The application of the organophosphate larvicide temephos to water storage containers is one of the most commonly employed dengue vector control methods. This systematic literature review is to the knowledge of the authors the first that aims to assess the community-effectiveness of temephos in controlling both vectors and dengue transmission when delivered either as a single intervention or in combination with other interventions. A comprehensive literature search of 6 databases was performed (PubMed, WHOLIS, GIFT, CDSR, EMBASE, Wiley), grey literature and cross references were also screened for relevant studies. Data were extracted and methodological quality of the studies was assessed independently by two reviewers. 27 studies were included in this systematic review (11 single intervention studies and 16 combined intervention studies). All 11 single intervention studies showed consistently that using temephos led to a reduction in entomological indices. Although 11 of the 16 combined intervention studies showed that temephos application together with other chemical vector control methods also reduced entomological indices, this was either not sustained over time or–as in the five remaining studies—failed to reduce the immature stages. The community-effectiveness of temephos was found to be dependent on factors such as quality of delivery, water turnover rate, type of water, and environmental factors such as organic debris, temperature and exposure to sunlight. Timing of temephos deployment and its need for reapplication, along with behavioural factors such as the reluctance of its application to drinking water, and operational aspects such as cost, supplies, time and labour were further limitations identified in this review. In conclusion, when applied as a single intervention, temephos was found to be effective at suppressing entomological indices, however, the same effect has not been observed when temephos was applied in combination with other interventions. There is no evidence to suggest that temephos use is associated with reductions in dengue transmission.

Background: A country’s health system faces pressure when hit by an unexpected shock, such as what we observe in the midst of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. The concept of resilience is highly relevant in this context and is a prerequisite for a health system capable of withstanding future shocks. By exploring how the key dimensions of the resilient health system framework are applied, the present systematic review synthesizes the vital features of resilient health systems in low- and middle-income countries. The aim of this review is to ascertain the relevance of health system resilience in the context of a major shock, through better understanding its dimensions, uses and implications. Methods: The review uses the best-fit framework synthesis approach. An a priori conceptual framework was selected and a coding framework created. A systematic search identified 4284 unique citations from electronic databases and reports by non-governmental organisations, 12 of which met the inclusion criteria. Data were extracted and coded against the pre-existing themes. Themes outside of the a priori framework were collated to form a refined list of themes. Then, all twelve studies were revisited using the new list of themes in the context of each study. Results: Ten themes were generated from the analysis. Five confirmed the a priori conceptual framework that capture the dynamic attributes of a resilient system. Five new themes were identified as foundational for achieving resilience: realigned relationships, foresight and motivation as drivers, and emergency preparedness and change management as organisational mechanisms. Conclusion: The refined conceptual model shows how the themes inter-connect. The foundations of resilience appear to be critical especially in resource-constrained settings to unlock the dynamic attributes of resilience. This review prompts countries to consider building the foundations of resilience described here as a priority to better prepare for future shocks.

Patients with dengue fever and comorbidities seem to be at higher risk of developing complications and/or severe dengue compared to healthier individuals. This study systematically reviews the evidence related to comorbidities and dengue. A systematic literature review was performed in five databases (EMBASE, PUBMED, Global Health, SciELO, Cochrane) and grey literature for full-text articles since its inceptions until October 10, 2015. A total of 230 articles were retrieved. Sixteen studies were analysed after applying all inclusion and exclusion criteria. Seven case control studies and nine retrospective cohort studies showed that comorbidities may contribute to severe dengue, especially 1) cardiovascular disease, 2) stroke, 3) diabetes, 4) respiratory disease and 5) renal disease, as well as old age. However, due to heterogeneity in studies, the real estimate effect of comorbidities as modifiers of dengue severity could not be established. Further research in regions with high prevalence of dengue infection would contribute to a better understanding of the relevance of comorbidities in severe dengue, especially with a standardised protocol, for outcomes, specific comorbidities, study design—best using prospective designs—and sample sizes.

Abstractobjective To evaluate the efficacy and community effectiveness of larvivorous fish for the control of dengue vectors and dengue transmission, when used as a single agent or in combination with other vector control methods.

Abstractobjective Vector control remains the only available method for primary prevention of dengue. Several interventions exist for dengue vector control, with limited evidence of their efficacy and community effectiveness. This systematic review compiles and analyses the existing global evidence for community effectiveness of copepods for dengue vector control.methods The systematic review follows the PRISMA statement, searching six relevant databases. Applying all inclusion and exclusion criteria, 11 articles were included.results There is evidence that cyclopoid copepods (Mesocyclops spp.) could potentially be an effective vector control option, as shown in five community effectiveness studies in Vietnam. This includes long-term effectiveness for larval and adult control of Ae. aegypti, as well as dengue incidence. However, this success has so far not been replicated elsewhere (six studies, three community effectiveness studies -Costa Rica, Mexico and USA, and three studies analysing both efficacy and community effectiveness -Honduras, Laos and USA), probably due to community participation, environmental and/or biological factors. Judging by the quality of existing studies, there is a lack of good study design, data quality and appropriate statistics.conclusion There is limited evidence for the use of cyclopoid copepods as a single intervention.There are very few studies, and more are needed in other communities and environments. Clear best practice guidelines for the methodology of entomological studies should be developed.

BackgroundMyanmar National AIDS programme’s priority is to improve the survival of all people living with HIV by providing anti-retroviral therapy (ART) care. More than 7200 children (aged <15 years) have been enrolled into ART care from 2005 to 2016. A previous study showed that ~11% children on ART care had either died or were lost to follow-up by 60 months. Factors associated with death and lost-to follow-up (adverse outcomes) have not been previously studied.ObjectivesTo describe the association between demographic and clinical characteristics at enrollment into ART care with adverse outcomes.MethodsCohort study using records of children enrolled for ART care at Mingalardon Specialist Hospital (main Paediatric ART center in Myanmar) from 2006–2016. We used multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression models for analysis.Results1,159 children were enrolled for ART care and they contributed a total of 1.45 million person-days of follow-up period. 112 (10%) had an adverse outcome during the follow-up time period (55 deaths, 57 lost to follow-up). Enrollment into the ART care through in-patient care department of the hospital, CD4 Cell count <50/mm3, enrollment during changing ART guidelines (different ART eligibility criteria and preferred ART regimen) were independently associated with higher hazards of adverse outcome. Receiving protease inhibitor-based ART regimen at enrollment was independently associated with lower hazards of adverse outcome. Age, sex, residing in urban or rural areas, WHO clinical stage, having TB at the time of enrollment, receiving cotrimoxazole prophylaxis were not statistically associated with adverse outcomes.ConclusionOur analysis reconfirms good survival of children on ART care (including those with TB). The characteristics associated with adverse outcomes (other than CD4 cell count<50) are surrogates of some unmeasured underlying health system/ patient related factors that needs further exploration to improve the survival of children on ART care.

Background: Globally, two billion workers are employed informally but there is limited research on the relationship between informal work and health. Existing studies have focused on informality as an employment condition, with little emphasis on the diversity of physical and social contexts in which informal work takes place. The study considers the diversity of informal workplaces and explores the ways in which this diversity might influence health and well-being of two informal occupational groups in Yangon, the former capital of Myanmar. Methods: We conducted 21 field observations and 47 semi-structured interviews with street vendors and homebased garment workers based in Yangon, Myanmar. A constant comparative method was used to identify and compare how the physical characteristics of their informal workplaces affect their health for these two informal subgroups. Results: Although both street vendors and home-based garment workers work informally, their exposure to occupational health and income risks are specific to the physical features of their informal workplaces. Street vendors, who work in public spaces with minimal coverage, are more likely to experience the direct effects of outdoor pollution, inclement weather and ergonomic risks from lifting, carrying and transporting heavy merchandise while home-based garment workers, many of whom live and work in unsanitary housing and deprived neighborhoods, are more likely to experience pollution in or near their homes, and ergonomic risks from poor posture. Similarly, although both groups face safety challenges, street vendors face urban violence and abuse during their commute and at vending points whereas home-based garment workers felt unsafe in their homebased workplaces due to the presence of crime and violence in their neighborhoods.

Background: The National Malaria Control Programme (NMCP) in Myanmar trained health staff at the township level starting in mid-2016 in order to achieve the Plasmodium falciparum malaria elimination target by 2020. This study aimed to evaluate the knowledge and perception of Basic Health Staff (BHS) and Vector-borne Diseases Control (VBDC) teams exposed to a short training course on malaria elimination in six targeted townships which included two conflict-affected townships between 2016 and 2017.Methods: This was a cross-sectional mixed-methods study using quantitative and qualitative data extracted from one survey database conducted between October 2018 and March 2019. Modified Poisson regression analysis was performed to ascertain the determinants of low knowledge scores after the training programme.Results: Altogether, 544 trained frontline health workers involved in malaria elimination at the time of the survey were recruited and 56% (302/544) were stationed at sub-Rural Health Centers. More than half of the respondents had correct knowledge of malaria case categories although relapse and recrudescent cases (39% and 37% respectively) were less well known. Over two-thirds of respondents could mention those eligible for malaria testing. Less than 30% knew the foci classification. The overall knowledge scores ranged from 10 to 31. The significant predictors of low level of knowledge [the cut-off point was set at the median value of 21 (IQR 12-30)] in multivariate analysis were the younger age group (18-29 years) and health staff who had attended malaria elimination training in 2017, [(APR = 1.6, 95% CI 1.2-2.2)]; and (APR = 1.5, 95%CI 1.2-1.8)]. Qualitative data from 10 key informants identified perceived challenges in conflictaffected areas as well as in areas of high population mobility with further implications for case surveillance. In addition, the low level of education of community members was noted as one of the barriers that hampered public readiness in the elimination scenario. Conclusion: A significant impact on knowledge improvement after the training programme was not visible especially for correct notification of malaria cases and treatment according to National Malaria Elimination Guidelines. Regular monitoring and continuing guidance by the higher level management is critical to support the field staff.