Background: Estimating the burden of malaria in Sudan is important for evidence-based planning of malaria control. Estimates of malaria burden in terms of DALYs (Disability Adjusted Life Years) were not developed locally. This study synthesized information from different sources to calculate malaria incidence, mortality and DALYs lost in Sudan in 2002.

Although the mood stabilizer lithium is a first-line treatment in bipolar disorder, a substantial number of patients do not benefit from it and experience side effects. No clinical tool is available for predicting lithium response or the occurrence of side effects in everyday clinical practice. Multiple genetic research efforts have been performed in this field because lithium response and side effects are considered to be multifactorial endophenotypes. Available results from linkage and segregation, candidate-gene, and genome-wide association studies indicate a role of genetic factors in determining response and side effects. For example, candidate-gene studies often report GSK3β, brain-derived neurotrophic factor, and SLC6A4 as being involved in lithium response, and the latest genome-wide association study found a genome-wide significant association of treatment response with a locus on chromosome 21 coding for two long non-coding RNAs. Although research results are promising, they are limited mainly by a lack of replicability and, despite the collaboration of consortia, insufficient sample sizes. The need for larger sample sizes and “multi-omics” approaches is apparent, and such approaches are crucial for choosing the best treatment options for patients with bipolar disorder. In this article, we delineate the mechanisms of action of lithium and summarize the results of genetic research on lithium response and side effects.

Background. Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a life-threatening genetic disorder due to the formation of sickle hemoglobin molecule (HbS) that polymerizes in hypoxic conditions leading to SCD-related complications. Different approaches have been used in the management of SCD including symptomatic management, supportive management, and preventive management. Objectives. To assess the management of SCD in pediatric patients in Gaafar Ibnauf Referral Hospital in Khartoum locality, Sudan. Method. A descriptive, retrospective, hospital-based study was conducted in Gaafar Ibnauf Hospital using a data collection sheet. The study included all medical files of pediatric patients with SCD attending the hospital during the period from the first of April 2018 to the first of July 2018. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and the chi-square test. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results. Out of 207 pediatric patients, 53.1% were females (mean age of 7.5 ± 3.1 years), with a 1.1 : 1 female:male ratio and low socioeconomic status. Only 4.3% of participants had health insurance. The Messeryia tribe in western Sudan had the highest prevalence of the disease among the Sudanese tribes (11.1%). Vaso-occlusive crisis (33.3%), infections (13.5%), and neurological complications (10.6%) were the most frequent complications reported during routine visits. After initiation of management, only 3.4% of pediatric patients had hemolytic crises, and 1.4% of the anemic patients had splenomegaly. 100% of patients received folic acid, 73.9% used hydroxyurea, and 69.6% underwent blood transfusion for the management of SCD. Prophylactic penicillin was prescribed for 15% of patients, and 41.1% were immunized with pneumococcal vaccine (PPSV23). Most patients had been scheduled for planned follow-up visits every 3–6 months (93.2%). Hydroxyurea and blood transfusion significantly reduced fever and vaso-occlusive crisis. Conclusion. The SCD treatment protocol in Gaafar Ibnauf Children’s Hospital, involving preventive and symptomatic therapy, is consistent with the internationally implemented protocols for SCD management. However, immunization and prophylactic penicillin approaches are deficient.

IntroductIont he focus of this chapter is to empirically evaluate the extent of the uAE success in diversifying its economy and utilizing knowledge and available technological infrastructure in domesticating the manufacturing and production of technology products as important sources of wealth generation. the chapter will therefore provides a strong case for diversifying the uAE economy and implementing the principles and approaches of KE in the country.

background and Purpose: The Sudan Health Consultancy (SHC) is a voluntary group which first came together in 2003. This paper follows from the group contribution to the First Diaspora Conference, and reflects on our recent journey to sustain our contributions to capacity building, research and development in the Sudan. Approach:We have formalised our relationships from an informal voluntary group into a registered limited company with a network of networks.