Measles outbreak in Zimbabwe: An urgent rising concern.

Introduction: Measles, one of the most common infections in the world, accounts for more than over 100.000 deaths every year. Measles outbreaks are still ravaging the African continent, and the 2010 Measles outbreak in Zimbabwe is one to be noted, where more than 7754 infections and 517 deaths were reported, ultimately leading to the UN initiation of the vaccination program. COVID-19 could have been delaying the vaccination process in Africa. This article aims to shed the light on the current Measles outbreak in Zimbabwe and how global health organizations are taking measures to fight off this outbreak. Methodology: Data was collected from online databases PubMed, Science Direct, and the Lancet, as well as news and conferences and press releases on the current measles outbreak. All articles and news related to the measles outbreak in Zimbabwe were taken into consideration. Results: A measles outbreak was reported earlier in August of 2022, with more than 2000 confirmed cases out of which 157 were reported dead. Since the outbreak this year, cases of measles in Zimbabwe have been rapidly growing. The government in Zimbabwe started a massive vaccination campaign for children in and near the areas where the outbreak is present. Traditional and faith leaders are involved in the campaigns to encourage the public to volunteer to be vaccinated. Conclusion: Efforts to control the measles outbreak in Zimbabwe are being mitigated by the government as well as the WHO and other global health organizations. With many people refusing the vaccination, this outbreak might not see an end, and more cases, as well as deaths, will increase by the end of the year.

The burden of monkeypox virus amidst the Covid-19 pandemic in Africa: A double battle for Africa.

The Coronavirus Disease - 19 (COVID-19) pandemic has put additional strain on Africa's fragile healthcare systems and has impacted the rise of emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases. Currently, there is a rise in cases of Monkeypox Disease, a zoonotic viral disease caused by the Monkeypox virus, which was first documented in 1970 in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Most of the clinical symptoms of Monkeypox resemble that of smallpox, whose virus also belongs to the same genus. Initial symptoms include headache, fever, and fatigue, followed by lymphadenopathy and a rash. This study aims to provide more insight into Monkeypox by exposing its current burden and efforts to combat it amidst COVID-19 in Africa. Since Monkeypox disease is re-emerging and is less contagious than COVID-19, prevention and treatment are much more manageable. Still, African countries face several crucial challenges in responding to the Monkeypox in times of the covid-19 pandemic. These include lack of a well-functioning surveillance system for early detection of the disease, lack of awareness and knowledge of the monkeypox disease across the general population, lack of healthcare facilities already burdened by COVID-19 cases, and shortage of trained healthcare professionals. On the other hand, one significant factor contributing to the minimized risk in Africa was the smallpox vaccination done before 1980. However, a declining cross-protective immunity is seen in those inoculated with the smallpox vaccine and the ever-increasing risk to the unvaccinated population. Thus, focusing on vaccination and disease surveillance operations and diligent monitoring, as well as cross-border collaborations with international sectors, including One Health, FOA, OIE, and WHO is critical to achieving the ultimate eradication of monkeypox in Africa.

Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever during the COVID-19 pandemic in Africa: Efforts, recommendations and challenges at hand.

Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, millions have suffered globally and as a result, attention and resources for other diseases, such as Crimean-Congo Haemorrhagic Fever (CCHF), has declined. Despite a significantly lower incidence rate compared to COVID-19, CCHF has a considerably higher mortality rate at approximately 30%. Both diseases share symptoms such as headache, fever, nausea and vomiting, fatigue, sore throat, however they have different modes of transmission, mortality rates, and incubation periods. Public health professionals have faced several challenges when attempting to prevent and control the spread of both diseases and despite their differences, many of the prevention methods remain the same. These include increasing public awareness regarding avoiding contact with infected individuals and animals, training healthcare professionals in emergency and preparedness for disease outbreaks and increasing the investment in medical supplies and treatment to control the spread of both diseases.

Rift Valley fever during the COVID-19 pandemic in Africa: A double burden for Africa's healthcare system.

A new rising incidence of Rift Valley fever (RVF) among livestock and humans in the African continent during the COVID-19 pandemic has become of increasing concern. We analyzed the different ways COVID-19 has contributed to the increase in RVF cases and how it has impacted the interventions allocated to the disease by comparing it with the status of the disease before the pandemic. There is enough evidence to conclude that the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the efforts being taken to prevent outbreaks of RVF. Therefore, with no definitive treatment in place and inadequate preventive measures and disease control, RVF may potentially lead to a future epidemic unless addressed urgently.