SSMJ November 2012
Editorials
Editorial: Creating the environment for a healthy South Sudan
South Sudan’s health statistics stand out for all the wrong reasons. A woman is more likely to die in childbirth than to complete primary education ; only 44% of the population lives within walking distance of a functional clinic and there are serious shortages of health workers.News, Reports and Policy
A report and sequelae of a specialist volunteer physician
In 2006 volunteers were required for a USAID sponsored project under the Academy of Educational Development (AED).The aim was to transfer skills that would contribute to the reconstruction of Southern Sudan. I was privileged to take an assignment from 6 September to 21 October 2006. In a private voluntary capacity I returned for a month in 2010 and 2012, again to transfer skills, and so help in the reconstruction of the health sector. I worked in Juba Teaching Hospital (JTH), the Juba Medical Complex and for local television and radio.Notices
Notices for SSMJ November 2012The role of the research nurse
Although this article draws on the UK experience of the author and may not be of immediate application to South Sudan, the principles of Research Nursing can be adapted to developing countries. In time some South Sudanese nurses may want to be involved in research.Letters to the Editor
a response to the article ‘Can primary health care staff be trained in basic life-saving surgery?'Resources
These are listed under: • Maternal, neonatal and child health • HIV/AIDS • Non-communicable diseases • Miscellaneous/New publicationsClinical Guidance
Rheumatoid arthritis: Diagnosis and treatment with a particular emphasis on South Sudan
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic, systemic, autoimmune inflammatory disorder targeting diarthrodial synovial lined joints, usually in a symmetric distribution. The lungs, pericardium of the heart, skin, and eyes may be affected in up to twenty percent of patients. If uncontrolled, RA leads to joint destruction, disability, and a significantly shortened life span.Pericardial effusion complicated by tamponade: A case report
Pericardial effusion is fluid in the space between the heart and the pericardial sac. There are many causes of pericardial effusion, with infection (viral and TB) as the most common. If fluid rapidly accumulates in the pericardial space, like in chest trauma, this fluid can compress the heart (cardiac tamponade) and cause circulatory failure. With slow accumulation of fluid, the pericardial sac will stretch to accommodate the fluid. However, if fluid continues to accumulate, tamponade will eventually occur. This is an emergency situation requiring aspiration of pericardial fluid (pericardiocentesis).MNCS Checklists
Examples of checklists for community-based frontline health workers in South Sudan.Research
Pulmonary tuberculosis case detection in South Sudan
Tuberculosis (TB) is a chronic inflammatory lung disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Sick people with the TB germs (or bacilli) transmit the germs into the air during coughing, sneezing, talking, or spitting. Inhaling a small number of the bacilli leads to infection [1]. When a person with active pulmonary TB disease does not receive treatment, that person will infect on average between 10 and 15 people in a year.Case Reports
No documents found.