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- ItemCurrent trends in the laboratory diagnosis of schistosomiasis infection(Newport International Journal of Research in Medical Sciences (NIJRMS), 2024) Umar Asiya Imam; Aliyu Bazza Sirajo; Emmanuel Ifeanyi ObeaguSchistosomiasis is a neglected tropical disease that affects about 290 million patients worldwide. Children aged between 5 and 14 years represent 45.8% of the affected patients, in addition, schistosomiasis has been reported in Schistosoma-free areas, mostly because of tourism and immigration from endemic countries. Intestinal schistosomiasis caused by Schistosoma mansoni is mainly diagnosed via direct stool examination for egg detection. Immunological methods are favoured for disease monitoring and preliminary checking for communities in areas with low infection rates, and for patients with light and chronic infections where parasitological tests are negative. PCR-based diagnostic techniques are more sensitive, but expensive. Tegument proteins and miRNAs are promising markers for diagnosis of schistosomiasis.
- ItemUnderstanding Natural Immunity against Malaria: Mechanisms, Implications, and Future(Research Output Journal of Public Health and Medicine, 2024) Arionget JemimaMalaria remains a significant global health challenge, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, where it contributes to high morbidity and mortality rates. Natural immunity to malaria, acquired through repeated exposure to Plasmodium parasites, provides partial protection against severe disease but does not prevent infection. This review explores the mechanisms underlying natural immunity, including the roles of innate and adaptive immune responses, and the impact of factors such as age, genetics, and repeated exposure. It also examines the implications of natural immunity for malaria control strategies, particularly in endemic regions where partial immunity helps reduce the disease burden. The review highlights recent advances in immunological research, including the identification of immune markers and biomarkers that correlate with malaria resistance. Additionally, it discusses how natural immunity can inform the development of more effective vaccines and therapies. The review concludes by identifying key gaps in current research and suggesting future directions, including enhancing natural immunity through vaccines and immunotherapies, and the importance of global collaboration in advancing malaria control efforts
- ItemNear-peer mentorship for undergraduate training in Ugandan medical schools: views of undergraduate students(PanAfrican Medical Journal, 2016-04-15) Kasozi, JannatIntroduction: Masters Students are major stakeholders in undergraduate medical education but their contribution has not been documented in Uganda. The aim of the study was to explore and document views and experiences of undergraduate students regarding the role of masters students as educators in four Ugandan medical schools. Methods: This was a cross-sectional descriptive study using qualitative data collection methods. Eight Focus Group Discussions were conducted among eighty one selected preclinical and clinical students in the consortium of four Ugandan medical schools: Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Makerere College of Health Sciences, Gulu University and Kampala International University, Western Campus. Data analysis was done using thematic analysis. Participants' privacy and confidentiality were respected and participant identifiers were not included in data analysis. Results: Undergraduate students from all the medical schools viewed the involvement of master's students as very important. Frequent contact between masters and undergraduate students was reported as an important factor in undergraduate students' motivation and learning. Despite the useful contribution, master' students face numerous challenges like heavy workload and conflicting priorities. Conclusion: According to undergraduate students in Ugandan medical schools, involvement of master's students in the teaching and learning of undergraduate students is both useful and challenging to masters and undergraduate students. Masters students provide peer mentorship to the undergraduate students. The senior educators are still needed to do their work and also to support the master's students in their teaching role.
- ItemAvailability of Essential Medicines and Supplies during the Dual Pull-Push System of Drugs Acquisition in Kaliro District, Uganda(Pharmaceutical Care & Health Systems, 2015-03) Bruno, Okiror; Onchweri, Albert Nyanchoka; Ondieki, Miruka Conrad; Nyabayo, Maniga JosephatThe Ugandan government has experimented with various supply chain models for delivery of essential drugs and supplies. In 2010, the dual pull-push system was adopted; however drug stock outs are still a common occurrence in health facilities. This study on availability of essential medicines during the dual Pull-Push system in Kaliro District was undertaken, to be used as an indirect or direct indicator of effectiveness of the dual pull-push system of drugs acquisition in the district. The study combined quantitative and qualitative methods; the study mainly based on; document review (stock cards, delivery notes,) and key informant interviews. Results showed that average stock-out duration of essential medicines and supplies was 23.89% (20.47 % for essential medicines and 27.32% for medical supplies). ACT Artemether/lumefantrine 20/120 mg tablets had the highest percentage stock-out followed by Cotrimoxazole 480mg tablets (51.6 and 32.4 %, respectively). Among the short falls of the system were; drug requisitions based on neither morbidity nor consumption methods of quantification, delays during distribution, supplying medicines with short shelf life, rare condition drugs or low usage drugs. In conclusion, the trend of essential medicines and supplies availability during the dual pull-push system seemed to be declining since its initiation in 2010. It is thus recommended that national medical stores involve stakeholders at all stages of medicines and supplies planning, especially the district health officers, who are the final consumers in the supply chain. The government can also adopt a revolving drug fund system, in the form of ‘Special Pharmacies and drug stores’ to enhance availability of essential drugs in public facilities and thus improve the quality of health care.