Alanda Health’s Post

Title: The Silent Threat: Unraveling the Health Impacts of Kenya's Devastating Floods The Anatomy of a Crisis: As torrential rains lash Kenya, rivers swell beyond capacity, inundating communities, and triggering widespread flooding. The aftermath of these deluges presents a multifaceted challenge to public health infrastructure. Contaminated water sources, overcrowded shelters, and compromised sanitation facilities create fertile breeding grounds for infectious diseases, setting the stage for a health crisis of monumental proportions. Epidemiology Unveiled: The floods serve as a catalyst for the proliferation of waterborne diseases, with diarrheal illnesses such as cholera and typhoid fever emerging as primary concerns. The stagnant water becomes a reservoir for pathogens, facilitating their transmission through ingestion, skin contact, or inhalation. Moreover, the disruption of sanitation systems and the contamination of drinking water exacerbate the risk of disease transmission, amplifying the burden on already strained healthcare resources. Vector-borne Threats: Beyond waterborne diseases, the floods usher in a resurgence of vector-borne illnesses, with mosquito-borne diseases taking center stage. The stagnant pools of water become breeding grounds for mosquitoes, fostering the spread of malaria, dengue fever, and chikungunya. As floodwaters recede, the proliferation of mosquito breeding sites persists, prolonging the threat posed by these deadly vectors and perpetuating the cycle of disease transmission. Mental Health Fallout: Amidst the chaos and devastation, the floods exact a toll on mental health, casting a shadow of anxiety, trauma, and despair over affected communities. The loss of homes, livelihoods, and loved ones engenders feelings of helplessness and hopelessness, exacerbating stress and psychological distress. Moreover, the displacement and disruption of social support networks further compound the mental health burden, underscoring the urgent need for psychosocial support services in flood-affected areas. Vulnerable Populations at Risk: While floods spare no one, they disproportionately impact vulnerable populations, including children, the elderly, and individuals with preexisting health conditions. Children, with their developing immune systems and limited access to clean water and sanitation, are particularly susceptible to waterborne diseases. Likewise, the elderly, with their weakened immune systems and chronic health conditions, face heightened risks of morbidity and mortality in the wake of floods. Additionally, individuals with preexisting health conditions, such as HIV/AIDS or diabetes, confront compounded health challenges amidst the chaos of flooding, amplifying the urgency of targeted interventions to safeguard their well-being.

https://lnkd.in/gCUQ7PjD    Article title: Disaster management cycle and COVID-19-Breaking the silos   Author(s): Osama Ali Maher*   Journal: Archives of Community Medicine and Public Health   Journal ISSN: 2455-5479   Abstract: Humanitarian workers responding to crises, either on the spot or in decision making positions, are familiar with the emergency management cycle with its basic three components namely; preparedness, response and recovery. This cycle can be expanded to include other elements, such as mitigation, readiness, business continuity, contingency, monitoring and evaluation [1]. However, these terms can still be embedded in the three main categories of activities. The three components of the crises management cycle led to a basic and simplified thinking of dealing with a crises as three separated incidents which takes time at separate moments of the overall management of the crises. In recent years, some new concepts and approaches were introduced to link the last two silos of the cycle, namely; response and recovery through the emergency-development Nexus or transition. This can be generally considered as a trial of the humanitarians to link to developmental aspects. Linking “firefighting” nature of response operations to a longer terms step towards developmental goals, such as the SDGs, which is not an easy task. Generally, this resulted in repeating this Nexus term as a “nobel” target which we really cannot quantify, but we must praise. One of the major observations on the disaster management cycle, is that the concentration on the response to an emergency is the fixation by political systems of rich countries to be seen when the attention of media is concentrated at the response phase, to save lives in front of the camera. #DisasterManagement #COVID-19 #Addiction #SubstanceAbuse #CommunityBehavioralHealth #Biostatistics #HealthServices #CommunityAcquiredPneumonia #CommunityDwelling #Peertechz #CommunityHealth #CommunityHealthAwareness #CommunityHealthCampaigns #CommunityHealthHazards #CommunityHealthNeeds #CommunityHealthPromotion #CommunityHealthServices #CommunityHealthSurveys #CommunityHealthcare #CommunityIntervention #CommunityMentalHealth #CommunityNursing #CommunityPharmacy #CommunityTreatmentAndManagement #EnvironmentalHealth #PeertechzPublications #Epidemics #Endemics #Epidemiology #GlobalAwareness #HealthEconomics #InsuranceMedicine #OccupationalSafetyAndHealth #PublicHealthDentistry #PublicHealthEmergency #PublicHealthInterventions #PublicHealthSurveillance #PublicPolicy #SanitationAndHealth

Mpox declared public health emergency of international concern And again... another health emergency, another chance to talk about what we should be doing but are not. The recent mpox outbreak is a brutal reminder of the fragility of our health systems and the deadly consequences of our inaction. This time, the outbreak is centered in Africa, but it is already being diagnosed thousands of miles away in Europe. Unfortunately, as the powers of evolution are designed to do, this strain is more dangerous, more deadly - and more people are dying. The question remains: How many more emergencies do we need before we finally get serious about investing in health systems that work for everyone? Right now, people at risk need quality screening, vaccination, care, and treatment. Public health emergencies are not one-off. They are becoming the new normal. It is a combination of changing exposures, social, political, and inequity-based accelerants, and our failure to fix long standing problems that make us vulnerable. Experts say that in our climate changing world, there is a more than 50% chance of another COVID-level pandemic in the next 20 to 25 years. In 2022, a study found that 58% of infectious diseases are getting worse because of climate change. We may already be here... It’s time to stop with the empty promises and slow progress. We must: 1. Strengthen resilient and responsive health systems: All countries are vulnerable to pandemics. Strong health systems founded on a fit-for-purpose workforce are essential to protecting our populations and daily life. We must stop approaching investments in vertical siloes and instead mobilize behind country-led horizontal systems that are able to prevent, treat and manage ALL diseases.     2. Invest in climate adaptation and resilience for health: Climate change is accelerating diseases today not in some distant future. There is a deep need to respond now to these challenges. Unfortunately, current funding for climate overwhelmingly ignores health/ health systems; only 2% of adaptation and 0.5% of multilateral climate funding targets health. As climate accelerates all diseases, investing in climate and health resilience and responsiveness can achieve progress towards all health goals including pandemic preparedness.     3. Move from words to action. We have the resources and the tools to make a difference. We need to ensure they are put in the hands of those on the frontlines - countries and communities who need them most – to stop the spread of diseases, save lives, and create a fairer, healthier world for everyone.     4. Health is wealth. And investing in health is critical to our security, economic stability, and future (and fair and equitable). Our actions, political decisions and investments must shift.     We either act now, or we keep paying the price. Every death from mpox is testament of our failure to act. #EnoughIsEnough #Mpox #ClimateActionNow Seed Global Health

Urgent Action Needed: Addressing the Risk of Cholera Outbreak exacerbated by the devastating flooding in Eastern Africa Current Situation: Heavy flooding has devastated parts of Eastern Africa, displacing communities, disrupting essential services, and creating dire sanitation and hygiene conditions. These factors significantly increase the risk of a widespread cholera outbreak in the region. Cholera Threat: Cholera is a highly contagious diarrheal disease easily spread in areas with poor sanitation and contaminated water. Recent outbreaks in the region highlight the vulnerability of populations during emergencies. Proposed Solutions: Immediate Response: Provide urgent humanitarian support communities affected by the flooding Scale up surveillance and early warning systems for rapid detection of cholera cases. Pre-position oral cholera vaccines (OCV) and deploy mobile vaccination teams to high-risk areas. Distribute hygiene kits and water purification tablets to displaced populations. Establish emergency sanitation facilities and promote safe water practices. Long-Term Strategies: Invest in strengthening healthcare systems and water infrastructure to improve resilience during crises. Support community mobilization and hygiene education campaigns to promote preventive behaviours. Call to Action: As Africa CDC, member states, and all humanitarian actors in the Eastern Africa region to take immediate and coordinated action to prevent cholera outbreak and other health emergency incidents exacerbated by the ongoing heavy rain and flooding. By working together, we can mitigate the risks and protect the lives of vulnerable populations.

Ready for the next pandemic? Former CDC director predicts bird flu pandemic. "I really do think it’s very likely that we will, at some time, it’s not a question of if, it’s more of a question of when we will have a bird flu pandemic... bird flu has a significant mortality when it enters humans (25-50% mortality) compared to COVID-19 (0.6% mortality)... Once the virus gains the ability to attach to the human receptor and then go human to human, that’s when you’re going to have the pandemic. And as I said, I think it’s just a matter of time..." https://lnkd.in/g9VbR8QG Is your healthcare organization ready for the next pandemic? Reach out to me to learn more about building comprehensive resilience at your organization. Resilience Key Performance Indicators Emergency Preparedness & Response Planning Built Environment & Infrastructure Resilience Supply Chain Disruption Resilience Healthcare Information Technology Strengthening Cybersecurity Measures Staff Training & Capacity Building Mental Health Support & Services Community Resilience & Resiliency Partnerships Resilience Data Transparency & Analysis

🌍 A Global Call : #Strengthening_Pandemic_Preparedness_at_Every_Level #Current_Global_Efforts Organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are at the forefront of global pandemic preparedness. WHO’s Preparedness and Resilience for Emerging Threats (PRET) initiative focuses on strengthening global and national capacities to respond to respiratory pathogens like influenza and coronaviruses. These efforts aim to ensure countries are equipped to prevent, detect, and respond to pandemics more effectively, promoting global health security. #Local\Regional_Responses Countries worldwide, including Rwanda, are developing their own pandemic preparedness strategies. Rwanda's approach includes enhancing public health systems, conducting simulation exercises, and improving surveillance to detect early warning signs of outbreaks. Rwanda's national strategy also emphasizes multi-hazard planning, focusing on response capacity, strengthening coordination, and involving local governments and communities in disaster management. The Rwanda Housing Authority (RHA) collaborates with the Ministry of Emergency Management (MINEMA) to ensure preparedness for emergency shelters and health systems during natural disasters and pandemics . #How_Communities_Can_Get_Involved Communities play a vital role in pandemic preparedness. Through local engagement and awareness campaigns, they ensure that individuals and families are informed, support networks are established, and resources are mobilized. In Rwanda, for example, community-driven initiatives like Umuganda (community work) are used to improve preparedness, ensuring swift responses to disasters and pandemics. Communities can volunteer, participate in local health initiatives, and engage in advocacy, which strengthens overall resilience . #How_Individuals_Can_Prepare Educating Yourself and Your Family Knowledge is the first line of defense. Stay informed about pandemic prevention strategies, symptoms, and transmission methods through reliable sources like WHO and local health authorities. Sharing accurate information helps curb misinformation, fostering a safer, well-prepared environment. #Staying_Updated_on_Health_Guidelines Pandemic preparedness involves staying up to date on the latest health guidelines. This includes recommendations on hygiene practices, vaccination protocols, and social distancing. Following these guidelines helps reduce the spread of diseases and ensures communities are protected. What actions are you or your community taking to stay ready for future pandemics? 💬 What’s your biggest challenge when it comes to pandemic preparedness? 🔍 👇 #Drop_your_comments_below! Let’s share tips, ideas, and experiences to create a more resilient future. 💪 #MinistryofHealthRwanda Rwanda One Health and Innovation Club Rwanda Technology Community #MinistryofEmergencyManagement University of Global Health Equity UNICEF #PandemicPreparedness

Zambia's Ongoing Cholera Struggle Since 1977 , A Call for Politicians to Prioritize Sustainable Solutions Cholera outbreaks have been a persistent challenge in Zambia's public health landscape since 1977, resulting in a substantial toll of 4,731 reported deaths as of 2017. The complexity of this ongoing struggle necessitates a nuanced and sustained approach for a comprehensive resolution. However, the unfortunate reality is that individuals like Emmanuel Mwamba and other politically biased figures aim to exploit this dire situation for personal gain. The country has witnessed major cholera outbreaks in 1991, 1993, 1999, 2004, 2009, 2010, 2016, and notably in 2017, highlighting the vulnerability during Zambia's rainy season. Peri-urban areas of Lusaka and Copperbelt provinces, along with rural fishing camps, bear the brunt of these recurring epidemics. A stark example is the devastating toll on Chimwemwe in 1991, etched in the memories of those familiar with the grim history. The epicenter of these outbreaks, particularly from 2001 to 2010, has been Lusaka's western suburbs, struggling with woefully inadequate water, sanitation, and drainage infrastructure. This underscores the urgent need for targeted interventions in areas with compromised access to clean water and sanitation. Remarkably, during the tumultuous days of the COVID-19 pandemic, Zambia experienced a surprising reduction in cholera cases. This unexpected outcome was attributed to behavioral shifts spurred by the fear of COVID-19, indicating the potential for transformative change when collectively addressing public health concerns. While the present outbreak shares similarities with its predecessors in terms of incidence and deaths, a noteworthy departure is the robust response from the current government. However, the enduring recurrence of cholera outbreaks suggests an entrenched, systemic challenge that surpasses the confines of any particular administration. Despite the historical burden of cholera outbreaks, Zambia has failed to implement preventive measures to stave off these crises. This alarming absence indicates an ingrained, deep-rooted issue demanding more than ad-hoc responses; it necessitates comprehensive, long-term solutions. Crucially, it is imperative to resist the temptation of politicizing the cholera pandemic. Instead, acknowledging it as a pervasive, systemic challenge is the first step towards resolution. Tackling the root causes, fortifying infrastructure, and instituting sustained preventive measures become not just crucial but mandatory. Only through a united and unwavering commitment to enduring solutions can Zambia liberate itself from the relentless grip of recurrent cholera outbreaks, steering towards a future marked by health and resilience. By Hamunkoyo Tobbius Concerned Citizen .

Unveiling the Health Risks: Diseases Propagated by Stagnant Floodwaters 🦠‼️🚨 Amidst the aftermath of floods, a silent threat lurks beneath the surface: the proliferation of diseases borne by stagnant water. Delve into the medical intricacies of these afflictions: 1️⃣ Waterborne Diseases: Floodwaters teem with pathogenic microorganisms, including Vibrio cholerae, Salmonella typhi, and various strains of Escherichia coli. This cocktail of pathogens poses a formidable risk, precipitating waterborne diseases such as cholera, typhoid fever, and shigellosis. 2️⃣ Vector-Borne Diseases: Stagnant water serves as a fertile breeding ground for vectors like mosquitoes, culminating in the proliferation of vector-borne diseases. The Aedes mosquito, harbinger of pathogens such as Plasmodium spp. and arboviruses like dengue and Zika, proliferates in these inundated environs, heightening the threat of vector-borne illness transmission. 3️⃣ Leptospirosis: Floodwaters, tainted by the urine of infected animals, engender the perfect milieu for the spirochete bacterium Leptospira interrogans. This insidious pathogen incites leptospirosis, a multisystemic disease characterized by febrile illness, jaundice, and potentially fatal complications such as Weil’s disease and pulmonary hemorrhage syndrome. 4️⃣ Cutaneous and Soft Tissue Infections: Prolonged immersion in contaminated floodwaters renders individuals susceptible to cutaneous and soft tissue infections. Pathogens like Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa infiltrate compromised skin barriers, precipitating conditions such as cellulitis, necrotizing fasciitis, and mycotic dermatitis. 5️⃣ Respiratory Morbidities: Post-flood environments foster the proliferation of mold, particularly species like Aspergillus spp. and Stachybotrys chartarum. Inhalation of mycotoxin-laden spores exacerbates respiratory conditions, precipitating allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA), asthma exacerbations, and hypersensitivity pneumonitis. Navigating the labyrinth of health risks entailed by stagnant floodwaters demands vigilance and proactive intervention. By advocating for public health measures, disseminating educational resources, and fostering community resilience, we can mitigate the deleterious impact of flood-induced disease transmission. Let us embark on a collective endeavor to safeguard the health and well-being of our communities in the wake of natural calamities. #FloodHealthHazards #PublicHealthInitiatives #VectorBorneDiseases 🌊🏥

UNICEF Nigeria Humanitarian Situation Report (Lagos Cholera Outbreak) - 14 June 2024 Format Situation Report Source UNICEF Posted 15 Jun 2024 Originally published 14 Jun 2024 Attachments Preview of UNICEF Nigeria Humanitarian Situation Report (Lagos Cholera Outbreak) - 14 June 2024.pdf Download Report (PDF | 284.95 KB) Reporting Period 1 - 14 June 2024 Situation Overview On 09 June 2024, the Lagos State Government declared a cholera outbreak. As reported by the Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) on 12 June 2024, 324 suspected cholera cases have been reported in the state, including 15 people who died and 40 who were discharged. Three suspected cases of cholera have been reported respectively in neighboring Oyo and Ogun States. The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) reported that as of 11 June 2024, 1,141 suspected cholera cases had been recorded across 30 states in Nigeria since 1 January 2024. The 10 states that recorded 90% of the cases are mostly located in the South (Bayelsa—over 400 cases, Lagos, Abia, Cross River, Delta, Imo States), with some situated further north (Katsina, Nasarawa, Zamfara States). Government Response • The Emergency Operations Centre has been convening daily since 11 June, with representation from line ministries and international organizations. • On 12 June, the state government, demonstrating swift action, activated the Rapid Response Teams composed of health, WASH, and risk communication government experts at the level of Local Government Areas (LGAs) • The government prepositioned cholera kits across 24 health facilities in 20 LGAs at the end of May. UNICEF Response • Upon an identified gap at the EOC, UNICEF is supporting the government in developing information, education, and communication (IEC) materials to disseminate public health messages in support of social and behavioral change. Situation in Numbers 324 Cases of suspected cholera, inc. 9 confirmed ones 15 Persons died of cholera. Report details Primary country Nigeria Source UN Children's Fund Disaster Nigeria: Cholera Outbreak - Jun 2017 Format Situation Report Themes HealthWater Sanitation Hygiene

This is an excellent piece written by Dr Winnie Mpanju-Shumbusho examining key factors to eliminating neglected tropical diseases in Africa. #NTDs #BeatNTDs #GlobalHealth