University of Nairobi

Globally, only half of the Women get treatment for the Rh disease and may be linked to the deaths of more than 1,00,000 foetuses and newborns worldwide* NAIROBI, Kenya, Dec. 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The Rh factor (Rhesus factor) is a red blood cell surface antigen also known as Rh disease, is a condition that occurs when a woman with Rh-negative blood type is exposed to Rh-positive blood cells, leading to the development of Rh antibodies. Rh incompatibility can occur in 2 ways. The most common type occurs when a Rh-negative pregnant mother is exposed to Rh-positive fetal red blood cells secondary to fetomaternal haemorrhage during pregnancy from spontaneous or induced abortion, trauma, invasive obstetric procedures, or normal delivery. Continue Reading Experts raising awareness on HDFN A treatment developed over 50 years ago to prevent Rh disease—an often-fatal condition in foetuses and newborns—only reaches half of the women in the world who need it, according to a study led by researchers at Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons (VP&S) at Columbia University Irving Medical Centre*. Leading doctors appreciated the impact and effectiveness of this treatment but are concerned about its access and reach. "This treatment is the standard of care for preventing Rh disease, but we recognize that there remain significant obstacles to expanding access to this lifesaving therapy around the world," says Spitalnik, who has been working with an international team of physicians to increase access to therapy with Rh(D) immunoglobulin around the world. * Improved access which currently is a challenge, could change the outcomes dramatically, saving lives. Hence there is an utmost need to highlight the role of antenatal care and its crucial role in prevention of Rh diseases across African region. So, what is the problem and Role of Antenatal care and Collaborative strategies from KOGS and govt institution/insurance organisation for supporting Rh disease prevention in Kenya? "According to our research in Kenya, the prevalence of Rhesus negativity among pregnant women is significantly higher than previously believed and varies by county. The range is between 6-10%, inconsistent with prior reports that claimed an average of 4%. This suggests that the need for treatment is likely to increase and the government must put policies in place to meet this demand" said Dr. Moses Obimbo, a Professor at the University of Nairobi and KOGS Hon Secretary. According to KOGS, Rhesus isoimmunization : an underappreciated reproductive risk, article published in JOGECA 2023, there has been a contentious suggestion for the universal prophylactic use of anti-D immunoglobulin in all pregnancies, including those following termination or ectopic pregnancies. Despite being preventable, Rhesus disease was identified as one of the roadblocks to achieving maternal universal health coverage. The team recommended all stakeholders to facilitate access to anti-D immunoglobulin and screening tools for widespread screening and treatment.^ Such measures would go a long way in prevention of Rh disease. The first step in creating awareness though is also the simple knowledge of one's own blood groups and Rh testing. Knowing your Rh status reduces these risks dramatically Rh sensitization is evaluated by a blood test known as indirect Coombs' test. This test can assess presence of cell-destroying antibodies and alert the doctor to take appropriate treatment. Effects of Rh incompatibility can be prevented by getting an injection of RhIg (Rh immunoglobulin,) during the first course of pregnancy, abortion, miscarriage, while having any bleeding during pregnancy or within 72 hours of delivery. Importance of Blood group testing in pregnant women "Uganda has made significant strides in the reduction of maternal mortality from haemorrhage and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. However, we should not forget the morbidity and suffering caused by Rhesus incompatibilities during all trimesters of pregnancy and after childbirth. Make Blood group/Rhesus testing an indicator of quality of care at all levels offering care to women" said Dr. Othiniel Musana, Member Senior Leader Team National Safe Motherhood Expert Committee (NASMEC), President of Association of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Uganda (AOGU) 2021-2023. How is Rh incompatibility managed? If a Rh-negative woman is pregnant and has given birth to a Rh-positive child in the past, the doctor can test for Rh positive antibodies in her blood, and even take a sample of amniotic fluid to check for bilirubin levels in the fetus (amniocentesis). It is possible to take a sample of fetal blood from the umbilical cord as well. Once diagnosed, depending on the severity of the disease, the fetus may either require single or multiple intrauterine blood transfusions or it may have to be delivered early to manage complications. Haemolytic disease of the newborn is a devastating disease for babies and their families and is a huge challenge to handle. But it does not have to be. Being forewarned is being forearmed and awareness of this condition can go a long way in saving lives Collaborative strategies from AGOTA with govt institution/insurance organisation for supporting Rh disease prevention. "The association of Gynaecologists and Obstetricians of Tanzania (AGOTA) has worked very closely with the Government and other health concerned stakeholders like BSV in preparing guidelines, mentoring and evaluating of all issues pertaining to maternal newborn and child health including Rh incompatibility. The awareness of antenatal care in Tanzania is of paramount with the aim of solving the existing challenges of provision of antenatal care services focusing on improving maternal and perinatal outcome. The Government of Tanzania priority is to insure universal, quality, comprehensive and equitable health services to all of its citizens, with much emphasis on improving health status of women and children" said Dr. Matilda Ngarina - AGOTA President. *Source : ^ Obimbo, M., & Omanwa, K. (2023). Rhesus isoimmunization: An underappreciated reproductive risk. Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology of Eastern and Central Africa, 35(2), 74. 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MicroPharm Limited is pleased to announce that it has been awarded funding from Wellcome to undertake a Phase II clinical trial of an oral therapeutic (OraCAb®) for the treatment of non-life-threatening C. difficile (C. diff.) infection (CDI). OraCAb is a polyclonal antibody-based therapeutic, comprising highly potent antibodies targeting C. diff. toxins and formulated to ensure gut activity. OraCAb was developed in collaboration with the United Kingdom Health Security Agency (UKHSA), Porton Down. MicroPharm will be the Sponsor of the multi-country trial with harmonised trial sites across Kenya and Australia to facilitate assessment of globally circulating C. diff. strains. The Kenyan trial will be undertaken in Nairobi and led by clinicians from the University of Nairobi acting in conjunction with the University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, USA. The Australian trial will be undertaken by clinicians at the Fiona Stanley Hospital, Perth. C. diff. infection places huge burden on global health systems, is a driver of drug resistance and is the most common cause of infectious diarrhoea in healthcare settings. It is increasingly recognised as a significant cause of diarrhoea in the general community and a major health burden in many Low-and-Middle-Income Countries (LMIC) for example in Kenya where 25% of all patients with diarrhoea are positive for C. diff. toxic strains. It is estimated that in the United States alone, C. diff. accounts for nearly 700,000 infections and 29,000 deaths annually whilst in the UK, there are around 18,000 CDI cases annually with a case fatality rate of around 14%. An affordable and highly effective antibody therapy that has low or minimal risk of developing antimicrobial resistance and is suitable for use in clinical and outpatient settings globally could have huge patient benefit. OraCAb is highly specific in targeting C. diff. toxins TcdA and TcdB and the innovative formulation is designed to maintain OraCAb integrity through the gastrointestinal tract with a view to ensuring activity at the site of C. diff. toxin production. Toxin neutralisation by OraCAb prevents damage to the gut wall and limits disruption to the natural gut flora caused by infection. Importantly, OraCAb offers the potential for global use in neutralising the large variety of 34 different TcdA and TcdB toxinotypes secreted by circulating pathogenic C. diff. strains. A successful trial would demonstrate the power of coupling an antibody platform for oral administration to target enteric and diarrhoeal diseases, paving the way for further development towards treating additional unmet medical need in LMICs such as Shigellosis. Professor John Landon, (MicroPharm Chairman), commented, “We are grateful for Wellcome’s support for this important project, which we believe will be of profound benefit to patients with this globally recognised cause of morbidity and mortality with devastating effects on health-related quality of life. Wellcome Quote: “I’m delighted that Wellcome is investing in the clinical development of OraCAb” said Dr Pete Gardner, Research Lead within Wellcome’s Infectious Disease team. “Supporting the acceleration of new interventions to control infectious disease is critical to Wellcome’s mission and new antibody-based medicines offer a much-needed complementary approach to antibiotics in tackling drug resistant bacterial infections. This partnership with MicroPharm for a Phase II clinical trial is especially exciting as it includes sites in Kenya where OraCAb has the potential to be cost-effective, signalling intent that if shown to be safe and efficacious OraCAb could also be accessible to all who may benefit most from it”.

Research in Kenya has demonstrated that the mortality rate following Paediatric surgical procedures can be 100 times higher than in high-income countries. PATA seeks to redefine surgical and anesthesia care in Africa. LUSAKA, Zambia, Sept. 29, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- To bridge the gap for millions of African children lacking access to safe surgery and anesthesia care, the world's largest cleft organization, Smile Train has officially launched the Paediatric Anaesthesia Training in Africa (PATA) program in partnership with The ELMA Foundation and Vanderbilt University Medical Center. Continue Reading Dr. Maryrose Osazuwa (Program Director-PATA Nigeria) teaching pediatric resuscitation to fellows (Dr. Rukayya Abdullahi Sidi and Dr. Chinedu Onyeoji, both of Nigeria). The PATA Program will be implemented at three African institutions, namely the University of Zambia, National Hospital, Abuja in Nigeria and Makerere University, Kampala in Uganda. The training program, which has been endorsed by the World Federation of Societies of Anaesthesiologists (WFSA), seeks to increase access to safe surgery and anaesthesia care through intensive, year-long fellowships in Paediatric anaesthesia. Through collaboration with the Ministry of Health, the program will also enable the development of a Paediatric anaesthesia policy. Speaking during the launch, Smile Train Vice-President and Regional Director for Africa Mrs. Nkeiruka Obi acknowledged that PATA is intended to meet the urgent need to strengthen Paediatric surgical systems in the region and ensure the safety and quality of Paediatric anaesthesia. "Children in need of surgical treatment, such as those born with clefts or those who are injured, need timely surgery to live a productive life – but access to surgery means nothing if that surgery isn't safe and high-quality. In many African countries, there is a huge gap in skilled surgical and anesthesia providers, which compromises the quality of surgical services. As part of achieving Universal Health Coverage, PATA seeks to upskill more anesthesia providers in the local community by strengthening the Human Resources for Health," said Mrs. Obi. While endorsing the program, Zambia Ministry of Health Director of Clinical Care Dr. Kennedy Lishimpi added: "As part of Zambia's commitment to advancing Universal Health Coverage, we are pleased that the collaboration will strengthen Paediatric anesthesia care in the region. This program is aligned with The Government's endeavors to implement a National Paediatric Surgical and Anaesthesia Plan." Research by the Lancet Commission shows that approximately 143 million surgical procedures are needed yearly in the world which shows a significant burden facing the Paediatric population. In addition, approximately 85 percent of children may require some form of surgery before their 15th birthday. In Kenya, a recent study titled Paediatric Perioperative Mortality in Kenya revealed that the mortality rate of Paediatric procedures is 100 times higher than in high-income countries. In her remarks, Melissa Morrison, Director of Health Programs at ELMA Philanthropies noted, "We are proud to partner with Smile Train in launching the Paediatric Anaesthesia Training in Africa (PATA) program. A well-trained workforce is essential to ensuring that children across Africa have access to safe surgery and anesthesia care. The inequities in surgical access and poor outcomes for children in Africa compared to high-income countries is unacceptable, and the PATA graduates represent hope and a future for thousands of children." Other institutions collaborating on the implementation of the PATA program include African Mission Healthcare-Kenya, Boston Children's Hospital, Kids Operating Room, University of Nairobi, Global Institute of Children's Surgery, African Paediatric Fellowship in Africa, University of Cape Town, Royal College of Surgeons of Ireland, and Association of Anesthesiologists of Uganda (AAU). Media Contact: Smile Train Emily Manjeru PR & Communications Manager, Africa +254724 926 269 [email protected] Photo - Logo - SOURCE Smile Train