Nigeria's post-COVID-19 vaccine manufacturing ambitions: Opportunities and regional implications.

Cardiac Surgery-Enhanced Recovery Programs Modified for COVID-19: Key Steps to Preserve Resources, Manage Caseload Backlog, and Improve Patient Outcomes

Perioperative Cardiac Research Considerations During the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Pandemic

COVID-19 and the Kidney Community: Coalescing in Crisis

Lung cancer management challenges amidst COVID-19 pandemic: hope lives here.

Implications of the COVID-19 Pandemic for Pediatric Primary Care Practice in Europe

Using preprints in evidence synthesis: Commentary on experience during the COVID-19 pandemic

COVID-19 in Kidney Transplantation: Outcomes, Immunosuppression Management, and Operational Challenges.

Vaccines are essential health interventions that have become a cost-effective tool for maintaining public health. Access to vaccines in Nigeria and other developing countries is, however, affected by various relevant issues, including insufficient supply, inequitable distribution, vaccine hesitancy, and a lack of local manufacturing capacity. This study, therefore, aimed to gain an in-depth understanding of the challenges impeding vaccine production in Nigeria, taking lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic. A qualitative study was undertaken using a purposive sampling strategy to recruit key stakeholders across Nigeria's vaccine value chain. Interviews were carried out using a semi-structured interview guide. Relevant stakeholders with varying levels of experience across the vaccine value chain were interviewed to ensure that robust and comprehensive data were obtained. The data collected were subjected to thematic analysis, following the interpretivist tradition. Throughout the study, trustworthiness was assured by adopting relevant processes such as data triangulation, reflexive and audit trails. Ethical approval was obtained from the National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development Health Research Ethics Committee prior to the commencement of data collection. This study revealed eight thematic areas underpinning the gaps associated with local vaccine production in Nigeria. Challenges included limited capacity, inadequate research and development, infrastructure deficits, and a sub-optimal environment for vaccine development. Furthermore, the challenges associated with commercialisation and distribution were identified. Findings also revealed a lack of critical factors required for expediting vaccine manufacturing in Nigeria, including poor commitment to collaboration, an absence of sustainability policies and sub-optimal legislation. The study provides insight into systemic and structural barriers to local vaccine production in Nigeria. It identifies key areas requiring urgent intervention, which include funding, infrastructure, human capacity, and regulatory reform. Addressing these gaps through multi-level strategies is critical for improving vaccine self-sufficiency. Evidence from this study can help develop contextual strategies that will expedite vaccine production and Medicines' Security in Nigeria.

Stroke Family Caregiving and the COVID-19 Pandemic: Impact and Future Directions.

The aim of this study was to assess the magnitude of childhood vaccination disruption and to determine the predictors of delaying childhood vaccinations during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic among Indonesian parents. We conducted a nationwide, online, cross-sectional study. A set of questionnaires assessed the disruption of childhood vaccinations and possible explanatory variables, including demographic characteristics, current underlying disease, exposure to and confidence in COVID-19 information, perceived risk, attitude and practice on vaccination, and COVID-19 prevention practice. A multivariable linear regression was used to characterize the relationship between explanatory variables and delayed childhood vaccination. We included 1137 respondents for analysis, of which 52.6% were males and 58.4% participants aged between 31 and 50-years old. Disruption of childhood vaccination service in local health facilities was reported in 42.2% (480/1137) of respondents and 13.3% (193/1137) of respondents explained that their children could not be vaccinated because a healthcare facility temporary stopped the vaccination service. Of all respondents, 312 (27.4%) delayed vaccinating their children for a compulsory vaccination shot. Factors associated with higher odds of delaying compulsory vaccinations for children were employment and chronic disease status, flu vaccination status in the past year, and prior COVID-19 infection. In conclusion, there was a significant disruption of childhood vaccination practices in Indonesia during the COVID-19 pandemic. This is not only due to healthcare closures but also due to parents' practice - delaying the compulsory childhood vaccination for their children. We urge the government to strengthen strategies to ensure childhood vaccination services are available to all children in the country during a pandemic.

BackgroundThe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and the measures taken to minimise its spread have significantly impacted mother- and infant-related healthcare. We describe the changes in newborn feeding, lactation support, and growth outcomes before compared to during the COVID-19 pandemic among moderately low birthweight infants (LBW) (1.5 to <2.5kg) in Malawi.MethodsThe data presented here are part of the Low Birthweight Infant Feeding Exploration (LIFE) study, a formative, multisite, mixed methods observational cohort study. In this analysis, we included infants born at two public hospitals in Lilongwe, Malawi between 18 October 2019 and 29 July 2020. We categorised births as “pre-COVID-19 period” (before 1 April 2020) and “during COVID-19 period” (on or after 2 April 2020) and used descriptive statistics and mixed effects models to examine differences in birth complications, lactation support, feeding, and growth outcomes between the two time periods.ResultsWe included 300 infants and their mothers (n = 273) in the analysis. Most infants (n = 240) were born during the pre-COVID-19 period; 60 were born during the pandemic period. The latter group had a lower prevalence of uncomplicated births (35.8%) compared to pre-pandemic period group (16.7%) (P = 0.004). Fewer mothers reported early initiation of breastfeeding in the pandemic period (27.2%) compared to the pre-pandemic period (14.6%) (P = 0.053), along with significantly less breastfeeding support, particularly in view of discussion of proper latching (44.9% during COVID-19 vs 72.7% pre-COVID-19; P < 0.001) and physical support with positioning (14.3% vs 45.5% pre-COVID-19 P < 0.001). At 10 weeks of age, the prevalence of stunting was 51.0% pre-COVID-19 vs 45.1% during COVID-19 (P = 0.46), the prevalence of underweight was 22.5% pre-COVID-19 vs 30.4% during COVID-19 (P = 0.27), and the prevalence of wasting was 0% pre-COVID-19 vs 2.5% during COVID-19 (P = 0.27).ConclusionsOur findings highlight the continued need to optimise early initiation of breastfeeding and lactation support for infants during COVID-19 and future pandemics. More studies are needed to evaluate the long-term outcomes of moderately LBW born during the COVID-19 pandemic (including growth outcomes) and determine the impact of restrictive measures on access to lactation support and promotion of early initiation of breastfeeding.

Linked articles: COVID‐19 SPECIAL FORUM. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol 2020; 34: e346–e380.

The intersection of genetics and COVID-19 in 2021: preview of the 2021 Rodney Howell Symposium

Introduction: The Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has significantly impacted healthcare delivery systems worldwide, necessitating a re-evaluation of patient satisfaction metrics and experiences within this altered landscape. These changes, while ensuring continuity of care, posed unique challenges, including accessibility, technological adaptation and the maintenance of the quality of patient interactions. In addition, healthcare facilities faced immense strain due to resource allocation, workforce shortages and heightened safety protocols. This unprecedented shift underscores the need to explore how these systemic adaptations have influenced patient satisfaction and shaped their overall healthcare experience in a postpandemic context. Aim: To explore the qualitative aspects of patient satisfaction in healthcare delivery during the COVID-19 pandemic, identifying key factors that influenced patient experiences and perceptions. Materials and Methods: A qualitative research design was employed, utilising an in-depth interviews with patients who accessed healthcare services during the pandemic. The study was conducted in New Delhi, India, among COVID-19 survivors during the period of July 2023 to June 2024. Ethical clearance was obtained from the Institutional Ethics Committee of Amity University (AUUP/IEC/2023/4). Thematic analysis was conducted to identify common themes and insights regarding patient satisfaction. Statistical analysis was performed using the R platform for data visualisation and thematic analysis. Results: The findings revealed several critical themes influencing patient satisfaction, including the accessibility of healthcare services, the quality of communication from healthcare providers, adjustments to telehealth services and the emotional support patients received during their care. Patients expressed both challenges and positive experiences, highlighting the importance of empathy and understanding in healthcare interactions. Conclusion: The study underscores the need for healthcare systems to adapt to evolving patient needs and expectations, particularly in crisis situations like the COVID-19 pandemic. Participants expressed a range of emotions, from frustration to gratitude, highlighting the complexities of navigating healthcare during an unprecedented time. Enhancing communication, increasing accessibility and fostering emotional support are essential strategies to improve patient satisfaction in future healthcare delivery.

Cancer Screening during COVID-19 Pandemic