The monkeypox virus: A public health challenge threatening Africa

Manirambona, Emery; Musa, Shuaibu Saidu; Shomuyiwa, Deborah Oluwaseun; Salam, Feruzi Abdu; John, Okesanya Olalekan; Dinyo, Daniel Garang Aluk; Haruna, Usman Abubakar; Sow, Alhaji Umar; Lucero‐Prisno, Don Eliseo; Ezie, Kengo Nathan; Samai, Mohamed; Aziato, Lydia

doi:10.1002/puh2.33

Cited by 8 publications

(10 citation statements)

References 18 publications

(16 reference statements)

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“…The systematic undervaluation and exploitation of black women within capitalist systems, the disempowerment of marginalized communities, the lack of representation of women and racial minorities in climate decision‐making, biases in portrayals, and the disregard for historical legacies of racism and sexism are just a few examples of these injustices [18]. In addition, disasters affect much more women, forcing them into displacement in precarious conditions and exposing them to violences and exploitations [19, 20]. For instance, migrating rural women and girls face the heightened risk of being trafficked for sexual exploitation at a prevalence of 78%, working in hazardous jobs, and encountering racism, xenophobia, and various forms of discrimination in East Africa [21].…”

Section: Implications On Womenmentioning

confidence: 99%

The intersectional impact of climate change and gender inequalities in Africa

Okesanya,

Alnaeem,

Hassan

et al. 2024

Public Health Challenges

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The global pursuit of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals underscores the importance of combating inequality, with climate change emerging as a significant threat, especially in low‐ and middle‐income countries (LMICs). This commentary explores the profound impact of climate change on the lives of women in Africa, shedding light on a critical issue where 80% of the female population in LMICs grapples with its far‐reaching consequences. Climate change is exacerbating existing gender disparities, particularly within the realms of agriculture, livelihoods, and resource access. Barriers like limited training and technology access hinder effective adaptation, perpetuating discrimination. Rooted deeply in social and cultural norms, the consequences of climate change negatively impact the human rights of women, resulting in increased vulnerability to illnesses, malnutrition, limited housing, and restricted support services. Health risks, including malaria transmission and respiratory diseases, further compound existing challenges, leading to increased rates of anemia, violence against women, alarming spikes in child marriages, and socio‐economic consequences. Integrated policies emphasizing gender mainstreaming, multisectoral approaches, and closing gender gaps in asset ownership are crucial to addressing these challenges. Education, training, and upskilling opportunities are essential to empowering women to confront climate change, further advocating for the development and enforcement of laws and policies recognizing gender differences and safeguarding women's rights. Moreover, there is a need for integrated solutions to foster sustainable development in Africa, as climate change is not a standalone issue but rather intertwines with various aspects of life. By advocating for policies that promote gender equality, education, and resource access, it seeks to pave the way for a more resilient and empowered female population, capable of navigating the complexities of climate change and contributing to the broader goal of sustainable development on the African continent.

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Section: Implications On Womenmentioning

confidence: 99%

The intersectional impact of climate change and gender inequalities in Africa

Okesanya,

Alnaeem,

Hassan

et al. 2024

Public Health Challenges

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“…This ongoing multi-country monkeypox outbreak, which was first documented in the United Kingdom in May 2022, has quickly spread across the globe [ 3 ]. This resulted in gaining global attention and, subsequently, the WHO declaring it a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) [ 4 ]. As of 18 November 2022, more than 80,328 cumulative cases of monkeypox have been documented worldwide, alongside 53 deaths [ 5 ].…”

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confidence: 99%

“…However, the capacity to diagnose the disease requires advanced laboratory infrastructure and specialised equipment such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays, nucleic acid amplification tests, and GeneXpert assays [ 8 ], which may be difficult to carry out in limited-resource settings, thereby hindering the disease diagnosis, and potentially exposing healthcare workers. Furthermore, despite the vaccination recommendation of HCWs, who are considered at high risk of exposure/infection, many countries still need vaccination, thus being an additional risk factor for healthcare workers to contract the virus [ 4 ].…”

mentioning

confidence: 99%

“…In addition, protective measures such as contact tracing and adequate follow-up of suspected cases are not implemented in many countries. At the same time, medicines and vaccinations are not available across all dimensions of healthcare [ 4 ], from receptionists to doctors, medical laboratory technicians, nurses, support workers or healthcare assistants, and all those involved in patient care from admission to discharge. Studies have documented cases of monkeypox among healthcare workers.…”

mentioning

confidence: 99%

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Healthcare workers and monkeypox: The case for risk mitigation

Manirambona

Lopez

Nduwimana

et al. 2023

International Journal of Surgery Open

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Potentially more at risk of contracting the monkeypox virus are healthcare workers. Most healthcare workers come into direct contact with the disease’s infected people, which can spread directly and indirectly. Healthcare professionals must contact patients with the disease and any infected objects or fluids to effectively manage the disease, which further increases the risk of transmission. It is crucial to put safety measures in place and protect healthcare workers. To stop the spread of the monkeypox virus, countries must develop the necessary safeguards and countermeasures. In this emergency, healthcare systems must be strengthened. All healthcare systems should offer staff sufficient personal protective equipment (PPE) and facilitate risk assessment among those with a high risk of exposure. Any suspected case of monkeypox requires caution on the part of healthcare professionals. They must abide by infection control safety rules and protective measures.

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“…There have been multiple outbreaks of emerging infections since the turn of the century. A bulk of these diseases is caused by animals, including the Zika virus, Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS), Ebola Virus Disease (EVD), Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), Monkeypox (MPOX), and Adenovirus among others (Manirambona et al 2022 ; Alarcon-Valdes et al 2022 ). These diseases were formerly known to infect animals, but they now affect humans.…”

mentioning

confidence: 99%