Editor's choice: Infections, sexual reproductive health and non-communicable diseases

Abstract

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We bring you this December 2024 Issue of African Health Sciences in a season when the Africa region is grappling with infectious diseases such as Mpox. Fortunately, the Marburg outbreak in the region has been nipped in the bud, and there is a semblance of relief in East Africa. In this issue, we bring you articles in 4 main categories: Infectious diseases; sexual and reproductive health; Non-communicable Diseases; Child Health, and other issues

Infectious Diseases

In this section, we bring you a paper on genomic variations of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in Uganda1, oncogenic human papilloma virus in Ethiopia2, and molecular epidemiology of hepatitis C in Pakistan3.

There are two extra papers on hepatitis B and C4 and the other on hepatitis B and E5. The next one is on the diagnosis of microfilaria6, Leishmaniasis7, and Schistosomiasis8.

Not to be outdone, COVID-19 resurfaces - first on a treatise on wound infection9, and effects of the vaccine10.

The infections section is concluded with surgical site11 and orthopedic12 infections. A seminal case report on toxoplasmosis in a patient with cancer13 is the icing on the cake.

Sexual Reproductive Health

This thrusts us into a diverse but very interesting section on sexual reproductive health issues. First, we have a paper on a randomized control trial for hysterectomy14, followed by two studies on pre- and post-menopausal women. One reports on adnexal masses in premenopausal women15, followed by endometrial thickness in post menopause16.

Next, we have papers on fertility outcome of intravaginal insemination among women with unconsummated marriages17, followed by surrogate maternity in Eastern Europe18.

Sexual behaviour and condom use among older adults living with HIV/AIDS19 is intriguing as are renal complications of uterine fibroids20 in Nigeria. Prevention of obstetric fistula21, mHealth for boosting antenatal care [ANC]22 and use of herbal medicine23 among ANC attendees follow.

We then delve into the perinatal period with papers on detection of fetal heart diversity among patients with pregnancy-induced hypertension 24, second trimester pregnancy loss25, and Caesarean sections among East African refugees26.

The section ends with a trans-cultural tool for detection of postnatal mental illness27.

Non-communicable diseases (NCDs)

This launches one into the section on NCDs. It consists of papers on prognostic serum anti-inflammatory markers for breast cancer28, adenocarcinoma of the appendix29, and anti-inflammatory effects of Punica granatum L. on leukemic cell lines30.

There are two cancer papers including one on the effect of radio-frequency ablation on ground glass nodules31, and a case of schwannoma of the nasal septum32.

Quite naturally, stroke papers follow and here we have one on the efficacy of acupuncture on stroke33, while the other is on the treatment of stroke complications34. Then come orthopaedic/surgery papers including one on fibrosis of the intervertebral disc35, rheumatoid arthritis36, anesthesia for total hip arthroplasty37, osteoporosis in rheumatoid arthritis38, and treatment of gout39. Then we have a paper on the role of ginsenoside in CNS disease40, physiotherapy for Parkinson's disease41 and uptake of refractive error services42.

The next subsection has found a temporary home under NCDs and these include irritable bowel syndrome43, male adolescent smoking44, pesticide exposure among farmers in Palestine45, treatment for periodontitis46, mobile devices for drug education47, and diabetic nephropathy48.

The final section is on Child Health issues. These include effectiveness of a breastfeeding program49, malnutrition of children of adolescent mothers50, stunting among children51, and exclusive breastfeeding in Nigeria52. A seminal paper of hearing loss among school children in Ethiopia brings us to the end of this Editor's choice for this December 2024 issue of African Health Sciences.

We thank our colleagues and partners for giving us the opportunity to publish high quality and truly open-access papers of relevance to Health sciences in Africa and the diaspora. We wish you a very enjoyable festive season and a happy 2025.