Pub Date : 2024-10-24DOI: 10.1016/j.lansea.2024.100503
The “One Health” (OH) approach, introduced in 2004, integrates human, animal, and environmental health to address emerging and re-emerging diseases. This study evaluates OH strategies used by southeast Asian countries for brucellosis, anthrax, and scrub typhus. We systematically searched Medline, EMBASE, ProQuest, and EBSCO-CINHL up to May 11, 2023, screened 711 articles, and included ten studies (five on brucellosis, four on anthrax, and two on scrub typhus). Key strategies identified included intersectoral collaboration, vaccination initiatives, and comprehensive surveillance systems for both humans and animals. Additional efforts were noted in improving health infrastructure and implementing preventive measures. The review underscores that although some progress has been made, a more integrated OH approach is crucial for effective prevention and management of zoonotic diseases in southeast Asia, highlighting the need for enhanced collaboration and coordinated efforts across sectors.
{"title":"One health intervention for the control and elimination of scrub typhus, anthrax, and brucellosis in Southeast Asia: a systematic review","authors":"","doi":"10.1016/j.lansea.2024.100503","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.lansea.2024.100503","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The “One Health” (OH) approach, introduced in 2004, integrates human, animal, and environmental health to address emerging and re-emerging diseases. This study evaluates OH strategies used by southeast Asian countries for brucellosis, anthrax, and scrub typhus. We systematically searched Medline, EMBASE, ProQuest, and EBSCO-CINHL up to May 11, 2023, screened 711 articles, and included ten studies (five on brucellosis, four on anthrax, and two on scrub typhus). Key strategies identified included intersectoral collaboration, vaccination initiatives, and comprehensive surveillance systems for both humans and animals. Additional efforts were noted in improving health infrastructure and implementing preventive measures. The review underscores that although some progress has been made, a more integrated OH approach is crucial for effective prevention and management of zoonotic diseases in southeast Asia, highlighting the need for enhanced collaboration and coordinated efforts across sectors.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":75136,"journal":{"name":"The Lancet regional health. Southeast Asia","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":5.0,"publicationDate":"2024-10-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142535290","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-10-21DOI: 10.1016/j.lansea.2024.100500
<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Septic shock and hypovolemic shock are life-threatening illnesses that necessitate immediate recognition and intervention, as they can result in deadly consequences. While the underlying processes may vary, both entities can exhibit hypotension and organ dysfunction. No studies have been conducted on bedside testing to differentiate between these illnesses. Lactate measurement has been established as a viable option for early detection of septic shock. However, its role in diagnosing hypovolemic shock has yet to be evaluated. The aim of the study was to investigate alterations in lactate levels among diarrheal patients with septic shock and hypovolemic shock following the administration of first fluid resuscitation.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>We conducted a prospective observational study in critically ill diarrheal adults aged ≥18 years in the emergency ward in Dhaka Hospital of icddr,b from 21st October 2021 to 31st May 2023 (total 19 months). The enrollment process was operational between 8:30 AM and 5:00 PM. Diarrheal adults with a diagnosis of sepsis with shock featured with poor peripheral perfusion (characterized by cold periphery and weak or absent pulse and capillary refill time >3 s) or hypotension (characterized by mean arterial pressure <65 mm-Hg) were enrolled as cases and consecutive diarrheal patients without any obvious features of sepsis with hypovolemic shock (due to severe dehydration) comprised the comparison group. POC lactate test was done at hours 0, 1st and 6th by StatStrip Lactate meters (Nova Biomedical, US) to all enrolled patients. For comparison of POC lactate levels, we used paired t-test for comparing the lactate samples drawn at hour 0, hour 1 and 6 with the septic shock and hypovolemic shock group. Odds ratio (OR) and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used to demonstrate the strength of association. The study was registered at <span><span>Clinicaltrials.gov</span><svg><path></path></svg></span> (<span><span>NCT05108467</span><svg><path></path></svg></span>) and received institutional ethical approval (PR-21097).</div></div><div><h3>Findings</h3><div>Of 435 patients, 135 had septic shock and 141 had hypovolemic shock, rest 41 patient responded with fluid bolus. 25% (34/135) of the people in the septic shock group died whereas there is no mortality in the hypovolemic shock group. The number of patients visiting from outside Dhaka city had more septic shock than from inside were higher in comparison with (55% vs. 28%; p < 0.001). Statistically significant difference was observed between septic shock and hypovolemic shock group for a median POC lactate in 0, 1st and 6th hours with an OR of 1.07 (95% CI: 0.99, 1.17; p = 0.039); 1.48, (95% CI: 1.28, 1.70; p < 0.001) and 2.36 (95% CI: 1.85, 3.00; p < 0.001), respectively. The gradient of 1st to 2nd sample between septic shock and hypovolemic shock was found to be significantly different (OR: 0.74, 95% CI: 0.64
{"title":"Point of care lactate for differentiating septic shock from hypovolemic shock in non-ICU settings: a prospective observational study","authors":"","doi":"10.1016/j.lansea.2024.100500","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.lansea.2024.100500","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Septic shock and hypovolemic shock are life-threatening illnesses that necessitate immediate recognition and intervention, as they can result in deadly consequences. While the underlying processes may vary, both entities can exhibit hypotension and organ dysfunction. No studies have been conducted on bedside testing to differentiate between these illnesses. Lactate measurement has been established as a viable option for early detection of septic shock. However, its role in diagnosing hypovolemic shock has yet to be evaluated. The aim of the study was to investigate alterations in lactate levels among diarrheal patients with septic shock and hypovolemic shock following the administration of first fluid resuscitation.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>We conducted a prospective observational study in critically ill diarrheal adults aged ≥18 years in the emergency ward in Dhaka Hospital of icddr,b from 21st October 2021 to 31st May 2023 (total 19 months). The enrollment process was operational between 8:30 AM and 5:00 PM. Diarrheal adults with a diagnosis of sepsis with shock featured with poor peripheral perfusion (characterized by cold periphery and weak or absent pulse and capillary refill time >3 s) or hypotension (characterized by mean arterial pressure <65 mm-Hg) were enrolled as cases and consecutive diarrheal patients without any obvious features of sepsis with hypovolemic shock (due to severe dehydration) comprised the comparison group. POC lactate test was done at hours 0, 1st and 6th by StatStrip Lactate meters (Nova Biomedical, US) to all enrolled patients. For comparison of POC lactate levels, we used paired t-test for comparing the lactate samples drawn at hour 0, hour 1 and 6 with the septic shock and hypovolemic shock group. Odds ratio (OR) and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used to demonstrate the strength of association. The study was registered at <span><span>Clinicaltrials.gov</span><svg><path></path></svg></span> (<span><span>NCT05108467</span><svg><path></path></svg></span>) and received institutional ethical approval (PR-21097).</div></div><div><h3>Findings</h3><div>Of 435 patients, 135 had septic shock and 141 had hypovolemic shock, rest 41 patient responded with fluid bolus. 25% (34/135) of the people in the septic shock group died whereas there is no mortality in the hypovolemic shock group. The number of patients visiting from outside Dhaka city had more septic shock than from inside were higher in comparison with (55% vs. 28%; p < 0.001). Statistically significant difference was observed between septic shock and hypovolemic shock group for a median POC lactate in 0, 1st and 6th hours with an OR of 1.07 (95% CI: 0.99, 1.17; p = 0.039); 1.48, (95% CI: 1.28, 1.70; p < 0.001) and 2.36 (95% CI: 1.85, 3.00; p < 0.001), respectively. The gradient of 1st to 2nd sample between septic shock and hypovolemic shock was found to be significantly different (OR: 0.74, 95% CI: 0.64","PeriodicalId":75136,"journal":{"name":"The Lancet regional health. Southeast Asia","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":5.0,"publicationDate":"2024-10-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142535289","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-10-19DOI: 10.1016/j.lansea.2024.100496
This Health Policy reviews the preparedness and response of public health laboratories in the WHO South-East Asia Region (SEAR) during the COVID-19 pandemic. Through a scoping review and in-depth interviews with key stakeholders, the study identifies successes, challenges, and lessons learned from available literature and the perspective of senior laboratory leaders. Key themes include human resources, health information systems, diagnostic capacity, public risk communication, biosafety, biosecurity, funding, and laboratory network coordination. The findings provide a comprehensive overview of the adaptive capacities of laboratories, the contextual factors influencing their response, and the implications for future pandemic preparedness. This study demonstrates the resilience and adaptability of diagnostic networks in the face of a pandemic but also emphasises the need for strategic resource allocation, highlighting the importance of flexible and scalable networks in managing public health crises. The success of these deployments highlights the necessity for continual investment and coordination of national, regional, and global resources in diagnostic infrastructure to improve preparedness for future public health crises.
{"title":"Assessment of public health laboratory preparedness and response in WHO South-East Asia region during the COVID-19 pandemic: lessons learned and future directions","authors":"","doi":"10.1016/j.lansea.2024.100496","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.lansea.2024.100496","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This Health Policy reviews the preparedness and response of public health laboratories in the WHO South-East Asia Region (SEAR) during the COVID-19 pandemic. Through a scoping review and in-depth interviews with key stakeholders, the study identifies successes, challenges, and lessons learned from available literature and the perspective of senior laboratory leaders. Key themes include human resources, health information systems, diagnostic capacity, public risk communication, biosafety, biosecurity, funding, and laboratory network coordination. The findings provide a comprehensive overview of the adaptive capacities of laboratories, the contextual factors influencing their response, and the implications for future pandemic preparedness. This study demonstrates the resilience and adaptability of diagnostic networks in the face of a pandemic but also emphasises the need for strategic resource allocation, highlighting the importance of flexible and scalable networks in managing public health crises. The success of these deployments highlights the necessity for continual investment and coordination of national, regional, and global resources in diagnostic infrastructure to improve preparedness for future public health crises.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":75136,"journal":{"name":"The Lancet regional health. Southeast Asia","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":5.0,"publicationDate":"2024-10-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142535331","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-10-18DOI: 10.1016/j.lansea.2024.100489
Bhutan is currently transforming its health system and has updated its Health Technology Assessment (HTA) framework. This revision is designed to prioritize health initiatives and ensure the sustainability of the health system. This updated framework has been developed through an iterative process involving a desk-based review and stakeholder consultations at the beginning and after the development of the draft framework. The framework outlines the stages of the HTA process and identifies the stakeholders with their roles and responsibilities. The framework has been contextualised to Bhutan's needs and has been endorsed by the high-level decision-making authority for the health sector. The experience highlights diverse challenges and solutions including international collaborations for the institutionalisation of HTA and the lessons learned from this process offer insights for HTA efforts in other settings.
{"title":"Advancing evidence-based decision-making in Bhutan: development of a health technology assessment framework","authors":"","doi":"10.1016/j.lansea.2024.100489","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.lansea.2024.100489","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Bhutan is currently transforming its health system and has updated its Health Technology Assessment (HTA) framework. This revision is designed to prioritize health initiatives and ensure the sustainability of the health system. This updated framework has been developed through an iterative process involving a desk-based review and stakeholder consultations at the beginning and after the development of the draft framework. The framework outlines the stages of the HTA process and identifies the stakeholders with their roles and responsibilities. The framework has been contextualised to Bhutan's needs and has been endorsed by the high-level decision-making authority for the health sector. The experience highlights diverse challenges and solutions including international collaborations for the institutionalisation of HTA and the lessons learned from this process offer insights for HTA efforts in other settings.</div></div><div><h3>Funding</h3><div>UNDP-led Access and Delivery Partnership (ADP).</div></div>","PeriodicalId":75136,"journal":{"name":"The Lancet regional health. Southeast Asia","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":5.0,"publicationDate":"2024-10-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142444687","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-10-18DOI: 10.1016/j.lansea.2024.100501
{"title":"The implications of waiving local clinical trials for drugs in India: a double-edged sword?","authors":"","doi":"10.1016/j.lansea.2024.100501","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.lansea.2024.100501","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":75136,"journal":{"name":"The Lancet regional health. Southeast Asia","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":5.0,"publicationDate":"2024-10-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142446409","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-10-17DOI: 10.1016/j.lansea.2024.100499
Background
As Greater Mekong Subregion countries approach malaria elimination, the motivation and social role of community health workers (CHWs), and malaria blood examination rates, have declined in parallel with decreasing malaria burden. To address this issue, a health system model which expanded the role for CHWs was co-designed with communities and health stakeholders in the Mekong Subregion and field-tested in Myanmar.
Methods
An open stepped-wedge cluster-randomised (at the village-level) controlled trial (ClinicalTrials.govNCT04695886) was conducted in 72 villages in Myanmar from Nov 1, 2021 to April 17, 2022 to evaluate the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of the expanded CHW model. One-off and continuous implementation costs of the models were calculated.
Findings
A total of 2886 malaria rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) (control period: 1365; intervention period: 1521) were undertaken across 72 villages during the 24-week study period. Compared to the existing CHW model, the introduction of an expanded role for CHWs resulted in a 23% relative increase in village weekly malaria blood examination rates by RDT, the primary outcome, (adjusted incidence rate ratio (AIRR) = 1.23, 95% CI = 1.01, 1.50, p = 0.036), adjusting for time and season. A 3.3-fold relative increase in village weekly referral rate of dengue, tuberculosis, diarrhoea, or RDT-negative fever cases after the introduction of the expanded CHW model (AIRR = 3.17, 95% CI = 1.23, 8.18, p = 0.017), was also observed. The total cost per CHW per five-year period was US$14,794 for the expanded CHW model and $5816 for the existing CHW model.
Interpretation
An expanded CHW model, co-designed with communities and health stakeholders, can increase malaria blood examination rates in malaria elimination settings and referral rates for other infectious diseases. Expanded CHW models will facilitate maintaining annual blood examination rates required for malaria elimination accreditation by the WHO.
Funding
An International Multilateral Donor (QSE-M-UNOPS-BI-20864-007-40).
{"title":"Effectiveness of an expanded role for community health workers on malaria blood examination rates in malaria elimination settings in Myanmar: an open stepped-wedge, cluster-randomised controlled trial","authors":"","doi":"10.1016/j.lansea.2024.100499","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.lansea.2024.100499","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>As Greater Mekong Subregion countries approach malaria elimination, the motivation and social role of community health workers (CHWs), and malaria blood examination rates, have declined in parallel with decreasing malaria burden. To address this issue, a health system model which expanded the role for CHWs was co-designed with communities and health stakeholders in the Mekong Subregion and field-tested in Myanmar.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>An open stepped-wedge cluster-randomised (at the village-level) controlled trial (<span><span>ClinicalTrials.gov</span><svg><path></path></svg></span> <span><span>NCT04695886</span><svg><path></path></svg></span>) was conducted in 72 villages in Myanmar from Nov 1, 2021 to April 17, 2022 to evaluate the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of the expanded CHW model. One-off and continuous implementation costs of the models were calculated.</div></div><div><h3>Findings</h3><div>A total of 2886 malaria rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) (control period: 1365; intervention period: 1521) were undertaken across 72 villages during the 24-week study period. Compared to the existing CHW model, the introduction of an expanded role for CHWs resulted in a 23% relative increase in village weekly malaria blood examination rates by RDT, the primary outcome, (adjusted incidence rate ratio (AIRR) = 1.23, 95% CI = 1.01, 1.50, p = 0.036), adjusting for time and season. A 3.3-fold relative increase in village weekly referral rate of dengue, tuberculosis, diarrhoea, or RDT-negative fever cases after the introduction of the expanded CHW model (AIRR = 3.17, 95% CI = 1.23, 8.18, p = 0.017), was also observed. The total cost per CHW per five-year period was US$14,794 for the expanded CHW model and $5816 for the existing CHW model.</div></div><div><h3>Interpretation</h3><div>An expanded CHW model, co-designed with communities and health stakeholders, can increase malaria blood examination rates in malaria elimination settings and referral rates for other infectious diseases. Expanded CHW models will facilitate maintaining annual blood examination rates required for malaria elimination accreditation by the WHO.</div></div><div><h3>Funding</h3><div>An <span>International Multilateral Donor</span> (<span><span>QSE-M-UNOPS-BI-20864-007-40</span></span>).</div></div>","PeriodicalId":75136,"journal":{"name":"The Lancet regional health. Southeast Asia","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":5.0,"publicationDate":"2024-10-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142446312","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-10-16DOI: 10.1016/j.lansea.2024.100498
Background
Childhood vaccinations can reduce disease burden and associated antibiotic use, in turn reducing the risk of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). We retrospectively estimated the population-level reductions in antibiotic use in India following the introduction of vaccines against Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilius influenzae type B in the national immunization program for children in the mid-2010s and projected future gains to 2028 if vaccination coverage were to be increased.
Methods
Using IndiaSim, a dynamic agent-based microsimulation model (ABM) for India, we simulated the spread of Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilius influenzae type B (Hib) among children to estimate reductions in antibiotic use under the scenarios of: (i) pneumococcal and Hib vaccine coverage levels equivalent to the national coverage of pentavalent diphtheria-pertussis-tetanus third dose (DPT3) compared to a baseline of no vaccination, and (ii) near-universal (90%) coverage of the vaccines compared to pre-COVID national DPT3-level coverage. Model parameters, including national DPT3 coverage rates, were based on data from the National Family Household Survey 2015–2016 and other published sources. We quantified reductions in antibiotic consumption nationally and by state and wealth quintiles.
Findings
We estimate that coverage of S. pneumoniae and Hib vaccines at the same level as DPT3 in India would translate to a 61.4% [95% UI: 43.8–69.5] reduction in attributable antibiotic use compared to a baseline of zero vaccination coverage. Increases in childhood vaccination coverage between 2004 and 2016 have likely reduced attributable antibiotic demand by as much as 93.4% among the poorest quintile. Increasing vaccination coverage by an additional 11 percentage points from 2016 levels results in mortality and antibiotic use across wealth quintiles becoming increasingly similar (p < 0.05), reducing in health inquities. We project that near-universal vaccine coverage would further reduce inequities in antibiotic demand and may eliminate of outbreak-associated antibiotic use from S. pneumoniae and Hib.
Interpretation
Though vaccination has a complex relationship with antibiotic use because both are modulated by socioeconomic factors, increasing vaccinations for S. pneumoniae and Hib may have a significant impact on reducing antibiotic use and improving health outcomes among the poorest individuals.
Funding
The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (grant numbers OPP1158136 and OPP1190803).
{"title":"Routine immunization against Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae type B and antibiotic consumption in India: a dynamic modeling analysis","authors":"","doi":"10.1016/j.lansea.2024.100498","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.lansea.2024.100498","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Childhood vaccinations can reduce disease burden and associated antibiotic use, in turn reducing the risk of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). We retrospectively estimated the population-level reductions in antibiotic use in India following the introduction of vaccines against <em>Streptococcus pneumoniae</em> and <em>Haemophilius influenzae</em> type B in the national immunization program for children in the mid-2010s and projected future gains to 2028 if vaccination coverage were to be increased.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Using IndiaSim, a dynamic agent-based microsimulation model (ABM) for India, we simulated the spread of <em>Streptococcus pneumoniae</em> and <em>Haemophilius influenzae</em> type B (Hib) among children to estimate reductions in antibiotic use under the scenarios of: (i) pneumococcal and Hib vaccine coverage levels equivalent to the national coverage of pentavalent diphtheria-pertussis-tetanus third dose (DPT3) compared to a baseline of no vaccination, and (ii) near-universal (90%) coverage of the vaccines compared to pre-COVID national DPT3-level coverage. Model parameters, including national DPT3 coverage rates, were based on data from the National Family Household Survey 2015–2016 and other published sources. We quantified reductions in antibiotic consumption nationally and by state and wealth quintiles.</div></div><div><h3>Findings</h3><div>We estimate that coverage of <em>S. pneumoniae</em> and Hib vaccines at the same level as DPT3 in India would translate to a 61.4% [95% UI: 43.8–69.5] reduction in attributable antibiotic use compared to a baseline of zero vaccination coverage. Increases in childhood vaccination coverage between 2004 and 2016 have likely reduced attributable antibiotic demand by as much as 93.4% among the poorest quintile. Increasing vaccination coverage by an additional 11 percentage points from 2016 levels results in mortality and antibiotic use across wealth quintiles becoming increasingly similar (p < 0.05), reducing in health inquities. We project that near-universal vaccine coverage would further reduce inequities in antibiotic demand and may eliminate of outbreak-associated antibiotic use from <em>S. pneumoniae</em> and Hib.</div></div><div><h3>Interpretation</h3><div>Though vaccination has a complex relationship with antibiotic use because both are modulated by socioeconomic factors, increasing vaccinations for <em>S. pneumoniae</em> and Hib may have a significant impact on reducing antibiotic use and improving health outcomes among the poorest individuals.</div></div><div><h3>Funding</h3><div>The <span>Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation</span> (grant numbers <span><span>OPP1158136</span></span> and <span><span>OPP1190803</span></span>).</div></div>","PeriodicalId":75136,"journal":{"name":"The Lancet regional health. Southeast Asia","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":5.0,"publicationDate":"2024-10-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142441182","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-10-15DOI: 10.1016/j.lansea.2024.100497
Background
Bhutan has achieved a substantial reduction in both malaria morbidity and mortality over the last two decades and is aiming for malaria elimination certification in 2025. However, a significant percentage of malaria cases in Bhutan are imported (acquired in another country). The aim of the study was to understand how importation drives local malaria transmission in Bhutan.
Methods
Information on geo-located individual-level laboratory-confirmed malaria cases between 2016 and 2020 was obtained from the Bhutan Vector-borne Disease Control Program. Records included the date of diagnosis and treatment, type of cases classified as indigenous or imported, and malaria species. Hawkes Processes were used to study the role of imported malaria in local transmission in Bhutan. We imposed 15 days delay for a mosquito to become infectious in the model.
Findings
There were 285 cases during the study period and 58.6% (159) were imported malaria. 71.1% (113) of these imported cases were Plasmodium vivax and 73.6% (117) were from India. The model suggested that a person remains infectious for 8 days for Plasmodium falciparum malaria but over 19 days for P. vivax. The background intensity from imported malaria cases was much greater for P. vivax cases (maximum 0.17) resulting in more importations than P. falciparum cases (maximum 0.06). However, model fitting suggested that local P. falciparum transmission was mainly driven by importations but additional factors such as relapse played a role for P. vivax.
Interpretation
Imported malaria cases are key drivers of transmission within Bhutan, with most cases since 2016 being P. vivax. Control programmes should be devised to target interventions towards the P. vivax strain and test those who are more likely to bring in imported malaria cases or acquire it from returning travellers.
{"title":"Estimating the impact of imported malaria on local transmission in a near elimination setting: a case study from Bhutan","authors":"","doi":"10.1016/j.lansea.2024.100497","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.lansea.2024.100497","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Bhutan has achieved a substantial reduction in both malaria morbidity and mortality over the last two decades and is aiming for malaria elimination certification in 2025. However, a significant percentage of malaria cases in Bhutan are imported (acquired in another country). The aim of the study was to understand how importation drives local malaria transmission in Bhutan.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Information on geo-located individual-level laboratory-confirmed malaria cases between 2016 and 2020 was obtained from the Bhutan Vector-borne Disease Control Program. Records included the date of diagnosis and treatment, type of cases classified as indigenous or imported, and malaria species. Hawkes Processes were used to study the role of imported malaria in local transmission in Bhutan. We imposed 15 days delay for a mosquito to become infectious in the model.</div></div><div><h3>Findings</h3><div>There were 285 cases during the study period and 58.6% (159) were imported malaria. 71.1% (113) of these imported cases were <em>Plasmodium vivax</em> and 73.6% (117) were from India. The model suggested that a person remains infectious for 8 days for <em>Plasmodium falciparum</em> malaria but over 19 days for <em>P. vivax.</em> The background intensity from imported malaria cases was much greater for <em>P. vivax</em> cases (maximum 0.17) resulting in more importations than <em>P. falciparum</em> cases (maximum 0.06). However, model fitting suggested that local <em>P. falciparum</em> transmission was mainly driven by importations but additional factors such as relapse played a role for <em>P. vivax</em>.</div></div><div><h3>Interpretation</h3><div>Imported malaria cases are key drivers of transmission within Bhutan, with most cases since 2016 being <em>P. vivax</em>. Control programmes should be devised to target interventions towards the <em>P. vivax</em> strain and test those who are more likely to bring in imported malaria cases or acquire it from returning travellers.</div></div><div><h3>Funding</h3><div>None.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":75136,"journal":{"name":"The Lancet regional health. Southeast Asia","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":5.0,"publicationDate":"2024-10-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142438154","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-10-15DOI: 10.1016/j.lansea.2024.100495
Background
Many patients with β-thalassaemia die prematurely due to iron overload. In this study, we aim to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the triple combination of deferoxamine, deferasirox and deferiprone on iron chelation in patients with transfusion-dependent β-thalassaemia with very high iron overload.
Methods
This open-label, randomised, controlled clinical trial was conducted at Colombo North Teaching Hospital, Sri Lanka. Transfusion-dependent β-thalassaemia patients with ferritin >3500 ng/mL were randomised 2:1 into intervention (deferoxamine, deferasirox and deferiprone) and control (deferoxamine and deferasirox) arms. Reduction in serum ferritin after six months was the primary outcome measure. Reduction in liver iron content, improvement in cardiac T2∗, and adverse effects were secondary outcome measures.
Findings
Twenty-three patients (intervention-15, control-8) were recruited. 92% and 62% in the intervention and control arms showed a reduction in ferritin, respectively. The mean reduction of ferritin was significantly higher in intervention (−1094 ± 907 ng/mL) compared to control (+82 ± 1588 ng/mL) arm (p = 0.042). There was no statistically significant difference in the liver iron content in two arms. In the intervention arm, 67% improved cardiac T2∗ (mean change +6.72 ± 9.63 ms) compared to 20% in the control arm (mean change −3.00 ± 8.24 ms). Five patients discontinued deferiprone due to arthralgia, which resolved completely after stopping the drug.
Interpretation
Triple combination therapy with deferoxamine, deferasirox and deferiprone is more efficacious in reducing iron burden measured by serum ferritin and showed a positive trend in reducing myocardial iron content in patients with transfusion-dependent β-thalassaemia with very high iron overload. Deferiprone has the disturbing side effect of reversible but severe arthropathy.
{"title":"Deferoxamine, deferasirox, and deferiprone triple iron chelator combination therapy for transfusion-dependent β-thalassaemia with very high iron overload: a randomised clinical trial","authors":"","doi":"10.1016/j.lansea.2024.100495","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.lansea.2024.100495","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Many patients with β-thalassaemia die prematurely due to iron overload. In this study, we aim to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the triple combination of deferoxamine, deferasirox and deferiprone on iron chelation in patients with transfusion-dependent β-thalassaemia with very high iron overload.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>This open-label, randomised, controlled clinical trial was conducted at Colombo North Teaching Hospital, Sri Lanka. Transfusion-dependent β-thalassaemia patients with ferritin >3500 ng/mL were randomised 2:1 into intervention (deferoxamine, deferasirox and deferiprone) and control (deferoxamine and deferasirox) arms. Reduction in serum ferritin after six months was the primary outcome measure. Reduction in liver iron content, improvement in cardiac T2∗, and adverse effects were secondary outcome measures.</div></div><div><h3>Findings</h3><div>Twenty-three patients (intervention-15, control-8) were recruited. 92% and 62% in the intervention and control arms showed a reduction in ferritin, respectively. The mean reduction of ferritin was significantly higher in intervention (−1094 ± 907 ng/mL) compared to control (+82 ± 1588 ng/mL) arm (p = 0.042). There was no statistically significant difference in the liver iron content in two arms. In the intervention arm, 67% improved cardiac T2∗ (mean change +6.72 ± 9.63 ms) compared to 20% in the control arm (mean change −3.00 ± 8.24 ms). Five patients discontinued deferiprone due to arthralgia, which resolved completely after stopping the drug.</div></div><div><h3>Interpretation</h3><div>Triple combination therapy with deferoxamine, deferasirox and deferiprone is more efficacious in reducing iron burden measured by serum ferritin and showed a positive trend in reducing myocardial iron content in patients with transfusion-dependent β-thalassaemia with very high iron overload. Deferiprone has the disturbing side effect of reversible but severe arthropathy.</div></div><div><h3>Funding</h3><div>None.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":75136,"journal":{"name":"The Lancet regional health. Southeast Asia","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":5.0,"publicationDate":"2024-10-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142438414","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-10-08DOI: 10.1016/j.lansea.2024.100494
LGBTQ+ people (e.g., lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer or questioning people) experience systemic marginalisation and discrimination globally and throughout India. In October 2023, the Indian Supreme Court rejected the legal recognition of same-sex marriage, blocking marriage equality for LGBTQ+ people and contending that the right to marry neither qualifies as a fundamental right accorded by the Indian Constitution nor falls under the Supreme Court’s purview. Although the Supreme Court declared opposition to discrimination based on sexual orientation, its failure to recognise same-sex marriage legally is a substantial obstruction to full LGBTQ+ equality. We propose that the refusal of the Indian legal system to honour same-sex marriage while calling for an end to societal violence and discriminatory behaviour against the LGBTQ+ community is inherently flawed and counterintuitive. Informed by our team’s multidisciplinary orientation as healthcare professionals, researchers, and advocates, we delineate explicit challenges that LGBTQ+ people in India may encounter due to the Supreme Court’s recent ruling. We subsequently put forth a series of interprofessional and intersectoral recommendations to mitigate this decision’s immediate and long-term consequences, providing an actionable path toward LGBTQ+ inclusion, justice, and equity in India.
{"title":"Beyond the bench: LGBTQ+ health equity after India’s “no same-sex marriage” verdict","authors":"","doi":"10.1016/j.lansea.2024.100494","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.lansea.2024.100494","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>LGBTQ+ people (e.g., lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer or questioning people) experience systemic marginalisation and discrimination globally and throughout India. In October 2023, the Indian Supreme Court rejected the legal recognition of same-sex marriage, blocking marriage equality for LGBTQ+ people and contending that the right to marry neither qualifies as a fundamental right accorded by the Indian Constitution nor falls under the Supreme Court’s purview. Although the Supreme Court declared opposition to discrimination based on sexual orientation, its failure to recognise same-sex marriage legally is a substantial obstruction to full LGBTQ+ equality. We propose that the refusal of the Indian legal system to honour same-sex marriage while calling for an end to societal violence and discriminatory behaviour against the LGBTQ+ community is inherently flawed and counterintuitive. Informed by our team’s multidisciplinary orientation as healthcare professionals, researchers, and advocates, we delineate explicit challenges that LGBTQ+ people in India may encounter due to the Supreme Court’s recent ruling. We subsequently put forth a series of interprofessional and intersectoral recommendations to mitigate this decision’s immediate and long-term consequences, providing an actionable path toward LGBTQ+ inclusion, justice, and equity in India.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":75136,"journal":{"name":"The Lancet regional health. Southeast Asia","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":5.0,"publicationDate":"2024-10-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142428165","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}