Objectives: To compare severity and clinical outcomes from Omicron as compared with the Delta variant and to compare outcomes between Omicron sublineages. Methods: We searched the WHO COVID-19 Research database for studies that compared clinical outcomes for patients with Omicron variant and the Delta variant, and separately Omicron sublineages BA.1 and BA.2. A random-effects meta-analysis was used to pool estimates of relative risk (RR) between variants and sublineages. Heterogeneity between studies was assessed using the I² index. Risk of bias was assessed using the tool developed by the Clinical Advances through Research and Information Translation team. Results: Our search identified 1494 studies and 42 met the inclusion criteria. Eleven studies were published as preprints. Of the 42 studies, 29 adjusted for vaccination status; 12 had no adjustment; and for 1, the adjustment was unclear. Three of the included studies compared the sublineages of Omicron BA.1 versus BA.2. As compared with Delta, individuals infected with Omicron had 61% lower risk of death (RR 0.39, 95% CI 0.33 to 0.46) and 56% lower risk of hospitalisation (RR 0.44, 95% CI 0.34 to 0.56). Omicron was similarly associated with lower risk of intensive care unit (ICU) admission, oxygen therapy, and non-invasive and invasive ventilation. The pooled risk ratio for the outcome of hospitalisation when comparing sublineages BA.1 versus BA.2 was 0.55 (95% 0.23 to 1.30). Discussion: Omicron variant was associated with lower risk of hospitalisation, ICU admission, oxygen therapy, ventilation and death as compared with Delta. There was no difference in the risk of hospitalisation between Omicron sublineages BA.1 and BA.2. PROSPERO registration number: CRD42022310880.

Introduction: During the COVID-19 pandemic, as society struggled with increasing disease burden, economic hardships, and with disease morbidity and mortality, governments and institutions began implementing stay-at-home or shelter-in-place orders to help stop the spread of the virus. Although well-intentioned, one unintended adverse consequence was an increase in violence, abuse, and neglect.Methods: We reviewed the literature on the effect the pandemic had on domestic violence, child and elder abuse and neglect, human trafficking, and gun violence. In this paper we explore common themes and causes of this violence and offer suggestions to help mitigate risk during ongoing and future pandemics. Just as these forms of violence primarily target at-risk, vulnerable populations, so did pandemic-related violence target marginalized populations including women, children, Blacks, and those with lower socioeconomic status. This became, and remains, a public health crisis within a crisis. In early 2021, the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) Public Health and Injury Committee was tasked with reviewing the impact the pandemic had on violence and abuse as the result of a resolution passed at the 2020 ACEP Council meeting.Conclusion: Measures meant to help control the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic had many unintended consequences and placed people at risk for violence. Emergency departments (ED), although stressed and strained during the pandemic, remain a safety net for survivors of violence. As we move out of this pandemic, hospitals and EDs need to focus on steps that can be taken to ensure they preserve and expand their ability to assist victims should another pandemic or global health crisis develop.Keywords: pandemic; elder abuse; human trafficking; COVID-19; gun violence; intimate partner violence; child abuse; fear.

Acute respiratory infections (ARIs) are the leading cause of paediatric morbidity and mortality in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), with pneumonia being the leading infectious cause of death in children under five years globally, causing over 800 000 deaths in 2019 [1,2]. ARIs encompass a broad range of conditions from a simple “cold” or upper respiratory […]

Background: In 2018, a large mumps epidemic coincided with an outbreak of diphtheria in refugee camps established in Bangladesh for the Rohingya people. These refugees did not receive a mumps-containing vaccine. Methods: Cases of mumps were reported to the WHO's Early Warning, Alert and Response System (EWARS) during the Rohingya refugee crisis. The authors present amalgamated epidemiological data of a major, previously under-reported, mumps epidemic. Results: In total, 19 215 mumps cases across a total of 218 facilities were reported to EWARS during 2018. The attack rate was 2.1% of the whole population. Of these cases, 7687 (40%) were in children aged <5 y. Mumps was more commonly seen among males than females. Conclusion: Detailed reporting of outbreaks of all vaccine-preventable diseases is essential to ensure appropriate vaccination decisions can be made in future humanitarian crises.

Severe acute respiratory infections (SARI), including those resulting in pneumonia, cause an estimated four million deaths annually and are the leading communicable cause of death worldwide [1]. While SARIs affect all age groups, the highest mortality is seen in the youngest and oldest age groups, with 45% of all global deaths from lower respiratory infections […]

Background: Ethiopia faces climate shocks, conflict, food insecurity, and limited livelihoods, creating urgent humanitarian needs and a critical demand for emergency medical response. A well-coordinated national emergency medical team (N-EMT) is essential to address these crises effectively.Objective: This study documents the progress of the country's emergency response mechanisms and N-EMT development, highlights lessons learned for other countries implementing emergency medical teams (EMTs) and concludes with recommendations for improvement.Methods: This study employed a holistic single-case study design, integrating mixed methods approaches to explore the introduction and establishment of N-EMT in the Federal Republic of Ethiopia. It examined the national disaster response context, highlighting key challenges, enabling factors, and emergent opportunities. Data were collected through key informant interviews (KIIs) and an in-depth review of relevant policy and operational documents. The study utilizes the guiding framework for implementing N-EMTs in addition to thematically documenting lessons learnt.Results: Launched in August 2018, the Ethiopian Disaster Medical Assistance Team (DMAT) initiative aimed to enhance Ethiopia's response to rising emergencies in peripheral regions by establishing a structured framework with trained professionals. This led to the creation of N-EMTs and a strategic implementation roadmap, supported by a core team executing a comprehensive joint work plan. Collaborating with partners and utilizing existing government systems ensured resource management and access to essential supplies. Strong backing from the Ministry of Health (MoH) and high-level government offices was vital for integration and sustainability, emphasizing political will's role in advancing health frameworks. The N-EMT expanded to address mass gatherings, conflicts, and malnutrition, enhancing capabilities and participating in regional health diplomacy. Collaborations with United Kingdom Medical Emergency Team (UK-MED) and Polish Center for International Aid (Polskie Centrum Pomocy Miedzynarodowej) (PCPM) refined verification, human resource (HR) management, and logistics, supported by innovative funding. Ethiopia's N-EMT implementation score reached 69 out of 96, indicating substantial progress toward full operationalization. Of the total implementation activities, 27 were fully completed, 15 were partially achieved or ongoing, and 6 had yet to commence. Key lessons learned emphasized the importance of streamlined resource management, the establishment of advance teams, robust preparedness measures, coordinated response mechanisms, and the provision of psychological support following deployments.Conclusion: Ethiopia has made strong and measurable progress in developing its N-EMT, establishing a foundational framework, mobilizing trained personnel, and expanding its scope to address a variety of emergencies. However, to reach full WHO classification, specific gaps remain—particularly in institutionalizing coordination structures, formalizing deployment protocols, and strengthening logistics and human resource systems. This experience highlights the importance of embedding N-EMTs within the national health and emergency response systems, backed by sustained political commitment, strategic partnerships, and dedicated investment in capacity building and preparedness infrastructure.