Prevention of hepatitis B mother-to-child transmission in Namibia: A cost-effectiveness analysis.

Despite access to a safe and effective vaccine, mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) of hepatitis B virus (HBV) persists in Africa. This is of concern since perinatally-infected infants are at highest risk of developing hepatocellular carcinoma, a life-threatening consequence of chronic HBV infection. While tools to prevent HBV MTCT are available, the cost implications of these interventions need consideration prior to implementation.

Monitoring of gentamicin serum concentrations in obstetrics and gynaecology patients in Namibia.

Background Therapeutic drug monitoring is frequently used to optimize the gentamicin dose. Objective The study investigated whether a 240 mg once daily standard dose achieves the recommended target serum gentamicin concentrations. Setting The prospective, observational study took place in the 2 major public hospitals in Namibia.

Introducing a Mobile-Connected Umbilical Doppler Device (UmbiFlow™) into a Primary Care Maternity Setting: Does This Reduce Unnecessary Referrals to Specialised Care? Results of a Pilot Study in Kraaifontein, South Africa.

Objectives: UmbiFlow™ is a mobile-connected Doppler device that utilises a continuous waveform to measure resistance in the umbilical artery. The main aim of this pilot study was to determine whether the use of UmbiFlow™ for umbilical artery Doppler in patients with a suspected decreased symphysis fundal (SF) growth could safely lead to a decreased number of patients requiring referral to a more specialised level of care. A secondary aim of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness of UmbiFlow™ Doppler as a screening tool for concealed placental insufficiency in late bookers by using a single screening cut-off value that will be abnormal for any gestation >28 weeks.