Trust for Africa's Health

19/10/2025

Subdural Hematoma

:
A subdural hematoma (SDH) is a collection of blood between the dura mater and the arachnoid membrane, usually resulting from tearing of bridging veins due to head trauma. It can be acute, subacute, or chronic, depending on the timing of symptom onset after injury.

:
• Headache, confusion, or altered mental status
• Focal neurologic deficits (e.g., weakness, speech disturbances)
• Drowsiness or loss of consciousness
• In infants: bulging fontanelle, irritability, seizures
• In chronic cases (especially in elderly): gradual cognitive decline, gait disturbance, or urinary incontinence — symptoms that may mimic dementia or normal pressure hydrocephalus .

:
• CT scan of the head is the diagnostic test of choice.
• Acute SDH: crescent-shaped, hyperdense (white) lesion.
• Chronic SDH: hypodense (dark) area due to liquefied clot.
• MRI is useful in subacute or isodense hematomas.
• Additional workup may include CBC, coagulation studies (PT, aPTT), and toxicology screening if trauma or abuse is suspected .

Diagnosis:
• Epidural hematoma
• Subarachnoid hemorrhage
• Intracerebral hemorrhage
• Stroke (ischemic)
• Brain tumor or metastasis
• Normal pressure hydrocephalus (especially in older adults) .

:
• Emergency neurosurgical evacuation for large or symptomatic hematomas.
• Burr-hole drainage or craniotomy may be required.
• Medical management for small, stable hematomas:
• Close neurologic monitoring
• Control of intracranial pressure
• Correction of coagulopathy
• Rehabilitation for cognitive and motor deficits after recovery.

-Up:
• Regular neuroimaging to confirm resolution or detect recurrence.
• Monitor for complications such as seizures, rebleeding, or persistent neurologic deficits.
• In elderly or alcoholic patients, preventive measures to reduce fall risk are essential.

Trust for Africa's Health

19/10/2025

🫁 Respiratory Disorders

🔴 Respiratory Acidosis

Cause: CO₂ retention (↓ breathing)
Examples: COPD, asthma, sedation, CNS depressants
Effect: ↑CO₂ → ↓pH → Acidic

🔵 Respiratory Alkalosis

Cause: CO₂ loss (↑ breathing)
Examples: Hyperventilation, panic, anxiety
Effect: ↓CO₂ → ↑pH → Alkaline

🧬 Metabolic Disorders

🔴 Metabolic Acidosis

Cause: ↑ acid or ↓ bicarbonate
Examples: Diarrhea, renal failure, DKA
Effect: ↑H⁺ & ↓HCO₃⁻ → Acidic

🔵 Metabolic Alkalosis

Cause: ↓ acid or ↑ bicarbonate
Examples: Vomiting, NG suction, antacids
Effect: ↓H⁺ & ↑HCO₃⁻ → Alkaline

Trust for Africa's Health

18/10/2025

Eliminating hepatitis is POSSIBLE because we have:

✔️ Effective vaccines,
✔️ Curative treatments,
✔️ Proven tools,
to stop transmission.

Take action today!
Trust for Africa's Health

17/10/2025

Coming soon 🔜🔜

In Bor Town, South Sudan, health care remains critically limited, despite the presence of some local medical facilities. Existing hospitals lack modern equipment, essential medications, and adequate medical supplies. Families face barriers to quality care, preventive medicine, and comprehensive trea...

17/10/2025

SPINAL DEFORMATION

Spinal deformation (also called spinal deformity) refers to an abnormal curvature, alignment, or shape of the spine. It can affect posture, movement, and sometimes breathing or nerve function.

🔹 Main Types of Spinal Deformities

1. Scoliosis

Sideways (lateral) curvature of the spine, often in an “S” or “C” shape.

Common in adolescents.

May cause uneven shoulders, hips, or ribs.

2. Kyphosis

Excessive forward rounding of the upper back (thoracic spine).

Common causes: poor posture, osteoporosis, or congenital defects.

Leads to a “hunched” or “round back” appearance.

3. Lordosis (Hyperlordosis)

Excessive inward curvature of the lower back (lumbar spine).

Often called “swayback.”

May result from weak abdominal muscles, obesity, or spinal conditions.

🔹 Causes

Congenital (present at birth)

Neuromuscular disorders (e.g., cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy)

Degenerative changes (e.g., osteoporosis, disc degeneration)

Trauma or injury

Poor posture over time

Infections or tumors affecting the vertebrae

🔹 Symptoms

Uneven shoulders, hips, or rib cage

Back pain or stiffness

Reduced range of motion

Breathing difficulty (in severe cases)

Visible abnormal curvature

🔹 Diagnosis

Physical examination

X-ray (to measure spinal angles)

MRI/CT scan (for detailed images)

🔹 Treatment

Mild cases: Observation, exercise, and posture correction

Moderate cases: Bracing to prevent progression (especially in growing children)

Severe cases: Surgery (spinal fusion or rod insertion) to correct and stabilize the spine
Trust for Africa's Health

17/10/2025

ORAL LESIONS
Oral lesions are abnormal changes in the mucosal lining of the mouth. They can appear as spots, ulcers, swellings, or growths and may result from infections, trauma, systemic diseases, or malignancy.

🩸 Types of Oral Lesions

1. Ulcerative lesions

Example: Aphthous ulcers (canker sores), traumatic ulcers, herpes simplex ulcers

Appearance: Painful, round or oval, with a yellowish base and red border

2. White lesions

Example: Leukoplakia, lichen planus, candidiasis (thrush)

Appearance: White patches that cannot be wiped off (except candidiasis)

3. Red lesions

Example: Erythroplakia, candidiasis, traumatic erythema

Often associated with inflammation or risk of malignancy

4. Pigmented lesions

Example: Melanotic macules, amalgam tattoo, melanoma

5. Vesiculobullous (blister-like) lesions

Example: Herpes simplex virus (HSV), pemphigus vulgaris, bullous pemphigoid

6. Mass or growth-type lesions

Example: Fibroma, papilloma, squamous cell carcinoma

⚠️ Common Causes

1.Infections: Herpes, Candida, HPV, syphilis

2.Trauma: Biting cheek/tongue, sharp teeth, ill-fitting dentures

3.Systemic diseases: Diabetes, HIV/AIDS, autoimmune diseases

4.Nutritional deficiencies: Vitamin B12, folate, or iron deficiency

5.Allergic reactions: To toothpaste, mouthwash, or dental materials

6.Malignancy: Oral cancer (especially in smokers and alcohol users)

🩺 Diagnosis

Clinical examination (location, color, size, pain, duration)

History taking (trauma, habits, systemic disease)

Laboratory tests (swab, biopsy, blood tests if needed)

💊 Treatment

Depends on the cause:

1.Aphthous ulcers: Topical corticosteroids, antiseptic mouthwash, avoid spicy food

2.Candidiasis: Antifungal agents (e.g., nystatin, fluconazole)

3.Herpes: Antivirals (e.g., acyclovir)

4.Traumatic ulcers: Remove cause, maintain oral hygiene

Precancerous/cancerous lesions: Surgical removal, biopsy for confirmation.
Trust for Africa's Health

17/10/2025

𝐇𝐄𝐀𝐋𝐓𝐇 𝐌𝐈𝐍𝐈𝐒𝐓𝐑𝐘 𝐋𝐀𝐔𝐍𝐂𝐇𝐄𝐒 𝐅𝐈𝐑𝐒𝐓 𝐍𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍𝐀𝐋 𝐌𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐀𝐋 𝐇𝐄𝐀𝐋𝐓𝐇 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐏𝐒𝐘𝐂𝐇𝐎𝐒𝐎𝐂𝐈𝐀𝐋 𝐒𝐔𝐏𝐏𝐎𝐑𝐓 𝐒𝐓𝐑𝐀𝐓𝐄𝐆𝐈𝐂 𝐏𝐋𝐀𝐍 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓-𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟗

𝐉𝐮𝐛𝐚 | 𝟏𝟕 𝐎𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓 — The National Ministry of Health today launched a significant first National Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Strategic Plan for 2025-2029, which will be responsive to the country's mental health needs and improve efficiency in mental health care delivery through social and financial risk protection for the overall improved mental health of South Sudanese.

The plan, led by the National Ministry of Health with technical support from the WHO - Republic of South Sudan (WHO) and other partners, aims to prioritise mental health, ensure access to care, strengthen community resilience, and treat mental health as a human right.

In her remarks during the launching ceremony, the Minister of Health, Hon. Sarah Cleto Rial, Minister of Health - Republic of South Sudan emphasised the importance of mental health support, noting that untreated mental disorders can undermine productivity, social cohesion, and peace.

“Everyone is affected by mental health problems in South Sudan. This stress weighs not only on our bodies but on our minds; in such a context, mental health can't be sidelined without support,” Hon. Sarah stated. “We cannot achieve universal health care or health coverage. Untreated mental disorders undermine productivity, social cohesion, and peace.” She added.

Hon. Sarah Cleto Rial stressed the need for self-improvement in personal behaviour and interactions within the community to improve mental health.
She calls for the strategic plan to be taken from paper to practice, emphasising the need to heal minds, restore hope, and strengthen the nation.

The launching ceremony also commemorated World Mental Health Day, which falls on October 10th, with the theme "Mental Health in Humanitarian Emergencies."

Trust for Africa's Health

16/10/2025

16/10/2025

ZOONOTIC DISEASES

Zoonotic diseases (or zoonoses) are diseases that can be transmitted between animals and humans — either from animals to people or, less commonly, from people to animals. 🦠🐾

🔍 Definition:

> Zoonotic diseases are infectious diseases that are naturally transmitted between vertebrate animals and humans.

⚠️ Modes of Transmission:

1. Direct contact – touching saliva, blood, urine, or wounds of infected animals

2. Indirect contact – through contaminated surfaces, water, or soil

3. Vector-borne – via mosquitoes, ticks, fleas, etc.

4. Foodborne – eating undercooked meat or unpasteurized milk

5. Airborne – inhaling infectious droplets or dust

🩺 Common Examples and Their Transmission:

Disease Animal Source How It Spreads

1.Rabies; Dogs, bats Bite or saliva of infected animal
2.Anthrax ;Cattle, sheep, goats Contact with infected carcasses or hides
3.Brucellosis ;Cattle, goats Unpasteurized milk or contact with animal fluids
4.Leptospirosis; Rodents, dogs Contact with urine-contaminated water
5.Avian influenza; Poultry, wild birds Contact with infected birds
6.Plague ;Rats, fleas Flea bites or handling infected animals
7.Ringworm ;Cats, dogs, cattle Direct contact with infected skin or fur.

✅ Prevention and Control:

Wash hands after handling animals

Cook meat and eggs thoroughly

Drink only pasteurized milk

Vaccinate pets (especially for rabies)

Control rodents and insect vectors

Use protective clothing when handling animals
Trust for Africa's Health

16/10/2025

WHAT IS ACL INJURY
An ACL injury refers to damage to the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) — one of the key ligaments that helps stabilize your knee joint.

🔍 What the ACL does:

The ACL connects the thigh bone (femur) to the shin bone (tibia) and prevents the tibia from sliding too far forward. It also provides rotational stability to the knee.

💥 Causes of ACL Injury:

An ACL injury often occurs during sports or activities that involve:

Sudden stops or changes in direction (e.g., football, basketball, soccer)

Jumping and landing incorrectly

Direct collision or blow to the knee (e.g., tackle)

⚠️ Types of ACL Injury:

1. Grade 1 sprain: The ligament is stretched but not torn.

2. Grade 2 sprain (partial tear): The ligament is stretched and partially torn.

3. Grade 3 sprain (complete tear): The ligament is completely torn or split into two parts.

🧠 Common Symptoms:

A “popping” sound at the time of injury

Sudden pain and swelling

Feeling of instability or the knee “giving way”

Difficulty bearing weight or walking

🩺 Diagnosis:

Physical examination (Lachman or pivot-shift tests)

MRI scan (to confirm the extent of the injury)

X-ray (to rule out bone fractures)

💊 Treatment:

Depends on severity:

Mild injuries: Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation (RICE), physiotherapy.

Severe/complete tears: Surgical reconstruction using a tendon graft, followed by rehabilitation

🏃‍♂️ Recovery:

Non-surgical: 2–3 months

Post-surgery: 6–12 months of rehabilitation before returning to
Trust for Africa's Health

16/10/2025

SHAKEN BABY SYNDROME

👶 Definition

Shaken Baby Syndrome (SBS) is a serious form of child abuse that happens when a baby or young child is violently shaken, causing the brain to move back and forth inside the skull.
This leads to brain injury, bleeding, and sometimes permanent damage or death.

🧠 What Happens During Shaking

The baby’s head is large and neck muscles are weak.

When shaken, the brain hits the inside of the skull, causing:

Bleeding around the brain (subdural or subarachnoid hemorrhage)

Bleeding in the eyes (retinal hemorrhage)

Brain swelling (encephalopathy)

Even a few seconds of shaking can cause severe injury.

⚠️ Common Signs and Symptoms

Unconsciousness or lethargy (baby very sleepy or unresponsive)

Poor feeding

Vomiting without reason

Seizures

Trouble breathing

Irritability or crying that won’t stop

Pale or bluish skin

Paralysis or stiffness

🏥 Diagnosis

Doctors use:

CT scan or MRI of the brain

Eye exam (to check for retinal bleeding)

X-rays (to detect broken bones or old fractures)

⚕️ Treatment

Emergency care to control brain swelling and seizures

Supportive therapy (oxygen, fluids, nutrition)

Surgery if bleeding or pressure inside the skull is severe

Long-term rehabilitation if there is brain injury

🚨 Prevention

Never shake a baby, even out of frustration.

If a baby won’t stop crying:

Place the baby safely in a crib and step away for a few minutes.

Ask a friend, partner, or relative for help.

Seek medical advice if the crying seems unusual.

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❗ Key Point

Shaken Baby Syndrome is 100% preventable but can be fatal or permanently disabling if it occurs.

Trust for Africa's Health