Enreca Health > Research Projects > Primary Health Care Pr...
Long-term Community Studies to Evaluate and Improve Primary Health Care Programmes in Guinea-Bissau
Period: 2008-2013
Main Collaborating Institutions
- Epidemiological Research Unit, State Serum Institute
- Ministry of Health, Guinea Bissau
- Laboratório Nacional de Saúde Pública (LNSP)
Principal Project Coordinators
Dr Amabelia Rodrigues
Ministério de Saúde Pública (MINSAP),
CP 50, Bissau, Guiné-Bissau
Tel: +245 252404
Fax: +245 252404
Dr Peter Aaby, mag.scient., dr.med., Professor
Department of Epidemiology Research,
Artillerivej 5,
2300 Copenhagen S, Denmark
Tel: +45 32683950
Fax: +45 32683165
E-mail: p.aaby @ bandim.org
Project Description
The project examines the long-term effects of the primary health care
system in Guinea Bissau. The ENRECA research project is anchored in the
International research base which has been developed over the last 25
years in Bissau. The major research component has been long term
studies on measles; in addition a number of studies related to mother
and child health have been undertaken. The ENRECA project concentrates
on research in 6 sub-project: Impact of immunisation campaigns; The
impact of immunisation versus naturally acquired immunity to measles on
the transfer of maternal antibodies and the possible implication for
immunisation policies; Studies of diarrhoeal diseases; Clinical
determinants of post-hospitalisation mortality at discharge; The
possible causes of the major differences in maternal mortality in
Guinea-Bissau, and the determinants of the survival of motherless
children; Monitor regional and ethnic differences in mortality and
their relation to the use of health services. Study plans on HIV/AIDS
and TB are being developed.
Studies on DTP vaccine and mortality continue. DTP apparently increases mortality, particularly among girls. Vaccine against hepatitis B and inactivated polio vaccine show the same result. In contrast, the live vaccines against polio and measles seem to be beneficial to the immune system. Studies in Asia indicate the same findings. WHO has been informed and recommended, in 2001, continuation of the studies. However, in 2002 WHO started their own “fast” studies which seem to contradict the Bandim findings. Actually a scientific disagreement is stated which has not yet been clarified
The educational level in Guinea Bissau is low compared to other African countries. So a long term commitment is of utmost importance when is comes to research capacity building. Through training in epidemiology, the project partly creates its own recruiting base for selection of candidates for further study. The training of Guinean researchers at PhD and MSc levels has been increased.
A 3 three years’ RUF core funding concentrates on studies of the health and social consequences of a complex emergency in collaboration with, among others, the Institute of Anthropology, the Institute of Public Health and the Department of International Health, University of Copenhagen. Two Ph.D. studies are expected to be finished in 2004.
An international review took place in the autumn of 2002. The research activities and outcome are highly praised. The main recommendation is to continue the research activities, strengthening the capacity building of managerial and organisational aspects. The projects has been extended for a three year period.
Read the report : Bandim Health Project (2008). 2003-2008
Improving Child survival .
Further information: BANDIM Web site
Read greetings from Peter Aaby at the occation of the inauguration of new premises.
