From Africa to the World: Reimagining Africa’s research capacity and culture in the global knowledge economy

Olufadewa, Isaac Iyinoluwa; Adesina, Miracle Ayomikun; Ayorinde, Toluwase

doi:10.7189/jogh.10.010321

Cited by 30 publications

(23 citation statements)

References 5 publications

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“…There is a knowledge deficit in the transmission pattern of the disease and associated risks. Adequate funding should be made available for monkeypox research to better understand the zoonotic hosts, reservoirs and vectors of the monkeypox virus [40]. An empirical review on the natural history of the disease will prepare us to respond effectively in cases of future outbreaks.…”

Section: Recommendationsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Monkeypox: A Neglected Viral Zoonotic Disease

Oladoye

2021

EUROPEAN J MED ED TE

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Over the years, the nations of the world have been plagued with several infectious diseases outbreak. With the continuous rise in the number of emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases such as monkeypox, it is high time we drew lessons and insights from past outbreaks to guide and effectively prepare for possible future outbreaks. Monkeypox, popularly known as the most important orthopoxvirus infection, is a viral zoonotic disease prevalent in Central and West Africa. There are 2 known genetic clades of the monkeypox virus reported so far, the Western African and the Central African clades. The human monkeypox though originated from Africa has grown to be a global concern with cases reported in the United States, United Kingdom, Israel, and Singapore. It is distinctively characterized by lymphadenopathy and systemic rash symptoms. Monkeypox has a low fatality rate (0-11%) with the highest rates occurring in children and young persons who were not part of the smallpox vaccinated population. Report suggests that consumption of bush meats could be a potential risk factor in the transmission of the infection or caring for an infected patient. Several factors have been responsible for the weak surveillance system of monkeypox including the current COVID-19 pandemic that has put more pressure on the fragile healthcare systems and infrastructures of most countries. This paper aims to guide global health policymakers on the impending danger of neglecting this disease. The discourse is concluded with the recommendation of strategies to effectively strengthen the disease surveillance system in combating this public health threat.

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Section: Recommendationsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Monkeypox: A Neglected Viral Zoonotic Disease

Oladoye

2021

EUROPEAN J MED ED TE

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“…There is an exciting and growing literature on the use of mobile genetics technology in biodiversity hotspots (e.g., Krehenwinkel et al 2019;Pomerantz et al 2018), showing a promising-but still unfolding-path for national researchers and management workforce to benefit from these advanced technologies. This is in stark contrast with a long-standing practice of "helicopter science" where foreign researchers collect and export samples with little participation of nationals in data gathering or analysis (Olufadewa et al 2020). More affordable technologies and training opportunities have the potential to contribute towards a more widespread "democratization" of science and biodiversity.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 95%

Next-generation technologies applied to age-old challenges in Madagascar

et al. 2020

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Madagascar is a biodiversity hotspot that is facing rapid rates of deforestation, habitat destruction, and poverty. Urgent action is required to document the status of biodiversity to facilitate efficacious conservation plans. With the recent advent of portable and affordable genetic technologies, it is now possible to take genomic approaches out of the lab and into the field. Mobile genetics labs can produce scientifically reproducible data under field conditions, dramatically minimizing the time between sample collection and data analysis. Here, we show “proof of concept” by deploying miniPCR bio’s miniaturized thermal cycler alongside Oxford Nanopore’s MinION DNA sequencer in Madagascar. Specifically, we deployed this technology at Anjajavy, northwestern Madagascar for rapid biodiversity assessment. We successfully extracted mouse lemur DNA, amplified and sequenced a phylogenetically informative mitochondrial gene (cytochrome-b; cytb), and thereby confirmed the presence of Danfoss’ mouse lemur (M. danfossi) within the Anjajavy Reserve. We show that a mobile genetics lab can provide expeditious results, and allow scientists to conduct genetic analyses, potentially allowing for rapid interventions under emergency conditions in situ. Additionally, mobile labs offer powerful training opportunities for in-country scientists for whom training opportunities were previously confined to ex-situ locations. By bringing genomic technologies to Madagascar and other economically challenged and biodiverse regions of the world, the next generation of scientists and conservationists can more fully implement their leadership roles. Local laboratory and training facilities are changing the polarity of research programs in Madagascar and empowering national researchers to take charge of environmental stewardship.

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“…For example, South Africa's National Health Laboratory Service in April 2020 announced increases in mobile testing units to 67 76 and over 5 million people were tested in 5 months, the highest number in Africa. 77 Also, sufficient funds should be allocated to research 78 and training of health professionals for effective handling of epidemics. 79 …”

Section: Way Forward For Low- and Middle-income Countries (Lmics)mentioning

confidence: 99%

Lessons from the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic response in China, Italy, and the U.S.: a guide for Africa and low- and middle-income countries

Olufadewa

Adesina

Ekpo

et al. 2021

Global Health Journal

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Africa can be “left behind” after other advanced continents recover from the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic as reflected by the global pandemic of HIV/AIDS. In this paper, we summarize potentially adaptable, effective and innovative strategies from China, Italy, and the U.S. The purpose is to help African countries with weaker healthcare systems better respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. China, being the first to detect COVID-19 infection swiftly swung into anti-epidemic actions by the use of innovative risk communication and epidemic containment strategies. Italy and U.S., the next rapidly hit countries after China, however, experienced sustained infections and deaths due to delayed and ineffective response. Many African countries responded poorly to the COVID-19 pandemic as evidenced by the limited capacity for public health surveillance, poor leadership, low education and socioeconomic status, among others. Experience from China, Italy and U.S. suggests that a better response to the COVID-19 pandemic in Africa needs a strong public health leadership, proactive strategies, innovative risk communication about the pandemic, massive tests and isolation, and scaling-up community engagement. Lastly, African countries must collaborate with other countries to facilitate real-time information and experience exchange with other countries to avoid being left behind.

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From Africa to the World: Reimagining Africa’s research capacity and culture in the global knowledge economy

Cited by 30 publications

References 5 publications

Monkeypox: A Neglected Viral Zoonotic Disease

Monkeypox: A Neglected Viral Zoonotic Disease

Next-generation technologies applied to age-old challenges in Madagascar

Lessons from the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic response in China, Italy, and the U.S.: a guide for Africa and low- and middle-income countries

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