Cada sociedade, em épocas específicas, apresenta formas particulares de construção da identidade sociocultural e políticas decorrentes das interações históricas. Essas formas particulares de construir a identidade são determinadas pelas mudanças socioculturais e geopolíticas. Moçambique atravessou diferentes vivências que representaram três formas de construção da identidade da mulher: colonial, da independência (socialista) e pós-independência (capitalista). Em cada um desses momentos, a mulher foi chamada a participar no processo da construção da moçambicanidade através dos processos da educação, da cultura, da mobilização social, da organização da estrutura familiar e do trabalho. Em cada um desses momentos a mulher lutou pela conquista dos seus direitos e pela emancipação política, económica e cultural. Por esses motivos, a mulher participou e continua participando nos desafios pela preservação das tradições autóctones, crenças religiosas; práticas socioculturais, educação tradicional, combate à pobreza e pelos seus direitos na participação política que foram hostilizados pelo colonialismo. Contudo, a sua participação na mobilização das camadas sociais, na educação das crianças, na vida política e a sua autoafirmação na construção e consolidação da moçambicanidade resultante de coesão interna entre vários grupos étnicos que formam Moçambique não é reconhecida e continua insignificante. Desta forma, o artigo pretende analisar o papel da mulher na construção e consolidação da identidade sociocultural e política e na luta pelos direitos humanos em Moçambique.
This paper investigates the phenomenon of presidential constitutional engineering (PCE) in Sub-Saharan Africa between 1990 and 2020. It introduces a novel conceptual framework and classification system that captures the most frequent and impactful strategies used by political elites to retain power through legal-constitutional means. These include manipulating term limits, adopting new constitutions to reset term counts, altering electoral systems, and imposing restrictive candidacy conditions. Unlike broader notions of electoral manipulation, the paper focuses specifically on legal-constitutional reforms that reshape the structure of presidential competition. Drawing on our dataset of documented PCE attempts, it offers comparative insights into institutional fragility and the concentration of executive power. The framework contributes to both academic debate and policy design by offering a clear typology that scholars and practitioners can adapt to assess democratic resilience and constitutional stability across presidential systems.
Nouha Jandoubi, Maroua Boujemaa, Najah Mighri
et al.
Introduction: Cancer management in Africa faces diverse challenges due to limited resources, health system challenges, and other matters. Identifying hereditary cancer syndromic cases is crucial to improve clinical management and preventive care in these settings. This study aims to explore the clinicopathological features and genetic factors associated with hereditary cancer in Tunisia, a North African country with a rising cancer burden Materials and methods: Clinicopathological features and personal/family history of cancer were explored in 521 patients. Genetic analysis using Sanger and next-generation sequencing was performed for a set of patients Results: Hereditary breast and ovarian cancer syndrome was the most frequent cluster in which 36 BRCA mutations were identified. We described a subgroup of patients with likely ‘’breast cancer-only syndrome’’ among this cluster. Two cases of Li-Fraumeni syndrome with distinct TP53 mutations namely c.638G>A and c.733G>A have been identified. Genetic investigation also allowed the identification of a new BLM homozygous mutation (c.3254dupT) in one patient with multiple primary cancers. Phenotype-genotype correlation suggests the diagnosis of Bloom syndrome. A recurrent MUTYH mutation (c.1143_1144dup) was identified in three patients with different phenotypes Conclusion: Our study calls for comprehensive genetic education and the implementation of genetic screening in Tunisia and other African countries health systems, to reduce the burden of hereditary diseases and improve cancer outcomes in resource-stratified settings.
Neoplasms. Tumors. Oncology. Including cancer and carcinogens
Ahmad Mahmoud Saleh, Tahani Mohammed, Hassanat R. Abdel-Aziz
Objective: Evaluate how well an intervention program reduces anxiety, depression, and fatigue. Methods: The study was carried out at the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education in a hospital in Lebanon. A randomized controlled trial (RCT) was conducted with 30 patients undergoing radiotherapy or chemotherapy. Participants were randomized into two groups of 15 each using an approach for comprehensive enumeration sampling. The Zung Anxiety Scale, Beck Depression Inventory, and Fatigue Scale were among the research instruments. The study approach involved counseling, home care, and the Progressive Muscle Relaxation technique. Results: Both groups had comparable sociodemographic and clinical profiles. The study comprised 30 participants, averaging 32 years in the experimental group and 28 years in the control group. Most of the participants were married (74 % experimental, 60 % control), with a significant proportion identified as housewives (87 % control, 60 % experimental). In addition, many had limited education, with 74 % of the experimental group and 67 % of the control group below the primary level. The intervention group, which received counseling, home care and Progressive Muscle Relaxation, experienced significantly greater reductions in anxiety, depression, and fatigue, with p-values below 0.001 for all variables. Statistical analyzes, including paired and independent t-tests, confirmed these findings. Conclusions: The therapeutic program significantly reduced anxiety, depression, and fatigue in patients undergoing cancer treatment, with p-values less than 0.001. These findings highlight the importance of tailored support, suggesting that integrating such interventions into standard care can improve patients’ mental and emotional well-being.
Mounib M. Sabounji, Aïssatou Ndiaye, Saïdou Diallo
Abstract Background Enthesitis/spondylitis-related arthritis (ERA) is a type of juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) frequently associated with HLA-B27. In sub-Saharan Africa, HLA-B27-positive ERA hasn’t been the subject of a specific study. Objectives We aimed to describe the clinical features, disease activity, functional disability and treatment of HLA-B27-positive ERA at diagnosis in Senegal and compare the findings to other populations. Methods We conducted a retrospective study by reviewing the medical records of patients diagnosed with ERA with an age of symptom onset < 18 years according to the 2019 PRINTO provisional criteria for ERA from January 2012 to December 2022. We collected demographic, clinical, paraclinical and therapeutic data. Disease activity score was assessed by Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Score (ASDAS) and Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI). Functional disability was assessed using Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index (BASFI). Results A total of 31 patients with HLA-B27-positive ERA were included. Twenty of 31 (64.5%) were males. Twenty-seven (87%) were Fula (ethnicity). The median age at symptom onset and at diagnosis was 12 years and 19 years, respectively. Seven patients had a family history of Spondyloarthritis. Peripheral arthritis and enthesitis were the most common presenting features at disease onset. Peripheral arthritis was present in 29 (93.5%) and located in the lower limbs in 27/29 (93.1%) patients. Heel enthesitis was present in 26 (83.8%) patients. Axial involvement was present in 27 (87%) patients, dominated by low back pain and sacroiliac pain/ buttock pain in 24 (88.8%) and 22 (81.5%) patients, respectively. Seven (22.5%) patients had anterior uveitis. The ESR and CRP were elevated in 65.5% and 57.1% of cases, respectively. On imaging, sacroiliitis was found in 22 patients. The mean BASDAI was 5.5/10 (77.2% of patients had a high active disease; BASDAI ≥ 4/10). The mean ASDAS-ESR/CRP was 3.8. The mean BASFI was 5.4/10 (80% of patients had high functional disability; BASFI ≥ 4/10). Twenty-seven (87%) patients were treated with methotrexate and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. After 6 months of treatment, mean BASDAI was 3/10 and mean BASFI was 2.5/10. Conclusion In our study, HLA-B27-positive ERA was found in our Senegalese cohort mainly in adolescents of the Fula ethnic group. 22 (70.9%) patients developed ankylosing spondylitis at adulthood. The disease was very active at the time of diagnosis with significant functional disability. Treatment was mainly based on methotrexate and NAISDs.
Pediatrics, Diseases of the musculoskeletal system
Nosso objetivo é analisar o envolvimento de indivíduos pardos com a devoção de uma santa africana, a Santa Efigênia, na Irmandade do Rosário dos Pretos do Alto da Cruz, em Vila Rica. A análise tem como base, especialmente, os documentos da tesouraria da confraria e o Livro dos Brancos, bem como as trajetórias de vidas e redes sociais de pardos da confraria. Percebemos que o investimento nas celebrações desta irmandade revela que o sodalício do Alto da Cruz elegeu a invocação de Santa Efigênia como símbolo principal de sua sociabilidade. Os irmãos pardos, aos quais nos referimos como beneméritos, tiveram atuação decisiva. O investimento votivo de pardos livres ou libertos na celebração de Efigênia tanto representou uma tentativa de demonstração de ascensão e prestígio social, a partir de uma comunidade negra, como, ao mesmo tempo, conferiu a esta solenidade um caráter de autonomia e mobilidade frente aos estigmas do escravismo.
The article is devoted to Biden Administration Policy in Sub-Saharan Africa during the first half of 2022. This policy is carried out in accordance with a keynote speech “The United States and Africa: Building a 21st Century Partnership” made by Secretary of State Antony Blinken on November 17, 2021 in Abuja, Nigeria. The Secretary identified five spheres of common interest and cooperation – global health, the climate crisis, more stable and inclusive economy, defense of democracy, peace and security. The United States acknowledge a growing role of Africa in the world affairs and use all means at their disposal to preserve and strengthen their positions on the continent. The US “right” to be a global leader remains indisputable. The main enemies, as everywhere, are “authoritarian” China and Russia. The author reviews the US positions and activities in regard to conflict situations in Ethiopia, Mali, Somalia, Democratic Republic of Congo and South Sudan. The meetings and contacts are traced between A. Blinken, his deputies and assistants and African leaders – Chairpersons of African Union and AU Commission, presidents of Angola, Chad, Equatorial Guinea, The Gambia, Malawi, Somalia, Zambia, prime minister of Cote d’Ivoire, foreign ministers of South Africa, Kenia, Nigeria and other countries. The trips of two American delegations are described. One, led by Deputy Secretary of State W. Sherman to South Africa, Angola and Togo (May). The other – “the Department of State economic diplomacy delegation” to Nigeria, Kenia, South Africa and Namibia (February). Some statistics on US – Sub-Saharan Africa trade and investments are provided. The official position concerning the tasks facing Africom is cited.
In connection with the events in Ukraine, the United States launched in Africa a frenzied slanderous campaign against Russia. Despite brutal American pressure, about half of the African states refused to vote for the anti-Russian resolution in the United Nations General Assembly (26 out of 54). The African Union Chairperson M. Sall characterized the position of Africa as “very heterogeneous” and insisted on the cancellation of sanctions. His meeting with V. Putin in Sochi on June 3 showed that the African Union is interested in cooperation with Russia and has no intention to quarrel with it. The author analyses in detail “the Congressional Budget Justification” letter which presents the State Department requests of funds for the US policy in Africa in 2023 Financial Year (1 October 2022 – 30 September 2023). Now principle changes in regard to the size of expenditures or vectors of activities are planned.
History of Africa, Ethnology. Social and cultural anthropology
This study investigated the critical success factors for the community management of rural water supplies in the Ohangwena Region, Namibia. Rural communities in Namibia receive water through the Community Based Management (CBM) strategy, which necessitates water governance decentralization, thereby enabling local communities to participate in the management of their water resources. In pursuance of this policy and philosophy, a large number of water point committees have been created nationally. At least half of the existing water points in rural areas in Namibia are faulty and dysfunctional, however, and the majority of people are still struggling to access clean water. The study endeavoured to examine key considerations that have a positive impact on the success of the management of the rural water supply in Namibia, using the Ohangwena Region as a case study. Qualitative and quantitative methods were used in the study. The findings from the study affirmed that governance, leadership attributes of the committee members, training and capacity building, level of community involvement, coordination and support are critical success factors for effective management of rural water supplies. Finally, a rural water management model was developed, which is anticipated to contribute towards improved management of rural water provision in the study area.
History of Africa, African languages and literature
O presente artigo analisa o processo da escuna francesa Clementina, apreendida no dia 21 de janeiro de 1831, com 175 africanos escravizados, suspeita de realizar o tráfico transatlântico para o Brasil. O objetivo geral desse artigo é elaborar um estudo de caso, tendo como fontes primárias a correspondência intercambiada entre o consulado francês no Recife e o governo da Província de Pernambuco, assim como as sentenças prolatadas no Brasil e na França, inserindo nossa análise no contexto do debate que antecede a primeira lei antitráfico de 7 de novembro de 1831 e seus desdobramentos. Em particular, buscamos entender como a apreensão da Clementina pode ser reveladora de uma conjuntura social característica, da qual inferimos, ao mesmo tempo, a participação dos traficantes estabelecidos no Recife e suas estratégias para perpetuarem a ilegalidade do contrabando de seres humanos, bem como compreender o papel desse governo no combate a este infame comércio.
Introduction: South Africa has a high prevalence of co-existing tuberculosis and HIV. As ototoxicity linked to the treatments for these conditions occurs with concomitant exposure to other ear toxins such as hazardous noise exposure, it is important to investigate the combination impact of these toxins. Limited published evidence exists on the co-occurrence of these conditions within this population. Objectives: The objective of this study was to compare the hearing function of gold miners with (treatment group) and without (non-treatment group) the history of tuberculosis treatment, in order to determine which group had increased risk of noise induced hearing loss. Furthermore, possible influence of age and HIV in these two groups was examined. Methods: A retrospective record review of 102 miners’ audiological records, divided into two groups, was conducted, with data analyzed both qualitatively and quantitatively. Results: Findings suggest that gold miners with a history of tuberculosis treatment have worse hearing thresholds in the high frequencies when compared to those without this history; with evidence of a noise induced hearing loss notch at 6000 Hz in both groups. Pearson's correlations showed values between 0 and 0.3 (0 and −0.3) which are indicative of a weak positive (negative) correlation between HIV and hearing loss, as well as between hearing loss and age in this population. Conclusions: Current findings highlight the importance of strategic hearing conservation programs, including ototoxicity monitoring, and the possible use of oto-protective/chemo-protective agents in this population. Resumo: Introdução: A África do Sul apresenta uma alta prevalência de coinfecção de tuberculose e HIV. Como a ototoxicidade associada aos tratamentos para essas condições é observada na exposição concomitante a outros agentes ototóxicos, como a exposição a ruídos perigosos, é importante investigar o impacto da combinação desses agentes. São poucas as evidências publicadas sobre a co-ocorrência dessas condições nessa população. Objetivo: Comparar a função auditiva de garimpeiros com (grupo tratamento) e sem (grupo sem tratamento) história de tratamento de tuberculose, a fim de determinar que grupo apresentava maior risco de perda auditiva induzida por ruído. Além disso, avaliou-se a possível influência da idade e do HIV nesses dois grupos. Método: Os registros audiológicos de 102 garimpeiros, divididos em dois grupos, foram revisados de forma retrospectiva; os dados foram qualitativa e quantitativamente analisados. Resultados: Os achados indicam os garimpeiros com histórico de tratamento de tuberculose apresentam piores limiares auditivos nas altas frequências quando comparados àqueles sem esse histórico; em ambos os grupos, observou-se perda auditiva induzida por ruído com entalhe audiométrico a 6.000 Hz. As correlações de Pearson mostraram valores entre 0 e 0,3 (0 e -0,3), que são indicativos de uma fraca correlação positiva (negativa) entre o HIV e a perda auditiva, bem como entre a perda auditiva e a idade nessa população. Conclusões: Os resultados atuais destacam a importância de programas estratégicos de conservação auditiva, inclusive monitoramento de ototoxicidade, e o possível uso de agentes oto-/quimioprotetores nessa população.
Stephane Parfait Sable, Kaina Yan, Apollinaire Yapi
et al.
Background: In sub-Saharan Africa, the prevalence of overweight and obesity is high, and it is estimated to increase within the next ten years. In Ivory Coast, the rise in and public health consequences of overweight and obese people are evident. Moreover, data concerning this status are scarce, old, local, and describe only a small sample of the population. Objective: This study has been conducted in order to describe the epidemiologic profile of overweight and obese people in Ivory Coast and identify the potential risk factors of obesity. Methods: From January 2014 to July 2017, 2,643 patients aged 17–70 years old from Abidjan of Ivory Coast were recruited. Statistical analysis was carried out using SPSS 20.0. Chi-square test and binary logistic regression analysis were used to identify risk factors for overweight and obesity. Results: Most of our patients were females (86.3%) with an estimated average age of 43.7 ± 12.19 years. Among 2,643 patients recruited in this study, 83.3% were obese and 87.2% were affected by central abdominal obesity. Binary logistic regression analysis identified seven factors significantly associated with overweight and obesity, including females (OR: 2.06; 95% CI [1.58–2.68]), ＞54 years old of age (OR: 3.71; 95% CI [1.84–7.50]), occupation of salesperson and traders (OR: 2.42; 95% CI [1.78–3.29]), ethnic group of North Mande ethnicity (OR: 1.47; 95% CI [1.07–2.02]), family history of obesity (OR: 1.96; 95% CI [1.46–2.63]), ≥150 minutes of sport practice (OR:0.72; 95% CI [0.55–0.96])，and parous females (OR: 1.63; 95% CI [1.11–2.38]). Conclusions: Overall, gender (female), older age, and occupation were associated with greater risks of overweight and obesity in patients. Ethnic group, pregnancy and family history of obesity posed a lower but significant risk for obesity. More sport practice played a protective role against the acquisition of overweight and obesity.
Infectious and parasitic diseases, Public aspects of medicine
V. Bertman, F. Petracca, B. Makunike-Chikwinya
et al.
Abstract Background In sub-Saharan Africa, shortages of trained healthcare workers and limited resources necessitate innovative and cost-effective approaches for training, supervising, and mentoring. This qualitative case study describes participants’ and trainers’ perspectives and experiences with a text messaging component of a blended training course in HIV counseling and testing in Zimbabwe, using minimal resources in terms of staff time and equipment requirements. This component included a whole-group discussion forum as well as two-person partner discussions designed to promote reflection and analysis, teamwork, and active learning. Case presentation The Ministry of Health and Child Care (MoHCC) of Zimbabwe collaborated with the International Training and Education Center for Health (I-TECH) on adaptation of a 5-day in-service training in HIV Testing Services for Children and Adolescents. The new 7-week blended format included in-person sessions, tablet-based self-study, and discussions using the text messaging application, WhatsApp. Between August 2016 and January 2017, 11 cohorts (293 participants in total) were trained with this new curriculum, incorporating text messaging to support peer-to-peer and work-based education. Data collected included training participants’ feedback, key informant interviews with the training team, and thematic analysis of WhatsApp messages from full-cohort discussions and a sampling of one-to-one partner discussions. A total of 293 healthcare workers from 233 health facilities across all provinces in Zimbabwe completed the blended learning course. Participants strongly endorsed using WhatsApp groups as part of the training. In the whole-group discussions, the combined cohorts generated over 6300 text messages. Several categories of communication emerged in analysis of group discussions: (1) participants’ case experiences and questions; (2) feedback and recommendations for work issues raised; (3) inquiries, comments, and responses about course assignments and specific course content; (4) encouragement; and (5) technical challenges encountered using the blended learning methodology. Case discussions were complex, including patient history, symptoms, medications, and psychosocial issues—child abuse, adherence, and disclosure. Conclusions Using text messaging in a communication platform that is an ongoing part of healthcare workers’ daily lives can be an effective adjunct to in-service training, minimizing isolation and providing interactivity, supporting students’ ability to fully integrate content into new skill attainment.