<abstract xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">

Objective: To assess safety practices among eye care workers in Nigeria during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Methods: This research was a cross-sectional study. A structured electronic questionnaire was distributed among eye care workers (ophthalmologists, optometrists, ophthalmic nurses) across the six geographical zones of Nigeria. Information on socio-demographics, COVID-19 infection, current working conditions and safety practices were obtained. Data analysis was done using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS Inc. Chicago Illinois, USA) for windows, version 22. Results: A total of 236 eye care workers participated in the study; their mean (±SD) age was 37.13 (±8.141) years, 125 (53%) were females, and 145 (61.4%) worked in a tertiary care hospital. All participants described COVID-19 as a viral disease and 98.3% agreed that the disease can affect the eyes. Outpatient clinic consultation was recorded as the highest (77.7%) service provided during the pandemic. Regarding preventive practices, 95% of eye care workers wore facemasks, 82.4% wore gloves during ophthalmic examination and Hazmat suit was the least used protective device (2.5%). About three-quarters (77.5%) reported feeling unsafe in their working environment and 63.9% were dissatisfied with the personal protective device provided by hospitals to eye care workers. Conclusion: COVID-19 pandemic presented an unprecedented challenge for eye care workers; with the practice of ophthalmology posing a high risk of transmission of the virus. Efforts should be made to provide the required personal protective devices needed for optimum protection of eye care workers in healthcare settings.
</abstract>

Department of Planning, Research and Statistics

COVID-19 Pandemic: A Survey of Safety Practices among Eye Care Workers in Nigeria

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Sickle cell anaemia is a life-threatening genetic disease that causes damage to red blood cells by polymerisation of deoxygenated haemoglobin. It is highly prevalent in Africa especially in regions with high prevalence of malaria. Over the years, hydroxyurea had been the only promising drug used in the management of sickle cell anaemia; however, it has been found to be unaffordable and not readily available to the affected poor people in rural areas. Several challenges face drug development efforts in Africa yet there remains a significant need for the development and standardisation of newer, cheaper, and effective anti-sickling drugs that would be readily affordable and available to meet the needs of the African populace.
</abstract>

Sickle cell Anaemia: The Need for Increased Drug Development in Africa

<abstract xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">

Substandard and falsified medicines are a global health concern negatively affecting individuals, the public, the pharmaceutical industry and governments all over the world. This review aims to examine the global prevalence of substandard and falsified medicines, its impact on health and the health system, including socio-economic impacts and strategies for curbing this menace. A literature review of published articles between January 2000 and May 2020 was done with keywords “substandard”, “counterfeit”, and “falsified medicines”. Articles were sourced from PubMed, World Health Organization (WHO) databases and Google Scholar. There are reports of substandard and falsified medicines from all WHO Regions with noticeable prevalence in the African Region. These medicines have been reported to cause death, antimicrobial resistance, increase prevalence of diseases, and loss of confidence in the health system. Increased patients spending, loss of productivity, strain of limited health systems resources, and loss of government revenue are major socio-economic implications of substandard and falsified medicines. An increase in criminal sanctions, global harmonization of drug regulatory authorities, and appropriate education of healthcare professionals and patients on how to prevent, detect, and respond to reported cases of substandard and falsified medicines are strategies that can be implemented to curb the menace of these medicines. Registered pharmacists and pharmacy students play critical roles in addressing this global health issue.
</abstract>

Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology

A Literature Review on the Global Burden and Impact of Substandard and Falsified Medicine

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Volume 2 (2022): Issue 1 (January 2022)

Volume 1 (2021): Issue 1 (January 2021)

Annals of Public Health Issues

 Annals of Public Health Issues is an international, open access, double-blind and peer-review journal. The journal aims to publish papers related to all aspects of public health research and practice, including health education, biostatistics, epidemiology, environmental health, community health, behavioral health, health economics, disability, reproductive and sexual health, occupational health, social work, medical sociology, mental health, (health-related) laws and public policy. APHI is owned by the Cephas Health Research Initiative Inc (Nigeria) – a private non-profit health organization established in 2016 by a group of professionals (researchers, academics, legal practitioners, and clinicians) in August 2016.  The journal serves a broad range of international audiences comprising students, trainees, and professionals in the field of public health. Hence, submissions from researchers of all cadres are welcomed, irrespective of their geographical location, race, creed, religion, or ideologies.  Only relevant and good quality papers written in English are considered for publication in APHI. Also, the only language for correspondence by the journal is English.  All papers submitted to APHI shall undergo rigorous peer review before an editorial decision is made. APHI publishes research papers (original/review articles and study protocols) and non-research papers (editorial, commentary, letter to editor, biography, quiz, experience, etc.). All submitted manuscripts shall also be subjected to similarity (plagiarism) checks.  The journal aims to publish accepted articles continuously in an open volume throughout the year. Hence, the publication process of accepted papers can be done rapidly, without delay.  We are looking forward to receiving your submissions because APHI has come to stay.   Archiving  Sciendo archives the contents of this journal in Portico - digital long-term preservation service of scholarly books, journals and collections.  Plagiarism Policy  The editorial board is participating in a growing community of Similarity Check System's users in order to ensure that the content published is original and trustworthy. Similarity Check is a medium that allows for comprehensive manuscripts screening, aimed to eliminate plagiarism and provide a high standard and quality peer-review process. 

Annals of Public Health Issues

Volume 2 (2022): Issue 1 (January 2022)

COVID-19 Pandemic: A Survey of Safety Practices among Eye Care Workers in Nigeria

Sickle cell Anaemia: The Need for Increased Drug Development in Africa

A Literature Review on the Global Burden and Impact of Substandard and Falsified Medicine

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