Continental concerted efforts to control the seventh outbreak of Ebola Virus disease in Uganda: The first 90 days of the response.

On 20th September 2022, Uganda declared the 7th outbreak of Ebola virus disease (EVD) caused by the Sudan Ebola strain following the confirmation of a case admitted at Mubende Regional Referral Hospital. Upon confirmation, the Government of Uganda immediately activated the national incident management system to initiate response activities. Additionally, a multi-country emergency stakeholder meeting was held in Kampala; convening Ministers of Health from neighbouring Member States to undertake cross-border preparedness and response actions.

Assessing the impact of regional laboratory networks in East and West Africa on national health security capacities.

National laboratories are a fundamental capacity for public health, contributing to disease surveillance and outbreak response. The establishment of regional laboratory networks has been posited as a means of improving health security across multiple countries. Our study objective was to assess whether membership in regional laboratory networks in Africa has an effect on national health security capacities and outbreak response.

Implementation of the COVID-19 laboratory testing certification program (CoLTeP), Zimbabwe, 2021.

The Africa Union (AU) Trusted Travel Initiative was introduced in 2021 to support Africa Union member states enhance their current health screening systems. Trusted Travel offers an online digital platform for the verification and authentication of COVID-19 results based on a collaborative effort across a network of participating COVID-19 testing laboratories. In this paper, we describe the certification process of laboratories to qualify for listing on the AU Trusted Travel platform as approved and recognized COVID-19 testing facilities.

Implementation of COVID-19 Laboratory Testing Certification Program (CoLTeP) in African Region.

Objectives: Coronavirus disease 2019 was declared a global pandemic in March 2020 with correct and early detection of cases using laboratory testing central to the response. Hence, the establishment of quality management systems and monitoring their implementation are critical. This study describes the experience of implementing the COVID-19 Laboratory Testing and Certification Program (CoLTeP) in Africa.

An analysis of the COVID-19 laboratory dataset at AiBST Laboratory in Harare, Zimbabwe, 2020.

Introduction: coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has become a major public health problem and has spread rapidly around the globe since its first identification in Wuhan, China, in December 2019. Zimbabwe reported its first case on the 20 March 2020, and since then the disease has spread to almost every part of the country. Laboratory testing is important in controlling this pandemic.

Comparison of Real-Q 2019-nCoV and DaAn Gene 2019-nCoV polymerase chain reaction assays for the detection of SARS-CoV-2.

Background: Various nucleic acid amplification assays for the diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 infection have been developed, and there is a need to assess their test performance relative to one another. The aim of this study was to compare the performance characteristics of the Biosewoom Real-Q 2019-nCoV assay targeting the E and RdRP genes to DaAn Gene 2019-nCoV kit targeting the N gene and ORF1ab in the diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2.

Methods: We performed a diagnostic comparison study by testing nasopharyngeal samples for SARS-CoV-2 using the two reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assays.

Trends in antimicrobial resistance of bacterial pathogens in Harare, Zimbabwe, 2012-2017: a secondary dataset analysis.

Background: Antimicrobial resistance is one of the most serious public health threats of the twenty-first century. The implementation of AMR surveillance in Zimbabwe is limited. However, data from a private laboratory in Harare revealed increasing resistance rates to common antibiotics like ampicillin (i.

Food borne illness amongst health care workers, at a Central Hospital, Harare, Zimbabwe, 2016: a retrospective cohort study.

Objectives: Health care workers (HCW) at a Central Hospital, were served lunch at the hospital canteen on 12 December 2016. On 12 December 2016 at 1700 h, there was a sudden onset of symptoms suggestive of gastrointestinal illness among HCW. We conducted a retrospective cohort study to determine the cause and the factors associated with illness among the HCW at the hospital.

Determinants of multidrug resistance among previously treated tuberculosis patients in Zimbabwe, 2014.

Setting: Zimbabwe.

Objective: To investigate the determinants of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) among previously treated TB patients.

Design: A 1:3 case-control study with bivariate analysis and logistic regression.

Evaluation of the maternal mortality surveillance system in Mutare district, Zimbabwe, 2014-2015: a cross sectional study.

Introduction: In Zimbabwe the integrated disease surveillance and response guidelines include maternal mortality as a notifiable event reported through the Maternal Mortality Surveillance System (MMSS). A preliminary review of the MMSS data for Mutare district for the period January to June 2014 revealed that there were some discrepancies in cases notified and those captured on the T5 monthly return form. There were also delays in reporting of some maternal deaths.

Evaluation of the acute flaccid paralysis (AFP) surveillance system, Gokwe North district, Zimbabwe, 2015: a descriptive cross sectional study.

Introduction: AFP surveillance was adopted globally as a key strategy for monitoring the progress of the polio eradication initiative. Gokwe North district with an estimated 119 655 children <15 years detected 2 cases, 4 cases and 1 case of AFP in 2012, 2013 and 2014 respectively against a target of 5 cases per year. We therefore set out to evaluate the system and find out why it was failing to detect at least 5 cases per year.

Evaluation of the adverse drug reaction surveillance system Kadoma City, Zimbabwe 2015.

Introduction: Medicines have the potential to cause adverse drug reactions and because of this Zimbabwe monitor reactions to medicines through the Adverse Drug Reaction Surveillance System. The Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe monitors reactions to medicines through the Adverse Drugs Reactions Surveillance System. The system relies on health professionals to report adverse drug reactions to maximize patient safety.

Evaluation of severe malaria case management in Mazowe District, Zimbabwe, 2014.

Introduction: Malaria is a preventable and curable disease. Mazowe district had been experiencing a lower malaria transmission rate in comparison to other districts in the Mashonaland Central province but it experienced a huge outbreak in the 2013-2014 rainy seasons with a case fatality rate (CFR) of 0.21%.

Malaria morbidity and mortality trends in Manicaland province, Zimbabwe, 2005-2014.

Introduction: Zimbabwe targets reducing malaria incidence from 22/1000 in 2012 to 10/1000 by 2017, and malaria deaths to near zero by 2017. As the country moves forward with the malaria elimination efforts, it is crucial to monitor trends in malaria morbidity and mortality in the affected areas. In 2013, Manicaland Province contributed 51% of all malaria cases and 35% of all malaria deaths in Zimbabwe.

Factors associated with severe malaria among children below ten years in Mutasa and Nyanga districts, Zimbabwe, 2014-2015.

Introduction: Severe malaria is a rare life threatening illness. Only a small proportion of patients with clinical malaria progress to this medical emergency. On reviewing 61 malaria death investigation forms submitted to the provincial office in 2014, 22(36%) were children below ten years who succumbed to severe malaria.

An evaluation of the proposed organisation restructuring at Kadoma city, 2015.

Introduction: Restructuring is the corporate management term for the act of reorganizing the legal, operational, or other structures of a company for the purpose of making it more profitable or better organized for its present needs. However, preparing an organization to accept and welcome any change is crucial. There is concern though over poor service delivery, untimely payment of workers, top management structure which is thought to be top heavy and employee costs taking (58%) of total expenditure.

Factors associated with contracting malaria in Ward 29 of Shamva District, Zimbabwe, 2014.

Background: Malaria cases at Wadzanayi Clinic in Shamva District, Zimbabwe, increased drastically, surpassing the epidemic threshold, in week four of December 2013. This rise was sustained, which necessitated an investigation of the outbreak.

Objectives: To identify risk factors and system weaknesses to improve epidemic preparedness and response.

Factors associated with late presentation for HIV/AIDS care in Harare City, Zimbabwe, 2015.

Background: Despite widespread awareness and publicity concerning Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) care and advances in treatment, many patients still present late in their HIV disease. Preliminary review of the Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) registers at Wilkins and Beatrice Road Hospitals, both located in Harare, indicated that 67 and 71 % of patients enrolled into HIV/AIDS care presented late with baseline CD4 of <200 cells/uL and/or WHO stage 3 and 4 respectively. We therefore sought to explore factors associated with late presentation in Harare City.

Factors associated with male involvement in the prevention of mother to child transmission of HIV, Midlands Province, Zimbabwe, 2015 - a case control study.

Background: Uptake of and adherence to the prevention of mother to child transmission of HIV (PMTCT) interventions are a challenge to most women if there is no male partner involvement. Organizations which include the National AIDS Council and the Zimbabwe AIDS Prevention Project- University of Zimbabwe have been working towards mobilizing men for couple HIV testing and counseling (HTC) in antenatal care (ANC). In 2013, Midlands province had 19 % males who were tested together with their partners in ANC, an increase by 9 % from 2011.

Rubella outbreak investigation, Gokwe North District, Midlands province, Zimbabwe, 2014 - a case control study.

Introduction: Rubella is a contagious disease, caused by rubella virus and transmitted via the respiratory route. Rubella in pregnancy may cause Congenital Rubella Syndrome (CRS), characterized by multiple defects to the brain, heart, eyes and ears. Gokwe North experienced an increase in rubella cases from 6 cases (24 June 2014) to 374 cases (12 August 2014).

Factors associated with malaria infection in Honde valley, Mutasa district, Zimbabwe, 2014: a case control study.

Background: In January of 2014, an outbreak of malaria was declared in the Honde Valley region of Mutasa District in Zimbabwe. The area has a hot, temperate climate and high rainfall pattern ideal for vector breeding and malaria transmission. Gravity fed irrigation channels span the valley creating a number of breeding sites for malaria vectors, mosquitoes.

Prevalence of pregnancy induced hypertension and pregnancy outcomes among women seeking maternity services in Harare, Zimbabwe.

Background: Pregnancy induced hypertension (PIH) is one of the most common causes of both maternal and neonatal morbidity, affecting about 5 - 8 % of pregnant women. It is associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes as well as maternal morbidity and mortality. Harare City experienced an increase in referrals due to PIH to central hospitals from 2009 to 2011.

Foodborne illness among factory workers, Gweru, Zimbabwe, 2012: a retrospective cohort study.

Background: On the 20th September 2012 the Gweru district medical officer (DMO) reported a sudden increase in the number of factory workers complaining of symptoms suggestive of gastrointestinal illness. We conducted a retrospective cohort study to determine factors associated with illness among factory workers.

Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted from September to October 2012 among 98 randomly selected factory workers.

Staphylococcus aureus food poisoning among Bulawayo City Council employees, Zimbabwe, 2014.

Background: Bulawayo City Council held an Integrated Result Based Management workshop among 86 employees from August 18-22, 2014 at Ikhwezi Training Centre in Bulawayo City. On August 21, 2014, a report of diarrhoea among Council employees attending the workshop was received. We investigated the outbreak to determine the risk factors associated with diarrhoea at Ikhwezi Training Centre, Bulawayo City.