Research Articles
Permanent URI for this communityhttp://197.255.125.131:4000/handle/123456789/22010
A research article reports the results of original research, assesses its contribution to the body of knowledge in a given area, and is published in a peer-reviewed scholarly journal. The faculty publications through published and on-going articles/researches are captured in this community
Browse
10 results
Search Results
Item Policy Responses to fight COVID-19; the case of Ghana(Brazilian Journal Of Public Administration, 2020) Antwi-Boasiako, J.; Abbey, C.O.A.; Ofori, R.A.; Ogbey, P.This paper focuses on the policy responses of Ghana’s government with a focus on three areas: health, economic, and social. Ghana has made several policy interventions in these three areas. The study highlighted the adoption of the 3T approach in health, CAP-20 in economics, and free water and subsidized electricity for citizens as social interventions. The study concludes that the measures undertaken by the Government of Ghana have yielded significant results even though some challenges with delivery mechanisms are identified. The available statistics as of October 25, 2020, on the COVID-19 situation in Ghana further affirm the gains.Item Surveillance of antimicrobial resistance in human health in Tanzania: 2016–2021(African Journal of Laboratory Medicine, 2023) Camara, N.; Morem, N.; Mghamba, J.; Eliakimu, E.; Shumba, E.; Ondoa, P.; Egyir, B.Background: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) surveillance plays an important role in early detection of resistant strains of pathogens and informs treatments decisions at local, regional and national levels. In 2017, Tanzania developed a One Health AMR Surveillance Framework to guide establishment of AMR surveillance systems in the human and animal sectors. Aim: We reviewed AMR surveillance studies in Tanzania to document progress towards establishing an AMR surveillance system and determine effective strengthening strategies. Methods: We conducted a literature review on AMR studies conducted in Tanzania by searching Google Scholar, PubMed, and the websites of the Tanzania Ministry of Health and the World Health Organization for articles written in English and published from January 2012 to March 2021 using relevant search terms. Additionally, we reviewed applicable guidelines, plans, and reports from the Tanzanian Ministry of Health. Results: We reviewed 10 articles on AMR in Tanzania, where studies were conducted at hospitals in seven of Tanzania’s 26 regions between 2012 and 2019. Nine AMR sentinel sites had been established, and there was suitable and clear coordination under ‘One Health’. However, sharing of surveillance data between sectors had yet to be strengthened. Most studies documented high resistance rates of Gram-negative bacteria to third-generation cephalosporins. There were few laboratory staff who were well trained on AMR. Conclusion: Important progress has been made in establishing a useful, reliable AMR surveillance system. Challenges include a need to develop, implement and build investment case studies for the sustainability of AMR surveillance in Tanzania and ensure proper use of third-generation cephalosporins. What this study adds: This article adds to the knowledge base of AMR trends in Tanzania and progress made in the implementation of AMR surveillance in human health sector as a contribution to the global AMR initiatives to reduce AMR burden worldwide. It has highlighted key gaps that need policy and implementation level attention.Item An integrative literature review on the impact of COVID-19 on maternal and child health in Africa(BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth, 2023) Senkyire, E.K.; Ewetan, O.; Azuh, D.; Asiedua, E.; White, R.; Dunlea, M.; Barger, M.; Ohaja, M.Africa has the highest rates of maternal deaths globally which have been linked to poorly functioning health care systems. The pandemic revealed already known weaknesses in the health systems in Africa, such as workforce short ages, lack of equipment and resources. The aim of this paper is to review the published literature on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on maternal and child health in Africa. The integrative review process delineated by Whittemore and Knaf (2005) was used to meet the study aims. The literature search of Ovid Medline, CINAHL, PubMed, WHO, Google and Google scholar, Africa journals online, MIDIRS was limited to publications between March 2020 and May 2022. All the studies went through the PRISMA stages, and 179 full text papers screened for eligibility, 36 papers met inclusion criteria. Of the studies, 6 were qualitative, 25 quantitative studies, and 5 mixed methods. Thematic analysis according to the methods of Braun and Clark (2006) were used to synthesize the data. From the search the six themes that emerged include: effects of lockdown measures, COVID concerns and psychological stress, reduced attendance at antenatal care, childhood vaccination, reduced facility-based births, and increase maternal and child mortality. A review of the literature revealed the following policy issues: The need for government to develop robust response mechanism to public health emergencies that negatively affect maternal and child health issues and devise health policies to mitigate negative effects of lockdown. In times of pandemic there is need to maintain special access for both antenatal care and child delivery services and limit a shift to use of untrained birth attendants to reduce maternal and neonatal deaths. These could be achieved by soliciting investments from various sectors to provide high-quality care that ensures sustainability to all layers of the population.Item Effects of COVID-19 on sub-Saharan African library associations(International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions, 2022) Asare, C.A.B; Aggrey, S.B.Professional associations serve as a backbone for their members in Africa and globally. They promote the welfare of their members and have standards and principles that guide their activities. This is a quantitative study of 10 national library associations in sub-Saharan Africa. The study looks at some of the activities of the national library associations and how they were impacted by the outbreak of COVID-19. The findings show that the majority of the associations had to postpone their annual conferences and continuous professional education programmes. The study recommends that national library associations from sub-Saharan Africa take advantage of technological platforms to reach out to their members in the organization of conferences and training programmes. Also, national library associations should have a policy that can drive their activities in the future in the event of the occurrence of another pandemic.Item Tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS and Malaria Health Services in sub-Saharan Africa – A Situation Analysis of the Disruptions and Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic(Elsevier, 2022) Chanda-Kapata, P.; Ntoumi, F.; Kapata, N.; Lungu, P.; Mucheleng'anga, L.A.; Chakaya, J.; Tembo, J.; Himwaze, C.; Ansumana, R.; Asogun, D.; Mfinanga, S.; Nyasulu, P.; Mwaba, P.; Yeboah-Manu, D.; Zumla, A.; Nachega, J.B.Background: The unprecedented and ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has exposed weaknesses in African countries’ health systems. The impact of shifted focus on COVID-19 for the past 2 years on routine health services, especially those for the epidemics of Tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS and Malaria, have been dramatic in both quantity and quality. Methods: In this article, we reflect on the COVID-19 related disruptions on the Tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS and Malaria routine health services across Africa. Results: The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in disruptions of routine health services and diversion of al- ready limited available resources in sub-Saharan Africa. As a result, disease programs like TB, malaria and HIV have recorded gaps in prevention and treatment with the prospects of reversing gains made towards meeting global targets. The extent of the disruption is yet to be fully quantified at country level as most data available is from modelling estimates before and during the pandemic. Conclusions: Accurate country-level data is required to convince donors and governments to invest more into revamping these health services and help prepare for managing future pandemics without disruption of routine services. Increasing government expenditure on health is a critical part of Africa’s economic policy. Strengthening health systems at various levels to overcome the negative impacts of COVID-19, and preparing for future epidemics will require strong visionary political leadership. Innovations in service delivery and technological adaptations are required as countries aim to limit disruptions to routine services.Item Tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS and Malaria Health Services in sub-Saharan Africa – A Situation Analysis of the Disruptions and Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic(Elsevier, 2022) Chanda-Kapata, P.; Ntoumi, F.; Kapata, N.; Lungu, P.; Mucheleng’anga, L.A.; Chakaya, J.; Tembo, J.; Himwaze, C.; Ansumana, R.; Asogun, D.; Mfinanga, S.; Nyasulu, P.; Mwaba, P.; Yeboah-Manu, D.; Zumla, A.; Nachega, J.B.Background: The unprecedented and ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has exposed weaknesses in African countries’ health systems. The impact of shifted focus on COVID-19 for the past 2 years on routine health services, especially those for the epidemics of Tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS and Malaria, have been dramatic in both quantity and quality. Methods: In this article, we reflect on the COVID-19 related disruptions on the Tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS and Malaria routine health services across Africa. Results: The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in disruptions of routine health services and diversion of already limited available resources in sub-Saharan Africa. As a result, disease programs like TB, malaria and HIV have recorded gaps in prevention and treatment with the prospects of reversing gains made towards meeting global targets. The extent of the disruption is yet to be fully quantified at country level as most data available is from modelling estimates before and during the pandemic. Conclusions: Accurate country-level data is required to convince donors and governments to invest more into revamping these health services and help prepare for managing future pandemics without disruption of routine services. Increasing government expenditure on health is a critical part of Africa’s economic policy. Strengthening health systems at various levels to overcome the negative impacts of COVID-19, and preparing for future epidemics will require strong visionary political leadership. Innovations in service delivery and technological adaptations are required as countries aim to limit disruptions to routine services.Item Adversity or Opportunity? Exploring the Effect of COVID-19 on Ghana’s Informal Economy(2021) Anku-Tsede, O.; Arthur, R.This study purported to explore the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on the informal sector in Ghana. Particularly, the study sought to explore the nature of adversity, opportunities arising from the pandemic and remedial measures. The study adopted a mixed method and used a sample of 186 small-scale business owners and operators. The study found that the major driver of people into the informal sector were the lack of job opportunities in the formal sector rather than the need to evade government regulations. The adverse effects of the pandemic on informal businesses included lowered sales, shortage of supplies and closure of businesses. However, there were opportunities for informal businesses propelled by business diversification and technology. The study recommended the need for government to support and protect the informal sector to enhance mutual revenue generation amidst this pandemic.Item COVID-19 and the state in Africa: The state is dead, long live the state(Taylor & Francis Group, 2021) Amoah, L.G.A.In this article, I am concerned about how countries around the world have coped and are coping with the unprecedented COVID-19 turn of events, which has brought all life to a screeching halt. The state everywhere has been called upon to respond effectively to the asso ciated morbidities and mortalities and plot for a post-COVID-19 era. My interest lies in how the weakening of the state in Africa in the last 30 years complicates the continent’s capacity to confront the pandemic adequately. I focus primarily on the Ghanaian case as my analytic reference. I argue that in spite of the attempts in the public administration literature and neoliberalization policy formation to undermine the African state as a key vehicle for development, this pandemic brings it right back to the center of things.Item Determinants of COVID-19 Response Strategies in Selected African Countries(SAGE, 2021) Asare-Nuamah, P.; Dick-Sagoe, C.; Sakah, B.N.; Muze, H.; Asamoah, J.O.; Kessie, K.O.Using protection motivation theory as the theoretical framework, this study investigates the factors that motivate COVID-19 response in Ghana, Cameroon, Lesotho and Uganda. Through simple random and snowball sampling techniques, 651 participants were selected. The study collected data with the aid of a survey questionnaire, which was analyzed through descriptive and inferential statistics. Results show high perceived COVID-19 threats among the respondents. Consequently, response strategies, such as wearing of nose mask, hand sanitizer application and social distancing, which are perceived to be effective, have been adopted. It is evident that respondents’ demographics influence their COVID-19 threats and coping strategies. Nevertheless, the severity of COVID-19 impacts (p = .00), efficacy of response strategies (p = .00) and access to COVID-19 information (p = .02) were the significant predictors of COVID-19 response, even though the efficacy of COVID-19 response strategies (beta = .55) emerged as the best predictor. It is imperative for African governments to prioritize COVID-19 education to control the spread of the pandemic and minimize its impact.Item Mental health policy and system preparedness to respond to COVID-19 and other health emergencies: a case study of four African countries(SAGE, 2021) Sodi, T.; Modipane, M.; Asante, K.O.; Quarshie, E.N.; Asatsa, S.; Mutambara, J.; Khombo, S.As a result of a long colonial history and subsequent developmental and economic challenges, many African countries have struggled to put in place adequate policies, systems, and associated infrastructures to address the health and social needs of their citizens. With the COVID-19 pandemic threatening human lives and livelihoods, concerns are raised about the preparedness and readiness of health policies and systems in African countries to deal with these kinds of health calamities. More particularly, questions can be asked about the preparedness or even existence of mental health policies and associated systems to help individuals and communities in Africa to deal with the consequences of COVID-19 and other health emergencies. In this article, we analyse the existing mental health policies of four African countries paying attention to the capacity of these legislative provisions to enable psychology professionals to deal with psychosocial problems brought about by COVID-19. We use Walt and Gilson’s Policy Triangle Framework to frame our analysis of the existing mental health policies. In line with this conceptual framework, we review the role played by the different factors in shaping and influencing these mental health policies. We further explore the challenges and opportunities associated with existing legislation and mental health policies. We also reflect on the reports obtained from each of the four countries about the role that psychologists are playing to deal with the associated psychosocial problems. Based on our policy analysis and country reports, we highlight strengths and gaps in these policies and give recommendations on how mental health policies in these countries can be strengthened to respond to COVID-19 and future health emergencies.