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Let’s start off with some good news.

The World Health Organization (WHO) recently published its first Essential Diagnostics list. The list is a catalogue of diagnostic tests which it considers essential to every health care system in the world. Many of the listed diagnostic tests and tools are used in various MSF projects.

For example, the list includes a culture-based drug susceptibility test (DST) to detect resistance to first-line and/or second-line anti-TB medicines – a test we use in our Mumbai DR-TB project. Diagnostic tests can be as crucial as medicines, especially with the advent of antimicrobial resistance.
WHO promises to expand the list in the coming years to include tests for other important issues such as antimicrobial resistance and neglected tropical diseases. Speaking of neglected diseases, we have an important update on our kala azar-HIV project in Bihar.

Transmitted by the bite of a sand fly, kala azar is a vector-borne disease endemic to Bihar. Typically, it thrives in impoverished areas and is almost always fatal if left untreated. The disease is characterized by fever, weight loss, enlargement of the liver and spleen, anaemia and immune-system deficiencies.
 
Lalita Devi (F/40) with Post Kala Azar Dermal Leishmaniasis (PKDL) symptoms was admitted at the MSF Kala Azar unit in Sadar Hospital , Hajipur.  Photo: Sami Siva/MSF

In Patna, MSF has been working on the treatment of kala azar-HIV co-infection in partnership with Rajendra Memorial Research Institute of Medical Sciences (RMRIMS). In May, MSF started a new study in collaboration with RMRIMS to understand the prevalence of asymptomatic kala azar among HIV positive people. The study will shed light on the magnitude of the problem and help all concerned actors in the state. Do reach out to us for more information on the study or our project.
MSF medical team during morning rounds in Kala azar-HIV ward in Rajendra Memorial Research Institute(RMRI) hopsital in Patna, Bihar. Photo: Javeed Shah
On the international front, as you may be aware, there is an Ebola outbreak in the Equateur province in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).  54 people have symptoms of haemorrhagic fever, 35 of which have been confirmed as Ebola cases, resulting in 25 deaths (of which 12 were confirmed to be due to Ebola), according to figures from national health authorities. MSF teams are working in four places to take care of patients and to thwart the epidemic.

MSF has also started vaccinating Ebola frontline workers in the town of Bikoro, where we are now working with the Ministry of Health and WHO.
On June 1 2018, 390 vaccines arrived frozen to Bikoro. The logistics of this cold chain are extremely complex: The vaccine must be maintained at certain temperatures. Long-term storage at between -60 and -80°C and short-term storage at 2–8°C for up to 14 days after thawing. Photo: MSF
In Gaza, mass demonstrations that started on 30th of March continue. The demonstrations are expected to continue up to June 5, a day celebrated as ‘reunification of Jerusalem’ by Israel and recalled as ‘annexing of Jerusalem’ by Palestinians.

MSF has reported 120 deaths since the march began with more than 13,000 injured, of which 3,630 were by gunshot. On May 14, 55 protesters were killed and 2,771 injured, which included 1,359 by live ammunition. Presently in our clinics we have 933 people being treated for gunshot injuries.

MSF had to adapt its medical response to cope with the increase in people injured by gunshots in our clinics. The injuries reported were severe and complex to treat, leaving long-term consequences. Do watch this video if you wish to know more.
MSF Scientific Days

Next month we also have our annual MSF Scientific Days scheduled for July 16.

MSF Scientific Days is an annual conference to showcase research, innovation, and experiences from treatment and humanitarian programmes across the region.
 
The conference provides a platform for stakeholders – health groups, vulnerable communities and treatment providers - to share knowledge and help improve quality of care provided to patients & populations.
  
For more information please read here
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