Can free open access resources strengthen knowledge-based emerging public health priorities, policies and programs in Africa?

Abstract

Tackling emerging epidemics and infectious diseases burden in Africa requires increasing unrestricted open access and free use or reuse of regional and global policies reforms as well as timely communication capabilities and strategies. Promoting, scaling up data and information sharing between African researchers and international partners are of vital importance in accelerating open access at no cost. Free Open Access (FOA) health data and information acceptability, uptake tactics and sustainable mechanisms are urgently needed. These are critical in establishing real time and effective knowledge or evidence-based translation, proven and validated approaches, strategies and tools to strengthen and revamp health systems. As such, early and timely access to needed emerging public health information is meant to be instrumental and valuable for policy-makers, implementers, care providers, researchers, health-related institutions and stakeholders including populations when guiding health financing, and planning contextual programs.

Zika Virus Linked Microcephaly and other Neurological Anomalies Epidemic on Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine: Perspective

“…The evidence-based causal relationship between Zika virus and microcephaly and other brain anomalies public health and economic impact calls for an urgent need to establish contextual and effective local and global neonatal-perinatal and postnatal longitudinal surveillance-response system policies and interventions implementation [1][2][3][11][12][13][14][15][16]. Enhancing robust laboratory data and information and analysis findings to appropriately define Zika viral infection syndrome pre, during and post pregnancy.…”

Digital Technology and Mobile Applications Impact on Zika and Ebola Epidemics Data Sharing and Emergency Response

“…That number may have been substantially lower if information about new cases had been monitored and shared to get an accurate picture of the prevalence and spread of the disease. More recently, Ebola case in control programs reductionist implementation and fast-tracking safe and efficacious Zika and Ebola more sensitive field or point of care diagnostic, safe and effective vaccine research and development [2,11]. Developing and implementing context specific awareness and education programs and activities to healthcare workers and providers, pregnant women and their family capacity and resilience capability.…”

“…Important public health messages may become lost or overlooked with all the other information available. For example, in 2014, a rumour spread via Twitter that drinking copious amounts of salt water cures Ebola lead to two deaths in Nigeria [8,11].…”

“…Using mobile applications as means of communication also raises ethical, medical and legal issues regarding personal data security, privacy and confidentiality as individuals become more connected via the internet and technology [11,31,32]. Digital applications access and uptake ethics and rights principles adherence via open channels (e.g.…”

“…This will tackle the issues of security and privacy that emerge from using ICT as a means of communication during epidemics. Developers of online training modules and tutorials, mobile apps, and SMS should also work to ensure that the trainee gets ethics training on how to treat others during healthcare interventions [6,11,19]. For example, asking for consent, or informing a patient that they are being monitored via closed circuit TV demonstrates virtues of patient dignity and respect.…”