The introduction of effective vaccines in December 2020 marked a significant step forward in the global response to COVID-19. Given concerns with access, acceptability, and hesitancy across Africa, there is a need to describe the current status of vaccine uptake in the continent. An exploratory study was undertaken to investigate these aspects, current challenges, and lessons learnt across Africa to provide future direction.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFObjectives: The understanding of antimicrobial utilization patterns is pertinent to successful implementation of the National Action Plans on Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR). There is, however, limited information on antibiotics utilization in Nigeria. This study was undertaken to build on existing information and provide direction for appropriate interventions including Antibiotics Stewardship Programs (ASP).
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBackground: The COVID-19 pandemic has already claimed considerable lives. There are major concerns in Africa due to existing high prevalence rates for both infectious and non-infectious diseases and limited resources in terms of personnel, beds and equipment. Alongside this, concerns that lockdown and other measures will have on prevention and management of other infectious diseases and non-communicable diseases (NCDs).
View Article and Find Full Text PDFObjectives: The problem of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has assumed pandemic dimensions especially among low-and middle-income countries such as Nigeria. Irrational use of currently available antimicrobial agents is a major contributory factor. There remains a paucity of documented information on the determinants of antibiotic prescribing among physicians in Nigeria to guide future strategies to reduce AMR.
View Article and Find Full Text PDF