Dorcas Wangira, BBC's Africa health correspondent, discusses the alarming destruction of Sudan's Mycetoma Research Centre amid conflict, impacting care for a neglected disease. The podcast also highlights innovative telehealth solutions for remote communities in the Americas. Furthermore, researchers reveal promising results for a non-hormonal male contraceptive implant and the potential for adults to overcome severe peanut allergies through microdosing. Finally, insights into the health effects of traditional versus processed diets in urban Africa add depth to the conversation.
The destruction of Sudan's Mycetoma Research Centre underscores the adverse effect of conflict on medical research and patient support for neglected diseases.
Emerging research on a non-hormonal male contraceptive implant highlights innovative approaches to family planning, with cultural perceptions influencing its acceptance and use.
Deep dives
Destruction of the Mycetoma Research Centre in Sudan
The civil war in Sudan has resulted in the destruction of the only research center focused on mycetoma, a chronic skin condition that can lead to severe complications, including amputation. This center not only provided treatment and training for local health professionals but was also a hub for vital research into the disease, which affects many individuals in Sudan and other endemic countries. The loss of biological samples and ongoing clinical trials, including promising new treatments, has left a significant gap in the ability to combat this neglected tropical disease. The destruction of the center highlights the intersection of health care and conflict, showcasing how wars can severely impede advances in medical research and support for vulnerable populations.
Advancements in Non-Hormonal Male Contraceptive
Research into a non-hormonal male contraceptive implant, known as ADAM, has shown promising results in early trials as an alternative to traditional methods like condoms and vasectomies. This implant is inserted into the male reproductive system and effectively prevents sperm from combining with semen, thereby reducing the chances of pregnancy during intercourse. Initial findings indicate that the implant can provide effective contraception for up to two years without significant side effects, although the long-term implications of blocking sperm production are still being studied. Acceptance of such male contraceptive options may be influenced by cultural attitudes toward family planning and the division of reproductive responsibilities between genders.
Impact of Traditional Diet on Health
A recent study examining the benefits of a traditional diet from the Chaga tribe in Tanzania revealed that those who adopted this plant-based diet experienced lower levels of inflammation compared to those consuming a typical Western diet. The Chaga diet emphasizes fermented foods and staple ingredients like bananas and beans, which contrasts sharply with processed options found in Western diets. As urbanization increases, many populations are moving away from traditional dietary practices, raising concerns about rising rates of non-communicable diseases associated with these changes. The findings suggest a potential reconnection with traditional eating habits could benefit not only individual health but also address wider public health challenges across Africa.
Amidst conflict in Sudan, the world-leading Mycetoma Research Centre in Khartoum has been destroyed. We talk to the centre’s founder to find out what this means for research into the neglected disease and the struggle to proving ongoing support for patients.
As the Pan American Health Organization put into action lessons from the Covid-19 pandemic they share with us new telehealth services designed to reach the most remote communities across the Americas.
Also on the show, a reversible and non-hormonal male contraception implant has proven effective in trials lasting two years. Plus, how does the body respond when switching from a Tanzanian heritage diet to a more processed diet? And can gradual exposure to peanuts desensitize adults with severe peanut allergies?
Presenter: Claudia Hammond
Producer: Hannah Robins
Assistant Producer: Katie Tomsett
Studio Managers: Emma Harth and Dyfan Rose
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