Médecine tropicale : revue du Corps de santé colonial
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The objective of this study conducted between January 2000 and December 2007 was to assess the current epidemiological, clinical and outcome features of maternal tetanus (MT) observed in the Infectious Diseases Clinic of Fann University Hospital in Dakar, Senegal. A total of 1156 patients were admitted for tetanus during this period including 9 (0.8%) presenting MT. A progressive decrease in the annual number of MT cases was observed. ⋯ This rate was similar to that associated with tetanus in newborns (48.5%), but higher than that associated with tetanus in WCBA (25.6%). The incidence of life-threatening MT is declining in the Infectious Diseases Clinic of Fann University Hospital in Dakar. A systematic immunization program along with campaigns to prevent unwanted pregnancy in women of childbearing age will be needed to eliminate maternal and newborn tetanus in Dakar.
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The five-year evaluation of the Global Fund to fight HIV/AIDS, TB and malaria (GFATM) was carried out by a Consortium of several Universities and institutions, led by a consulting firm based in Washington DC. Evaluation focused on three study areas: (i) organizational efficiency and effectiveness of the Global Fund, (ii) effectiveness of the Global Fund partner environment, (iii) system effects of the Global Fund and impact of increased funding on the level of response to the three diseases. Findings can be summed up as follows: the Global Fund has been successful in mobilizing additional funding and in attracting new players. ⋯ Increased financial resources have allowed rapid expansion of prevention and care services for the three diseases. Spectacular results have been achieved against malaria in Eastern African countries, but little progress has been made in the collective effort to slow down the spread of HIV/AIDS. In preparation for the upcoming Replenishment Conference of the Global Fund and prior to any further decisions to expand the use of innovative financing instruments for development, the author of this article calls the attention of policy-makers on the need to ensure the development of accompanying strategies to increase the effectiveness and impact of these instruments.
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Neurological complications are rare following hepatitis A. Acute myelitis is even more uncommon. The purpose of this report is to describe a case of acute myelitis related to hepatitis A virus (HAV) in a 43-year-old-woman returning from Senegal. ⋯ The patient made a spontaneous clinical recovery in one month. Spinal MRI findings were normal at three months. Hepatitis A should be considered in the diagnostic approach to acute myelitis in returning travelers and patients living in highly endemic countries where prophylactic vaccination is unavailable.