Publications by authors named "A Forier"
Article Synopsis
- Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) provides quick and accurate insights into the transmission of tuberculosis (TB), but raises concerns about personal privacy and public trust.
- Discussions among stakeholders highlighted the need to balance the benefits of WGS in tracing TB sources with the potential harm of stigmatization and discrimination against individuals and communities.
- Public health programs must prioritize transparency, privacy, and community engagement to navigate the ethical challenges posed by real-time WGS in public health investigations.
BackgroundBelgium is a low-endemic country for hepatitis B. Universal hepatitis B vaccination in infants with catch-up in the age cohort of 10-13 year-olds began in 1999.AimsOur objective was to evaluate the effect of prevention and control strategies on acute hepatitis B notification rates in Flanders (Belgium) from 2009 to 2017.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFMost guidelines recommend replacing endoscopic water bottles at least daily with newly sterilized or high-level disinfected water bottles. All these recommendations, however, are mainly based on expert opinions and outbreak reports. We tested the water quality from water bottles used in a gastrointestinal endoscopy unit where water bottles were used up to five days.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFObjective: To assess the cost-effectiveness of the tuberculosis screening activities currently funded by the Flemish government in Flanders, Belgium.
Methods: After estimating the expenses for 2013-2014 of each of nine screening components - which include high-risk groups, contacts and people who are seeking tuberculosis consultation at a centre for respiratory health care - and the associated costs per active case of tuberculosis identified between 2007 and 2014, we compared the cost-effectiveness of each component. The applied perspective was that of the Flemish government.