scholarly journals Rapid rise in paediatric COVID-19 hospitalisations during the early stages of the Omicron wave, Tshwane District, South Africa

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jeane Cloete ◽  
Annelet Kruger ◽  
Maureen Masha ◽  
Nicolette M du Plessis ◽  
Dini Mawela ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Public Sector ◽  
Clinical Manifestations ◽  
Length Of Hospital Stay ◽  
Clinical Information ◽  
Primary Diagnosis ◽  
Rapid Rise ◽  
Sequencing Data ◽  
Long Term Impact ◽  
The Impact

Background South Africa reported a notable increase in COVID-19 cases from mid-November 2021 onwards, starting in Tshwane District, linked to rapid community spread of the Omicron variant. This coincided with a rapid rise in paediatric COVID-19-associated hospitalisations. Methods We synthesized data from five sources to describe the impact of Omicron on clinical manifestations and outcomes of hospitalized children (≤19 years) with positive SARS-CoV-2 tests in Tshwane District from 31 October to 11 December 2021, including: 1) COVID-19 line lists; 2) collated SARS-CoV-2 testing data; 3) SARS-CoV-2 genomic sequencing data; 4) COVID-19 hospitalisation surveillance; and 5) clinical data of public sector paediatric (≤13 years) COVID-19 hospitalisations. Findings During the six-week period 6,287 paediatric (≤19 years) COVID-19 cases were recorded in Tshwane District, of these 462 (7.2%) were hospitalized in 42 hospitals (18% of overall admissions). The number of paediatric cases was higher than in the prior 3 waves, uncharacteristically preceding adult hospitalisations. Of the 75 viral specimens sequenced from the district, 99% were Omicron. Detailed clinical information obtained from 139 of 183 (76%) admitted children (≤13 years; including all public sector hospitalisations) indicated that young children (0-4 years) were most affected (62%). Symptoms included fever (47%), cough (40%), vomiting (24%), difficulty breathing (23%), diarrhoea (20%) and convulsions (20%). Length of hospital stay was short (mean 3.2 days), and in 44% COVID-19 was the primary diagnosis. Most children received standard ward care (92%), with 31 (25%) receiving oxygen therapy. Seven children (6%) were ventilated; four children died, all related to complex underlying co-pathologies. All children and majority of parents for whom data were available were unvaccinated. Interpretation Rapid increases in paediatric COVID-19 cases and hospitalisations mirror high community transmission of SARS-CoV-2 (Omicron variant) in Tshwane District, South Africa. Continued monitoring is needed to understand the long-term impact of the Omicron variant on children.

scholarly journals Intersectoral (in)activity: towards an understanding of public sector department links between water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) and childhood undernutrition in South Africa

2020 ◽  
Vol 35 (7) ◽  
pp. 829-841 ◽  
Author(s):  
D J Momberg ◽  
P Mahlangu ◽  
B C Ngandu ◽  
J May ◽  
S A Norris ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Public Sector ◽  
Nutritional Status ◽  
Physical Growth ◽  
Human Right ◽  
Poor Child ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Sanitation And Hygiene ◽  
Nutritional Status Of Children ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Associations between different forms of malnutrition and environmental conditions, including water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH), contribute to poor child health, nutritional status and physical growth. The primary responsibility for the provision of water and sanitation, as a basic service and human right, lies with the State, as such, a number of stakeholders are involved. Despite relatively high levels of WASH infrastructure coverage in South Africa, enteric infections and stunting remain high for a middle-income country. The aim of this study is to elucidate the landscape of WASH in South Africa in relation to nutritional status of children under the age of 5 years in the South African, Gauteng and City of Johannesburg contexts. The authors detailed the national and provincial public sector departments and through purposive sampling proceeded to map the various departments and associated policies that are responsible for the provision of WASH facilities, as well the nutritional status of children. Of the six policies identified for review, three mentioned WASH, nutrition and children; however, none explicitly linked WASH to nutritional status in children. An in-depth review and analysis of these three crucial policy documents was conducted. Finally, a set of expert interviews were conducted and a consensus development conference convened, with experts at the intersection between WASH and nutritional status. The authors found that the public sector would benefit from better integration of the concept of WASH into their policy, planning and implementation frameworks. The WASH sector should emphasize the role in which WASH plans consider the impact of WASH on the nutritional status of children. The various public sector departments involved in WASH service provision, and other WASH stakeholders, including community-based organizations, non-governmental organizations and intergovernmental organizations, should be involved in the decision-making of the nutrition sector.

scholarly journals Extension of the Human Fibrinogen Database with Detailed Clinical Information—The αC-Connector Segment

2021 ◽  
Vol 23 (1) ◽  
pp. 132
Author(s):  
Zofie Sovova ◽  
Klara Pecankova ◽  
Pavel Majek ◽  
Jiri Suttnar
Keyword(s):  
Tandem Repeats ◽  
Consensus Sequence ◽  
Clinical Manifestations ◽  
Clinical Information ◽  
First Trimester ◽  
Human Fibrinogen ◽  
Synonymous Mutations ◽  
Nascent Chain ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Detailed Clinical Information

Fibrinogen, an abundant plasma glycoprotein, is involved in the final stage of blood coagulation. Decreased fibrinogen levels, which may be caused by mutations, are manifested mainly in bleeding and thrombotic disorders. Clinically relevant mutations of fibrinogen are listed in the Human Fibrinogen Database. For the αC-connector (amino acids Aα240–410, nascent chain numbering), we have extended this database, with detailed descriptions of the clinical manifestations among members of reported families. This includes the specification of bleeding and thrombotic events and results of coagulation assays. Where available, the impact of a mutation on clotting and fibrinolysis is reported. The collected data show that the Human Fibrinogen Database reports considerably fewer missense and synonymous mutations than the general COSMIC and dbSNP databases. Homozygous nonsense or frameshift mutations in the αC-connector are responsible for most clinically relevant symptoms, while heterozygous mutations are often asymptomatic. Symptomatic subjects suffer from bleeding and, less frequently, from thrombotic events. Miscarriages within the first trimester and prolonged wound healing were reported in a few subjects. All mutations inducing thrombotic phenotypes are located at the identical positions within the consensus sequence of the tandem repeats.

scholarly journals Doctor retention and distribution in post-apartheid South Africa: tracking medical graduates (2007–2011) from one university

2019 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ann George ◽  
Duane Blaauw ◽  
Jarred Thompson ◽  
Lionel Green-Thompson
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Public Sector ◽  
South African ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Specialist Training ◽  
Financial Loss ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
The Public ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background Doctor emigration from low- and middle-income countries represents a financial loss and threatens the equitable delivery of healthcare. In response to government imperatives to produce more health professionals to meet the country’s needs, South African medical schools increased their student intake and changed their selection criteria, but little is known about the impact of these changes. This paper reports on the retention and distribution of doctors who graduated from the University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa (SA), between 2007 and 2011. Methods Data on 988 graduates were accessed from university databases. A cross-sectional descriptive email survey was used to gather information about graduates’ demographics, work histories, and current work settings. Frequency and proportion counts and multiple logistic regressions of predictors of working in a rural area were conducted. Open-ended data were analysed using content analysis. Results The survey response rate was 51.8%. Foreign nationals were excluded from the analysis because of restrictions on them working in SA. Of 497 South African respondents, 60% had completed their vocational training in underserved areas. At the time of the study, 89% (444) worked as doctors in SA, 6.8% (34) practised medicine outside the country, and 3.8% (19) no longer practised medicine. Eighty percent of the 444 doctors still in SA worked in the public sector. Only 33 respondents (6.6%) worked in rural areas, of which 20 (60.6%) were Black. Almost half (47.7%) of the 497 doctors still in SA were in specialist training appointments. Conclusions Most of the graduates were still in the country, with an overwhelmingly urban and public sector bias to their distribution. Most doctors in the public sector were still in specialist training at the time of the study and may move to the private sector or leave the country. Black graduates, who were preferentially selected in this graduate cohort, constituted the majority of the doctors practising in rural areas. The study confirms the importance of selecting students with rural backgrounds to provide doctors for underserved areas. The study provides a baseline for future tracking studies to inform the training of doctors for underserved areas.

scholarly journals Adherence to SATS antibiotic recommendations in patients with community acquired pneumonia in Johannesburg, South Africa

2016 ◽  
Vol 10 (04) ◽  
pp. 347-353 ◽  
Author(s):  
Murimisi Mukansi ◽  
Anastacia Chetty ◽  
Charles Feldman
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Antibiotic Treatment ◽  
Patient Outcomes ◽  
Guideline Adherence ◽  
Length Of Hospital Stay ◽  
Community Acquired Pneumonia ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Empiric Antibiotic ◽  
High Level ◽  
The Impact

Introduction: Antibiotic guidelines have been published by various societies indicating the optimal empiric antibiotic treatment of patients with community acquired pneumonia (CAP); however, no studies have been undertaken in South Africa investigating whether the most recent South African Thoracic Society (SATS) antibiotic CAP guideline, published in 2007, is being adhered to, or whether adherence is associated with improved patient outcomes. Methodology: This was a retrospective record review over a one-year period undertaken to document levels of adherence to the 2007 SATS guideline for CAP management in adults at an academic teaching hospital. Results: A total of 181 patients with CAP were included in the study, of whom 101 were female, and 109 were known to be HIV-seropositive. The majority (66%) of the patients received antibiotic treatment that was guideline-adherent. In those patients who received treatment that was non-adherent to the guideline recommendations, rather than receiving inadequate cover, they actually had received treatment that was in excess of what was recommended.  There was no significant difference in the length of hospital stay among the two patient groups; however, a significantly longer time to clinical stability was found in patients who had received guideline-adherent treatment.  Only one CAP patient died and therefore it was not possible to determine the impact of guideline adherence on patient mortality. Conclusion: Results of this study indicated a relatively high level of SATS guideline adherence. Guideline adherence was not associated with improved patient outcomes.

scholarly journals THE IMPACT OF REPETITIVE XENOPHOBIC ATTACKS ON FUTURE FOREIGN DIRECT INVESTMENT: A CASE OF SOUTH AFRICA

2021 ◽  
pp. 14-20
Author(s):  
Wellington Garikai Bonga
Keyword(s):  
Economic Growth ◽  
South Africa ◽  
Foreign Direct Investment ◽  
Direct Investment ◽  
Capital Inflows ◽  
Foreign Direct Investments ◽  
Investment Climate ◽  
Fdi Inflows ◽  
Long Term Impact ◽  
The Impact

The debate of the link between xenophobia and importance of foreign direct investment is of interest. A phrase says it all, “One cannot want foreign money and hate foreign businesses at the same time.” Does South Africa, as a country, love foreign investment, and by extension, foreign investors? A ‘yes’ and a ‘no’ answer will do for this question. Foreign direct investments are the most desirable form of capital inflows to emerging and developing countries. Many benefits are linked to accrue to a nation because of FDI inflows. FDI is climatic sensitive, and usually goes where it is wanted most and where conducive environment prevails. The South African nation is dominated by unending violence that also targets foreigners including their businesses. Effective policies to curb xenophobia seems to be lacking. There exist xenophobia denialism among the political leaders, making it more difficult to halt the problem. Letting the nation continue turning into a hostile destination for foreigners may pose a great investment challenge in the longer term. The path that South Africa is walking today, of protecting and failing to address issues of xenophobia, have a long term impact to investment in the country. Conflicts and violence attacks, hence xenophobia, continue to affect FDI flows several years into the future. The trend of net FDI has already shown a downward trend that may be attributed to issues of unrest persistent in the economy. The study strongly indicate that repetitive xenophobic attacks significantly impact future FDI inflows negatively. Immediate action is required to minimize the damage caused by xenophobia in the country. Investment climate restoration is required to ensure favorable economic growth path for the country. KEYWORDS: Economic Growth, Foreigners, Foreign Direct Investment, Instability, Investment, Investment Climate, Socio-economic Development, Violence, Xenophobia, South Africa

Some Reflections on Reparation in Post-Apartheid South Africa, using a Couple Therapy Intervention as a Microcosm of South African Society

2011 ◽  
Vol 1 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrea Hill ◽  
Sylvia Poss
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
South African ◽  
Couple Therapy ◽  
South African Society ◽  
Depressive Position ◽  
Central Hypothesis ◽  
Transference And Countertransference ◽  
Constructive Engagement ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Therapy Intervention

The paper addresses the question of reparation in post-apartheid South Africa. The central hypothesis of the paper is that in South Africa current traumas or losses, such as the 2008 xenophobic attacks, may activate a ‘shared unconscious phantasy’ of irreparable damage inflicted by apartheid on the collective psyche of the South African nation which could block constructive engagement and healing. A brief couple therapy intervention by a white therapist with a black couple is used as a ‘microcosm’ to explore this question. The impact of an extreme current loss, when earlier losses have been sustained, is explored. Additionally, the impact of racial difference on the transference and countertransference between the therapist and the couple is explored to illustrate factors complicating the productive grieving and working through of the depressive position towards reparation.

Harnessing Digital Technology to Strengthen the Culture of Reading at Public Libraries in South Africa

Mousaion ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 38 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Harry Ramothupi Matolong
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Digital Technology ◽  
Public Libraries ◽  
Pilot Phase ◽  
Impact Measurement ◽  
Private Company ◽  
Line Survey ◽  
Gates Foundation ◽  
Formed Part ◽  
The Impact

Statistics and numerous authors have highlighted the reading crisis in South Africa. At the same instance, more people in South Africa are embracing the potential of digital technology to provide lifelong learning opportunities and also to strengthen the culture of reading. This study is framed against the backdrop and implementation of the Mzansi Libraries On-Line Project in South Africa – a project implemented in line with the Global Libraries Programme of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. The study explored the potential of access to information of digital technology and the contribution of the project to inculcating a culture of reading at public libraries. A benchmark survey was conducted by an independent research company during the pilot phase of the project in 2015. This survey covered library users of the 27 libraries that formed part of the pilot phase, and a further 25 libraries from a representative sample across South Africa. An end-line survey was conducted through a private company towards the conclusion of the countrywide implementation in 2017, based on the Common Impact Measurement System which was customised for South Africa. The benchmark survey found that although ICT in libraries had been used by relatively few people in 2015, the impact of this technology tended to be positive and would be beneficial to the wider society by helping to redress societal imbalances, including education and the culture of reading. The end-line survey found increased benefits of library usage and library technical infrastructure to improve the lives of the communities involved.

The Impact Of Emotional Intelligence On Leadership Excellence Of Executive Empoloyees In Public Sector Organizationin Ampara District Of Sri Lanka

2019 ◽  
Vol 118 (9) ◽  
pp. 52-60
Author(s):  
Dr.S. Gunapalan ◽  
Dr.K. Maran
Keyword(s):  
Emotional Intelligence ◽  
Public Sector ◽  
Vital Role ◽  
Public Organization ◽  
Self Awareness ◽  
Public Sector Organization ◽  
Expression Of Emotion ◽  
Asking Questions ◽  
Private Sector Organizations ◽  
The Impact

Emotional Intelligence is play a vital role to decide  leadership excellence. So this paper to study the  impact of emotional intelligence on leadership excellence of executive employee in public sector organization.Hence the objective of this  research   is to identify the  impact of emotional intelligence on leadership excellence of executive employee in Public Sector Organization in Ampara districtof Sri Lanka.emotional intelligence includes the verbal and non-verbal appraisal and expression of emotion, the regulation of emotion in the self and others, and the utilization of emotional content in problem solving. Cook (2006)[1]. Emotional intelligence is one of the  essential skill for leaders to manage their subordinate. Accordingly although there is some research done under “Emotional intelligence on leadership excellence of the executive employee in the public organization in Ampara district so this study full filed the gap. Based on the analysis, Self-awareness, Self-management, Social-awareness and Relationship management are the positively affect to the Leadership excellence. So, executive employees should consider about the Emotions of their subordinators when they completing their targets. leaders should pay the attention for recognize the situation, hove to impact their feelings for the performance & recognized their own feelings. Leaders should consider and see their own emotions when they work with others by listening carefully, understand the person by asking questions, identifying non-verbal expressions and solving problems without helming someone’s. Leadersshould consider their subordinators emotions when they find a common idea, government should give to moderate freedom to executive employees in public organization to take the decision with competing the private sector organizations.

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