In Africa, the leading causative agent of malaria is Plasmodium falciparum, which accounts for over 90% of infections. However, some regions in Africa, such as the Southern Province in Zambia, have made significant progress in reducing the burden of malaria. This reduction can be credited to the development and introduction of the rapid diagnostic test (RDT). RDTs have revolutionized the diagnosis of malaria— these tests now make diagnosis a quick, simple, and accessible process for rural communities in Zambia. The RDT also provides epidemiologists with weekly real time data that can be used for intervention strategies depending on the ecology and epidemiology of malaria in the region. In this review, the benefits and limitations of the RDT will be discussed in terms of its contributions to reductions in malaria, specifically of Plasmodium falciparum, in the different ecological areas of the Southern Province in Zambia. Ultimately, highlighting the value and use of the RDT in Zambia will demonstrate its potential as a tool for other countries fighting malaria.

In the United States (US), over 10 percent of people with Human Immunodeficiency Virus develop type 2 diabetes, which is greater than 4 percent than in the general population. According to one study more than 12 percent of minority patients with HIV on antiretroviral medications develop type 2 diabetes. HIV treatment, particularly antiretroviral therapy, has been identified as an additional potential contributor to type 2 diabetes and poor glycemic control in patients with HIV. The primary aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to determine the prevalence of type 2 diabetes in Afro-Caribbean, particularly Haitian patients with HIV that subsequently develop type 2 diabetes. The second aim is to evaluate the effect of antiretroviral therapy in type 2 diabetes and glycemic control.

A hyperinflammatory response to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection, featured by the activation of lymphocytes and systemic cytokine release syndrome, has been implicated in the pathophysiology of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and organ damage in patients with COVID-19. Dexamethasone (DEX), a synthetic glucocorticoid, has shown benefits for COVID-19 patients with ARDS owing to its potent immunosuppressive and anti-inflammatory properties. Baricitinib is a selective Janus Kinase (JAK) inhibitor that interrupts the signaling of multiple cytokines implicated in COVID-19 immunopathology through the JAK/signal transducers and activators of transcription (STAT) pathway. It may also have antiviral effects by preventing SARS-CoV-2 from entering and infecting lung cells. The immunosuppressive and antiviral effects of baricitinib have made it a promising candidate for COVID-19 management. Both DEX and baricitinib exert marked immunosuppressive effects and are drug candidates in the treatment of COVID-19 patients. Lymphocyte proliferation is a major factor determining the magnitude of immune response. The study aims to explore the single and combined anti-proliferative action of DEX and baricitinib on lymphocytes. It was hypothesized that the combination of DEX and baricitinib may produce additive or even synergistic immunosuppressive effects that may provide more benefits for COVID-19 treatment.