Sex Workers and the Mpox Response in Africa.

The ongoing Mpox (Monkeypox) outbreak in Africa, now classified as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) by the World Health Organization (WHO), presents a severe challenge, particularly for vulnerable populations like sex workers. Despite the endemic presence of Mpox in Africa since the 1970s, recent developments, including the emergence of a new clade Ib strain with increased transmissibility, have exacerbated the situation. Sex workers are at heightened risk due to their occupational exposure, compounded by stigma, criminalization, and limited access to healthcare. These factors significantly impede efforts to control the spread of the virus, leading to underreporting and inadequate intervention. This article highlights the urgent need for an inclusive public health response that prioritizes the health and safety of sex workers. Such a response should involve tailored health services, legal protections, and community engagement to ensure that this marginalized group is not overlooked. The decriminalization of sex work is also proposed as a critical public health measure to improve access to care and reduce stigma, ultimately curbing the spread of Mpox in Africa.

Harnessing the potential of African youth for transforming health research in Africa.

Africa faces a significant burden of infectious diseases, including Malaria and HIV/AIDS, along with an increasing prevalence of non-infectious diseases such as diabetes and cancer. This dual health challenge is amplified by socioeconomic difficulties, restricted access to healthcare, and lifestyle changes, thus present unique scientific needs. Effectively addressing these issues requires a skilled scientific workforce adept in comprehensive healthcare strategies. This analysis explores the critical landscape of health research in Africa, emphasizing the unique opportunity presented by the continent's youthful population, projected to reach almost 1 billion by 2050. The youth's innovative potential and fresh perspectives offer a chance to overcome development barriers in health research. Nevertheless, challenges such as under-resourced education, limited research training, inadequate mentorship, and funding difficulties persist. This paper urgently calls upon African leaders, international partners, and stakeholders to prioritize health research, mobilize funding, forge strategic partnerships, and empower the youth as essential steps to capitalize on the continent's dynamic youth for breakthrough health outcomes. Such investments are vital not just for health but for the overall economic, social, and strategic growth of the continent. Through shared responsibility and a united effort, the potential of African youth can be harnessed, leading to transformative research, improved health outcomes, and a prosperous future. This perspective represents the collective voice of passionate young researchers and advocates across Africa, calling for a new era of health research on the continent.

A review of current trends in HIV epidemiology, surveillance, and control in Nigeria.

The HIV epidemic remains a public health challenge in Nigeria, with about 1.9 million people living with the virus in 2020. Despite progress in controlling the epidemic, challenges remain, including inadequate funding and limited access to prevention and treatment services for key populations. This article provides an overview of the HIV control system in Nigeria and the current state of the HIV control system in Nigeria. It provides recommendations for strengthening the response to the epidemic. Contributions of government agencies, international partners, and civil society organizations are required to reduce this epidemic. This article highlights the need to strengthen surveillance systems, increase access to testing and treatment, enhance prevention strategies, address stigma and discrimination, increase funding, and expand research and development. The impact of antiretroviral therapy on HIV management is also discussed. Over the last decade, Nigeria has made significant progress in controlling the HIV epidemic, with a decline in new infections and increased treatment coverage. However, more work is needed to achieve the 95-95-95 targets set by the joint united nations programme on HIV/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome for 2030, and a multi-pronged approach is required to address the social and structural determinants of health that drive the epidemic. By implementing the recommendations outlined in this article, Nigeria can make significant progress towards ending the HIV epidemic and improving the quality of life for those living with the virus.