Mapping Plasmodium falciparum mutations in Africa: A critical review of emerging drug resistance and implications for malaria control.

Malaria remains a significant public health concern in Africa, with the efficacy of Artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs) being threatened by the emergence of Plasmodium falciparum (Pf) kelch13 mutations. The current genetic diversity of Pf and associated contributing factors reported in Africa between 2019 and 2024 were reviewed. It was shown that validated kelch13 mutations are mainly distributed in East African regions, particularly in Eritrea (R622I, 68%) and Uganda (R561H, 52%).

Air pollution and health in Rwandan and Kenyan schools cooking with polluting fuels: a cross-sectional impact study.

School meals across Sub-Saharan Africa are typically prepared using biomass on inefficient stoves, resulting in high air pollution levels that might affect learners and staff. However, there is a paucity of air pollution health-related research in African schools. This study, conducted in seven schools in Rwanda and four schools in Kenya, assessed 1) levels of carbon monoxide (CO) and fine particulate matter (PM) in school kitchens, classrooms (three, at different distances from the kitchen), playgrounds and personal among learners and catering staff; and 2) the prevalence of acute air pollution health-related symptoms and knowledge and perceptions of air pollution among learners and staff.

Antimycobacterial Activities of Cryptolepis sanguinolenta, Lantana camara, Zanthoxylum leprieurii Modeled as a Function of Their Fingerprints for Active Compounds Identification.

There is a pressing need to discover novel anti-tuberculosis agents to combat emerging drug-resistant strains. , and have been identified as potential sources of anti-tuberculosis (TB) drug candidates. Previous studies have examined the metabolites and metabolic pathways in mycobacterial strains affected by methanolic extracts of these plants, but the specific active compounds responsible for the antimycobacterial activity, the effect on affected metabolites and metabolic pathways of mycobacterial cell cultures, remain unclear.

Prevalence and Factors Associated with Repeat Mental Health Service Utilization During Rwanda's Genocide Commemoration Week.

The genocide commemoration week in Rwanda often triggers heightened mental health (MH) needs, necessitating targeted support. Understanding factors influencing repeat MH service utilization is essential for effective interventions. This cross-sectional study analyzed data from individuals seeking MH services during the 2024 Rwandan genocide commemoration week, distinguishing between first-time and repeat users.

Prevalence of Non-Daily Teeth Cleaning and Its Associated Factors Among Adult Population in Rwanda.

Oral hygiene practices are vital for maintaining health, yet many adults do not engage in daily teeth cleaning. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and determinants of non-daily teeth cleaning among adults in Rwanda using data from the 2022 Rwanda Non-Communicable Diseases (NCD) STEPS Survey which used a cross-sectional design and multistage cluster sampling. Weighted prevalence estimates and logistic regression models were used to examine associations between non-daily teeth cleaning and key demographic, socioeconomic, behavioral, and oral health factors.

Surveillance of Common Circulating Enteric Bacteria and Antimicrobial Susceptibility Patterns in Five Satellite Laboratories in Rwanda, 2014-2022.

Diarrhea diseases are a significant public health problem in Africa. In Rwanda, they are ranked third among the top causes of morbidity and mortality in children under five years of age. However, limited studies have been conducted to identify common circulating enteric pathogenic bacteria in Rwanda.

Enhancing Global Health Security in Sub-Saharan Africa: The case for integrated One Health surveillance against zoonotic diseases and environmental threats.

Integrated One Health surveillance is pivotal to Africa's future health security, particularly in preventing and managing zoonotic and environmental health threats. The One Health strategy recognizes the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health, allowing a holistic framework for tracking and responding to emerging and re-emerging pathogens. The One Health approach facilitates cross-sectoral data sharing and enhances surveillance, enabling the early detection and response to potential outbreaks.

Early detection of SARS-CoV-2 variants using genomic surveillance: insights from aircraft wastewater and nasal swabs at Kigali International Airport, Rwanda.

Objectives: The growing threat of emerging infectious diseases necessitates proactive genomic surveillance, particularly, in regions with limited resources and low levels of existing reporting. This study highlights the implementation of a comprehensive genomic surveillance program at the Kigali International Airport and explores the utility of a dual-sample strategy leveraging environmental aircraft wastewater and pooled nasal swab sample types for comprehensive detection and characterization of SARS-CoV-2 lineages being imported into Rwanda.

Methods: Using a combined pooled nasal swab and aircraft wastewater sampling approach resulted in complementary insights in terms of geographic coverage, positivity, and variant characterization.

A Case Report of Venous Ulcer Mimicking Cutaneous Leishmaniasis.

Venous ulcers can sometimes be difficult to diagnose accurately because they can resemble other skin lesions such as cutaneous leishmaniasis. Here, we present a patient with a venous ulcer that mimics cutaneous leishmaniasis and mycetoma lesions. A 50-year-old female patient presented with a nonhealing venous ulcer in her right lower leg, which was suspected to be cutaneous leishmaniasis, ulcerated mycetoma lesions, and misdiagnosed as cutaneous leishmaniasis.

Kinetics of hematological and biochemical biomarkers are key tools for monitoring disease progression in Marburg virus-infected patients in Rwanda.

Marburg Virus Disease (MVD) is a severe disease with a fatality rate of up to 90%. Limited studies have suggested hematological and biochemical biomarkers for managing MVD, but data on key markers correlated with MVD development are scarce. This study aimed to investigate the biosignatures that can be used to monitor MVD progression in Marburg virus (MARV)-infected patients.

Use of robot technology for decontaminating Marburg virus-exposed environments in Rwanda: A promising tool for managing outbreaks in resource-limited settings.

Background: Marburg virus disease (MVD) is a deadly disease with a case fatality rate of up to 90%. The recent MVD outbreak in Rwanda underscored the role of infection prevention and control in managing MVD. This study assessed the effectiveness of traditional disinfectants and UV-C light for decontaminating Marburg virus (MARV)-exposed environments.

Marburg Virus Disease: Epidemiology, Immune Responses, and Innovations in Vaccination and Treatment for Enhanced Public Health Strategies.

Marburg virus disease (MVD) remains an important global health concern, in part because of its particularly high mortality rate [...

Emerging Strategies and Progress in the Medical Management of Marburg Virus Disease.

During the current outbreak of Marburg virus disease (MVD) in Rwanda, we synthesized evidence from the literature to improve case management. Accordingly, experimental treatment was offered to patients under close follow-up. Remdesivir alone or in combination with monoclonal antibody treatment (MBP091) complemented with supportive care has improved the clinical outcomes of patients.

Immunogenicity, Pathogenesis, and Host's Immuno-Responses to Marburg Virus Infection.

Due to the sudden emergence and burnout nature of Marburg virus (MARV) outbreaks, little is known about MARV's pathogenicity and immunogenicity. These gaps in knowledge are limiting our understanding of the disease and the implementation of cost-effective prevention and control measures including case management through safe and effective therapeutic modalities. Therefore, this review aims to synthesize and summarize evidence about pathogenicity, immunogenicity, and virulence in humans towards MARV.

The Mpox Response Among Key Populations at High Risk of or Living with HIV in Rwanda: Leveraging the Successful National HIV Control Program for More Impactful Interventions.

Mpox, an emerging zoonotic infectious disease, presents a significant public health threat, especially among high-risk groups like female sex workers and men who have sex with men. This commentary reviews and summarizes Rwanda's response to mpox, focusing on its intersection with HIV. Rwanda has adopted an integrated strategy to tackle both mpox and HIV by leveraging lessons and experience from the country's success in the management of HIV and COVID-19, enhancing community engagement and health outcomes.

High Concordance between Vaginal Samples and Cervical Samples of Human Papillomavirus in Women Living with HIV in Rwanda.

Background: Chronic infection by human papillomavirus (HPV) is necessary for the development of almost all cervical cancers. The study assessed the prevalence of vaginal and cervical HPV infections in women living with HIV (WLWH) in Rwanda and assessed the performance of vaginal HPV screening to detect cervical HPV infections.

Methods: HIV-positive women (N = 413) attending the HIV clinic at the University Teaching Hospital of Kigali, Kigali, Rwanda, were interviewed and vaginal and cervical swab samples for HPV testing and a pap smear sample were taken.

Bridging the gap: identifying barriers and strategies for widespread implementation of long-acting injectable antiretroviral therapy in Sub-Saharan Africa: a scoping review.

Background: Long-acting injectable antiretroviral therapy (LAI ART) is a new, and innovative approach to HIV treatment, designed to address several challenges, including the adherence issues associated with daily oral ART. This review synthesizes existing literature on the barriers and strategies for implementing LAI ART in the sub-Saharan Africa region, while identifying key knowledge gaps and research priorities.

Methods: We performed a comprehensive literature search, encompassing electronic databases and grey literature sources.

A Longstanding Case of Black Grain Mycetoma in a Somalian Male Patient: A Case Report.

Mycetoma is a chronic granulomatous infection predominantly affecting young individuals, characterized by painless swelling and often misdiagnosed due to its resemblance to other conditions. This case report presents the first documented instance of eumycetoma located in the buttock of a 44-year-old male patient from Somalia, a region with limited literature on this disease. The patient exhibited a 10-year history of indurated swelling, which progressed to the discharge of dark granules, leading to the diagnosis of black grain eumycetoma.

Refining early detection of Marburg Virus Disease (MVD) in Rwanda: Leveraging predictive symptom clusters to enhance case definitions.

Background: Marburg Virus Disease (MVD) poses a significant global health risk due to its high case fatality rates (24%-88%) and the diagnostic challenges posed by its nonspecific early symptoms, which overlap with other febrile illnesses like malaria. This study analyzed symptom patterns from the 2024 MVD outbreak in Rwanda to refine case definitions and enhance early detection.

Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted of 6613 suspected MVD cases (66 positive, 6547 negative) reported between September 27 and December 20, 2024.

Paucibacillary tuberculosis drives the low positive predictive value of Xpert MTB/RIF Ultra for rifampicin resistance detection in low-prevalence settings.

Background: Xpert MTB/RIF Ultra (Ultra) aimed to improve the specificity in identifying rifampicin-resistant tuberculosis (RR-TB), compared to Xpert MTB/RIF.

Methods: In a nationwide study in Rwanda, patients diagnosed with RR-TB by Ultra between December 2021 and January 2024 underwent repeat Ultra testing, complemented by rpoB gene sequencing and phenotypic drug-susceptibility testing (pDST), serving as reference tests.

Results: Of 129 patients initially diagnosed with RR-TB by Ultra, only 41 (32%) had concordant rifampicin results upon repeat Ultra testing.

Factors affecting community participation in drone-based larviciding using Bacillus thuringiensis var. israelensis (Bti) for bio-control of malaria vectors in Rwanda.

Background: Malaria remains a significant health issue in Rwanda. Primary malaria prevention methods include insecticide-treated nets and indoor residual spraying as core interventions. Mosquito repellents, larval source management (LSM), and housing improvement are recommended as supplemental vector control methods.

Half-decade of scaling up malaria control: malaria trends and impact of interventions from 2018 to 2023 in Rwanda.

Background: Rwanda has made significant strides in malaria control. This study reviews malaria epidemiology and control strategies in Rwanda from 2018 to 2023, documenting their impact, persistent gaps and emerging challenges.

Methods: Data on Rwanda's malaria context from 2018 to 2023 were obtained through a literature review of peer-reviewed articles and grey literature, including annual reports from the malaria programmes, partners, the African Union, and the World Health Organization (WHO).

Rift Valley Fever in Rwanda Is Urging for Enhancing Global Health Security Through Multisectoral One Health Strategy.

Rift Valley fever (RVF) is a devastating zoonotic mosquito-borne viral hemorrhagic fever disease that threats human and animal health and biodiversity in Africa, including in Rwanda. RVF is increasingly outbreaking in Africa, leading to devastating impacts on health, socioeconomic stability and growth, and food insecurity in the region, particularly among livestock-dependent communi-ties. This systematic review synthesizes existing evidence on RVF's epidemiology, transmission dynamics, and the prevention and control measures implemented in Rwanda.