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Revista Panamericana de Salud Publica =... 2024To assess changes in reproductive, maternal, newborn, child, and adolescent health (RMNCAH) in Haiti from August 2018 to September 2021, before and during the COVID-19...
OBJECTIVE
To assess changes in reproductive, maternal, newborn, child, and adolescent health (RMNCAH) in Haiti from August 2018 to September 2021, before and during the COVID-19 pandemic.
METHODS
A retrospective study using surveillance data from the Haitian Unique Health Information System, examining two periods: pre- and peri-COVID-19 pandemic. Health indicators at the national level in the two periods were compared using two-sample -tests for proportions, and average absolute monthly changes were calculated using variance-weighted regression.
RESULTS
There was a statistically significant decline in the proportion of most of the indicators assessed from the pre- to the peri-COVID-19 pandemic period. However, the most affected indicators were the proportions of pregnant women with four antenatal care visits, with five antenatal care visits or more, and those who received a second dose of tetanus vaccine, which decreased by over 4 percentage points during the two periods. Likewise, the proportions of children who received diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (DTaP), BCG, polio, pentavalent, and rotavirus vaccines also all declined by over 8 percentage points. In contrast, pneumococcal conjugate vaccine increased by over 4 percentage points. A statistically significant decrease was also observed in the average absolute monthly changes of several reproductive and child health indicators assessed.
CONCLUSIONS
The COVID-19 pandemic may have contributed to the decline observed in several RMNCAH indicators in Haiti. However, the role played by the sociopolitical crisis and control exercised by armed groups over the population in the last three years cannot be ruled out.
PubMed: 38859812
DOI: 10.26633/RPSP.2024.57 -
MedRxiv : the Preprint Server For... May 2024Rotarix rotavirus vaccine was introduced into the Malawi national immunization program in October 2012. We used a previously developed mathematical models to estimate...
BACKGROUND
Rotarix rotavirus vaccine was introduced into the Malawi national immunization program in October 2012. We used a previously developed mathematical models to estimate overall vaccine effectiveness over a 10-year period following rotavirus vaccine introduction.
METHODS
We analyzed data on children <5 years old hospitalized with acute gastroenteritis in Blantyre, Malawi from January 2012 to June 2022, compared to pre-vaccination data. We estimated vaccine coverage before, during, and after the COVID-19 pandemic using data from rotavirus-negative children. We compared model predictions for the weekly number of rotavirus-associated gastroenteritis (RVGE) cases to the observed number by age to validate model predictions and estimate overall vaccine effectiveness.
RESULTS
The number of RVGE and rotavirus-negative acute gastroenteritis cases declined substantially following vaccine introduction. Vaccine coverage among rotavirus-negative controls was >90% with two doses by July 2014, and declined to a low of ~80% in October 2020, before returning to pre-pandemic levels by July 2021. Our models captured the post-vaccination trends in RVGE incidence, with 5.4% to 19.4% of observed weekly RVGE cases falling outside of the 95% prediction intervals. Comparing observed RVGE cases to the model-predicted incidence without vaccination, overall vaccine effectiveness was estimated to be 36.0% (95% prediction interval: 33.6%, 39.9%) peaking in 2014 and was highest in infants (52.5%; 95% prediction interval: 50.1%, 54.9%).
CONCLUSIONS
Overall effectiveness of rotavirus vaccination in Malawi is modest despite high vaccine coverage and has plateaued since 2016. Our mathematical models provide a validated platform for assessing strategies to improve rotavirus vaccine impact.
PubMed: 38853885
DOI: 10.1101/2024.05.29.24308124 -
Medecine Tropicale Et Sante... Mar 2024Vaccination is a protective measure against infectious diseases and remains one of the best investments in public health. Some African countries are still struggling to...
BACKGROUND
Vaccination is a protective measure against infectious diseases and remains one of the best investments in public health. Some African countries are still struggling to reach the required child immunization coverage. Several factors are responsible for limiting immunization coverage. Most of the factors considered to limit immunization coverage are related to the health system. In addition, inaccessibility to care, especially during the critical period of the Covid-19 pandemic, greatly reduced vaccination coverage rates. In Benin, several vaccines are included in the Expanded Programme on Immunization or are administered as part of routine immunization. However, cases of non-compliance with the vaccine and persistent flaccid paralysis are still recorded in the commune of Ouidah in southern Benin. The aim of this study was to investigate the coverage and factors associated with full immunization for age in children aged 0-5 years.
METHODS
A cross-sectional survey was conducted from August to October 2021 in two villages (Adjara-Hounvè and Ahouicodji) in southern Benin. All the households were included. The survey regarded children under 5 for whom a vaccination record was presented. A couple child/mother was recruited after informed consent of the mother and her child. An univariate analysis followed by a multivariate analysis was performed by using a logistic regression model to identify the variables that influence vaccine completeness. Spatial description of vaccine completeness was performed using the kriging method using ArcGIS 10.8 mapping software. Results. Of the 414 mothers surveyed, 57.49% had an immunization card, from which information was collected. Of the 238 children recruited, 141 were in Adjara-Hounvè and 97 in Ahouicodji. Of the 238 children with an immunization card, 20.6% were fully immunized for their age. All children received Baccille Calmette Guérin vaccine at birth. Since poliomyelitis, pentavalent, pneumococcal conjugate, and rotavirus are three-dose vaccines, the percentage of children who received these vaccines decreased as the number of doses increased: 96.6%, 88.2%, 78.1% and 72.3% for the four doses of polio respectively. According to 53.4% of the respondents the reception at the vaccination site was poor, and according to 70.3% of them waiting time for vaccination sessions was long. Several reasons justified the absence of complete vaccination for the age of the children: vaccination site too far from the place of residence (59.54%), lack of financial means (29.78%) and the mother's ignorance (12.76%). Education level "primary" "none" (ORa = 3.32; CI95% 1.07-10.25), occupation "health staff" "housewife" (ORa = 21.18; CI95% 3.07-145.94), mothers' knowledge of Expanded Programme on Immunization diseases (ORa = 2, 20; CI95% 1.03-4.68) and children's age 0-2 months vs ≥ 16 months (ORa = 8.53; CI95% 2.52-28.85) and 9-15 months vs ≥ 16 months (ORa = 2.99; CI95% 1.24-7.23) increased complete immunization status for age. The homogeneity of behaviour related to age-complete immunization coverage in children under 5 years was evident at mapping.
CONCLUSION
Age-complete immunization coverage in children under 5 years of age is very low, with a spatial homogeneity in community immunization uptake behaviour. Age-complete immunization coverage is an innovative indicator that can contribute to achieving age-specific immunization targets.
Topics: Humans; Benin; Infant; Vaccination Coverage; Child, Preschool; Female; Male; Cross-Sectional Studies; Vaccination; Infant, Newborn; COVID-19; Health Services Accessibility; Immunization Programs
PubMed: 38846123
DOI: 10.48327/mtsi.v4i1.2024.352 -
Sultan Qaboos University Medical Journal May 2024This study aimed to investigate and compare the clinical knowledge implications of the integrated management of childhood illness (IMCI) preservice education between... (Comparative Study)
Comparative Study Observational Study
OBJECTIVES
This study aimed to investigate and compare the clinical knowledge implications of the integrated management of childhood illness (IMCI) preservice education between pre-clerkship and junior clerkship medical students.
METHODS
This observational comparative cross-sectional study was conducted between June and August 2022 at Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat, Oman. A self-administered questionnaire was utilised and included questions on sociodemographic data, duration of IMCI preservice training, knowledge of the participants concerning the IMCI objectives and information on a range of childhood conditions.
RESULTS
A total of 97 medical students were included in the study. The majority of students (42.3%) had received 2 lectures in IMCI preservice training. The role of the IMCI approach in reducing childhood morbidity and mortality was advocated by the majority of students (80.8% in the junior-clerkship [JCR] group and 73.3% in the pre-clerkship group). The awareness of the IMCI component of improving the health system was higher in JCR compared to pre-clerkship participants ( = 0.044). When compared to pre-clerkship students, the JCR participants demonstrated a slightly higher awareness of skin pinch ( = 0.038), chest indrawing ( = 0.008), anaemia assessment based on nail bed examination ( = 0.002), diagnostic assessment of malnutrition based on palm examination ( = 0.018), sucking capacity in breastfeeding ( = 0.025), and vaccines such as those for tuberculosis ( = 0.001), pneumococcal ( = 0.018) and rotavirus ( = 0.007).
CONCLUSION
The majority of students displayed good IMCI knowledge and JCR students showed better knowledge compared to pre-clerkship candidates.
Topics: Humans; Cross-Sectional Studies; Students, Medical; Female; Male; Oman; Surveys and Questionnaires; Clinical Competence; Adult; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; Clinical Clerkship; Child
PubMed: 38828240
DOI: 10.18295/squmj.1.2024.004 -
Vaccine: X Aug 2024The Rotavirus vaccine (RVV) introduction is a landmark event in the history of Indian public health as for the first time a novel, low-cost indigenous vaccine was...
BACKGROUND AND AIMS
The Rotavirus vaccine (RVV) introduction is a landmark event in the history of Indian public health as for the first time a novel, low-cost indigenous vaccine was introduced in a short timeline between 2016 and 2019. As per WHO mandate, post-introduction evaluation (PIE) be conducted within 6 to 12 months of vaccine introduction to provide an understanding of the operational aspects of the program. For RVV PIE, an innovative approach to developing and deploying a digitized tool was employed. The present study aims to document the processes followed for digitizing the data collection and analysis tools.
METHODS
The development of the RVV-PIE digital tool was undertaken in two phases. In the first phase, conceptualization and iteration of the modified WHO PIE tool were undertaken. Questions were organized sequentially to ensure natural progression in responses. The finalized questionnaire was converted to a digital version and extensive dummy data was entered to improve automated qualitative data analysis. Phase 2 involved updating the draft tool and incorporating changes to provide a field-tested version for deployment.
RESULTS
The digital version of the tool was successfully developed. The GPS functionality of the tool allowed live tracking of data collection making the process more accountable. The tool was prepopulated with reference materials and data points for easy reference and retrieval by the evaluators. The digitization of the tool also allowed easy visualization of data through maps, charts, and graphs on a real-time user-friendly dashboard.
CONCLUSIONS
The digitization of the PIE tool for RVV in India has been a great learning experience where the dire situation of an ongoing pandemic catapulted us towards a more efficient and comprehensive process innovation. The RVV PIE tool could serve as a customizable digital PIE tool for other health programs heralding an era of a more effective and proficient process of PIE.
PubMed: 38827494
DOI: 10.1016/j.jvacx.2024.100502 -
Virus Research Jun 2024In the present study, first, rotaviruses that caused acute gastroenteritis in children under five years of age during the time before the vaccine was introduced in Iran... (Review)
Review
Circulating rotavirus strains in children with acute gastroenteritis in Iran, 1986 to 2023 and their genetic/antigenic divergence compared to approved vaccines strains (Rotarix, RotaTeq, ROTAVAC, ROTASIIL) before mass vaccination: Clues for vaccination policy makers.
In the present study, first, rotaviruses that caused acute gastroenteritis in children under five years of age during the time before the vaccine was introduced in Iran (1986 to 2023) are reviewed. Subsequently, the antigenic epitopes of the VP7 and VP4/VP8 proteins in circulating rotavirus strains in Iran and that of the vaccine strains were compared and their genetic differences in histo-blood group antigens (HBGAs) and the potential impact on rotavirus infection susceptibility and vaccine efficacy were discussed. Overall data indicate that rotavirus was estimated in about 38.1 % of samples tested. The most common genotypes or combinations were G1 and P[8], or G1P[8]. From 2015 to 2023, there was a decline in the prevalence of G1P[8], with intermittent peaks of genotypes G3P[8] and G9P[8]. The analyses suggested that the monovalent Rotarix vaccine or monovalent vaccines containing the G1P[8] component might be proper in areas with a similar rotavirus genotype pattern and genetic background as the Iranian population where the G1P[8] strain is the most predominant and has the ability to bind to HBGA secretors. While the same concept can be applied to RotaTeq and RotasIIL vaccines, their complex vaccine technology, which involves reassortment, makes them less of a priority. The ROTASIIL vaccine, despite not having the VP4 arm (P[5]) as a suitable protection option, has previously shown the ability to neutralize not only G9-lineage I strains but also other G9-lineages at high titers. Thus, vaccination with the ROTASIIL vaccine may be more effective in Iran compared to RotaTeq. However, considering the rotavirus genotypic pattern, ROTAVAC might not be a good choice for Iran. Overall, the findings of this study provide valuable insights into the prevalence of rotavirus strains and the potential effectiveness of different vaccines in the Iranian and similar populations.
PubMed: 38823689
DOI: 10.1016/j.virusres.2024.199411 -
BMC Infectious Diseases May 2024Noroviruses are the second leading cause of death in children under the age of 5 years old. They are responsible for 200 million cases of diarrhoea and 50,000 deaths in... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Rotavirus vaccines in Africa and Norovirus genetic diversity in children aged 0 to 5 years old: a systematic review and meta-analysis : Rotavirus vaccines in Africa and Norovirus genetic diversity.
Noroviruses are the second leading cause of death in children under the age of 5 years old. They are responsible for 200 million cases of diarrhoea and 50,000 deaths in children through the word, mainly in low-income countries. The objective of this review was to assess how the prevalence and genetic diversity of noroviruses have been affected by the introduction of rotavirus vaccines in Africa. PubMed, Web of Science and Science Direct databases were searched for articles. All included studies were conducted in Africa in children aged 0 to 5 years old with gastroenteritis. STATA version 16.0 software was used to perform the meta-analysis. The method of Dersimonian and Laird, based on the random effects model, was used for the statistical analyses in order to estimate the pooled prevalence's at a 95% confidence interval (CI). Heterogeneity was assessed by Cochran's Q test using the I2 index. The funnel plot was used to assess study publication bias. A total of 521 studies were retrieved from the databases, and 19 were included in the meta-analysis. The pooled norovirus prevalence's for pre- and post-vaccination rotavirus studies were 15% (95 CI, 15-18) and 13% (95 CI, 09-17) respectively. GII was the predominant genogroup, with prevalence of 87.64% and 91.20% respectively for the pre- and post-vaccination studies. GII.4 was the most frequently detected genotype, with rates of 66.84% and 51.24% respectively for the pre- and post-vaccination studies. This meta-analysis indicates that rotavirus vaccination has not resulted in a decrease in norovirus infections in Africa.
Topics: Humans; Rotavirus Vaccines; Infant; Africa; Child, Preschool; Caliciviridae Infections; Norovirus; Rotavirus Infections; Genetic Variation; Gastroenteritis; Infant, Newborn; Prevalence; Rotavirus; Vaccination
PubMed: 38822241
DOI: 10.1186/s12879-024-09434-6 -
Expert Review of Vaccines 2024Rotavirus is a leading cause of severe diarrheal disease and death in children under five years of age worldwide. Vaccination is one of the most important public health... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
Rotavirus is a leading cause of severe diarrheal disease and death in children under five years of age worldwide. Vaccination is one of the most important public health interventions to reduce this significant burden.
AREAS COVERED
This literature review examined vaccination coverage, hospitalization rate, mortality, genotypic distribution, immunogenicity, cost-effectiveness, and risk versus benefit of rotavirus vaccination in children in South America. Nine out of twelve countries in South America currently include a rotavirus vaccine in their national immunization program with coverage rates in 2022 above 90%.
EXPERT OPINION
Introduction of the rotavirus vaccination has led to a marked reduction in hospitalizations and deaths from diarrheal diseases in children under 5 years, particularly infants under 1 year, in several South American countries. In Brazil, hospitalizations decreased by 59% and deaths by 21% (30-38% in infants). In Peru, hospitalizations in infants fell by 46% and deaths by 37% (56% in infants). Overall, data suggest that rotavirus vaccination has reduced rotavirus deaths by 15-50% in various South American countries. There is some evidence that immunity wanes after the age of 1-year old. Ongoing surveillance of vaccine coverage and changes in morbidity and mortality is important to maximize protection against this disease.
Topics: Humans; Rotavirus Vaccines; Rotavirus Infections; Diarrhea; Infant; Hospitalization; South America; Child, Preschool; Immunization Programs; Vaccination; Cost-Benefit Analysis; Rotavirus; Vaccination Coverage; Cost of Illness
PubMed: 38813689
DOI: 10.1080/14760584.2024.2360212 -
Cureus Apr 2024Intussusception is one of the most common causes of acute intestinal obstruction in infancy and early childhood. Most cases of intussusception tend to occur in infancy,...
Intussusception is one of the most common causes of acute intestinal obstruction in infancy and early childhood. Most cases of intussusception tend to occur in infancy, between the ages of four and six months. The causes can be split into two categories: non-pathologic and pathologic. Non-pathological causes include administration of the rotavirus vaccine, dehydration, and recent illness. Pathological causes can be attributed to Meckel's diverticulum (in 75% of cases), polyps (15%), and lymphoma or other tumors (3%). Intussusception rarely occurs in infants less than three months of age. If intussusception does occur in patients under three months of age, the cause is idiopathic in up to 75% of the cases. Additionally, myoglandular-type polyps are exceedingly rare and very rarely occur in patients under the age of 50. This case report discusses the diagnosis and treatment of intussusception in a two-month-old male patient who initially presented to the pediatric inpatient unit for dehydration secondary to a suspected viral illness, later developing colicky abdominal pain and bloody stools. He was found to have colo-colonic intussusception with a myoglandular-type polyp lead point. In discussing this case, the aim is to teach about intussusception and myoglandular-type polyps, as well as reveal a rarity in both etiologies for this age group.
PubMed: 38813337
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.59273