Emerging and Re-emerging Diseases (...) - Lucille Blumberg, MBBCh, MMed, ID, FFTM, DTM&H DOH, DCH

Summary

The speaker discusses the challenges of emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases in Africa, emphasizing their impact on HIV-infected populations. They highlight the importance of data-driven surveillance, community-based approaches, and innovation in public health responses. The speaker also reflects on the lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic and past outbreaks like Ebola, and stresses the need for equitable access to vaccines, diagnostics, and treatments. They call for improved surveillance and healthcare systems, while paying tribute to frontline healthcare workers, who play a critical role in addressing these health threats.

Takeaways

• 😀 Emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases are common in Africa, but the continent faces challenges in detecting and understanding them, particularly in vulnerable groups like those living with HIV.
• 😀 COVID-19 has highlighted the need for real-time surveillance systems, especially in regions like Africa, where resources and diagnostics are limited.
• 😀 HIV-infected individuals are at greater risk for severe COVID-19, particularly when they have poor HIV control and other comorbidities.
• 😀 The COVID-19 pandemic has led to an increase in outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases like measles, diphtheria, and polio, exacerbating public health challenges in Africa.
• 😀 Traditional emerging diseases, such as Ebola, Marburg, and Rift Valley fever, continue to pose significant risks, and their interactions with HIV remain poorly understood.
• 😀 The wildlife trade and deforestation contribute to the spread of zoonotic diseases in Africa, as people encroach on animal habitats.
• 😀 Diseases like monkeypox, which were once thought to be limited to certain regions, have gained international attention, especially as HIV co-infection becomes more prevalent in affected populations.
• 😀 Rapid urbanization and poor infrastructure are fueling the spread of vector-borne diseases like yellow fever, chikungunya, zika, and dengue in African cities.
• 😀 Climate change and conflict-related displacement are leading to the re-emergence of diseases like cholera, particularly in areas with limited access to clean water and healthcare.
• 😀 Surveillance, community-based health responses, and better access to diagnostics and treatments are key to controlling emerging infectious diseases in Africa, with a particular emphasis on the HIV-vulnerable population.

Q & A

What is the primary focus of the speaker's discussion in the transcript?

The primary focus of the speaker is on the intersection of HIV and emerging infectious diseases in Africa, particularly how these diseases impact vulnerable populations, the challenges in surveillance, and the importance of healthcare worker protection and innovative responses to outbreaks.

How did the COVID-19 pandemic affect the healthcare systems in Africa, especially for HIV-infected individuals?

The COVID-19 pandemic revealed gaps in healthcare systems in Africa, particularly in real-time surveillance and diagnostics. HIV-infected individuals, especially those with poorly controlled HIV and comorbidities, were at higher risk for severe COVID-19, which underscored the need for better preparedness and surveillance systems.

What role does surveillance play in controlling emerging infectious diseases in Africa?

Surveillance is crucial in identifying and managing emerging infectious diseases. The speaker emphasizes the need for real-time data collection, including innovative methods such as genome sequencing and wastewater surveillance, to quickly detect and respond to outbreaks, especially in vulnerable populations like those living with HIV.

What are some of the emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases highlighted in the speech?

The speech mentions several emerging and re-emerging diseases in Africa, including Ebola, Marburg, Rift Valley fever, diphtheria, measles, polio, yellow fever, and cholera. These diseases pose significant challenges, especially to HIV-infected populations.

What challenges are associated with vaccine delivery in Africa, as mentioned in the transcript?

A major challenge in Africa is the insufficient delivery of vaccines, despite their availability. Diseases like measles, diphtheria, and polio are preventable through vaccines, but limited access to vaccines, especially for HIV-infected children, has led to large outbreaks in the region.

Why is the HIV-infected population at greater risk for emerging diseases?

HIV-infected individuals, particularly those with poorly controlled HIV, have compromised immune systems, making them more susceptible to infections and complications from emerging diseases. The interactions between HIV and various pathogens are not well understood, which complicates the management of these patients during outbreaks.

How did the Ebola outbreak in 2015 change the approach to emerging diseases?

The Ebola outbreak in 2015 was a turning point in how emerging diseases are managed. It led to the rapid development of vaccines, the introduction of field trials, and a more systematic approach to responding to outbreaks. This experience demonstrated the importance of having tools like vaccines and therapeutics ready for deployment during an outbreak.

What are the factors that contribute to the emergence of zoonotic diseases in Africa?

Zoonotic diseases in Africa often emerge due to factors like deforestation, urbanization, and the wildlife trade. Human encroachment into tropical forests and increased contact with animals, especially bats and rodents, creates opportunities for diseases to jump from animals to humans.

What role do healthcare workers play in managing emerging infectious diseases?

Healthcare workers are at the frontline of responding to emerging infectious diseases, often risking their lives to treat patients and identify outbreaks. The speaker stresses the need for better protection and support for healthcare workers, as their health and safety are crucial to controlling epidemics.

What are the gaps in current research and data on emerging diseases and HIV interactions?

There is limited research on the interactions between HIV and many emerging diseases. The speaker points out that, aside from COVID-19, there is little data on how HIV-infected individuals respond to other emerging diseases like Marburg, Rift Valley fever, or monkeypox, creating a gap in public health planning and response.