The prevalence of precancerous cervical lesions observed in people living with human immunodeficiency virus (PLHIV) was 11.4% with a 95% confidence interval (CI) of 5.0 to 15.4. Cytological abnormalities were marked by low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (LSIL) (5.1%), followed by the presence of atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASCUS) (3.5%). A statistically significant association was found between parity and the presence of precancerous lesions (P = .014). Conclusions: In this study, more than 1 out of 10 women living with HIV had precancerous cervical lesions, and parity was the factor associated. The implementation of a systematic screening program for precancerous cervical lesions and human papillomavirus (HPV) infection integrated into HIV care is necessary for early treatment.

Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic on ART Initiation and Access to HIV Viral Load Monitoring in Adults Living With HIV in West Africa: A Regression Discontinuity Analysis.

OBJECTIVES: Efforts to control the COVID-19 pandemic have potentially compromised the availability and/or quality of HIV services. We aimed to assess the pandemic's impact on antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiation and HIV viral load (VL) monitoring in 3 West African countries. METHODS: We used routinely collected data from 5 clinics contributing to the International epidemiologic Database to Evaluate AIDS collaboration in Burkina Faso, Côte d'Ivoire, and Nigeria. We included ART-naïve adults living with HIV initiating ART from January 1, 2018. We conducted regression discontinuity analysis to estimate changes in the number of ART initiations and VL measures per week, before and during the pandemic period in each country. RESULTS: In clinics in Burkina Faso and Côte d'Ivoire, ART initiations per week remained constant throughout the studied periods (-0.24 points (p) of ART initiations/week 95% CI: -5.5 to 5.9, -0.9 p, 95% CI: -8.5 to 8.6, respectively), whereas in Nigeria's clinic, they decreased significantly (-6.3 p, 95% CI: -10.8 to -1.7) after the beginning of the pandemic. The volume of VL tests performed decreased significantly in all 3 countries (-17.0 p, 95% CI: -25.3 to -8.6 in Burkina Faso, -118.4 p, 95% CI: -171.1 to -65.8 in Côte d'Ivoire and -169.1 p, 95% CI: -282.6 to -55.6 in Nigeria). CONCLUSIONS: HIV clinics in two out of three countries in West Africa demonstrated resilience as they successfully maintained access to ART for ALWH despite the challenges imposed by the pandemic. However, VL monitoring was severely disrupted and did not return to prepandemic levels approximately 1 year after the beginning of the pandemic. Continued monitoring of the HIV care continuum in the postpandemic period is essential to mitigate potential enduring effects on ALWH's virological and clinical outcomes.

Identifying determinants of under-five child mortality in northern Togo.

Background: Although global rates of under-five mortality have declined, many low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), including Togo, have not achieved sufficient progress. We aimed to identify the structural and intermediary determinants associated with under-five mortality in northern Togo. Methods: We collected population-representative cross-sectional household surveys adapted from the Demographic Household Survey (DHS) and Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey from women of reproductive age in northern Togo in 2018. The primary outcome was under-five mortality for children born to respondents in the 10-year period prior to the survey. We selected structural and intermediary determinants of health from the World Health Organization Conceptual Framework for Action on the Social Determinants of Health. We estimated associations between determinants and under-five mortality for births in the last 10 years (model 1 and 2) and two years (model 3) using Cox proportional hazards models. Results: Of the 20 121 live births in the last 10 years, 982 (4.80%) children died prior to five years of age. Prior death of a sibling (adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) = 5.02; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 4.23-5.97), maternal ethnicity (i.e. Konkomba, Temberma, Lamba, Losso, or Peul), multiple birth status (aHR = 2.27; 95% CI = 1.78-2.90), maternal age under 25 years (women <19 years: aHR = 2.05; 95% CI = 1.75-2.39; women 20-24 years: aHR = 1.48; 95% CI = 1.29-1.68), lower birth interval (aHR = 1.51; 95% CI = 1.31-1.74), and higher birth order (second or third born: aHR = 1.45; 95% CI = 1.32-1.60; third or later born: aHR = 2.14; 95% CI = 1.74-2.63) were associated with higher hazard of under-five mortality. Female children had lower hazards of under-five mortality (aHR = 0.80; 95% CI = 0.73-0.89). Under-five mortality was also lower for children born in the last two years (n = 4852) whose mothers received any (aHR = 0.48; 95% CI = 0.30-0.78) or high quality (aHR = 0.51; 95% CI = 0.29-0.88) prenatal care. Conclusion: Compared to previous DHS estimates, under-five mortality has decreased in Togo, but remains higher than other LMICs. Prior death of a sibling and several intermediary determinants were associated with a higher risk of mortality, while receipt of prenatal care reduced that risk. These findings have significant implications on reducing disparities related to mortality through strengthening maternal and child health care delivery.

Epidemiology of Non-Traumatic Lower Extremities Amputations in West Africa: Nationwide Data from Togo.

OBJECTIVE: Non-traumatic lower limb amputation (NT-LLA) has consequences at individual and public health levels. Population based studies in sub-Saharan Africa are scarce and often related to single centre series. This study aimed to estimate the incidence of NT-LLA (minor and major) and to describe epidemiological, clinical, and prognostic aspects in Togo. METHODS: This was a population based observational study conducted among all patients who underwent NT-LLA. Traumatic amputations were excluded. Sociodemographic, clinical, and work up data were collected from clinical files in any Togolese health centre from 1 January 2016 to 31 December 2021. Incidence rates were adjusted for age. RESULTS: Over the six year period, 352 patients (59% males) underwent NT-LLA (mean ± standard deviation age 60 ± 15.7 years). The average age adjusted incidence rate of NT-LLA was 8.5 per million/year (95% confidence interval [CI] 7.6 - 9.4). Men were 1.7 times more likely to undergo a NT-LLA than women. The relative risk of NT-LLA was 48 times higher in patients with diabetes than in patients without diabetes. Around 61.0% of the NT-LLAs occurred within the 50 - 74 age group and 54.3% had diabetes mellitus. Among amputees, 54.5% had a diagnosis of peripheral artery disease (PAD) and 52.8% had diabetic ulcers, with co-existence of several factors. Less than 5% of participants had a history of smoking tobacco. Average length of hospital stay was 12 days. The in hospital mortality rate was 8.8% (9.0% for major, 6.7% for minor amputations). Only 18.2% had duplex ultrasound performed and 1.7% angiography prior to amputation. No patient underwent vascular intervention prior to amputation. CONCLUSION: This is the first study to report nationwide and contemporary epidemiological data on NT-LLAs in West Africa, highlighting several specificities. Large scale interventions are needed to ameliorate the care of diabetes and PAD and improve facilities for optimal management of patients at risk of amputation in Africa.

High-risk human papillomavirus distribution according to human immunodeficiency virus status among women with cervical cancer in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire, 2018 to 2020.

As human papillomavirus (HPV) immunisation and HPV-based cervical cancer (CC) screening programmes expand across sub-Saharan Africa, we investigated the potential impact of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) status on high-risk (HR)-HPV distribution among women with CC in Côte d'Ivoire. From July 2018 to June 2020, paraffin-embedded CC specimens diagnosed in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire were systematically collected and tested for HR-HPV DNA. Type-specific HR-HPV prevalence was compared according to HIV status. Of the 170 CC specimens analysed (median age 52 years, interquartile range: [43.0-60.0]), 43 (25.3%) were from women living with HIV (WLHIV) with a median CD4 count of 526 [373-833] cells/mm3 and 86% were on antiretroviral therapy (ART). The overall HR-HPV prevalence was 89.4% [95% CI: 84.7-94.1]. All were single HR-HPV infections with no differences according to HIV status (P = .8). Among HR-HPV-positive CC specimens, the most prevalent HR-HPV types were HPV16 (57.2%), HPV18 (19.7%), HPV45 (8.6%) and HPV35 (4.6%), with no significant differences according to HIV status. Altogether, infection with HPV16/18 accounted for 71.1% [95% CI: 55.9-86.2] of CC cases in WLHIV vs 78.9% [95% CI: 71.3-86.5] in women without HIV (P = .3). The study confirms the major role of HPV16/18 in CC in Côte d'Ivoire and should support a regional scale-up of HPV16/18 vaccination programmes regardless of HIV status. However, vaccines targeting additional HR-HPV types, including HPV45 and HPV35, could further decrease future CC incidence in Côte d'Ivoire, both for WLHIV and women without HIV.

Preexposure prophylaxis availability among health facilities participating in the global International epidemiology Databases to Evaluate AIDS (IeDEA) consortium.

BACKGROUND: While recognized as a key HIV prevention strategy, preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) availability and accessibility are not well documented globally. We aimed to describe PrEP drug registration status and the availability of PrEP services across HIV care sites participating in the International epidemiology Databases to Evaluate AIDS (IeDEA) research consortium. METHODS: We used country-level PrEP drug registration status from the AIDS Vaccine Advocacy Coalition and data from IeDEA surveys conducted in 2014, 2017 and 2020 among participating HIV clinics in seven global regions. We used descriptive statistics to assess PrEP availability across IeDEA sites serving adult patients in 2020 and examined trends in PrEP availability among sites that responded to all three surveys. RESULTS: Of 199 sites that completed the 2020 survey, PrEP was available in 161 (81%). PrEP availability was highest at sites in North America (29/30; 97%) and East Africa (70/74; 95%) and lowest at sites in Central (10/20; 50%) and West Africa (1/6; 17%). PrEP availability was higher among sites in countries where PrEP was officially registered (146/161; 91%) than where it was not (14/32; 44%). Availability was higher at health centers (109/120; 90%) and district hospitals (14/16; 88%) compared to regional/teaching hospitals (36/63). Among the 94 sites that responded to all three surveys, PrEP availability increased from 47% in 2014 to 60% in 2017 and 76% in 2020. CONCLUSION: PrEP availability has substantially increased since 2014 and is now available at most IeDEA sites. However, PrEP service provision varies markedly across global regions.

Prevalence and risk factors associated with malaria infection in children under two years of age in southern Togo prior to perennial malaria chemoprevention implementation.

BACKGROUND: Malaria remains the leading cause of mortality and morbidity in young children in sub-Saharan Africa. To prevent malaria in children living in moderate-to-high malaria transmission areas, the World Health Organization has recommended perennial malaria chemoprevention (PMC). Prior to piloting PMC implementation in southern Togo, a household survey was conducted to estimate malaria infection prevalence in children under 2 years of age (U2). METHODS: A cross-sectional community-based household survey was conducted in the Haho district in the Togo Plateaux region. A three-stage random sampling method was used to select study participants aged 10-23 months whose caretakers gave informed consent. The prevalence of Plasmodium infection, defined as a positive rapid diagnostic test (RDT), was estimated with 95% confidence interval (CI). Clinical malaria was defined as having a positive RDT plus fever (≥ 37.5 °C) or history of fever in the last 24 h. Mixed-effects logistic regression models were used to assess the child's, caretaker's, and household's factors associated with malaria infection. RESULTS: A total of 685 children were included in the survey conducted January-February in 2022 (dry season). Median age was 17 months (interquartile range: 13-21). About 80% of the children slept under a bed net the night before the interview. Malaria infection prevalence was 32.1% (95% CI 27.7-37.0) with significant area variation (cluster range: 0.0-73.3). Prevalence of clinical malaria was 15.4% (95% CI 12.2-19.2). Children whose caretakers were animist (aOR: 1.71, 95% CI 1.19-2.46) and those living in mother-headed households (aOR: 2.39, 95% CI 1.43-3.99) were more likely to have a positive RDT. Living more than 5 km away from the nearest health facility (aOR: 1.60, 95% CI 1.04-2.44) and presence of two or more under-5-years children in the household (aOR: 1.44, 95% CI 1.01-2.07) were also associated with increased risk of infection. CONCLUSION: One-third of the children U2 who participated in this survey had malaria infection, thus PMC could be a promising strategy to reduce malaria burden in young children in Plateaux region. Reinforcement of outreach services and targeting the poorest households should be prioritized to reduce the inequity in malaria prevention in children exposed to the infection.

Unmet needs for modern contraceptive methods among sexually active adolescents and young women in Togo: a nationwide cross-sectional study.

Background: The unmet need for modern contraceptives among sexually active adolescent and young women (AYW) in Africa contributes to high morbidity and mortality. To investigate the prevalence of unmet need for modern contraceptives and its associated factors among AYW in Togo, we performed a secondary analysis of data from the MICS-62017 survey. Method: We extracted data from sexually active AYW aged 15-24 years for the analysis and used multi-level logistic regression models to identify factors associated with unmet need for modern contraceptives. Results: Among the AYW, the median age was 20 years. The prevalence of unmet need for modern contraceptives was 27.02%. Factors that increased the likelihood of having unmet need for contraceptives included being in the "Poor" or "Middle" quintile of household wealth, aged 20-24 years, and completing primary or secondary education. Living in a household headed by a woman and having a household head aged 19-38, 39-58, or greater than 78 years decreased the likelihood of unmet need for modern contraceptives. Conclusion: The study highlights the high-unmet need for modern contraceptives among sexually active AYW in Togo and emphasizes the importance of addressing individual and household/community factors to improve their sexual and reproductive health. Interventions such as increasing AYW awareness, providing social marketing campaigns in schools, and targeting men-headed households could help promote modern contraceptive use and improve the sexual and reproductive health of AYW in Togo.

The elimination of trachoma as a public health problem in Togo: Successes and challenges.

BACKGROUND: As of May 2022, 15 countries have declared that they have reached their trachoma elimination targets, but only 13 of them, including Togo, have been validated by the World Health Organization as having eliminated the disease as a public health problem. The aim of this study was to describe the broad interventions that have supported the elimination of trachoma as a public health problem in Togo from its inception in 2006 to the validation of its elimination in 2022. METHOD: A review and compilation of data and information contained in the country's submission to World Health Organization for validation of trachoma elimination as a public health problem was conducted. Data from national and local surveillance systems and reports on actions taken after achieving the elimination target were also included. RESULTS: Togo has achieved the elimination of trachoma as a public health problem by 2022. The prevalence of follicular trachoma among children aged 1-9 years is <5% in all nationally defined administrative units suspected of having trachoma after stopping mass treatment for at least 2 years. The prevalence of trichiasis among persons aged 15 years and older is less than 0.2% in all administrative units previously endemic for trachoma and evidence of the ability to manage incident cases of emerging trichiasis in the community has been demonstrated. The key of the success in the elimination process was primarily the political commitment of the health authorities with financial and technical support from various international organizations. CONCLUSION: The elimination of trachoma as a public health problem in Togo is a real success story that can serve as an example for the elimination of other neglected tropical diseases in Africa. But regular monitoring and surveillance is essential to avoid the re-emergence of such disease in the country.

Coverage of intermittent preventive treatment of malaria in infants after four years of implementation in Sierra Leone.

BACKGROUND: Intermittent Preventive Treatment of malaria in infants (IPTi) is a malaria control strategy consisting of the administration of an anti-malarial drug alongside routine immunizations. So far, this is being implemented nationwide in Sierra Leone only. IPTi has been renamed as Perennial Malaria Chemoprevention -PMC-, accounting for its recently recommended expansion into the second year of life. Before starting a pilot implementation on PMC, the currently implemented strategy and malaria prevalence were assessed in young children in selected areas of Sierra Leone. METHODS: A cross-sectional, community-based, multi-stage cluster household survey was conducted from November to December 2021 in selected districts of the Northern and northwestern provinces of Sierra Leone among 10-23 months old children, whose caretakers gave written informed consent to participate in the survey. Coverage of IPTi and malaria prevalence-assessed with rapid diagnostic tests-were calculated using percentages and 95% confidence intervals weighted for the sampling design and adjusted for non-response within clusters. Factors associated with RDT + and iPTi coverage were also assessed. RESULTS: A total of 720 children were recruited. Coverage of three IPTi doses was 50.57% (368/707; 95% CI 45.38-55.75), while prevalence of malaria infection was 28.19% (95% CI 24.81-31.84). Most children had received IPTi1 (80.26%, 574/707; 95% CI 75.30-84.44), and IPTi2 (80.09%, 577/707; 95% CI 76.30-83.40) and over half of the children also received IPTi3 (57.72%, 420/707; 95% CI 53.20-62.11). The uptake of each IPTi dose was lower than that of the vaccines administered at the same timepoint at all contacts. CONCLUSION: In Sierra Leone, half of the children received the three recommended doses of IPTi indicating an increase in its uptake compared to previous data of just a third of children receiving the intervention. However, efforts need to be made in improving IPTi coverage, especially in the planned expansion of the strategy into the second year of life following recent WHO guidelines.