scholarly journals COVID-19 and Child Vaccination: A Systematic Approach to Closing the Immunization Gap

2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 381-385 ◽  
Author(s):  
Comfort Z. Olorunsaiye ◽  
Korede K. Yusuf ◽  
Kylie Reinhart ◽  
Hamisu M. Salihu
Keyword(s):  
Immunization Coverage ◽  
Routine Immunization ◽  
World Health ◽  
Rapid Review ◽  
Creative Commons ◽  
Measles Outbreaks ◽  
Vaccination Campaigns ◽  
Work First ◽  
Child Vaccination ◽  
Open Access Article

The COVID-19 pandemic threatens to set back major successes that have been achieved in global vaccine initiatives. We conducted a rapid review and synthesis of the literature on immunization provision and Utilization since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. A total of 11 papers comprising peer-reviewed articles and key policies and guidelines, published between January 1 and June 15, 2020, were analyzed. Widespread disruptions of routine immunization and vaccination campaigns were reported leaving millions of children worldwide at risk of measles outbreaks. We present an expanded model of the World Health Organization’s Global Routine Immunization Strategic Plan (GRISP) action areas as a tool to help countries quickly adapt to immunization challenges in the presence of COVID-19 and close the emerging immunization coverage gaps. Key words: • Immunization • Child health • Vaccination • COVID-19 • Essential health services • Corona virus   Copyright © 2020 Olorunsaiye et al. Published by Global Health and Education Projects, Inc. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY 4.0) which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work, first published in this journal, is properly cited.

scholarly journals A Framework for Protecting Pregnant Women in the Era of COVID-19 Pandemic

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 109-112
Author(s):  
Deepa Dongarwar ◽  
Veronica Ajewole ◽  
Kiydra Harris ◽  
Emmanuella Oduguwa ◽  
Theresa Ofili ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Open Access ◽  
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome ◽  
Best Practices ◽  
Global Health ◽  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Original Work ◽  
Creative Commons ◽  
New Challenges ◽  
Work First ◽  
Open Access Article

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the causative agent for the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, highlighted and compounded problems while posing new challenges for the pregnant population. Although individual organizations have provided disparate information, guidance, and updates on managing the pregnant population during the current COVID-19 pandemic, it is important to develop a collective model that highlights all the best practices needed to protect the pregnant population during the pandemic. To establish a standard for ensuring safety during the pandemic, we present a framework that describes best practices for the management of the pregnant population during the ongoing COVID-19pandemic.   Copyright © 2021 Dongarwar, et al. Published by Global Health and Education Projects, Inc. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY 4.0) which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work, first published in this journal, is properly cited.

scholarly journals Secondary impacts of COVID-19: Risk of vaccination reduction and global resurgence of measles

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tasmiah Nuzhath ◽  
Md Mahbub Hossain
Keyword(s):  
Physical Distance ◽  
World Health ◽  
External Shocks ◽  
Immunization Programs ◽  
Vaccination Programs ◽  
Immunization Services ◽  
Health Organization ◽  
Measles Outbreaks ◽  
Vaccination Campaigns ◽  
The Postponement

The World Health Organization temporarily suspended all mass vaccination campaigns to control the pandemic spread of COVID-19 and the national lockdown across the countries has resulted in the postponement of routine immunization programs following the recommendations of maintaining physical distance. Any disruption of immunization services, even for short duration will result in an increased likelihood of vaccine preventable disease such as measles outbreaks. Amidst ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, it is therefore, essential to prevent these challenges through effective policymaking and strategic planning. Such measures should not only aim to recover the gaps in national and regional immunization goals but also emphasize on building health systems resiliency to external shocks that may affect vaccination programs across context.

scholarly journals COVID-19 Pandemic in Nigeria: Palliative Measures and the Politics of Vulnerability

2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 220-222
Author(s):  
Isaac Omo-Ehiabhi Eranga
Keyword(s):  
Open Access ◽  
Global Health ◽  
Key Words ◽  
Federal Government ◽  
Original Work ◽  
Creative Commons ◽  
Rate Of Spread ◽  
The Masses ◽  
Work First ◽  
Open Access Article

In a bid to slow the rate of spread of the virus, the Federal Government of Nigeria, on several occasions, imposed targeted lockdown measures in areas with rapid increase of Covid-19 cases. The states in which the federal government imposed the targeted lockdown included Lagos, Ogun, and the Federal Capital Territory in Abuja. Some States in the country imposed partial lockdown and closure of interstate boarders. Curfews have also been introduced in all the states nationwide. To alleviate the effects of the lockdown, the Federal Government of Nigeria rolled out palliative measures for targeted groups. However, lamentations have trailed the distribution of government palliatives by the masses. Citizens allege that the process of distribution of palliatives had been politicized. Key words: • Corona virus • Covid-19 • Nigeria • Palliatives   Copyright © 2020 Eranga. Published by Global Health and Education Projects, Inc. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY 4.0) which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work, first published in this journal, is properly cited.

scholarly journals COVID-19: How Can Doulas Support Pandemic Control?

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
pp. 72-75
Author(s):  
Sitratullah Maiyegun ◽  
Korede Yusuf ◽  
Deepa Dongarwar ◽  
Sahra Ibrahimi ◽  
Chioma Ikedionwu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Original Work ◽  
Task Shifting ◽  
Viable Option ◽  
Creative Commons ◽  
Healthcare Workforce ◽  
Epidemic Intelligence ◽  
Work First ◽  
Open Access Article ◽  
Over Time

COVID-19 represents a great threat to public health in the 21st century so far, with the maternal and child (MCH) population being particularly vulnerable. With the healthcare workforce getting overwhelmed by a resurgence of cases, task-shifting approaches are a viable option to address the acute shortage of personnel for epidemic intelligence assignments related to the COVID-19 pandemic. We propose an intensive and short-duration curriculum to train Doulas versed in MCH epidemic intelligence and capable of reducing the burden of COVID-19 and its consequences on the MCH population. The effectiveness of the proposed curriculum will be monitored using a rapid-cycle evaluative approach to ascertain progressive enhancement over time.   Copyright © 2021 Maiyegun, et al. Published by Global Health and Education Projects, Inc. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY 4.0) which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work, first published in this journal, is properly cited.

scholarly journals Impact of health system strengthening on delivery strategies to improve child immunization coverage and inequalities in rural Madagascar

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elinambinina Rajaonarifara ◽  
Matthew H. Bond ◽  
Ann C Miller ◽  
Felana Angella Ihantamalala ◽  
Laura F Cordier ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health System ◽  
Vaccination Coverage ◽  
Odds Ratio ◽  
Immunization Coverage ◽  
Population Level ◽  
Health System Strengthening ◽  
Routine Immunization ◽  
Immunization Rates ◽  
Vaccination Campaigns ◽  
The Impact

Background: To reach global immunization goals, national programs need to balance routine immunization at health facilities with vaccination campaigns and other outreach activities (e.g. vaccination weeks), which boost coverage at particular times and help reduce geographic inequalities. However, where routine immunization is weak, an overreliance on vaccination campaigns may lead to heterogeneous coverage. Here, we assessed the impact of a health system strengthening (HSS) intervention on the relative contribution of routine immunization and outreach activities to reach immunization goals in rural Madagascar. Methods: We obtained data from health centers in Ifanadiana district on the monthly number of recommended vaccines (BCG, measles, DTP and Polio) delivered to children, during 2014-2018. We also analyzed data from a district-representative cohort carried out every two years in over 1500 households in 2014-2018. We compared changes inside and outside the HSS catchment in the delivery of recommended vaccines, population-level vaccination coverage, geographic and economic inequalities in coverage, and timeliness of vaccination. The impact of HSS was quantified via mixed-effects logistic regressions. Results: The HSS intervention was associated with a significant increase in immunization rates (Odds Ratio between 1.22 for measles and 1.49 for DTP), which diminished over time. Outreach activities were associated with a doubling in immunization rates, but their effect was smaller in the HSS catchment. Analysis of cohort data revealed that HSS was associated with higher vaccination coverage (Odds Ratio between 1.18 per year of HSS for measles and 1.43 for BCG), a reduction in economic inequality, and a higher proportion of timely vaccinations. Yet, the lower contribution of outreach activities in the HSS catchment was associated with persistent inequalities in geographic coverage, which prevented achieving international coverage targets. Conclusion: Investment in stronger primary care systems can improve vaccination coverage, reduce inequalities and improve the timeliness of vaccination via increases in routine immunizations.

scholarly journals COVID-19 Pandemic and Medical Education in Nigeria

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
pp. 65-67
Author(s):  
Fatima Usman ◽  
Zubairu Iliyasu ◽  
Hamisu Salihu ◽  
Muktar Aliyu
Keyword(s):  
Medical Education ◽  
Medical Training ◽  
Digital Learning ◽  
Creative Commons ◽  
Contact Hours ◽  
E Learning ◽  
Learning Platforms ◽  
Work First ◽  
Open Access Article

The emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic has affected the learning process and outcome of medical education. In this commentary, we discuss the effect of COVID-19 on medical education in Nigeria. The disruption of educational services due to government-imposed lockdown and subsequent transition to e-learning with reduction in direct tutor-trainee contact hours to limit virus spread have had a profound effect on the quality of medical education. These measures have impacted adversely on the proficiency, and the intellectual, psychological, financial and social wellbeing of trainees, worsened by a compromised educational system from pre-existing challenges militating against quality education. Prompt re-evaluation of all aspects of medical training with emphasis on developing digital learning platforms that will enable trainees to acquire the needed knowledge and improve learning outcomes is paramount, as it is likely the effects of COVID-19 will linger for a while.   Copyright © 2021 Usman, et al. Published by Global Health and Education Projects, Inc. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY 4.0) which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work, first published in this journal, is properly cited.

scholarly journals Temporal Trends in the Rates of Singletons, Twins and Higher-order Multiple Births Over Five Decades Across Racial Groups in the United States

2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 257-259
Author(s):  
Liye Wang ◽  
Deepa Dongarwar ◽  
Hamisu M. Salihu
Keyword(s):  
Global Health ◽  
Temporal Trends ◽  
The United States ◽  
Vital Statistics ◽  
Higher Order ◽  
Racial Groups ◽  
Creative Commons ◽  
The Us ◽  
Work First ◽  
Open Access Article

We analysed Natality data obtained from the National Vital Statistics System from 1971 through 2018. Overall, the rates of singletons declined among all racial groups over the five decades of the study. However, the rates of twins and higher-order multiples increased over the same period although for the past two decades, the rates of higher-order multiples had substantially plummeted. The global health implication of these findings is that policy changes in the US in the form of professional practice guidelines have succeeded in reducing the birth of vulnerable populations (i.e., higher-order multiples) who are predominantly created using assisted reproductive technology. Key words: • Trends in Multiple Gestations • US • Black • White • Singletons • Twins • Higher-order multiples   Copyright © 2020 Wang et al. Published by Global Health and Education Projects, Inc. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY 4.0) which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work, first published in this journal, is properly cited.

scholarly journals Evaluation of factors, associated with defaulting routine immunization in children

2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 263
Author(s):  
Gayathri Devi Chinnappa ◽  
Chikkanarasa P. S. Reddy ◽  
Sarala Sabapathy ◽  
Deepthy Alice Varghese
Keyword(s):  
Public Health Intervention ◽  
Immunization Coverage ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Routine Immunization ◽  
World Health ◽  
Age Group ◽  
Immunization Program ◽  
Main Determinant ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
Maximum Coverage

Background: India was one of the first countries to adopt the World Health Organization’s Expanded Programme of Immunization (EPI). The program started globally in 1974 and was initiated in India in 1978. Immunization is considered to be one of the most important cost-effective and a powerful public health intervention. Achieving maximum coverage, however, has been a challenge due to many reasons, including high rates of defaulters from the program. The term ªdefaulterº is used to refer a child who misses the scheduled vaccinations for any reason. The objective of this study was to explore the reasons behind defaulting from the routine immunization program.Methods: A study was conducted in Bowring and Lady Curzon Hospital, Bangalore between January 2012 and December 2012. A total of sixty six children’s’ details were gathered from mothers of defaulted children. Children below 5 years attending OPD were included in the study. Children above 5 years and inpatients were excluded. Observations and review of relevant documents was done.Results: Of the 66 children, in our study, males were more than females. Children in the age group of 2 years to 5 years were 17(25%) as compared to those between 1 to 2 years. Mothers were more literate than fathers. Muslim children had the best immunization coverage. The main determinant of defaulting was lack of knowledge and awareness regarding immunization by the mothers (21/31%) followed by sickness in children (11/16%), causing them to default immunization schedulesConclusions: The main reason for defaulting from the immunization program was lack of awareness, regarding immunization by mothers in the community.

scholarly journals Acceptability of COVID-19 Vaccine in Africa

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 134-138
Author(s):  
Frankline Sevidzem Wirsiy ◽  
Ngwayu Claude Nkfusai ◽  
Denis Ebot Ako-Arrey ◽  
Esther Kenfack Dongmo ◽  
Florence Titu Manjong ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Vaccine Hesitancy ◽  
Vaccine Acceptability ◽  
Creative Commons ◽  
Number Of Factors ◽  
Care Workers ◽  
Public Health Officials ◽  
Work First ◽  
Efficient Roll ◽  
Open Access Article ◽  
Roll Out

As Africa prepares to overcome the difficult challenges of COVID-19 vaccination roll-outs, a number of factors, including equitable access, effective and efficient sufficient supply chains, a scope of established determinants will need to be considered in order to enhance vaccine acceptability and uptake. In this commentary, we present six major determinants of vaccine acceptability and uptake in Africa. We summarize these determinants with the acronym VAMRIS: V= Vaccine hesitancy; A= Attitude and uptake by health care workers; M= Misinformation; R= Religion; I= Immunization roll out plans; S= Social influences and enabling environment. Understanding determinants of COVID-19 vaccine acceptability will guide public health officials make informed decisions. As the Vaccine becomes progressively available, strategies for efficient roll-out to achieve massive uptake by the targeted population will depend on a number of factors. These include: community engagement efforts; types of health promotion activities and/or messages; community sensitization to dispel myths and misconceptions; endorsements and buy-ins from local champions, celebrities, authorities; logistic considerations; and incentives to health counsellors/workers to create demand.   Copyright © 2020 Wirsiy et al. Published by Global Health and Education Projects, Inc. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY 4.0) which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work, first published in this journal, is properly cited.

Psychological/psychiatric impact of the novel coronavirus outbreak: lessons learnt from China and call for timely crisis interventions in Italy

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Patrizia Zeppegno ◽  
Carla Gramaglia ◽  
Chiara Guerriero ◽  
Fabio Madeddu ◽  
Raffaella Calati
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Migrant Workers ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Virus Disease ◽  
Selection Process ◽  
Psychiatric Patients ◽  
Homeless People ◽  
World Health ◽  
Rapid Review ◽  
Post Traumatic Stress

Background: The World Health Organization declared the Corona Virus Disease 19 (Covid-19) a pandemic in March 2020. Psychological impact of Covid-19 can be consisent and should be prevented with adequate measures. Methods: We performed a literature mini review searching for studies in PubMed focusing on the psychological/psychiatric impact of Covid-19.Results: The selection process yielded 34 papers focusing on the relation between Covid-19 and mental health: 9 correspondence, 8 letters to the editor, 7 commentaries, 3 editorials, 4 original studies, 2 brief reports, and 1 a rapid review. The majority of the articles were performed in China. They focused on the general population and particular categories considered more fragile, e.g., psychiatric patients, older adults, international migrant workers, homeless people. Authors are unanimous in believing that Covid-19 will likely increase the risk of mental health problems and worsen existing psychiatric disorders/symptoms in patients, exposed subjects, and staff. Together with the negative emotionality related to the unpredictability of the situation, uncertainty concerning the risk, excessive fear, fear of death, loneliness, guilt, stigma, denial, anger, frustration, boredome, some symptoms might appear such as insomnia until patophobia (specifically, coronaphobia), depressive and anxiety disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, and suicidal risk.Limitations: Literature is rapidly increasing and present results are only partial. Conclusions: Mental health care should not be overlooked in this moment. The experience of China should be of help for all the countries facing with Covid-19, among them Italy.

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