A structured approach to effective mentoring of women health researchers in Africa

Objectives: To formatively evaluate the HIGHER Women consortium's Mentor Protégée Program (MPP) and derive lessons for successful African women scientist mentorship. Design: Desk review of program documents and cross-sectional surveys of mentors and protégées. Setting: All 10 regions of Cameroon Participants: Women working in health research participating in the MPP. Interventions: Building health research skills and providing support for women to cope within the African psychosocial environment using a holistic approach. Main outcome measures: Formed mentor-protégés duos applying the MPP with measurable accomplishments. Results: The consortium counted 121 members with 103 protégées and 18 mentors. Of 103 protégées, 35 responded to the 2018 survey, while 77 responded to the 2022 survey. Mentioned benefits of the program included an increase in scientific peer-reviewed journal publications and presentations at national and international conferences. In the 2022 survey, a Pearson correlation showed an r of 0.41, which, although not statistically significant (p = .592), suggests a positive correlation between the increased number of peer-reviewed articles and increased number of years as HIGHER Women protégées. Conclusions: Mentorship programs can help over time to bridge the gender gaps within Africa as well as the gaps between African-led research and the rest of the world while making a meaningful contribution to enhancing the quality, diversity, and productivity of researchers. A mentoring program such as the HIGHER Women MPP can be improved by leveraging local and international partners to foster the mentoring program's sustainability, scalability, and expanded reach.

Experiência do Comité Nacional de Bioética para a Saúdede Moçambique após Covid-19 / Experience of the National Bioethics Committee for Health of Mozambique after Covid-19

O Comité Nacional de Bioética para a Saúde em Moçambique (CNBS) tem como missão principal fazer a revisão, para aprovação ética, de todas as propostas de pesquisa em saúde, que envolvam seres humanos, realizadas em todo o território nacional, submetidas pelos investigadores, sejam estes nacionais ou estrangeiros. É apresentado, de forma sucinta, os objectivos do Comité Nacional de Bioética para a Saúde de Moçambique e da sua redede Comités Institucionais de Bioética paraa Saúde (CIBS ́s) e o modo do seu funcionamento para garantir o cumprimento dos procedimentos éticos na investigação para protecção do agente de pesquisa e do próprio investigador, bem como desenvolver a formação em bioética para a pesquisa, melhorando e agilizando a comunicação entre os investigadores, promotores ou financiadores destas pesquisas. Com o aparecimento da pandemia deCovid-19,e havendo necessidade destes comités, mais do que nunca, manterem-se em funcionamento, introduziram-se algumas alterações à sua actividade, nomeadamente a passagem para um regime de teletrabalho, a obrigatoriedade dos protocolos de estudo conterem um capítulo (se pertinente) sobre comoenfrentaria no terreno, a situação da Covid-19 e a avaliação expedita, entre outras. Conclui-se com o relato dos resultados desta experiência vivida num período de um ano (Janeiro a Dezembro de 2020).

The main mission of the National Bioethics Committee for Health in Mozambique (CNBS) is to review for ethical approval all health research proposals involving human subjects conducted throughout the national territory submitted by national or foreign researchers. The objectives of the National Bioethics Committee for Health in Mozambique and its network of Institutional Bioethics Committees for Health (CIBS's) are briefly presented, as well as how they function to ensure compliance with ethicalprocedures in research for the protection of the research agent and the researcher himself, as well as to develop training in bioethics for research, improving and streamlining communication between researchers, promoters or funders of such research. Withthe appearance of the Covid-19 pandemic and the need for these Committees, more than ever, to remain functional, some changes were introduced to their activity, namely the change to a teleworking regime, the obligation for study protocols to contain a chapter (if relevant) on how they would deal with the Covid-19 situation in the field and the expedite evaluation, among others. We conclude with the report of the results of this experience lived in a period of one year (January to December 2020)

A preprogram appraisal of factors influencing research productivity among faculty at college of medicine, University of Lagos

A defining feature of any university is its dedication to scholarly activities, leading to the generation of knowledge and ideas Research productivity is a measure of achievement of a scholar. The number of research publications in peer-reviewed journals is an important criterion for assessing productivity and prestige in the academia. Aims and Objectives: This cross-sectional descriptive study assessed the level of research productivity (RP) among junior faculty at the College of Medicine, University of Lagos, and investigated factors affecting their research output prior to the implementation of a 5-year training grant funded by the National Institutes of Health. Methods: Seventy junior faculty members attended a pre-program training, and the self-reported number of peer-reviewed publications (PRPs) was used as an indicator. Intrinsic and extrinsic factors influencing RP among the attendees were assessed and ranked. Results: The majority (42/70, 60%) of the respondents had <10 PRPs. The median (interquartile range) number of PRPs was 7 (3­18). A desire for the development of their personal skills, contribution to society, and personal research interests topped the list of intrinsic factors influencing RP. Work flexibility, research autonomy, and scholarly pursuits were the bottom three. A desire for promotion, respect from peers, and increased social standing were the top three extrinsic factors, while monetary incentives, employment opportunities, and the need to attend conferences were the lowest three. The top barriers to RP were lack of resources and lack of mentoring. Perceived older age, lack of time, and motivation were the lowest three barriers. Older age and professional cadre were associated with increased RP (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Among the participants, research output appears to be motivated primarily by a desire for personal development,promotion, and respect from peers. Lack of access to resources was the main barrier to increased RP. These factors may need to be considered when developing programs designed to promote RP

Child and adolescent mental health in Africa: A qualitative analysis of the perspectives of emerging mental health clinicians and researchers using an online platform

Objective: Using a social ecological framework, this study aimed to establish emerging mental health clinicians and researchers' perspectives about child and adolescent mental health (CAMH) in Africa.Method: Perspectives of 17 participants from Ethiopia, Kenya, South Africa, Tunisia, Uganda and Zambia, whose professional backgrounds ranged from psychiatry to speech-language therapy, were collected at an African CAMH conference. Data were gathered using open-ended questions, using an online survey. Data were analysed using theoretical thematic analysis.Results: An adapted social ecological framework highlighted: An increased need for commitment from governments to improve CAMH in Africa; and addressing mental health stigma and discrimination through community awareness. The need for specialised CAMH facilities were identified, particularly in the public health sector. The need for multi-sectoral, multi-disciplinary partnerships for advocacy, service delivery, and continuity of care were also identified. Participants emphasised the importance of CAMH awareness, and the role of governments in recognising CAMH needs and using policies to improve CAMH in Africa. Participants were hopeful about the transformation of CAMH on the continent.Conclusion: The participants prioritised government- and community-level awareness to increase the resources and support offered by CAMH services in Africa

Professional library services in federal neuropsychiatric hospital, YABA Lagos

This paper is a review of professional library services in Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Yaba. The paper noted that the important role of Medical Librarians in facilitate access to the medical literature for health professionals and students. Data from the library statistics show there is increase in patronage from 4040 library visits in 2011 to 6395 in 2015. Students use the library most. Hospital staff and researchers also use the library. Information services performed in library include current awareness services, Strategic dissemination of information. It was recommended that availability and utilization of ICT or e- library in library should be a priority. Adequate funding, infrastructures development and provision of uninterrupted electricity for conducive learning environment were highly recommended.

From malaria control to elimination in South Africa: the researchers' perspectives

Background: Global decline in malaria episodes over the past decade gave rise to a debate to target malaria elimination in eligible countries. However; investigation regarding researchers' perspectives on barriers and facilitating factors to effective implementation of a malaria elimination policy in South Africa (SA) is lacking. Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate the malaria researchers' knowledge, understandings, perceived roles, and their perspectives on the factors influencing implementation of a malaria elimination policy in SA. Setting: Participants were drawn from the researchers who fulfilled the eligibility criteria as per the protocol, and the criteria were not setting-specific. Methods: The study was a descriptive cross-sectional survey conducted through an emailed self-administered semi-structured questionnaire amongst malaria researchers who met the set selection criteria and signed informed consent. Results: Most (92.3%) participants knew about SA's malaria elimination policy; but only 45.8% had fully read it. The majority held a strong view that SA's 2018 elimination target was not realistic; citing that the policy had neither been properly adapted to the country's operational setting nor sufficiently disseminated to all relevant healthcare workers. Key concerns raised were lack of new tools; resources; and capacity to fight malaria; poor cross-border collaborations; overreliance on partners to implement; poor community involvement; and poor surveillance.Conclusion: Malaria elimination is a noble idea; with sharp divisions. However; there is a general agreement that elimination requires: (a) strong cross-border initiatives; (b) deployment of adequate resources; (c) sustainable multistakeholder support and collaboration; (d) good surveillance systems; and (e) availability and use of all effective intervention tools

'Checkmating HIVetAIDS': Using Chess to Break the Silence in the Classroom

In this article; I give an account of my 'Checkmating HIVetAIDS' action research project; which was an attempt to break the 'culture of silence' concerning HIVetAIDS and sex and sexuality in my classroom. In this project; I focused specifically on one code of sport; namely chess; and I point out and discuss the potential of using chess as an educational tool in addressing HIVetAIDS. It was found that learners enjoy playing chess and that it can be used in the Life Orientation classroom to promote HIVetAIDS awareness. This type of alternative awareness is relevant as learners in most schools were becoming fatigued by HIVetAIDS information overload. The project portrays the role of the teacher as a researcher and critical change agent in an HIVetAIDS-challenged society

Value and Importance of Informed Consent to Researchers at Makerere University

Background: Respect for persons requires that research participants be given the opportunity to make choices about what should be done to them. Many times; the process of informed consent is abused to the benefit of researchers while exploitation and harm to the research participants may occur. In Uganda; issues of questionable research ethics have been highlighted in the past. Objective: To determine the Value and importance of the informed consent process among researchers at Makerere University. Materials and Methods: This was a qualitative descriptive study design involving faculty and graduate students in the faculties of Medicine and Social Sciences. Results: Of the 37 respondents 68were faculty while 32were graduate students in the fields of social sciences; clinical and basic sciences. Mean research experience was 8.5 years. More than 70of the respondents have had no formal training in research ethics. Only 22of the respondents appreciated the need for research participants to comprehend the informed consent; 38thought it is not always the case and in many cases their subjects do not have to comprehend; while the remaining 40believe that research subjects' understanding of the informed consent process may not be necessary. All respondents appreciated the importance of confidentiality although data management procedures were lacking by many. Conclusion: Most researchers appreciate the importance of confidentiality; but have limited understanding of the process of informed consent; information handling and the importance of feedback

Antibacterial activities of lactic acid bacteria isolated from selected vegetables grown in nigeria: a preliminary report

Members of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) are known probiotics and have been reported to have antimicrobial properties. Although various researchers have documented the isolation of these bacteria from fruits and vegetables; studies on LAB associated with lettuce; cucumber and cabbage are limited and non-existing in Nigeria. This study was designed to assess lettuce; cucumber and cabbage as potential sources of LAB and investigate the actions of their bacterial cell supernatants (BCS) on some pathogenic bacteria. Using standard microbiological methods; isolated LAB were identified to species level with API 50 CH kits (Biomerieux; France). Cell free supernatants (CFS) from de Man Rogosa Sharpe (MRS) broth cultures of the LAB strains were used to challenge Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27853; Enterococcus faecalis ATCC 29212; Escherichia coli ATCC 12900 and Proteus penneri ATCC 13315 by agar well diffusion method. The control consisted of the sterile MRS broth subjected to the same growth conditions as LAB broth cultures. A total of four lactic acid bacteria were isolated as follows: Pediococcus pentosaceus 2 from cucumber; Lactobacillus cellobiosus from cabbage; Lactobacillus salivarius and Lactobacillus plantarum 1 from lettuce. Pediococcus pentosaceus 2 and L. salivarius showed inhibitory effects on all the standard strains tested while L. plantarum 1 showed no inhibitory activity against E. faecalis and E. coli. Lactobacillus cellobiosus showed inhibition against all except P. penneri. Although; the molecular characterisation and probiotic potentials of these LAB strains are being investigated in an on-going study; we presumed these vegetables are prospective sources of the bacteria in Nigeria and therefore the need to extensively investigate the vegetables and other related vegetables becomes imperative

Recherche medicale en Afrique Subsaharienne:ses contraintes et ses potentialites

Un nombre; non exhaustif; de constats sur la situation actuelle de la recherche medicale en Afrique subsaharienne est rapporte ; la prise en compte de ces constats pourrait en permettre un meilleur developpement. Des reflexions concernant l'organisation de la recherche; ses financements; la necessaire sensibilisation des decideurs; le statut et le role du chercheur; ainsi que la structuration de la recherche; permettent de mieux cerner certains des freins actuels. Des suggestions sont formulees ; chacune d'entre elles doit etre adaptee au contexte de chaque pays. Il appartient aux seuls chercheurs du Sud de prendre les decisions adequates et de les developper en partenariat etroit et egalitaire avec d'autres chercheurs. Parmi les suggestions; citons : la potentialisation des moyens par le developpement de reels Reseaux; regionaux et internationaux; de chercheurs; la creation; au Nord; de postes virtuels d'Attaches de Recherche a titre Etranger; la publication d'une ou deux revues medicales africaines de haut niveau; et le developpement de la banque de donnees africaines

Medical Research : are we doing enough in Africa?

As we look forward to the end of this Century and the beginning of the next; our politicians are busy telling us about their plans to turn our countries into New Industrialised Nations (NINS) by the year 2010 (or is it 2020?). Most of us dismiss this as mere political rhetoric. But as medical researchers; perhaps we ought to look at this 2020 business more carefully. Let us assume that a few African countries will indeed become New Industrialised Nations by the year 2020. Shall we; as medical researchers; have contributed to this industrialisation process through our research efforts? Perhaps to answer this question one needs to look at the state of medical research in most African countries at the moment. In the majority of our countries; research output in the form of publications in reputable medical journals has fallen in recent years. Perhaps the only exception is research on AIDS/HIV; but only because of external funding and/or collaboration with other centres outside Africa. In addition; most of the prominent African medical scientists trained in the sixties and seventies have either retired or will soon retire. What they have left or will soon leave behind are institutions which are so run down due to lack of resources that proper research and training no longer takes place. The tragedy of all this is that Africa is not producing enough well trained young medical scientists to continue with the good work started by those retiring now. Some countries in South East Asia have become New Industrialised Nations through aggressive training programmes and incentives for their young scientists (including medical scientists). Can African medical scientists be optimistic about the year 2020; given the meagre resources we are operating with at the present time? I am not