关键词： Human security   covid-19 pandemic   human rights   public health   and governance   HUMAN-RIGHTS   HEALTH   IMPACT  

摘要： The COVID-19 pandemic has shown that human security is just as important as state security. The public health emergency unleashed by the pandemic has affected all sectors of human lives and has become a 'human rights crisis' affecting human dignity. From the broad human security architecture perspective, this research seeks to understand how Covid-19 has impacted human security in Ghana. The study used the mixed method approach to collect and analyse data from 163 household heads and six key informants. The interview schedule and guide were used to collect information from the household head and the key informants. In the end, it was evident that the pandemic seriously affected households' disposable incomes, access to healthcare, and livelihoods. In addition, it was evident that the pandemic affected their civic liberties concerning freedom of movement, association and religion. The study also revealed little support was offered to people with disabilities and older people. Financial constraints and the harsh effects of the lockdown reduced their disposable income and made spending on PPEs very difficult. It is recommended that governments should implement policies to reduce disparities and improve access to essential services, including healthcare, education, and social support, particularly for marginalized communities. However, these policy interventions should be done to benefit all and not only political party members.

关键词： Pharmaceutical messianism   medical populism   politics of health   COVID-19   pharmaceutical anthropology   pandemics  

摘要： Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, public officials in the United States - from the President to governors, mayors, lawmakers, and even school district commissioners - touted unproven treatments for COVID-19 alongside, and sometimes as opposed to, mask and vaccine mandates. Utilising the framework of 'pharmaceutical messianism', our article focuses on three such cures - hydroxychloroquine, ivermectin, and monoclonal antibodies - to explore how pharmaceuticals were mobilised within politicised pandemic discourses. Using the states of Utah, Texas, and Florida as illustrative examples, we make the case for paying attention to pharmaceutical messianism at the subnational and local levels, which can very well determine pandemic responses and outcomes in contexts such as the US where subnational governments have wide autonomy. Moreover, we argue that aside from the affordability of the treatments being studied and the heterodox knowledge claiming their efficacy, the widespread uptake of these cures was also informed by popular medical (including immunological) knowledge, pre-existing attitudes toward 'orthodox' measures like vaccines and masks, and mistrust toward authorities and institutions identified with the 'medical establishment'. Taken together, our case studies affirm the recurrent nature of pharmaceutical messianism in times of health crises - while also refining the concept and exposing its limitations.

关键词： Artificial intelligence   transplant recipients   covid-19   Mask-Wearing recommendations   vaccine guidance   INFECTION  

摘要： In the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, the ongoing necessity for preventive measures such as mask-wearing and vaccination remains particularly critical for organ transplant recipients, a group highly susceptible to infections due to immunosuppressive therapy. Given that many individuals nowadays increasingly utilize Artificial Intelligence (AI), understanding AI perspectives is important. Thus, this study utilizes AI, specifically ChatGPT 4.0, to assess its perspectives in offering precise health recommendations for mask-wearing and COVID-19 vaccination tailored to this vulnerable population. Through a series of scenarios reflecting diverse environmental settings and health statuses in December 2023, we evaluated the AI's responses to gauge its precision, adaptability, and potential biases in advising high-risk patient groups. Our findings reveal that ChatGPT 4.0 consistently recommends mask-wearing in crowded and indoor environments for transplant recipients, underscoring their elevated risk. In contrast, for settings with fewer transmission risks, such as outdoor areas where social distancing is possible, the AI suggests that mask-wearing might be less imperative. Regarding vaccination guidance, the AI strongly advocates for the COVID-19 vaccine across most scenarios for kidney transplant recipients. However, it recommends a personalized consultation with healthcare providers in cases where patients express concerns about vaccine-related side effects, demonstrating an ability to adapt recommendations based on individual health considerations. While this study provides valuable insights into the current AI perspective on these important topics, it is crucial to note that the findings do not directly reflect or influence health policy. Nevertheless, given the increasing utilization of AI in various domains, understanding AI's viewpoints on such critical matters is essential for informed decision-making and future research.

关键词： Co-administration   COVID-19 vaccine   immunogenicity   influenza vaccine   mRNA-1273   IMMUNIZATION PRACTICES   ADVISORY-COMMITTEE   UNITED-STATES   RECOMMENDATIONS   IMMUNOGENICITY   EFFICACY   PAIN  

摘要： The objective of the study was to assess the safety and immunogenicity of mRNA-1273 COVID-19 booster vaccination when co-administered with an egg-based standard dose seasonal quadrivalent influenza vaccine (QIV). This was a phase 3, randomized, open-label study. Eligible adults aged >= 18 years were randomly assigned (1:1) to receive mRNA-1273 (50 mu g) booster vaccination and QIV 2 weeks apart (Seq group) or concomitantly (Coad group). Primary objectives were non-inferiority of haemagglutinin inhibition (HI) and anti-Spike protein antibody responses in the Coad compared to Seq group. 497/498 participants were randomized and vaccinated in the Seq/Coad groups, respectively. The adjusted geometric mean titer/concentration ratios (95% confidence intervals) (Seq/Coad) for HI antibodies were 1.02 (0.89-1.18) for A/H1N1, 0.93 (0.82-1.05) for A/H3N2, 1.00 (0.89-1.14] for B/Victoria, and 1.04 (0.93-1.17) for B/Yamagata; and 0.98 (0.84-1.13) for anti-Spike antibodies, thus meeting the protocol-specified non-inferiority criteria. The most frequently reported adverse events in both groups were pain at the injection site and myalgia. The 2 groups were similar in terms of the overall frequency, intensity, and duration of adverse events. In conclusion, co-administration of mRNA-1273 booster vaccine with QIV in adults was immunologically non-inferior to sequential administration. Safety and reactogenicity profiles were similar in both groups (*** NCT05047770). What is the context? Updated booster shots against COVID-19 disease are likely to offer more protection as the virus is changing over *** is important for doctors, other healthcare providers and patients to know whether COVID-19 booster vaccines can be given at the same time as other vaccines recommended for *** is new? The results of our study showed that an mRNA-based COVID-19 booster vaccine could be given at the same time as the seasonal influenza *** given together, both vaccines led

关键词： Female labor force participation   COVID-19 threat   lockdown   coronavirus outbreak   uganda High-Frequency phone survey  

摘要： This study was designed to investigate the impact of COVID-19 lockdown measures and their associated self-reported threats on female labor force participation (FLFP) in Uganda following the March 20th, 2020 shutdown of the economy by the government. The interest in women in this study stems from the fact that despite the economic activity shutdown, women's work and roles extend even to their homes. The participation of women in the labor force is a significant factor in the development and growth of society. It is also worth acknowledging that in developing nations like Uganda, women join the workforce as a coping strategy for shocks (i.e. COVID-19 pandemic) and also because of poverty. Therefore, using the Uganda High-Frequency Phone Survey on the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (i.e. COVID-19) pandemic (UHFS) data set. That was collected by the Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS) immediately after the government instituted strict lockdown measures, our results indicated a 17% reduction in FLFP especially in the early days of the economic shutdown. The findings also indicated larger effects on female labor market activities in case of extreme lockdown when both partners were locked down (i.e. both stayed home at the same time). However, the impact of lockdown was more pronounced than the self-reported COVID-19 threat among women with children as opposed to those without children. We also find larger predicted probabilities for female labor market participation for those employed than those unemployed as the pandemic evolved. Given the above results, our results are somewhat consistent with the famous household labor supply theories. As a policy direction, the government should institute a gender-sensitive pandemic response social support plan. This would enable the government to compensate women for the double burden (i. e. formal employment loss and increased unpaid household work) suffered during such pandemic outbreaks in future. IMPACT STATEMENT Our research delves int

关键词： COVID-19   emergencies   service delivery   child health   maternal health   health system   TEAMWORK   QUALITY   LESSONS  

摘要： BackgroundHealth systems are resilient if they absorb, adapt, and transform in response to shocks. Although absorptive and adaptive capacities have been demonstrated during the COVID-19 response, little has been documented about their transformability and strengthened service delivery systems. We aimed to describe improvements in maternal and child health service delivery as a result of investments during the COVID-19 *** was a descriptive case study conducted in Wakiso District in central Uganda. It included 21 nurses and midwives as key informants and 32 mothers in three focus group discussions. Data were collected using an interview guide following the Systems Engineering Initiative for Patient Safety theoretical framework for service *** and child health service delivery during the pandemic involved service provision without changes, service delivery with temporary changes and outcomes, and service delivery that resulted into sustained changes and outcomes. Temporary changes included patient schedule adjustments, community service delivery and negative outcomes such as increased workload and stigma against health workers. Sustained changes that strengthened service delivery included new infrastructure and supplies such as ambulances and equipment, new roles involving infection prevention and control, increased role of community health workers and outcomes such as improved workplace safety and *** spite of the negative impact the COVID-19 pandemic had on health systems, it created the impetus to invest in system improvements. Investments such as new facility infrastructure and emergency medical services were leveraged to improve maternal and child health services delivery. The inter-departmental collaboration during the response to the COVID-19 pandemic resulted into an improved intra-hospital environment for other service delivery. However, there is a need to evaluate lessons beyond health facilities and w

关键词： Primary series   inactivated COVID-19 vaccine   heterologous boost   variant of concerns   new generation inactivated vaccine   SARS-COV-2 VARIANTS   NON-INFERIORITY   IMMUNOGENICITY   AZD1222   BLIND  

摘要： IntroductionInactivated vaccines were delivered to low- and middle-income countries during the early pandemics of COVID-19. Currently, more than 10 inactivated COVID-19 vaccines have been developed. Most inactivated vaccines contain an inactivated whole-cell index SARS-CoV-2 strain that is adjuvant. Whole virions inactivated with aluminum hydroxide vaccines were among the most commonly used. However, with the emerging of COVID-19 variants and waning of the immunity of two doses of after 3 months, WHO and many local governments have recommended the booster-dose program especially with heterologous platform *** CoveredThis review was conducted through a literature search of the MEDLINE database to identify articles published from 2020 to 2023 covered the inactivated COVID-19 vaccines primary series with homologous and heterologous booster focusing on safety, immunogenicity, efficacy, and *** opinionThe inactivated vaccines, especially whole virion inactivated in aluminum hydroxide appeared to be safe and had good priming effects. Immune responses generated after one dose of heterologous boost were high and able to preventing severity of disease and symptomatic infection. A new approach to inactivated vaccine has been developed using inactivating recombinant vector virus-NDV-HXP-S vaccine.

关键词： COVID-19   unemployment   labour market   Caribbean   GENDER  

摘要： This paper investigates the determinants of job losses due to the COVID-19 in the small island developing states of the Caribbean. Utilising a survey of 1979 firms in the Caribbean and a probit regression model, the study identifies the key factors that might lead a firm to retrench staff. Two of the most important factors that impacted on job losses were the ease of doing business and innovation. Investing in the ease of doing business within the Caribbean therefore seems to be not only an economic good, but a social benefit as well. The findings of the study also support another use of innovation: as a response to crises.

关键词： Vaccine hesitancy   Corona Virus Disease 2019   factors   countermeasures and approaches   the elderly   qualitative study   HERD-IMMUNITY   PEOPLE  

摘要： The United Nations reported that the mortality risk of Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) is five times higher in the elderly than the global average. Although the COVID-19 vaccine effectively prevents infections and reduce mortality among the elderly, vaccine hesitancy among the Chinese elderly poses a significant threat. This study, utilizing the "Confidence, Convenience and Complacency (3 Cs)" vaccine hesitancy model, aimed to explore factors contributing to vaccine hesitancy among the Chinese elderly and assess national countermeasures and potential improvement approaches. Thirteen elderly with vaccine hesitancy and eleven vaccine-related staff participated in semi-structured interviews. Thematic analysis revealed three key determinants of vaccine hesitancy among the elderly: perceived low threat of COVID-19, lack of confidence in COVID-19 vaccine, and poor accessibility to vaccination. China has implemented strategies, including advocacy through diverse channels, joint multi-sectoral promotion vaccination, and enhancing ongoing vaccination services. Recommendations from the vaccine-related staff emphasize improving vaccine awareness among the elderly, and prioritizing the vaccination environment and process. The study underscores the importance of targeted vaccination promotion programs addressing hesitation reasons to improve vaccination rates. Furthermore, existing countermeasures can serve as a foundation for enhancing vaccination strategies, including improved publicity, administration, and management approaches.

关键词： Covid-19   SARS-CoV-2   spondylarthritis   IL-17 inhibitors   secukinumab   ANKYLOSING-SPONDYLITIS  

摘要： The objective of this retrospective cohort study was to assess the relationship between Corona Disease 2019 (COVID-19) and Secukinumab treatment in patients with Spondylarthritis (SpA) in China during the omicron surge. Researchers retrieved 1018 medical records of Secukinumab-treated patients between January 2020 and January 2023 from the West China Hospital of Sichuan University. Out of these, 190 SpA patients from the rheumatology clinic were selected for the study. Guided phone questionnaires were administered by research staff to collect baseline characteristics, SpA disease status, and COVID-19 clinical outcomes. Cohabitants served as the control group and provided COVID-19 related data. Of the 190 potential SpA patients, 122 (66%) completed the questionnaire via phone, along with 259 cohabitants. 84.4% of SpA patients were diagnosed with Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS), and 15.6% were diagnosed with Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA). The rate of SARS-CoV-2 infection was 83.6% in the Secukinumab group and 88.8% in the cohabitants control group, with no significant difference (OR = 0.684, CI 0.366-1.275). One instance of severe COVID-19 was observed in the Secukinumab group, while two were identified in the cohabitants control group. Patients in the Secukinumab group had less time with fever caused by COVID-19 (p = 0.004). Discontinuing Secukinumab after SARS-CoV-2 infection did not significantly affect the course of COVID-19 or worsen SpA status according to our data. Our study suggests that administering Secukinumab to SpA patients does not increase their susceptibility to contracting SARS-CoV-2, and may have a positive effect on the course of SARS-CoV-2 infection.