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Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of man-made chemicals that are widely present in many industries. Monitoring and analyzing PFAS in Africa is challenging due to the limited availability of mass spectrometry (MS), which is an essential technique for detecting PFAS. This review assesses the scope and impact of the shortage of mass spectrometry instruments in Africa, emphasizing the resulting limitations in monitoring environmental and public health threats. The review analyzes the existing PFAS monitoring, the accessibility of MS instruments, and the technical capabilities within the continent. This study suggests that fewer African countries have sufficient MS instruments, resulting in significant underreport of environmental data and related public health issues. The review proposes financial support and programs to address these difficulties to provide necessary MS instruments. The review suggests that it is highly important to develop regional centers of excellence for PFAS monitoring using MS instruments and investing in training programs to address the gap in monitoring efforts. So, enhancing these are crucial for the successful management of the environment and safeguarding public health from the effects of PFAS contamination.

Aim: This study aimed to characterize ESBL-producing E. coli isolates obtained from apparently healthy captive wild birds from selected zoological gardens in Nigeria. Materials and Methods: A total of 121 freshly deposited faecal samples were collected from captive wild birds in seven major zoological gardens and pooled into 50 samples. The samples were screened for the presence of E. coli. The isolates obtained were tested against a panel of antibiotics and screened for ESBL production using the double disc synergy test (DDST). Primer-specific PCR was used to detect the carriage of ESBL genes (blaCTX-M, blaTEM and blaSHV) by the isolates. Results: A total of 26 ESBL-producing E. coli isolates (52%, n = 26/50) were obtained from the pooled faecal samples of captive wild birds. The highest resistance rate to antibiotics was observed with amoxicillin-clavulanate (88.5%), while the lowest resistance rate was observed with fosfomycin (3.8%). The isolates had Multiple Antibiotic Resistance Index (MARI) values ranging from 0.1 to 0.8 across the tested antibiotics. Approximately 65.4% of the isolates carried blaCTX-M, while blaTEM and blaSHV were detected in 15.4% and 34.6% of the isolates, respectively. Conclusion: This study revealed a significant prevalence of ESBL-producing E. coli in captive wild birds in Nigeria and highlighted the need to institute control measures in zoological gardens to prevent the transmission of antibiotic resistance.

Background Tuberculosis (TB) is an ancient infection and a major public health problem in many low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Active case finding (ACF) programs have been established to effectively reduce TB in endemic global communities. However, there is little information about the evidence-based benefits of active case finding at both the individual and community levels. Accurately identifying the facilitators and barriers to TB-ACF provides information that can be used in planning and design as the world aims to end the global TB epidemic by 2035. Therefore, this study aimed to identify the facilitators and barriers to tuberculosis ACF in LMICs. Methods A systematic search was performed using recognized databases such as PubMed, Google Scholar, SCOPUS, HINARI, and other reference databases. Relevant studies that assessed or reported the ACF of TB conducted in LMICs were included in this study. The Joanna Briggs Institute’s (JBI) Critical Appraisal Tool was used to assess the quality of the selected studies. The Statement of Enhancing Transparency in Reporting the Synthesis of Qualitative Research (ENTREQ) was used to strengthen the protocol for this systematic review. The Confidence of Evidence Review Quality (CERQual) approach was also used to assess the reliability of the review findings. Results From 228 search results, a total of 23 studies were included in the final review. Tuberculosis ACF results were generated under two main themes: barriers and facilitators in LMICs, and two sub-themes of the barriers (healthcare-related and non-healthcare-related barriers). Finally, barriers to active TB case finding were found to be related to (1) the healthcare workers’ experience, knowledge, and skills in detecting TB-ACF, (2) distance and time; (3) availability and workload of ACF healthcare workers; (4) barriers related to a lack of resources such as diagnostic equipment, reagents, and consumables at TB-ACF; (5) the stigma associated with TB-ACF detection; (6) the lack of training of existing and new healthcare professionals to detect TB-ACF; (7) communication strategies and language limitations associated with TB ACF; and (8) poor or no community awareness of tuberculosis. Stigma was the most patient-related obstacle to detecting active TB cases in LMICs. Conclusion This review found that surveillance, monitoring, health worker training, integration into health systems, and long-term funding of health facilities were key to the sustainability of ACF in LMICs. Understanding the elimination of the identified barriers is critical to ensuring a maximum tuberculosis control strategy through ACF.

The Monkeypox Disease (MPXD) gained attention due to its widened geographical distribution outside of Africa, Hence, a it was declared a global health emergency. The index case in Europe was from a Nigerian traveller. This study assessed public awareness and knowledge of the MPXD by conducting an online, cross-sectional survey of educated Nigerians. A total of 822 respondents were recruited using the snowball sampling method between the 16th to 29th of August 2022. More responses were retrieved from the Northeastern geopolitical region (30.1%, n =220) than other regions. Descriptive statistics revealed that 89% ( n =731/822) of the study participants were aware of the MPXD but only 58.7% ( n =429/731) of them had good knowledge of the disease with a mean knowledge score of 5.31±2.09. The main knowledge gaps were in the incubation period of the disease, the signs and symptoms, its mode of transmission, and preventive practices needed to curb the spread of the monkeypox virus (MPXV). Specifically, only 24.5% ( n =179) of them knew that MPXV can be transmitted via sexual contact. Most of the study participants (79.2%, n =651) opined that we can prevent the occurrence of public health emergencies in the future. The multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that of the socio-demographic variables, the male gender (OR: 1.69; 95% CI: 1.22,2.33); Ph.D. level education (1.44; 95% CI: 1.048,4.23); and being homosexual (OR:1.65; 95% CI: 1.07,3.78) were significantly associated with good knowledge of MPXD. Despite the varying prevalence across the country, the region of residence within Nigeria did not influence the knowledge of MPXD among the respondents. The knowledge gaps necessitate intensified public health risk communication with a focus on modes of transmission and the preventive measures needed to curb the spread of the MPXV.

The COVID-19 vaccine is essential to reduce the global impact of the pandemic. Understanding its acceptance is key to Nigeria’s national COVID-19 control strategies. Between the 6th and 22nd of January 2021, we conducted a non-probability convenience sampling of 3076 respondents using online and in-person interviews to assess the prevalence and predictors of the COVID-19 vaccine acceptance in Nigeria. Of the 3076 recruited participants, 74.7% (n = 2300/3076) had tertiary education. The median age group was 30–39 years (35.1%, n = 1097/3076) whereas 31% (n = 952/3076) of all respondents had a monthly income<30,000 Naira (65 USD). The survey results indicated that a wide range of the respondents were in government employment (34.1%, n = 1050/3076). The majority of our study participants (92.2%, n = 2835/3076) believe that COVID-19 is real and not a hoax. Only 27.9% (n = 858/3076) of the study participants have been tested for COVID-19 and 17.8 % (n = 152/858) of the tested respondents were COVID-19 positive by PCR. Half (50.7%; n = 1560/3076) of the study participants were willing to take the vaccine once available. The majority of the respondents (81.1%, n = 2496/3076) were not willing to pay for the vaccine. Only 15.9% (n = 483/3076) of the respondents rated the government’s handling of the pandemic above average. The potential acceptance of the COVID-19 vaccine was significantly affected by the age and the monthly income of the respondents. Respondents older than 60 years old (OR: 3.02, 95% CI: 1.69,5.41; p < 0.001) and those that earn between 250,000–500,000 Naira monthly (OR: 1.38; 95% CI: 1.11,1.70; p < 0.001) were more likely to accept the COVID-19 vaccine respectively. In addition, the respondents’ perception of the existence of the disease (OR: 1.45; 95% CI: 0.99,2.18; p > 0.05), the need for a COVID-19 vaccine (OR: 16; 95% CI: 11.63,22.10; p < 0.001), the willingness to pay (OR: 1.68; 95% CI: 1.39,2.01; p < 0.001) and the rating of the government handling of the pandemic (OR: 2.25; 95% CI: 1.57,3.23; p < 0.001) were critical to the acceptance of the COVID-19 vaccine. With 50.7% vaccine acceptance, Nigeria’s public health policymakers must prioritize and develop strategies that will effectively increase COVID-19 vaccine acceptance across the country with emphasis on trust, transparency and strong leadership.

Background Mpox continues to pose a significant public health threat in endemic regions of Africa, particularly with the emergence of new viral clades and continuous human-to-human transmission. This scoping review assesses existing Mpox surveillance systems in endemic parts of Africa, highlighting key trends, challenges, and opportunities for improvement. Methods A scoping review was conducted following the PRISMA-ScR guidelines. Five electronic databases (PubMed, Scopus, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library) were searched in September 2025. Studies conducted in the WHO African Region that described, evaluated, or implemented Mpox laboratory surveillance systems were included. Eligible articles underwent screening and data extraction using the Covidence software. Data extracted from the reviewed studies were charted according to surveillance structures, diagnostic methods, reporting strategies, and implementation challenges. Results 24 studies were included for review, predominantly from Central and West Africa, particularly the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Nigeria, Cameroon, and the Central African Republic (CAR). Surveillance systems varied in scope and design, ranging from passive and active national frameworks to cross-border monitoring. Diagnostic approaches commonly relied on polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing, though limitations in laboratory infrastructure and delayed specimen transport hindered timely case confirmation. Key challenges identified include deficits in diagnostic capacity, misclassification of disease based on symptoms, and limited follow-up investigations. Structural barriers such as poor infrastructure, healthcare worker shortages, and conflict-related disruptions further weakened Mpox surveillance. Stigma and lack of community awareness contributed to underreporting. Additionally, the circulation of multiple Mpox viral clades and frequent cross-border transmission complicated outbreak detection and containment. Conclusion While Mpox surveillance capacity has improved modestly, major structural and systemic challenges persist. Strengthening Mpox surveillance in endemic regions requires a multi-level strategy to ensure timely detection and containment of future outbreaks. Clinical trial number Not applicable

Tropical diseases present major health challenges in regions with limited resources, where access to advanced laboratory facilities is often scarce. This study explores the innovative techniques emerging in point-of-care (POC) diagnostics that are transforming the detection and treatment of tropical diseases. These advancements aim to provide faster diagnosis, better medical care, and ongoing monitoring in areas where traditional diagnostic methods are not practical, combining the precision of laboratory testing with the accessibility of field-based solutions. The review focuses on rapid diagnostic tests, molecular diagnostic tools, and smartphone-based applications, analyzing their advantages, limitations, and potential impact on healthcare delivery. It also addresses the challenges and opportunities involved in deploying these technologies in resource-constrained environments. Key to their success is the need for interdisciplinary collaboration, sustainable funding models, and strong regulatory frameworks to ensure their effective integration into healthcare systems. The review emphasizes how point-of-care diagnostics can play a crucial role in reducing the burden of tropical diseases and advancing health equity on a global scale. •Novel point-of-care diagnostics improve accuracy in identifying tropical diseases.•Quick tests and smartphone applications show promising results in field settings.•Integrated molecular diagnostics enhance treatment outcomes in resource-limited areas.•Study highlights the need for robust frameworks to support diagnostic innovations.

Meat handling is a crucial aspect of public health as it forms complex interactions among humans, animals, and the environment. African meat handlers continue to face various challenges in slaughterhouses that significantly impact their lives and the general public during meat processing. This paper reviews the challenges meat handlers encounter and the associated risks of improper meat handling in various African slaughterhouses. A comprehensive literature search was performed on Science Direct, Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus and Google Scholar. Articles published to investigate the challenges and health risks of meat handling practices in Africa from 1961 to 2022 were included in this review. African meat handlers face socio-economic difficulties, including inadequate returns, unpredictable working environment, market, security, and limited healthcare access. Many meat handlers work informally in unregistered facilities and are not trained by experts on proper meat handling. This results in improper meat handling, raising the possibility of meat contamination by foodborne pathogens like Salmonella sp. and E. coli on slaughter and contact surfaces, hence posing a threat to meat safety and public health. We recommended that governmental, institutional and community-level actions should be used to address the health challenges associated with improper meat handling in Africa. Government and institutional bodies play an important role in supporting and upholding the laws that guide proper meat handling and processing. Meat handlers must be educated on meat safety, handling and storage to ensure meat is safe for consumption.

There is limited comparative data on how roasting affects the quality, composition, and usability of palm kernel oil, despite its wide application as an edible and industrial oil. This study investigated the influence of roasting on the characteristics of palm kernel oil obtained from unroasted (Sample A) and roasted (Sample B) kernels to determine how thermal processing impacts yield and quality parameters. The physicochemical properties, proximate composition, and elemental composition of the oils were determined, and characterization was carried out using Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), and Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS). Sample B (oil derived from roasted kernels) exhibited a significantly ( p  < 0.05) higher yield and a desirable nutty, caramel-like flavor compared to Sample A (oil derived from unroasted kernel). Conversely, Sample A recorded significantly higher ( p  < 0.05) acid, iodine, and saponification values, as well as higher ash (0.13%), lipid (96.36%), and protein (2.62%) contents, compared with Sample B, which contained 0.08% ash, 94.35% lipid, and 1.76% protein. FTIR spectra of both samples showed similar absorption patterns, suggesting that roasting did not markedly alter the fundamental functional groups. However, the DSC thermogram of Sample B displayed a broader endothermic peak, indicating changes in fatty acid profile or crystal structure, which was further supported by compositional differences observed in GC-MS analysis. Overall, roasting enhanced the yield and sensory quality of palm kernel, demonstrating its potential as a cost-effective method for improving the oil’s value and application in food and cosmetic industries.

The progress made in the field of nanotechnology has resulted in the development of nanomedicine agents, which have demonstrated their efficacy as a promising clinical tool in the fight against different types of cancers. Furthermore, Nanomedicine products possess the potential to achieve intricate targeting strategies and multifunctionality. Currently, nanoparticles possess diverse applications across various scientific disciplines and serve as a crucial component in contemporary medical practices. The specimens have undergone analysis for diverse clinical purposes, including serving as drug carriers, delivering tumor genes, and functioning as contrast compounds in imaging. Diverse nanomaterials derived from organic, inorganic, lipid, or glycan compounds, in addition to synthetic polymers, have been employed to advance and enhance novel cancer therapeutics. The present review centers on the utilization of nanoparticles in clinical settings for the purposes of cancer diagnosis and treatment, with a particular emphasis on their function as drug carriers and targeted therapy agents.