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Impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic on standard care for stroke patients at Our Lady’s Hospice of Kalingalinga and University Teaching Hospitals in Zambia
Get PDFBackground: The COVID-19 pandemic has posed unprecedented challenges to healthcare systems globally. This study investigates the impact of the pandemic on routine care for stroke patients, focusing on physiotherapy services at Our Lady’s Hospice of Kalingalinga and University Teaching Hospitals in Lusaka.
Methods: A quantitative cross-sectional approach was employed, enrolling 43 stroke patients. Demographic characteristics, institutional variations, and session delays were analyzed for two periods: before (October-December 2019) and during the pandemic (March-May 2020).
Results: The majority of participants (51-70 years old) demonstrated consistent attendance patterns, with females outnumbering males. Institutional shifts during the pandemic revealed decreased attendance at the University Teaching Hospitals and a slight increase at the hospice. Delays in session appointments surged during the pandemic, emphasizing the challenges faced by stroke patients.
Conclusion: This study highlights the disruptive effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on routine stroke care, emphasizing the need for adaptive healthcare strategies to ensure continuous and timely services for this vulnerable population during public health crises
ZANGO VOLUME 36/2023
No full textThis Special Issue of Zango has been compiled by the Department of Arts, Languages and Literary Studie
The Roles and Challenges of Policewomen in the Zambia Police 1966–1995
Get PDFThis study examines the roles and challenges of women in male dominated institutions focusing on the case of Zambia Police from 1966 to 1995. Primary and secondary sources were consulted. Primary sources used included oral interviews, consulting colonial and post-colonial government reports and conference papers. The secondary sources include books, dissertations and journals. The study argues that Zambia Police Service formerly known as Northern Rhodesia Police was formed in 1932 and at inception it only comprised men with no intentions of considering the inclusion of female Police officers. In 1947, the Force started employing clerks and African civilians that included twelve women. The female clerks and wives of the senior police officers helped the Force to search, guard and escort female and juvenile offenders to their convenience rooms. The study further reveals that it was very important for the Force to consider the recruitment and training of female police officers and equip them with police skills as a pilot project. European women were first engaged and trained as police officers in 1955 and the African first females during 1958. The roles of these policewomen were mainly confined to clerical and administrative work. In 1966, two years after independence, the Force started recruitment and training of policewomen on a permanent basis. Policewomen found it difficult to adapt to the work culture of men towards them because they were discriminated against in many ways. The policewomen were faced with a number of challenges and barriers that hindered their advancement in the police. The study concluded that from 1966 to 1995, policewomen contributed to maintenance of law and order in the country. Despite the challenges they faced, they were able to gain recognition, acceptance and promotion to higher ranks
Effect of Graded Levels of Sorghum bicolor on Proximate Composition, Lipid Oxidation, Microbial Load and Sensory Properties of Rabbit Meat Floss
Get PDFConsumers are increasingly seeking healthier and more sustainable meat products. Rabbit meat is generally considered a healthier alternative to red meat because of its low fat and cholesterol content. However, people accustomed to consuming red meat may find it less visually appealing because of its pale appearance. Plants rich in beneficial phytochemicals like Sorghum bicolor (Sorghum) have been used to impart desirable colouration and sensory properties to processed foods.
In this study, Rabbit Meat Floss (RMF) was prepared with graded levels of powdered sorghum stalks thus: Treatment 1/Control (RMF+0% Sorghum), Treatment 2 (RMF + 1%Sorghum), Treatment 3 (RMF+2%Sorghum) and Treatment 4 (RMF+3% Sorghum). The RMF were analysed for Yield (%), Microbial load (logCFU/g), Lipid oxidation (mgMDA/kg), Proximate composition (%), and Sensory properties at intervals of 0, 10, and 20 days. The RMF analysed on days 10 and 20 were packed in Ziploc bags and kept at room temperature. The experimental design was completely randomised, and all analyses were done in triplicates.All treatments with Sorghum inclusion had higher yields than the Control, with Treatment 3 (RMF+2%Sorghum) having the highest yield (107.98). All RMF with Sorghum had higher crude protein than the control. Treatment 2 (RMF+1% sorghum) had the highest crude protein at days 0 (50.67) and 20 (47.85). Ash content was also higher in RMF with sorghum, and Treatment 4(RMF+3%Sorghum) had the highest values at days 0 (9.00) and 20 (8.49). At day 0, Treatment 3 (RMF+2%Sorghum) was rated highest in tenderness (7.00) while Treatment 2 (RMF+1%Sorghum) was rated highest in juiciness, and Treatment 4 (RMF+3%Sorghum) rated highest in colour (8.10). On day 20, all RMFs with sorghum had higher colour scores, with Treatment 4 (RMF+3% Sorghum) having the highest score (8.10). There were no significant differences in microbial load during the study.
The inclusion of Sorghum bicolor in rabbit meat floss significantly improved its crude protein and ash content. It also improved visual appeal, while overall acceptability was not severely comprised up to 20 days of storage
Reducing the Impact of Livestock Farming on the Environment in Morocco: A Case of Enteric Methane
Get PDFThe study aimed to test the effect of natural additives on enteric methane emissions and animal performances. facial mask system was used to measure the methane emissions before and after adding additives to the animals feed. The results showed a small but significant (
A Case Series of T Cell and Cytokine Immune Responses in Six Health Care Workers Vaccinated with a Recombinant Hepatitis B DNA Vaccine
Get PDFBackground:
The vaccination coverage among health care workers (HCWs) in Zambia is low. Most vaccinated HCWs do not know how they responded because they self-vaccinate and/or do not receive all recommended doses. Hence, we aimed to assess T cell and cytokine responses, hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) antibodies (anti-HBs) in HCWs in Kalulushi, Zambia after vaccination with a recombinant hepatitis B vaccine from the serum Institute of India.
Methods and Materials:
Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) collected from 6 vaccinated HCWs (cases) who had received at least 2 doses of the vaccine were stimulated with the HBsAg. Using flow cytometry, the concentrations of tumor necrosis factor, interleukin 10, interleukin 6, and interleukin 2 were measured in the supernatant while HBsAg-specific CD4+ and CD8+ effector and memory were measured using the cell pellet. Using plasma, anti-HBs, HBsAg, the Hepatitis B core antigen (HBcAg) and antibodies against the HBcAg (Anti-HBc) were tested using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays and data were summarised descriptively.
Results:
Four of our cases were male, all had a median age and BMI of 32 [IQR 29-44] years and 23.1 [IQR 21.1-27.6] kg/m2 respectively. The anti-HBs in all 6 cases increased after each dose and in 5 of the cases, either the HBsAg-specific effector CD4+ or effector CD8+, or memory CD4+, and/or memory CD8+ responses after doses 1, 2 and 3 were detectable. Despite having anti-HBs of 0IU/mL at baseline, participant 2 had 18.6% and 45.5% CD4+ and CD8+ memory after dose 1 respectively. Case 1 had the highest HBsAg-specific TNF (244.81pg/mL) after dose 2 while case 3 also had the highest HBsAg-specific IL-6 (69.91pg/mL) after dose 2 and were both HIV+. Additionally, only the 3 participants who were HIV+ had HBsAg-specific effector and memory CD8+ cells after vaccination.
Conclusion: From our case series, we demonstrate that HBV vaccines are immunogenic in HCWs in Zambia. They elicit at least one HBsAg-specific immune response after one dose. We recommend vaccinating all HCWs and more similar studies to help understand HBV-specific immune responses in vaccines better
Mismanagement of pesticides among smallholder farmers: A growing concern
Get PDFAfrica's agricultural sector faces a significant threat from pests and diseases, leading to increased reliance on chemical pesticides among smallholder farmers. Recent surveys across Sub Saharan Africa reveal high pesticide use, with up to 87% reported in Rwanda. However, the indiscriminate use and improper disposal of pesticides raise concerns about long-term effects on human health and the environment. Epidemiological and molecular research underscores the risks of pesticide exposure, contributing to respiratory complications, reproductive disorders, birth defects, and environmental disruptions. Smallholder farmers, frequently exposed without proper protection, suffer from various health symptoms, such as headaches, skin irritations, and digestive issues. Globally, pesticide poisoning accounts for nearly 300,000 deaths annually. Efforts to address this issue require a multi-pronged approach. Firstly, investment in agricultural extension services is essential to provide training on sustainable farming practices that reduce pesticide dependence. Secondly, policymakers must promote safer alternatives to highly hazardous pesticides, including bio-pesticides, botanical extracts, and integrated pest management techniques. Finally, strengthening regulatory frameworks and enforcement is crucial to control pesticide sale, distribution, and ensure safe usage. The misuse of chemical pesticides poses a serious threat to human health, the environment, and agriculture productivity. Addressing these challenges requires immediate action to ensure the well-being of smallholder farmers, protect human health, and safeguard the environment
Maternal factors associated with birth asphyxia at the University Teaching Hospitals, Lusaka, Zambia
Get PDFBackground: Birth asphyxia is associated with significant perinatal complications. The World health organization (WHO) estimates that 3% of neonates born each year develop asphyxia and need resuscitation (WHO 2016). Because of the paucity of data and enormous magnitude of birth asphyxia, available figures are likely to underestimate the proportion of the problem (WHO 2016). Research is needed to estimate the contribution of birth asphyxia to perinatal morbidity and mortality at the University Teaching Hospital (UTH), Lusaka, Zambia.
Methodology: A case control study comprising 72 newborns from labour ward with birth asphyxia (Apgar score 3500g were associated with birth asphyxia. Marital status and education level did not increase the risk of birth asphyxia in the population studied.
Keywords: birth asphyxia, maternal factors, parity, labo
Embattled in the Last Theatre of the War: The Involvement of Abercorn (Mbala) District of Northern Rhodesia in the First World War
Get PDFA conflict which started between Austria and Serbia,on 28 June 1914, turned into the First World War on 28 July 1914 as aggressors started summoning their allies. Later in 1914, warring states called upon their colonies to service the fighting. By December 1914, Africa had joined the war on the side of respective colonial masters. It was in this context that Abercorn (now Mbala) district, a northerly district of Northern Rhodeisa (Zambia) that bordered German Tanganyika (Tanzania) got involved in the First World War on behalf of Britain, its colonial master. The war situation faced by the British in Abercorn required collective effort of not only the imperial force but also the local people to fight the Germans. As a result, the British used various ways in the district to enlist the local people into the war. The geographical location of Abercorn made it inevitable for the district to be involved in the fighting.To a large extent, the British used local chiefs, propaganda, coercion and incentives to recruit the local people for war services. This work demonstrates that Africans did not join the colonial army purely due to government propaganda, but that they also had their own reasons for doing so such as desire to earn money and learn how to operate a gun. In this manner, the article brings to the fore the aspect of African agency in the enlistment process. It is also argued that not all Africans buttressed the British war aims as groups such as the Watch Tower Society were subversive towards the recruitment of the local people for war service in the district
Life and Work in Northern Rhodesia: Godfrey Wilson and Xavier Kofie
Get PDFThis essay narrates the biography of one migrant labourer in interwar Northern Rhodesia (modern Zambia), which he shared with social anthropologist Godfrey Wilson in vivid detail when he was Wilson’s language tutor in Livingstone in 1938 and again when they met in Broken Hill in 1939-1940. The essay presents Xavier Kofie’s recollections of growing up in Kasama and Mpika in the Northern Province of Northern Rhodesia, being educated at a succession of mission schools until the level of Standard Three, and then of his working life, successively in Mazabuka, Lusaka, Wankie and Livingstone as research assistant to an agricultural officer, farm worker, cobbler, court messenger, football player and mission school teacher. In addition, the notebook record contains in much greater detail the story of his three months of intensive daily work in Livingstone teaching Wilson iciBemba and sharing often remarkably incisive sociological insights about African migrant labourers in Northern Rhodesia. Although partial and incomplete due to the limits of the archive present Xavier Kofie’s life history as emblematic of the experiences of migrant labourers in colonial Northern Rhodesia. I view his life history through his interaction with the anthropologist. Thus, this essay also reflects the relationship between an African informant and an anthropologist in interwar Northern Rhodesia. It demonstrates how multi-lingual collaboration was crucial to the work of anthropologists and underscores the need for more studies on relationships between ‘professional’ anthropologists and research assistants like Xavier Kofie