Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia
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Associations Between QuantiFERON-TB Gold Plus IFNγ Concentrations and Progression to Symptomatic Tuberculosis in Global High-Burden TB Settings.
(2026-Jul) Sunshine J; Shaffer M; Han LL; Gaikwad D; Houana AA; Gler MT; Hadinegoro SR; Hanekom WA; Lama JR; Muyoyeta M; Musala S; Nduba V; Rolla VC; Roy T; Sutherland JS; Khosa C; Wajja A; Walker TM; Cinar A; Schmidt AC; Dagnew AF; Frahm N
BACKGROUND: Predictive biomarkers for symptomatic tuberculosis (TB) progression would transform targeted prevention efforts. Although interferon-gamma release assays (IGRAs), including QuantiFERON® TB-Gold Plus (QFT-Plus), have been studied for this purpose, systematic evaluation of the QFT-Plus TB1 and TB2 Interferon-Gamma (IFNγ) concentrations remains limited, particularly in high-burden TB settings.
METHODS: Baseline TB1 and TB2 IFNγ concentrations from 5246 participants (ages 15-34 years) in TB-endemic regions were analyzed in relation to subsequent TB outcomes over a median of 525 days follow-up (NCT05190146). Participants were categorized as controls (no TB), suspected TB (no microbiological confirmation), or laboratory-confirmed TB, including a subset meeting a stringent case definition (≥2 positive microbiologic tests). Associations between baseline IFNγ concentrations and progression to symptomatic TB were assessed.
RESULTS: In the full cohort (IGRA+/- participants), baseline TB2 IFNγ concentrations were significantly higher compared with controls among participants who developed suspected TB (
CONCLUSIONS: Quantitative IFNγ concentrations from QFT-Plus, particularly TB2, were associated with progression to symptomatic TB, met or exceeded WHO-recommended sensitivity and specificity thresholds for predictive biomarkers, and may support biomarker-based stratification in TB clinical research.
Enhancement of supply chain factors affecting health care delivery in public hospitals in Africa: A case of selected hospital in Zambia
(2026-7-24) Simbeza Caroline; Yohane Romeo
The purpose of this research paper is to assess the how Supply Chain factors affecting Health Care Delivery at selected public University Teaching Hospitals can be mitigated and enhanced. This enhancement is argued in terms making processes flexible and responsive in ordering and delivery processes, while maintaining transparency and achieving value-for-money in the procurement of essential medicines and health commodities. This research paper was guided by the theoretical development of Supply Chain Management (SCM). In its methodological consideration, the research paper employed an embedded mixed method design with qualitative playing a more dominant role. The research had a population of 540, and then obtained a sample size of 110 respondents and 10 participants. These were selected using a combination of expert purposive sampling and simple random sampling techniques. Data were collected using a semi-structured interview guide and a questionnaire, and the analysis was conducted both thematically and descriptively using SPSS version 22. A major finding of this research paper is that the enhancement of supply chain management can be achieved through proper personnel training, structured scheduling, reduction of medicine prices, and providing reliable high-speed internet connectivity significantly improves the availability, accessibility, and efficiency of healthcare delivery in Zambia. The research study concluded that addressing these challenges is critical to ensuring the timely and efficient delivery of essential medical supplies and services. Implementing technology solutions such as inventory management systems, electronic health records, and supply chain analytics could significantly improve visibility and tracking across the supply chain. These advancements would enable better forecasting, real-time monitoring of stock levels, and the early detection of potential issues, thereby enhancing efficiency and responsiveness. The study recommends that Supply chain managers should proactively incorporate risk management techniques during the planning stages of the supply chain to mitigate potential disruptions. The government should also invest in advanced information technology systems to manage supply chain risks effectively and enhance supply chain resilience, particularly in the healthcare sector.
Enhancing Occupational Health and Safety Practices in Pig Farming in Chipata, Zambia: The Availability and Use of Personal Protective Equipment and Supporting Infrastructure
(2026-7-29) Tembo Michael Musonda
Pig farming is an increasingly important livelihood for smallholder households in Chipata District, Zambia, yet
the protection of pig keepers from occupational hazards has received little attention. This article evaluates the availability
and use of personal protective equipment and supporting infrastructure among pig farmers in the district. A mixed
methods design was used, combining a quantitative survey of ninety-five pig farmers drawn from all veterinary camps
through stratified random sampling, with qualitative key informant interviews and focus group discussions. Quantitative
data were analysed in the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences using multiple response analysis and the chi-square
test of independence, while qualitative data were analysed thematically in NVivo. Protective equipment was found to be
scarce and unevenly distributed, with gloves the most commonly owned item at 64.6 per cent of equipped farmers and
masks the least at 14.6 per cent, and with almost half of the full sample possessing no equipment at all. The consistent use
of equipment lagged far behind its availability, so that gloves were consistently used by only about one in eight farmers
and masks by about one in fifty. Safety infrastructure was weighted towards production-oriented facilities rather than
dedicated safety provisions. The chi-square tests established significant associations between veterinary camp and both the
availability of a documented safety policy and the presence of a safety committee, revealing a spatial inequality in safety
governance. The study concludes that providing equipment alone does not secure protection and recommends subsidised
provision through cooperatives, coupled with practical training.
Conclusion: Toward a Prophetic Pentecostal Return
(2026-12-31)
Postpartum Depressive Symptoms and Mother-Infant Bonding: A Mixed-Methods Study Among Postpartum Women in Ghana.
(2026) Tornyevah L; Henrichs J; Sharma A; Jonge A; Bosomprah S
Mother-infant bonding difficulties can impair the emotional connection between mother and child and affect child development. We examined the association between postpartum depressive symptoms (PPDS) and mother-infant bonding in the first year postpartum and explored sociocultural factors that may influence bonding. We employed a cross-sectional mixed-methods approach at three health facilities. Surveys included 399 mothers within 12 months postpartum. PPDS were assessed using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 with a cut-off score > 9, and bonding was measured with the Pre- and Postnatal Bonding Scale. We used a log-normal multivariable regression model to estimate the association between PPDS and mother-infant bonding, adjusting for potential confounders. Qualitative interviews were conducted with 31 mothers (19 with depressive symptoms and 12 without) and were analysed thematically. Overall, 29% of mothers screened positive for depressive symptoms. Screening positive was associated with a small, statistically significant reduction of 3% in bonding (adjusted mean ratio 0.97; 95% confidence interval 0.95-0.99;