MyMedR

Unequal Access to Vaccines Will Exacerbate Other Inequalities

Cheong MWL, Allotey P, Reidpath DD

Asia Pac J Public Health, 2020 07 25;32(6-7):379-380.

PMID: 32715721 DOI: 10.1177/1010539520944726

Matched MeSH terms: Coronavirus Infections/prevention & control

Fulltext A University-Wide Preparedness Effort in the Alert Phase of COVID-19 Incorporating Community Mental Health and Task-Shifting Strategies: Experience from a Bornean Institute of Higher Learning

Mukhsam MH, Jeffree MS, Pang NTP, Syed Abdul Rahim SS, Omar A, Abdullah MS, et al.

Am J Trop Med Hyg, 2020 Sep;103(3):1201-1203.

PMID: 32705977 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.20-0458

The COVID-19 pandemic caught the world by surprise, causing millions of confirmed cases and hundreds of thousands of deaths. Hence, the Malaysian government announced a Movement Control Order at the start of the containment phase to flatten the epidemiological curve. Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS), a public university in Borneo, was accelerated into alert phase because of high risk of case importation from more than 400 China incoming undergraduates. Measures to mitigate the potential COVID-19 outbreaks in its population were taken by using conventional public health measures with special attention to task-shifting and widespread community mental health interventions. A Preparedness and Response Centre was established to overseer the mitigating measures happening inside the university. Measures taken included empowerment of frontline staff, strengthening of restrictions, strengthening university health center, vigorous contact tracing, widespread health education, maintaining cultural sensitivity, and establishment of early standard operating procedures and university continuity plans. Hence, UMS was able to ensure no importation of cases into its campus during both acute and containment phases at the nationwide level.

Matched MeSH terms: Coronavirus Infections/prevention & control*

Fulltext How do Nigerian newspapers report COVID-19 pandemic? The implication for awareness and prevention

Apuke OD, Omar B

Health Educ Res, 2020 10 01;35(5):471-480.

PMID: 33090216 DOI: 10.1093/her/cyaa031

This study examined media coverage of COVID-19 in Nigeria with attention to the frequency and depth of coverage, story format, news sources, media tone and themes. Four widely read newspapers were content analysed between February 2020 and April 2020. Focus was on Daily Sun, Vanguard, Daily Trust and Leadership. Results indicated that the Nigerian media performed well in terms of covering the pandemic, which in turn created awareness. However, the coverage was not in-depth as most of the reported stories were short and were predominantly straight news. It was also observed that the media cited more of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) and government officials. Further findings disclosed that most of the stories were alarming and induced panic. Most common topics were coverage of cases in Nigeria, death rates and concerns about Nigeria's preparedness. Public sensitization and education were sparingly covered. Ethics healthcare workers could adhere to received minimal attention. The media should focus more on sensitizing and educating the public on the necessary steps to take in curbing the virus. They should refrain from over usage of alarming and panic tone in presenting the stories of COVID-19 pandemic in Nigeria.

Matched MeSH terms: Coronavirus Infections/prevention & control*

Fulltext Community engagement for COVID-19 prevention and control: a rapid evidence synthesis

Gilmore B, Ndejjo R, Tchetchia A, de Claro V, Mago E, Diallo AA, et al.

BMJ Glob Health, 2020 Oct;5(10).

PMID: 33051285 DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2020-003188

INTRODUCTION: Community engagement has been considered a fundamental component of past outbreaks, such as Ebola. However, there is concern over the lack of involvement of communities and 'bottom-up' approaches used within COVID-19 responses thus far. Identifying how community engagement approaches have been used in past epidemics may support more robust implementation within the COVID-19 response.

METHODOLOGY: A rapid evidence review was conducted to identify how community engagement is used for infectious disease prevention and control during epidemics. Three databases were searched in addition to extensive snowballing for grey literature. Previous epidemics were limited to Ebola, Zika, SARS, Middle East respiratory syndromeand H1N1 since 2000. No restrictions were applied to study design or language.

RESULTS: From 1112 references identified, 32 articles met our inclusion criteria, which detail 37 initiatives. Six main community engagement actors were identified: local leaders, community and faith-based organisations, community groups, health facility committees, individuals and key stakeholders. These worked on different functions: designing and planning, community entry and trust building, social and behaviour change communication, risk communication, surveillance and tracing, and logistics and administration.

CONCLUSION: COVID-19's global presence and social transmission pathways require social and community responses. This may be particularly important to reach marginalised populations and to support equity-informed responses. Aligning previous community engagement experience with current COVID-19 community-based strategy recommendations highlights how communities can play important and active roles in prevention and control. Countries worldwide are encouraged to assess existing community engagement structures and use community engagement approaches to support contextually specific, acceptable and appropriate COVID-19 prevention and control measures.

Matched MeSH terms: Coronavirus Infections/prevention & control*

Fulltext COVID-19 outbreak in Malaysia: Actions taken by the Malaysian government

Shah AUM, Safri SNA, Thevadas R, Noordin NK, Rahman AA, Sekawi Z, et al.

Int J Infect Dis, 2020 Aug;97:108-116.

PMID: 32497808 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2020.05.093

BACKGROUND: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), a novel pneumonia disease originating in Wuhan, was confirmed by the World Health Organization on January 12, 2020 before becoming an outbreak in all countries.

OUTBREAK SITUATION: A stringent screening process at all airports in Malaysia was enforced after the first case outside China was reported in Thailand. Up to April 14, 2020, Malaysia had reported two waves of COVID-19 cases, with the first wave ending successfully within less than 2 months. In early March 2020, the second wave occurred, with worrying situations.

ACTIONS TAKEN: The Government of Malaysia enforced a Movement Control Order starting on March 18, 2020 to break the chain of COVID-19. The media actively spread the hashtag #stayhome. Non-governmental organizations, as well as prison inmates, started to produce personal protective equipment for frontliners. Various organizations hosted fundraising events to provide essentials mainly to hospitals. A provisional hospital was set up and collaborations with healthcare service providers were granted, while additional laboratories were assigned to enhance the capabilities of the Ministry of Health.

ECONOMIC DOWNTURN: An initial financial stimulus amounting to RM 20.0 billion was released in February 2020, before the highlighted PRIHATIN Package, amounting to RM 250 billion, was announced. The PRIHATIN Package has provided governmental support to society, covering people of various backgrounds from students and families to business owners.

Matched MeSH terms: Coronavirus Infections/prevention & control*

Fulltext Borderless collaboration is needed for COVID-19-A disease that knows no borders

Mohamed K, Rodríguez-Román E, Rahmani F, Zhang H, Ivanovska M, Makka SA, et al.

Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol, 2020 Oct;41(10):1245-1246.

PMID: 32319878 DOI: 10.1017/ice.2020.162

Matched MeSH terms: Coronavirus Infections/prevention & control*

Fulltext Disinfection booth: blessing or curse for spreading of COVID-19 in Bangladesh

Rabby MII, Hossain F, Akter F, Rhythm RK, Mahbub T, Huda SN

Can J Public Health, 2020 10;111(5):660-662.

PMID: 32876931 DOI: 10.17269/s41997-020-00402-6

Matched MeSH terms: Coronavirus Infections/prevention & control

Let us not forget the children of front liners in COVID-19

Tang SP, Azmi A

Med J Malaysia, 2020 09;75(5):587.

PMID: 32918432

No abstract provided.

Matched MeSH terms: Coronavirus Infections/prevention & control*

COVID-19 - How prepared are emergency departments in embracing the new norm?

Iqhbal KM, Ahmad NH

Med J Malaysia, 2020 09;75(5):585-586.

PMID: 32918431

No abstract provided.

Matched MeSH terms: Coronavirus Infections/prevention & control*

Fulltext COVID-19 in Malaysia: Crucial measures in critical times

Ganasegeran K, Ch'ng ASH, Looi I

J Glob Health, 2020 Dec;10(2):020333.

PMID: 33110533 DOI: 10.7189/jogh.10.020333

Matched MeSH terms: Coronavirus Infections/prevention & control*

Fulltext Breaking the cycle of the COVID-19 transmission: A challenge for Nigeria

Garba B, Zakaria Z, Salihu MD, Bande F, Saidu B, Bala JA

J Glob Health, 2020 Dec;10(2):020309.

PMID: 33110513 DOI: 10.7189/jogh.10.020309

Matched MeSH terms: Coronavirus Infections/prevention & control*

Fulltext COVID-19 Pandemic: How is Bangladesh coping with the rapid spread of coronavirus infection?

Islam S, Mannan F, Islam T, Rahman S, Liza SS, Chisti MJ, et al.

J Infect Dev Ctries, 2020 Oct 31;14(10):1098-1105.

PMID: 33175702 DOI: 10.3855/jidc.13289

The novel coronavirus has become a global risk because of its massive transmission and high rates of mutation. Efficient clinical management remains a challenge in combatting the severe acute respiratory syndrome caused by this virulent strain. This contagious disease is new to the people of Bangladesh. The country is at high risk of spreading the coronavirus infection particularly because of its high population density. Significant morbidity and mortality have been observed for the quick transmission of this virus since March 8, 2020. The basic objective of this article is to analyze the preparedness of Bangladesh, given its constraints and limitations, to cope with the rapid spread of COVID-19 infection. In doing so, it summarizes the origin of coronavirus, epidemiology, mode of transmission, diagnosis, treatment, prevention and control of the disease. Although many steps have been taken by the Government and the private sector of Bangladesh to create awareness about measures needed to prevent the deadly infections, many people are unaware of and reluctant to accept the prescribed rules. Inadequacy of diagnostic facilities and limitations of clinical care and health care services were major constraints faced in treating COVID-19 infected people in Bangladesh. Greater compliance by the people in following the suggested measures may help reduce the rapid spread of the disease and overcome the challenges faced by this pandemic.

Matched MeSH terms: Coronavirus Infections/prevention & control

Fulltext Critical adjustments and trauma surgery trends in adaptation to COVID-19 pandemic in Malaysia

Tan Chor Lip H, Huei TJ, Mohamad Y, Alwi RI, Tuan Mat TNA

Chin J Traumatol, 2020 Aug;23(4):207-210.

PMID: 32653358 DOI: 10.1016/j.cjtee.2020.05.007

Malaysia has one of the highest total numbers of COVID-19 infections amongst the Southeast Asian nations, which led to the enforcements of the Malaysian "Movement Control Order" to prohibit disease transmission. The overwhelming increasing amount of infections has led to a major strain on major healthcare services. This leads to shortages in hospital beds, ventilators and critical personnel protective equipment. This article focuses on the critical adaptations from a general surgery department in Malaysia which is part of a Malaysian tertiary hospital that treats COVID-19 cases. The core highlights of these strategies enforced during this pandemic are: (1) surgery ward and clinic decongestions; (2) deferment of elective surgeries; (3) restructuring of medical personnel work force; (4) utilization of online applications for tele-communication; (5) operating room (OR) adjustments and patient screening; and (6) continuing medical education and updating practices in context to COVID-19. These adaptations were important for the continuation of emergency surgery services, preventing transmission of COVID-19 amongst healthcare workers and optimization of medical personnel work force in times of a global pandemic. In addition, an early analysis on the impact of COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown measures in Malaysia towards the reduction in total number of elective/emergent/trauma surgeries performed is described in this article.

Matched MeSH terms: Coronavirus Infections/prevention & control

COVID-19 in Sudan: Response towards control and prevention

Musa TH, El Bingawi HM, Musa IH, Mohammed LA, Arbab MA, Musa HH

Med J Malaysia, 2020 07;75(4):403-405.

PMID: 32724003

No abstract provided.

Matched MeSH terms: Coronavirus Infections/prevention & control

Handwashing in averting infectious diseases: Relevance to COVID-19

Haque M

J Popul Ther Clin Pharmacol, 2020 07 12;27(S Pt 1):e37-e52.

PMID: 32757544 DOI: 10.15586/jptcp.v27SP1.711

After officially declared as a pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO), drastic measures to restrict human movements to contain the COVID-19 infection are employed by most of the countries. Maintaining high personal hygiene by frequent handwashing and be vigilant of clinical signs are widely recommended to reduce the disease burden. The national and international health agencies, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the WHO, have provided guidelines for prevention and treatment suggestions. Here, in this brief article, based on available clinical information, the author discusses why handwashing could be protective of COVID-19 infections. Although a detailed and in-depth discussion of various preventive and protective measures is beyond the scope of this article, this review will focus on the utility of frequent handwashing in minimizing the risk of spreading COVID-19 infection.

Matched MeSH terms: Coronavirus Infections/prevention & control*

The Changing Landscape of Alcohol Use and Alcohol Use Disorder During the COVID-19 Pandemic - Perspectives of Early Career Professionals in 16 Countries

Calvey T, Scheibein F, Saad NA, Shirasaka T, Dannatt L, Stowe MJ, et al.

J Addict Med, 2020 12;14(6):e284-e286.

PMID: 32909983 DOI: 10.1097/ADM.0000000000000735

: Alcohol use is a major risk factor for infectious disease and reduction of harms associated with alcohol consumption are essential during times of humanitarian crises, such as the COVID-19 pandemic. As a network of early career professionals working in the area of addiction medicine, we provide our views with regards to national actions related to reducing alcohol-related harm and providing care for people with alcohol use disorder during COVID-19. We believe that COVID-19 related measures have affected alcohol consumption in the majority of countries represented in this commentary. Examples of these changes include changes in alcohol consumption patterns, increases in cases of alcohol withdrawal syndrome, disruptions in access to medical care for alcohol use disorder and increases in illegal production of alcohol. Our members urge that treatment for acute and severe conditions due to substance use should be considered as essential services in times of humanitarian crises like COVID-19.

Matched MeSH terms: Coronavirus Infections/prevention & control

Fulltext Is Herd Immunity Against SARS-CoV-2 a Silver Lining?

Vignesh R, Shankar EM, Velu V, Thyagarajan SP

Front Immunol, 2020;11:586781.

PMID: 33101320 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.586781

Matched MeSH terms: Coronavirus Infections/prevention & control*

COVID-19 Pandemic update

Rampal L

Med J Malaysia, 2020 05;75(3):95-97.

PMID: 32467531

No abstract provided.

Matched MeSH terms: Coronavirus Infections/prevention & control