Qualitative study of the stigma associated with the lived experiences of Buruli ulcer disease among patients in Nigeria.

Background: Buruli ulcer disease (BUD) is a neglected tropical disease of the skin, subcutaneous tissue and bone caused by Mycobacterium ulcerans, with various disabling and stigmatising sequelae. Patients face a range of adverse impacts owing to the disease as most are unable to relate effectively with their communities, battling stigma and fear of discrimination. This study aimed to explore the stigma associated with the lived experiences of BUD in patients in Nigeria.

Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on antenatal healthcare services in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Many Sub-Saharan African countries have been known to suffer various challenges which threaten the quality of health services that are offered to the population. With the emergence of COVID-19 outbreak, it is not impossible that access to quality antenatal care services would be further threatened in the region due to the competition for limited health care resources. This paper seeks to highlight the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on antenatal healthcare services in Sub-Saharan Africa.

While flattening the curve and raising the line, Africa should not forget street vending practices.

Street vending practices are common in Africa and cater to a large portion of the continent's population. Since the identification of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Africa, various governments have implemented measures to control the spread of infection. These measures may have an adverse effect on street vending practices.

Who Will Pay for the COVID-19 Vaccines for Africa?

Africa's health systems are strained by the COVID-19 pandemic. There are global efforts toward the development and trial of COVID-19 vaccines. However, considering the challenges and economic conditions of African nations, there could be limited access and availability of the vaccines on the continent.

Rural communities in Africa should not be forgotten in responses to COVID-19.

Rural areas in Africa make up a large proportion of the continent. Since the emergence of COVID-19 on the continent, major attention and responses have been placed on urban areas. Rural areas are typified by certain challenges which may serve as limitations to the provision of resources and tools for COVID-19 responses in these areas.