Abstract Background Emerging infectious diseases (EIDs), including Ebola, Lassa fever, cholera, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), Marburg virus disease, and mpox, continue to pose major global health threats, with sub-Saharan Africa experiencing a disproportionate share of morbidity and mortality. Effective epidemiological surveillance is important for early detection, rapid response, and outbreak preparedness; however, surveillance performance across the region remains inconsistent. Approach This perspective article presents a narrative synthesis of peer-reviewed literature, policy documents, and regional surveillance reports to examine the current epidemiological surveillance landscape in sub-Saharan Africa. The analysis is organized around key domains influencing surveillance effectiveness, with selected regional and country-level experiences used to illustrate broader systemic patterns. Key themes identified Although notable progress has been made through facility- and event-based surveillance systems, the adoption of digital health tools (including mobile health applications, geographic information systems, and genomic surveillance), and strengthening of regional coordination mechanisms, such as the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response framework, substantial gaps remain. These include persistent underreporting, limited diagnostic and laboratory capacity, inequitable surveillance coverage among rural, nomadic, displaced, and conflict-affected populations, reliance on externally funded vertical programs, and the constraining effects of sociopolitical instability. Lessons from polio eradication initiatives and responses to Ebola, COVID-19, and cholera suggest the importance of community engagement, trust building, interoperable data systems, genomic data sharing, and integration of water, sanitation, and hygiene interventions. Conclusions Strengthening epidemiological surveillance in sub-Saharan Africa likely requires sustained regional collaboration, context-appropriate digital innovation, investment in workforce capacity, integration of One Health approaches, and more sustainable domestic and pooled financing mechanisms. More resilient and equitable surveillance systems are essential for improving outbreak preparedness in the region and reinforcing global health security against transboundary and epidemic threats.
Current medical problems are complex and require a new approach. Nanomaterials can address these complications. Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), in particular green-synthetized particles, because of their unique properties have attract the attention of scientist. The objective of this work deals with using Elaeagnus angustifolia (EA) leaf extract as a reducing agent for biofabrication of AgNPs and investigation of its antibacterial and anti-cancer properties. UV–Visible spectroscopy (UV–Vis), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), Scanning-Transmission Electron Microscope (STEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) techniques were used for characterization of the biosynthesized AgNPs. Antimicrobial efficacy was measured through disk diffusion and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) methods, while cytotoxic effects on PC-3 cancer cells were evaluated using the MTT assay. The biosynthesized AgNPs exhibited a strong surface plasmon resonance peak at approximately 441 nm, confirming successful synthesis. XRD analysis indicated a face-centered cubic structure, with crystallite sizes 27.04 nm. Antibacterial tests revealed significant activity against E. coli and K. pneumoniae, with AgNPs demonstrating comparable efficacy to standard antibiotics. In particular, AgNPs demonstrated successful activity on E. coli with an MIC value of 113.24 ± 14.36 and an inhibition zone of 24.32 ± 1.25 mm, comparable to standard antibiotics Furthermore, the AgNPs displayed notable cytotoxic effects on PC-3 cells, with an IC50 value of 58.77 µg/mL. The results explore the potential of leaf extract of Elaeagnus angustifolia as an effective agent for the green synthesis of AgNPs that have significant antibacterial properties. This study supports the application of green synthesis in medical therapies.
Introduction:sensitive disease surveillance is essential for global health security, yet fragile, conflict-affected settings like Somalia face critical human resource and capacity challenges. District and regional surveillance officers are frontline personnel whose competencies in epidemiology, outbreak investigation, and data analysis directly influence early detection, rapid response, and containment of public health threats. Methods:a descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted from 1st to 30th April 2025 among all 90 active surveillance officers (72 District Surveillance Officers, 18 Regional Surveillance Officers) across Somalia's Federal Member States. A structured, self-administered questionnaire assessed demographic characteristics, training history (IDSR, FETP, outbreak investigation, rapid response, scientific reporting), and self-reported competencies in core surveillance domains. Results:of 90 invited officers, 68 completed the survey (response rate 75.6%). Participants were predominantly male (86.8%) and aged 20-39 years (95.6%), with 95.6% holding bachelor's or master's degrees. IDSR training coverage was high (96.6%), yet only 10.3% of district officers participated in FETP. Outbreak investigation experience was highest for cholera (54.4%) and measles (47.1%), but low (<20%) for AFP, malaria, diphtheria, and respiratory infections. Technical skills in Excel were widespread (≥75%), whereas GIS (25%) and Power BI (<5%) proficiency were limited. Geographic distribution was uneven, with 27.9% of officers based in Banadir and underrepresentation in peripheral regions. Conclusion:critical gaps in advanced epidemiological skills, specialized outbreak experience, and workforce equity among Somali surveillance officers undermine national disease detection and response. Prioritizing surveillance officers on FETP, targeted refresher training, technical upskilling in GIS and data visualization, and motivation are recommended.
