The weeks after birth are critical for the health of mothers and premature newborns; the highest rate of infant mortality is usually reported in this period due to neonatal hypothermia associated with morbidity and mortality. Earlier studies have shown the reduction of neonatal hypothermia through the use of simple woolen caps during Kangaroo Mother Care. The study’s results will help us understand the actual effectiveness of the use of these caps, well suited to countries with limited resources.

In countries with limited resources, stethoscopes are rarely available and heart rates are usually detected by palpitating the umbilical cord. Previous studies on dummies and healthy infants have shown that this method is somewhat inaccurate. The hypothesis is that umbilical cord palpation might underestimate the heart rate, in particular when used on infants with bradycardia. The research objective is to accurately determine methods recommended for detecting heart rate in newborns who require resuscitation at birth.

The research objective is to determine the prevalence of diabetes mellitus (DM) in patients with TB in health centers in Luanda, Angola. Diabetes mellitus seems to severely affect people with tuberculosis, dramatically increasing patients’ mortality rate due to relapse, recidivism, and reactivation of the TB. Though the data collection is yet to be completed, preliminary results confirm that there is a major correlation between the two diseases. We therefore need to find a solution to treat both diseases jointly.

Diabetes mellitus (DM) seems to occur in correlation with tuberculosis, having a serious impact on the care of patients suffering from TB. The primary research objective is to estimate the prevalence of diabetes mellitus in new patients with active pulmonary tuberculosis. The next step will be to evaluate the treatment of TB in its different phases in diabetic patients. We will thereby seek to assess the clinical presentation of tuberculosis in diabetic patients, comparing them to non-diabetic patients and noting complications caused by DM in patients with TB.

The use of Cesarean sections is on the rise worldwide. However, especially in the low- and middle-income countries, the reasons for its use are controversial and not always to the benefit of maternal health. The research aims to analyze the effect of Cesarean sections at a hospital in Chiulo, Angola using the Robson classification system. Robson’s criteria may be a good starting point for a systematic review of Cesarean births. The classification will also let us implement strategies to reduce the frequency of medically unnecessary primary C-sections.

The project is based on developing anthropological research in order to improve access and use of maternal, child, and adolescent health services in the districts of Hamer and Daasanach in the South Omo Zone, starting from understanding the current condition of women in these two districts. Poor education, lack of money, and long distances from the nearest health center are currently the main factors hindering women’s access to health services for mothers, children, and adolescents. The survey’s second objective is to study nutrition in pregnant women, mothers, and newborns, the traditional practice of newborn care, and the situation of adolescent girls at risk for early pregnancy.

Snakebites cause death or severe disability, both physical and psychological. However, its recognition as aninternational public health problem has been hindered by inadequate epidemiological data. There is indeed very little data about the severity of snakebites in sub-Saharan Africa and in South Sudan areas. The study’s goal is to observe the number, clinical profiles, and outcomes of snakebites in three different hospitals and one health center in rural areas in South Sudan.

The incidence of HIV in Mozambique is still high and causes thousands of deaths every year. Most studies in Mozambique were conducted retrospectively, and there is still no data on the main surgical diseases affecting patients with HIV. We do not even know what the possible risk factors of these diseases. The research aim is to learn the surgical pathologies and main associated factors affecting HIV-infected patients. Particular attention should be paid to the clinical monitoring of patients to deliver the correct and timely follow-up in order to improve the patients’ prognosis.

Mozambique has the eighth highest incidence of HIV in the world. Although the number of new infections has decreased since 2001, 14,000 children contract HIV every year. Throughout the country, access to care with treatment has been growing. However, it is estimated that only 27% of children who could benefit from antiretroviral treatment actually started treatment during 2012. The results of the studies will be used to better allocate future investments to treat HIV in the country and to ensure high quality care.