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Female genital mutilation (FGM) remains a deeply rooted tradition in Guinea, particularly in the Boké region. Recognized by the World Health Organization as a violation of human rights, this practice necessitates targeted interventions informed by a clear understanding of local perceptions. This study aimed to analyze the factors influencing how adolescents and young people (aged 10–24) perceive FGM in Boké. We conducted a cross-sectional study from November 20 to December 4, 2024, across nine localities in the Boké administrative region. A sample of 1,623 adolescents and young people was surveyed using standardized questionnaires administered via REDCap. Statistical analyses, performed with R software, included descriptive statistics, bivariate analysis (chi-square test), and correspondence analysis (CA) to explore the relationships between perceptions and sociodemographic factors. A significant majority of respondents (80
BACKGROUND:Arboviruses constitute a major global public health concern, particularly in countries with fragile healthcare systems. However, data on arbovirus circulation remain fragmented and under-analysed. This study aimed to document the historical and current circulation of arboviruses in Guinea and propose public health strategies to enhance surveillance, prevention, and control. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS:We compiled reports of arbovirus-related human epidemics in Guinea from 2000 to 2024, drawing information from Guinea's weekly epidemiological bulletins, as well as from the World Health Organization's Weekly Bulletin on Outbreaks and Other Emergencies, the Africa CDC's Weekly Event-Based Surveillance Report, and the Annual Global Yellow Fever Update reports. In addition, a literature review was conducted to identify studies on arboviruses involving arboviruses in humans, vectors, and animals. Between 2000 and 2024, multiple and simultaneous arboviral outbreaks were reported by surveillance systems, involving three arboviruses: yellow fever virus (YFV), dengue virus (DENV), and chikungunya virus (CHIKV). YFV outbreaks were the most recurrent, with 947 confirmed cases and 284 deaths, corresponding to a case fatality rate of 30%. Moreover, 17 studies documented the circulation of several arboviruses in humans, vectors, and animals, including DENV, YFV, CHIKV, Zika virus (ZIKV), and West Nile (WNV). Novel viruses such as Kindia virus, Forécariah virus, and Kolente virus have also been identified. Serological evidence in human reported IgM seroprevalence ranging from 1.2% to 14.7% for ZIKV, 4.3% to 12.2% for YFV, and 0.6% to 2.1% for DENV. Additionally, other studies were also reported IgM seroprevalence of 23.4% for WNV, 17.0% for CHIKV, and 10.6% for TAHV. Concerning IgG serology, the studies reported seroprevalences ranging from 12.9% to 51.7% for CHIKV, 27.0% to 34.0% for WNV, 11.8% to 25.2% for DENV, and 2.2% to 3.0% for CCHFV. Furthermore, IgG seroprevalences of 28.5% for YFV and 5.5% for BATV were reported. CONCLUSIONS:This study highlights the circulation of several arboviruses in Guinea across human, vector animal populations. The results suggest that public health efforts should focus on community engagement, strengthened entomological and epidemiological surveillance, and multisectoral and international collaboration, to anticipate, prevent, and control future arbovirus-related epidemics.
Introduction The COVID-19 pandemic significantly accelerated the development of genomic surveillance capabilities worldwide, though equitable access remains a challenge. On 12 March 2020, Guinea, a low-income country in West Africa, reported its first COVID-19 case; however, no local genomic infrastructure was available at the time. A year later, a long-term mentorship program was initiated to establish a SARS-CoV-2 nanopore sequencing unit at the Centre de Recherche en Virologie, Laboratoire des Fièvres Hémorragiques Virales de Guinée (CRV-LFHVG) in Conakry, Guinea. Here, we describe the establishment of this capacity and its role in uncovering SARS-CoV-2 circulation dynamics in the region. Methods We established a local hub for sequencing training where SARS-CoV-2-positive samples, collected as part of routine diagnostic activities from July 2020 to July 2022, were retrospectively and prospectively sequenced using MinION nanopore. Consensus genomes were generated for variant typing and GISAID-submission. Retrospective phylodynamic analysis was performed. Results By July 2022, the laboratory had generated 238 SARS-CoV-2 consensus sequences with a median genomic recovery of 98.1 % [range: 90.5-99.4], representing 0.64% of the 37,464 confirmed cases reported in the country as of 29 July 2022. These sequences encompassed four waves of infection, with the Delta (21A, 21I and 21J) and Omicron (21K and 21L) variants of concern (VOCs) accounting for 84% of all identified lineages. Notably, phylogeographic reconstructions unveiled introductions of Delta/B.1.617.2 and Delta/AY.37, as well as of Omicron/BA.1.1 and Omicron/BA.1.15.1, from the neighboring Western, Eastern and Middle African regions at dates close to their estimated emergence. Sequencing output was >0.5% of the total positive samples and resulted in the timely delivery of two preliminary variant identification reports to national health authorities, followed by six official reports. Conclusion This work underscores key findings during a global health crisis and offers operational guidance to support future genomic surveillance initiatives in low- and middle-income countries. Sustained financial investment, dedicated time, specialized expertise, efficient logistics, and local ownership are essential for long-term implementation of such capacities.
Objectifs : cette recherche visait à déterminer la prévalence du portage de l’ADN du virus de l’hépatite B (VHB) chez des patients symptomatiques consultant à l’Hôpital Régional de Mamou. Méthodes : Cette étude prospective transversale a été réalisée de septembre 2022 à juin 2023. Au total, 369 prélèvements (174 hommes, 195 femmes, âgés de 5 à 80 ans) ont été analysés par PCR en temps réel. Les données ont été traitées avec Minitab 18.0 et les associations statistiques explorées à l’aide du test du Chi² de Pearson (p < 0,05). Résultats : La prévalence globale observée est de 14,36 %. Les jeunes de 16–25 ans sont les plus touchés (5,96 %), suivis des 26–45 ans (4,34 %). La commune urbaine présente une prévalence de 13,82 %. Sur le plan socioprofessionnel, les ménagères (6,77 %) et les fonctionnaires (2,71 %) sont les plus affectés. Les principaux facteurs de risque identifiés sont les partenaires sexuels séropositifs du VHB (7,04 %) et les enfants nés de mères porteuses (4,33 %). Cliniquement, la fièvre avec céphalées domine (n = 345), suivie des nausées/vomissements (n = 137) et de l’anorexie (n = 105). L’ictère (n = 24) et les douleurs musculaires/articulaires (n = 38) sont également observés. Une corrélation est suggérée entre certains symptômes et la présence de l’ADN viral. Conclusion : Ces résultats soulignent l’importance de renforcer la sensibilisation, l’accès à la vaccination, le dépistage ciblé des jeunes et des populations vulnérables, ainsi que l’analyse des disparités socioprofessionnelles pour réduire la transmission du VHB.
