Genetic characterisation of African swine fever virus from 2017 outbreaks in Zambia: Identification of p72 genotype II variants in domestic pigs

African swine fever (ASF) is a contagious haemorrhagic disease associated with causing heavy economic losses to the swine industry in many African countries. In 2017, Zambia experienced ASF outbreaks in Mbala District (Northern province) and for the first time in Isoka and Chinsali districts (Muchinga province). Meanwhile, another outbreak was observed in Chipata District (Eastern province). Genetic analysis of part of the B646L gene, E183L gene, CP204L gene and the central variable region of the B602L gene of ASF virus (ASFV) associated with the outbreaks in Mbala and Chipata districts was conducted. The results revealed that the ASFV detected in Mbala District was highly similar to that of the Georgia 2007/1 isolate across all the genome regions analysed. In contrast, while showing close relationship with the Georgia 2007/1 virus in the B646L gene, the ASFV detected in Chipata District showed remarkable genetic variation in the rest of the genes analysed. These results suggest that the Georgia 2007/1-like virus could be more diverse than what was previously thought, underscoring the need of continued surveillance and monitoring of ASFVs within the south-eastern African region to better understand their epidemiology and the relationships between outbreaks and their possible origin

The Enterics for Global Health (EFGH) Shigella Surveillance Study in Malawi

Background: Malawi is among 7 countries participating in the Enterics for Global Health (EFGH) Shigella surveillance study, which aims to determine the incidence of medically attended diarrhea attributed to Shigella, a leading bacterial cause of diarrhea in children in low-resource settings. Methods: We describe the EFGH study site in the densely populated informal settlement of Ndirande Township, Blantyre, Malawi. We explore the site’s geographical location, demographic characteristics, and the healthcare-seeking behavior of its population, particularly for childhood diarrhea. We also describe the management of childhood diarrhea at the health facility, and the associated challenges to attaining optimum adherence to local and national guidelines at the site. Conclusions: Our overarching aim is to improve global health through understanding and mitigating the impact of diarrhea attributed to Shigella

An innovative approach to integrated training for smallholder dairying

Purpose: This paper assesses an integrated approach in smallholder dairy training through a partnership between Malawi and Scotland.<p></p> Design/ methodology/ approach: Acute staff shortages and inadequate expertise hamper progress in Malawi’s smallholder dairy production despite its potential to substantially contribute to sustainable household income, food and nutritional security. An integrated training initiative trained farmers, extension workers, development managers, researchers and trainers and graduate students (MSc, MPhil, PhD, and Postdoctoral). To date eight graduate students and one postdoctoral scientist have been associated with this programme. Twenty-two experts have exchanged visits between Scotland and Malawi. A total of 28 lead farmers and 43 extension workers have been trained in forage production, feeding, animal breeding and recording.<p></p> Practical implications: In an evaluation of the programmes, 76% of farmers indicated that they had accessed animal breeding services, and there was a drop of 69% and 34% in milk lost due to mastitis and adulteration, respectively. Three of the MSc students trained in this programme have been recruited as lecturers at Bunda College.<p></p> Originality/ value: Through this initiative, a practical diploma course in dairy science has been established in Malawi and a flexible programme for life-long learning is envisaged in the future. Both the integrated approach and the partnership model can be used in other countries across the world to enhance local agricultural education and extension.<p></p&gt

The Enterics for Global Health (EFGH) Shigella Surveillance Study in Malawi.

Funder: NIHR Global Health ResearchFunder: NIHR Health Protection ResearchBACKGROUND: Malawi is among 7 countries participating in the Enterics for Global Health (EFGH) Shigella surveillance study, which aims to determine the incidence of medically attended diarrhea attributed to Shigella, a leading bacterial cause of diarrhea in children in low-resource settings. METHODS: We describe the EFGH study site in the densely populated informal settlement of Ndirande Township, Blantyre, Malawi. We explore the site's geographical location, demographic characteristics, and the healthcare-seeking behavior of its population, particularly for childhood diarrhea. We also describe the management of childhood diarrhea at the health facility, and the associated challenges to attaining optimum adherence to local and national guidelines at the site. CONCLUSIONS: Our overarching aim is to improve global health through understanding and mitigating the impact of diarrhea attributed to Shigella

The Enterics for Global Health (EFGH) <i>Shigella</i> Surveillance Study in Malawi

Funder: NIHR Global Health ResearchFunder: NIHR Health Protection ResearchAbstract Background Malawi is among 7 countries participating in the Enterics for Global Health (EFGH) Shigella surveillance study, which aims to determine the incidence of medically attended diarrhea attributed to Shigella, a leading bacterial cause of diarrhea in children in low-resource settings. Methods We describe the EFGH study site in the densely populated informal settlement of Ndirande Township, Blantyre, Malawi. We explore the site’s geographical location, demographic characteristics, and the healthcare-seeking behavior of its population, particularly for childhood diarrhea. We also describe the management of childhood diarrhea at the health facility, and the associated challenges to attaining optimum adherence to local and national guidelines at the site. Conclusions Our overarching aim is to improve global health through understanding and mitigating the impact of diarrhea attributed to Shigella. </jats:sec