Joseph Sam Kanu
Biographic Data
| ID | 7581354 |
|---|---|
| NAME | Joseph Sam Kanu |
| GIVEN NAMES | Joseph Sam |
| FAMILY NAME | Kanu |
| SIGNATURE | KANU J S |
| AFFILIATIONS | University of Sierra Leone |
| ORCID | 0000-0003-0799-6907 |
| VERIFIED | Yes |
| TOTAL WORKS | 19 |
| TOTAL CITATIONS | 0 |
| AUTHOR COUNT | 19 |
| EDITOR COUNT | 0 |
| FIRST PUBLICATION YEAR | 2016 |
| LATEST PUBLICATION YEAR | 2026 |
| H-INDEX | 0 |
Effect of the Covid-19 pandemic on drug-resistant tuberculosis treatment outcomes at a national referral hospital in Sierra Leone, 2017 to 2022
Sierra Leone is one of the 30 high TB burden countries in the world, with an incidence rate in 2023 of 273 per 100,000 population. Despite progress in case notification and treatment coverage, around 5,000 cases of TB in Sierra Leone are missing each year. The COVID-19 pandemic has further compounded these challenges. We highlight its effect on drug-resistant TB treatment outcomes. We conducted a retrospective cohort study of drug-resistant TB ca…
Scaling up of electronic case-based disease surveillance reporting for Covid-19 and other notifiable diseases through capacity building and antigen RDT provision
Introduction: Electronic case-based disease surveillance (eCBDS) provides timely and detailed data collection on diseases and their risk factors for control actions. Use of eCBDS is still low in many African countries including Sierra Leone due to technological, financial, and human resource challenges. Sierra Leone started using eCBDS in 2019 and the COVID-19 pandemic provided the right opportunity for scale up. To support the scale up, a capaci…
Progress in epidemic-ready primary health care
Primary healthcare (PHC) is the first point of contact with communities and essential for epidemic preparedness. The COVID-19 pandemic exposed gaps in PHC resilience. Epidemic Ready Primary Healthcare (ERPHC) was designed to bridge these gaps by strengthening PHC to prevent, detect and respond to outbreaks while maintaining essential services. An ERPHC pilot was initiated in December 2023 in 654 PHC facilities across Ethiopia, Nigeria, Sierra Leo…
Post-Omicron Sars-CoV-2 antibody prevalence in Sierra Leone
Based on a serosurvey conducted in March 2021, Barrie and colleagues published the first nationally representative SARS-CoV-2 serosurvey in Africa, estimating a SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence of 2.6% in Sierra Leone, 43 times higher than the reported number of cases at that time. Over the following two years, increasingly transmissible variants—specifically Delta and Omicron—proliferated across the globe, and their impact in Africa is poorly understoo…
Digitalizing disease surveillance
The Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response (IDSR) system was adopted by the Sierra Leone Ministry of Health (MOH) in 2008, which was based on paper-based tools for health data recording and reporting from health facilities to the national level. The Sierra Leone MoH introduced the implementation of electronic case-based disease surveillance reporting of immediately notifiable diseases. This study aims to document and describe the experience…
Feasibility of introducing integrated disease surveillance and response into curricula of public health training institutions in Sierra Leone
Introduction: Response to public health emergencies is a big challenge in African countries due to inadequate workforce. Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response (IDSR) is a strategy implemented by African member states of WHO to strengthen capacity for disease surveillance and response at all levels. Despite successful implementation of IDSR in most countries, one of the challenges that persists is that of inadequate trained workforce compet…
How Well Are Hand Hygiene Practices and Promotion Implemented in Sierra Leone? A Cross-Sectional Study in 13 Public Hospitals
Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) result in millions of avoidable deaths or prolonged lengths of stay in hospitals and cause huge economic loss to health systems and communities. Primarily, HAIs spread through the hands of healthcare workers, so improving hand hygiene can reduce their spread. We evaluated hand hygiene practices and promotion across 13 public health hospitals (six secondary and seven tertiary hospitals) in the Western Area o…
Hand Hygiene Compliance at Two Tertiary Hospitals in Freetown, Sierra Leone, in 2021
Hand hygiene actions are essential to reduce healthcare-associated infections and the development of antimicrobial resistance. In this cross-sectional study at two tertiary hospitals, Freetown, Sierra Leone, we observed hand hygiene compliance (defined as using handwash with soap and water or alcohol-based hand rub (ABHR) amongst healthcare workers between June and August 2021. Using the WHO Hand Hygiene tool, observations were made in relation t…
An Update on the Surveillance of Livestock Diseases and Antimicrobial Use in Sierra Leone in 2021—An Operational Research Study
In Sierra Leone, in 2020, a study by the Livestock and Veterinary Services Division (Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry) on the surveillance system of animal diseases and antimicrobial use found poor reporting. Of the expected weekly districts reports, <1% were received and only three of the 15 districts had submitted reports occasionally between 2016 and 2019. Following this, staff-capacity-building on reporting was undertaken. In 2021, we rea…
Antibiotic Use in Suspected and Confirmed Covid-19 Patients Admitted to Health Facilities in Sierra Leone in 2020–2021
Inappropriate use of antibiotics during the COVID-19 pandemic has the potential to increase the burden of antimicrobial resistance. In this study, we report on the prevalence of antibiotic use and its associated factors among suspected and confirmed COVID-19 patients admitted to 35 health facilities in Sierra Leone from March 2020-March 2021. This was a cross-sectional study using routinely collected patient data. Of 700 confirmed COVID-19 patien…
Bacterial Isolates and Antibiotic Resistance of Escherichia coli Isolated from Fresh Poultry Excreta Used for Vegetable Farming in Freetown, Sierra Leone
The transfer of antibiotic resistance from animals to humans is of concern in recent times. One potential source of such transfer is the untreated poultry excreta used as manure in farming. We aim to identify bacterial isolates and antibiotic susceptibility patterns of Escherichia coli in poultry excreta in Sierra Leone. This was a cross-sectional study of fresh poultry excreta samples collected from four commercial poultry sites in Freetown, Sie…
Inconsistent Country-Wide Reporting of Adverse Drug Reactions to Antimicrobials in Sierra Leone (2017–2021)
Background: Monitoring of adverse drug reactions (ADRs) to antimicrobials is important, as they can cause life-threatening illness, permanent disabilities, and death. We assessed country-wide ADR reporting on antimicrobials and their outcomes. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using individual case safety reports (ICSRs) entered into the national pharmacovigilance database (VigiFlow) during 2017−2021. Results: Of 566 ICSRs, inconsist…
Achieving Minimum Standards for Infection Prevention and Control in Sierra Leone
Although there is encouraging progress in IPC performance, it is slower than desired in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. There is urgent need to mobilize political will, leadership and resources and make a quantum leap forward
Evaluation of Drinking Water Quality and Bacterial Antibiotic Sensitivity in Wells and Standpipes at Household Water Points in Freetown, Sierra Leone
Water quality surveillance can help to reduce waterborne diseases. Despite better access to safe drinking water in Sierra Leone, about a third of the population (3 million people) drink water from unimproved sources. In this cross-sectional study, we collected water samples from 15 standpipes and 5 wells and measured the physicochemical and bacteriological water quality, and the antimicrobial sensitivity of Escherichia coli (E. coli) in two commu…
Assessment of Infection Prevention and Control Measures at Points of Entry in Sierra Leone in 2021
Implementing and monitoring infection prevention and control (IPC) measures at immigration points of entry (PoEs) is key to preventing infections, reducing excessive use of antimicrobials, and tackling antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Sierra Leone has been implementing IPC measures at four PoEs (Queen Elizabeth II Quay port, Lungi International Airport, and the Jendema and Gbalamuya ground crossings) since the last Ebola outbreak in 2014-2015. We …
Pesticide Importation in Sierra Leone, 2010–2021
There are no previous studies reporting the type and quantity of pesticides for farming from Sierra Leone and the impact of Ebola or COVID-19 on importation. This study reviewed imported farming pesticides by the Sierra Leone, Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (MAF), between 2010-2021. It was a descriptive study using routinely collected importation data. We found the MAF imported pesticides for farming only during 2010, 2014 and 2021, in resp…
Sars-CoV-2 antibody prevalence in Sierra Leone, March 2021
INTRODUCTION: As of 26 March 2021, the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention had reported 4 159 055 cases of COVID-19 and 111 357 deaths among the 55 African Union member states; however, no country has published a nationally representative serosurvey as of October 2021. Such data are vital for understanding the pandemic's progression on the continent, evaluating containment measures, and policy planning. METHODS: We conducted a cross…
Prevalence of anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder among Ebola survivors in northern Sierra Leone
Our findings show that anxiety, depression and PTSD are common among the Ebola survivors in Bombali district, Northern Sierra Leone, and that underscores the need to diagnose and manage mental health morbidities among Ebola survivors long after their recovery from Ebola virus disease. Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) and Interpersonal Therapy (IPT) need to be explored as part of overall mental healthcare package interventions
Menopausal Age and Chronic Diseases in Elderly Women
Many factors affect menopausal age, and early or late onset of menopause may be associated with many chronic health problems. However, limited data are available regarding this phenomenon in the Northeast China population. For this study, 2011 elderly women were selected as a sample from participants in a cross-sectional survey performed using stratified, clustered multistage, and random sampling methods. Early menopause was more prevalent in sub…
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Menopausal Age and Chronic Diseases in Elderly Women
Many factors affect menopausal age, and early or late onset of menopause may be associated with many chronic health problems. However, limited data are available regarding this phenomenon in the Northeast China population. For this study, 2011 elderly women were selected as a sample from participants in a cross-sectional survey performed using stratified, clustered multistage, and random sampling methods. Early menopause was more prevalent in sub…
Prevalence of anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder among Ebola survivors in northern Sierra Leone
Our findings show that anxiety, depression and PTSD are common among the Ebola survivors in Bombali district, Northern Sierra Leone, and that underscores the need to diagnose and manage mental health morbidities among Ebola survivors long after their recovery from Ebola virus disease. Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) and Interpersonal Therapy (IPT) need to be explored as part of overall mental healthcare package interventions
Sars-CoV-2 antibody prevalence in Sierra Leone, March 2021
INTRODUCTION: As of 26 March 2021, the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention had reported 4 159 055 cases of COVID-19 and 111 357 deaths among the 55 African Union member states; however, no country has published a nationally representative serosurvey as of October 2021. Such data are vital for understanding the pandemic's progression on the continent, evaluating containment measures, and policy planning. METHODS: We conducted a cross…
How Well Are Hand Hygiene Practices and Promotion Implemented in Sierra Leone? A Cross-Sectional Study in 13 Public Hospitals
Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) result in millions of avoidable deaths or prolonged lengths of stay in hospitals and cause huge economic loss to health systems and communities. Primarily, HAIs spread through the hands of healthcare workers, so improving hand hygiene can reduce their spread. We evaluated hand hygiene practices and promotion across 13 public health hospitals (six secondary and seven tertiary hospitals) in the Western Area o…
Hand Hygiene Compliance at Two Tertiary Hospitals in Freetown, Sierra Leone, in 2021
Hand hygiene actions are essential to reduce healthcare-associated infections and the development of antimicrobial resistance. In this cross-sectional study at two tertiary hospitals, Freetown, Sierra Leone, we observed hand hygiene compliance (defined as using handwash with soap and water or alcohol-based hand rub (ABHR) amongst healthcare workers between June and August 2021. Using the WHO Hand Hygiene tool, observations were made in relation t…
An Update on the Surveillance of Livestock Diseases and Antimicrobial Use in Sierra Leone in 2021—An Operational Research Study
In Sierra Leone, in 2020, a study by the Livestock and Veterinary Services Division (Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry) on the surveillance system of animal diseases and antimicrobial use found poor reporting. Of the expected weekly districts reports, <1% were received and only three of the 15 districts had submitted reports occasionally between 2016 and 2019. Following this, staff-capacity-building on reporting was undertaken. In 2021, we rea…
Antibiotic Use in Suspected and Confirmed Covid-19 Patients Admitted to Health Facilities in Sierra Leone in 2020–2021
Inappropriate use of antibiotics during the COVID-19 pandemic has the potential to increase the burden of antimicrobial resistance. In this study, we report on the prevalence of antibiotic use and its associated factors among suspected and confirmed COVID-19 patients admitted to 35 health facilities in Sierra Leone from March 2020-March 2021. This was a cross-sectional study using routinely collected patient data. Of 700 confirmed COVID-19 patien…
Bacterial Isolates and Antibiotic Resistance of Escherichia coli Isolated from Fresh Poultry Excreta Used for Vegetable Farming in Freetown, Sierra Leone
The transfer of antibiotic resistance from animals to humans is of concern in recent times. One potential source of such transfer is the untreated poultry excreta used as manure in farming. We aim to identify bacterial isolates and antibiotic susceptibility patterns of Escherichia coli in poultry excreta in Sierra Leone. This was a cross-sectional study of fresh poultry excreta samples collected from four commercial poultry sites in Freetown, Sie…
Inconsistent Country-Wide Reporting of Adverse Drug Reactions to Antimicrobials in Sierra Leone (2017–2021)
Background: Monitoring of adverse drug reactions (ADRs) to antimicrobials is important, as they can cause life-threatening illness, permanent disabilities, and death. We assessed country-wide ADR reporting on antimicrobials and their outcomes. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using individual case safety reports (ICSRs) entered into the national pharmacovigilance database (VigiFlow) during 2017−2021. Results: Of 566 ICSRs, inconsist…
Achieving Minimum Standards for Infection Prevention and Control in Sierra Leone
Although there is encouraging progress in IPC performance, it is slower than desired in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. There is urgent need to mobilize political will, leadership and resources and make a quantum leap forward
Evaluation of Drinking Water Quality and Bacterial Antibiotic Sensitivity in Wells and Standpipes at Household Water Points in Freetown, Sierra Leone
Water quality surveillance can help to reduce waterborne diseases. Despite better access to safe drinking water in Sierra Leone, about a third of the population (3 million people) drink water from unimproved sources. In this cross-sectional study, we collected water samples from 15 standpipes and 5 wells and measured the physicochemical and bacteriological water quality, and the antimicrobial sensitivity of Escherichia coli (E. coli) in two commu…
Assessment of Infection Prevention and Control Measures at Points of Entry in Sierra Leone in 2021
Implementing and monitoring infection prevention and control (IPC) measures at immigration points of entry (PoEs) is key to preventing infections, reducing excessive use of antimicrobials, and tackling antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Sierra Leone has been implementing IPC measures at four PoEs (Queen Elizabeth II Quay port, Lungi International Airport, and the Jendema and Gbalamuya ground crossings) since the last Ebola outbreak in 2014-2015. We …
Pesticide Importation in Sierra Leone, 2010–2021
There are no previous studies reporting the type and quantity of pesticides for farming from Sierra Leone and the impact of Ebola or COVID-19 on importation. This study reviewed imported farming pesticides by the Sierra Leone, Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (MAF), between 2010-2021. It was a descriptive study using routinely collected importation data. We found the MAF imported pesticides for farming only during 2010, 2014 and 2021, in resp…
Feasibility of introducing integrated disease surveillance and response into curricula of public health training institutions in Sierra Leone
Introduction: Response to public health emergencies is a big challenge in African countries due to inadequate workforce. Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response (IDSR) is a strategy implemented by African member states of WHO to strengthen capacity for disease surveillance and response at all levels. Despite successful implementation of IDSR in most countries, one of the challenges that persists is that of inadequate trained workforce compet…
Scaling up of electronic case-based disease surveillance reporting for Covid-19 and other notifiable diseases through capacity building and antigen RDT provision
Introduction: Electronic case-based disease surveillance (eCBDS) provides timely and detailed data collection on diseases and their risk factors for control actions. Use of eCBDS is still low in many African countries including Sierra Leone due to technological, financial, and human resource challenges. Sierra Leone started using eCBDS in 2019 and the COVID-19 pandemic provided the right opportunity for scale up. To support the scale up, a capaci…
Progress in epidemic-ready primary health care
Primary healthcare (PHC) is the first point of contact with communities and essential for epidemic preparedness. The COVID-19 pandemic exposed gaps in PHC resilience. Epidemic Ready Primary Healthcare (ERPHC) was designed to bridge these gaps by strengthening PHC to prevent, detect and respond to outbreaks while maintaining essential services. An ERPHC pilot was initiated in December 2023 in 654 PHC facilities across Ethiopia, Nigeria, Sierra Leo…
Post-Omicron Sars-CoV-2 antibody prevalence in Sierra Leone
Based on a serosurvey conducted in March 2021, Barrie and colleagues published the first nationally representative SARS-CoV-2 serosurvey in Africa, estimating a SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence of 2.6% in Sierra Leone, 43 times higher than the reported number of cases at that time. Over the following two years, increasingly transmissible variants—specifically Delta and Omicron—proliferated across the globe, and their impact in Africa is poorly understoo…
Digitalizing disease surveillance
The Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response (IDSR) system was adopted by the Sierra Leone Ministry of Health (MOH) in 2008, which was based on paper-based tools for health data recording and reporting from health facilities to the national level. The Sierra Leone MoH introduced the implementation of electronic case-based disease surveillance reporting of immediately notifiable diseases. This study aims to document and describe the experience…
Effect of the Covid-19 pandemic on drug-resistant tuberculosis treatment outcomes at a national referral hospital in Sierra Leone, 2017 to 2022
Sierra Leone is one of the 30 high TB burden countries in the world, with an incidence rate in 2023 of 273 per 100,000 population. Despite progress in case notification and treatment coverage, around 5,000 cases of TB in Sierra Leone are missing each year. The COVID-19 pandemic has further compounded these challenges. We highlight its effect on drug-resistant TB treatment outcomes. We conducted a retrospective cohort study of drug-resistant TB ca…
Medicine (17 works) · Sierra leone (16 works) · Environmental health (13 works) · Socioeconomics (10 works) · Cross-sectional study (7 works) · Geography (6 works) · Internal Medicine (6 works) · Medical emergency (6 works) · Pandemic (6 works) · Viral Infections and Outbreaks Research (6 works)