Articles tagged with Africa
A Duke University study of over 3,000 orphaned and abandoned children in five countries found that institutional care can be a viable option, with better physical health and cognitive functioning than community-dwelling peers. The research challenges global policies recommending institutions only as a last resort.
Influenza is circulating in Africa, causing sporadic outbreaks and potentially severe epidemics due to inadequate surveillance. The authors argue that improved monitoring is needed to accurately assess the burden of influenza in tropical countries like Africa.
A recent study reveals that the drinks industry has significantly influenced national alcohol policy drafts in Lesotho, Malawi, Uganda, and Botswana, promoting economic benefits and self-regulation. The policies neglect crucial health concerns like HIV/AIDS, gender-based violence, and social deprivation.
The number of people overweight/obese increased significantly in sub-Saharan Africa between the early 1990s and early 2000s. The rate of increase was higher among the poor group, highlighting a pressing public health concern.
Researchers found that first-line ART can be delivered safely without routine biochemistry and haematology monitoring, but CD4-cell count monitoring has a small benefit in disease progression and mortality. The trial suggests that monitoring should start from the second year of ART to guide the switch to second-line treatment.
Three African scientists have been awarded the inaugural TWAS-AAS-Microsoft Award for Young Scientists for their outstanding contributions to science and development in Africa. Youcef Bentoutou, Omar Fakih Hamad, and Tshilidzi Marwala will receive a cash prize of €7,000 each.
A study emphasizes the need for dedicated management capacity to address blindness in sub-Saharan Africa. The region has 20% of global blindness despite having only 11% of the world's population, highlighting the importance of effective management systems.
The study analyzes OES beads from SDG site, concluding that the two pathways of manufacture differed in drilling and trimming stages. The findings suggest prehistoric artisans had excellent skills, using standardized bead sizes to convey messages.
NTDs like anemia, schistosomiasis, and human hookworm infection impair reproductive health and increase the transmission of STIs. Controlling these diseases can improve maternal health outcomes, reduce infant mortality, and promote gender equality.
Researchers have characterised a new multi-drug resistant strain of Salmonella Typhimurium causing life-threatening disease in Africa. The new strain, ST313, is resistant to several antibiotics and may spread from person to person, predominantly affecting individuals with weakened immune systems.
A new study by the Wildlife Conservation Society reveals high densities of western lowland gorillas in a Congolese swamp forest, with estimated populations exceeding 5,000 individuals. The researchers warn that protection is needed to safeguard these gorillas and their environment from imminent threats.
The journal PLoS Medicine is calling for international action to address the crisis of malaria drug shortages across Africa. The 'third wave' of malaria activism aims to raise awareness of the issue and find solutions.
The new center will connect IU's expertise with Moi University and hospital to increase electronic health record capacity in one of the world's poorest regions. Trained locals will use electronic tools to solve healthcare problems, enhancing outcomes and public health.
Scientists are developing genetically modified mosquitoes resistant to malaria and creating a rapid saliva-based diagnostic test. Researchers are also exploring ways to manipulate bacteria found in mosquito guts to kill the parasite without harming the insect.
Geochemical analysis of rare ancient soils provides new data on Central Africa's paleoclimate during the Late Jurassic period. The findings indicate an extremely arid climate with minimal rainfall and few vegetation species, contrasting with the lush tropical rainforest it is today.
The world will need a 'Blue Revolution' to address the massive pressure on its water resources due to population growth, changing diets, and climate change. Investments in water can reduce poverty and improve agricultural productivity by refurbishing irrigation systems and promoting rainfed agriculture.
Researchers have uncovered a complex heteromeric structure of the essential enzyme PPCDC in yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, composed of non-identical proteins. The discovery sheds new light on CoA biosynthesis and presents potential targets for antifungal therapy.
A new study projects variable impacts of climate change on maize and bean harvests in East Africa, presenting both threats and opportunities for farmers. With adequate investment, the region can achieve food security despite predicted declines in staple crop production.
Researchers found that material possessions are easily passed on, while social networks and foraging abilities are harder to transmit. Societies with a strong emphasis on material wealth tend to be the most unequal.
Researchers have discovered a new giant golden orb weaver spider species, Nephila komaci, in South Africa and Madagascar, which is the largest web-spinning spider known to science. The female spiders of this species can reach up to 1.5 inches in body length, while males are significantly smaller.
African biosafety regulators will receive science-based information on biotechnology, protecting farmers, consumers, and the environment. The initiative aims to reduce poverty through improved agricultural practices.
A new project aims to provide healthy school meals using locally-sourced food, providing a reliable income for local farmers and improving rural economies. The initiative will help governments run school meal programmes in sub-Saharan Africa, benefiting millions of children facing poverty and hunger.
A study in South Africa found that medical documentation of injuries is associated with higher conviction rates in adult rape cases, while DNA evidence has limited impact. The research highlights the importance of basic forensic medical practices in assisting courts in rape cases.
African scientists will develop and grow their own pest-resistant bananas through a collaborative project with UK researchers. The initiative aims to empower nations to address agricultural challenges and improve food security in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Researchers analyzed a fossilized tracksite in southern Africa, discovering how early dinosaurs adjusted their movements to cope with slippery and sloping terrain. The study provides insight into the later evolution of the group, highlighting differences in walking styles between ornithischians and theropods.
The new White Paper reveals an estimated 13 million babies worldwide were born preterm in 2005, with one million deaths attributed to preterm birth. Premature births face serious lifelong health risks and contribute significantly to global healthcare costs.
Researchers used genetic and geographic data to understand why HIV-1 subtypes held steady in west central Africa before erupting as an epidemic in east Africa. The study found that connectivity between population centers and better transportation networks contributed to the rapid spread of the virus.
A mathematical model suggests that improved community-based access to life-saving drugs like misoprostol and antibiotics can prevent up to 59,000 maternal deaths across sub-Saharan Africa per year. The study found that the poorest women would benefit most from these interventions.
Pneumonia caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) claim an estimated 1.2 million child lives annually. Effective vaccines exist but their use is limited in low-income countries. Implementing pneumococcal vaccine could save over 440,000 children's lives by 2015.
The global average annual rate of reduction in under-5 mortality has increased from 2000-2008 compared to 1990-2000. However, the world is still far from achieving Millennium Development Goal 4, with many regions not on track to meet the target.
A recent study published in The Lancet suggests that children in Africa with sickle cell anaemia are dying unnecessarily from bacterial infections. The researchers recommend vaccination programs for all children in Africa to prevent these deadly infections, which can be prevented by vaccination.
Researchers have published genetic sequences, known as 'DNA barcodes,' to identify species of origin from leather products and meat in international trade. The study, led by the American Museum of Natural History, identifies 25 commonly traded mammals and reptiles, including duikers, Nile crocodiles, and alligators.
Researchers uncover 25 marine shell beads from Morocco and Algeria dating back 70,000-85,000 years, suggesting early humans wore and traded symbolic jewelry. The discovery confirms the oldest form of personal ornaments, adding to similar finds in Africa, Israel, and South Africa.
Researchers at the University of Virginia have identified a gene in cowpea that confers resistance to Striga, a parasitic flowering plant that attacks the roots of host plants. The discovery is significant as it could help develop strategies for improving resistance to Striga in other affected crops.
The country's health system faces historical roots of racism, apartheid, and economic inequalities, contributing to poor health outcomes and a high burden of HIV/AIDS. Despite being a middle-income country, South Africa has worse health outcomes than many lower-income countries.
The Faidherbia acacia tree has the potential to revolutionize African farming by providing a free source of organic nitrogen, increasing crop yields, and improving soil health. Its unique growth habit and adaptability to various climates make it an ideal solution for reversing soil degradation and supporting farmers' livelihoods.
The study highlights South Africa's high injury death rate and its disproportionate impact on women, particularly intimate partner homicide rates. The authors emphasize the need for a comprehensive national action plan to address these social issues.
Despite notable achievements in disease management, South Africa faces a severe HIV and tuberculosis crisis, with 17% of the global burden. The country needs to escalate its public health response to tackle rising drug resistance and improve treatment outcomes.
A new analysis reveals that neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) in sub-Saharan Africa cause immense suffering, with helminth infections accounting for approximately 85% of the NTD burden. The study suggests that investing $200-$400 million annually could significantly reduce the burden of these diseases.
The number of people aged 60 or over in South Africa is projected to triple by 2025, leading to a doubling of cardiovascular deaths. The burden of non-communicable diseases is expected to increase as antiretroviral therapy reduces mortality from HIV/AIDS.
The Lancet South Africa series proposes three strategies to address public sector workforce needs, affordable national health insurance, and competent leadership. The authors also discuss the decline in clinical research activity and capacity, as well as health inequities in South Africa, highlighting the need for jobs and cooperation ...
A study estimates that implementing basic neonatal care and prevention of mother-to-child transmission could save up to 37,200 children's lives annually in South Africa. The interventions are estimated to cost US$1.5 billion per year, but the authors argue that the costs are affordable and effective implementation is the key gap.
The article discusses South Africa's paradox of poor health outcomes amidst high health expenditures and supportive programmes. The authors identify leadership, innovation, and priority actions needed to achieve better health outcomes and tackle pressing challenges such as HIV/AIDS and non-communicable diseases.
For the first time, a NASA study has mapped Africa's coastal mangrove forests, showing widespread destruction due to pollution, deforestation, and real estate development. The maps provide detailed information on forest area, height, biomass, and structure, enabling scientists and officials to monitor and conserve these vital ecosystems.
Researchers discovered that early modern humans employed pyrotechnology to increase the quality and efficiency of their stone tool manufacturing process, requiring complex cognition and possibly language. The technology transformed a poor-quality stone into an excellent raw material for highly advanced tools.
A six-year study led by Panthera demonstrates that conservation strategies can significantly increase leopard populations and reduce human-cat conflict. The study, published in Biological Conservation, found that implementing regulations to disperse hunting pressure across a province helped stabilize the population, leading to increase...
A new study estimates that sub-Saharan Africa will only have one-third of the needed healthcare workers by 2015, with a shortage of 240,000 doctors and 551,000 nurses and midwives. The cost of scaling up the health system is projected to be $19 billion per year.
Researchers will test the AERAS-402/Crucell Ad35 vaccine candidate in people living with HIV, aiming to induce critical CD8 immune cells. The study is crucial for developing an effective TB vaccine, especially for those with HIV, who are 20 times more likely to develop TB.
Research suggests that starting antiretroviral therapy at a CD4 count of 350 is highly cost-effective. This approach may reduce morbidity, mortality, and improve long-term survival for patients in South Africa.
A study suggests starting antiretroviral therapy at higher CD4 thresholds can prevent significant clinical benefits and save lives in resource-limited settings. The model predicts nearly 76,000 deaths and 66,000 opportunistic infections over five years with earlier treatment initiation.
In sub-Saharan Africa, MSM are a high-risk group for HIV infection, with prevalence rates often 10 times higher than in the general population. The lack of access to vital services, including condoms and education, exacerbates the issue.
The Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine is launching a £30 million initiative to strengthen health research in Africa. The program will support over 50 institutions across 18 African countries and create postgraduate scholarships for students to research health-related issues.
The Wellcome Trust has launched a £30 million initiative to strengthen research capacity in Africa. Seven international and pan-African consortia will develop institutional capacity for health-related research vital to enhancing people's health, lives, and livelihoods.
A new fossil primate from Myanmar has redefined the origin of anthropoid primates, challenging the long-held belief that they evolved in Africa. The discovery of Ganlea megacanina supports the idea that amphipithecids are closely related to living anthropoids.
The NSF-funded project will create a long-term index of Agulhas Current transport using in situ measurements and satellite data. This will provide valuable insights into seasonal to decadal variability and its impact on global climate patterns.
A new study found that many nations are seeing an annual increase in visitors to their conservation areas, with visitor numbers rising by as much as 7 or 8 per cent per year in some countries. The research suggests that nature-based tourism remains extremely popular and is growing quickly in most places.
A new drug combination, nifurtimox-eflornithine therapy (NECT), has shown to be non-inferior to the best current treatment in curing sleeping sickness and is better tolerated, with fewer major adverse events. NECT's safety advantages and ease of administration make it a suitable option for resource-poor settings.
Scientists tracked white shark hunting patterns using geographic profiling, revealing that sharks refine search patterns with experience and concentrate efforts in prime hunting areas. The study expands knowledge of large predator hunting behavior and has implications for understanding marine communities.
Researchers found evidence of a massive 4,500-year-old drought in Africa and Asia, as well as a rapid 5,200-year-old cooling event that accelerated tropical glacier growth. The findings suggest that similar changes are currently occurring globally.
Researchers warn that African farmers lack access to climatically suitable crop varieties due to neglect of genebanks, threatening food security. Six countries face unique challenges as temperatures rise beyond historical experience, highlighting the need for immediate action to develop new crop varieties.