Since the novel coronavirus outbreak of SARS-CoV-2 from the first cases whereof were reported in Wuhan, China, in December 2019, our globalized world has changed enormously. On the 11th of March 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared COVID-19 a pandemic, and nations around the world have taken drastic measures to reduce transmission of the disease. The situation is similar in Switzerland, a small high-income country in Central Europe, where the first COVID-19 case was registered on the 25th of February 2020. Through literature review as well as correspondence with public health professionals and experts in mathematical modeling, this case study focuses on the outbreak’s impact on Switzerland and on the measures this country has implemented thus far. Along with the rapid spread of the virus, the political organization, economy, healthcare system, and characteristics of the country greatly influence the approach taken in facing the crisis. Switzerland appears to be structurally well-prepared, but, according to mathematical modeling predictions, in order to avoid total collapse of healthcare facilities, the measures taken by the Swiss Government need to reduce the virus transmission chain by at least 70%. Fortunately, updated models on April 22nd show evidence that the non-pharmaceutical measures invoked have decreased transmission by an estimated 89%, proving effective management by the federal government and allowing for progressive deconfinement measures.

Non-communicable diseases (NCDs), such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes, represent a serious global health concern. There is an urgent need for prompt diagnosis and effective monitoring at point of care, especially in low- and middle-income countries. Here we present the results of a study assessing the quantitative accuracy of two devices that may fit the target product profile for a cardiometabolic point-of-care device. This prospective, quantitative, accuracy study (NCT05257564) was conducted between March to May 2022, investigating the performance of the JanaCare Aina Blood Monitoring System (JCAina) and the Tascom SimplexTAS 101 device (TAS101) compared with local standard laboratory methods in rural Nepal. Using fingerstick capillary blood, cardiometabolic parameters were analysed using both devices. The quantitative accuracy was compared against a local laboratory reference assay. System usability was also assessed. For JCAina, the mean absolute biases (Bland-Altman analysis) for glucose, HbA1c and total cholesterol tests were -3.87 mg/dL (95% CI: -7.52–-0.22), 1.34% (95% CI: 1.21–1.47), and -9.52 mg/dL (95% CI: -11.9–-7.2), respectively, corresponding to mean percentage biases of 2.0%, 18.5%, and -6.4%. These indicate clinically small (<10% biases) differences from laboratory results for glucose and cholesterol, and a moderate (10–20%) positive bias for HbA1c. For TAS101, the mean absolute biases for glucose, HbA1c, total cholesterol and creatinine tests were 18.7 mg/dL (95% CI: 15.8–21.5), -0.2% (95% CI: -0.26–-0.14), 29.8 mg/dL (95% CI: 27.0–32.6), and -0.02 mg/dL (95% CI: -0.05–0.01), respectively, corresponding to mean percentage biases of 12.1%, -2.6%, 15.8%, and -4.5%. These indicate clinically small differences for HbA1c and creatinine, and moderate positive biases for glucose and cholesterol. Both systems exhibited usability challenges. The JCAina and TAS101 point-of-care cardiometabolic devices were shown to have promising accuracy in environmental conditions such as in Nepal, though improvements are still needed for some parameters and for ease of use. Trial registration: NCT05257564 (ClinicalTrials.gov).

Background: The emergence of COVID-19 disrupted several global health partnerships, with people unable to travel, meetings and conferences cancelled, and many forced to work remotely. The aim of this study was to explore the impact of COVID-19 on global health partnerships learning from the activities of the Division of Tropical and Humanitarian Medicine (DTHM) at the Geneva University Hospitals (HUG). Methods: Five members of the DTHM team as well as five local partners from ongoing projects within the DTHM in Bosnia-Herzegovina, Kyrgyzstan, Nepal, Peru and Ukraine were interviewed. A qualitative approach was chosen employing an interpretive approach using Grounded Theory involving the application of inductive reasoning for the analysis. Results: Interviewees describe both positive and negative impacts of COVID-19 for the existing partnerships. The use of on-site visits was disrupted and replaced by extra remote monitoring. Digital tools enabled the continuity of interactions ensuring that the partnership could continue to operate. Online tools allowed access to a wider audience and advantages with regards to time, cost and the environment. However, going online was unable to fully replace human interactions and exchanges which are core components of any partnership. Conclusions: COVID-19 resulted in the DTHM and its partners needing to redefine and improve how partnerships were established and maintained. This change in how partnerships operated and adapted during the pandemic will require ongoing assessment to see the long-term impact of these changes in the ways partnerships function in a post-COVID-19 environment.