Latest Ifakara Stories

Scientists in Tanzania are using the odor of human feet to lure in malaria-spreading mosquitoes. The traps attract up to four times as many mosquitoes as actual humans. Scientists hope this trap could drastically reduce the transmission rate of malaria, which is one of the biggest killers in the developing world. Scientists first came up with the idea after seeing how mosquitoes were drawn to smelly socks. The team persuaded volunteers to donate socks they had worn for at least ten hours. ...

A Tanzanian program to supply insecticide treated nets to prevent malaria in pregnant women successfully delivers the intervention to only 30% of women, but simple changes could increase effectiveness, according to an article http://www.cmaj.ca/embargo/cmaj090268.pdf in CMAJ (Canadian Medical Association Journal) www.cmaj.ca.Insecticide treated nets have been shown to reduce childhood mortality by 17% in different areas in Africa, reduce infection with malaria parasites in pregnant women by...

Surgeons using a simple checklist during major operations can lower deaths and complications by more than one-third, U.S. researcher found. The year-long study, led by researchers at the Harvard School of Public Health in collaboration with the World Health Organization, found the rate of major complications in the study's operating rooms -- in hospitals in eight cities -- fell from 11 percent in the baseline period to 7 percent after introduction of the checklist -- a reduction of more...