Journal Article > ResearchFull Text
Open Forum Infect Dis. 8 July 2024; Volume 11 (Issue 8); ofae379.; DOI:10.1093/ofid/ofae379
Abdulrahman Ahmed H, Hasheem Mahmood H, Hosam Aldin Sami H, Natiq Taher A, Garcia-Vello P, et al.
Open Forum Infect Dis. 8 July 2024; Volume 11 (Issue 8); ofae379.; DOI:10.1093/ofid/ofae379
The Médecins Sans Frontières Tertiary Orthopaedic Care center in Mosul, Iraq, provides reconstructive surgery, microbiological analysis, integrated infection prevention and control, and antibiotic stewardship services. Between May 2018 and February 2020, we recorded soft tissue and/or bone infections caused by gram-negative extensively drug-resistant (XDR) bacteria in 4.9% (13/266) of the admitted patients. The XDR bacteria identified among 12 patients in this case series were extended-spectrum β-lactamase–producing Klebsiella pneumoniae (n = 5, 41.7%) with intermediate sensitivity or resistance to imipenem and/or meropenem, Acinetobacter spp (n = 3, 25.0%; 2 Acinetobacter baumannii strains) resistant to imipenem and/or meropenem, Pseudomonas aeruginosa (n = 2, 16.7%) resistant to imipenem and meropenem, and extended-spectrum β-lactamase–producing Proteus mirabilis (n = 2, 16.7%) resistant to meropenem. Most XDR isolates were sensitive only to colistin or polymyxin B, neither of which is available in Iraq. Therefore, the only treatment option was multiple rounds of surgical debridement and wound care. The infection was deemed cured before discharge in 7 patients (58.3%). Meanwhile, 4 patients (33.3%) were discharged with unhealed wounds, and outpatient follow-up was planned. One patient died in the intensive care unit of a referral hospital after developing septicemia postsurgery. XDR bacteria pose substantial health risks in Iraq. Thus, improving antimicrobial stewardship and accessibility to essential antibiotics is critical to address this issue.
Journal Article > ResearchFull Text
Public Health Action. 1 August 2023; Volume 13 (Issue 2(Suppl 1)); 13-18.; DOI:10.5588/pha.23.0004
Huyghe S, Telo S, Danwesse E, Ali E, van den Boogaard W, et al.
Public Health Action. 1 August 2023; Volume 13 (Issue 2(Suppl 1)); 13-18.; DOI:10.5588/pha.23.0004
CONTEXTE
Le taux de mortalité maternelle reste élevé (882/100 000 naissances) en République Centrafricaine (RCA), du fait de la survenue de fréquentes complications obstétricales. Médecins Sans Frontières y soutient une maternité de référence à la capitale, Bangui.
OBJECTIFS
Décrire la prévalence, les facteurs associés et la létalité, de l’une des plus sévères, la rupture utérine (RU), ainsi que l’influence d’un antécédent de chirurgie utérine.
MÉTHODES
Ceci est une étude transversale sur des données collectées rétrospectivement entre janvier 2018 et décembre 2021 pour les femmes accouchées d’un nouveau-né plus de 1 000 g.
RÉSULTATS
Sur 38 782 accouchements, 229 (0,6%) de RU étaient enregistrés. Les facteurs associés à la RU étaient : une parité =5 (ORb 7,5 ; IC 95% 4,6–12,2), une présentation fœtale non occipitale (ORb 2,8 ; IC 95% 2,1–3,7) et une macrosomie (OR 4 ; IC 95% 2,6–6,4). La létalité était de 4,4% et la mortinatalité de 64%. La RU était survenue sur utérus non cicatriciel chez 150 (66,1%) femmes. L’issue était plus défavorable en cas de survenue sur utérus non cicatriciel que cicatriciel avec plus de décès maternel (6% vs 0% ; P = 0,023) et un Apgar du nouveau-né < 2 (69,1% vs 45,8% ; P < 0,001).
CONCLUSION
La RU reste un problème majeur de santé maternelle et périnatale en RCA et des efforts sont nécessaires pour détecter précocement les facteurs de risque et d’augmenter la couverture des Soins Obstétricaux et Néonataux d’Urgence Complets.
Le taux de mortalité maternelle reste élevé (882/100 000 naissances) en République Centrafricaine (RCA), du fait de la survenue de fréquentes complications obstétricales. Médecins Sans Frontières y soutient une maternité de référence à la capitale, Bangui.
OBJECTIFS
Décrire la prévalence, les facteurs associés et la létalité, de l’une des plus sévères, la rupture utérine (RU), ainsi que l’influence d’un antécédent de chirurgie utérine.
MÉTHODES
Ceci est une étude transversale sur des données collectées rétrospectivement entre janvier 2018 et décembre 2021 pour les femmes accouchées d’un nouveau-né plus de 1 000 g.
RÉSULTATS
Sur 38 782 accouchements, 229 (0,6%) de RU étaient enregistrés. Les facteurs associés à la RU étaient : une parité =5 (ORb 7,5 ; IC 95% 4,6–12,2), une présentation fœtale non occipitale (ORb 2,8 ; IC 95% 2,1–3,7) et une macrosomie (OR 4 ; IC 95% 2,6–6,4). La létalité était de 4,4% et la mortinatalité de 64%. La RU était survenue sur utérus non cicatriciel chez 150 (66,1%) femmes. L’issue était plus défavorable en cas de survenue sur utérus non cicatriciel que cicatriciel avec plus de décès maternel (6% vs 0% ; P = 0,023) et un Apgar du nouveau-né < 2 (69,1% vs 45,8% ; P < 0,001).
CONCLUSION
La RU reste un problème majeur de santé maternelle et périnatale en RCA et des efforts sont nécessaires pour détecter précocement les facteurs de risque et d’augmenter la couverture des Soins Obstétricaux et Néonataux d’Urgence Complets.
Journal Article > Case Report/SeriesFull Text
Oxf Med Case Reports. 18 July 2023; Volume 2023 (Issue 7); omad053.; DOI:10.1093/omcr/omad053
Bublitz A, Manirakiza C, Whitehouse K, Chara A, Musa T, et al.
Oxf Med Case Reports. 18 July 2023; Volume 2023 (Issue 7); omad053.; DOI:10.1093/omcr/omad053
The management of kwashiorkor disease (KD) in children is challenging in resource-limited settings, especially for those cases with severe skin lesions and its complications. There are no evidenced-based management protocols specific to KD. This article describes the clinical presentation and case management of two children with different presentations of complicated kwashiorkor skin lesions and explores kwashiorkor from the perspective of the children’s caretakers in Maiduguri, Nigeria. Our experience shows that a well-structured approach and careful skin care are crucial. This includes simplified wound care guidance, training of medical staff, strict hygiene measures and the correct choice of antibiotics and antifungals, taking into the account low immunity and vulnerability to opportunistic infections amongst malnourished children. Limited knowledge of kwashiorkor amongst caretakers negatively impacts health-seeking behaviour, resulting in late presentation. Engaging caretakers in the process of care is essential to successful treatment.
Journal Article > ResearchFull Text
Glob Public Health. 1 January 2023; Volume 18 (Issue 1); 2058047.; DOI:10.1080/17441692.2022.2058047
Sitali N, Briskin E, Foday J, Walker C, Keus K, et al.
Glob Public Health. 1 January 2023; Volume 18 (Issue 1); 2058047.; DOI:10.1080/17441692.2022.2058047
Since 2015 Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) has been supporting the Ministry of Health (MoH) in Tonkolili district, Sierra Leone, with an integrated health care approach at the community, primary health centre (PHC), and hospital level. This programme is planned to be handed over to MoH. To prepare for this handover, a qualitative study exploring elements of a successful handover was undertaken in 2019. Focus group discussions (FGD) with the community members (n-48) and in-depth interviews (IDI) with MSF staff, community leaders, and MoH staff in Sierra Leone (n-15) were conducted. Data were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim from English, Creole, and Themne, coded, and thematically analysed. Participants expressed that an optimal project handover and exit strategy should be a continuous, long-term, the staggered process included from the inception of the programme design. It requires clear communication and relationship building by all relevant stakeholders and demands efficient resources and management capacity. Associated policy implications are applicable across humanitarian settings on the handover of programmes where the government is functional and willing to accept responsibilities.
Journal Article > CommentaryFull Text
Public Health Action. 21 September 2014; Volume 4 (Issue 3); DOI:10.5588/pha.14.0028
Zachariah R, Kumar AMV, Reid A, Van der Bergh R, Isaakidis P, et al.
Public Health Action. 21 September 2014; Volume 4 (Issue 3); DOI:10.5588/pha.14.0028
Journal Article > ResearchFull Text
PLOS One. 15 June 2015; Volume 10 (Issue 6); e0128907.; DOI:10.1371/journal.pone.0128907
Gadoev J, Asadov D, Tillashaykhov M, Tayler-Smith K, Isaakidis P, et al.
PLOS One. 15 June 2015; Volume 10 (Issue 6); e0128907.; DOI:10.1371/journal.pone.0128907
BACKGROUND
TB is one of the main health priorities in Uzbekistan and relatively high rates of unfavorable treatment outcomes have recently been reported. This requires closer analysis to explain the reasons and recommend interventions to improve the situation. Thus, by using countrywide data this study sought to determine trends in unfavorable outcomes (lost-to-follow-ups, deaths and treatment failures) and describe their associations with socio-demographic and clinical factors.
METHODS
A countrywide retrospective cohort study of all new and previously treated TB patients registered in the National Tuberculosis programme between January 2006 and December 2010.
RESULTS
Among 107,380 registered patients, 67% were adults, with smaller proportions of children (10%), adolescents (4%) and elderly patients (19%). Sixty per cent were male, 66% lived in rural areas, 1% were HIV-infected and 1% had a history of imprisonment. Pulmonary TB (PTB) was present in 77%, of which 43% were smear-positive and 53% were smear-negative. Overall, 83% of patients were successfully treated, 6% died, 6% were lost-to-follow-up, 3% failed treatment and 2% transferred out. Factors associated with death included being above 55 years of age, HIV-positive, sputum smear positive, previously treated, jobless and living in certain provinces. Factors associated with lost-to-follow-up were being male, previously treated, jobless, living in an urban area, and living in certain provinces. Having smear-positive PTB, being an adolescent, being urban population, being HIV-negative, previously treated, jobless and residing in particular provinces were associated with treatment failure.
CONCLUSIONS
Overall, 83% treatment success rate was achieved. However, our study findings highlight the need to improve TB services for certain vulnerable groups and in specific areas of the country. They also emphasize the need to develop unified monitoring and evaluation tools for drug-susceptible and drug-resistant TB, and call for better TB surveillance and coordination between provinces and neighbouring countries.
TB is one of the main health priorities in Uzbekistan and relatively high rates of unfavorable treatment outcomes have recently been reported. This requires closer analysis to explain the reasons and recommend interventions to improve the situation. Thus, by using countrywide data this study sought to determine trends in unfavorable outcomes (lost-to-follow-ups, deaths and treatment failures) and describe their associations with socio-demographic and clinical factors.
METHODS
A countrywide retrospective cohort study of all new and previously treated TB patients registered in the National Tuberculosis programme between January 2006 and December 2010.
RESULTS
Among 107,380 registered patients, 67% were adults, with smaller proportions of children (10%), adolescents (4%) and elderly patients (19%). Sixty per cent were male, 66% lived in rural areas, 1% were HIV-infected and 1% had a history of imprisonment. Pulmonary TB (PTB) was present in 77%, of which 43% were smear-positive and 53% were smear-negative. Overall, 83% of patients were successfully treated, 6% died, 6% were lost-to-follow-up, 3% failed treatment and 2% transferred out. Factors associated with death included being above 55 years of age, HIV-positive, sputum smear positive, previously treated, jobless and living in certain provinces. Factors associated with lost-to-follow-up were being male, previously treated, jobless, living in an urban area, and living in certain provinces. Having smear-positive PTB, being an adolescent, being urban population, being HIV-negative, previously treated, jobless and residing in particular provinces were associated with treatment failure.
CONCLUSIONS
Overall, 83% treatment success rate was achieved. However, our study findings highlight the need to improve TB services for certain vulnerable groups and in specific areas of the country. They also emphasize the need to develop unified monitoring and evaluation tools for drug-susceptible and drug-resistant TB, and call for better TB surveillance and coordination between provinces and neighbouring countries.
Journal Article > Case Report/SeriesFull Text
Oxf Med Case Reports. 1 August 2020; Volume 2020 (Issue 8); omaa061.; DOI:10.1093/omcr/omaa061
Haddara MM, Haberisoni JB, Trelles M, Gohou JP, Christella K, et al.
Oxf Med Case Reports. 1 August 2020; Volume 2020 (Issue 8); omaa061.; DOI:10.1093/omcr/omaa061
Hippopotamus is one of the most-loved animals in Africa, yet it is aggressive and dangerous. The co-existence of humans in close proximity to their natural habitat increases the probability of human injury. Hippopotamus attacks have long been recognized to cause serious injuries, but its magnitude and burden are still unknown. The medical literature is very scarce when it comes to documenting hippopotamus bite injuries and their outcomes. We present a cohort of 11 patients who suffered hippopotamus bite injuries in Burundi. To our knowledge, this is the largest case series reporting on the clinical presentation, injury patterns and surgical outcomes of hippopotamus bites. The results show a high incidence of wound infections, amputations and permanent disability among other complications. Hippopotamus-inflicted injuries should, therefore, be triaged as major trauma rather than just 'mammalian bites'.
Journal Article > ResearchFull Text
Disaster Med Public Health Prep. 15 December 2016; Volume 11 (Issue 3); 285-289.; DOI:10.1017/dmp.2016.135
Ali E, Ferir MC, Reid AJ, Gray H, van den Boogaard W, et al.
Disaster Med Public Health Prep. 15 December 2016; Volume 11 (Issue 3); 285-289.; DOI:10.1017/dmp.2016.135
OBJECTIVES
Typhoon Haiyan hit the Philippines in November 2013 and left a trail of destruction. As part of its emergency response, Médecins Sans Frontières distributed materials for reconstructing houses and boats as standardized kits to be shared between households. Community engagement was sought and communities were empowered in deciding how to make the distributions. We aimed to answer, Was this effective and what lessons were learned?
METHODS
A cross-sectional survey using a semi-structured questionnaire was conducted in May 2014 and included all community leaders and 269 households in 22 barangays (community administrative areas).
RESULTS
All houses were affected by the typhoon, of which 182 (68%) were totally damaged. All households reported having received and used the housing material. However, in 238 (88%) house repair was incomplete because the materials provided were insufficient or inappropriate for the required repairs.
CONCLUSION
This experience of emergency mass distribution of reconstruction or repair materials of houses and boats led by the local community was encouraging. The use of "standardized kits" resulted in equity issues, because households were subjected to variable degrees of damage. A possible way out is to follow up the emergency distribution with a needs assessment and a tailored distribution. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2017;11:285-289).
Typhoon Haiyan hit the Philippines in November 2013 and left a trail of destruction. As part of its emergency response, Médecins Sans Frontières distributed materials for reconstructing houses and boats as standardized kits to be shared between households. Community engagement was sought and communities were empowered in deciding how to make the distributions. We aimed to answer, Was this effective and what lessons were learned?
METHODS
A cross-sectional survey using a semi-structured questionnaire was conducted in May 2014 and included all community leaders and 269 households in 22 barangays (community administrative areas).
RESULTS
All houses were affected by the typhoon, of which 182 (68%) were totally damaged. All households reported having received and used the housing material. However, in 238 (88%) house repair was incomplete because the materials provided were insufficient or inappropriate for the required repairs.
CONCLUSION
This experience of emergency mass distribution of reconstruction or repair materials of houses and boats led by the local community was encouraging. The use of "standardized kits" resulted in equity issues, because households were subjected to variable degrees of damage. A possible way out is to follow up the emergency distribution with a needs assessment and a tailored distribution. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2017;11:285-289).
Conference Material > Poster
Al Laham D, Ali E, Moussally K, Nahas N, Alameddine A, et al.
MSF Scientific Days International 2020. 13 May 2020; DOI:10.7490/f1000research.1117937.1
• Since 2011, the conflict in Syria has had a huge impact on its population, many of whom are now displaced
• The Syrian crisis has not only affected the physical health of refugees, but has also had a drastic effect on their mental health
• Wadi Khaled, a rural district in the north of Lebanon, hosts about 36,000 displaced Syrians, and is one of most under-served and marginalized areas of Lebanon
• Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) has been providing mental health services to Syrian refugees and the Lebanese host population in Akkar, Wadi Khaled since 2016.
• The Syrian crisis has not only affected the physical health of refugees, but has also had a drastic effect on their mental health
• Wadi Khaled, a rural district in the north of Lebanon, hosts about 36,000 displaced Syrians, and is one of most under-served and marginalized areas of Lebanon
• Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) has been providing mental health services to Syrian refugees and the Lebanese host population in Akkar, Wadi Khaled since 2016.
Journal Article > ResearchFull Text
Torture. 1 August 2018; Volume 28 (Issue 2); 38-55.; DOI:10.7146/torture.v28i2.106921
Spissu C, De Maio G, Van der Bergh R, Ali E, Venables E, et al.
Torture. 1 August 2018; Volume 28 (Issue 2); 38-55.; DOI:10.7146/torture.v28i2.106921
BACKGROUND
Access and linkage to care for migrant torture survivors is contingent on their identification and appropriate referral. However, appropriate tools for identification of survivors are not readily available, and the (staff of) reception systems of host countries may not always be equipped for this task. This study explores practices in the identification and case management of torture survivors in the reception structures and in the public health sector in Rome, Italy.
METHOD
Data were analysed manually and codes and themes generated.
RESULTS
A non-homogeneous level of awareness and experience with torture survivors was observed, together with a general lack of knowledge on national and internal procedures for correct identification of torture survivors. Identification and case management of torture survivors was mainly carried out by non-trained staff. Participants expressed the need for training to gain experience in the identification and management of torture survivors’ cases, as well support and increased resources at both the reception and public health system levels.
CONCLUSIONS
The crucial process of identification and prise en charge of survivors of torture among migrant and refugee populations is relegated to nontrained and inexperienced professionals at different levels of the reception system and public health care sector, which may carry a risk of non-identification and possible harm to survivors. Additional resources and structured interventions are urgently needed, in the form of developing procedures, training, and adapted multidisciplinary services.
Access and linkage to care for migrant torture survivors is contingent on their identification and appropriate referral. However, appropriate tools for identification of survivors are not readily available, and the (staff of) reception systems of host countries may not always be equipped for this task. This study explores practices in the identification and case management of torture survivors in the reception structures and in the public health sector in Rome, Italy.
METHOD
Data were analysed manually and codes and themes generated.
RESULTS
A non-homogeneous level of awareness and experience with torture survivors was observed, together with a general lack of knowledge on national and internal procedures for correct identification of torture survivors. Identification and case management of torture survivors was mainly carried out by non-trained staff. Participants expressed the need for training to gain experience in the identification and management of torture survivors’ cases, as well support and increased resources at both the reception and public health system levels.
CONCLUSIONS
The crucial process of identification and prise en charge of survivors of torture among migrant and refugee populations is relegated to nontrained and inexperienced professionals at different levels of the reception system and public health care sector, which may carry a risk of non-identification and possible harm to survivors. Additional resources and structured interventions are urgently needed, in the form of developing procedures, training, and adapted multidisciplinary services.