Search Results (1,574)

Background: Parents caring for preterm infants during hospital admission have unique needs. How these are addressed plays an important role in parents’ ability to cope with caregiving responsibilities. Educational programmes have proven beneficial to parents during their infant’s stay in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), for both parental and neonatal outcomes. Key components of parenting education during the NICU stay have been described; however, less is known about our understanding of parents’ educational needs, specifically in the South African context. Objectives: To explore parental needs and perceptions regarding a parenting education intervention provided to them while in the NICU, with a focus on programme content, structure, and mode of delivery. Methods: Three focus group discussions were conducted with mothers of preterm infants admitted to the NICU of a referral hospital in the North West province, South Africa. Inclusion criteria comprised parents of infants born in the hospital, singletons or multiples, with a gestational age below 37 weeks, and expected to stay in the NICU for at least 7 days. Discussions centred on mothers’ perceived needs regarding parenting education based on their experiences during their baby’s NICU admission. Results: Twenty-five mothers of singletons or multiples born before 37 weeks of gestation participated in the study. Three main themes were identified: (1) preference for content topics to include basic infant care, infant health and behaviours, and post-discharge related information; (2) education programme structure, which included instructional approaches and training logistics; and (3) support needs, including intrapersonal motivators, communication, and psychosocial and physical support. Conclusions: Participants recognised educational content needs that align with existing literature. However, they also emphasised the importance of addressing basic physical and emotional needs while receiving educational content, ensuring that parents feel empowered and capable of engaging with the information. Full article

Human schistosomiasis is a neglected tropical disease caused by six Schistosoma species, the most widespread of which is S. mansoni. Despite its high prevalence in Africa, molecular data on the parasite remain scarce in many regions, including the Republic of Guinea. This study presents the first molecular characterization of S. mansoni from naturally infected Biomphalaria pfeifferi snails in Guinea. Eight cox1 and four nd5 mitochondrial gene fragments, 353–425 bp and 259–271 bp in length, respectively, were sequenced. A new cox1 haplotype of S. mansoni was identified in this study. High genetic diversity was observed in our samples for both cox1 (Hd = 0.75) and nd5 (Hd = 0.84). Phylogeographic analysis revealed that the dominant Guinean cox1 haplotypes are shared with other West African populations, and that one haplotype is globally dispersed, linking West Africa to South America and the Middle East. Phylogenetic reconstructions confirmed the divergence between West and Southeast African populations and supported the hypothesis of a Southeast African origin for S. mansoni, with a subsequent expansion to West Africa and the New World. These results highlight the importance of expanding molecular surveillance to improve our understanding of the spread and population structure of this human pathogen. Full article

Background/Objectives: Despite large-scale measles and rubella (MR) vaccination campaigns in West Africa, measles outbreaks persist, raising concerns about campaign effectiveness, coverage, and underlying determinants. This study assesses the impact of MR follow-up campaigns in 12 of 17 West African countries (2024–2025) and examines the factors contributing to post-campaign outbreaks. The main objective of this study is to evaluate the impact of MR campaigns on measles transmission, identify the characteristics of post-campaign outbreaks, and propose strategies to improve campaign effectiveness and accelerate progress toward measles elimination in West Africa. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional and ecological analytical study to examine spatial and temporal variations based on measles surveillance data from 2024 to 2025, post-campaign coverage surveys (PCCS), district-level outbreak reports, and administrative coverage reports. Trends in measles cases before and after the MMR campaigns were assessed, along with demographic characteristics and spatial analyses of confirmed cases. Results: In 2024, 70.5% (12/17) of countries conducted measles vaccination campaigns, but measles outbreaks increased in 2025 (64 districts in 2024 versus 383 in 2025). Children under five remained the most affected (54%), with 85% of cases being either unvaccinated (57%) or of unknown status (28%). Administrative coverage exceeded 95% in most countries, but measles PCCS revealed gaps, with only Senegal (93%) and Guinea-Bissau (94%) achieving high verified coverage. No country achieved 95% national MPCC. Conclusions: Suboptimal campaign quality, gaps in immunity beyond target age groups, and unreliable administrative data contributed to the persistence of outbreaks. Recommendations include extending Measles vaccination campaigns to older children (5–14 years), improving preparedness by drawing on experiences from other programs such as polio, standardizing PCCS data survey and analysis methodologies across all countries, and integrating Measles vaccination campaigns with other services such as nutrition. Full article

Soil fertility plays a crucial role in crop productivity, particularly in cocoa cultivation, which is highly dependent on soil quality that directly influences both productivity and sustainability. Understanding how to achieve and maintain soil fertility on cocoa farms is fundamental to sustaining higher yields. Cocoa production in Ghana and Togo remains low, at 350–600 kg/ha, compared to the potential yield of over 1–3 tons per hectare. Given the growing demand for cocoa and limited arable land, adequate soil nutrients are essential to optimise productivity. Soil fertility indices (SFIs) have been widely used as soil metrics by integrating multiple physical, chemical, and biological soil properties. In this study, standard analytical methods were employed to evaluate the SFI through laboratory analyses of 49 surface soil samples collected at a depth of 0–30 cm with an auger. Eleven soil chemical indicators were analysed: pH (water), organic matter (OM), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), available phosphorus (P), total nitrogen (N), cation exchange capacity (CEC), electrical conductivity (EC), and carbon-to-nitrogen ratio (C/N). Principal component analysis, followed by normalisation, was used to select a minimum dataset, which was then integrated into an additive SFI. Results indicated that N, Ca, Mg, CEC, and pH were within the optimal range for most surveyed locations (96%, 94%, 92%, 73%, and 63%, respectively), while OM and C/N were within the optimal range in approximately half of the study area. Available P, K, and C/N were highly deficient in 100%, 67%, and 96% of surveyed locations, respectively. Soil fertility varied significantly among locations (p = 0.007) and was generally low, ranging from 0.15 to 0.66. Only 20% of the soils in the study area were classified as adequately fertile for cocoa cultivation. Therefore, it is necessary to restore soil nutrient balance, especially the critically low levels of K and P, through appropriate management practices that improve fertility over time and help close the yield gap. Full article

Clade I mpox virus (MPXV) is endemic in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Recent studies have described the changing epidemiology of mpox in the country, which has been mainly characterized by the emergence of new MPXV lineages, Clade Ib/sh2023 and Ia/sh2024, associated with sustained human-to-human transmission. Both Clade Ib/sh2023 and Ia/sh2024 are co-circulating in Kinshasa, the capital city of the DRC. Here, we report the first two cases of Clade IIb/sh2017 identified in Kinshasa, DRC, imported from West Africa and locally transmitted. Clinical specimens were collected and tested by PCR. We performed whole genome sequencing using a tiled-amplicon sequencing approach with Clade IIb MPXV-specific primers. The phylogenetic tree shows that Kinshasa Clade IIb MPXV is assigned to Clade IIb/sh2017 within the newly designated lineage G.1, as identified in January 2025 in Sierra-Leone. Full article

Forests play a vital role in the global carbon cycle but face growing anthropogenic pressures, with climate change and forest fragmentation among the most critical. In West Africa, particularly in Ghana, the interaction between increasing aridity and forest fragmentation remains underexplored, despite its significance for forest biomass dynamics and carbon storage processes. This study examined how spatial variation in climatic aridity (Aridity Index, AI) affects above-ground biomass (AGB) in Ghana’s ecological zones, both directly and indirectly through forest fragmentation and biodiversity, using structural equation modeling (SEM) and generalized additive models (GAMs). Results from this study show that AGB declines along the aridity gradient, with humid zones supporting the highest biomass and semi-arid zones the lowest. The SEM analysis revealed that areas with a lower aridity index (drier conditions) had significantly lower AGB, indicating that arid conditions are associated with lower forest biomass. Fragmentation patterns align with this relationship, while biodiversity (as measured by species richness) showed weak associations, likely reflecting both ecological and data limitations. GAMs highlighted nonlinear fragmentation effects: mean patch area (AREA_MN) was the strongest predictor, showing a unimodal relationship with biomass, whereas number of patches (NP), edge density (ED), and landscape shape index (LSI) reduced AGB. Overall, these findings demonstrate that aridity and spatial configuration jointly control biomass, with fragmentation acting as a key mediator of this relationship. Dry and transitional forests emerge as particularly vulnerable, emphasizing the need for management strategies that maintain large, connected forest patches and integrate restoration into climate adaptation policies. Full article

Mpox is an emerging zoonotic infection caused by the Monkeypox virus, an Orthopoxvirus with increasing global relevance following the 2022 multinational outbreak. Historically endemic to Central and West Africa, the disease has evolved from sporadic zoonotic transmission to sustained human-to-human spread, particularly through close physical and intimate contact. Clinical manifestations typically include fever, lymphadenopathy, and progressive mucocutaneous lesions, although severity varies according to viral clade, immune status, and comorbidities. The 2022 outbreak, predominantly associated with the Clade IIb variant, was characterized by milder disease, localized lesions, and reduced mortality compared with the more virulent Clade I variant. Despite this, severe outcomes remain possible, particularly in vulnerable groups such as children, pregnant individuals, immunocompromised patients, and persons with extensive dermatological disorders. Diagnosis relies primarily on polymerase chain reaction testing from lesion-derived samples, with genomic sequencing serving as a complementary tool for epidemiological surveillance. Management is largely supportive, though antivirals such as tecovirimat may be considered in severe cases or in high-risk populations. Data regarding therapeutic safety in pregnancy are limited; however, tecovirimat appears to have the most favorable profile, whereas cidofovir and brincidofovir remain contraindicated. Prevention strategies include targeted vaccination with the non-replicating Modified Vaccinia Ankara–Bavarian Nordic vaccine, used for both pre- and post-exposure prophylaxis, particularly in individuals at elevated risk. Given the evolving epidemiological profile, the potential for vertical transmission, and the risk of adverse perinatal outcomes, Mpox infection during pregnancy poses unique clinical challenges. This review synthesizes current evidence on virology, clinical presentation, diagnosis, prevention, and management, with an emphasis on obstetric considerations and public health implications. Full article

Migratory birds have been implicated in the spread of diverse emerging infectious pathogens, including West Nile virus, Usutu virus, Avian influenza viruses, Salmonella, Campylobacter, antimicrobial-resistant (AMR) bacteria, and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs). Beyond their roles as vectors and reservoirs, migratory birds are also susceptible hosts whose own health may be compromised by these infections, reflecting their dual position in the ecology of pathogens. As facilitators of pathogen transmission during their long-distance migrations, often spanning thousands of kilometres and connecting ecosystems across continents, these birds can easily cross-national borders and circumvent traditional biosecurity measures, thereby acting as primary or secondary vectors in the transmission of cross-species diseases among wildlife, livestock, and humans. Africa occupies a pivotal position in global migratory bird networks, yet comprehensive data on pathogen carriage remain limited. Gaps in knowledge of pathogen diversity constrain current surveillance systems, resulting in insufficient genomic monitoring of pathogen evolution and a weak integration of avian ecology with veterinary and human health. These limitations hinder early detection of novel pathogens and reduce the continent’s preparedness to manage outbreaks. Therefore, this review provides a holistic assessment of these challenges by consolidating existing knowledge concerning the pathogens transmitted by migratory birds in Africa, while recognizing the adverse effect of pathogens, which potentiates population decline, extinction, and ecological imbalance. It further advocates for the adoption of a comprehensive One Health-omics approach that not only strengthens surveillance and technological capacity but also prioritizes the protection of avian health as an integral component of ecosystem and public health. Full article

Smallholder rice farmers in sub-Saharan Africa face persistent livelihood challenges due to declining returns from monocropping, limited diversification opportunities, and vulnerability to climate and market shocks. This study integrated the Drivers–Pressures–State–Impact–Response (DPSIR) framework with the sustainable livelihood approach to evaluate how the transition from rice monocropping to integrated rice–fish farming influences productivity, profitability, and household welfare in Nigeria’s leading rice-producing region. Using a mixed-methods, three-year panel (2021–2023) of 228 households across three communities in Kebbi State, descriptive statistics, regression models, and thematic analyses were combined to assess changes in livelihood capitals, system pressures, and response mechanisms. Adoption of rice–fish systems was associated with substantial improvements: 96.1% of farmers reported increased income, 56.3% improved food security, and 30.6% greater dietary diversity. Regression analyses confirmed that access to more land (p < 0.001 for healthcare and education; p = 0.011 for social status), labor affordability (p < 0.001), and farm size (p < 0.05) were consistent predictors of gains in healthcare, education, and social status, while pesticide and herbicide use negatively affected food access and wellbeing (p < 0.05). The DPSIR assessment revealed that rice–fish integration altered the state of rice production systems through reductions in input-related pressures and generated positive livelihood impacts. The results align with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) related to poverty reduction, food and nutrition security, sustainable production, and biodiversity conservation, and provide the first large-scale, longitudinal evidence from West Africa that integrated rice–fish systems support food security, income diversification, and sustainable resource management. Full article

Monkeypox (MPOX) is an emerging zoonotic disease caused by monkeypox virus (MPXV), an orthopoxvirus closely related to smallpox. Initially confined to endemic regions in Central and West Africa, MPOX has recently gained global significance with outbreaks reported across multiple continents. MPXV is maintained in animal reservoirs but is increasingly transmitted from person to person, facilitated by close contact, respiratory droplets, and, in some cases, sexual transmission. Clinically, MPOX presents with fever, lymphadenopathy, and a characteristic vesiculopustular rash, though atypical manifestations have been observed in recent outbreaks, complicating diagnosis. Laboratory confirmation relies on molecular testing, while differential diagnosis must consider varicella, herpes, and other vesicular illnesses. Therapeutic options remain limited; supportive care is the cornerstone of management, but antivirals such as tecovirimat and brincidofovir, as well as smallpox vaccines, have shown efficacy in mitigating disease severity and preventing infection. The unprecedented global outbreak has underscored the importance of surveillance, rapid diagnostics, and coordinated public health responses to contain transmission. This review provides an overview of epidemiology, virology, clinical manifestations, modes of transmission, available diagnostics, and prophylactic and therapeutic strategies against MPOX. We also discuss the role of animal reservoirs, viral evolution, and human-to-human transmission in shaping the dynamics of recent MPOX outbreaks. By summarizing the latest evidence, this review aims to inform clinicians, researchers, and policymakers about key aspects of MPOX biology, clinical management, and prevention, while identifying gaps that warrant future investigation for the control of this and potentially other emerging zoonotic-related pathogens with an impact on human health. Full article

Sustainable freshwater aquaculture is crucial for food security and economic development in Africa, particularly in North West Africa’s less advanced countries. Existing complex monitoring methods are often impractical for these contexts due to technical and resource limitations. We developed and tested a localised tool to evaluate the sustainability of tilapia farms across diverse agroecological zones in Senegal. The approach involved engaging farmers in a participatory process to identify context-relevant indicators for the environmental, social, and economic dimensions of tilapia farming. These indicators were scored to create a composite sustainability index. Key sustainability challenges identified included a lack of technical support, profitability issues, inadequate environmental management, and social welfare concerns. However, we found promising potential for integrated community-based farms. The sustainability indicators inform policies and practices that promote localised sustainability in sub-Saharan Africa, while considering smallholder farms’ unique needs and characteristics. These assessments contribute to implementing targeted interventions, improved resource management, and enhanced social and environmental outcomes in the freshwater farming industry. Collaboration and knowledge sharing among stakeholders can significantly contribute to developing sustainable aquaculture practices, though successful implementation requires specific, medium-term practice programmes. The tool successfully discriminated between farm types, with intensive private farms scoring highest overall (up to 73% of the maximum sustainability score), while extensive farms in the southern region scored lowest (≈40%). The study demonstrates the value of participatory, context-specific tools for diagnosing sustainability and guiding improvements in African aquaculture. Full article

This study presents the first comprehensive techno-economic assessment of wind-based green hydrogen production across Senegal, a country highly dependent on fossil fuel imports. Using a novel integrated approach combining 30 years of ERA5 reanalysis data (1993–2023), turbine performance modeling and electrolyzer comparison, it fills an important gap for renewable hydrogen development in West Africa. Wind resources were analyzed at multiple altitudes, revealing strong potential in both coastal and northeastern regions, particularly during the dry season, with higher wind speeds at higher turbine heights. Four turbines (Vestas_150, Goldwind_155, Vestas_126 and Nordex_N100) and two electrolyzer types (alkaline and PEM) were evaluated. The alkaline system performed best. Vestas_150 and Goldwind_155 achieved the highest hydrogen yields of 241 and 183 tons/year and CO₂ reductions of 2951 and 2241 tons/year, generating carbon credits of 0.118 M$ and 0.089 M$, respectively. Their levelized cost of electricity remained low (0.042 and 0.039 $/kWh), while smaller turbines showed higher costs. Vestas_150 also had the shortest payback period of 2.16 years, making it the most competitive option. Sensitivity analyses showed that longer system lifespans and high-performance turbines significantly reduce the levelized cost of hydrogen. Priority investment zones include Saint-Louis, Matam, Louga and Tambacounda, with levelized cost of hydrogen values as low as 3.4 $/kg. Full article

Background: Human monkeypox is a zoonotic disease caused by the monkeypox virus (MPXV), endemic in Central and West Africa. A significant 2022 outbreak affected 104 countries, driven by increased susceptibility due to the cessation of smallpox vaccination, global travel, and interactions with infected animals. Strengthening surveillance, public health measures, and raising awareness are essential for early diagnosis, vaccination acceptance, and preventing future outbreaks. Methods: The survey was distributed to 645 nursing students of the University of Palermo between July 2022 and August 2022, and we estimated the knowledge, attitudes and behaviors through a KAP Survey. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the data, while chi-squared, Fisher’s exact, and Student’s t-tests were employed to analyze differences between groups, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05. At least 80% of the students surveyed had already taken the microbiology exam, as microbiology is studied in the first year of the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program at the University of Palermo. Results: The survey showed a predominantly young, female nursing student population with limited knowledge of monkeypox, as only 3.88% demonstrated adequate understanding. Despite this, attitudes toward prevention were positive, with 82.64% scoring adequately and 41.09% expressing strong willingness to get vaccinated. Knowledge improved with academic progression (p = 0.005), while attitudes and behaviors remained consistent. These findings imply a critical gap in education; the limited knowledge, especially regarding transmission and severity, may lead to an underestimation of the risks associated with global infectious diseases. This underscores the need to better prepare future healthcare professionals for public health emergencies Conclusions: The study found that nursing students had limited knowledge of monkeypox, especially regarding epidemiology and disease severity. Despite positive attitudes toward vaccination, some behaviors reflected an underestimation of global infection risks. Knowledge improved with academic progression, underscoring the importance of education. Targeted educational programs are needed to enhance awareness and preparedness for future outbreaks. Full article

Palm oil (Elaeis guineensis), one of the most widely used vegetable oils globally, originates from West Africa and has played a significant role in food, health care, and historical trade networks. It holds cultural, historical, ecological and symbolic significance in Bahia, Brazil. Unlike industrial monocultures, Bahia’s dendê economy is rooted in biodiverse landscapes, maintained through artisanal methods and generational knowledge. Yet, this traditional system faces mounting pressures from deforestation, declining artisanal production, and the industrialization of palm oil supply chains. Parallel to these ecological and economic threats is the abandonment of Bahia’s historical processing infrastructure: many traditional mills and industrial heritage sites have been lost, eroding both tangible and intangible cultural landscapes. These shifts have profound implications for the Baianas do Acarajé, the iconic street vendors who embody the matriarchal cultural lineage and rely on high-quality, traditionally produced dendê for their Afro-Brazilian cuisine. The increasing cost and reduced availability of artisanal oil compromise not only their livelihoods but also the authenticity of comidas de azeite, diminishing a sensory and symbolic culinary tradition. This study adopts a rigorous interdisciplinary methodology, synthesizing ethnography, heritage science, and engineering principles to explore how these artisanal practices can help us solve modern industrial sustainability problems. This article argues that Bahia’s palm oil heritage embodies a multifaceted heritage, spanning religious, economic, ecological, and cultural dimensions, that remains under-recognized and vulnerable. Drawing from UNESCO’s framework of intangible cultural heritage, the study not only details how these practices are transmitted across generations through the matriarchal culinary lineage, but ultimately advances three core contributions, analyzing artisanal performance, proposing a transferable sustainability framework, and outlining actionable pathways, to demonstrate that local communities are co-designers of solutions whose heritage offers a proven blueprint to address contemporary industrial sustainability challenges, calling for informed recognition and support to safeguard this essential component of Brazil’s Afro-descendant cultural identity. Full article

During the course of the Carboniferous to Permian, large parts of eastern Laurentia and northern Gondwana were affected by the Variscan Orogeny accompanying the assembly of Pangea. Here, we concentrate on the Appalachian belt of eastern Laurentia and the Mauritanide of western Gondwana. Owing to the irregular shapes of the craton margins, the collision between Laurentia and the West African Craton provides several conjugate promontories and embayments alongside both cratons. Among others, the coupled pair formed by the African Reguibat promontory and its counterpart in North America, the Pennsylvania embayment, is the principal subject of this study. The western movement of the Reguibat Shield had initially imprinted the West African belts but finally also affected the Appalachians. Acting as a “hallmark”, it produced two specific lobes (stacks of nappes) on both sides of the promontory. The southern NW-SW lobe (Akjoujt nappes) is long known. However, the northern lobe of the “Adrar Souttouf Massif” has not been identified previously, owing to being partially covered and also to its N-S alignment instead of an expected symmetrical SW-NE direction. Furthermore, the Adrar Souttouf Massif is partially covered by allochthonous terranes (Western Thrust Belt, TB, or Appalachians). This new discovery supports a classical impingement model for the deformation of the North American and African belts by westward displacement of the Reguibat Shield. Full article