WS07 REPORT.pdf - Training and Research Support Centre

An Introduction to public health
2.2 Introduction to epidemiology and public health
Dr Rene Loewenson TARSC, gave a general introduction to the principles of public
health and key concepts in epidemiology and how they are used in public health. She
defined public health, and outlined using examples from Zimbabwe the basic elements
of public health, the measures and concepts in epidemiology, how the data is collected
and used and how it is applied to address public health.
2.3 Epidemiology of HIV and AIDS: Current situation.
Dr A Mahomva (Elizabeth Glazier Pediatric HIV and AIDS Foundation ) gave an outline
of the epidemic pattern of HIV and AIDS: the transmission mechanisms and natural
history of AIDS and the trends globally and in Zimbabwe of the epidemic. She informed
delegates of the distribution and determinants of HIV, and the current levels and trends
in the HIV and AIDS epidemic through prevalence, incidence and mortality data. She
used the evidence to describe patterns of vulnerability and susceptibility in HIV and AIDS
and the major public health challenges this raises and the opportunities for responses.
2.4 HIV and AIDS Prevention, treatment and care.
Dr T R Bwakura, a Specialist physician ( Ministry of Health OI Clinic) outlined the options for
prevention, treatment and care for HIV and AIDS, as well as for opportunistic infections. He also
outlined the current options for Antiretroviral treatment (ART) and the issues related to
managing treatment and care in Zimbabwe.
2.5 Epidemiology and management of TB and Malaria
Dr C Duri (Harare City Health Department) outlined the current distribution of
Tuberculosis (TB) in Zimbabwe, its distribution and causes. His presentation explored
that TB is, and what TB infection is, the major sources of TB infection and the
progression from infection to disease. He outlined the current TB trends including the
new XDR strains and how TB can be controlled and managed, making clear the roles of
communities and health services.
On Malaria, Dr J Chirenda UZ DCM provided information on the epidemiology of
malaria, the burden of malaria, and its transmission in Africa, Zimbabwe. He discussed
with delegates the burden posed by malaria on health systems, on households and local
economies and how these can be prevented and dealt with. Dr J Chirenda gave a
practical presentation on experiences of managing malaria.
Both sessions outlined and discussed the steps to establish a community approach to
TB and Malaria management with participants.
2.6 Nutrition and food security: issues and multisectoral responses
Mr F Makamba University of Zimbabwe department of food science gave a lecture on
nutrition, defining terms and outlining the major elements of individual, household, and
national food needs, how these are met and the elements of malnutrition. He outlined
the impact of HIV and AIDS on nutrition and the nutritional requirements for PLWHA. He
presented the national policies for food security and nutrition and how the interventions
on nutrition interact with wider health and social issues. There was active discussion on
this issue, particularly on issues relating to community level and to nutrition issues facing
people living with HIV and AIDS.
4