Publications by authors named "Ahmed S Alaama"
Background: Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) that can be prevented and effectively treated; yet it continues to be a cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. There is a limited understanding of the epidemiology of syphilis in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.
Methods: A systematic review conducted up to April 30, 2024 assessed the prevalence of syphilis and followed PRISMA guidelines, without language and date restrictions.
Background: The epidemiology of Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG) infection in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region remains poorly understood, despite the global recognition of its disease burden and the growing concern regarding antimicrobial resistance. This study aimed to systematically review the evidence on NG prevalence in MENA, estimate the pooled mean prevalence across different populations, and explore population-level associations with prevalence as well as sources of between-study heterogeneity.
Methods: The study conducted a systematic review, risk of bias assessment, meta-analyses, and meta-regressions, utilizing both published and unpublished evidence sourced from international, regional, and national databases, in adherence to PRISMA guidelines.
Background: By 2021, Pakistan had an estimated 210 000 people living with HIV (PLHIV), and 27% of those initiated into treatment in 2020 had disengaged from care within one year.
Aim: We assessed the effectiveness of an intervention to re-engage PLHIV lost to follow-up into care in Pakistan.
Methods: Between September 2020 and May 2021, the Association of People Living with HIV (APLHIV) implemented a search and rescue intervention for PLHIV lost to follow-up in 2 large treatment centres in Pakistan.
Article Synopsis
- Monkeypox (mpox), caused by the MPX virus, had a global outbreak in 2022-2023 due to a new variant, clade IIb, primarily affecting men who have sex with men (MSM) in the Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMR).
- A study analyzed mpox case reports submitted to the WHO from May 2022 to December 2023, revealing that most cases were adult males, predominantly MSM, with common symptoms including rash and fever.
- Concerns were raised about data completeness, as reported cases might be significantly lower than actual occurrences, affecting regional response strategies; however, collaborative efforts among EMR countries showed promise for future preparedness.
Article Synopsis
- Trichomoniasis, caused by the parasite Trichomonas vaginalis, is an often overlooked STI in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), prompting a study to better understand its prevalence and public health impact.
- The research involved a systematic review of 263 studies that reported 462 measures of TV prevalence; findings showed significant variation across different groups, with an overall mean prevalence of 4.7% in women but higher rates in specific populations like female sex workers (10.3%) and symptomatic women (13.9%).
- The study highlights that despite conservative sexual norms in MENA, the prevalence of this treatable infection is significant, influenced by factors like access to healthcare and a decline in prevalence over time
Objectives: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection poses a global health challenge. By the end of 2021, the WHO estimated that less than a quarter of global HCV infections had been diagnosed. There is a need for a public health tool that can facilitate the identification of people with HCV infection and link them to testing and treatment, and that can be customised for each country.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFDifferentiated service delivery and new products, such as long-acting injectable cabotegravir (CAB-LA) and the dapivirine vaginal ring (DVR), could increase uptake and use of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV prevention. We explored PrEP provider perspectives on differentiated PrEP service delivery and new PrEP products to inform World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines and programme implementation. 150 PrEP providers who participated in a WHO survey were randomly selected and 67 were invited for interviews based on geographic representation, provider cadre, gender, experience with community-based PrEP service delivery, and familiarity with new PrEP products.
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- * The study found that the overall pooled HSV-2 seroprevalence is around 5.1% in the general population, with higher rates of 13.3% in intermediate-risk groups and 20.6% in female sex workers, indicating significant variability across different demographics.
- * Compared to other global regions, MENA shows lower HSV-2 seroprevalence rates, but there is a trend suggesting an increase
This study characterized population-level trends and associations with hepatitis C virus (HCV) antibody (Ab) prevalence in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). Data source was the standardized and systematically gathered MENA HCV Epidemiology Synthesis Project Database. Random-effects univariable and multivariable meta-regressions were conducted.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFProgress towards elimination of viral hepatitis by 2030 in the WHO Eastern Mediterranean Region, 2019.
Lancet Gastroenterol Hepatol
September 2022
The WHO Global Health Sector Strategy and hepatitis regional action plan for the WHO Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMR) proposed strategic directions for countries to progress towards the elimination of viral hepatitis by 2030. In 2019, we reviewed progress to gain a picture of current pressures and identify priority actions for member states to reach this goal. We collected data from country, regional, and global reports published in 2015-19, questionnaires completed by countries, and convened a regional consultation with programme managers and partners.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBackground: HIV self-testing (HIVST) is an innovative HIV testing approach that effectively reaches those who do not otherwise test, including key populations (KPs). Despite potential benefits, HIVST is not currently implemented in Pakistan. The high risk of HIV among transgender (TGs) persons is among the highest risk group for HIV in Pakistan, yet knowledge of HIV status remains low in this key population group.
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- - From 2016 to 2019, the adoption of WHO PrEP guidelines saw significant growth, with 67% of surveyed countries implementing these recommendations, increasing the number of PrEP users from around 370,000 to 626,000 in just one year.
- - By analyzing data from various regions, it was forecasted that global PrEP users could reach between 2.4 million and 5.3 million by the end of 2023, although potential disruptions from COVID-19 could lower this estimate to between 2.1 million and 3 million.
- - The findings highlight the successful uptake of PrEP in many countries but also underline the uncertainty introduced by the pandemic, emphasizing the need for