One of the control tools to reduce malaria transmission is the use of LLINs. However, several studies show that household bed net use is quite low. A study was developed to better understand the cultural factors that might explain these gaps in Benin. One reason mentioned is that bed nets can catch on fire and cause harm. This paper presents a summary of these findings, their analysis and the ensuing issues. This anthropological study is based on an inductive qualitative approach, including 91 semi-structured interviews conducted from July 2011 to March 2012 in a health district in Southern Benin. Fifty-six persons stated that bed nets can catch on fire but do not always refer to specific facts. However, 34 of the 56 people narrate specific events they heard or experienced. 39 accounts were geographically located and situated in time, with various details. In 27 situations, people were burned, for which 12 people reportedly died. The disparity between these results and the dearth of bibliographic documentation in the initial search prompted a more in-depth literature review: 16 contributions between 1994 and 2013 were found. Bed net fires were noted in 10 countries, but it is impossible to ascertain the frequency of such events. Moreover, bodily harm can be significant, and several cases of death attributed to bed net fires were noted. Indisputably, the use of bed nets to reduce the impact of this terrible disease is an optimal control method. However, the perception that LLINs have a potentially negative effect hinders the use rate in the real world, at least for some. If some people fear the risk of fires, this possibility must be addressed during information and prevention sessions on malaria, with a communication strategy tailored to specific social contexts. Moreover, all possible measures should be taken to limit the harm suffered by individuals and their families.

Background: In 2011, Benin introduced the 13-valent pneumococcal conjugated vaccine (PCV13), in a single-dose vial, into its Expanded Programme for Immunisation (EPI) with support from Gavi. In April 2018, with the support of the Agence de Médecine Préventive Afrique (AMP) and other technical and financial partners, the single-dose vial was transitioned to a four-dose vial. Here we describe the decision-making process and the experience of the vaccinators during the change.Methods: We carried out semi-structured, individual interviews with 61 participants individuals involved in the EPI: 7 from central level, 5 from regional level, 7 from township level and 42 from district level. The interviews were recorded and transcribed, and the information categorised, using Nvivo software, and then analysed.Results: The Inter-agency Coordination Committee (ICC), the Benin National Advisory Committee for Vaccines and Vaccination, (BNACVV) and the World Health Organisation (WHO) (i.e., the traditional governance structures involved in vaccination decisions) were not involved in the decision to change to the four-dose vial for PCV13. The decision was taken by the EPI, supported by Gavi.The vaccination errors observed in the first months following the change in presentation were due to the absence of guidelines for changes in vaccine presentation and the central-level actors’ perception that it was ‘only a change in the vial’, and therefore that the communication and training for a new vaccine were not required since the vaccine itself and its administration mode were unchanged.Conclusions: It is important that the other countries eligible for Gavi support that are about to change to the multi-dose vial PCV13 presentation learn from Benin’s experience. The main lessons learned are that changes in the presentation of an established vaccine should follow the same process as the introduction of a new vaccine, and that all stakeholders involved in vaccines and vaccination should participate in the decision-making process and implementation.

Uvaria chamae, commonly known as finger root or bush banana, has attracted considerable interest across West Africa due to its ethnomedicinal importance, edible value, and reported antidiabetic and anti-infectious properties. Thus, increasing demand for the species in traditional medicine has led to intensive harvesting from the wild, threatening its survival. Despite its significance, knowledge essential for its sustainable management, conservation, and utilization remains limited and fragmented. This review provides a comprehensive and up-to-date synthesis of the existing knowledge on U. chamae. Relevant literature was retrieved through systematic searches across PubMed, Scopus, Embase, ResearchGate, African Journals Online, and the Environmental Science Collection using structured and targeted search terms. The review covers taxonomy, geographical distribution, ecology, morphological variation, propagation techniques, phytochemical composition, and documented health benefits of the species. In addition, it critically evaluates current evidence regarding its antidiabetic and anti-infectious activities, toxicity profile, and potential clinical applications. The available evidence highlights U. chamae as a promising source of bioactive compounds with potential for the development of antidiabetic and anti-infectious therapeutics. By consolidating current knowledge and identifying existing research gaps, this review provides a foundation for future studies and supports ongoing efforts toward conservation, domestication, sustainable utilization, and valorization of U. chamae.

Introduction: Un épisode d’épidémie de fièvre de Lassa est survenu en octobre 2014 à Tanguiéta (Bénin), au moment même où toute la sous-région faisait face à une épidémie majeure de Maladie à virus Ebola (MVE). Cet épisode a été marqué par le décès d’individus en population, mais aussi de plusieurs membres du personnel de l’hôpital de Tanguiéta, entre le 23 octobre et le 3 novembre 2014. Cette situation est révélatrice d’une alerte tardive à l’épidémie. C’est dans ce contexte que la présente recherche a été initiée aux fins d’analyser les pratiques et logiques mises en œuvre par divers acteurs sociaux concernés. Methods: Nous avons opté pour une approche ethnographique rétrospective, consistant en la réalisation d’enquêtes qualitatives auprès d’acteurs de différents profils (populations, soignants, autorités sanitaires et religieuses, etc.) Results: Malgré l’état d’alerte mis en place dans le cadre de l’épidémie de MVE qui affectait 10 pays dans le monde et la proximité sémiologique entre ces deux maladies virales, l’épidémie de fièvre de Lassa était restée invisible au système sanitaire pendant plusieurs semaines. La faible connaissance de la maladie par les populations et les soignants (en termes surtout d’imputations étiologiques variables), les interférences sociales (en termes surtout de déni du modèle virologique, de perceptions variables du risque et de recours thérapeutiques divers), le vécu de la maladie (en termes surtout de stigmatisation et de comportements d’évitement) et les pratiques aléatoires de prise en charge en milieu hospitalier (en termes de diagnostics multiples et de diversités du traitement), etc. sont les défis majeurs que le système de santé a affrontés. Conclusion: L’étude a permis de rendre compte du contexte de fragilité des systèmes de soins en contexte épidémique, malgré les efforts consentis à divers niveaux. Des vulnérabilités ont été observées, traduisant la nécessité de revoir les approches développées jusque-là.

Uvaria chamae P. Beauv., commonly known as finger root or bush banana, is an important medicinal and edible plant widely used in West and Central Africa. Its increasing use in traditional medicine has intensified harvesting pressure on natural populations, highlighting the need for comprehensive scientific knowledge to support its sustainable management and valorization. This narrative review aimed to provide a comprehensive and up-to-date synthesis of the available knowledge on the taxonomy, ecology, propagation, phytochemistry, ethnomedicinal uses, and pharmacological properties of Uvaria chamae, with particular emphasis on its antidiabetic and anti-infective potential. Relevant literature published between 2004 and 2026 was retrieved through structured literature searches of PubMed, Scopus, Embase, African Journals Online, Google Scholar and the Environmental Science Collection using predefined search terms. Peer-reviewed articles, conference papers, theses, books, and other relevant scientific sources addressing the ethnomedicinal uses, pharmacology, toxicity, biology, and conservation of Uvaria chamae were screened and selected according to predefined eligibility criteria. The review revealed that Uvaria chamae contains a diverse range of bioactive constituents, including alkaloids, flavonoids, acetogenins, terpenoids, phenolic compounds, and essential oils, which have been associated with various biological activities. Experimental studies provide evidence supporting its antidiabetic and anti-infective potential, while available toxicological data suggest low toxicity at the doses tested. The review also identified important knowledge gaps, particularly regarding clinical validation, mechanisms of action, propagation biology, and sustainable exploitation strategies. The available evidence highlights Uvaria chamae as a promising source of bioactive compounds for further investigation in the management of diabetes and infectious diseases. By consolidating existing knowledge and identifying research priorities, this review provides a scientific foundation for future studies and supports ongoing efforts toward the conservation, domestication, sustainable utilization, and valorization of this important medicinal species.