Photo: Echwalu Photography

Malaria is a mass killer that every family in Africa dreads. In 2013 statistics showed that about 3.2 billion people – almost half of the world’s population – were at risk of malaria. There were about 198 million malaria cases and an estimated 584 000 malaria deaths; of these 90%  occured in sub-Saharan Africa. This is according to World Health Organization (WHO) statistics that continue to state that pregnant women are at high risk of dying from the complications of severe malaria. Malaria is also a cause of spontaneous abortion, premature delivery, stillbirth and severe maternal anaemia, and is responsible for about one third of preventable low-birth-weight babies.

Pregnant women are more susceptible than the general population to malaria. However, there is good news on the malaria front: researchers at Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine (LSTM), working with colleagues of the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in Kenya and USA, and from the Kenya Medical Research Institution have found that a new drug may be more effective at preventing malaria in pregnant woman, especially where there is resistance to current treatments.

The study noted that WHO currently recommends that women in areas of stable malaria transmission receive intermittent preventative treatment in pregnancy (IPTp) with the antimalarial drug sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine (SP), however high levels of resistance from the malaria parasite to this drug threatens its efficacy. This study looked at two alternatives to the recommended treatment strategy, intermittent screening with malaria rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) and treatment of RDT-positive women with the new drug dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine (ISTp-DP); and intermittent preventative treatment with dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine (IPTp-DP). It was found that there were more instances of malaria with ISTp-DP compared to the existing IPTp-SP strategy, however there was a much lower instance of malaria in the IPTp-DP treated group.

This equated to an 84% reduction in the incidence of clinical malaria during the pregnancy, a 68% reduction in the risk of malaria infection at delivery and a 22% lower risk of anemia at delivery. IPTp-DP was also associated with up to 75% lower risk of stillbirths and early infant mortality than with SP. The drug was safe and very well tolerated by pregnant women.

Malaria in pregnancy remains a significant public health problem, and in areas of high resistance to sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine it is clear that an alternative treatment is needed. Our study showed that test and treat approaches are not a suitable alternative, at least not with the current generation of rapid diagnostic tests which still miss many infections, however it is a positive sign that prevention with the new drug dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine fared well in the study, and could be a promising alternative to SP following further investigation. – Senior author on the study and head of the Malaria in Pregnancy (MiP) Consortium, Professor Feiko ter Kuile.

With this study, the good news of pregnancy can be enjoyed be African women because the fear of malaria would be reduced.

The post New drug may be more effective at preventing malaria in pregnant women first appeared on Uganda Multimedia News & Information.

Some evidence has been debated in the past stating that iron supplementation may increase the risk of infectious diseases, including malaria. One article in the Journal of Nutrition stated that 5 of 9 studies showed oral iron has been associated with increased rates of clinical malaria and 4 of 8 studies  showed increased morbidity from other infectious diseases. These statistics cause great worry for mothers-to-be in malaria-endemic regions because they must wonder if the benefits of iron supplementation outweigh the risks.

Martin N. Mwangi, Ph.D., of Wageningen University, Wageningen, the Netherlands, and his team randomly assigned 470 pregnant Kenyan women living in a malaria endemic area to daily supplementation with 60 mg of iron (n = 237 women) or placebo (n = 233) until 1 month postpartum.

“Overall, we found no effect of daily iron supplementation during pregnancy on risk of maternal Plasmodium infection. Iron supplementation resulted in an increased birth weight [5.3 ounces], gestational duration, and neonatal length; enhanced maternal and infant iron stores at 1 month after birth; and a decreased risk of low birth weight (by 58 percent) and prematurity. The effect on birth weight was influenced by initial maternal iron status. Correction of maternal iron deficiency led to an increase in birth weight by [8.4 ounces].”

The results may apply to pregnant women in other low- and middle-income countries, although the effect on birth weight can vary depending on the prevalence of iron deficiency. “In low- and middle-income countries, it is generally impractical to screen for iron status, and most countries have policies for universal iron supplementation for pregnant women. Based on our results, we believe that the benefits of universal supplementation outweigh possible risks.”

If the intake of iron has been a worry for you or your loved one, here is a study to reduce the worry.

The post Daily iron supplementation during pregnancy does not result in increased risk of malaria – Study says first appeared on Uganda Multimedia News & Information.

Over the years a good night sleep has been found to be important to one’s health and well-being.  Sleep helps your brain work properly, is involved in healing and repair of your heart and blood vessels, helps you function well throughout the day, have a better sex life, better mood and weight control, clearer thinking, better memory, stronger immunity, and many more such rewards. Many people do not give sleep the credit it deserves and hence skimp on a good night’s sleep.

Facilities at WSU’s Sleep and Performance Research Center
Photo credit: Washington State University

The study further notes that no matter how hard a person wants to make the right choice, sleep loss does something to the brain that simply prevents it from effectively using feedback. Hans Van Dongen, a widely recognised scientist in the area of sleep, said that “People in high-stakes environments are held accountable for their actions when they are fatigued just like everyone else; however, we now know that when someone is sleep-deprived their brain simply can’t process feedback from their actions and changing circumstances.’

“Our findings tell us that putting sleep-deprived people in perilous environments is an inherently risky business and raises a number of medical, legal and financial implications,” he said.

Lack of sleep is not only dangerous to one’s health and wellbeing but can prove detrimental to other parties too. The American Psychological Association gives pointers on sleeping well:

• Keep a regular sleep/wake schedule
• Don’t drink or eat caffeine four to six hours before bed and minimize daytime use
• Don’t smoke, especially near bedtime or if you awake in the night
• Avoid alcohol and heavy meals before sleep
• Get regular exercise
• Minimize noise, light and excessive hot and cold temperatures where you sleep
• Develop a regular bed time and go to bed at the same time each night
• Try and wake up without an alarm clock
• Attempt to go to bed earlier every night for certain period; this will ensure that you’re getting enough sleep

Therefore, it is imperative for everyone to get the needed sleep. Recommended hours are 16 for babies, 10 for 3- 18 year olds, 8 hours for 19- 55 year olds and 6 for those over 55.

Always remember: When sleep is sound, health and happiness abound.

The post Study shows new reason you should get enough sleep first appeared on Uganda Multimedia News & Information.

What does the scholarship cover?

All course fees, tuition, assessment, study guides and readers travel costs and accommodation.

Scholarship Application Eligibility Criteria

The post first appeared on Uganda Multimedia News & Information.

Study Subject(s): courses offered by the university
Course Level: This scholarship is available for pursuing undergraduate degree.
Scholarship Provider: Nanyang Technological University
Scholarship can be taken at: Singapore

Eligibility:
-Open to all nationalities.
-Successful awardees should read a full-time undergraduate degree programme. The scholarship will cover the years of study at NTU.
-Possess outstanding Singapore-Cambridge GCE ‘A’ level, Local Polytechnic Diploma, NUS High School Diploma, IB Diploma or Year 12 equivalent qualifications.
-Excellent CCA records.
-Strong leadership qualities and potential..

Scholarship Open for International Students: The international students can apply for the scholarship.

Scholarship Description: The Nanyang Scholarship, NTU’s foremost undergraduate scholarships are awarded to outstanding freshmen pursuing undergraduate programmes. Nanyang Scholarship recognizes students who excel academically, demonstrate strong leadership potential, and possess outstanding Co-Curricular Activities (CCA) track records.

Duration of Awards: Nanyang Scholarship covers up to the normal programme duration on the condition that the scholar maintains a record of good academic performance and conduct satisfactory to the University.

What does it Covers:
– Subsidised tuition fees (after Tuition Grant) will be fully covered
-Living allowance of S$6,000 per academic year.
-Book allowance of S$500 per academic year.
-Accommodation allowance of up to S$2,000 per academic year.
-Travel grant of S$5,000 for an overseas study/attachment programme (one-off)
-Computer allowance of S$1,500 (one-off).
-Settling-in allowance of S$250 (one-off).
-Priority for Global Immersion Programme.
-No bond is attached to the Nanyang Scholarship apart from the three-year bond applicable to all Singapore PRs and international students under the MOE Tuition Grant Scheme.

Selection Criteria: Scholarships are awarded based on competition amongst shortlisted candidates. cholars are required to maintain a minimum Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 3.5 over 5.0. Academic performance will be reviewed every semester.

How to Apply: Online applications are to be submitted.

Scholarship Application Deadline: The same application period for admissions applies. Applicants are required to submit your application for admission before submitting your application for scholarship.

Further Scholarship Information and Application

Read more: 2013 Nanyang Undergraduate Scholarships for International Students in Singapore – 2013 2014 Scholarship Positions : 2013 2014 Scholarship Positions
http://scholarship-positions.com

The post Study in Singapore under the Nanyang Undergraduate Scholarships for International Students 2013 first appeared on Uganda Multimedia News & Information.

Scholarships for study in Holland: The main organization managing information about scholarships in Holland is NUFFIC, the Netherlands’ Organization for International Cooperation in Higher Education.

Up to date information on all scholarships for Holland can always be found on their website www.nuffic.nl.

Below is an overview of the major scholarships available to foreign students in Holland:

1. The Huygens scholarship

Huygens is the scholarship programme of NUFFIC, therefore being a scholarship exclusively for study in Holland.

It is often administered abroad by the local Dutch embassies.

2. The Netherlands’ Fellowship Programmes (NFP)

Since this programme, funded by the Netherlands’ Ministry of Foreign Affairs, is meant for postgraduate students who have already started a career, students can only participate in the programme if they have been nominated by their employer.

The grants can be used either for Master’s studies, Doctoral studies, short courses, training courses or refresher courses in Holland.

The programme currently operates in 57 countries.

This scholarship is also administered by Dutch embassies in the participating countries.

3. WOTRO

This is a scholarships programme for PhD or other Doctoral students.

The scholarship consists of a foundation supported by the Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which aims at improving the research environment at developing countries by offering grants to individual researchers for securign appropriate research facilities.

The Doctoral project must be approved by both the local instances and a Dutch sponsor, and the research itself must be realated to development studies.

The duration of the scholarship is up to 4 years and consists of alternating studies in Holland and the student’s home country.

4. United Nations scholarship programmes

The suborganisations of the United Nations give out numerous scholarships to students from certain countries for study in Holland among other countries.

Information can be obtained from the representations of the specific organisations in the student’s home country.

5. Erasmus mundus

Students can also apply for a number of other programmes, for example the Erasmus mundus programme.

The post Applications needed for Scholarships to Study in Holland first appeared on Uganda Multimedia News & Information.

Students from all around the world with different subject backgrounds are welcome to apply for MA in European Public Health Scholarships.

The Master provides a high level education in public health issues.

Duration: EUROPUBHEALTH is a two year Masters course (120 ECTS Credits)

Its main goal is to enable the students to improving the health of both specific population groups and the population as a whole through :1. The designing, planning, implementation, advising and assessment of health prevention and promotion programmes.

2. The management of health and social services and establishments.

Lead university:AndalusianSchoolof Health,Granada,SpainandSheffieldUniversity,UK.

Partners:

-University of Copenhagen,Denmark: Quantitative assessment in Public Health

-AndalusianSchoolof Public Health,Granada,Spain: Health Management and Quality Improvement

– Jagiellonian University of Cracow,Cracow,Poland: Health Economics and financial management and Social and Health Protection

-NationalSchoolof Public Health,Rennes,France: Environmental Health

-UniversityofRennes1,Rennes,France: Law, Health and Ethics

Students or professionals who are applying for an Erasmus Mundus MA in European Public Health Scholarships should send their application form before the 31st December.

The post Study for masters in European Public Health Scholarships first appeared on Uganda Multimedia News & Information.

ACCES Scholarship Program: The African Canadian Continuing Education Society (ACCES) is a non-profit agency that supports Kenyan students by providing post-secondary scholarships.

The mission of frican Canadian Continuing Education Society (ACCES) is to help young Africans obtain the skills and education needed to benefit themselves and their society.

The scholarships are for study at Kenyan universities and technical colleges.

In addition, frican Canadian Continuing Education Society (ACCES) runs primary literacy centres and HIV/AIDS awareness programs.

frican Canadian Continuing Education Society (ACCES) donors have helped each one by donating $400 per year or $35 per month to cover tuition fees and accommodation.

The scholarships are for the “bright and needy Kenyan youth.”

Contact details: ACCES,2441 Christopherson Rd.Surrey,British Columbia,CanadaV4A 3L2. Tel: 604 538 7267. Fax 604 538 7267. Email: acces[at]acceskenya.org

The post Study at Kenyan Universities for Access scholarship first appeared on Uganda Multimedia News & Information.

Diploma in Hospitality and Tourism Management Scholarships: Austrian Development Cooperation (ADC) provides scholarships for:

• 8-months Diploma Course for higher qualification offering specialization in: Hospitality Management, Tourism Management.
• 9-months Teachers Training for further qualification of lecturers in the tourism field.

Scholarships Cover:

Tuition Fee, insurance, food, pocket money for full scholarship also accommodation and travel expenses with funding from the Austrian Development Cooperation (ADC), Government of Salzburg, and Salzburg Economic Chamber.

Country of Origin for Applicants:

Developing countries from Africa, Asia andLatin America. Priorities to applicants from the partner countries of the Austrian Development Cooperation (ADC) and from LLDCs.

Scholarships Eligibility and Deadline:

• A-Level, high school certificate or equivalent, at least one year experience in tourism industry, professional training is an advantage.
• A-Level, high school certificate or equivalent, at least one year teaching experience for teacher training applicants.

E-mail: office [at] ith-salzburg.at

Application deadline: May 1 Every year.

The post Study tourism management in Diploma in Hospitality first appeared on Uganda Multimedia News & Information.

The  Eropean Master’s in Transnational Trade Law and Finance (EMTTLF) has been selected by the European Commission among the Erasmus Mundus masters courses for five years.

This implies that the European Commission will grant scholarships to highly qualified third-country graduate students to follow the EMTTLF Masters Course.

The EMTTLF Consortium will award around 17 Erasmus Mundus Scholarships to highly qualified third-country graduate students.

Third-country graduate student means:

• A national of a third country other than those from EEA-EFTA States (Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway) and candidate countries for accession to the European Union (presently Croatia, Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia and Turkey);
• Who has already obtained a first higher education degree;
• Who is not a resident of any of theMemberStatesor the participating countries (EEA-EFTAStatesand EU candidate countries for accession);
• Who has not carried out his or her main activity (studies, work, etc.) for more than a total of 12 months over the last five years in any of the Member States or the participating countries.

Amount

Each grantee will receive 1,600 € each month for living costs during the months of duration of the program (1 academic year = 10 months) plus a fixed amount of 10,000 € to be paid in two installments of 5,000 € each per year.

In order to facilitate the management of the transfer of the lump sum and the registration fee and to reduce costs for money transfer students can authorize the EMTTLF Consortium to deduct the registration fee from the lump sum.

The post Study masters in transitional trade law and finance first appeared on Uganda Multimedia News & Information.