SSMJ November 2015

Editorials

Reducing maternal morbidity - more need to be done

The World Health Organization (WHO) has released its report “Trends in Maternal Mortality: 1990 to 2015” [1] which looks into the global efforts to reduce maternal deaths as part of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) which are ending in 2015. It is said to “examine global, regional and country specific progress in reducing maternal mortality”. MDG Goal 5 specifically aimed to improve maternal health.

News, Reports and Policy

Nutrition for Developing Countries – 3rd edition

Dr Peter Newman appointed Royal College of Physicians Associate International Director for Sub-Saharan Africa

Dr Peter Newman has been appointed Royal College of Physicians London (RCP) Associate International Director for Sub-Saharan Africa.

SOUTH SUDAN GENERAL MEDICAL COUNCIL LAUNCHED

MSF treats highest number of malaria patients in years in parts of South Sudan

The medical humanitarian organization, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), fears people living in some regions of South Sudan are facing one of their worst malaria seasons in years as exceptionally high numbers of patients are being treated for severe malaria in MSF medical facilities.

‘Healthy communities through access to well-trained physicians’

Establishing the College of Physicians of East, Central and Southern Africa

Clinical Guidance

Valvular heart disease is changing – a challenge for Africa

The pattern of valvular heart disease is changing in Western populations [1]. There are implications for Africa as healthcare improves and people live longer.

Research

Uterine ruptures: Epidemiological aspects and prognosis at N’djamena Mother and Child Hospital

Uterine rupture is a non-surgical breach of the continuity of the myometrial wall of the uterus [1]. It is now rare in industrialized countries thanks to improved ante- and peri-natal care [2]. In the sub-Saharan Africa is a major obstetric emergency. Its frequency ranges from 0.6% in Central African Republic [3], 0.78% in Togo [4], 1.01% in Enugu (Nigeria) [5], 1.15% in Bamako (Mali) [6], 2.2% in Senegal [7] to 2.33% in Niger [8].In Chad, there are no previous data on this serious subject. Our objective was to identify the main causes of uterine rupture and so improve management and reduce morbidity and mortality.

Epidemiological and antibiotic susceptibility profiles of infectious bacterial diarrhoea in Juba, South Sudan

Diarrhoeal diseases are a major health problem in developing countries [1] and accounts for an approximate global mortality of two million people annually [2]. Globally, 88% of diarrhoea cases are attributable to unsafe drinking water, inadequate sanitation or insufficient hygiene. In Africa, an average morbidity rate of 912.9 million diarrhoeal episodes per year in children has been reported with four out of 10 deaths annually caused by diarrhoeal disease

The importance of research in healthcare

International Clinical Trials Day is celebrated on the 20th May each year to commemorate the day that James Lind started his important trial on scurvy. The day aims to highlight research in healthcare and how vital it is in the delivery of high-quality medical practice.

Case Reports

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Summaries

No documents found.