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Review Article
Overview of Persistent Inter-Professional Rivalry Within the Laboratory Medicine Practice Domain of Tertiary Healthcare Institutions in Nigeria: A Narrative Review
Issue:
Volume 1, Issue 1, September 2026
Pages:
1-12
Received:
9 August 2026
Accepted:
18 August 2026
Published:
22 September 2026
Abstract: The persistent inter-professional rivalry within the laboratory medicine practice domain of Nigerian tertiary healthcare institutions constitutes a systemic crisis that undermines diagnostic accuracy, jeopardizes patient safety, and disrupts healthcare delivery. This longstanding conflict between the Medical Laboratory Scientists (MLS) and the laboratory-based physicians (Clinical Pathologists) centers mainly on operational independence, leadership in clinical laboratories, and statutory boundaries. This review examines the historical, legal, educational, and socio-political causes of this rivalry in Nigerian tertiary healthcare settings. Historically, laboratory medicine practice functions shifted from physician-led to specialized, autonomous scientific roles, leading to overlapping claims over laboratory and clinical consultation domains. Conflicting laws—such as the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) Practitioners Act and the Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria (MLSCN) Act—have created parallel regulatory frameworks, resulting in ongoing legal disputes at the National Industrial Court. These dynamics foster operational silos, strikes, and diagnostic errors, often causing preventable misdiagnoses. To transform this rivalry into collaborative clinical efforts, the article recommends a comprehensive approach that includes legislative reforms, separation of administrative and clinical roles, formal interprofessional education in training, and joint governance boards in tertiary healthcare settings. Ultimately, resolving this conflict is vital to achieving international standards and protecting Nigerian patient care from interprofessional conflicts.
Abstract: The persistent inter-professional rivalry within the laboratory medicine practice domain of Nigerian tertiary healthcare institutions constitutes a systemic crisis that undermines diagnostic accuracy, jeopardizes patient safety, and disrupts healthcare delivery. This longstanding conflict between the Medical Laboratory Scientists (MLS) and the labo...
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Research Article
Integrated Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Practices Enhance Humanitarian Service Delivery in a
Conflict-Affected Area: Darfur, Sudan
Issue:
Volume 1, Issue 1, September 2026
Pages:
13-23
Received:
12 August 2026
Accepted:
25 August 2026
Published:
22 September 2026
Abstract: Access to water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) remains one of the most persistent gaps facing internally displaced persons (IDPs), refugees and host communities in protracted conflict settings. This study was conducted in July 2021, across six sites: Bilel and Al Radom (South Darfur State) and Hassa Hissa, Hamedia and Khamsa dageiga and Rokero (Central Darfur State). The study examines the performance of a WASH component implemented by NGOS in five camps and settlements in Central and South Darfur State, Sudan. Using a mixed-methods post-intervention evaluation design household knowledge-attitudes-practices (KAP) surveys (n = 320 household), key informant interviews; focus group discussions, facility observations and secondary programme data. The study assessed water access, water quality, sanitation coverage, hygiene behavior and the sustainability of community-managed infrastructure. Findings show that access to water rose from 174,403 to 191,121 beneficiaries, with 90.5% of the target population reporting adequate WASH services and hygiene practices, exceeding the 85% target. Safe hand washing at critical times rose from 85% to 91%. Despite these gains, 61.8% of surveyed households reported increased waiting times at water points and inconsistent access to chlorine limited water-quality. Monitoring, pointing to unresolved capacity constraints in camps that were designed as temporary but have become permanent settlements. The shift from diesel to solar pumping, the transition from PVC to high-density polyethylene (HDPE) piping, and the capacitation of community water-management committees and hand pump mechanics are identified as key drivers of technical and institutional sustainability. The paper argues that WASH programming in protracted, low-return-prospect displacement contexts must move from an emergency logic toward durable infrastructure and tariff-based operations and maintenance systems, and it draws out transferable lessons for similar interventions in fragile and conflict-affected areas. The novelty of this study lies in re-analysing routine post-intervention WASH monitoring data as an independent field study, disaggregating to the site level to expose inequities that are invisible in aggregate, donor-facing indicators, and situating the Darfur experience within a comparative body of recent WASH evidence from analogous displacement settings in South and Central Darfur and elsewhere in the region.
Abstract: Access to water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) remains one of the most persistent gaps facing internally displaced persons (IDPs), refugees and host communities in protracted conflict settings. This study was conducted in July 2021, across six sites: Bilel and Al Radom (South Darfur State) and Hassa Hissa, Hamedia and Khamsa dageiga and Rokero (Cen...
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Research Article
Framing the Silent Pandemic: A Descriptive Study on Media Advocacy and One Health AMR Policy in West Africa
Racheal Abujah*
Issue:
Volume 1, Issue 1, September 2026
Pages:
24-33
Received:
28 June 2026
Accepted:
13 July 2026
Published:
30 September 2026
Abstract: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a significant public health and economic threat across West Africa, driven by weak pharmaceutical regulation, inappropriate antimicrobial use, and intensive agricultural practices. Although regional frameworks advocate a cross-sectoral One Health approach, implementation of National Action Plans (NAPs) remains limited. This study examined how media volume, thematic framing, and source distribution influence the implementation of One Health AMR policies within the ECOWAS sub-region. A mixed-methods approach was employed, combining bilingual content and framing analysis of a purposive sample of 356 media artefacts published or broadcast between June 2024 and May 2026 across selected Anglophone (Nigeria and Ghana) and Francophone (Senegal and Côte d’Ivoire) print and broadcast media organisations. The findings revealed a substantial regional salience deficit, with a mean prominence score of 1.38. Approximately 87.9% of AMR reports appeared on inside pages or during off-peak broadcast periods, indicating limited editorial priority. Furthermore, 64.0% of the coverage framed AMR primarily as a human health issue, while livestock-related factors (17.7%) and environmental contamination (6.2%) received comparatively little attention. Only 12.1% of the reports adopted an integrated One Health perspective. The study concludes that media reporting on AMR in West Africa remains largely reactive and insufficiently reflects the multisectoral nature of antimicrobial resistance. It recommends strengthening specialised health journalism, improving science communication, promoting cross-sectoral collaboration, and providing dedicated communication funding within future National Action Plans to support effective One Health policy implementation.
Abstract: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a significant public health and economic threat across West Africa, driven by weak pharmaceutical regulation, inappropriate antimicrobial use, and intensive agricultural practices. Although regional frameworks advocate a cross-sectoral One Health approach, implementation of National Action Plans (NAPs) remains l...
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Research Article
Knowledge and Awareness of Cervical Cancer Among HIV Positive Women Attending Comprehensive Care Centres in Igoji, Meru County, Kenya
Gift Mwenda*,
Susan Nkuene
Issue:
Volume 1, Issue 1, September 2026
Pages:
34-37
Received:
13 June 2026
Accepted:
2 July 2026
Published:
30 September 2026
Abstract: Cervical cancer is a cancer that arises in the cervix of the uterus that happens when the cells change in a woman`s cervix which connects their uterus with the vagina. It’s the most common cancer among women living with HIV. The overall risk of HIV acquisition among women is doubled when they have an HPV infection. Worldwide, an estimated 5% of all cervical cancer are attributable to HIV. The study was hence conducted to access the level of knowledge and awareness of cervical cancer among HIV positive women attending comprehensive care clinic at Igoji. The study was guided by three research objectives including; sociodemographic factors affecting the uptake of cervical cancer and cervical cancer screening, knowledge level of cervical cancer and cervical cancer screening among HIV positive women and attitude towards cervical cancer screening among HIV positive women. The study employed a cross-sectional design with quantitative data. The research was conducted in Igoji in Meru County at St. Anne Hospital and Kieni Kia Ndege health center among HIV positive women attending their CCC services at those health facilities. The study used a sample size of 78 participants with stratified and simple random sampling. The study findings showed that women lacked knowledge on various aspects of cervical cancer and the uptake to cervical cancer screening services remained low with the women`s education, attitude and knowledge contributing significantly. The study then recommended that Women also need to be equipped with knowledge on the significance of early and regular screening which can be attained by using multiple strategies that will reach women groups and churches. As well media like televisions and radio stations should be motivated to facilitate more and create more awareness towards cervical cancer. This is because most of the women especially in the communities have an access to either of the media among other recommendations.
Abstract: Cervical cancer is a cancer that arises in the cervix of the uterus that happens when the cells change in a woman`s cervix which connects their uterus with the vagina. It’s the most common cancer among women living with HIV. The overall risk of HIV acquisition among women is doubled when they have an HPV infection. Worldwide, an estimated 5% of all...
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Review Article
Telemedicine in Emergencies, High-Risk Zones, and Remote Access Regions: A Review
Adulai Gomes Rodrigues*
Issue:
Volume 1, Issue 1, September 2026
Pages:
38-45
Received:
14 July 2026
Accepted:
27 July 2026
Published:
9 October 2026
Abstract: Problem: Access to healthcare remains a major challenge during emergencies, disasters, armed conflicts, and in geographically remote or hard-to-reach areas, where inadequate infrastructure, transportation, and healthcare resources frequently delay or prevent timely medical intervention, resulting in increased morbidity, mortality, and adverse physical, psychological, and social outcomes. Objective: To review the scientific evidence on the role of telemedicine in improving healthcare delivery in emergencies and high-risk or difficult-access settings, with emphasis on healthcare accessibility, continuity of care, and health system resilience. Methodology: A narrative literature review was conducted using peer-reviewed scientific publications on telemedicine in emergency care, disaster response, humanitarian crises, and remote healthcare delivery, focusing on the integration of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) into health services. Results: The evidence shows that telemedicine improves access to healthcare by enabling remote consultation, diagnosis, patient monitoring, and clinical decision-making. It reduces geographical, economic, and logistical barriers, supports timely interventions, ensures continuity of care, optimizes healthcare resource allocation, and strengthens emergency response capacity, particularly where conventional healthcare services are disrupted by disasters, conflicts, poor transportation infrastructure, or shortages of healthcare professionals. Conclusions: Telemedicine is an effective and innovative strategy for healthcare delivery in emergencies and difficult-access areas. ICT integration enhances service accessibility, quality of care, patient outcomes, and health system resilience. Recommendations and Future Work: Expanding telemedicine requires investment in digital infrastructure, telecommunications, regulatory frameworks, and workforce training. Future research should evaluate the long-term effectiveness, cost-effectiveness, implementation challenges, and equity of telemedicine across diverse healthcare settings, especially in low- and middle-income countries.
Abstract: Problem: Access to healthcare remains a major challenge during emergencies, disasters, armed conflicts, and in geographically remote or hard-to-reach areas, where inadequate infrastructure, transportation, and healthcare resources frequently delay or prevent timely medical intervention, resulting in increased morbidity, mortality, and adverse physi...
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Research Article
Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practice: Adherence to Antimicrobial Guidelines Among Pharmacists in Balochistan
Abdul Ghaffar*,
Azra Riaz,
Abdul Wahid,
Abdul Manan,
Mohammad Aamir,
Yasir Ahmed,
Asma Manzoor
Issue:
Volume 1, Issue 1, September 2026
Pages:
46-60
Received:
20 August 2026
Accepted:
5 September 2026
Published:
9 October 2026
Abstract: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a major global health threat. As frontline providers, pharmacists play a crucial role in antimicrobial stewardship (AMS). However, data on their knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) regarding AMS and guidelines in Balochistan, Pakistan, remain limited. The study was designed to assess the knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) with regard to antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) and clinical guidelines among pharmacists in Balochistan and also to determine the demographic and professional predictors of these, adherence to antimicrobial guidelines (AMGs) and impact on healthcare. A cross-sectional survey of 335 pharmacists across Balochistan utilized a structured questionnaire assessing demographics, knowledge (7 items), attitudes (8 items), and practices. Scores were dichotomized by median split into "good" or "poor/less favorable." Non-parametric tests (Mann-Whitney U, Kruskal-Wallis H), chi-square tests, and multivariable binary logistic regression evaluated subgroup differences and independent predictors (p < 0.05). The results showed that the overall, 73.4% of respondents demonstrated good knowledge, 60.3% positive attitudes, and 68.1% good practice. While 69.6% were aware of antimicrobial guidelines, only 32.8% had received formal AMS training. Female pharmacists scored significantly higher in knowledge and practice than males. Multivariable regression revealed that male gender was associated with lower odds of good knowledge (aOR=0.52, 95%CI, 0.28–0.94 and good practice (aOR=0.34, 95% CI, 0.19–0.62). Previous AMS training independently predicted good practice (aOR)=2.66, 95%CI 1.44–4.88). The pharmacists serving in the Balochistan show moderate knowledge, but gaps remain in attitudes and practices. Gender, experience, practice setting, and training significantly influence KAP outcomes. Our findings suggest that structured continuing professional development, point-of-dispensing guideline tools, and regulatory enforcement may help translate existing knowledge into practice, consistent with the priorities of Pakistan's National Action Plan on AMR.
Abstract: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a major global health threat. As frontline providers, pharmacists play a crucial role in antimicrobial stewardship (AMS). However, data on their knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) regarding AMS and guidelines in Balochistan, Pakistan, remain limited. The study was designed to assess the knowledge, attitudes ...
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Research Article
Epistemic Gaps and Cognitive-Practice Disconnects in Knowledge and Awareness of Healthcare Personnel in South-West Nigerian Tertiary Hospitals
Victor Shegun Oluwatuyi*,
Yusuf Babatunde Adiama,
Olaniyi Afolabi Opasola
Issue:
Volume 1, Issue 1, September 2026
Pages:
61-70
Received:
15 August 2026
Accepted:
26 August 2026
Published:
9 October 2026
Abstract: Frontline cognitive readiness and behavioral adherence represent the baseline structural pillars governing infection control compliance in acute hospital settings. This multi-center cross-sectional epidemiological investigation evaluated the baseline knowledge, awareness patterns, and epistemic gaps regarding infection prevention and control (IPC) protocols among diverse clinical and non-clinical cadres within selected federal tertiary teaching hospitals in South-West Nigeria. Utilizing a proportional-to-size stratified probability framework, a cohort of n = 350 healthcare personnel was recruited from Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH, n = 175), Federal Teaching Hospital, Ido-Ekiti (FETHI, n = 110), and Federal Medical Centre, Owo (FMC Owo, n = 65). A psychometrically validated 10-item knowledge-and-awareness diagnostic was administered, and bivariate associations were evaluated utilizing Chi-Square tests of independence. The overall composite awareness index across the multi-center network was calculated at a moderate baseline of 44.3%, displaying negligible variance across individual facilities (LUTH: 45.5%, FETHI: 42.6%, FMC Owo: 44.9%). While self-reported awareness regarding personal safety, including blood-spill personal protective equipment (PPE) utilization (85.1% overall correct) and terminal cleaning protocols (78.0%), was highly established, severe technical deficits were identified regarding chemical disinfection kinetics. Specifically, only 38.3% of participants could identify the standardized 1:10 sodium hypochlorite dilution ratio, and only 34.0% correctly recognized active chlorine-based chemistry parameters. Bivariate analysis utilizing contaminated surfaces as a key indicator of cognitive risk-recognition demonstrated a highly significant association between facility background and staff awareness level (X2 = 22.48, df = 2, p < 0.001), with FMC Owo displaying the highest proportion of highly aware respondents (86.2%) and LUTH the lowest (59.4%). These findings mathematically demonstrate a profound disconnect between high general awareness of hospital hazards and low technical proficiency in basic environmental decontamination chemistry. To safeguard patient safety, public healthcare administrations must transition from passive policy guidelines to mandatory, hands-on, continuous professional training matrices that actively integrate clinical and environmental cleaning staff.
Abstract: Frontline cognitive readiness and behavioral adherence represent the baseline structural pillars governing infection control compliance in acute hospital settings. This multi-center cross-sectional epidemiological investigation evaluated the baseline knowledge, awareness patterns, and epistemic gaps regarding infection prevention and control (IPC) ...
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