Health Matters
health education & research in africa
Meet the team
Health updates
MEPI success stories Issue 1 # July 2016
foreword
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Dr. Miliard Derbew
hy AfreHealth? It all started with MEPI... The success of MEPI over the past four years has impacted beyond the goal of transforming and strengthening medical education across Africa. Through support from the HRSA and PEPFAR/NIH grant, the Medical Education Partnership Initiative (MEPI) brought 32 African and 20 US institutions together in a 5-year partnership programme aimed at strengthening medical education systems and clinical and research capacity in Africa. The response was largely driven by a need to transform health care delivery within resource constrained environments on the continent. In coming together under MEPI, African MEPI PI’s quickly recognised the need for an African leadership group to advance the goals and objectives of MEPI on the continent. There was consensus that the continent needed an African voice and leadership to continue beyond the scope of MEPI if we are to truly transform health care delivery in Sub-Saharan Africa – and beyond.
Having achieved remarkable success through the MEPI grant, African MEPI PI’s decided to rise to the clarion call to establish a platform which echoes African health goals whilst continuing the legacy of MEPI’s work and expanding deliverables in health. This led to the formation of the African Forum for Research and Education in Health (AfreHealth) which we are excited to officially launch today at the MEPI 2016 conference. However, in doing so, we must acknowledge the role and success of MEPI across our partner institutions and that of our partners in the United States. Through their shared vision, confidence, guidance and unequivocal support we have been able to navigate the challenging terrain of health where we strive to do the best we can, with the little we have. Our dreams and aspirations to come together as African health professionals to reflect African goals was always there, but through experience gained with MEPI we were able to transform that vision into a reality, so from all of us, we wish to acknowledge and pay tribute to PEPFAR/NIH and all those who contributed towards the success of MEPI. Here’s to the continuation of transforming lives in Africa through AfreHealth!
Meet the team...
Continuing the MEPI legacy under the banner of AFREHEALTH
Prof. peter donkor
Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Ghana
Dr. Miliard Derbew Addis Ababa University, Ethiopia
Dr Francis Omaswa
African Centre for Global Health and Social Transformation, Uganda
Prof. Nelson K. Sewankambo
Makerere University, Uganda
Dr. Sandy Pillay
University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Prof. Emilia Noormahomed Eduardo Mondlane University Mozambique
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MEPI success
our vision
Mozambique organisational structure
3 Virtual Libraries with 75 computers created at UEM and UniLurio
research protocols developed with 35 publications
A
fter much deliberation and consultation, the African Forum for Research and Education in Health (AfreHealth) was formally established by MEPI African PI’s and officially launched at the MEPI Symposium in Nairobi, Kenya, in August 2016, which marks the end of MEPI’s 5-year term and the dawn of AfreHealth. At the heart of the ethos of AFREHealth is the confidence and wealth of skills in transforming health care gained through more than five years conducting MEPI project work on the continent. African institutions involved in MEPI are now well placed to transfer the knowledge, training and multidisciplinary approach in tackling the high disease burden across Africa against the backdrop of limited resources and skills. objectives of AFREHealth include: Providing African leadership for responsive health professionals’ education, training, research and service through:
Partnership/collaboration across Africa, to ultimately include Francophone countries and fragile states recovering from epidemics and war Networking Advocacy Resource mobilisation Strategic communication Sharing best practice Working towards an AIDS free generation on the continent Transformation of health professions education Serving as a platform to facilitate health provision and improve health workforce Underpinning the above objectives lie:
Professionalism Accountability Mutual Respect Team Spirit Gender Sensitivity Excellence Equity Activities & Programs
AfreHealth will ensure a robust engagement of stakeholders and those
who share its vision to answer the call of Africa’s health concerns. This will be achieved through the establishment of a research agenda to address key health priorities including TB, HIV, Malaria, MCH, NCDs and emerging and repeat epidemics.
Governing Council
A mass communication strategy aimed at prevention will ensure key objectives are met through strategies which include: 1 Partnerships with similar organisations in Africa such as African Medical Schools Association, African Platforms. 2 Mobilisation of resources. 3 Participation in relevant conferences for advocacy and networking. 4 Annual conferences for the exchange of information, knowledge and best practice. 5 Regular communication among members and support of technical working groups. 6 Dissemination of relevant information including tool kits, technical guidance, publications and policy briefs. 7 Support activities of technical working groups.
executive committee
secretariat
subcommittee
subcommittee
task force
subcommittee
subcommittee
task force
Continuing the MEPI legacy under the banner of AFREHEALTH
Prof. Kien Alfred Mteta
Director General, Bugando Medical Centre, Tanzania
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Prof. Fatima Suleman
Associate Professor, School of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
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Prof. Marietjie de Villiers Stellenbosch University, South Africa
Dr. Gachuno Onesmus Specialist Gynaecologist & Obstetrician, Nairobi, Kenya
Prof. James G. Hakim Medicine, University Of Zimbabwe
Dr. Nkomazana Oathokwa
Associate Program Director, University Of Botswana School Of Medicine
DR. Rose Chalo Nabirye Acting Dean, School of Health Sciences Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
Dr. Elsie KiguliMalwadde
African Centre for Global Health and Social Transformation, Uganda
prof. isaac kibwage University of Nairobi, Kenya
Dr. Steve B. Kamiza
Associate Professor, Anatomical Pathology, University of Malawi
MS.VICTORIA BAM
Department of Nursing, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Ghana
DR. Moses Simuyemba University of Zambia
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MEPI success
q&a
MEPI success
tanzania
KENYA AfreHealth is set to play a key role in enhancing health care on the continent. Zohra Teke speaks to lead member,
Introduction of fiberoptic connectivity to campus
Prof. Peter Donkor,
about plans for the future.
Provision of computer tablets to all incoming medical students
Q
How will health professionals and academics benefit from AfreHealth?
A Emerging out of MEPI, AfreHealth will collaborate with partner organisations to promote research and training curriculum updates in member institutions. Training and capacity building of health professionals in research and teaching methods will constitute a core activity as not only will this improve the calibre of health professionals on the continent but will also facilitate access to grants in support of research which is critically needed in our search for new and innovative ways to treat the high disease burden.
Establishment of student and faculty computer laboratories
Q
How will AfreHealth improve maternal and child health on the continent?
A AfreHealth is an interdisciplinary health professional forum which seeks to improve health care through research, education and capacity building in all critical areas including maternal and child health. This includes focal research on reproductive health, maternal mortality, sexually transmitted infections including HIV, childhood malnutrition, malaria,and diarrhoeal diseases which remain a key challenge for Africa.
Q
What are some of the key challenges?
A The health challenges in Africa require a collective and decisive leadership which would address issues through African eyes. AfreHealth will provide this leadership to enable it to partner with relevant governmental & non-governmental stakeholders and international collaborators. Through a concerted effort which brings together experienced, trained and educated experts AfreHealth will be able to address some of the obstacles in overcoming health challenges on the continent. Key challenges like resource constraints, lack of training, shortages of personnel etc require that we pool together to address these issues which is a key element of AfreHealth. The organisation will work at removing barriers in research and education between health professionals in Africa by providing a common focus for our endeavours. It has the potential to improve dialogue, research and educational partnerships and understanding among the health professions and thus improve efficiency and minimise wastage of scarce resources.
170 midwives and related professionals trained in obstetric emergency newborn resuscitation team training (PRONTO)
18 certified local and 1 master trainer
linkages with Kenyan, African, and global institutions put in place
Continuing the MEPI legacy under the banner of AFREHEALTH Prof. Mulla Yakub
Former Dean, School of Medicine, University of Zambia
DR. Mamudo Rafik Ismail
Eduardo Mondlane University, Mozambique
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PROF. Midion Mapfumo Chidzonga University of Zimbabwe
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prof. Nthabiseng Phaladze
Associate Professor, University of Botswana
Addis Ababa University, Ethiopia
DR. Gubela Mji Stellenbosch University, South Africa
DR. Abigail Kazembe University of Malawi
MS. Rogathe Machange KCMC, Tanzania
MEPI success
Nairobi
ASSOCIATE PROF. Jean Nachega Stellenbosch University, South Africa
DR. Aster Tsegaye
Addis Ababa University, Ethiopia
ASSOCIATE PROF. Daniel Mengistu
Prof. David Olufemi Olaleye
University of Ibadan, Nigeria
Through MEPI funding, The University of Nairobi together with AMREF introduced a program to upgrade registered nurses to degree level. A strategy was also introduced to increase retention of health workers in rural facilities. This approach has helped the School of Nursing increase its intake capacity from 50 to 300 a year – with 449 students having enrolled to date.
news MEPI success
south africa
400 More than
master trainers trained on the Essential Steps in the Management of Obstetric Emergencies (ESMOE)
Video game concept on medicine research
More than 1,500 1195 pre-service and in-service nurses trained in NIMART
MEPI success
ethiopia
In brief... Ethiopia
Young Ireen Zalira has been named among the four young Africans who are changing the world. Together with two friends, Zalira established the female-led organization, Growing Ambitions to include 30 teenage mothers from Lilongwe. “We are now supporting more than 40 girls by providing a safe space for sharing, learning and mentorship, we also provide financial support for the girls to go back and stay in school,” she says.
kenya
The East African Community Ministers for Finance and Health have adopted a Framework of Action on Sustainable Financing of health and HIV. This recommends three strategic policy actions - to increase public spending on health to 15% as recommended in the Abuja Declaration, increase tax administration efficiency to finance health and to increase the efficiency of health and HIV service delivery.
Ghana
Ghana’s Health Ministry has launched a National Nutrition Policy to curb rising malnutrition among its population, especially children under five years. Health Minister, Alexander Segbefia, says while the country has made progress in solving nutritional problems, more needs to be done. Ghana’s intervention includes proposing a six-month maternity leave, scaling up Community-Led Total Sanitation initiatives and encouraging public-private partnerships for nutrition security.
Uganda
Taking a bath before surgery, closing the door to the operating theatre and ensuring surgeons clean their hands properly can be the difference between life and death. A study involving more than 650 surgical patients in Uganda showed the rate of infections halved after new measures were introduced. As a result, patients are spending less time in hospital, resulting in cost-savings for both the patient and the hospital.
Mozambique
More than 6,000 tablets distributed to medical students over 4 medical schools, which includes medical textbooks, SIM card, Wi-Fi access and more!
Malawi
Student to text book ratio has increased to almost one to one for major clinical courses despite the sharp rise in the number of medical students. The increase in access to text books is largely due to the success of the MEPI collaboration which led to improved access to major clinical text books for medical students at Addis Ababa University School of Medicine.
The Ministry of Health hopes to reduce the prevalence of chronic malnutrition among Mozambican children to 20 per cent by 2020, according to latest reports from the Health Systems Trust. The Ministry’s latest efforts come as the country grapples with around 43 per cent of its children under five years of age suffering from chronic malnutrition. Efforts to reduce these figures include the launch of the Communication Strategy for Social and Behavioural Change to Prevent Malnutrition.
Zimbabwe
Nigeria
The Nigerian Sovereign Investment Authority in partnership with the federal Ministry of Health have signed a series of agreements to modernise and expand health care services through private sector participation. The agreements look to develop the capacity of specialist hospitals and diagnostic centres to ensure they are able to provide advanced medical care services.
Botswana
Minister of Health, Ms Dorcas Makgato has called on the country’s health institutions to produce quality that they could be proud of as they were the backbone of the health care system. Ms Makgato has also lamented the long wait for outcomes of research, adding this could in some instances delay service delivery.
South Africa
Zambia
A Zambia based safari guide, Huw Jones, has launched an innovative first to help rural communities in Zambia access health assistance. His charity, called Virtual Doctors, based in the UK, uses the expertise of volunteer doctors in the UK to provide direct and individual support for health workers in Zambia. “Many families depend on rural health centres, which have health workers but no qualified doctors. The virtual doctors project means that these isolated health centres can be supported by doctors thousands of miles away,” he explains.
South Africans will be eating less salt, as new legislation to reduce salt in processed foods came into effect last month. Reforms in salt came amidst alarming figures pointing to South Africans intake of salt being twice the recommended daily salt limit of 5 grams a day - with most of this contained in manufactured foods.
The Government of Zimbabwe has teamed up with international stakeholders to develop national action plan to fight Antimicrobial Resistance based on the “One Health” concept. The plan is touted as a first for Zimbabwe - and amongst developing countries to initiate a “One Health National Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance” with collaboration of the human, agricultural and environmental sectors working together.
According to the latest UNICEF report, from 1990 to 2015, the global maternal mortality ratio declined by 44% – from 385 deaths to 216 deaths per 100,000 live births. Whilst hailed as impressive, this is less than half the 5.5 per cent annual rate needed to achieve the three-quarters reduction in maternal mortality targeted for 2015 in Millennium Development Goal 5 – more concerning as levels of maternal mortality remain unacceptably high in sub-Saharan Africa.
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focus
MEPI success
GHANA Locally-based emergency medicine and nursing curriculum developed with University of Michigan in Ghana
NURSING EDUCATION PARTNERSHIP INITIATIVE (NEPI) Susan Michaels-Strasser, NEPI Project Director, ICAP
Achievements to Date “We are excited to move into the next phase of HRH strengthening and look forward to close collaboration with the MEPI PI council and MEPI institutions through the new body AfreHealth. As we move into the next phase of HIV care and treatment, epidemic control and achievement of 90-90-90, it is imperative that medicine and nursing actively collaborate to achieve these ambitious goals”
South-South & North-South collaborations established
Dr. Susan Michaels-Strasser
An Overview of NEPI
HIV/AIDS training conducted for trainees using locally developed guidelines and SOPs for HIV/AIDS care in the Emergency Department
Launched in 2011, NEPI is a PEPFAR initiative administered by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services/Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) and implemented by ICAP at Columbia University. It is part of HRSA’s Global Nursing Capacity Building Program and aims to promote sustainable control of the HIV epidemic by addressing shortfalls in the number, quality, and capacity of nurses and midwives.
Access to nursing education. With NEPI support, nursing schools have expanded their infrastructure to accommodate more students and upgraded their facilities with clinical skills simulation labs and computerised research centers. Curricular reform. ICAP has worked with NEPI-supported schools to reform curricula and ensure that they are aligned with the competencies needed for frontline nursing and midwifery, including HIV-related competencies. Faculty development. ICAP has trained and mentored faculty in new methods of academic teaching and clinical instruction, preceptorship, and the development of competency-based curricula. Nursing schools are linked through online networks that facilitate sharing of experience and learning and support implementation of best practices. Advanced degree programs, including a doctoral program in Malawi, have improved career development opportunities for nursing educators, and two new degree programs in nursing education have been launched to train additional faculty. Institutional capacity. ICAP has built NEPI partner schools’ capacity to sustain achievements to date and continue updating the education they offer beyond NEPI, based on new clinical guidelines and national health priorities.
Global summary of HIV epidemic in women and children 2014
Estimated number of women (15+) living with HIV
60%
Estimated number of pregnant women living with HIV
Estimated number of children (<15) living with HIV
Estimated number of children (<15) newly infected with HIV
64%
esar 10.3 million
61%
esar 940 000
global 17.4 million
esar 1.6 million
global 1.5 million
43% esar 93 000
global 2.6 million
49% esar 74 000
Estimated number of children (<15) dying of AIDS-related causes
Source: UNAIDS 2014 HIV & AIDS estimates, July 2015
global 220 000
global150 000 produced by: COMMUNICATION
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“ w h e re c o m m u n i c a t i o n i s e v e ry t h i n g ”
The NEPI initiative has built the capacity of 22 nursing schools to implement international best practices in preservice nursing and midwifery education
More than 23,600 students have enrolled in NEPI-supported programs Over 10,400 students have graduated and joined the health workforce
African Centre for Global Health and Social Transformation (ACHEST) Address: Plot 13B, Acacia Avenue P.O. Box 9974, Kampala, Uganda Telephone: 2564145237225 / 041423722