Zeinab Ibrahim Swar Eldahab’s scientific contributions

This study aimed to assess the supportive functions of Communicable Diseases Surveillance System (CDSS) at the selected sentinel sites in Khartoum, Sudan. A cross-sectional descriptive facility-based study was conducted in 93 selected sentinel sites in Khartoum between the period of 2019 to 2020. Data was collected using an interview-based questionnaire and checklist. A total of 304 focal persons were interviewed (medical director, medical officers, statisticians, and lab technicians). Workers who refused to participate were executed. The data analysis revealed that most participants (26.6%) were statisticians and 78.3% were permanent employees. Nearly 45.4% have a bachelor’s degree. The CDSS manual was accessible to 45.7%. Only 28% had a manual for sample collection. One hundred and twenty-three (40.5%) cadre have received basic training in CDSS guidelines. While routine supervision visits have been conducted to 93.8% of sentinel sites, only 86% received a feedback report. Most sentinel sites (86.2%) have offices but only 22.4% and 68.8% have computers and fixed telephones respectively. The mean of transportation was available in 67.1% of the sentinels. Conclusions: Supervisory visits and feedback rates were (93%) and (86.0%) respectively which exceeded the WHO standards. The majority of other supportive functions of the surveillance system were below WHO recommendation.

Malaria remains a significant public health concern in Sudan, with Plasmodium falciparum (P. falciparum) infection having widespread indirect consequences. Effective identification of infection severity is crucial for preventing complications. This study aimed to assess the predictive value of Tumor Necrosis Factor Alpha (TNF-α), C-reactive protein (CRP), and hematological parameters in P. falciparum parasitemia. The three-month cross-sectional study involved 54 P. falciparum-positive patients at Bashaire Teaching Hospital Khartoum, Sudan, along with an equal number of P. falciparum-negative individuals. Participants underwent Antigen Rapid Diagnostic Test (RDT), TNFα, CRP, and Complete Blood Count (CBC) assessments. The infected group comprised 68.5% male patients, with a mean age of 22.3 years. Significant variations were observed between the infected and uninfected groups in TNFα, CRP, Total White Blood Cells (TWBCs), and neutrophil levels, with infected individuals showing higher values. Conversely, infected individuals had lower hemoglobin, Red Blood Cells (RBCs), Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV), Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin (MCH), Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin Concentration (MCHC), platelets, and lymphocytes. The study revealed a noteworthy association between MCV and parasitemia, while TNFα, CRP, Hb, RBCs, MCH, and MCHC showed no significant correlation. Hematological parameters should be considered in malaria patients.

E-Learning helps in situations of quarantine and lockdown. It helps us continue our learning process despite the interruption of travel, public transport, and restriction of personal movement. E-learning has become quite popular among students worldwide, particularly during the lockdown period due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The project aims to assess the current situation of establishing an eLearning Program in Faculties of Medicine and nursery sciences at Khartoum. A cross-sectional, mixed quantative and qualitative, campus-based study. A total of 95 participants who were accessible to us during lockdown were assessed to estimate the availability of essential resources needed to apply the online delivery teaching system. The teachers and students of the two faculties of medicine and nursing sciences at the University of Khartoum were selected purposefully and trained on basic generic eLearning activities. Their skills and competencies were assessed via Pre and Post Test. In this study, 95 participants completed the project process. Of them, 75 (78.9%) were students, and 25 (21.1%) were faculty and administrators from medicine and nursing. The evaluation of the implementation of an e-learning program in our setting through faculty and student input was assessed and satisfied, in addition to the availability of technological resources and commitment. Both students and faculties positively support e-learning for successful transition to e-learning partly in times of emergencies with the support of World Health Organization. We have investigated the feasibility of implementing an e-learning project and recommend adoption of the guide. We advocate improving internet connectivity, power supply, and costs.