Background
Conceptualised in April 2007 and in its fifth year, the APFP programme was created to develop capacity in clinical services, research and training in child health in Africa. The programme aims to train African fellows in highly specialised paediatric skills that would improve the training and health delivery offered by their home institutions. By growing this into a network of skilled African healthcare professionals, they are empowering skilled healthcare professionals to advocate for building capacity and improving child health in Africa.
Problem
Globally, childhood illness is a major cause of mortality and morbidity. The World Health Organisation estimates that approximately 10,6million children under 5 years of age die each year. The overwhelming burden of severe childhood diseases and associated deaths occur in resource limited countries, which are heavily skewed towards Africa where almost half of childhood deaths occur.
Solution
The database is distributed to 33 centres country-wide and to five other African countries on a CD, via post, to medics and hospitals at least twice a year. To date, it has grown from a system holding data on 200 to over 40 000 named toxins. The new system will offer a better and more accessible poisons advice service to medical professionals and the general public throughout southern Africa. The upgraded, internet-based system, will be accessed on and offline by medical professionals throughout the entire southern African region with the public access site on non-toxic substances reducing the load on the Health service and the Poisons Emergency Line.
Budget
This 5 year programme costs approximately 25 million and is fully funded.
Timeline
This programme is in its fifth year and will be extended for an additional year.
For more information on this project please contact Philippa Douglas.