Transmissible spongiform encephalopathies [TSEs]

Bovine spongiform encephalopathy [BSE] or mad cow disease is now considered as a major health problem due to its suspected linkage with creutzfeldt-jacob disease [CJD]. The main goal of this paper is to describe comprehensively these encephalopathies in the context of human health related issues and also enlighten the medical personnel and public at large about the magnitude of this problem. An on-line computer search of relevant literature of the past two decades was carried out and several scientific papers published in various journals were screened and identified for inclusion in this paper. It was observed that the epidemiological and genetic aspects of these diseases are constantly changing. Furthermore, at the aetiological level diverging views with several plausible mechanisms revealed in animal models are currently emerging. There is yet no specific treatment for these fatal neurodegenerative conditions. However, the preventive strategies are relatively defined and will continue to be under constant reappraisal. Transmissible spongiform encephalopathies with epidemiological variations probably due to mutations of the prion protein gene need further research in order to clarify the linkage between BSE and human disease. Additionally, an all out effort by international community should be directed to strictly observe the application of preventive measures including health education and promotion so as to curtail the possible spread of prion diseases

Curriculum framework for a master's degree in community medicine: some reflections with reference to Saudi Arabia

This paper describes a skeleton of a new curriculum intended for the teaching of community medicine leading to a recognized master's degree. The curriculum should have a detailed course framework and a distinctive rationale and justification with aims and specific objectives, contents, teaching methods, proper evaluation, available resources, and a well defined time framework. It is a prerequisite to develop a comprehensive curriculum before any postgraduate course is started. This curriculum must address all the relevant issues outlined in this paper. The authors recommend that the semitheoretical construction of the curriculum could be utilized in Saudi Arabia or possibly elsewhere with appropriate modifications

Identifying at-risk children under five in the Sudan

This paper describes a simple method to help Primary Health Care workers with limited skills to identify high-risk children by using a check-list. The check-list was designed for priority health problems of children under five years; for each problem the high-risk indicators were listed. The method could be incorporated into the training programme of Primary Health Care workers and their supervisors

Innovative health education project in Al-Qassim region, Saudi Arabia

A pilot project was conducted with the aim of training and human resources development in health education, enhancing health education research, and establishing a health promotion and education centre in Al-Qassim region, Saudi Arabia. Health education programmes of three months for males [n = 14] and two to three weeks for females [n = 253] were offered. The work activities of such trained personnel were monitored and evaluated. It was concluded that through these programmes the targeted population could be trained to a satisfactory extent. Second, they would probably be able to convey basic health education concepts to the population at large, especially primary health care centre visitors