SSMJ February 2012

Editorials

Editorial: New horizons in postgraduate medical training

Postgraduate medical training has barely existed in South Sudan, causing a stultifying effect on medical services and a lack of opportunity for a generation of doctors. Training in nearby countries or overseas has been the only option, with a patchy uptake and inevitably leading to a substantial brain drain. The problem is compounded by a lack of career structure, properly paid posts and longer term vocational opportunities.

News, Reports and Policy

How to get published

The purpose of this article is to guide you through the publication process from start to finish. It will help you to think about where to publish, and provide guidance on writing and submitting your article, and the peer review process.

Implementing a Routine Health Management Information System in South Sudan

South Sudan has recently acquired statehood. Planning and management of the health care system, based on evidence, requires a constant flow of information from health services. The Division of Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) of the Ministry of Health developed the framework for the health sector of the country in 2008. At that time data were collected through surveys and assessments.

Announcements

Various Announcements. Click inside to see.

Clinical Guidance

Post-Conflict Mental Health in South Sudan: Overview of Common Psychiatric Disorders. Part 1: Depression and post-traumatic stress disorder.

Mental health is “a state of well-being in which every individual realizes his or her own potential, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to contribute to her or his community.”(1) Mental illness often attracts a lower priority than physical illness in post-conflict and low and middle-income societies but the two are inextricably linked

Asthma: Diagnosis and Management - a guide suitable for developing countries

The prevalence of asthma is highest in ‘developed’ countries and lowest in developing and emerging countries. The prevalence increases as development progresses and is higher in urban compared to rural areas in developing countries. This increase may be a result of several factors including:

Dengue fever

Dengue fever is caused by dengue viruses (DENV). Transmission of DENV has increased dramatically in the past two decades making DENV the most important human pathogens among arthropod-borne viruses. About 50-100 million dengue fever infections occur every year in tropical and subtropical countries

Research

Stuck objects on fingers: pattern seen in a Nigerian teaching hospital and technique for removal

An ordinary ring can get stuck on a finger if it has been worn for a long time. This is most often due to swelling of the finger. Different techniques have been described for removal of such rings but when the finger is grossly swollen and the ring is very thick or a band, these methods are not successful

Case Reports

Case Study – Left Parietal Parafalcine Meningioma

Sudden onset of right sided weakness, facial droop, previous medical history of multiple TIAs and hypertension.

Summaries

Resources

These are listed under:  General information  Non-communicable diseases