Emerging Arboviruses of Public Health Concern in Africa: Priorities for Future Research and Control Strategies

Yusuf Amuda Tajudeen (), Habeebullah Jayeola Oladipo, Iyiola Olatunji Oladunjoye, Rashidat Onyinoyi Yusuf, Hammed Sodiq, Abass Olawale Omotosho, Damilola Samuel Adesuyi, Sodiq Inaolaji Yusuff and Mona Said El-Sherbini ()
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Yusuf Amuda Tajudeen: Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Ilorin, P.M.B. 1515, Ilorin 240003, Nigeria
Habeebullah Jayeola Oladipo: Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Ilorin, P.M.B. 1515, Ilorin 240003, Nigeria
Iyiola Olatunji Oladunjoye: Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Ilorin, P.M.B. 1515, Ilorin 240003, Nigeria
Rashidat Onyinoyi Yusuf: Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Ilorin, P.M.B. 1515, Ilorin 240003, Nigeria
Hammed Sodiq: Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Ilorin, P.M.B. 1515, Ilorin 240003, Nigeria
Abass Olawale Omotosho: Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Pure and Applied Sciences, Kwara State University, P.M.B. 1530, Malete-Ilorin 23431, Nigeria
Damilola Samuel Adesuyi: Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Adekunle Ajasin University, P.M.B. 001, Akungba-Akoko 342111, Nigeria
Sodiq Inaolaji Yusuff: Department of Medicine, Faculty of Clinical Sciences, Obafemi Awolowo University, P.M.B. 5538, Ile-Ife 220101, Nigeria
Mona Said El-Sherbini: Department of Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo 11562, Egypt

Challenges, 2022, vol. 13, issue 2, 1-11

Abstract: Arboviruses are most prevalent in tropical and subtropical regions, where arthropods are widespread. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimated that the mortality burden of arbovirus diseases, such as yellow fever in Africa, was 84,000–170,000 severe cases and 29,000–60,000 deaths in 2013. These epidemics emphasize the urgent need for integrated control and prevention of arboviral diseases. Challenges in managing and controlling arboviral diseases in Africa are mainly attributed to poor insect vector control, insecticide resistance, and poor sanitation and solid waste management. The removal or reduction of mosquito populations amongst susceptible individuals is identified as the most effective measure to control many vector-borne diseases. Current public health needs call for efficient vector control programs and maintenance of adequate surveillance systems through the availability of trained personnel and rapid diagnostic facilities, providing an interdisciplinary response to control and mitigate the threats of emerging and re-emerging arboviruses. Furthermore, research priorities should focus on understanding the factors responsible for adaptation to other vectors, determinants of infection and transmission, and the development of high efficiency antiviral molecules or candidate vaccines. Here, we explore and review our current understanding of arboviruses of public health importance in Africa, with a focus on emerging arboviruses, their arthropod vectors, and the epidemiology of major arboviruses. Finally, we appraise the role of planetary health in addressing the threat of arboviruses and identify other priority areas of research for effective control.

Keywords: arboviruses; arthropods; epidemics; Africa; planetary health (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: A00 C00 Z00 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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