SSMJ August 2022
Editorials
The leading causes of blindness in South Sudan are cataract, trachoma, glaucoma, and onchocerciasis. Other eye conditions include allergic conjunctivitis and refractive errors. There is variability in the pattern of eye diseases in South Sudan. From the outreach activities conducted mostly by the Ophthalmological Association of South Sudan (OASS) across the country, cataract is the leading cause of blindness in all the three regions.
News, Reports and Policy
We are profoundly devastated and saddened by the untimely passing on of our friend, brother and colleague Dr Frederick Khamis in Nairobi, Kenya on 14th May 2022.
WHO poster on recovering from monkeypox at home
Clinical Guidance
No documents found.
Research
Blindness due to glaucoma is influenced by many factors including: the time of onset, natural history, access to eye health services, quality of care provided by health institutions, and compliance with treatment and follow up. Furthermore in Africa there is poor or no awareness of the condition and limited access to care. The availability of diagnostic equipment and medical and surgical management is frequently less than ideal. Insecurity, corruption and poor leadership in Africa have worsened the situation.
The provision of quality antenatal care (ANC) services involving men contributes to the empowerment of women and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by reducing maternal and neonatal deaths.[1] However, the level of male participation in reproductive health issues, including ANC in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), is still challenging.
The global fight against human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) is far from over. In 2020, out of 37.7 million people living with HIV, 1.5 million of these were newly infected and 680,000 HIV related deaths occurred. Nine percent of global new infections were attributed to vertical transmission in 2017 and over 90% of HIV infections among children less than 15 years is attributed to mother-to-child transmission (MTCT)
Tonsillectomy is the commonest surgical procedure performed worldwide by otorhinolaryngologists. Studies have shown that patients who underwent tonsillectomy, with or without adenoidectomy, have shown significant improvement in quality of life. Advancement in technology and evidence from research have contributed greatly to the techniques of tonsillectomy and perioperative care. Earlier techniques such as cold steel dissection and utilization of ligature for haemostasis are being replaced by the introduction of microdebrider, coblation, laser and diathermy. These are faster and result in less bleeding. Nevertheless, there is a wide variability in practice even in developed countries.
The number of patients attending outpatient clinics with musculoskeletal disorders is increasing globally and is an occupational related health care issue. The international Labour Organization (ILO) has reported nearly 160 million work-related disorders occurring around the world annually. “A musculoskeletal disorder is defined as an inflammatory and / or degenerative condition that affects muscles, tendons, ligaments, joints, peripheral nerves and supportive structures like in the spine vertebrae.”
Case Reports
Cystic echinococcosis, known as hydatidosis or hydatid disease, is an important public health concern especially in endemic areas in Africa, Asia, Middle East, Mediterranean countries, Australia and South America. Out of the four causative organisms, Echinococcus granulosus and Echinococcus multilocularis are the commonest causing hydatid and alveolar cysts respectively.
Summaries
In a previous edition of the South Sudan Medical Journal[1] we made a commitment to publish a series of educational ‘How to’ articles. These are intended as guides to improve teaching practice.
Our aim is to target the core activities of the healthcare teacher. We are also seeking opinions from our readers. We would welcome questions and suggestions for educational topics.
Global Health Media Project creates teaching videos on basic health care practices for providers and people in low-resource settings. The organization was founded by Deborah Van Dyke, whose work and experience in South Sudan helped her see that practical, “how-to” videos would be an effective way to teach health workers at scale.
Recently, special attention has been given to the community pharmacy and how ready it is to meet the growing demand for health care at times of pandemics. Several studies have discussed the roles and contributions of the community pharmacy amid COVID-19.
The Al-Sabbah Children’s Hospital was established by the Kuwait Government in 1983 and is a government hospital under the Ministry of Health, Central Equatoria State. It is located along Unity Avenue, Juba.