Backround: Data on Dengue virus (DENV) infection prevalence, geographic distribution and risk factors are necessary to direct appropriate utilization of existing and emerging control strategies. This study aimed to determine the pooled prevalence, risk factors of DENV infection and the circulating serotypes within Nigeria from January 1, 2009 to December 31, 2020. Materials and methods: Twenty-one studies out of 2,215 available articles were eligible and included for this systematic review. Relevant articles were searched, screened and included in this study according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) criteria. The risk of bias in primary studies was assessed by Cochrane's method. Heterogeneity of pooled prevalence was calculated using the chi-square test on Cochrane's Q statistic, which was quantified by I-square values. The random-effects analyses of proportions were used to determine the pooled prevalence of DENV antibodies, antigen and RNA from eligible studies. Results: Of these, 3 studies reported co-circulation of all the 4 serotypes, while 2 separately reported co-circulation of DENV-1&2 and DENV-1 to -3. All the antibody-based studies had significantly high heterogeneity (I-2 > 90%, P < 0.05), while the NS1 and PCR-based studies had low heterogeneity (I-2 < 25%, P > 0.05). The pooled prevalence of DENV IgM, IgG, RNA, NS1 and neutralizing antibodies were 16.8%, 34.7%, 7.7%, 7.7% and 0.7%, respectively. South-east Nigeria had the highest pooled DENV-IgG seropositivity, 77.1%. Marital status, gender, educational level and occupation status, the proximity of residence to refuse dumpsite, frequent use of trousers and long sleeve shirts were significantly associated with DENV IgG seropositivity (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Based on these findings, it can be inferred that Nigeria is hyperendemic for Dengue fever and needs concerted efforts to control its spread within and outside the country.

There are no robust national prevalence of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) genotypes in Nigerian women despite the high burden of cervical cancer morbidity and mortality.This study aims to determine the...

West Nile virus (WNV) is a re-emerging mosquito-borne and zoonotic viral infection which is largely underestimated in Nigeria. This study sought to determine the pooled prevalence pattern and risk factors of WNV infection among humans and animals in Nigeria. A systematic review of eligible articles was conducted from "PubMed", "Scopus", "Google Scholar" and "Web of Science", from 1 st January 1950 to 30th August 2020. Peer-reviewed articles describing WNV infection of humans and animals in cross-sectional studies were systematically reviewed and analyzed. Cochrane Q was used to determine the heterogeneity of studies reports. About 61.5% human studies had low risk of bias. Howewer, all had high heterogeneity. Southwestern Nigeria had the highest pooled prevalence of anti-WNV IgM, 7.8% in humans. The pooled WNV IgM and IgG seroprevalence were 7.1% (95% CI: 5.9 - 8.3) and 76.5% (95% CI: 74.0 -78.8), respectively. The WNV RNA prevalence was 1.9% (95% CI: 1.4 - 2.9), while 14.3% (95% CI: 12.9-15.8) had WNV neutralizing antibodies. In animals, the pooled WNV IgM and IgG seroprevalence were 90.3% (95% CI: 84.3 - 94.6) and 3.5% (95% CI: 1.9 -5.8), respectively while 20.0% (95% CI: 12.9-21.4) had WNV neutralizing antibodies. Age (OR=3.73, 95% CI: 1.87-7.45; p=0.0002) and level of education [no formal education (OR=4.31, CI: 1.08-17.2; p=0.0386), primary (OR=7.29, 95% CI: 1.80-29.6; p=0.0054)], were significant risk factors of WNV IgM seropositivity in humans. Findings from this study highlighted the endemicity of WNV infection in animals and humans in Nigeria and underscored the need for "One health" prevention and control approach against WNV infection.

The United States has long played a central role in global health through its engagement with the World Health Organization (WHO) and through major bilateral programs, including the U.S. President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) and the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). These investments have contributed to health infrastructure development, disease surveillance, and the expansion of treatment and prevention programs across Africa. The recent U.S. withdrawal from WHO and the freezing of USAID funding raise concerns for infectious disease control, healthcare delivery, and global health security, particularly in settings with high dependence on external financing. This commentary argues that the U.S. withdrawal, while disruptive, should not be understood solely as a setback, but as an opportunity for African governments to assume greater ownership of their health systems and exercise leadership through deliberate political and policy choices. These include increased domestic health financing, stronger institutional governance, and enhanced regional coordination. The paper outlines pathways for sustaining donor-built infrastructure, expanding local pharmaceutical and diagnostic manufacturing, and aligning public-private partnerships with national health priorities. By strengthening domestic capacity and regional cooperation, African governments can reduce vulnerability to external funding shocks, improve outbreak preparedness, and play a more active role in shaping global health security agendas. Clinical trial number Not applicable.