Clinton Health Access Initiative, Inc.’s Post

According to #Statista, a renowned research organization, only 2.6% of adults and children in Nigeria who tested positive for #Hepatitis B and 0.3% who tested positive for Hepatitis C in 2017 started an antiretroviral therapy. This left the remaining 97.4% out of #treatment with attendant devastating consequences. The NAIIS study conducted in 2018 estimated that up to 20 million Nigerians are infected with Hepatitis B or C. Several independent studies published in renowned peer-reviewed journals have demonstrated that this number may have increased partly due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Almost all the published studies estimated that 10% of Nigeria's population may be living with viral hepatitis. This calls for a State of #Emergency. World Health Organization For meaningful #interventions to be effective, they must be evidence-based and properly targeted. To this end, the #Civil #Society Network on Viral Hepatitis in Nigeria is calling on the government, international development partners, donor organizations, #research institutions, the private sector, the media and philanthropists to #support country-wide research on viral #hepatitis in Nigeria to generate tangible #evidence that will inform #strategic actions. Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, and Poverty Alleviation National Agency for the Control of AIDS National Bureau of Statistics Nigeria National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) African Field Epidemiology Network (AFENET) Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Africa World Health Organization CDC USAID The Global Fund UNAIDS Institute of Human Virology at the University of Maryland School of Medicine Institute of Human Virology Nigeria University of Washington Jhpiego Gilead Sciences Roche Pfizer Dr. Nseabasi Ekanem National Coordinator Civil Society Network on Viral Hepatitis, Nigeria

AUGUST KNOWLEDGE SHOWCASE Name: Akanji, Mayowa Deborah Fellow ID: FE/23/84480086 Cohort 2 Data Analysis and Visualization learning Track TITLE: 🌍 Data Analysis: A Vital Tool to Address Malaria Drug Resistance in Nigeria 🌍 Malaria remains a significant challenge in Nigeria, and tackling it effectively requires more than medical interventions—it DEMANDS DATA-DRIVEN DECISIONS. 📊 In this project, I analyzed a data on malaria drug resistance across Nigeria. Despite being hypothetical, the insights are valuable for shaping real-world strategies: - The North-West stands out, with 5,000 resistant cases out of 23,000, indicating a severe spread. The South-East and South-West also face high resistance. - On the brighter side, the North-Central shows an 80% treatment success rate, proving malaria can be controlled with the right approach. ❗KEY RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE GOVERNMENT: - Prioritize high-resistance regions by providing advanced treatments and diagnostics. - Strengthen health infrastructure in areas with limited access but promising results. - Create a nationwide surveillance system to monitor drug resistance in real time. - Run public health campaigns and offer continuous training for healthcare workers to manage resistant cases. Though the data was hypothetical, the lesson is clear: DATA ANALYSIS IS VITAL in the fight against malaria Governments can no longer afford to make decisions based on limited information. By leveraging data, we can target resources more effectively, ensure the right treatments reach those who need them most, and ultimately reduce drug resistance before it becomes an unmanageable crisis. Workbook: The excel workbook used can be accessed here- https://lnkd.in/eqbMj9f8 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT: I am deeply grateful to 3MTT Nigeria and Dr. ‘Bosun Tijani, for giving me the opportunity to learn and apply Data Analysis in such a meaningful way. The insights I’ve gained through this experience will empower me to contribute to solving real-world public health challenges in the future as a pharmacist to be. IN CONCLUSION: It’s time to use data not just to understand the problem, but to solve it. Let’s make the most of the information at our disposal to safeguard Nigeria’s future. 🚀 #3MTTLearningCommunity #My3MTT #Knowledgeshowcase #Solvingproblem #DataAnalysis #Malaria #PublicHealth #Healthcare #Nigeria #3MTT #LearningJourney #MalariaResistance #HealthData #GovernmentAdvisory

I am thrilled to share that the first paper that will be included in my PhD has just been published! As the first author, I had the privilege of leading this work, alongside the invaluable contributions of my coauthors 🎉 https://lnkd.in/dSiwRbge The study, conducted in Uganda, examines the cost of malaria illness to households and the public health sector, revealing critical insights into the economic burden and equity of healthcare costs. Key findings include: 🔹 Households bear the majority of malaria treatment costs, with outpatient cases costing households 81% and inpatient cases 72% of the total cost. 🔹 Poorer households are disproportionately impacted, with malaria treatment costing the lowest-income households 26% of their per capita monthly consumption, compared to just 8% for the wealthiest households. 🔹 The total societal cost of malaria treatment in Uganda was estimated at $577 million in 2021, highlighting the significant economic burden on families and the healthcare system. This research aims to inform policy and support more equitable resource allocation for malaria control interventions in Uganda and beyond. I hope it contributes meaningfully to the ongoing fight against malaria! 🦟 A heartfelt thank you to everyone who supported this research—from our study participants, co-authors (Catherine Pitt, Samuel Gonahasa, Jane Frances Namuganga, joaniter nankabirwa, Emmanuel Arinaitwe, Catherine Maiteki-Sebuguzi, Henry Katamba, Jimmy Opigo, Fred Matovu, Grant Dorsey, Moses Kamya, Walter Ochieng and Sarah Staedke), and field teams to my supervisors and peers. Your guidance, insights, and encouragement made this achievement possible. On to the next steps in the journey! 🚀 #PhD #Malaria #PublicHealth #GlobalHealth #Research #Costing #HealthEquity #Uganda #MalariaControl

In anticipation of #WorldMalariaDay2024, we want to share this perspective from Laura Harrington, Monitoring and Evaluation Manager for the Chemonics-implemented USAID Global Health Supply Chain–Technical Assistance (GHSC-TA) Francophone Task Order. In this piece, Laura reflects upon the critical role of #Data to strengthening health #SupplyChains in West and Central Africa and #EndMalaria in the region. For example, in #Benin, stockout rates for #Malaria commodities dropped by more than 50% over two years thanks to the project’s support. This improvement can be attributed to: 1. Advocacy at the national and international levels for additional anti-malarial commodities using stock data. 2. Improved information systems and analytics tools for health workers to monitor stock levels along the supply chain. 3. Context-specific training for those workers on how to use the systems and tools and the information they provide. As a result of supporting data-driven, #LocallyLed initiatives, health facilities in Benin can ensure equitable access to malaria prevention and treatment commodities, which are available when and where patients need them. Read more here: https://ow.ly/oSjB50RmI7U

Exciting news! Our latest paper has been published! Title: "Development of a Knowledge-based Patient Self-assessment and Diagnostic System for Malaria, Typhoid, and Related Diseases using Knowledge Discovery Database Techniques" Read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/dBv-ci9U I'm thrilled to have collaborated with Ngbede Barnabas Michael and Peter Samuel Oche on this research, which is deeply personal to me as a Nigerian. Together, we aimed to improve healthcare outcomes in Nigeria and beyond by leveraging knowledge discovery database techniques for more accurate patient self-assessment and diagnosis of Malaria, Typhoid, and related diseases. My research interests in meta-heuristic optimization algorithms, Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, and Software Engineering are all focused on developing innovative solutions for healthcare and beyond. I believe that investing in research and technology is crucial in combating diseases like Malaria and Typhoid. We need to harness the power of innovation to improve healthcare access and outcomes in Nigeria and Africa. I'm proud to contribute to the global effort to combat these diseases alongside my coauthors, and I'm eager to collaborate with like-minded professionals or explore job opportunities in this field. Let's connect and make a positive impact on healthcare in Nigeria, Africa, and beyond! #Malaria #Typhoid #HealthcareInnovation #Africa #ResearchMatters #InvestInResearch #HealthcareTechnology #Collaboration #Innovation

Check out this article by Johanna Karemere on lessons learned from using technology for surveillance in primary health facilities in the DRC. https://lnkd.in/d8bWkQRr Abstract from the article: The WHO’s Global Technical Strategy for malaria emphasizes the importance of reliable malaria surveillance systems to track disease burden and measure progress. A key indicator, the test positivity rate (TPR), largely depends on healthcare providers’ adherence to rapid diagnostic test (RDT) results and their accurate reporting. To minimize healthcare providers’ bias, this study explored the feasibility of using artificial intelligence (AI)–driven Deki Reader devices in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The devices were deployed in 144 health facilities across Haut Katanga, Kasai Central, and Sud Kivu provinces from January to December 2022. Healthcare providers performed malaria diagnostic tests using RDTs and reported the results through the routine system. In addition, they used the Deki Reader device, which automatically read, recorded, and transmitted the AI interpretation into a cloud database. The study compared TPRs from both sources to identify discrepancies. The study revealed the feasibility of using these devices but also identified several logistic and technical challenges. These included delays in device procurement due to COVID-19 pandemic and customs issues, emphasizing the need for better planning and coordination in future rollouts. Device malfunctions and the reliance on stable internet connectivity highlighted the importance of robust support systems and contingency plans. This study demonstrated both the benefits and challenges of implementing such digital health technologies in primary health facilities. Key considerations for successful deployment include careful planning, adequate training and supervision, and taking into account local infrastructure, especially internet connectivity.

🎉Why You Should Join (Webinar 1): Understand the strategic role of scientific priority setting in advancing R&D and innovation. Discover the importance of collaborative knowledge exchange and international partnerships in integrating genomic medicine into African healthcare systems. Learn how precision medicine can significantly improve healthcare outcomes for Africa. Explore how targeted investments can lead to impactful advancements across Africa. Witness leading projects implementing genomics and precision medicine in Africa. 🎉Why You Should Join (Webinar 2): Enhance understanding of malaria prevalence and deaths and the need to further optimize current interventions to eliminate malaria. Increase awareness of the ongoing efforts to eliminate malaria, with a focus on funding for research and development of new tools and technologies for malaria control. Identify concrete actions that countries/actors need to take to accelerate progress towards developing new tools and technologies for malaria elimination. Mgbechidinma Chiamaka Linda will be attending.

🌟 Publication Announcement 🌟 I'm happy to announce the publication of my paper, "Health worker's adherence to malaria case management protocols: a qualitative research". a project very close to my heart. I wrote this paper under incredibly difficult conditions, during my internal displacement due to war. Living in a remote area in Northern State, I used my phone and stood in one spot to get enough network to conduct literature reviews and referencing. Through the preprint publication of this paper, I had the honor of connecting with Professor Dejan Zurovac. His mentorship was invaluable in transforming the paper into its current form, and for that, I am deeply grateful. additionally I'm thankful for Duha Khalid Khansaa Ahmed and Fadwa Saad for their valuable contributions. The paper addresses a crucial issue: adherence to malaria protocols, a key determinant of the cost-effectiveness of malaria interventions. This is a significant challenge in Sudan. During focus group discussions, I encouraged healthcare providers to openly discuss their non-adherent practices. Despite my role as a case management officer at the National Malaria Control Program, I ensured the discussions were non-defensive and non-judgmental. This approach helped me understand these practices, explore their root causes, and gather recommendations for improvement. and hopefully will help us in our work to improve adherence to malaria protocols in Sudan. I am proud to contribute to this important conversation and look forward to the impact this research will have on malaria control efforts. access the paper through the link: https://lnkd.in/dUM3ui2p #Research #Malaria #Healthcare #Sudan #Publication #Mentorship #PublicHealt