RESEARCH ARTICLE: Emergency compounding of COVID-19 medicines: A readiness programme to up-skill pharmacy graduates in Namibia

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated inequitable access to medicines in sub-Saharan Africa, mainly due to limited capabilities for local manufacture. Aim: To describe priority medicine lists and critical skill sets required for an emergency compounding of COVID-19 medicines training programme. Methods: An evaluation of the COVID-19 emergency compounding readiness programme for the University of Namibia pharmacy graduates. The main outcomes were enhanced skill sets in compounding, quality control, and regulation of priority COVID-19 medicines. Data on outcomes were thematically analysed. Results: Fifty- eight pharmacy graduates demonstrated competence in emergency compounding, quality control, regulation, and provision of therapeutic information of COVID-19 medicines. A priority list and a skills set for emergency compounding of COVID-19 medicines were developed. Conclusions: The upskilling of pharmacy graduates on emergency compounding of COVID-19 medicines has the potential to address inequalities in the rapid response and control of epidemics.

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Development and launch of the first obstetrics and gynaecology master of medicine residency training programme in Botswana

BMC Medical Education ◽

10.1186/s12909-020-02446-1 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 21 (1) ◽

Author(s):

R. Luckett ◽

M. Nassali ◽

T. Melese ◽

B. Moreri-Ntshabele ◽

T. Moloi ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Training Programme ◽

International Standards ◽

Sub Saharan Africa ◽

Subspecialty Training ◽

Continuous Assessment ◽

Curricular Development ◽

Apprenticeship Training ◽

University Of Botswana ◽

Sub Saharan ◽

The University

Abstract Background Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) faces a severe shortage of Obstetrician Gynaecologists (OBGYNs). While the Lancet Commission for Global Surgery recommends 20 OBGYNs per 100,000 population, Botswana has only 40 OBGYNs for a population of 2.3 million. We describe the development of the first OBGYN Master of Medicine (MMed) training programme in Botswana to address this human resource shortage. Methods We developed a 4-year OBGYN MMed programme at the University of Botswana (UB) using the Kern’s approach. In-line with UB MMed standards, the programme includes clinical apprenticeship training complemented by didactic and research requirements. We benchmarked curriculum content, learning outcomes, competencies, assessment strategies and research requirements with regional and international programmes. We engaged relevant local stakeholders and developed international collaborations to support in-country subspecialty training. Results The OBGYN MMed curriculum was completed and approved by all relevant UB bodies within ten months during which time additional staff were recruited and programme financing was assured. The programme was advertised immediately; 26 candidates applied for four positions, and all selected candidates accepted. The programme was launched in January 2020 with government salary support of all residents. The clinical rotations and curricular development have been rolled out successfully. The first round of continuous assessment of residents was performed and internal programme evaluation was conducted. The national accreditation process was initiated. Conclusion Training OBGYNs in-country has many benefits to health systems in SSA. Curricula can be adjusted to local resource context yet achieve international standards through thoughtful design and purposeful collaborations.

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Development and Launch of the First Obstetrics and Gynaecology Master of Medicine Residency Training Programme in Botswana

10.21203/rs.3.rs-47584/v1 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Rebecca Luckett ◽

Mercy Nassali ◽

Tadele Melese ◽

Badani Moreri-Ntshabele ◽

Thabo Moloi ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Training Programme ◽

International Standards ◽

Sub Saharan Africa ◽

Subspecialty Training ◽

University Of Botswana ◽

Sub Saharan ◽

The University ◽

Assessment Strategies ◽

Resource Shortage ◽

Severe Shortage

Abstract Background: Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) faces a severe shortage of Obstetrician Gynaecologists (OBGYNs). While the Lancet Commission for Global Surgery recommends 20 OBGYNs per 100,000 population, Botswana has only 40 OBGYNs for a population of 2.3 million. We describe the development of the first OBGYN Master of Medicine (MMed) training programme in Botswana to address this human resource shortage.Methods: We developed a curriculum for a 4-year OBGYN MMed at the University of Botswana (UB). We benchmarked curriculum content, learning outcomes, competencies, assessment strategies and research requirements with regional and international programmes. We engaged relevant local stakeholders and developed international collaborations to support in-country subspecialty training. Results: The OBGYN MMed curriculum was completed and approved by all relevant UB bodies within ten months during which time additional staff were recruited and programme financing was assured. The programme was advertised immediately; 26 candidates applied for four positions, and all selected candidates accepted. The programme was launched in January 2020 with government salary support of all residents. The national accreditation process was initiated.Conclusion: Training OBGYNs in-country has many benefits to health systems in SSA. Curricula can be adjusted to local resource context yet achieve international standards through thoughtful design and purposeful collaborations.

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Development and launch of the first Obstetrics and Gynaecology Master of Medicine residency training programme in Botswana

10.21203/rs.3.rs-47584/v2 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Rebecca Luckett ◽

Mercy Nassali ◽

Tadele Melese ◽

Badani Moreri-Ntshabele ◽

Thabo Moloi ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Training Programme ◽

International Standards ◽

Sub Saharan Africa ◽

Subspecialty Training ◽

Continuous Assessment ◽

Curricular Development ◽

University Of Botswana ◽

Sub Saharan ◽

The University ◽

Assessment Strategies

Abstract Background: Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) faces a severe shortage of Obstetrician Gynaecologists (OBGYNs). While the Lancet Commission for Global Surgery recommends 20 OBGYNs per 100,000 population, Botswana has only 40 OBGYNs for a population of 2.3 million. We describe the development of the first OBGYN Master of Medicine (MMed) training programme in Botswana to address this human resource shortage.Methods: We developed a 4-year OBGYN MMed programme at the University of Botswana (UB) using the Kern's approach. We benchmarked curriculum content, learning outcomes, competencies, assessment strategies and research requirements with regional and international programmes. We engaged relevant local stakeholders and developed international collaborations to support in-country subspecialty training.Results: The OBGYN MMed curriculum was completed and approved by all relevant UB bodies within ten months during which time additional staff were recruited and programme financing was assured. The programme was advertised immediately; 26 candidates applied for four positions, and all selected candidates accepted. The programme was launched in January 2020 with government salary support of all residents. The clinical rotations and curricular development have been rolled out successfully. The first round of continuous assessment of residents was performed and internal programme evaluation was conducted. The national accreditation process was initiated.Conclusion: Training OBGYNs in-country has many benefits to health systems in SSA. Curricula can be adjusted to local resource context yet achieve international standards through thoughtful design and purposeful collaborations.

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Development and launch of the first Obstetrics and Gynaecology Master of Medicine residency training programme in Botswana

10.21203/rs.3.rs-47584/v3 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Rebecca Luckett ◽

Mercy Nassali ◽

Tadele Melese ◽

Badani Moreri-Ntshabele ◽

Thabo Moloi ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Training Programme ◽

International Standards ◽

Sub Saharan Africa ◽

Subspecialty Training ◽

Continuous Assessment ◽

Curricular Development ◽

Apprenticeship Training ◽

University Of Botswana ◽

Sub Saharan ◽

The University

Abstract Background: Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) faces a severe shortage of Obstetrician Gynaecologists (OBGYNs). While the Lancet Commission for Global Surgery recommends 20 OBGYNs per 100,000 population, Botswana has only 40 OBGYNs for a population of 2.3 million. We describe the development of the first OBGYN Master of Medicine (MMed) training programme in Botswana to address this human resource shortage.Methods: We developed a 4-year OBGYN MMed programme at the University of Botswana (UB) using the Kern's approach. In-line with UB MMed standards, the programme includes clinical apprenticeship training complemented by didactic and research requirements. We benchmarked curriculum content, learning outcomes, competencies, assessment strategies and research requirements with regional and international programmes. We engaged relevant local stakeholders and developed international collaborations to support in-country subspecialty training.Results: The OBGYN MMed curriculum was completed and approved by all relevant UB bodies within ten months during which time additional staff were recruited and programme financing was assured. The programme was advertised immediately; 26 candidates applied for four positions, and all selected candidates accepted. The programme was launched in January 2020 with government salary support of all residents. The clinical rotations and curricular development have been rolled out successfully. The first round of continuous assessment of residents was performed and internal programme evaluation was conducted. The national accreditation process was initiated.Conclusion: Training OBGYNs in-country has many benefits to health systems in SSA. Curricula can be adjusted to local resource context yet achieve international standards through thoughtful design and purposeful collaborations.

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The BabySaver: Design of a New Device for Neonatal Resuscitation at Birth with Intact Placental Circulation

Children ◽

10.3390/children8060526 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 8 (6) ◽

pp. 526

Author(s):

James Ditai ◽

Aisling Barry ◽

Kathy Burgoine ◽

Anthony K. Mbonye ◽

Julius N. Wandabwa ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Low Cost ◽

Neonatal Resuscitation ◽

Sub Saharan Africa ◽

Skilled Birth Attendants ◽

New Device ◽

Birth Attendants ◽

Premature Babies ◽

Sub Saharan ◽

The Uk ◽

The University

The initial bedside care of premature babies with an intact cord has been shown to reduce mortality; there is evidence that resuscitation of term babies with an intact cord may also improve outcomes. This process has been facilitated by the development of bedside resuscitation surfaces. These new devices are unaffordable, however, in most of sub-Saharan Africa, where 42% of the world’s 2.4 million annual newborn deaths occur. This paper describes the rationale and design of BabySaver, an innovative low-cost mobile resuscitation unit, which was developed iteratively over five years in a collaboration between the Sanyu Africa Research Institute (SAfRI) in Uganda and the University of Liverpool in the UK. The final BabySaver design comprises two compartments; a tray to provide a firm resuscitation surface, and a base to store resuscitation equipment. The design was formed while considering contextual factors, using the views of individual women from the community served by the local hospitals, medical staff, and skilled birth attendants in both Uganda and the UK.

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An afebrile heartwater-like syndrome in goats

Journal of the South African Veterinary Association ◽

10.4102/jsava.v84i1.955 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 84 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Rhoda Leask ◽

Kenneth P. Pettey ◽

Gareth F. Bath

Keyword(s):

Clinical Signs ◽

Control Measures ◽

Sub Saharan Africa ◽

Limiting Factor ◽

Febrile Reaction ◽

Presumptive Diagnosis ◽

Appropriate Treatment ◽

Sub Saharan ◽

Characteristic Features ◽

And Control

Heartwater is a serious limiting factor for sheep and goat production in the major endemic area of sub-Saharan Africa and therefore most knowledge, research and control methods originate from this region. Whilst the usual or common clinical presentations can be used to make a presumptive diagnosis of heartwater with a good measure of confidence, this is not always the case, and animals suffering from heartwater may be misdiagnosed because their cases do not conform to the expected syndrome, signs and lesions. One aberrant form found occasionally in the Channel Island breeds of cattle and some goats is an afebrile heartwaterlike syndrome. The most constant and characteristic features of this heartwater-like syndrome comprise normal temperature, clinical signs associated with generalised oedema, and nervous signs, especially hypersensitivity. The presumption that the disease under investigation is the afebrile heartwater-like syndrome entails a tentative diagnosis based on history and clinical signs and the response to presumed appropriate treatment (metadiagnosis). The afebrile heartwater-like syndrome presents similarly to peracute heartwater but without the febrile reaction. Peracute cases of heartwater have a high mortality rate, enabling confirmation of the disease on post-mortem examination. Recognition of the afebrile heartwater-like syndrome is important to prevent deaths and identify the need for appropriate control measures.

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The Relationship between Theatre and Ritual in the Sogo bò of the Bamana from Mali

New Theatre Quarterly ◽

10.1017/s0266464x09000414 ◽

2009 ◽

Vol 25 (3) ◽

pp. 233-240

Author(s):

Marie Kruger

Keyword(s):

Oral Tradition ◽

Associate Professor ◽

Sub Saharan Africa ◽

Structural Elements ◽

Repetitive Nature ◽

Sub Saharan ◽

Metaphorical Expression ◽

The University ◽

Shifting Boundaries ◽

The Relationship

The Sogo bò, primarily an animal masquerade, can be distinguished from Western theatre through its use of a fluid space with shifting boundaries between spectator and performer. An oral tradition dictates the characterization, scenario, and content. The resemblance to ritual can be found in structural elements such as its repetitive nature and the use of non-realistic performance objects and motions. As in ritual, there is a clear sense of order, an evocative presentational style, and a strong collective dimension. The functional resemblance lies in the complex metaphorical expression through which relationships and values are symbolized, objectified, and embodied in a highly artistic way. Marie Kruger is an associate professor and the Chair of the Department of Drama at the University of Stellenbosch, South Africa, where puppetry is offered as a performance and research option. Her research is focused on masquerades in Africa and the various contemporary applications of puppetry in sub-Saharan Africa.

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Etude de l’effet rémanent de Mavi MNPV dans un champ de niébé

International Journal of Biological and Chemical Sciences ◽

10.4314/ijbcs.v14i6.23 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 14 (6) ◽

pp. 2219-2229

Author(s):

A. Kindozandji ◽

B.D. Datinon ◽

K. Amevoin ◽

A.N. Nondichao ◽

A.I. Glitho ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Research Work ◽

Residual Effect ◽

Maruca Vitrata ◽

Sub Saharan Africa ◽

Important Food ◽

Food Legumes ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Sub Saharan ◽

Rate Of Emergence ◽

And Control

Le niébé est l’une des légumineuses alimentaires la plus importante dans toutes les régions de l’Afrique Sub-saharienne. L’objectif de ce travail était d’étudier l’effet rémanent de Mavi Multinucléo polyhedrovirus (Mavi MNPV) après la récolte du niébé au champ. Le champ a été traité 5 fois au biopesticide Mavi MNPV à la fréquence de sept jours. Deux semaines après la récolte, deux plants ainsi que les graines de chaque traitement sur chaque unité parcellaire ayant reçu les traitements de Mavi MNPV de 107, 108 et 109 virions/ml ont été collectés et amenés au laboratoire avec le substrat de développement de la plante (sable). Aucune des formulations issues des substrats sable, racines, feuilles, tiges et graines n’a affecté la mortalité des larves L2 et L3 de Maruca vitrata et aucune différence significative n’a été observée entre les traitements et le témoin. Quels que soient les traitements, le taux d’émergence des adultes est élevé ; ce qui signifie que la variation de la concentration de Mavi MNPV ne conditionne pas sa présence dans le sol, les tiges, les feuilles, les racines et les graines. Le biopesticide Mavi MNPV n’est pas persistant dans la nature.Mots clés : Niébé, Mavi MNPV, Maruca vitrata, Effet rémanent English Title: Study of the residual effect of Mavi MNPV in a cowpea field Cowpea is one of the most important food legumes in all regions of Sub-Saharan Africa. The objective of this research work was to study the persistence effect of Mavi Multinucleus polyhedrovirus (Mavi MNPV) after field harvest of the cowpea. The field was treated 5 times with Mavi MNPV biopesticide at seven days. Two weeks after harvest, two plants as well as the seeds from each treatment on each plot unit that received Mavi MNPV treatments of 107, 108 and 109 virions / ml were removed and brought to the laboratory with the plant development substrate (sand). None of the formulations from sand, root, leaf, stem and seed substrates did not affect the mortality of L2 and L3 larvae of Maruca vitrata and no significant difference was observed between treatments and control. Regardless of the treatments, the rate of emergence of adults is high; this means that the variation in the concentration of Mavi MNPV does not condition its presence in soil, stems, leaves, roots and seeds. Mavi MNPV biopesticide is not persistent in nature.Keywords: Cowpea, Mavi MNPV, Maruca vitrata, Residual effect.

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The Scope and Appetite for Technology-Assisted Sensitivity Reviewing of Born-Digital Records in a Resource Poor Environment

Handbook of Research on Heritage Management and Preservation - Advances in Religious and Cultural Studies ◽

10.4018/978-1-5225-3137-1.ch009 ◽

2018 ◽

pp. 175-182 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Alistair G. Tough

Keyword(s):

Effective Means ◽

Sub Saharan Africa ◽

Public Records ◽

Digital Repositories ◽

Resource Poor ◽

Preliminary Research ◽

Sub Saharan ◽

The University ◽

Limited Demand ◽

Assessing Sensitivity

Concerns about sensitive content in born-digital records seem to be a major factor in inhibiting the deposit of public records in dedicated digital repositories in Western countries. These concerns are much exacerbated by the changed nature of the process of reviewing records. The University of Glasgow, working in collaboration with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, received funding to investigate the technology-assisted sensitivity reviewing of born-digital records. As part of this research, some preliminary research in a commonwealth country in Sub-Saharan Africa was carried out. The research, reported in this chapter, was carried out in Malawi by the late Dr. Mathews J. Phiri. He found that already there is a real, albeit limited, demand for technology-assisted sensitivity reviewing of born-digital records in Malawi. The available evidence suggests that within the next decade there is likely to be an increase in the need for effective means of assessing sensitivity in born-digital records.

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