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  1. Article ; Online: A WHO-led global strategy to control greenhouse gas emissions: a call for action.

    Chersich, Matthew F / Brink, Nicholas / Craig, Marlies H / Maimela, Gloria / Scorgie, Fiona / Luchters, Stanley

    Globalization and health

    2024  Volume 20, Issue 1, Page(s) 4

    Abstract: Background: Climate change, driven by anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions, is among the greatest threats to human health. The World Health Organisation (WHO), has led global efforts to respond to emerging public health threats including the control ... ...

    Abstract Background: Climate change, driven by anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions, is among the greatest threats to human health. The World Health Organisation (WHO), has led global efforts to respond to emerging public health threats including the control of hazardous substances such as tobacco, alcohol, lead and asbestos, with remarkable health gains. BODY: Despite WHO's clear messaging on the enormous and growing health risks of climate change, greenhouse gases are not yet classified as hazardous substances, requiring control through a global strategy or framework. Additionally, WHO has not classified disease attributable to climate change as a result of the promulgation of these hazards as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC), despite the serious and preventable health risks it poses globally. Several historical precedents set the stage for WHO to declare excess greenhouse gases as health hazards, including the control of ozone-depleting substances and breast-milk substitutes where the public benefit of control exceeded the potential benefit of their promulgation. In addition, WHO's undertaking within the International Health Regulations to protect global health, providing imperative to declare climate change a PHEIC, with Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, director-general of WHO, declaring: "The climate crisis is a health crisis, fuelling outbreaks, contributing to higher rates of noncommunicable diseases, and threatening to overwhelm our health workforce and health infrastructure". Importantly, the health sector, perhaps more than other sectors, has successfully overcome formidable, vested interests in combatting these threats to health.
    Conclusion: It is thus imperative that WHO make full use of their credibility and influence to establish a global framework for the control of greenhouse gases through the declaration of excess greenhouse gas emissions as a hazardous substance, and declaring climate change a PHEIC. Who else is better placed to drive the considerable societal transformation needed to secure a liveable future?
    MeSH term(s) Humans ; Greenhouse Gases/adverse effects ; Greenhouse Effect ; Public Health ; World Health Organization ; Climate Change ; Hazardous Substances
    Chemical Substances Greenhouse Gases ; Hazardous Substances
    Language English
    Publishing date 2024-01-02
    Publishing country England
    Document type Letter
    ZDB-ID 2185774-X
    ISSN 1744-8603 ; 1744-8603
    ISSN (online) 1744-8603
    ISSN 1744-8603
    DOI 10.1186/s12992-023-01008-6
    Database MEDical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System OnLINE

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  2. Article ; Online: A WHO-led global strategy to control greenhouse gas emissions

    Matthew F Chersich / Nicholas Brink / Marlies H Craig / Gloria Maimela / Fiona Scorgie / Stanley Luchters

    Globalization and Health, Vol 20, Iss 1, Pp 1-

    a call for action

    2024  Volume 3

    Abstract: Abstract Background Climate change, driven by anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions, is among the greatest threats to human health. The World Health Organisation (WHO), has led global efforts to respond to emerging public health threats including the ... ...

    Abstract Abstract Background Climate change, driven by anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions, is among the greatest threats to human health. The World Health Organisation (WHO), has led global efforts to respond to emerging public health threats including the control of hazardous substances such as tobacco, alcohol, lead and asbestos, with remarkable health gains. Body Despite WHO’s clear messaging on the enormous and growing health risks of climate change, greenhouse gases are not yet classified as hazardous substances, requiring control through a global strategy or framework. Additionally, WHO has not classified disease attributable to climate change as a result of the promulgation of these hazards as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC), despite the serious and preventable health risks it poses globally. Several historical precedents set the stage for WHO to declare excess greenhouse gases as health hazards, including the control of ozone-depleting substances and breast-milk substitutes where the public benefit of control exceeded the potential benefit of their promulgation. In addition, WHO’s undertaking within the International Health Regulations to protect global health, providing imperative to declare climate change a PHEIC, with Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, director-general of WHO, declaring: “The climate crisis is a health crisis, fuelling outbreaks, contributing to higher rates of noncommunicable diseases, and threatening to overwhelm our health workforce and health infrastructure”. Importantly, the health sector, perhaps more than other sectors, has successfully overcome formidable, vested interests in combatting these threats to health. Conclusion It is thus imperative that WHO make full use of their credibility and influence to establish a global framework for the control of greenhouse gases through the declaration of excess greenhouse gas emissions as a hazardous substance, and declaring climate change a PHEIC. Who else is better placed to drive the considerable societal transformation ...
    Keywords Climate and health ; Greenhouse gases ; Hazardous substances ; Public health ; Emissions control ; Policy ; Public aspects of medicine ; RA1-1270
    Subject code 360
    Language English
    Publishing date 2024-01-01T00:00:00Z
    Publisher BMC
    Document type Article ; Online
    Database BASE - Bielefeld Academic Search Engine (life sciences selection)

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  3. Article ; Online: Increasing global temperatures threaten gains in maternal and newborn health in Africa: A review of impacts and an adaptation framework.

    Chersich, Matthew F / Scorgie, Fiona / Filippi, Veronique / Luchters, Stanley

    International journal of gynaecology and obstetrics: the official organ of the International Federation of Gynaecology and Obstetrics

    2022  Volume 160, Issue 2, Page(s) 421–429

    Abstract: Anatomical, physiologic, and socio-cultural changes during pregnancy and childbirth increase vulnerability of women and newborns to high ambient temperatures. Extreme heat can overwhelm thermoregulatory mechanisms in pregnant women, especially during ... ...

    Abstract Anatomical, physiologic, and socio-cultural changes during pregnancy and childbirth increase vulnerability of women and newborns to high ambient temperatures. Extreme heat can overwhelm thermoregulatory mechanisms in pregnant women, especially during labor, cause dehydration and endocrine dysfunction, and compromise placental function. Clinical sequelae include hypertensive disorders, gestational diabetes, preterm birth, and stillbirth. High ambient temperatures increase rates of infections, and affect health worker performance and healthcare seeking. Rising temperatures with climate change and limited resources heighten concerns. We propose an adaptation framework containing four prongs. First, behavioral changes such as reducing workloads during pregnancy and using low-cost water sprays. Second, health system interventions encompassing Early Warning Systems centered around existing community-based outreach; heat-health indicator tracking; water supplementation and monitoring for heat-related conditions during labor. Building modifications, passive and active cooling systems, and nature-based solutions can reduce temperatures in facilities. Lastly, structural interventions and climate financing are critical. The overall package of interventions, ideally selected following cost-effectiveness and thermal modeling trade-offs, needs to be co-designed and co-delivered with affected communities, and take advantage of existing maternal and child health platforms. Robust-applied research will set the stage for programs across Africa that target pregnant women. Adequate research and climate financing are now urgent.
    MeSH term(s) Child ; Pregnancy ; Infant, Newborn ; Female ; Humans ; Premature Birth ; Temperature ; Infant Health ; Biodiversity ; Placenta
    Language English
    Publishing date 2022-08-16
    Publishing country United States
    Document type Journal Article ; Review
    ZDB-ID 80149-5
    ISSN 1879-3479 ; 0020-7292
    ISSN (online) 1879-3479
    ISSN 0020-7292
    DOI 10.1002/ijgo.14381
    Database MEDical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System OnLINE

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  4. Article ; Online: Impacts of heat exposure in utero on long-term health and social outcomes: a systematic review.

    Brink, Nicholas / Lakhoo, Darshnika P / Solarin, Ijeoma / Maimela, Gloria / von Dadelszen, Peter / Norris, Shane / Chersich, Matthew F

    BMC pregnancy and childbirth

    2024  Volume 24, Issue 1, Page(s) 344

    Abstract: Background: Climate change, particularly global warming, is amongst the greatest threats to human health. While short-term effects of heat exposure in pregnancy, such as preterm birth, are well documented, long-term effects have received less attention. ...

    Abstract Background: Climate change, particularly global warming, is amongst the greatest threats to human health. While short-term effects of heat exposure in pregnancy, such as preterm birth, are well documented, long-term effects have received less attention. This review aims to systematically assess evidence on the long-term impacts on the foetus of heat exposure in utero.
    Methods: A search was conducted in August 2019 and updated in April 2023 in MEDLINE(PubMed). We included studies on the relationship of environmental heat exposure during pregnancy and any long-term outcomes. Risk of bias was assessed using tools developed by the Joanna-Briggs Institute, and the evidence was appraised using the GRADE approach. Synthesis without Meta-Analysis (SWiM) guidelines were used.
    Results: Eighteen thousand six hundred twenty one records were screened, with 29 studies included across six outcome groups. Studies were mostly conducted in high-income countries (n = 16/25), in cooler climates. All studies were observational, with 17 cohort, 5 case-control and 8 cross-sectional studies. The timeline of the data is from 1913 to 2019, and individuals ranged in age from neonates to adults, and the elderly. Increasing heat exposure during pregnancy was associated with decreased earnings and lower educational attainment (n = 4/6), as well as worsened cardiovascular (n = 3/6), respiratory (n = 3/3), psychiatric (n = 7/12) and anthropometric (n = 2/2) outcomes, possibly culminating in increased overall mortality (n = 2/3). The effect on female infants was greater than on males in 8 of 9 studies differentiating by sex. The quality of evidence was low in respiratory and longevity outcome groups to very low in all others.
    Conclusions: Increasing heat exposure was associated with a multitude of detrimental outcomes across diverse body systems. The biological pathways involved are yet to be elucidated, but could include epigenetic and developmental perturbations, through interactions with the placenta and inflammation. This highlights the need for further research into the long-term effects of heat exposure, biological pathways, and possible adaptation strategies in studies, particularly in neglected regions. Heat exposure in-utero has the potential to compound existing health and social inequalities. Poor study design of the included studies constrains the conclusions of this review, with heterogenous exposure measures and outcomes rendering comparisons across contexts/studies difficult.
    Trial registration: PROSPERO CRD 42019140136.
    MeSH term(s) Humans ; Female ; Pregnancy ; Hot Temperature/adverse effects ; Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects ; Climate Change ; Infant, Newborn ; Adult
    Language English
    Publishing date 2024-05-04
    Publishing country England
    Document type Systematic Review ; Journal Article
    ZDB-ID 2059869-5
    ISSN 1471-2393 ; 1471-2393
    ISSN (online) 1471-2393
    ISSN 1471-2393
    DOI 10.1186/s12884-024-06512-0
    Database MEDical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System OnLINE

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  5. Article ; Online: Climate change adaptation in South Africa: a case study on the role of the health sector.

    Chersich, Matthew F / Wright, Caradee Y

    Globalization and health

    2019  Volume 15, Issue 1, Page(s) 22

    Abstract: Background: Globally, the response to climate change is gradually gaining momentum as the impacts of climate change unfold. In South Africa, it is increasingly apparent that delays in responding to climate change over the past decades have jeopardized ... ...

    Abstract Background: Globally, the response to climate change is gradually gaining momentum as the impacts of climate change unfold. In South Africa, it is increasingly apparent that delays in responding to climate change over the past decades have jeopardized human life and livelihoods. While slow progress with mitigation, especially in the energy sector, has garnered much attention, focus is now shifting to developing plans and systems to adapt to the impacts of climate change.
    Methods: We applied systematic review methods to assess progress with climate change adaptation in the health sector in South Africa. This case study provides useful lessons which could be applied in other countries in the African region, or globally. We reviewed the literature indexed in PubMed and Web of Science, together with relevant grey literature. We included articles describing adaptation interventions to reduce the impact of climate change on health in South Africa. All study designs were eligible. Data from included articles and grey literature were summed thematically.
    Results: Of the 820 publications screened, 21 were included, together with an additional xx papers. Very few studies presented findings of an intervention or used high-quality research designs. Several policy frameworks for climate change have been developed at national and local government levels. These, however, pay little attention to health concerns and the specific needs of vulnerable groups. Systems for forecasting extreme weather, and tracking malaria and other infections appear well established. Yet, there is little evidence about the country's preparedness for extreme weather events, or the ability of the already strained health system to respond to these events. Seemingly, few adaptation measures have taken place in occupational and other settings. To date, little attention has been given to climate change in training curricula for health workers.
    Conclusions: Overall, the volume and quality of research is disappointing, and disproportionate to the threat posed by climate change in South Africa. This is surprising given that the requisite expertise for policy advocacy, identifying effective interventions and implementing systems-based approaches rests within the health sector. More effective use of data, a traditional strength of health professionals, could support adaptation and promote accountability of the state. With increased health-sector leadership, climate change could be reframed as predominately a health issue, one necessitating an urgent, adequately-resourced response. Such a shift in South Africa, but also beyond the country, may play a key role in accelerating climate change adaptation and mitigation.
    MeSH term(s) Climate Change ; Health Care Sector ; Humans ; South Africa
    Language English
    Publishing date 2019-03-19
    Publishing country England
    Document type Journal Article ; Systematic Review
    ISSN 1744-8603
    ISSN (online) 1744-8603
    DOI 10.1186/s12992-019-0466-x
    Database MEDical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System OnLINE

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  6. Article ; Online: The economics of sex work and major sporting events: Learning from the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa.

    Kazungu, Jacob / Richter, Marlise / Luchters, Stanley / Chersich, Matthew F / Quaife, Matthew

    Social sciences & humanities open

    2022  Volume 5, Issue 1, Page(s) 100251

    Abstract: Risk-taking in sex work is related to financial gains from condom-protected and condomless-acts alongside vulnerabilities, including socio-economic factors, which influence the safety of sex workers. Large international sporting events have been shown to ...

    Abstract Risk-taking in sex work is related to financial gains from condom-protected and condomless-acts alongside vulnerabilities, including socio-economic factors, which influence the safety of sex workers. Large international sporting events have been shown to significantly impact the economies of host countries, but there is a dearth of studies that examine how major sporting events may affect the economics of sex work and the risks taken by sex workers and clients. This study examines the determinants of the price of commercial sex alongside the price premium for and correlates of, condomless sex before, during and after the 2010 world cup in South Africa. We analysed data from three phases of repeated cross-sectional surveys with sex workers. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression models were fitted to examine the predictors of condomless sex. We also fitted fixed-effect regression models to examine the determinants of the price of commercial sex across each survey phase. Findings suggest that the price of sex was higher during the world cup compared to before and after, whilst the price premium for condomless-sex increased from 36% before the world cup to 40% (p-value<0.001) and 57% (p-value<0.001) during and after the world cup, respectively. Across the survey phases, anal, oral or masturbation sex were more likely to be supplied without a condom compared to vaginal sex. The type of sex was the primary determinant of the price of sex across all phases. We show indicative evidence that the 2010 world cup was associated with an increase in the price of sex and supply of condomless-sex. Although these findings should be interpreted as associations rather than causal relationships, we recommend that countries with substantial sex-worker populations that host major events shouldexplicitly consider the context and structures of sex work, and promote client-focused safe-sex-interventions that explicitly consider the economic pressures faced by sexworkers to provide riskier acts, to minimise health impacts.
    Language English
    Publishing date 2022-04-27
    Publishing country England
    Document type Journal Article
    ISSN 2590-2911
    ISSN (online) 2590-2911
    DOI 10.1016/j.ssaho.2022.100251
    Database MEDical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System OnLINE

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  7. Article ; Online: The economics of sex work and major sporting events

    Jacob Kazungu / Marlise Richter / Stanley Luchters / Matthew F. Chersich / Matthew Quaife

    Social Sciences and Humanities Open, Vol 5, Iss 1, Pp 100251- (2022)

    Learning from the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa

    2022  

    Abstract: Risk-taking in sex work is related to financial gains from condom-protected and condomless-acts alongside vulnerabilities, including socio-economic factors, which influence the safety of sex workers. Large international sporting events have been shown to ...

    Abstract Risk-taking in sex work is related to financial gains from condom-protected and condomless-acts alongside vulnerabilities, including socio-economic factors, which influence the safety of sex workers. Large international sporting events have been shown to significantly impact the economies of host countries, but there is a dearth of studies that examine how major sporting events may affect the economics of sex work and the risks taken by sex workers and clients. This study examines the determinants of the price of commercial sex alongside the price premium for and correlates of, condomless sex before, during and after the 2010 world cup in South Africa. We analysed data from three phases of repeated cross-sectional surveys with sex workers. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression models were fitted to examine the predictors of condomless sex. We also fitted fixed-effect regression models to examine the determinants of the price of commercial sex across each survey phase. Findings suggest that the price of sex was higher during the world cup compared to before and after, whilst the price premium for condomless-sex increased from 36% before the world cup to 40% (p-value<0.001) and 57% (p-value<0.001) during and after the world cup, respectively. Across the survey phases, anal, oral or masturbation sex were more likely to be supplied without a condom compared to vaginal sex. The type of sex was the primary determinant of the price of sex across all phases. We show indicative evidence that the 2010 world cup was associated with an increase in the price of sex and supply of condomless-sex. Although these findings should be interpreted as associations rather than causal relationships, we recommend that countries with substantial sex-worker populations that host major events shouldexplicitly consider the context and structures of sex work, and promote client-focused safe-sex-interventions that explicitly consider the economic pressures faced by sexworkers to provide riskier acts, to minimise health impacts.
    Keywords World Cup ; South Africa ; Economics of sex work ; Price premiums ; Price of sex ; Condomless sex ; History of scholarship and learning. The humanities ; AZ20-999 ; Social sciences (General) ; H1-99
    Subject code 390
    Language English
    Publishing date 2022-01-01T00:00:00Z
    Publisher Elsevier
    Document type Article ; Online
    Database BASE - Bielefeld Academic Search Engine (life sciences selection)

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  8. Article ; Online: Integrating public health in European climate change adaptation policy and planning

    Hoeben, Annechien Dirkje / Otto, Ilona M. / Chersich, Matthew F.

    Climate Policy. 2023 May 28, v. 23, no. 5 p.609-622

    2023  

    Abstract: The study assesses the extent to which public health is integrated into European national and urban climate change adaptation policy and planning. We analyse national adaptation documents from the 27 European Union member states and interview city-level ... ...

    Abstract The study assesses the extent to which public health is integrated into European national and urban climate change adaptation policy and planning. We analyse national adaptation documents from the 27 European Union member states and interview city-level experts (n = 17) on the integration of three categories of adaptation efforts: general efforts to minimize health impacts related to climate change, targeted efforts to enhance resilience in health systems, and supportive efforts to foster the potential of the first two categories. At a national level, general efforts to address vector-borne diseases and heat-related illness are covered comprehensively, whereas efforts addressing several climate-related health risks are neglected (e.g. water-borne diseases, injuries from extreme weather and cardiopulmonary health) or overlooked (e.g. malnutrition and mental health). Targeted efforts to inform policy decisions, such as carrying out research, risk monitoring and assessments, are often described in detail, but efforts to manage day-to-day health care delivery and emergency situations receive little attention. At the urban level, health issues receive less attention in climate adaptation policy and planning. If health topics are included, they are often described as indirect benefits of adaptation efforts in other sectors and not perceived as the priority of the involved authorities. This effectively means that general and targeted efforts are the responsibility of other sectoral departments, while supportive efforts are the responsibility of the national government or external organizations. As a result, at an urban level, climate-related health system adaptation is not a policy aim in its own right, and many potentially high health risks are being ignored. In order for health risks to be better integrated into adaptation policy and planning, it is critical to interconnect national and urban levels, reduce sectoral thinking and welcome external expertize and facilitate large-scale data collection and sharing of health and climate indicators. Key policy insightsWe recommend focussing on cooperatively drafting strategies for integrating health issues into climate policy and planning with stakeholders at the national and urban levels, in different policy sectors and in society. Policy planners can build on the strengths of adaptation documents from other countries or cities and take note of any weaknesses. We advocate to foster co-benefits for health and climate action of various adaptation measures (e.g. by promoting active mobility and urban greenery, health impacts related to heat, (mental and physical) stress and air pollution are reduced). Large-scale data collection and sharing of health and climate indicators should be facilitated to support learning and pro-active decision-making.
    Keywords European Union ; air pollution ; climate ; climate change ; data collection ; decision making ; environmental policy ; health services ; malnutrition ; mental health ; public health ; risk ; society ; stakeholders ; vegetation ; weather ; (urban) adaptation policy and planning ; mixed-method approach
    Language English
    Dates of publication 2023-0528
    Size p. 609-622.
    Publishing place Taylor & Francis
    Document type Article ; Online
    ZDB-ID 2051510-8
    ISSN 1752-7457 ; 1469-3062
    ISSN (online) 1752-7457
    ISSN 1469-3062
    DOI 10.1080/14693062.2022.2143314
    Database NAL-Catalogue (AGRICOLA)

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  9. Article ; Online: Priority gaps and promising areas in maternal health research in low- and middle-income countries: summary findings of a mapping of 2292 publications between 2000 and 2012.

    Chersich, Matthew F / Martin, Greg

    Globalization and health

    2017  Volume 13, Issue 1, Page(s) 6

    Abstract: This commentary sums the findings of a series of papers on a study that mapped the global research agenda for maternal health. The mapping reviewed published interventional research across low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) from 2000 to 2012, ... ...

    Abstract This commentary sums the findings of a series of papers on a study that mapped the global research agenda for maternal health. The mapping reviewed published interventional research across low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) from 2000 to 2012, specifically focusing on investigating the topics covered by this research, the methodologies applied, the funding landscape and trends in authorship attribution.The overarching aim underpinning the mapping activities was to evaluate whether research and funding align with causes of maternal mortality, and thereby highlight gaps in research priorities and governance. Fifteen reviewers from 8 countries screened 35,078 titles and abstracts, and extracted data from 2292 full-text articles.Over the period reviewed, the volume of publications rose several-fold, especially from 2004 to 2007. The methodologies broadened, increasingly encompassing qualitative research and systematic review. Malaria and HIV research dominated over other topics, while sexually-transmitted infection research progressively diminished. Health systems and health promotion research increased rapidly, but were less frequently evaluated in trials or published in high-impact journals. Relative to disease burden, hypertension had double the publications of haemorrhage. Many Latin American countries, China and Russia had relatively few papers per billion US dollars Gross Domestic Product. Total LMIC lead authorships rose substantially, but only a quarter of countries had a local first author lead on >75% of their research, with levels lowest in sub-Saharan Africa. The median Impact Factor of high-income country led papers was 3.1 and LMIC-led 1.8. The NIH, USAID and Gates Foundation constituted 40% of funder acknowledgements, and addressed similar topics and countries.The commentary notes that increases in outputs and broadening of methodologies suggest research capacity has expanded considerably, allowing for more nuanced, systems-based and context-specific studies. However, funders seemingly duplicate efforts, with topics and countries either receiving excessive or little attention. Better coordinated funding might reduce duplication and allow researchers to develop highly-specialised expertise. Repeated scrutiny of research agendas and funding may foment shifts in priorities. Building leadership capacity in LMICs and reconsidering authorship guidelines is needed.
    MeSH term(s) Developing Countries ; Humans ; Maternal Health/trends ; Publications/standards ; Publications/supply & distribution ; Research/trends ; Research Design/standards ; Research Design/trends
    Language English
    Publishing date 2017-02-02
    Publishing country England
    Document type Editorial ; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
    ISSN 1744-8603
    ISSN (online) 1744-8603
    DOI 10.1186/s12992-016-0227-z
    Database MEDical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System OnLINE

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  10. Article ; Online: Research priorities for control of zoonoses in South Africa.

    Simpson, Greg / Quesada, Fabiola / Chatterjee, Pranab / Kakkar, Manish / Chersich, Matthew F / Thys, Séverine

    Transactions of the Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene

    2021  Volume 115, Issue 5, Page(s) 538–550

    Abstract: Background: Zoonoses pose major threats to the health of humans, domestic animals and wildlife, as seen in the COVID-19 pandemic. Zoonoses are the commonest source of emerging human infections and inter-species transmission is facilitated by ... ...

    Abstract Background: Zoonoses pose major threats to the health of humans, domestic animals and wildlife, as seen in the COVID-19 pandemic. Zoonoses are the commonest source of emerging human infections and inter-species transmission is facilitated by anthropogenic factors such as encroachment and destruction of wilderness areas, wildlife trafficking and climate change. South Africa was selected for a 'One Health' study to identify research priorities for control of zoonoses due to its complex disease burden and an overstretched health system.
    Methods: A multidisciplinary group of 18 experts identified priority zoonotic diseases, knowledge gaps and proposed research priorities for the next 5 y. Each priority was scored using predefined criteria by another group of five experts and then weighted by a reference group (n=28) and the 18 experts.
    Results: Seventeen diseases were mentioned with the top five being rabies (14/18), TB (13/18), brucellosis (11/18), Rift Valley fever (9/11) and cysticercosis (6/18). In total, 97 specific research priorities were listed, with the majority on basic epidemiological research (n=57), such as measuring the burden of various zoonoses (n=24), followed by 20 on development of new interventions. The highest research priority score was for improving existing interventions (0.77/1.0), followed by health policy and systems research (0.72/1.0).
    Conclusion: Future zoonotic research should improve understanding of zoonotic burden and risk factors and new interventions in public health. People with limited rural services, immunocompromised, in informal settlements and high-risk occupations, should be the highest research priority.
    MeSH term(s) Aged ; Animals ; COVID-19/epidemiology ; COVID-19/prevention & control ; Child ; Cost of Illness ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Pandemics ; Research ; SARS-CoV-2 ; South Africa/epidemiology ; Zoonoses/epidemiology ; Zoonoses/prevention & control
    Language English
    Publishing date 2021-04-07
    Publishing country England
    Document type Journal Article ; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
    ZDB-ID 441375-1
    ISSN 1878-3503 ; 0035-9203
    ISSN (online) 1878-3503
    ISSN 0035-9203
    DOI 10.1093/trstmh/trab039
    Database MEDical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System OnLINE

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