Public health associations.

In this discussion with Dr Eilif Liisberg of the Forum, two people actively concerned with public health associations give an insight into the work done by these bodies and show how they can be of particular benefit to developing countries.

Frequency of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G-6-PD) deficiency in Tanzanian males with typhoid fever.

The frequency of G-6-PD deficiency in the Dar es Salaam male population is given as 18.7%. In this preliminary study, is reported a frequency of 45% in males with typhoid fever--a figure more than twice the prevalence in the general Dar es Salaam male population. Possible reasons for positive correlation between the two disease states are described.

Haemoglobin Barts in newborn Tanzanians.

Using both starch gel and cellulose-acetate electrophoresis is screening procedures, haemoglobin (Hb) Barts was detected in 11.08% of 325 cord blood samples from newborn Tanzanians. Red cell studies in these and in normals and a search for inclusion bodies of Hb H did not suggest alpha-thalassaemia. The mothers of these babies do not show any evidence of alpha-thalassaemia. It is suggested that the presence of Hb Barts in samples of cord blood is not due to the presence of alpha-thalassaemia in the Tanzanian population.

Correlation of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G-6-PD) deficiency and sickle cell trait (Hb-AS).

636 normal male blood donors were studied for haemoglobin genotype and G-6-PD deficiency. The results show that of 543 subjects with AA haemoglobin, 106 (19.5%) were G-6-PD deficient and of 93 individuals with AS haemoglobin 13 (14.0%). This difference is not significant.

The continual assessment of medical students.

At the new Medical Faculty at the University of Dar-es-Salaam (East Africa) a number of innovations were instituted. The most significant was continual assessment of students. During the first 3 years of the course, results of weekly testing may comprise three-fourths of each student's assessment. Later they are assessed on each rotation and clerkship; and these must be completed satisfactorily before Final Examinations are taken. These assessments never contribute less than one-half of the final results. Failures were reduced from 10 to 2% with no reduction in standards or performance levels. The method utilizes Reinforcement Theory techniques; specifically referred to are schedules of testing, grades as reinforcers, and frequent feed-back for students, self-shaping of study strategies and for constant surveilance of its teaching by the Faculty.

The relation between maternal and cord serum iron levels and its effect on fetal growth in iron deficient mothers without malarial infection.

In this relatively iton deficient population both multiparous and primiparous pregnant women had similar serum iron levels. The mothers' levels had a linear correlation with the cord serum levels, but the lowest mean cord levels were above 100 mug./dl. maternal and cord blood haemoglobin levels,birthweights and placental weights showed no constant relation to the serum iron levels, and even in anaemic mothers the fetus was relatively non-asaemic with a haemoglobin level aroun 13 g./dl. In non-anaemic mothers the cord blood haemogloin rose rapidly and progressively.

Serum uric acid values in Tanzanian rural communities.

Serum uric acid levels have been determined in random samples of 9-10% of a population of 3000 each in three rural areas of Tanzania. The levels in females are lower than in males. As far as age is concerned the levels in both sexes rise with age but the rate is slower in females resulting in a widening difference with increasing age. Above uric acid levels of 6 mg% the frequency occurrence of 'hyperuricaemia' is equal. The normal distribution of levels was 2.5-5.5 mg% in males and 2.0-4.5 mg% in females. Compared with results among different racial groups elsewhere these levels are lower.