Defective proviruses significantly impact viral transcription and immune activation in men and women with HIV-1 subtype C in rural South Africa.

Introduction: The main obstacle to achieving an HIV-1 cure is the proviral reservoir. To promote equity in HIV cure strategies, it is crucial to study the viral reservoir of the predominant HIV-1 subtype C in both women and men. Therefore, we investigated the dynamics of the (intact) viral reservoir in relation to plasma viral load (VL), CD4 T cell count, and immune activation before and during 96 weeks of successful antiretroviral therapy (ART).

Exploring the impact of COVID-19 on frontline health workers through a photovoice study in Kaduna, Kwara and Ogun States, Nigeria.

Background: Described as the 'backbone of health systems', particularly in low- and middle-income countries, community health workers (CHWs) are a critical cadre on the frontline of any outbreak response. However, it is widely recognised that CHWs are frequently lacking in appropriate support from the health system due to inadequate physical, social and financial resources. Furthermore, despite their critical role in service delivery, the health and well-being of CHWs is seldom considered and the additional emotional and physical burdens that health systems shocks can present are frequently ignored.

A mixed methods evaluation of an integrated training package for skin neglected tropical diseases in Kaduna and Ogun, Nigeria.

Background: The overall burden of neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) affecting the skin is undetermined. Skin conditions are among the top 10 causes of disability worldwide. Affected persons seek treatment at advanced stages of the disease, resulting in morbidity and disability.

Prevalence, incidence and recurrence of sexually transmitted infections in HIV-negative adult women in a rural South African setting.

Objective: Sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including syphilis, chlamydia, gonorrhoea and trichomoniasis, are of global public health concern. While STI incidence rates in sub-Saharan Africa are high, longitudinal data on incidence and recurrence of STIs are scarce, particularly in rural areas. We determined the incidence rates of curable STIs in HIV-negative women during 96 weeks in a rural South African setting.