Asthma is chronic inflammation of the airways in the lungs.
In asthma, the airways in the lung narrow due to swelling of
the mucosa, increased mucus production, and spasm of the airways.
Under-diagnosis of asthma in ‘under-fives’ may be alleviated by improved inquiry into disease history. We assessed a questionnaire-based screening tool for asthma among 614 ‘under-fives’ with severe respiratory illness in Uganda. The questionnaire responses were compared to post hoc consensu...s diagnoses by three pediatricians who were guided by study definitions that were based on medical history, physical examination findings, laboratory and radiological tests, and response to bronchodilators. Children with asthma or bronchiolitis were categorized as “asthma syndrome”. Using this approach, 253 (41.2%) had asthma syndrome. History of and present breathing difficulties and present cough and wheezing was the best performing combination of four questionnaire items [sensitivity 80.8% (95% CI 77.6–84.0); specificity 84.7% (95% CI 81.8–87.6)]. The screening tool for asthma syndrome in ‘under-fives’ may provide a simple, cheap and quick method of identifying children with possible asthma. The validity and reliability of this tool in primary care settings should be tested.
more
Trends in under-five mortality rate in Malawi: Child health; Child protection ; Child survival ;Early childhood ;Education ;HIV/AIDS
Maternal and newborn health ;Nutrition ;Sanitation ;Drinking water;MICS
Asthma:
• is one of the most common respiratory complaints in the world today.
• affects one in ten children (10%) and one in twenty adults (5%)
• can occur for the first time at any age, even in adulthood.
•usually begins before the age of five years. A few children affected will ...outgrow” it during their teenage years but it usually persists if contracted in adulthood.
• tends to run in families as do related allergic conditions like hay fever and eczema.
• cannot as yet be cured but if kept under control, those affected will be able to live normal lives enjoying full involvement in sport and all other activities.
more
This document defines the framework for Malawi’s National HIV Programs. Considering public health benefits and risks, as well as funding and resource implications, deviations from these guidelines are not supported by the Ministry of Health.
Asthma is a common breathing condition that affects 20% of all children Asthma tends to run in families, although this is not always the case. You may have seen someone at school who uses an inhaler to help them breathe better and control asthma symptoms.
In 2014, the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC) reported that the highest prevalence of symptoms of severe asthma was found in the low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), including Nigeria. While exposure to biomass fuel use may be an important risk factor in the deve...lopment of asthma, its association with asthma symptoms severity has not been well-established. The aim of this study is to extend the spectrum of environmental risk factors that may be contributing towards increasing asthma morbidity, especially asthma symptoms severity in rural schoolchildren in Nigeria and to examine possible asthma underdiagnosis among this population.
more
Only 10 per cent of households have electricity. Less than one half (46 per cent) of the households use basic sanitation facilities. Three in every four of the household population had basic drinking water services. More than one third of under-5 Malawian children (boys 39 per cent than girls 32 per... cent) suffer from stunting with related health issues that can include cognitive impairment.
more
This manual is designed to provide comprehensive malaria case management training for health workers at all levels, including clinical, nursing, dispensing, laboratory and records staff. The training covers the use of malaria rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) and the treatment of severe malaria. The fiv...e-day training programme includes interactive modules supported by job aids. The ideal group size is 20–30 participants, supported by a team of three trainers. Trainers should thoroughly review the manual, including the 'Adult Learning Techniques' module, and follow the 'Facilitator's Guide', while participants should use the 'Simplified Participant's Guide'. The training includes pre- and post-tests to assess knowledge improvement. Continuing Medical Education (CME) is encouraged after the training, and resources are provided in the appendix.
more
This comprehensive reference document is intended for those responsible for training in SMC (Seasonal Malaria Chemoprevention). It assumes that SMC will be implemented using the Community Health Worker strategy.
This Communication Guide for Malaria Control Interventions is aligned with Tanzania’s Malaria Strategic Plan (2015–2020) and provides comprehensive guidance on the implementation of Social and Behaviour Change Communication (SBCC) for the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of malaria. It is int...ended for all stakeholders and implementing partners, with the aim of ensuring harmonised messaging and coordinated communication efforts. The guide outlines strategies, key messages, communication channels and target audiences, with a focus on sustaining and improving malaria-related behaviours at the individual, family and community levels. It incorporates malaria stratification and supports the development of tailored SBCC interventions in different risk areas. Developed with contributions from the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the National Malaria Control Programme and various partner organisations, the guide aims to reduce the malaria burden and promote a malaria-free Tanzania. Supplemented by Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), the guide serves as a practical tool for consistent and effective malaria communication nationwide.
more
This document was developed by the Ministry of Health in Malawi in collaboration with national and international partners. It introduces a Social and Behaviour Change (SBC) malaria message guide that is aligned with the National Malaria Communication Strategy (NMCS) for the period 2023–2030. The g...uide aims to facilitate effective communication and behavioural change in order to reduce malaria-related morbidity and mortality. It provides a reference framework for messaging and communication tools tailored to target groups, supporting the broader goals of the Health Sector Strategic Plan III. This guide was developed with technical and financial support from key partners, including USAID, PMI through Breakthrough ACTION, and other stakeholders. The guide reflects Malawi’s ongoing commitment to evidence-based SBC interventions, community engagement, and the national fight against malaria.
more
This document sets out key messages to support malaria prevention and control efforts, for teachers, pupils and the wider community. It is designed to facilitate health education in schools by encouraging teachers to guide pupils through the core messages about malaria and emphasise the most importa...nt points. Pupils are expected to actively engage by taking notes and applying what they learn. Ultimately, the goal is to equip children with the practical knowledge to influence behavioural change at both the individual and community levels.
more
WASH 4 All 1 is an educational comic designed to raise awareness of water, sanitation and hygiene practices. Through engaging illustrations and simple language, it educates communities, especially children and families, about the importance of clean water, proper sanitation and good hygiene in impro...ving health outcomes. The booklet is a practical tool that can be used by educators and health promoters to encourage behavioural change in a variety of settings.
Accessed on 20/06/2025.
more
BMJ 2024 Mar 13:384:e077512. doi: 10.1136/bmj-2023-077512.
Co-infections in individuals with malaria are common, particularly in endemic areas, and can significantly impact disease severity and outcomes. Effective management requires prompt diagnosis of both malaria and any co-occurring infections,... followed by appropriate treatment strategies
more
Malaria in children presents significant clinical challenges, with variations in presentation based on the malaria parasite involved and the child's underlying health conditions. The World Health Organization reports high incidence rates, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, and emphasizes the import...ance of effective treatment strategies. First-line treatment often involves Artemether-Lumefantrine (ALu), while severe malaria requires careful management and the use of intravenous Quinine. Management protocols emphasize early diagnosis and the monitoring of severe complications to reduce mortality.
more
The Zambia Malaria Campaign, implemented by Breakthrough ACTION, used culturally tailored radio adverts and a campaign song to encourage key behaviours for preventing and treating malaria. The campaign targeted high-risk groups, such as pregnant women and caregivers of children under five, and deliv...ered messages in multiple local languages, including English, Siswati and Tonga. The audio content encouraged the consistent use of insecticide-treated nets (ITNs), seeking timely care for fevers, and preventing malaria during pregnancy. Through addressing common myths and promoting positive social norms in an engaging way, the campaign aimed to increase community knowledge and encourage long-lasting behavioural change in malaria-endemic regions of Zambia.
more
Cette vidéo éducative explique le cycle de vie du parasite Plasmodium, responsable du paludisme. Transmis par la piqûre de la femelle du moustique Anopheles, le parasite infecte d'abord le foie, puis les globules rouges, provoquant des symptômes typiques tels que des frissons, de la fièvre et d...es sueurs.
more
This case study uses the Astana Primary Health Care (PHC) framework to explore the impact of the 2020–21 pandemic on primary health care in Kenya. While the pandemic exposed systemic challenges, such as limited testing capacity, an inadequate supply of PPE, and weak social protection, Kenya's heal...th system also demonstrated notable adaptability. The response was largely hospital-centred, with PHC playing a secondary role. Nevertheless, innovations emerged on both the provider and consumer sides to maintain service delivery and access. The study emphasises the importance of building on these experiences to enhance emergency preparedness and develop a more robust and integrated health system.
more