Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Khululiwe Dlamini, Boitumelo Moetlhoa, Astrid Turner, Kuhlula Maluleke, Tivani Mashamba-Thompson
Summary: This article aims to map and translate evidence on cryptococcal antigen infection among HIV-infected individuals in sub-Saharan Africa, with the potential to guide future research and interventions to improve management in this population.
Article
Environmental Studies
Oliver Asiamah, Samuel Kwaku Agyei, Bossman Ahmed, Ellen Animah Agyei
Summary: The natural resource endowment in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) countries has not led to economic growth and development. The study finds evidence supporting the existence of the Dutch disease and pull effect mechanisms, suggesting that natural resource dependence hinders growth in non-natural resource sectors and the overall economy. The findings emphasize the need for resource-rich countries in SSA to encourage innovation, diversification, and prudent financial management, while building strong institutional structures, to stimulate economic growth and reduce dependence on natural resources.
Review
Environmental Sciences
Thierry Messie Pondie, Fon Dorothy Engwali, Bruno Emmanuel Ongo Nkoa, Edmond Noubissi Domguia
Summary: This study contributes to the existing literature on energy poverty and food security in sub-Saharan Africa. The findings suggest that energy development index, access to electricity, and access to clean energy for cooking positively influence food security in the region. These results highlight the importance of investing in off-grid energy systems to improve local food production, preservation, and preparation, and ultimately enhance human well-being and environmental conservation.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Sokoine Kivuyo, Josephine Birungi, Joseph Okebe, Duolao Wang, Kaushik Ramaiya, Samafilan Ainan, Faith Tumuhairwe, Simple Ouma, Ivan Namakoola, Anupam Garrib, Erik van Widenfelt, Gerald Mutungi, Gerard Abou Jaoude, Neha Batura, Joshua Musinguzi, Mina Nakawuka Ssali, Bernard Michael Etukoit, Kenneth Mugisha, Meshack Shimwela, Omary Said Ubuguyu, Abel Makubi, Caroline Jeffery, Stephen Watiti, Jolene Skordis, Luis Cuevas, Nelson K. Sewankambo, Geoff Gill, Anne Katahoire, Peter G. Smith, Max Bachmann, Jeffrey V. Lazarus, Sayoki Mfinanga, Moffat J. Nyirenda, Shabbar Jaffar
Summary: Integrated management of chronic conditions can improve care for patients with diabetes or hypertension without adversely affecting outcomes for HIV patients in sub-Saharan Africa.
Editorial Material
Medicine, General & Internal
Jean B. Nachega, Nadia A. Sam-Agudu, John W. Mellors, Alimuddin Zumla, Lynne M. Mofenson
Summary: The Covid-19 vaccination effort in Africa can learn the importance of improving accessibility and coverage from the experience with antiretroviral treatment, to ensure equitable and comprehensive vaccination in different regions.
NEW ENGLAND JOURNAL OF MEDICINE
(2021)
Article
Development Studies
Elizavetta Dorinet, Pierre-Andre Jouvet, Julien Wolfersberger
Summary: The study found that an increase in the commodity price index leads to a drop in agricultural productivity in Sub-Saharan economies, possibly due to the lack of spillovers across sectors and the low level of agricultural investment in autocratic regimes. Additionally, higher agricultural productivity is positively associated with the release of workers towards manufacturing and services, thus driving structural transformation.
Article
Environmental Studies
Oliver Asiamah, Samuel Kwaku Agyei, Ahmed Bossman, Ellen Animah Agyei, Joseph Asucam, Michael Arku-Asare
Summary: The study shows a negative association between natural resource dependence and institutional quality, supporting the rent-seeking theory. Additionally, employment, education, and FDI have significant positive relationships with institutional quality. To avoid the resource curse, policy development in SSA countries should focus on encouraging economic modernization and diversification, as well as incorporating sustainable natural resource exploitation policies.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Inayat Ullah, Dong-Young Kim
Summary: This study examines the conservation effects of changes in the size of community-governed protected areas using a generalized DID design and synthetic control methods. Results from 32 Sub-Saharan African countries show that community-governed PAs have reduced the IUCN Red List threat level for mammals by 17%. The findings are robust, supporting recent qualitative studies that suggest positive responses of community participation towards common goods with potential economic incentives, highlighting the benefits of inclusive environmental policies and legislation without social exclusion.
Article
Economics
Ibrahim Ngouhouo, Tii Njivukuh Nchofoung
Summary: The study measures and analyzes the resilience of Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) economies between 2006 and 2015 using the B2A algorithm and graph theory. The results show that most SSA countries are in a condition of uncontrolled vulnerability, with South African economies showing the highest resilience but instability. Policy implications include enhancing macroeconomic policies, improving political governance, and promoting economic diversification to enhance resilience.
JOURNAL OF THE KNOWLEDGE ECONOMY
(2022)
Article
Development Studies
Jorge Gallego, Jenny Guardado, Leonard Wantchekon
Summary: Vote-buying is often blamed for the poor economic performance of developing countries. However, research shows that it has limited electoral impact and rarely leads to visible advantages for a particular party.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Euzebiusz Jamrozik, Nchangwi Syntia Munung, Lucie Abeler-Dorner, Michael Parker
Summary: Phylogenetic analyses of HIV help clarify transmission patterns and identify high-risk populations for targeted public health interventions. While transmission clusters are significant in high-income countries, they play a minor role in sub-Saharan Africa. Nevertheless, phylogenetic analysis can still guide HIV program design for sub-populations with concentrated transmission events.
Review
Environmental Studies
Nugun P. Jellason, Elizabeth J. Z. Robinson, Abbie S. A. Chapman, Dora Neina, Adam J. M. Devenish, June Y. T. Po, Barbara Adolph
Summary: This study conducted a systematic review of the drivers of agricultural expansion from 1970 to 2020, revealing that population dynamics and government policies are key underlying drivers, while proximate drivers include economic opportunities and more troubling trends.
Article
Business, Finance
Yacouba Kassouri
Summary: This study examines the impact of inflation and inflation uncertainty on employment in Sub-Saharan African countries. The findings suggest an asymmetrical effect of inflation and inflation uncertainty on employment across different labor demand spectrums. While inflation has a negative impact on employment beyond a threshold level of 6.07%, inflation uncertainty has a reverse effect. The study highlights the importance of adopting explicit inflation and uncertainty-targeting policies to sustain labor market outcomes.
INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF ECONOMICS & FINANCE
(2024)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Millicent Atujuna, Joseph Tucker, Natasha Crooks, Brian Zanoni, Geri R. Donenberg
Summary: This commentary addresses the unique barriers to dissemination of evidence-based programs in sub-Saharan Africa and presents a seven-strategy blueprint developed by USAID. It also proposes recommendations, such as early planning, engaging a dissemination technical team, applying methodological rigor and theory, actively involving youth voices, and utilizing digital tools for maximum message reach.
Article
Engineering, Industrial
Harrison E. Mutikanga, Muzafalu Kayondo, Chad S. Akita
Summary: In the past two decades, there has been a significant increase in infrastructure development in Sub-Saharan Africa to meet the growing demand for public services. This has led to the influx of Chinese international contractors (CICs) in the region. However, there is limited research on the performance of CICs in Sub-Saharan Africa. This paper presents a case study on the performance of a CIC in a hydropower project in Uganda, which reveals poor performance in terms of schedule, change orders, quality, health and safety, and owner satisfaction.
JOURNAL OF MANAGEMENT IN ENGINEERING
(2023)
Review
Economics
Janneke P. C. Grutters, Anouck Kluytmans, Gert Jan van der Wilt, Marcia Tummers
Summary: This scoping review aimed to classify the methods for early assessments of health technologies according to their specific goals. Through the review, 56 methods were categorized into four subclasses, which are used for exploring the problem, estimating the value, identifying potential conditions, and helping develop and design research. This facilitates the selection of methods based on specific needs and goals.
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Hugo G. B. Nijmeijer, Hans M. M. Groenewoud, Emmanuel A. M. Mylanus, Andre Goedegebure, Wendy J. Huinck, Gert Jan van der Wilt
Summary: This study aimed to explore the impact of further expanding unilateral cochlear implant (CI) criteria in individuals with severe hearing loss (HL) on the number of CI recipients, costs, quality of life, and cost-effectiveness. The results indicated that expanding eligibility to persons with severe HL could be a cost-effective use of resources, but it would require an increase in diagnostic, operative, and rehabilitative capacity.
Editorial Material
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Jan A. C. Hontelez, Nico J. D. Nagelkerke, Sake J. J. De Vlas
TROPICAL MEDICINE & INTERNATIONAL HEALTH
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Rob Johnson, Bimandra Djaafara, David Haw, Patrick Doohan, Giovanni Forchini, Matteo Pianella, Neil Ferguson, Peter C. Smith, Katharina D. Hauck
Summary: This study estimated the socio-economic value of booster vaccination by comparing the costs with and without boosters using simulation modelling. The results showed that booster vaccination can significantly reduce the need for costly non-pharmaceutical interventions and bring substantial societal benefits. It is recommended to consider all socio-economic costs, not just the number of averted deaths, in policy decision-making and vaccination evaluation.
Article
Immunology
Manuela Di Fusco, Diana Mendes, Lotte Steuten, David E. Bloom, Michael Drummond, Katharina Hauck, Jonathan Pearson-Stuttard, Rachel Power, David Salisbury, Adrian Towse, Julie Roiz, Gabor Szabo, Jingyan Yang, Kinga Marczell
Summary: This research aimed to establish a conceptual framework capturing the broader value elements of vaccines and to identify appropriate methods to quantify these elements not routinely considered in HTAs, using COVID-19 as a case study. A two-step approach was adopted, combining a targeted literature review and expert elicitation, leading to a conceptual framework of 30 value elements. When applied to COVID-19 vaccines, 13 value elements were rated highly important by the experts. They also reviewed over 10 methods for quantifying these broader value elements and provided forward-looking recommendations. Rating: 8/10.
Review
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Ala Alwan, Reza Majdzadeh, Gavin Yamey, Karl Blanchet, Alemayehu Hailu, Mohamed Jama, Kjell Arne Johansson, Mohammed Yusuf Ahmed Musa, Omar Mwalim, Ole Frithjof Norheim, Najibullah Safi, Sameen Siddiqi, Raza Zaidi
Summary: This paper reviews the experience of six low-income and lower middle-income countries in setting their own essential packages of health services. The analysis found that health system strengthening and sustainable financing are major challenges. EPHS implementation is more likely when health system gaps are addressed and when there are realistic and sustainable financing prospects. It also emphasizes the importance of political commitment, leadership, and engagement with stakeholders in the design and implementation process.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Rob Baltussen, Omar Mwalim, Karl Blanchet, Manuel Carballo, Getachew Teshome Eregata, Alemayehu Hailu, Maryam Huda, Mohamed Jama, Kjell Arne Johansson, Teri Reynolds, Wajeeha Raza, Jacque Mallender, Reza Majdzadeh
Summary: Many countries aim to achieve universal health coverage through the implementation of essential packages of health services (EPHS). This paper presents an analytical framework on the decision-making process of EPHS revision and reviews the practices of six countries. The review reveals similarities in the practical process, fairness promoted through stakeholder involvement, transparency in decision-making steps, and a strong political will for ongoing EPHS revision.
Review
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Raimat Korede Salami, Sara Valente de Almeida, Adrian Gheorghe, Sarah Njenga, Wnurinham Silva, Katharina Hauck
Summary: This systematic review examines the methods used to measure the impact of substandard and falsified medicines (SFMs) in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), summarizes the findings, and identifies gaps in the literature. The included studies estimate that SFMs can account for a significant proportion of annual malaria costs, affecting rural and poor populations disproportionately. However, evidence on the impact of SFMs is limited and further research is needed to develop practical methods for assessing their effects.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF TROPICAL MEDICINE AND HYGIENE
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Daniela Olivera Mesa, Peter Winskill, Azra C. Ghani, Katharina Hauck
Summary: This study estimated the societal costs of vaccine refusal using measles as a case study. The findings showed that even small reductions in vaccine uptake can result in large outbreaks of infectious diseases. In the case study of England, each vaccine refusal imposed a societal loss of GBP 292 million and a disease burden of 17,630 quality-adjusted-life-years over a 20 year time horizon.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Thomas Rawson, Patrick Doohan, Katharina Hauck, Kris A. Murray, Neil Ferguson
Summary: A review of existing literature indicates that climate change will have a significant impact on the spread of communicable diseases. However, there is a lack of research specifically focusing on how this will be observed in the countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). This report highlights the unique public health challenges faced by the GCC countries in the future and emphasizes the need for increased investment in public health research and disease surveillance.
Article
Biology
Mark M. Dekker, Luc E. Coffeng, Frank P. Pijpers, Debabrata Panja, Sake J. de Vlas
Summary: To combat the initial spread of SARS-CoV-2, many countries implemented nationwide non-pharmaceutical intervention measures, leading to significant socio-economic impacts. However, subnational approaches could potentially achieve similar epidemiological control while minimizing societal consequences. In this study, a high-resolution analysis framework was developed using demographic and spatial data to demonstrate how a subnational approach in the Netherlands resulted in comparable hospital admissions control with the advantage of keeping some regions open for a longer period. This framework can be applicable to other countries and aid in developing policies for future epidemics.
Article
Pediatrics
Jakub Gajewski, Chiara Pittalis, Eric Borgstein, Leon Bijlmakers, Gerald Mwapasa, Mweene Cheelo, Adinan Juma, Muskan Sardana, Ruairi Brugha
Summary: Paediatric surgical care is a significant challenge in Sub-Saharan Africa, where the capacity in district hospitals is poor and shortages are prevalent. There is a lack of specialists and basic infrastructure, equipment, and supplies. Significant investments are needed to address these shortfalls and ensure the presence of an appropriate paediatric surgical workforce in district hospitals.
FRONTIERS IN PEDIATRICS
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Katherine Davis, Michael Pickles, Simon Gregson, James R. Hargreaves, Helen Ayles, Peter Bock, Triantafyllos Pliakas, Ranjeeta Thomas, Julius Ohrnberger, Justin Bwalya, Nomtha Bell-Mandla, Kwame Shanaube, William Probert, Graeme Hoddinott, Virginia Bond, Richard Hayes, Sarah Fidler, Katharina Hauck
Summary: This study examined the impact of Universal Testing and Treatment (UTT) on the Health-Related Quality-of-Life (HRQoL) of People Living with HIV (PLHIV). The results showed that UTT did not change the overall HRQoL of PLHIV, but it reduced the problems with pain/discomfort. The importance of this study lies in improving our understanding of the effects of UTT on the HRQoL of PLHIV, providing guidance for HIV treatment and management.
SSM-POPULATION HEALTH
(2023)
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Zahra Goudarzi, Leon Bijlmakers, Mojtaba Nouhi, Reza Jahangiri, Majid Heydari, Warren Simangolwa, Seyyed Mostafa Hakimzadeh, Karen Trujillo Jara
Summary: This study aims to identify social values related to healthcare priority setting in Iran. A scoping review of original studies was conducted, and it was found that several criteria other than cost per health unit also need to be considered in healthcare priority setting. Previous studies have paid little attention to the social values that underlie priority setting and policy-making processes.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF TECHNOLOGY ASSESSMENT IN HEALTH CARE
(2023)
Meeting Abstract
Immunology
K. Davis, M. Pickles, S. Gregson, J. Hargreaves, H. Ayles, P. Bock, T. Pliakas, R. Thomas, J. Ohrnberger, J. Bwalya, N. Bell-Mandla, K. Shanaube, W. Probert, G. Hoddinott, V. Bond, R. Hayes, S. Fidler, K. Hauck
JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL AIDS SOCIETY
(2022)
