UWA researchers win BrightSpark Fellowships for child health projects

TWO THINGS THAT BREAKS MY RIBS IN HEALTH. 1) LACK OF RESEARCH STRENGTHENING We really need to strengthen our research efforts as Zambians. The health fraternity requires new approaches to health science, our guidelines and methods of management need to be upgraded. As simple as malaria test kits, HIV kits, condoms, lubricants and pregnancy test kits may seem, we still prefer importing them despite having the necessary resources right here in Africa. Many drugs in medicine are derived from natural plants and animals, yet we haven’t managed to produce even the most basic one, like paracetamol synthesised from (Coal) on our own. We urgently need a revamp in research. It’s time we invest meaningfully and collaboratively in feasible, homegrown research initiatives that can transform our healthcare systems and strengthen our scientific independence as Africans. 2) WHITISH GRAPHICAL REPRESENTATION INSTEAD OF BLACK OUR OWN COLOUR REPRESENTATION DURING MEDICAL/LECTURE ILLUSTRATIONS CLASSES PROVOKING BUT FACTUAL Have you ever wondered or asked yourself, Why, as Africans, do we often use whitish graphical representations instead of ones that reflect our own black skin during medical illustrations or lecturs? One day, I asked one of my lecturers in my second year of study why we always use whitish graphical representations in our medical illustrations. She replied, “We use them because they are clean and clear.” But should that really be the reason? If we critically look at disease presentation on black skin, there’s often a noticeable difference in appearance compared to white skin. This variation can significantly affect diagnosis and even lead to misinterpretation. How I wish this narrative and line of reasoning could change in Africa honestly, that we begin to create and use graphical representations that truly reflect our own people, our skin tones and our realities. Only then can our medical education and practice become fully inclusive and contextually accurate. It may seem of less importance but trust me colleagues,what we see in PowerPoints is not what we finds in hospitals in most cases. I WISH AFRICA A DELIBERATIVE CENTURY, RESEARCH NEED TO BE STRENGTHENED📌🥼 African Society for Laboratory Medicine (ASLM) Biomedical Society of Zambia | BMSZ Institute of Biomedical Science @TheVoice🗣️

When breast cancer screening is not understood or not accessible, prevention efforts fall short. Programs like the Korean Breast Cancer Risk Reduction Program (KBCRRP) and MARHABA demonstrate how culturally tailored communication and patient navigation can improve screening uptake among immigrant communities. KBCRRP combined Korean-language education, lifestyle coaching, and free mammograms to improve access and awareness among Korean immigrant women in NYC. MARHABA provided Muslim women with cancer education and culturally appropriate navigation support, recognizing that language and trust are just as important as location and cost. These programs remind us that health literacy is not just about reading level, it is about understanding, relevance, and the ability to act. Follow NYU-CUNY PRC for more updates on how prevention research is shaping public health. NYU Langone Health CUNY Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy

Why are millions of young people missing from medical trials—and what does it mean for future care? Today’s Guardian article highlights a critical gap in clinical research: low participation rates among young people. This isn’t just a recruitment issue—it’s a public health risk. There is a dual challenge here! - **Scientific**: Without diverse trial data, we risk developing treatments that don’t work—or worse, cause harm—for younger populations. - **Environmental**: Inefficient trials mean wasted resources, duplicated efforts, and higher carbon footprints. We need: ✅ Inclusive trial designs ✅ Youth engagement strategies ✅ Sustainable research practices We need to rethink how we design, fund, and communicate trials—so they’re not only effective but equitable and environmentally responsible. We must make trials more inclusive *and* greener? #ClinicalTrials #YouthHealth #EvidenceSynthesis #SustainableResearch #PlanetaryHealth #HealthEquity

At Soka University of America, we are raising future leaders in global health. In the last few weeks, students in the Introduction to Global Health course analyzed the discussions of the World Health Summit held in Berlin this October under the theme “Taking Responsibility for Health in a Fragmenting World,” engaging critically with debates at the highest levels of global health leadership. In response, they wrote policy memos outlining their own 2026 global health agenda, bringing to light what they believe matters most and setting out clear proposals for moving progress forward. We also conducted two in-class sprint case competitions. For World Polio Day (October 24), students analyzed the Global Polio Eradication Initiative 2026 Action Plan: Focused Investment, Lasting Impact, articulating how and why the global health community should address the US$1.7 billion funding gap to achieve and sustain eradication. The second sprint focused on recommendations to the Africa CDC on strengthening health systems and advancing technologies for health surveillance and security, a topic related to the sub-theme “Pandemic Preparedness and Health Security in Africa” at the World Health Summit 2026 Regional Meeting in Nairobi. Today, the class turns to global surgery, examining gaps in access to surgical care and the implications for health equity worldwide. With students representing more than eight countries and speaking more than six languages, this class reflects the international collaboration and shared responsibility required to advance global health. Guided by humanistic principles, they are learning to translate knowledge into practice as future leaders in global health.

As an undergraduate student in Library and Information Science, I learned that every information resource is created for a specific audience. This idea took on new meaning when I joined an HIV/AIDS vaccine research institute, supporting communications, public relations, and community engagement. I often wondered: How does all the research generated by this institute actually reach and benefit those who need it most? I didn’t realize there was an entire field dedicated to this process. However, that changed when I began my Master of Public Health at the James P. Grant School of Public Health, BRAC University, in Bangladesh and discovered Knowledge Translation. For my MPH research project, I explored how research institutions can promote the use of their findings in policymaking and strategic planning. https://lnkd.in/g4g2XphQ Lessons learned I learned that research utilization refers to “making decisions concerning policy, advocacy and resource allocation, planning and management, and program systems development and strengthening, using information generated from research.” Research findings may be utilized in policymaking in three main forms: as data and findings, as ideas and criticism, or as briefs and arguments for action. Utilization of research findings in policymaking is sometimes : instrumental (directly informing policy), conceptual (shaping understanding over time), or symbolical (supporting existing positions). It may occur at various stages of policymaking—agenda setting, formulation, or implementation. As efforts towards bridging the gap between research and its use continue, it would be critical to articulate the conceptualisation of research use, ways in which research is being utilized and at which stages of the policy making processes.

BRC conference focuses on improving outcomes for underserved populations Nottingham BRC delivers translational research that changes patients’ lives. Our annual conference - at the Albert Hall in Nottingham on 26 November - has a focus this year on improving health outcomes for underserved populations. The theme reflects the BRC’s commitment to inclusive, impactful translational research that addresses health inequalities and supports communities which are most in need. As part of this, one of our keynote speakers is Professor Monica Lakhanpaul, Professor of Integrated Community Child Health and NIHR Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH) BRC National Patient & Public Engagement Lead, and at UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust and NIHR GOSH Biomedical Research Centre. Professor Lakhanpaul will be shining a light on underserved children and families and addressing the topic of transforming child health equity through public engagement, science and the arts. Also on the agenda are Dr Mohammad Zia Ul Haq Katshu and Dr Neil Nixon from our BRC Mental Health and Technology theme. They will be talking about the mission of the  Nottingham Mental Health -Translational Research Collaboration (MH-TRC) to drive equity and inclusivity in mental health. Joining them during this conference session are Becky Woodcock, Senior Patient and Public Involvement Manager for MindTech and Mat Rawsthorne, Senior Lived Experience Collaborator for Nottingham NIHR MH-TRC Mission on Mood. Our BRC conference brings together researchers, clinicians, industry partners, and public contributors to explore innovation across these themes, with the special focus of involving children and young people in clinical research. The day provides aims to provide inspiration, foster collaboration, and highlight the vital role of public and patient involvement in shaping the future of healthcare. Researchers from our BRC, clinicians, academics, industry partners and patient representatives are invited to register to attend the event via this link: https://lnkd.in/et-dk-u9 Attendance is free, but delegates need to register in advance to book their places. Researchers affiliated with Nottingham BRC are also invited to enter our poster competition, we now have a limited number of places available to display posters. This should be done via our EventBrite link: https://lnkd.in/euAuskDQ

Hands-On Experience vs. Master of Public Health (MPH): Which Path Should IMGs Choose? 🎓🩺 For international medical graduates (IMGs), choosing between hands-on U.S. experience and an MPH degree can shape the entire residency journey. Both have strong merits — but serve different goals. 🔹 Hands-On Clinical or Research Experience • Builds U.S. clinical exposure and strong letters of recommendation • Demonstrates patient-care readiness • Strengthens residency applications directly 🔹 Master of Public Health (MPH) • Deepens understanding of epidemiology, policy & data-driven healthcare • Opens doors to research and public health roles • Enhances long-term academic and leadership prospects 💡 Tip: If your short-term goal is U.S. residency, prioritize hands-on exposure. If you aim for a broader career in healthcare leadership or research, the MPH route adds immense value. https://lnkd.in/dbr7xFt2 #ResearchUpdate #IMGJourney #USMLE #ResidencyMatch #PublicHealth #ClinicalResearch #MPH #MedicalEducation #USHealthcare #IMGSuccess

Fantastic news! The University of Birmingham-led E-MOTIVE trial has won the Times Higher Education STEM Award for Best Research in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics. Postpartum haemorrhage – severe bleeding after childbirth – is the leading cause of maternal mortality worldwide, claiming around 70,000 lives each year. The E-MOTIVE programme, developed in collaboration with the World Health Organization and global partners, offers a low-cost, life-saving intervention that has already reduced severe bleeding by 60% in trials involving over 200,000 women. This innovative approach combines early detection with a bundled treatment strategy, ensuring rapid, effective care that can be delivered by midwives. At less than $1 per package, E-MOTIVE is scalable and accessible for low-income countries, making it a true gamechanger for maternal health. The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation has also included E-MOTIVE in its seven key strategies to advance progress on the UN Sustainable Development Goals on maternal and child mortality. Congratulations to Professor Adam Devall and Professor Arri Coomarasamy, and the entire team for this incredible achievement 👏 The awards celebrate the best in UK Higher Education and the University was also shortlisted in two other categories - International Collaboration of the Year and Outstanding Marketing/Communications Team of the Year. 🔗 Learn more about E-MOTIVE and its impact: https://lnkd.in/eze-Z5aR #UniversityofBirmingham #THEAwards #MaternalHealth

💗 The University of Birmingham-led programme, E-MOTIVE, aimed at preventing severe bleeding during childbirth has won the Times Higher Education STEM Research Project of the Year award. The initiative focuses on implementing low-cost, evidence-based interventions globally to save lives and improve maternal health outcomes.

SickKids scientists were awarded $2.2 million in infrastructure funding from the Canada Foundation for Innovation recently to advance #SKResearch exploring memory function, model organoids, and the microbiome’s role in maternal and child health. Each of the three funded projects is using innovative equipment and techniques to investigate some of the most complex questions in child health. Read more about their work ➡️https://lnkd.in/g2QfW76W