From research desk to policy makers and community: MUHAS research symposia and policy briefs targeting the stakeholders

2020 ◽  
Vol 31 (1) ◽  
pp. 120-122
Author(s):  
Hendry R. Sawe ◽  
Bruno F. Sunguya ◽  
Eligius F. Lyamuya
Keyword(s):  
Research Output ◽  
Research Work ◽  
Health Impact ◽  
Scientific Journals ◽  
Child Transmission ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
One Year ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Mother To Child ◽  
Different Parts

All too frequent, valuable research output and scholarly materials from expensively conducted research work in different parts of the world end up in research desks, academic libraries, and scientific journals. Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Science (MUHAS) through the Directorate of Research and Publications initiated a series of symposia that aim to disseminate the evidence generated by the researchers to the policy makers and the community. In two of the six conducted University-wide symposia in the last one year, MUHAS produced two important policy briefs summarizing the impact of MUHAS research in two important—though distinct areas of local and global health impact—Elimination of Mother to Child Transmission (EMTCT) of HIV, and Diarrhea diseases.

scholarly journals Evaluating the Impact of Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission of HIV in Malawi through Immunization Clinic-Based Surveillance

PLoS ONE ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 9 (6) ◽  
pp. e100741 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michele A. Sinunu ◽  
Erik J. Schouten ◽  
Nellie Wadonda-Kabondo ◽  
Enock Kajawo ◽  
Michael Eliya ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mother To Child Transmission ◽  
Child Transmission ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Mother To Child

scholarly journals Towards Elimination of Mother-to-Child Transmission of HIV: The Impact of a Rapid Results Initiative in Nyanza Province, Kenya

2012 ◽  
Vol 2012 ◽  
pp. 1-6 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lisa L. Dillabaugh ◽  
Jayne Lewis Kulzer ◽  
Kevin Owuor ◽  
Valerie Ndege ◽  
Arbogast Oyanga ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy ◽  
Cohort Analysis ◽  
Hiv Positive ◽  
Maternal Child Health ◽  
Mother To Child Transmission ◽  
Child Transmission ◽  
Nyanza Province ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Mother To Child

Many HIV-positive pregnant women and infants are still not receiving optimal services, preventing the goal of eliminating mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) and improving maternal child health overall. A Rapid Results Initiative (RRI) approach was utilized to address key challenges in delivery of prevention of MTCT (PMTCT) services including highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) uptake for women and infants. The RRI was conducted between April and June 2011 at 119 health facilities in five districts in Nyanza Province, Kenya. Aggregated site-level data were compared at baseline before the RRI (Oct 2010–Jan 2011), during the RRI, and post-RRI (Jul–Sep 2011) using pre-post cohort analysis. HAART uptake amongst all HIV-positive pregnant women increased by 40% (RR 1.4, 95% CI 1.2–1.7) and continued to improve post-RRI (RR 1.6, 95% CI 1.4–1.8). HAART uptake in HIV-positive infants remained stable (RR 1.1, 95% CI 0.9–1.4) during the RRI and improved by 30% (RR 1.3, 95% CI 1.0–1.6) post-RRI. Significant improvement in PMTCT services can be achieved through introduction of an RRI, which appears to lead to sustained benefits for pregnant HIV-infected women and their infants.

scholarly journals A Foilized Polyethylene Pouch for the Prevention of Transmission of HIV from Mother to Child

2012 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 92-97 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert Malkin ◽  
Caroline Howard
Keyword(s):  
Storage Conditions ◽  
Average Concentration ◽  
Moisture Loss ◽  
Initial Time ◽  
Antenatal Visit ◽  
One Year ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Mother To Child ◽  
Time Point ◽  
At Home

Many children become HIV+ due to mother-to-child transmission, a risk that can be largely eliminated if infants ingest antiretroviral (ARV) medications immediately after birth. As most mothers in Africa deliver at home, the ARV must be provided at their last antenatal visit, sometimes months before birth. No current drug delivery system allows the mother to store the medication at home long enough to be effective. We propose a preserving, foilized, polyethylene pouch to be pre-dosed and sealed by a pharmacist for later delivery to the newborn. Pouches were filled with 0.6 ml of Nevirapine (NVP). Thirty-three pouches were immediately studied to measure the impact of medication handling (oxygen, light, filling and sealing the pouches). The remaining samples were stored for up to one year at three storage conditions (25°C/60%RH, 30°C/65%RH, and 40°C/75%RH). Every two months, moisture loss, preservative concentration, impurity concentrations and NVP concentration were measured. Flora and fauna challenges were conducted. The pouch nearly eliminated moisture loss: pouches lost less than 0.7% of their weight over twelve months. As expected, exposing the medication to light, oxygen, and handling significantly affected the sacrificial preservative concentrations (Propyl paraben dropped 38%, Methyl paraben dropped 12% at time point zero). However, after the initial time point, preservative levels were stable in the package over twelve months under all storage conditions (4.1% average concentration drop), leaving sufficient preservatives to protect the medication. The concentration of NVP changed an average of only 1.3% over all storage conditions and times points (maximum 1.4%). We conclude that the foilized polyethylene pouch can preserve NVP, and perhaps other ARV’s, for up to one year.

scholarly journals Microphthalmia and Optic Nerve Hypoplasia Induced by Maternal Coronavirus Infection?

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Patrick Morhart ◽  
Christian Mardin ◽  
Manfred Rauh ◽  
Jörg Jüngert ◽  
Johanna Hammersen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Optic Nerve ◽  
Clinical Findings ◽  
Optic Nerve Hypoplasia ◽  
Mother To Child Transmission ◽  
Long Term Effects ◽  
Child Transmission ◽  
Vaccination Recommendations ◽  
Registration Number ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Mother To Child

Abstract Possible mother-to-child transmission of severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus type 2 (SARS-CoV-2) during pregnancy is still a matter of debate. We studied the impact of SARS-CoV-2 infection on 56 complete households, including 27 newborns whose mothers were pregnant when exposed to the virus. Three perinatal SARS-CoV-2 transmissions with mild symptoms in affected neonates were recorded (two cases confirmed by PCR, the third one based on clinical findings). In addition, we observed a severe eye malformation (unilateral microphthalmia, optic nerve hypoplasia, and congenital retinopathy) associated with maternal SARS-CoV-2 infection in weeks 5 and 6 of embryonic development. This embryopathy could not be explained by other infectious agents, genetic factors, or drug use during pregnancy. Eight other women with a history of SARS-CoV-2 infection prior to gestational week 12, however, delivered healthy infants.Conclusion: The repeated occurrence of mother-to-child transmission in our cohort with risks that remain incompletely understood, such as long-term effects and the possibility of an embryopathy, should sensitize researchers and stimulate further studies as well as strongly support COVID19 vaccination recommendations for pregnant women.Trial registration number: NCT04741412Date of registration: November 18, 2020

scholarly journals Expanding The Indianapolis Cultural Trail: A Health Impact Assessment

2018 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. 37-49
Author(s):  
Lisa Yazel-Smith ◽  
Andrew Merkley ◽  
Robin Danek ◽  
Cynthia Stone
Keyword(s):  
Community Organizations ◽  
Health Impact ◽  
Local Health ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
University Courses ◽  
Health Impact Assessments ◽  
Local Residents ◽  
Safety Considerations ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Additional Space

Background Health Impact Assessments (HIA) are a tool used to measure the effect of policies and/or projects that may influence the health of populations. As a way to increase HIA practitioners, university courses in HIA can benefit both students and community organizations by presenting real-world opportunities for students to conduct HIA while partnering with community organizations or policy makers.   Methods In order to conduct the rapid HIA to assess the Indiana Cultural Train (ICT) expansion, students in a graduate-level course conducted a five step HIA process of screening, scoping, assessment, recommendations and reporting, and monitoring and evaluating three potential trail expansion routes. Students examined local health data, conducted walkability assessments, and conducted seven key stakeholder interviews to gather data.   Results The results of data analysis show that the Riley Hospital Drive/Gateway Bridge is the best potential route for expansion due to safety considerations and the impact on the adjacent Ransom Place neighborhood. Six of the seven key informants were in favor of the expansion, with the two most cited reasons being additional space for exercise and recreation and the potential economic impact and connection to local businesses in the area.   Conclusions The expansion across the proposed Gateway Bridge would combat parking issues associated with expanding the trail through Ransom Place as well as be the safest way to approach the large intersections. With local residents’ concerns of gentrification and safety in mind, the ICT trail expansion could lead to increased health outcomes by offering additional space for exercise, recreation, and active transportation.

scholarly journals Cessation of breastfeeding and associated factors in the era of elimination of mother to child transmission of HIV at Ndejje Health Center, Uganda: a retrospective cohort study

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jackslina Gaaniri Ngbapai ◽  
Jonathan Izudi ◽  
Stephen Okoboi
Keyword(s):  
Cohort Study ◽  
Health Center ◽  
Retrospective Cohort Study ◽  
Retrospective Cohort ◽  
Associated Factors ◽  
Mother To Child Transmission ◽  
Child Transmission ◽  
One Year ◽  
Living With Hiv ◽  
Mother To Child

Abstract BackgroundBreastfeeding an infant exposed to Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) carries the risk of HIV acquisition whilst not breastfeeding poses a higher risk of death from malnutrition, diarrhea, and pneumonia. In Uganda, mothers living with HIV are encouraged to discontinue breastfeeding at 12 months but data are limited. We examined the frequency and factors associated with cessation of breastfeeding at one year among mothers living with HIV at Ndejje Health Center IV, a large peri-urban health facility in Uganda.MethodsThis retrospective cohort study involved all mothers living with HIV and enrolled in HIV care for ≥ 12 months between June 2014 and June 2018. We abstracted data from registers, held focus group discussions with mothers living with HIV and key informant interviews with healthcare providers. Cessation of breastfeeding was defined as the proportion of mothers living with HIV who had discontinued breastfeeding at one year. We summarized quantitative data descriptively, tested differences in outcome using Chi-square and t - tests, and established independently associated factors using modified Poisson regression analysis at 5 % statistical significance level. We thematically analyzed qualitative data to enrich and triangulate the quantitative results. ResultsOf 235 participants, 150 (63.8 %) had ceased breastfeeding at one year and this was independently associated with the infant being male (Adjusted Risk Ratio [aRR] 1.25, 95 % confidence interval [CI] 1.04, 1.50), the mother being multiparous (aRR 1.26, 95 % CI 1.04-1.53), and the initiation of breastfeeding being on the same-day as birth (aRR 0.06, 95 % CI 0.01-0.41). The reasons for ceasing breastfeeding included male infants over breastfeed than females, maternal literacy and knowledge adequacy about breastfeeding, support and reminders from the partner, and boys can bite once they get teeth. ConclusionSuboptimal proportion of infants were ceased from breastfeeding at one year and this might increase the risk of mother to child transmission of HIV. Cessation of breastfeeding was more likely among male infants and multiparous mothers but less likely when breastfeeding was initiated on the same-day as birth. Interventions to enhance cessation of breastfeeding should target none multiparous mothers and those with female infants.

scholarly journals Breastfeeding cessation in the era of Elimination of Mother to Child Transmission of HIV in Uganda: a retrospective cohort study

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jackslina Gaaniri Ngbapai ◽  
Jonathan Izudi ◽  
Stephen Okoboi
Keyword(s):  
Cohort Study ◽  
Retrospective Cohort Study ◽  
Retrospective Cohort ◽  
Hiv Care ◽  
Mother To Child Transmission ◽  
Child Transmission ◽  
Risk Of Death ◽  
One Year ◽  
Living With Hiv ◽  
Mother To Child

Abstract Background: Breastfeeding an infant exposed to HIV carries the risk of HIV acquisition whilst not breastfeeding poses higher risk of death from malnutrition, diarrhea, and pneumonia. In Uganda, mothers living with HIV are encouraged to discontinue breastfeeding at 12 months but data are limited. We examined the frequency and factors associated with cessation of breastfeeding at one year among mothers living with HIV at Ndejje Health Center IV, a large peri-urban health facility in Uganda.Methods: This retrospective cohort study involved all mothers living with HIV enrolled in HIV care for ≥12 months between June 2014 and June 2018. We abstracted data from registers, held focus group discussions with mothers living with HIV and key informant interviews with healthcare providers. Cessation of breastfeeding was defined as the proportion of mothers living with HIV who had discontinued breastfeeding at one year. We summarized quantitative data descriptively, tested differences in outcome using Chi-square and t-tests, and established independently associated factors using modified Poisson regression analysis at 5% statistical significance level. We thematically analyzed qualitative data to enrich and triangulate the quantitative results. Results: Of 235 participants, 150 (63.8%) had ceased breastfeeding at one year and this was independently associated with the infant being female (Adjusted risk ratio (aRR): 1.25, 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.04, 1.50), the mother being multiparous (aRR, 1.26; 95%CI, 1.04-1.53), and the initiation of breastfeeding being on the same-day as birth (aRR, 0.06; 95%CI, 0.01-0.41).The reasons for ceasing breastfeeding included male infants over breastfeed than females, maternal literacy and knowledge adequacy about breastfeeding, support and reminders from the partner, and boys can bite once they get teeth. Conversely, the reasons for not ceasing to breastfeed encompassed insufficient knowledge about breastfeeding and girls feed a bit less.Conclusion: Suboptimal proportion of infants were ceased from breastfeeding at one year and this might increase the risk of mother to child transmission of HIV. Cessation of breastfeeding was more likely among female infants and multiparous mothers but less likely when breastfeeding was initiated on same-day as birth. Interventions to enhance cessation of breastfeeding should target groups of mothers with lower rates.

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