With Africa’s economies and health systems beginning to recover from the devastating COVID-19 pandemic, the region’s focus must once again return to meeting the healthcare goals and standards set out in the United Nation’s Millennium Development Goals. These include improving maternal care, reducing child mortality rates, and achieving continent-wide UHC coverage. 

Similarly, to achieve the SDG goals to which African nations have committed - especially Goal 3, which envisions UHC, good health and well-being across all ages by 2030 - Africa will have to prioritise the accessibility, quality and resilience of its healthcare systems going forward.

Despite bearing 25 per cent of the global disease burden, Africa is served by only 2 per cent of the world’s healthcare professionals.  

The solutions to overcoming the continent’s health challenges are multifaceted and include health systems strengthening; committed leadership; human resources (quality and capacity); improving quality and incorporating technology into healthcare.  

Cynthia Makarutse, event organiser for the 11th Annual Africa Health Conference, says the pursuit of these solutions will drive the Conference. “We will bring together healthcare industry influencers and thought leaders from various disciplines to facilitate the advancement of healthcare in the region,” she explains.  The event makes a return to in-person gatherings after last year’s fully online offering.

The congress will cater to the continent’s healthcare professionals and policymakers who will discuss, debate, and share strategies that are shaping the future of medicine, whilst also evaluating the latest disruptors driving the transformation of healthcare. Big conference themes this year include Localising the Supply Chain, Technology and Digital, The Evolving Role of Nurses, Innovation in Population Health, and Revamping Health Systems. 

The 2022 Congress which will run from 26 - 28 October at Johannesburg’s Gallagher Convention Centre, is expected to host over 8000 people representing 56 countries. 

CPD-accredited clinical and leadership conference tracks, including quality management; public health; imaging and diagnostics; healthcare management and nursing will enable delegates to earn CPD points for attending.  

This educational content will provide opportunity for delegates to engage with industry leaders and peers as well as participate in the 450-strong exhibition which promises to showcase the latest in healthcare technology and innovation.

“Africa Health 2022 will include a ‘Transformation Zone’ which will see trailblazers who are revolutionising healthcare across the continent share their thoughts on the biggest issues driving industry and explore strategies for meaningful innovation within the African context.

“For the first time, the Africa Health Conference will offer a Product Showcases session which will see select small and medium-sized health care companies showcase their latest innovative solutions and leading-edge products,” says Makarutse.

The strength and calibre of offerings available at this year's Africa Health Congress is a strong indication of a healthcare industry determined to build resilience into Africa’s healthcare systems. 

The conference programme has been geared towards cultivating sound governance, promoting the adoption of UHC principles, and ensuring that all African people have access to quality healthcare.  

“The Africa Health Congress will provide an invaluable networking opportunity whether you’d like to source products, make new investments, gain new knowledge, or strengthen business ties with the healthcare community,” says Makarutse. 

The event promises to provide a vibrant networking platform upon which to present the latest offerings and innovations.  

Countries from across the continent will be represented with the majority representation emanating from sub-Saharan Africa, including South Africa, Nigeria, Ethiopia, Kenya, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Ghana, Botswana, and Uganda having the majority representation.  

The congress attracts senior policymakers and captains of industry alike as well as healthcare industry professionals from across the region who value the learning, networking, and business, including: 

• Dealers & Distributors who wish to secure exclusive distribution rights or attract new manufacturers/principals.
• Private Hospitals/Clinics Management whose focus is on establishing and growing vendor portfolios towards achieving the best possible health outcomes.
• Public Hospitals/Clinics Management who must ensure the delivery of the best possible clinical outcomes by maximising the use of their procurement budget.
• Biomedical/Clinical Engineers who have an interest in remaining up to date with the latest advancements in healthcare equipment and influencing future purchases.
• Senior/Junior Clinicians who must stay up to date with medical speciality developments and products that impact their role.

Recent research by the medical journal BMC Gastroenterology has revealed an increase in the number of patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) in North Africa and the Middle East. In 2017, there were 166,000 reported cases; this rose to 220,000 in 2020 – and is expected to almost double to 500,000 by 2035. There are several reasons for this increase, ranging from the introduction of more effective diagnostic tools to lifestyle and environmental factors. Whilst the exact cause of the disease is unknown, obesity, stress, sleep patterns and smoking have all been identified as modifying the risk of developing IBD. One thing, however, is clear: IBD is becoming an escalating global health problem.

IBD is an umbrella term used to describe disorders that involve chronic inflammation of the digestive tract. The two most common types of IBD are Crohn’s disease and Ulcerative Colitis (UC). The former is characterised by inflammation of the lining of the entire digestive tract, including the deeper layers, whilst UC usually involves inflammation and ulcers along the superficial lining of the large intestine. Both conditions include symptoms such as diarrhoea, rectal bleeding, abdominal pain, fatigue, and weight loss. Therefore, upon diagnosis, patients must come to terms with the reality of having a lifelong, and when left unmanaged can be a debilitating condition.

Related: Envisioning elevated care for IBD Patients

The burden of having a chronic condition extends far beyond physical symptoms. For many patients, the unpredictable nature of IBD and its cycles of flares and remission, is as distressing as the bodily manifestations of the disease. Consequently, when treating a patient with IBD, it is essential to acknowledge the emotional turmoil that follows a diagnosis.

Disrupting patient lives

Dr. Shaker Bakkari, Consultant Gastroenterologist at King Saud Medical City, said: “We know that the true impact of these diseases goes much further than just the physical symptoms: stigma, isolation, decreased productivity, and psychological issues often affect people with immune-mediated diseases. IBD patient surveys found 40 per cent of patients said their intimate relationships were negatively affected, 52 per cent have had difficulty in academic settings, and around 25 per cent have had their working lives disrupted because of their condition."

Related: Break the silence: UAE IBD Society launched to support patients

The Covid-19 pandemic has caused significant disruption to patients with chronic illnesses and especially to those with IBD. A recent study published on PubMed revealed that many IBD patients were suffering from anxiety. Psychological symptoms are often co-morbid with IBD. This is because the condition can cause an immediate disruption to all aspects of a patient’s life - from work, to parenting, and from social and leisure activities to relationships. Consequently, the impact that the disease can have on a patient’s general sense of wellbeing is often profound. Add the uncertainty of the pandemic to the equation, and it is easy to comprehend why the past months have been an incredibly stressful time for patients who rely on ongoing medical care to manage their chronic conditions.

IBD symptoms usually appear during young adulthood, however, patients can often wait many years for a diagnosis due to limitations in correctly identifying the condition. Many symptoms of IBD can mimic those of other conditions leading physicians to misdiagnose patients with acute illnesses or more common disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). In addition, achieving a firm diagnosis can be extremely challenging; this is due to the substantial number of tests and procedures that are usually required including blood tests, endoscopies, imaging studies, MRI scans and stool samples. Another factor that can impede a successful diagnosis is the stigma that is attached to IBD. Many patients are embarrassed to discuss their symptoms openly, even with their doctors, preventing sufferers from seeking medical assistance. Additionally, it can be difficult to explain the reality of the disease, and its impact, on family and friends since it produces few outwardly appearing symptoms.

Encouraging data exchange

One of the key challenges facing doctors and patients alike in Saudi Arabia is limited information about the manifestations of the disease in the country. Increased understanding translates to faster and more accurate diagnoses – and in turn more informed treatment decisions and better management of the disease. Experts are continuing to research the genetic factors that contribute to change the course of IBD; however, this requires extensive in-country and in-region population-based studies. Whilst this is not a feasible solution in the short term, there is a lot that the healthcare community can do to ensure that patients achieve a quicker diagnosis and more effective care.

One example is the Saudi Gastroenterology Association (SGA) which works closely with partners to encourage and enhance the exchange of important scientific thinking and research around IBD. Promoting public health education through patient support groups is another crucial objective of the group. IBD is often referred to as an invisible disease, however, its impact upon patients and their families certainly does not go unnoticed. Through concerted action, with wide stakeholder engagement, it is possible to not only provide an ecosystem that supports patients, but also to lead the way in developing more innovative treatment approaches to a condition that affects millions of people around the world.

Dr. Majid Almadi, President of the Saudi Gastroenterology Association, said: “Being diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis or Crohn’s disease can be a lifechanging moment for many patients. The SGA looks to provide a forum to support the development of scientific thinking in gastroenterology in the Kingdom in collaboration with providers and experts in the field of IBD. We look to enhance the exchange of ideas and collaboration between relevant institutions at home and internationally for the betterment of treatment and to support public education programmes that provide hope to sufferers through increased awareness and more personalised and intuitive treatment plans.”

Managing IBD

The key to successfully managing the condition, both physically and mentally, is to find a healthcare team that is not only extremely experienced in diagnosing the condition but that have access to the most innovative diagnostic tools and treatment plans. There is no one-size-fits-all approach to dealing with IBD, however there are a wide range of treatments that can be tailored to suit the needs and complexities of individual cases. Whilst IBD is a life-long condition, it can be managed effectively with the right treatment plan.

Ongoing programmes of research and development are critical to educate healthcare providers and support patients. Janssen has sought to pioneer innovative science, finding new and more effective ways to transform the course of immune-mediated diseases and calm the inner battle waging within patients’ bodies. Collaborations lie at the heart of this approach in the Middle East, fostering a healthcare ecosystem across academia, government, and the private sector to positively impact patient outcomes. By bringing together doctors, nurses, patients, patient advocacy organisations, scientists, and policy makers, it is possible to ensure that people with immune-mediated diseases can benefit from the best treatments when they need them. By investing significantly in continuous medical education of doctors and care-providers, Janssen is able to bring together medical professionals across the different therapeutic areas to share their expertise and best practices.

The Peace Within is a Janssen commitment to help ease the battle that people living with immune-mediated diseases such as IBD suffer with. These diseases cause people’s bodies to fight against themselves which can result in a life of pain and discomfort unless proper treatment is sought. Collaborating with our partners including patient organisations such as the Saudi Gastroenterology Association, healthcare providers, scientists, and government entities, we strive to ensure that awareness, education, and the best possible treatment and research is available.

The most severe type of skin cancer, melanoma, affects both sexes differently. Melanoma causes more deaths in males than in women, at any age, this is accurate. White male adolescents and young adults have nearly a twofold greater risk of dying from melanoma than do caucasian girls of the same age.

Men are more likely than women to get melanoma by the age of 50. By the age of 65, this percentage increases, making males 2 times more likely than women of the same age to get melanoma. Men are also three times more likely than women in that age range to acquire melanoma by the time they are 80.

Related: Skin Cancer Growing Public Concern in the UAE

According to the American Academy of Dermatology Association, men have a lack of knowledge when it comes to sun protection, hence they are less inclined to use it. 

Men and women both apply sunscreen, but women do it more frequently. Women also use sunscreen-containing cosmetics and makeup. Thus, sun protection appears to be a factor in why melanoma affects men more frequently.

Related: Dermatopathology – Why do I need a skin biopsy?

The disparities, however, don't appear to be explained by sun protection alone. Researchers think that men's skin may be a significant contributing factor. Men's skin is different from women's skin, as we all know. Men have less subcutaneous fat and thicker skin. Additionally, a man's skin has a higher level of the fibers, collagen, and elastin, which give the skin rigidity and keep it taut.

According to research, these variations increase the likelihood that men's skin may be harmed by the sun's ultraviolet (UV) radiation. According to a study conducted in Netherlands, men's skin reacts to UV radiation more strongly than women's skin does. The same outcome was achieved by different research.

Additionally, studies suggest that a woman's skin may be more adept at mending UV light injury.

Micah Naidoo, Chairman at MENAP SMI & Head of Africa Zone at Sanofi Consumer Healthcare

The skincare products market size in the MENA region is estimated to reach $6 billion by 2024, while the Middle East alone is projected to reach $1.9 billion by 2027. This specific market is rapidly growing and is predicted to retain its dominance, as the highest segment within skincare products is dedicated to hydration, according to insights by Sanofi Consumer Healthcare.

Another research also looked at Saudi population's attitudes and behaviors related to sun protection, as well as their understanding of sun exposure and the danger of skin cancer. Findings demonstrated that women were more likely than males to be aware of the risks associated with sun exposure and to adopt precautionary measures, such as using sunscreen.

Through continuous and repeated sun-education messaging, public health programs must encourage attitude modification and preventative behavior in addition to information, relayed the study. The design of educational campaigns should consider how the message might complement rather than challenge the existing norms and values held by various demographic groups.

Future primary prevention initiatives among highly exposed individuals may benefit from addressing the apparent assumption that no protection is needed during frequent accidental sun exposures to better limit the spread of skin cancer.

“In the UAE, skin cancer accounts for 14.5 per cent of cancer cases among males. To make circumstances more difficult, it is still a challenge to garner comprehensive figures throughout the country. This has prompted the need for better education regarding the importance of skincare. In other words, boasting about our natural high levels of melanin is not enough to protect the people of the region from diseases related to our skin. Ultimately, healthier skin is one of the key indicators of the quality of well-being,” says Micah Naidoo, Chairman at MENAP SMI & Head of Africa Zone at Sanofi Consumer Healthcare.

Naidoo further comments on the present state of healthcare across the region requires improved legislation, environmental policy, and proper education on self-care. “Skincare, among others, plays a crucial role in maintaining good health. This can be achieved by legitimate information on products, practices, and a support system.

More organisations need to work closely together to ensure better engagement with key stakeholders, policymakers, and communities to provide opportunities for credible information on safe skincare. From collagen-rich foods to personalized moisturisers, there are multiple ways people can incorporate skincare routines that can improve their overall health. To do so, there must be a significant push to prioritise the well-being of the public through programs and education that provide the best guidance on proper skincare,” he concludes.

Monkeypox is currently a worldwide public health concern affecting countries in West and Central Africa, as well as the rest of the world. The first monkeypox outbreak outside Africa occurred in 2003 in the US. The case was connected to infected rodents that were smuggled into the country from Ghana as pets. Around 70 cases of monkeypox were reported at the time. Due to its infectious nature, it was found to have affected travellers flying in from Nigeria, Israel, the UK, Singapore and the US between the years 2018 and 2022. To date, multiple cases of monkeypox have been discovered in non-endemic countries as of May 2022. Studies are being conducted to learn more about the epidemiology, infection origins, and transmission patterns.

In an interview with Dr. Ahmed Mohamed Abdelhameed, Internal medicine Specialist at Medcare, Omnia Health discussed the causes and cure for monkeypox. We also spoke to Dr. Palat K Menon, Founder and CEO of AstraGene, the UAE’s First Molecular Diagnostics Manufacturing Company about their Monkeypox virus detection kit.

Related: Emerging cases of monkeypox investigated

Dr. Ahmed Mohamed Abdelhameed, Internal medicine Specialist at Medcare

 

What is Monkeypox? Can you tell us about the causes of the infection, and symptoms it presents?

Dr. Abdelhameed: It is an old viral infection that was initially recorded in monkeys in Western and Central Africa that then spread to humans. However, the possibility of human-to-human transmission is less likely to happen when compared to other similar viruses. The mode of transmission is through droplet infection and prolonged direct skin or sexual contact with an infected person. The symptoms of the monkeypox include fever, body pain, malaise, and characteristic skin rashes.

According to the World Health Organization, cases are expected to rise globally. What preventative measures should be taken?

Related: COVID-19 not over: Niche patients suffer prolonged infection

Dr. Abdelhameed: We need to follow the standard precautions to prevent the spread of the disease, which includes the early reporting of any suspected cases and the strict usage of surgical masks in closed and crowded places. In addition, regular usage of disinfectants and hand sanitisers especially after any skin-to-skin contact is vital.

Clinically how does this affect the healthcare community, with COVID still in the picture?

Dr. Abdelhameed: We have learned tremendously from COVID-19 over the last three years, and the knowledge we have gained as healthcare practitioners about the protocols of infection control and standard precautions will help us in controlling any future epidemics. I believe we have now the expertise and infrastructure to prepare us for any future scenario.

During the pandemic, new innovations and tech helped the healthcare community advance. Will these be beneficial during the Monkeypox outbreak?

Dr. Abdelhameed: Level 4 laboratories have now come into the picture and are able to deal with highly infectious samples. We have very well-developed reporting systems that allow the fast isolation of suspected and confirmed cases. Additionally, most hospitals now are prepared with isolation solutions. 

Are certain individuals more susceptible to Monkeypox?

Dr. Abdelhameed: Yes. Low immunity patients such as senior individuals, patients with chronic diseases, and people receiving medicine lowering their immunities are more susceptible to infection. However, that is still subjective to the level of exposure the individual has had to an infected patient.

Dr. Palat K Menon, Founder and CEO of AstraGene

 

Tell us more about AstraGene’s Monkeypox virus detection kit, its certifications and how it works.

Dr. Menon: AstraGene’s Monkeypox virus detection kit is an inhibitor tolerant real-time polymerase chain reaction assay for the qualitative detection of the Monkeypox virus in samples collected from individuals suspected of infection. The assay is a combination of the latest advanced buffer chemistry, PCR enhancers and stabilisers along with antibody-mediated hot-start polymerase, dNTPs and MgCl2. This assay has been designed for highly reproducible, accurate results directly from human blood and pus samples. The kits’ primer and probe sets are designed to detect specific target sequence of TNF receptor gene to identify the Monkeypox virus.

AstraGene manufactures kits that are CE certified, GMP-certified by the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP), and it is manufactured under ISO 13485, as per guidelines set by the World Health Organization. This kit has demonstrated the highest sensitivity among kits available globally.

The clade-specific PCR to distinguish Central African and West African clades is expected to be launched soon. Please elaborate.

Dr. Menon: Monkeypox forms two distinct clades (families) — the Monkeypox Congo Basin clade viruses that are endemic to the Congo Basin (Central Africa), where the human illness typically presents symptoms similar to discrete, ordinary smallpox but with a case fatality rate of approximately 10 per cent in unvaccinated populations; and the Monkeypox West African clade viruses that are isolated in West Africa and appear to cause less severe, interhuman transmissible diseases.

As Saudi Arabia’s healthcare sector has embarked on a transformative journey to build a world-class system centred on patient care, which is a key directive of Saudi Vision 2030, some challenges as can be expected have surfaced. This is normal during a transitional phase and as a leading healthcare administrative career skills training academy, we see this as a time to offer evolved services and meet market needs during an unprecedented time.

It is essential to equip healthcare practitioners and providers with highly sought-after knowledge and skills in Revenue Cycle Management (RCM), Medical Coding, Clinical Documentation. The efficient implementation of these imperative skills bridges the financial gap between payers and providers, reduces claim denials, and improves revenues resulting in operational efficiency.

Related: Saudi Healthcare: Moving Forward, Challenges and Policy Focus

Circling back to KSA, healthcare providers are in need of trained personnel, and filling roles has become a challenge due to a lack of knowledgeable staff. As a result, accredited medical billing and administration roles have become sound and stable career choices as the Kingdom’s healthcare space evolves.

Elie Daoud, Managing Director at Knwbility

Related: Saudi health sector transformation accelerated under Vision 2030 and pandemic

KSA’s healthcare system was about to embark on a new path as the Ministry of Health (MOH) began planning to privatise the healthcare sector and required a localised process to enhance its healthcare system. This change also required the creation of a national coding system where the Council of Health Insurance (CHI) and the Saudi Health Council (SHC) were brought in to implement coding requirements for the new private system.

Naturally, the country’s current and future healthcare workforce would have to expand upon current skill sets or learn a new approach to operate within the new system.

We viewed this development as an opportunity to expand and become a regional RCM and health information management (HIM) career development leader. Equipped with intel from the UAE, we foresaw the demand for a proficient and world-class workforce in Saudi Arabia and to support that need, we designed internationally accredited, customised courses for the Kingdom based on the new Saudi Billing System (SBS). Moreover, there are course options for medical professionals and those with no medical background looking to make a career change.

As expected with an untapped market, we did encounter some challenges and devised solutions to move forward in line with the country’s focus such as:

• Size and market capacity: Invested in a state-of-the-art e-learning platform to allow access regardless of geographic location and facilitate self-study. This solution also supports the national education level and assists current employees looking to upskill.
• National medical coding system and documentation standards: Previously non-existent, we sought to work with several regulators to help design and implement these new standards which are reflected in Knwbility’s courses on efficient recording and billing operations. With a holistic understanding and automated system in place, optimum healthcare services result.
• Addition of Diagnosis Related Grouping (DRG): DRG classifies diagnoses or conditions of similar illnesses under major diagnosing categories. This smart feature enables standardised payment systems to detect unnecessary treatments, which results in lower costs for healthcare providers and improves the quality of services rendered to patients. 

Until recently, DRG did not exist in KSA, and Knwbility is helping to accelerate its development and implementation to use throughout the Kingdom’s medical facilities. Some additional solutions to support Saudi Arabia’s healthcare sector positioning plans include:

• Global health information association partnerships and accredited courses: Established alliances with renowned healthcare information and finance authorities such as the American Health Information Association (AHIMA), and the Healthcare Financial Management Association (HFMA) allow Knwbility to offer esteemed accredited courses.
• Professional development education (Saudi nationals): All courses are designed for complete independent self-study online, whilst still providing professional guidance from world-renowned international experts and trainers. This is largely due to supporting Saudi Vision 2030’s Human Capability Development Programme to champion higher quality education across all industries for the country’s next workforce generation.

 

Elie Daoud is the Managing Director at Knwbility, a healthcare training academy that provides RCM and HIM career training services across the Middle East with a firm presence in Jeddah and Riyadh in Saudi Arabia, and India. 

 

Lockdown in Shanghai

Since March 29, a strict lockdown was imposed in Shanghai to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, guided by the ‘Zero-Covid’ strategy of the Chinese government. The whole city came to a standstill. 

Residents were not allowed to leave their homes. The public transport system was stopped. Shops and factories were closed. Logistics in and out of Shanghai were drastically reduced.

Since May 18, Shanghai has been cautiously easing COVID-19 curbs, a small section of the metro reopened, and a small number of residents were allowed to leave their compounds for a few hours. 

After more than two months, Shanghai lifted the lockdown on June 1. The city’s public transport system resumed operation. Residents can freely leave home and return to work. The lockdown is ended ahead of the planned date of mid or end of June as per the prior announcement of the Shanghai authority.

Importance of Shanghai to China

With a population of around 25 million, Shanghai is the most populous city in China. Shanghai is also the country's main commercial and financial hub. Some facts are:

• Shanghai has the world's largest container port, accounting for nearly 17 per cent of the country’s total throughput.
• Shanghai accounts for 25 per cent of the integrated circuit industry and produces 40 per cent of robots for the country.
• Shanghai accounts for 20 per cent of China's foreign trade value including export and import.
• Shanghai attracts 14 per cent of foreign direct investment.
• One out of 10 cars produced in China is from Shanghai. Besides, Shanghai is home to a cluster of automobile component manufacturers. 
• Shanghai is the heart of the Yangtze River Delta, an economic zone covering Shanghai and its neighboring provinces of Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and Anhui, contributing to 24 per cent of China’s GDP. 

Therefore, the standstill in Shanghai inevitably hurts the country's economic outlook.

Lockdown impact on Shanghai and China

The lockdown had an immediate impact on the economy of Shanghai in April compared to April last year: Shanghai's imports and exports were lower by 36.5 per cent.  Its industrial output dropped by 61.6 per cent. The automobile industry in Shanghai is one of the sectors that was hit the most, with output lower by 70.9 per cent.

Also, the lockdown of Shanghai has affected the economy of the rest of China via supply chain disruptions. The automotive industry is an example of how the supply chain interweaves around the Yangtze River Delta. Li Auto is a Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer headquartered in Beijing. But its manufacturing facility and most of the company’s suppliers are in the Yangtze River Delta, especially in Shanghai. The shutdown and logistics freezing in Shanghai plagued the auto industry in China. As a result, China’s overall car production in April was lower by 45 per cent compared to a year earlier.

The impact of regional lockdowns on China’s overall economy is reflected in economic statistics. Compared with the same month of last year, in April 2022, China’s manufacturing output was lower by 4.6 per cent and auto manufacturing fell by 31.8 per cent. Consumption has also been hit. The total retail sales of consumer goods were lower by 11.1 per cent in April 2022.

The chart below shows the output of some selected manufacturing industries in Shanghai and China, comparing April 2022 with April 2021. It reflects the lockdown effect of Shanghai on China.

A quick look at the medical industry

The medical industry presents a mixed picture under lockdown.

Under lockdowns, people cannot freely leave their homes for medical services. The medical needs of patients are significantly curbed. Healthcare establishments substantially withheld or delayed their investment in medical technology. The market demand for medical technology is reduced.

On the supply side, the disruption and shutdown of factories significantly impacted the market supply of medical equipment. Consequently, in April, the medical manufacturing in Shanghai and China fell by 45 per cent and 3.8 per cent respectively compared with the same month of last year.

The ‘Zero-Covid’ policy requires constant monitoring, testing, and isolation of its citizens to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. Those measures significantly boosted the relevant medical sectors, such as medical consumables like gloves and masks, and Covid testing services. 

As per the Chinese government, testing facilities are available within a 15-minute walk of everyone in its big cities. Covid testing will become normal for residents in urban areas. The upsurge of the Covid testing industry will continue under the ‘Zero-Covid’ policy.

Trend and forecast 

After the lockdown in Shanghai, dozens of other cities, including Beijing, have since escalated lockdown measures to control the spread of the Covid virus.

So far there is no sign that the Chinese government is going to compromise its ‘Zero-Covid’ strategy. A continuation of stringent lockdowns will likely bring the following consequences.

An exodus of foreign investment

Covid-19 lockdowns are hurting China’s competitiveness as a global manufacturing centre and a magnet for foreign investment. The European Union Chamber of Commerce in China completed a survey to measure the confidence of European companies in China. The survey results show that 60 per cent of European-funded companies expect revenue to decline this year, and some are considering transferring investment.

Resonating with this pessimistic sentiment, on May 24, Airbnb announced that it will close its China business this summer as the ‘Zero-Covid’ policy crushes tourism. 

The data from Shanghai Statistics Bureau also mirrors the wariness of foreign investors: the foreign investment in April 2022 decreased by 40.8 per cent in value and 98 per cent in the number of new foreign-invested companies compared with the same month last year. 

Economic recession in China

The Chinese government rolled out some policies to boost the economy, such as cutting the reserve requirement ratio, lowering loan rates as well as fiscal policies including tax relief and increasing subsidies to businesses. But if the current ‘Zero-Covid’ strategy remains unchanged, those stimulation policies may be insufficient to prevent an economic recession.

Studies from the Chinese University of Hong Kong show a two-week lockdown in megacities like Beijing or Shanghai could shave 2 per cent off China’s monthly GDP. Similarly, JP Morgan has cut China’s Q2 2022 GDP forecast to -5.4 per cent. 

If lockdown measures continue and expand regionally, China’s economy will inevitably be dragged into a severe economic recession. 

Increasing market concentration

The disruption or complete shutdown of a business causes severe problems in cash flow for enterprises of all sizes. The small and medium-sized enterprises are most vulnerable. The lockdown is likely to trigger a wave of bankruptcies among small businesses, increasing market concentration.

China’s Covid policy 

Even though the Chinese government has been assertive in its ‘Zero-Covid’ strategy, there is uncertainty about whether it will persist with this policy in the coming months. The Chinese government has not shared its roadmap with the public for dealing with Covid. Omdia believes several factors will influence China’s Covid strategy.

The elderly are a vulnerable group to the Coronavirus. As per the Chinese government, the ‘Zero-Covid’ policy is crucial to save lives and prevent the health system from being overrun. As per the National Health Commission data from May 5, about 227 million Chinese aged 60 and older have been fully vaccinated, almost 82 per cent of that age group. The vaccination rate is low among the elderly in Shanghai.

As of April 14, only 62 per cent of people over the age of 60 in Shanghai were fully vaccinated. If the vaccination rate continues to increase among the elderly and the whole population, the ‘Zero-Covid’ policy might be changed.

Besides, China has been developing vaccines against the Omicron variant. The progress of vaccine development will also alter China’s Covid policy.

The ‘Zero-Covid’ policy levied an enormous economic toll as mentioned earlier. A continued and expanded lockdown will drag China into an economic recession. The concerns about the economic impact of the ‘Zero-Covid’ policy grow. On May 26, during a teleconference with more than 100,000 officials across China, China’s premier, Li Keqiang, announced efforts to bolster economic growth. 

The regular five-year China Communist Party (CCP) Congress is the most important political event for the Chinese government. The 20th CCP Congress will be held in the fall of 2022 when China’s most senior leaders will assemble to determine the country’s direction for years to come. The economic impact will be a crucial factor for China’s Covid policy.

Further reading

• The vaccination rate of the elderly over the age of 60 continues to increase, National Health Commission, retrieved on May 27;
• Foreign direct investment in April 2022, Shanghai Statistics Bureau, retrieved on May 27;
• Press conference of the National Bureau of Statistics on the national economy in April 2022, National Bureau of Statistics, retrieved on May 27;
• Statistics of industrial output in April 2022, the National Bureau of Statistics, retrieved on May 27.

Sally Ye is a health care technology analyst at the Healthcare Technology division of Omdia, a sister research brand of Omnia Health. Located in the US, Europe and China, Omdia’s health care team produces a wide range of syndicated and customised reports, including a monthly China Healthcare Market Update, the Healthcare IT Topical Report, and the Healthcare Equipment Database, as well as in-depth reports and analysis on the medical imaging industry.

Through optimal early childhood education and care, children equipped with firm foundations have better chances at school and better economic success in adulthood. Yet, the science and investment into early childhood development (ECD) is not at the stage it rightly deserves. Evidence suggests that every $1 invested in a child today, reaps between $7 and $12 during adulthood, but most importantly it has a positive impact on children. 

For this reason, the Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Authority (ECA) has established the WED Movement (World Early Childhood Development Movement). It is a forward-looking ‘glocal’ (globally thought and locally enacted) movement that unites the world's finest minds to tackle pressing challenges faced by Abu Dhabi and beyond, to positively impact the early development of today’s children. To achieve that, the WED movement has created the Breakthrough Working Groups (BWGs), which are four pluri-disciplinary groups made of world-leading policy influencers, academics, practitioners, innovators, private sector leaders, philanthropists, and beneficiaries. Each BWG identifies problem areas, proposes science-based solutions, and develops implementation programmes.  

Related: Early detection and intervention leads to better outcomes in children with autism spectrum disorder

Dr. Hossam Al Tatari is a member of the Breakthrough Working Group that focuses on the theme of ‘21st Century Lifestyle’ and its affects. “Between the age of zero and eight is a critical period for children, as they develop mentally, socially and physically. There is a belief that these age groups are not receiving the necessary attention from the healthcare and educational sectors. WED focuses on early childhood to support the vital development of children,” he explained. 

Dr. Hossam Al Tatari, Adjunct Professor of Pediatrics at University of Western Ontario and Pediatric Infectious Diseases Consultant, The Heart Medical Center, Al Ain

 

Present childcare ecosystems 

Related: Is the COVID-19 effect on children's mental health deepening?

Dr. Al Tatari revealed that to drive discussions on how to improve early childhood, a decision was taken to establish brainstorming working groups, each addressing a different aspect related to early childhood.  

“Three different groups were created, one focused on the ecosystem surrounding children, another on the negative impact of modern life on children, and the third on how it can be used to support children in a positive way. The BWGs worked very closely for more than a year to analyse the current situation. We started locally in Abu Dhabi, expanding from the emirates to an international focus. Based on our analysis and the status of early childhood all over the world, we came up with a set of recommendations that were submitted to the Early Childhood agency to improve all the aforementioned aspects,” he said. 

Application of AI and digital tools 

There are many questions on the rise with healthtech and digitalisation adoption in healthcare gaining prevalence, and a recent discovery of AI improving outcomes for depression treatments. Can it also be used to monitor the emotional well-being of expectant mothers?  

“The future is AI. We use AI in our daily lives in some form or the other.  Therefore, it comes as no surprise that AI is going to affect parenthood and early childhood, whether we like it or not,” emphasised Dr. Al Tatari. 

Machine learning is a subset of artificial intelligence (AI), which is one of the fastest-growing technical domains and has been widely employed in forecasting birthing modes and analysing potential maternal complications throughout pregnancy. A systematic analysis of how AI has been applied to pregnant women over the previous 12 years was conducted by researchers from the University of Seville in Spain. AI can detect illnesses like congenital heart birth abnormalities or macrosomia, gestational diabetes, and preterm delivery early, according to the study. In the latter case, research into artificial intelligence cases discovered a link between the frequency of pre-term births and the amount of pollution to which the pregnant women had previously been exposed. 

Effective computing systems could allow emotions-based tracking among pregnant woman, such as detecting emotional changes and providing counsel or recommendations that the system would have previously obtained from doctors. This can help the patient feel safer and more connected to her healthcare provider, as well as minimise the anxiety and concern that often lead to physical difficulties. 

Addressing prospects in neurodevelopment 

How could digital tools help detect neurodevelopmental abnormalities? According to Dr. Al Tatari, a video camera that captures the movement in daycare could analyse a particular child and note if he or she is achieving basic milestones of their age.  

“Examples include the child’s progress in using the right motor skills — gross motor skills to walk and climb and fine motor skills to hold stationary or draw. When an AI tool is fed with data such as a specific child’s weight, age, height, and other background information it can analyse if the child if he or she is developing as per his range. This is extremely valuable as these factors determine a child’s key developments. As paediatrician, I have encountered various delayed cases wherein assessments were late. Parents were inattentive, or teachers and carers did not see the warning signs. A step as simple as installing a video AI tool in the corner of a room to monitor the child throughout the week and produce a report can support clinical practice as well. Parents or caregivers can hand the assessment to their doctor or neurologist for further assessment and treatment, as it becomes part of the patient’s history,” he said.  

When asked about how the WED movement and BWGs help foster wide partnerships from other markets, he commented: “Our partnership extends to everyone globally, specialists, childcare and development researchers among many who share an interest in early childhood. We accumulate data and have scientific research to support our recommendations that can be applied to patients for better outcomes. Our goal is to share this knowledge with the healthcare community to see an improvement in areas which are often neglected. On the other hand, we also want to share our pool of information, so they don’t have to reinvent the wheel again, as we have everything ready.”  

As the population of Saudi Arabia continues to grow, expected to increase from 33.5 million in mid-2018 to 39.5 million in mid-2030, the Saudi government has been faced with a rising number of challenges regarding its healthcare system.

In 2015, residents from overseas amounted to 30 per cent of the population of the Kingdom and as the country continues to attract international businesses, foreign direct investment and international tourism, this will continue to rise.

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The Healthcare Transformation Strategy, managed by the Ministry of Health's Vision Realisation Office (VRO), draws a roadmap toward overcoming these challenges in line with international standards and has become a major pillar of the Saudi Vision 2030 plan. 

The VRO has laid out key themes to direct policy such as financial reforms, workforce development, digital transformation, and provider reform.

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The Health Sector Transformation Programme will be launched in 2022 to ensure the continued development of healthcare services in Saudi Arabia and focus efforts on this vital sector. The Coronavirus pandemic was one of the first major focuses of the Health Sector Transformation Programme, feeding into the response to the health, economic and social impacts of the pandemic as well as overcoming the crisis and its challenges.

Already, the health sector has achieved many accomplishments such as improving the quality and efficiency of health services and facilitating access to them through focusing on digital transformation and launching a package of applications, such as Sehhaty and Mawid, and increasing the service coverage in all the Kingdom’s regions.

The Health Transformation Programme will work on enabling comprehensive transformation in the sector and restructuring into a comprehensive, effective, and integrated system that can address key challenges such as lack of access to medications, inconsistent delivery of care and lack of consistent clinical guidelines. 

A fundamental focus of the programme is boosting public health and disease prevention, in addition to improving access to health services through optimal coverage, comprehensive and equitable geographical distribution, and expanding the provision of e-health services.

Rates of avoidable injury and non-communicable disease remain high by regional and international standards, and while the Kingdom has made notable progress in improving the health of its population over recent decades, particularly in areas of child and maternal mortality and the reduction of communicable disease, areas of concern now include heart disease, stroke, diabetes, respiratory disease, mental health, road traffic accidents and congenital diseases, all of which are manageable. 

One of the areas to address will be the outbreak of communicable diseases. These will look at sub-areas such as contagious diseases at Hajj or following man-made or natural disasters. 

The Ministry of Health notes that primary care is a key focus moving forward with investments being carried out across the kingdom to enhance the distribution of secondary and tertiary hospitals and associated resources. 

Steps will be taken forward to augment the capacity in extended care services such as rehabilitation, long-term care and home care. Greater distribution of services will be made available across Saudi Arabia to ensure those in remote areas get wider access to care options. 

Improving the quality of services provided to patients is a major policy focus, with the goal of implementing consistent protocols and pathways for treatment, and more complete measurements of patient processes and outcomes.

Financially, the health system will also support the containment of public expenditure and the diversification of the Saudi economy, as per the Vision 2030 plan. This is needed to address the risk of long-term reductions in the price of crude oil and the impact that will have on public revenues. Attracting investment into the sector will be a key goal moving into the next phase to align with the wide-ranging reforms. 

As the system moves forward, it would be a key priority to have more staff to match the population size and recruit a larger number of Saudis who can take healthcare into the future as it moves into a new era of digitisation, offering hope for the betterment of the country’s people.