Luchuo E. Bain.

such an informative document.

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"Incipient TB" new chap in town. Time to update our Medical books and guidelines. Tuberculosis (TB) exists on a spectrum, and the binary classification of latent and active TB doesn't capture its full complexity. Question is how we can use the newly available information to improve management, decide when to treat and when to give prophylaxis. Are we right to give TPT only based on a normal chest X ray and no symptoms, or are we trying to treat sub-clinical TB with mono- / duo- therapy ? 🤔 If you are interested, find below a few important papers to bring you to speed. https://lnkd.in/ekyJn8jH https://lnkd.in/ePuuEke3 https://lnkd.in/ewy7rQMw

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📍 Dodoma, Tanzania The University Of Dodoma Scientific Conference on Health (USCHe), established as a platform, not only address the diverse challenges and opportunities within the healthcare landscape but also fosters meaningful collaboration & catalyzes impactful change. Follow and Retweet: https://lnkd.in/gwbEPnEy

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#New_Publication. Cesarean section (CS) rates have risen globally, with some hospitals in Cameroon recording a rate of 25% in 2023. Trial of labor after cesarean section (TOLAC) is a strategy to reduce CS rates and is associated with lower morbidity when successful. Vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC) scoring systems, like the Flamm and Geiger score, aim to predict successful VBAC with 80%-90% accuracy. The Flamm score, validated as the simplest to use, can help reduce CS rates for women with previous CS. This study in Cameroon evaluates the Flamm score's effectiveness in predicting successful VBAC for women with one previous lower segment CS in two tertiary hospitals. #Link https://lnkd.in/ehvcw7kA #Obstetrics & #Gynyneacology CAMEROUN MINSANTE/SDLMCNT American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG)

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Greetings dear scholars, scientists, stakeholders, AMR champions, and the entire LinkedIn family. We are thrilled to share our APRIL publication on Capacity of Laboratories to conduct AMR surveillance in Zambia. Using the words of the Zambia AMRCC National Focal Point Person, Dr Joseph Chizimu Joseph Chizimu, Find attached the publication by the Zambia National Public Health Institute (ZNPHI) through the Zambia Antimicrobial Resistance Coordinating Committee (AMRCC) on the “Assessment of Antimicrobial Resistance Laboratory-based Surveillance Capacity of Hospitals in Zambia: Findings and Implications for System Strengthening”. The study reveals the capacities of our laboratories in public hospitals to support antimicrobial stewardship programs. Thanks to the World Bank funding, Strengthening Pandemic Preparedness Project through East, Central, and Southern Africa Health Community (ECSA-HC), the World Health Organization (WHO), Hokkaido University, the University of Zambia, the Zambian Ministry of Health, and other cooperating partners for supporting this activity. Our country is doing its level best to address the problem of AMR by instigating various strategies including heightening surveillance, strengthening laboratory capacity to conduct bacteriology and AMR testing, and establishing and implementing Antimicrobial Stewardship Programs in hospitals. Community engagement is another direction that we have taken to fight AMR. This in turn feeds in our NAP on AMR and the GAP on AMR. Together, we can conquer AMR. This publication can be accessed from: https://lnkd.in/d5bUPE7D or https://lnkd.in/dXWDAcg6 or https://lnkd.in/dzsE2QhK

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During the tragic #Ebola outbreak in Sierra Leone (2014-16) we knew that disrupted healthcare might increase mortality from other causes, and Ebola impact was worse than seen at facilities. We planned a mortality survey, but Ebola infections are clustered. So would a population-based 2-stage cluster survey give accurate mortality estimates for Ebola? We expected a large design effect (DEFF) and planned for it in 2 surveys (urban, rural). Very high DEFF for deaths from Ebola (DEFF 5.53), but not for deaths from other causes (1.53). Urban & rural surveys different: DEFF only 0.58 in urban but 6.18 in rural area survey, indicating very big differences in clusters randomly selected in villages. High clustering reduced precision in Ebola-specific mortality rate estimate 0.12/10,000 person-days (95%CI:0.05–0.32). The paper reporting these mortality surveys, led by Grazia Marta Caleo, includes discussion on limitations and utility of cluster surveys with highly clustered diseases like Ebola and explores design improvements and alternative approaches. #MSFsci #LSHTM https://lnkd.in/eBbUirNU

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The burden of bacterial antimicrobial resistance in the WHO African region in 2019: a cross-country systematic analysis

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Marketing of breast-milk substitutes: national implementation of the International Code, status report 2024📙 This report provides updated information on the status of #implementation of the #International #Code of #Marketing of Breast-milk Substitutes (#BMS) and subsequent relevant World Health Assembly (#WHA) resolutions (collectively referred to as “the Code”) in countries. It presents the #legal #status of the Code, including the extent to which the provisions of the Code have been incorporated in #national #legal #measures. The report examines further the processes countries use to #monitor and #enforce compliance with Code laws. The report also provides case-studies from a few countries on their #legislative processes, highlighting examples of interference from #manufacturers and #distributors of breast-milk substitutes in efforts to #weaken and #delay Code implementation. https://lnkd.in/gtS_akM6 World Health Organization UNICEF IBFN Healthy Mothers Healthy Babies Consortium Micronutrient Forum Scaling Up Nutrition (SUN) Movement Sight and Life Access to Nutrition Initiative Nutrition International UN-Nutrition World Food Programme SickKids Centre for Global Child Health Aga Khan University Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation UN System Standing Committee on Nutrition (UNSCN) Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination USAID MOMENTUM USAID Advancing Nutrition International Rescue Committee Emergency Nutrition Network (ENN)

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📢 The Canadian Knowledge Mobilization Forum 2024 (#CKF24) is just over a month away! Leading up to the event, we'll be sharing recordings and summaries from the most recent forum. 🎥 First up, we have the inspiring opening plenary! Our Co-creation Story: Knowledge Mobilization & Reconcilia(c)tion in Health Research  Keynote Speakers: Harlan Pruden and Travis Salway This presentation showcases three case studies of knowledge mobilization in Indigenous health research, particularly during the Covid-19 pandemic. The speakers emphasize a collaborative "Indigenous" Knowledge Translation (KT) model, where goals are co-created with communities, contrasting with the more traditional "integrative" KT approach. 🔹 Two-Spirit Dry Lab: The first case study features the work the speakers are doing as part of their Two-Spirit Dry Lab. 'Two-Spirit' refers to diverse gender and sexuality roles celebrated in many Indigenous cultures. 'Dry' refers to the idea that they work with data and do not get “their hands wet”. The Lab follows the principles of transdisciplinary collaboration and the Two-Eyed Seeing approach, which combines Indigenous and Western research methods. Work is achieved in a collaborative, non-hierarchical fashion and driven by consensus. 🔹 Covid-19 Language Guide: The second case study features a Covid-19 health research survey conducted during the pandemic and the resulting Covid-19 Language Guide. Inspired by earlier HIV research and informed by local demographics, the guide aims to avoid stigmatizing language in health communications. For example, using “transmission” instead of “infection” and “chronic conditions” instead of “risk” or “lifestyle factors.” The term “vulnerable population” was avoided as it implies inherent problems in a group without indicating responsible factors. 🔹 Indigenous KT Working Group: The third case study focuses on the work of the Indigenous KT Working Group in addressing vaccine hesitancy and information gaps in Indigenous communities. To overcome challenges like limited internet access and language barriers among elders, the group created posters and billboards with simple, illustrated messages. By emphasizing the importance of protecting others and featuring respected Indigenous and Metis doctors, they successfully reached underserved community members. These case studies highlight the power of co-created research and culturally sensitive communication. Watch the full video to learn more: https://lnkd.in/gmeNnq7N Learn more about the Forum here: https://lnkd.in/edxYEN_R #KnowledgeMobilization #IndigenousHealth #Covid19Research #CommunityEngagement 

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All forms of Tuberculosis Case Notification increased in the greater Faridpur Region in Quarter II, 2024 The implementation of Community-based Active Case Finding and the facility-based training of graduate practitioners in both government and private hospitals, with the support of the Global Fund to Fight Against AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria (GFATM), are crucial in increasing case notification in the greater Faridpur Region. These initiatives aim to reach the END TB targets by 2030. (The Grater Faridpur Region, Shariatpur, Madaripur, Gopalganj, Rajbari and Faridpur)

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This study sheds light on the critical issue of vaccine hesitancy in sub-Saharan Africa, where trust in various actors plays a pivotal role. By examining trust in government, science, media, pharmaceutical companies, and society, the research underscores the multifaceted nature of vaccine hesitancy. The findings highlight the importance of trust in government and society as key determinants of vaccine hesitancy across different vaccines and diseases. This nuanced understanding is crucial for informing targeted interventions and policy initiatives aimed at addressing vaccine hesitancy and promoting vaccine acceptance in the region. #VaccineHesitancy #Trust #SubSaharanAfrica 🌍💉🤝

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Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) constitute approximately 74% of global mortality, with 77% of these deaths occurring in low-income and middle- income countries. Tanzania exemplifies this situation, as the percentage of total disability-adjusted life years attributed to NCDs has doubled over the past 30 years, from 18% to 36%. To mitigate the escalating burden of severe NCDs, the Tanzanian government, in collaboration with local and international partners, seeks to extend the integrated package of essential interventions for severe NCDs (PEN-Plus) to district-level facilities, thereby improving accessibility. This study aims to estimate the cost of initiating PEN-Plus for rheumatic heart disease, sickle cell disease and type 1 diabetes at Kondoa district hospital in Tanzania. #healtheconomics #PENPlus #costinghealthcare #tdabc

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On Leveraging technology for improvement in Access, quality and efficiency of health-care services; I recently came across a very interesting initiative by VillageReach an international non-profit that partners with governments to strengthen #healthcaresystems. "Chipatala Cha Pa Foni "Malawi (Health centre by Phone) 📳was first piloted in Malawi in 2011 as a collaboration between Village Reach and Malawi MOH➡️⬅️ CCPF is a Telehealth solution that offers free information on health and nutrition through multiple channels e.g voice, Interactive Voice Recording, USSD messages and AI technology therefore extending reach of the health system to underserved communities. It also provides a proper referral channel for patients to the healthcare facilities. HCBF allows people to access accurate health information, ask questions and also provides a platform for Health service quality follow-up. This solution played a critical role when Cyclone Freddy🌀 hit Malawi in 2023 through; Facilitating access to health information and emergency services and also contributed to coordination of rescue efforts as well providing psychosocial support to affected families. With the ever improving mobile phone penetration in Africa 🌍 These kind of solutions hold a great promise in improvement of the #healthcare system. https://lnkd.in/eatpYHMz

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🎓 Elevate your knowledge in Research Ethics! This online training course, adapted from World Health Organization (WHO) resources, provides insights into ethical considerations in international health research. Join us in promoting ethically sound research practices for a healthier world. Enroll now: https://ow.ly/3xz450Rf0jH #EthicalResearch #WHO #OnlineLearning

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KEY LIMITATIONS AND DRAWBACKS OF THE SHIF SCHEME: 1.  Restricted Maternity Coverage: ·        The low caps on reimbursement for normal deliveries (Ksh 11,200) and C-sections (Ksh 32,600) may not be sufficient to cover the full costs of quality maternal healthcare. ·        The short hospital stay limits of 48 hours for normal deliveries and 72 hours for C-sections may not allow adequate time for postpartum care and recovery, especially for mothers with complications. ·        Requiring re-evaluation for mothers needing longer hospital stays could create additional barriers to accessing care. 2.  Lack of Antenatal Care (ANC) Coverage: ·        Excluding ANC visits from the scheme and directing mothers to traditional birth attendants (TBAs) is concerning, as quality antenatal care is crucial for identifying and managing pregnancy-related risks. 3.  Age Restrictions on Cancer Screening: ·        Limiting prostate and colon cancer screening to older age groups may miss earlier detection of these cancers. ·        Capping cervical cancer screening to women aged 30-50 years is problematic, as cervical cancer can manifest in younger women. 4.  Limited Vision Care: ·        Restricting vision care coverage to only beneficiaries under 18 years old leaves a significant portion of the population without access to affordable eye exams and glasses. 5.  Household-level Caps on Inpatient Care: ·        Limiting inpatient care to 50 days per household annually may be insufficient for families with multiple members requiring extended hospital stays. Overall, these limitations suggest the SHIF scheme may not provide comprehensive and equitable healthcare coverage, potentially leaving gaps in critical areas like maternal health, cancer prevention, and vision care. 

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Within the field of health systems, there is an urgent need to discuss how evaluation can better support the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) agenda for health, particularly among global health institutions. Evaluation involves systematically collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data to determine whether global health programs are achieving their goals and how they can be improved. However, only transformative “triple loop” learning will make it work. And that requires a revolutionary shift in the way we do evaluation. Where do we begin? Who needs to do what? Let's examine these critical questions and explore the path forward. https://lnkd.in/gq8kTjy3 #gLOCAL2024

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