المؤلفون: Melody Sakala, Marlen Stacey Chawani, Isabel Kazanga-Chiumia, Hleziwe Hara, Leila Abdullahi, Dzinkambani Kambalame, Josephine Banda, Collins Mitambo, Anja Terlouw, Rose Oronje

المصدر: Health Research Policy and Systems, Vol 21, Iss 1, Pp 1-11 (2023)

مصطلحات موضوعية: Technical advisory groups, Technical working groups, Functionality, Evidence, Decision-making, Health policy, Public aspects of medicine, RA1-1270

الوصف: Abstract Background The roles and functionality of technical working groups (TWGs) in the health sectors vary across countries, still they aim to support government and ministries in formulating evidence-informed recommendations for policies and facilitate dialogue and alignment of activities among stakeholders within the health sector. Thus, TWGs have a role in enhancing the functionality and effectiveness of the health system structure. However, in Malawi, the functionality of TWGs and how they utilize research evidence to contribute to decision-making is not monitored. This study sought to understand the TWGs' performance and functionality in enabling evidence-informed decision-making (EIDM) in Malawi's health sector. Methods A cross-sectional descriptive qualitative study. Data were collected through interviews, documents review and observation of three TWG meetings. Qualitative data were analysed using a thematic approach. The WHO-UNICEF Joint Reporting Form (JRF) was used to guide the assessment of TWG functionality. Results TWG functionality varied in the Ministry of Health (MoH) in Malawi. The reasons for those perceived to be functioning well included meeting frequently, diverse representation of members, and that their recommendations to MoH were usually considered when decisions were made. For the TWGs that were perceived as not functioning well, the main reasons included lack of funding, periodic meetings and discussions that needed to provide clear decisions on the actions to be taken. In addition, evidence was recognized as important in decision-making, and research was valued by decision-makers within the MoH. However, some of the TWGs lacked reliable mechanisms for generating, accessing and synthesizing research. They also needed more capacity to review and use the research to inform their decisions. Conclusions TWGs are highly valued and play a critical role in strengthening EIDM within the MoH. Our paper highlights the complexity and barriers of TWG functionality in supporting pathways for health policy-making in Malawi. These results have implications for EIDM in the health sector. This suggests that the MoH should actively develop reliable interventions and evidence tools, strengthen capacity-building and increase funding for EIDM.

وصف الملف: electronic resource

العلاقة: https://doaj.org/toc/1478-4505Test

الوصول الحر: https://doaj.org/article/29b306d8bf704a20aba9fcb26237524eTest

المؤلفون: Master R. O. Chisale, Dzinkambani Kambalame, Saul Eric Mwale, Balwani Chingatichifwe Mbakaya, Regina Mankhamba, Pizga Kumwenda, Ben Chilima, Collins Mitambo, Mavuto Chiwaula, Billy Nyambalo, Clara Sambani, Jellita Gondwe, Charity Muwalo, Amon Dembo, Lines Chinyamunyamu, Mavuto Thomas, Matthews Kagoli, Evelyn Chitsa Banda

المصدر: Vaccines, Vol 12, Iss 3, p 221 (2024)

مصطلحات موضوعية: COVID-19, vaccine, knowledge, attitude, practice, Malawi, Medicine

الوصف: Vaccination is one of the essential measures in reducing transmission, morbidity, and mortality rates of a disease. However, the COVID-19 vaccination is facing hesitancy across the globe, Malawi included. A population-based cross-sectional study was conducted in Malawi to document knowledge, attitudes, and practices on COVID-19 vaccination. The study targeted the general adult population and employed a multi-stage sampling technique. The Census Enumeration Areas within the 16 selected districts served as a primary sampling unit. Among the total 3068 participants, 1947 (63.6%) were female. About 1039 (34.1%) participants had primary education, while only 169 (5.5%) had college education. A total of 2936 (95.7%) participants knew about the COVID-19 vaccine, and 2063 (68.4%) felt that the COVID-19 vaccine was effective. A total of 1180 (38.7%) got vaccinated. Knowledge of the COVID-19 vaccination was significantly associated with participants’ education levels, location, occupation, marital status, household family income, and whether they were suffering from chronic illness or not. Overall, the level of knowledge and attitudes about the COVID-19 vaccination was good. This study has also established that different population groups have statistically different levels of knowledge and attitudes regarding COVID-19 vaccination. This study has also indicated a significant relationship between the rate of vaccination and several factors. Therefore, this calls for stakeholders to continue awareness and group-targeted tailored campaigns so as to increase COVID-19 vaccination.

وصف الملف: electronic resource

العلاقة: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-393X/12/3/221Test; https://doaj.org/toc/2076-393XTest

الوصول الحر: https://doaj.org/article/a54e28f411b7497c88c8c0742e38c711Test

المؤلفون: Upendo L. Mseka, Jonathan Mandolo, Kenneth Nyoni, Oscar Divala, Dzinkambani Kambalame, Daniel Mapemba, Moses Kamzati, Innocent Chibwe, Marc Y.R. Henrion, Kingsley Manda, Deus Thindwa, Memory Mvula, Bright Odala, Raphael Kamng'ona, Nelson Dzinza, Khuzwayo C. Jere, Nicholas Feasey, Antonia Ho, Abena S. Amoah, Melita Gordon, Todd D. Swarthout, Amelia Crampin, Robert S. Heyderman, Matthew Kagoli, Evelyn Chitsa-Banda, Collins Mitambo, John Phuka, Benson Chilima, Watipaso Kasambara, Kondwani C. Jambo, Annie Chauma-Mwale

المصدر: EClinicalMedicine, Vol 56, Iss , Pp 101800- (2023)

مصطلحات موضوعية: Omicron, SARS-CoV-2, Anti-RBD antibodies, COVID-19, Malawi, Medicine (General), R5-920

الوصف: Summary: Background: The B.1.1.529 (Omicron) variant of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has resulted in the fourth COVID-19 pandemic wave across the southern African region, including Malawi. The seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies and their association with epidemiological trends of hospitalisations and deaths are needed to aid locally relevant public health policy decisions. Methods: We conducted a population-based serosurvey from December 27, 2021 to January 17, 2022, in 7 districts across Malawi to determine the seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies. Serum samples were tested for antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 receptor binding domain using WANTAI SARS-CoV-2 Receptor Binding Domain total antibody commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). We also evaluated COVID-19 epidemiologic trends in Malawi, including cases, hospitalisations and deaths from April 1, 2021 through April 30, 2022, collected using the routine national COVID-19 reporting system. A multivariable logistic regression model was developed to investigate the factors associated with SARS-CoV-2 seropositivity. Findings: Serum samples were analysed from 4619 participants (57% female; 60% aged 18–50 years), of whom 878/3794 (23%) of vaccine eligible adults had received a single dose of any COVID-19 vaccine. The overall assay-adjusted seroprevalence was 83.7% (95% confidence interval (CI), 79.3%–93.4%). Seroprevalence was lowest among children

وصف الملف: electronic resource

العلاقة: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2589537022005296Test; https://doaj.org/toc/2589-5370Test

الوصول الحر: https://doaj.org/article/d886e6a896034979824c21646a6c6ea9Test

المؤلفون: Winner Chawinga, Wales Singini, John Phuka, Nathaniel Chimbatata, Collins Mitambo, Clara Sambani, Dzinkambani Kambalame

المصدر: African Journal of Primary Health Care & Family Medicine, Vol 15, Iss 1, Pp e1-e9 (2023)

مصطلحات موضوعية: covid-19, crowded places, face masks, social distancing, malawi., Medicine, Public aspects of medicine, RA1-1270

الوصف: Background: Owing to their detachment from urban areas, people living in rural areas of Malawi are on the receiving end of health services and socio-economic benefits. The study therefore explored how Malawians living in these areas are adhering to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) containment measures and the factors that affect the COVID-19 fight amongst this population. Aim: The study investigated how the rural population in Malawi adheres to COVID-19 containment measures. Setting: The study was conducted in two districts in Northern Malawi. Methods: Data were collected from 263 participants. The chi-square (χ2) test was performed to determine the association between demographic variables and COVID-19 prevention practices and factors affecting the COVID-19 fight. Results: Education was significantly associated with wearing of masks (p = 0.01), use of sanitisers (p 0.01) and practising social distancing (p = 0.07). Monthly income was associated with the use of sanitisers (p 0.01). Women were more exposed to fake news about COVID-19 (p = 0.09); older people were more likely to disregard COVID-19 containment measures for cultural reasons (p = 0.07); and monthly income was associated with a lack of resources for following COVID-19 containment measures (p 0.01). Conclusion: Findings show that factors affecting the COVID-19 fight are influenced by various socio-economic factors which should therefore be taken into account in policy planning aiming at controlling the pandemic. Contribution: The study provides health stakeholders with a policy direction that enhances better coordination, implementation and monitoring of COVID-19 response and recovery activities in rural areas in Malawi. The findings have implications on controlling current and future communicable diseases; the proposed strategies might be employed in fighting similar current and future pandemics.

وصف الملف: electronic resource

العلاقة: https://phcfm.org/index.php/phcfm/article/view/3464Test; https://doaj.org/toc/2071-2928Test; https://doaj.org/toc/2071-2936Test

الوصول الحر: https://doaj.org/article/13694408ad7947eea7d26f1540e77784Test

المؤلفون: Upendo L. Mseka, Jonathan Mandolo, Kenneth Nyoni, Oscar Divala, Dzinkambani Kambalame, Daniel Mapemba, Moses Kamzati, Innocent Chibwe, Marc Y.R. Henrion, Kingsley Manda, Deus Thindwa, Memory Mvula, Bright Odala, Raphael Kamng'ona, Nelson Dzinza, Khuzwayo C. Jere, Nicholas Feasey, Antonia Ho, Abena S. Amoah, Melita Gordon, Todd D. Swarthout, Amelia Crampin, Robert S. Heyderman, Matthew Kagoli, Evelyn Chitsa-Banda, Collins Mitambo, John Phuka, Benson Chilima, Watipaso Kasambara, Kondwani C. Jambo, Annie Chauma-Mwale

مصطلحات موضوعية: General Medicine

الوصف: BackgroundThe B.1.1.529 (Omicron) variant of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has resulted in the fourth COVID-19 pandemic wave across the southern African region, including Malawi. The seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies and their association with epidemiological trends of hospitalisations and deaths are needed to aid locally relevant public health policy decisions.MethodsWe conducted a population-based serosurvey from December 27, 2021 to January 17, 2022, in 7 districts across Malawi to determine the seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies. Primary sampling units (PSU) were selected using probability proportionate to the number of households based on the 2018 national census, followed by second-stage sampling units that were selected from listed households. A random systematic sample of households was selected from each PSU within the 7 districts. Serum samples were tested for antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 receptor binding domain using WANTAI SARS-CoV-2 Receptor Binding Domain total antibody commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). We also evaluated COVID-19 epidemiologic trends in Malawi, including cases, hospitalizations and deaths from April 1, 2021 through April 30, 2022, collected using the routine national COVID-19 reporting system.ResultsSerum samples were analysed from 4619 participants (57% female; 65% aged 14 to 50 years), of whom 1018 (22%) had received a COVID-19 vaccine. The overall assay-adjusted seroprevalence was 86.3% (95% confidence interval (CI), 85.1% to 87.5%). Seroprevalence was lowest among children ConclusionWe report reduction in proportion of hospitalisations and deaths from SARS-CoV-2 infections during the Omicron variant dominated wave in Malawi, in the context of high SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence but low COVID-19 vaccination coverage. These findings suggest that COVID-19 vaccination policy in high seroprevalence settings may need to be amended from mass campaigns to targeted vaccination of at-risk populations.

الوصول الحر: https://explore.openaire.eu/search/publication?articleId=doi_dedup___::b57df0647b7084f3b4e6001a30365fd0Test
https://doi.org/10.1101/2022.08.22.22279060Test

المؤلفون: Qingqing Yin, Li, Li, Guo, Xiang, Rangke Wu, Benyun Shi, Wang, Yuji, Yingjie Liu, Wu, Shang, Yicheng Pan, Wang, Qi, Xie, Tian, Hu, Tian, Xia, Dan, Xia, Shang, Dzinkambani Kambalame, Wanyu Li, Zhangyao Song, Siyun Zhou, Deng, Ye, Xie, Yu, Xiao-Nong Zhou, Chunmei Wang, Chen, Xiao-Guang, Xiaohong Zhou

الوصف: Additional file 8: Table S5. Values of the Watanabe-Akaike information criterion (WAIC) for models used for the assessment of potential influential factors of Ae. albopictus for the period from November 2016 to November 2017.

الوصول الحر: https://explore.openaire.eu/search/publication?articleId=doi_dedup___::2db40b71d2dbdfe56e4527d0bc432fa2Test