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  Hepatitis B Virus Studies in Sierra Leone: A Scope Review Highlighting the lack of Genotypic research

  (2026-10-15) Wachen Newhon Peters; Alhaji U Njai; Isatta MamiIye Wurie; Julian S O Campbell; Abass Wurie

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  Introduction: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) remains a major public Health problem in sub-Saharan Africa. Although Sierra Leone is considered highly endemic for HBV, the extent, characteristics, and evolution of HBV research conducted in the country have not been comprehensively evaluated. This scoping review mapped the available evidence on HBV research in Sierra Leone, identified research trends, and highlighted existing knowledge gaps, particularly in molecular epidemiology and genotypic characterization. Methods: We used Arksey and O’Malley’s strategy to conduct a scoping review of Hepatitis B studies using Pubmed, Google Scholar, Semantic Scholar, Oipub, Litmaps, and R. HBV-related studies conducted in Sierra Leone and published between 1997 and 2024 were primarily screened for eligibility. The focus of this study was to identify information on study design, methodology, study population, and geographical locations. Findings were extracted into Microsoft excel and descriptively analyzed in RStudio v2026.04.0+526. Methodological quality assessment of individual studies was not performed. Results: Forty-five studies (N=45) on Hepatitis B virus met the inclusion criteria. The research studies increased over time from 1997 to 2024, peaking in 2023 (27%; N=12). The most common theme was prevalence (N=22). Research was geographically concentrated in Freetown (44.4%; N=20) and Bo (18%, N=8), with a few nationwide studies (11%; N=5). The immunochromatography test method (46%) predominated the studies. No study employed HBV genotyping despite the few PCR studies (8%). Reported prevalence ranged from 2% to 35%. Conclusion: HBV research in Sierra Leone has expanded over the past decades, particularly in seroepidemiology and public health. However, this study highlights gaps in molecular epidemiology including published evidence on HBV genotype and genomic surveillance. Strengthening molecular diagnostic capacity, expanding PCR and sequencing, and integrating molecular surveillance into national Hepatitis programmes should be prioritized to support evidence-based clinical management and progress toward the World Health Organization’s 2030 viral hepatitis elimination targets.

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  Constraints and Strategic Enhancement of Conflict Tracking Mechanisms for Effective Policing in FCT Abuja, Nigeria

  (Centre for Research and Development of Esan Land (CERDEL), Glorious Vision University, 2025-12-01) Ibebunjo Basil O.; Ozoemena Lydia Abumere

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  This study examined the constraints and strategic enhancement of conflict tracking mechanisms for effective policing in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, Nigeria. Specifically, it investigated the significant challenges hindering the effective implementation of conflict tracking mechanisms in the FCT Police Command and examined strategies that can be adopted to improve conflict tracking mechanisms for more effective policing in Abuja. The study was anchored on Situational Crime Prevention Theory (SCPT). A mixed-methods research design was adopted, integrating quantitative and qualitative approaches. Data were obtained from 389 valid questionnaires and qualitative interviews with relevant police personnel, community stakeholders, and other key informants. Findings revealed that the effective implementation of conflict tracking mechanisms is constrained by reliance on informal and reactive reporting channels, weak integration of digital communication platforms, limited institutional collaboration, inadequate technological infrastructure, and limited application of advanced analytical tools such as Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and crime mapping. The study further found that improved utilisation of conflict tracking information, integration of conflict data into patrol strategies and deployment, regular analysis of conflict indicators, enhanced personnel training, and stronger institutional collaboration constitute important strategies for improving conflict tracking and policing effectiveness. Qualitative findings reinforced these results, highlighting weaknesses in technological infrastructure, data integration, personnel capacity, and systematic information-sharing arrangements. The study concludes that strengthening conflict tracking requires a shift from largely informal and reactive practices towards more systematic, integrated, and proactive approaches to policing. It recommends an integrated conflict tracking framework, continuous capacity building for police personnel, and stronger collaboration among the police, community stakeholders, and civil society organisations through formalised early warning and information-sharing networks.

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