Efficacy of praziquantel drug against Schistosoma haematobium and performance of urine reagent strips among pre-and-school aged children during the high transmission season in North-Western Tanzania.

The World Health Organization calls for schistosomiasis endemic countries to regularly monitor the efficacy of Praziquantel (PZQ) drug, the only antischistosomal drug used for four decades in Tanzania. In response to that call, the current study investigated the efficacy of single dose of PZQ against Schistosoma haematobium during the high transmission season and further assessed, the sensitivity and specificity of urine reagent strips before and after treatment. The study recruited a total of 2,498 -children aged (4 -17 years old) who provided a single urine sample that was visually examined for macro-haematuria, then using urine dipstick and urine filtration technique for microhaematuria and the presence of S.

Seroprevalence of Dengue and Chikungunya Virus Infections in Children Living in Sub-Saharan Africa: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Dengue and chikungunya viruses are frequent causes of malarial-like febrile illness in children. The rapid increase in virus transmission by mosquitoes is a global health concern. This is the first systematic review and meta-analysis of the childhood prevalence of dengue and chikungunya in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA).

"Mobilizing our leaders": A multi-country qualitative study to increase the representation of women in global health leadership.

Women play an essential role in health care delivery, and it is vital that they have equal representation in health leadership for equity, innovation, and the strengthening of health systems globally. Yet women remain vastly underrepresented in global health leadership positions, providing a clear example of the deeply rooted power imbalances that are central to the calls to decolonize global health. We conducted a multi-country study in Haiti, Tanzania, India, and the USA to examine gender-based challenges to career advancement for women in the global health workforce.

Seroprevalence of IgG Rubella among Infants with Features Suggestive of Congenital Rubella Syndrome at a Tertiary Hospital in North Western Tanzania.

Background: Congenital Rubella Syndrome (CRS) is among the causes of infant mortality and lifelong disability due to severe birth defects. There has been an increasing number of neonates born with congenital abnormalities suggesting CRS, at the same time the rubella seroprevalence among pregnant mothers and healthy school children in the northwestern Tanzania has been noted to be alarmingly high. This study aimed to determine prevalence of rubella antibodies and associated factors among infants suspected to have CRS.

Health Related Quality of Life among Children with Sickle Cell Anaemia in Northwestern Tanzania.

Background: Sickle cell anaemia (SCA) is a serious, multisystem, genetic disorder affecting millions of children worldwide. The disease causes numerous complications that interfere with the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of these children including an impact on educational, physical and psychosocial development. Few studies have described the clinical spectrum and quality of life of children with SCA living in a low-resource area.

Extensive Antibiotic and Antimalarial Prescription Rate among Children with Acute Febrile Diseases in the Lake Victoria Region, Tanzania.

Objectives: Acute mosquito-borne febrile diseases pose a threat to children in the Sub-Saharan-Africa with ∼272 000 children dying worldwide from malaria in 2018. Although the awareness for malaria in this area has increased due to improved health education, the apparent decline of actual malaria cases has not affected clinical practice significantly. This study collected clinical and epidemiologic data of children presenting with acute febrile diseases in order delineate their diagnostic and therapeutic management.

Linkage to Care Intervention to Improve Post-Hospital Outcomes Among Children with Sickle Cell Disease in Tanzania: A Pilot Study.

We conducted a pilot study to determine the effectiveness of a linkage to care intervention with social workers to improve 12-month post-hospital mortality for children in Tanzania with sickle cell disease. Comparison was done with a historical cohort. Mortality was 6.

Predictors and outcome of first line treatment failure among under-five children with community acquired severe pneumonia at Bugando Medical Centre, Mwanza, Tanzania: A prospective cohort study.

Background: Despite recent advances in management and preventive strategies, high rates of first line antibiotics treatment failure and case fatality for Severe Community Acquired Pneumonia (SCAP) continue to occur in children in low and middle-income countries. This study aimed to identify the predictors and outcome of first line antibiotics treatment failure among children under-five years of age with SCAP admitted at Bugando Medical Centre (BMC) in Mwanza, Tanzania.

Methods: The study involved under-five children admitted with SCAP, treated with first line antibiotics as recommended by WHO.

Patterns of viral pathogens causing upper respiratory tract infections among symptomatic children in Mwanza, Tanzania.

Upper-respiratory tract infections (URTI) are the leading causes of childhood morbidities. This study investigated etiologies and patterns of URTI among children in Mwanza, Tanzania. A cross-sectional study involving 339 children was conducted between October-2017 and February-2018.

Renal abnormalities and its associated factors among school-aged children living in endemic communities in Northwestern Tanzania.

Background: In sub-Saharan Africa, renal abnormalities are a major public health concern, especially in children living in endemic areas. However, there is a dearth of data on renal abnormalities among children living in endemic areas. The objective of the study was to assess the prevalence of renal abnormalities among school children in a endemic community in Northwestern Tanzania.

Diabetic Microvascular Complications Among Children and Adolescents in Northwestern Tanzania: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background: Africa is experiencing a rapid increase in morbidity and mortality related to diabetes mellitus (DM). Contemporary data are needed to guide efforts to improve prevention and treatment for microvascular complications in children and adolescents in Africa. This study was conducted to assess prevalence of diabetic microvascular complications in northwestern Tanzania, including nephropathy, retinopathy, and neuropathy, as well as associated risk factors.

Very severe anemia and one year mortality outcome after hospitalization in Tanzanian children: A prospective cohort study.

Background: Africa has the highest rates of child mortality. Little is known about outcomes after hospitalization for children with very severe anemia.

Objective: To determine one year mortality and predictors of mortality in Tanzanian children hospitalized with very severe anemia.

Prevalence and factors associated with renal dysfunction among children with sickle cell disease attending the sickle cell disease clinic at a tertiary hospital in Northwestern Tanzania.

Background: Little is known on how the interaction between Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) and renal insults caused by other coexisting conditions in Sub Saharan Africa such as urinary schistosomiasis, malnutrition and HIV affect the prevalence of renal dysfunction in children with SCD.

Objectives: To determine the prevalence and factors associated with renal dysfunction among children with SCD aged 6 months to 12 years attended at a tertiary hospital in Northwestern Tanzania.

Methods: A cross sectional hospital-based study with a short follow up component of 3 months for 153 children with SCD was done to document demographics, clinical characteristics and features of renal dysfunction including urine dipstick albuminuria (>20mg/l) and eGFR (<60ml/ml/min/1.

Prevalence and factors associated with renal dysfunction in children admitted to two hospitals in northwestern Tanzania.

Background: It is evident that renal dysfunction (RD) is associated with unique infectious and non-infectious causes in African children. However, little data exists about the prevalence and factors associated with RD in children admitted to African hospitals.

Methods: In this cross-sectional study, we enrolled all children admitted to pediatric wards of Bugando Medical Centre (BMC) and Sekou-Toure Regional Referral hospital (SRRH) during a 6 month time period.

Post-hospital mortality in children aged 2-12 years in Tanzania: A prospective cohort study.

Background: Sub-Saharan Africa has the highest rates of child mortality worldwide. Little is known about post-hospital outcomes after an index hospitalization for older children. We determined 12-month post-hospital mortality rate and identified factors associated with higher mortality.

Predictors of the extended-spectrum-beta lactamases producing Enterobacteriaceae neonatal sepsis at a tertiary hospital, Tanzania.

The study was conducted to establish predictors of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (ESBL-PE) neonatal sepsis and mortality in a tertiary hospital, Tanzania. Between July and December 2016, blood culture was performed in neonates with clinical features of sepsis and neonates/mothers/guardians were screened for ESBL colonization. Selected isolates underwent whole genome sequencing to investigate relatedness.

Parvovirus B19 Is Associated with a Significant Decrease in Hemoglobin Level among Children <5 Years of Age with Anemia in Northwestern Tanzania.

Parvovirus B19 (B19) can cause transient aplastic crisis and lead to acute severe anemia. This study investigated the relationship between B19 and anemia among children <5 years old in the city of Mwanza, Tanzania. An enzyme immunoassay was used to detect B19 IgM- and IgG-specific antibodies among children with various categories of anemia according to the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines.

High birth prevalence of sickle cell disease in Northwestern Tanzania.

Background: Worldwide, hemoglobinopathies affect millions of children. Identification of hemoglobin disorders in most sub-Saharan African countries is delayed until clinical signs of the disease are present. Limited studies have been conducted to understand their prevalence and clinical presentation among newborns in resource-limited settings.

Predictors of knowledge and practice of exclusive breastfeeding among health workers in Mwanza city, northwest Tanzania.

Background: Universal exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) for the first 6 months is estimated to reduce infant mortality by 13-15% (9 million) in resource poor countries. Although 97% of women initiate breastfeeding in Tanzania, exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months remains below 50%. Accurate knowledge and practical skills pertaining to exclusive breastfeeding among health workers is likely to improve breastfeeding rates.

Reversible Severe Pulmonary Hypertension after Adenotonsillectomy: A Case Report of a Child Treated at Bugando Medical Centre, Northwestern Tanzania.

Upper airway obstruction (UAO) due to adenotonsillar hypertrophy represents one of the rare causes of pulmonary hypertension in children. We report a case of adenotonsillar hypertrophy, managed at pediatric and otorhinolaryngology departments in Bugando Medical Centre (BMC), northwestern Tanzania, with complete remission of symptoms of pulmonary hypertension following adenotonsillectomy. A 17-month-old boy presented with difficulty breathing, dry cough, and noisy breathing since 1 year.

Head and neck cancers: a clinico-pathological profile and management challenges in a resource-limited setting.

Background: Head and neck cancer (HNC) is one of the most common cancers worldwide and its incidence is reported to be increasing in resource-limited countries. There is a paucity of published data regarding head and neck cancers in Tanzania, and Bugando Medical Centre in particular. This study describes the clinicopathological profile of HNC in our local setting and highlights the challenges in the management of this disease.