Infectious diseases are largely preventable, yet they continue to pose a significant threat to public health, particularly among vulnerable populations in developing countries. Basic hygiene practices, especially hand and skin hygiene, have been shown to significantly reduce the risk of the cross-transmission of infections, including those caused by multi-drug-resistant organisms. In light of the growing global concern about antimicrobial resistance, there is an urgent need to review and reinforce these practices. This study provides a general overview of the role that hand hygiene practices play in decreasing infectious diseases by conducting a comprehensive review. Multiple online databases, including Google Scholar, Scopus, and Web of Science, were searched using relevant keywords such as “hygiene practices”, “infectious diseases”, “public health”, “Africa”, and “sanitation”. After filtering the search results for relevancy, selected studies were narratively synthesized to present the latest data on hand hygiene and its impact on infectious diseases. Strengthening hand and skin hygiene, along with environmental sanitation and preventive measures, can help reduce the spread of nosocomial infections. By emphasizing the importance of these fundamental hygiene practices, particularly in regions where the burden of infectious diseases is highest, the development of antibiotic-resistant diseases can be prevented, improving patient safety, and enhancing public health outcomes. Adopting comprehensive hygiene policies, including regular handwashing, is crucial for reducing the prevalence of infectious diseases and improving health outcomes in developing countries.

Despite the extraordinary and exceptional advances in drugs and vaccine development, sophisticated diagnostic facilities in health care settings, strategies in disease prevention and control, emerging and re-emerging infections are still the leading cause of death and suffering amongst human and animal populations with great impact on the world economy. Monkeypox is a viral disease with the potential to spread across the globe through international travel and movements of animals from endemic areas to susceptible populations. Monkeypox virus is an uncommon but endemic viral disease in Africa, but recent outbreaks occurred in Europe, the US, UK, Spain, Portugal, Sweden, and Italy. There is a need to refurbish the healthcare settings and get prepared for future outbreaks, especially in developing countries with poor healthcare delivery services. Scientists and researchers should also focus on developing vaccines, treatment, and preventive measures before the virus spread further.

The COVID-19 pandemic continues to significantly impact global health, economics, and public well-being. Millions suffer from long-term consequences or "long COVID," highlighting the enduring effects of the infection (Looi 2023). While existing public health measures and case monitoring remain vital (Looi 2023), the virus' constant evolution poses ongoing challenges. The recently identified JN.1 variant, classified as a "Variant of Interest" by the WHO due to its rapid spread (Gavi. 2023), represents a growing public health concern. As of December 16th, 2023, JN.1 has been detected in 41 countries, comprising 27.1% of global sequences submitted to GISAID (World Health Organization (WHO) 2023). First identified in the US in September 2023, this variant has already become dominant in some nations, including the UK, Iceland, and Portugal (World Health Organization (WHO) 2023). This rapid spread, especially in developed nations with robust healthcare systems, raises significant concerns for developing countries with less resilient healthcare infrastructure. Novel strategies and rapid responses are crucial for effectively countering JN.1's threat. JN.1 appears to be more transmissible than other variants (Table 1), including its parent, BA.2.86 (World Health Organization (WHO) 2023; Adebowale and Adesola 2022). Its rapid circulation has made it the

Background and aims: A new novel virus, Langya virus (LayV), was detected in China in August 2022, 3 years after the COVID-19 pandemic. LayV is similar to the previously discovered Mojiang henipavirus. Other zoonotic henipaviruses include the Hendra and Nipah viruses. The emergence of the zoonotic Langya virus is attributed to climate change and wildlife encroachment, as LayV is detected in shrews. Those who are infected in China showed various symptoms, but no deaths have been recorded yet. This review aims to shed light on the current state of Langya virus outbreak, its infection control efforts, and the remaining challenges that need to be addressed to curb the outbreak. Methods: We utilized online publication databases such as PubMed, Google Scholar, and Scopus in writing this review article. Results: A surveillance study on thirty-five febrile patients in Eastern China identified the Langya virus outbreak. The current efforts from the Chinese government and health authorities to reduce the transmission and spread of Langya virus such as isolation and characterization of LayV, challenges associated with the increase in cases of LayV, and trackable recommendations such as strengthening the healthcare system in China, sensitization of people about risks associated with Langya virus outbreaks, creating an intensive surveillance system network, etc. were discussed. Conclusion: It is germane and pertinent that the Chinese government and health authorities continue to intensify efforts against Langya virus and address the challenges to effectively reduce transmission.

The Marburg virus disease (MVD) outbreak in Ghana and the re‐emergence of other infectious diseases in Africa require a unified effort to fight these highly infectious health threats. Although no new cases have been reported after the three MVD confirmed cases, Ghana Health Service (GHS), and Health Authorities of neighbouring countries are on the alert to identify any new cases and deal with them at the earliest. Public health measures, however, inadequate, are in place in Ghana. Varied challenges remain in the fight against these outbreaks. All known public health measures must be brought to bear in the fight. African governments must resource the African Centre for Diseases Control and Prevention, in its efforts to augment the various country‐level health services in the fight against the threats. African governments, citizens, development partners, and foreign governments must commit to fighting these diseases before they turn into pandemics.