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A microplastic meal: a baseline assessment of microplastic polymer presence within manta-ray (Mobula alfredi) feeding grounds at D'Arros Island and the St. Joseph Atoll
(Elsevier Ltd, 2026) Choppy, Monik T.; Duncan, Murray Ian; Gordon, Nuette; Pouponeau, Dillys K.; Bullock, Robert W.; Grimmel, Henriette M.V.; Rajkaran, Anusha
Microplastic ingestion by reef manta rays ( Mobula alfredi ) is a threat to their health and population stability. Seychelles' outer islands are vital habitats for M. alfredi but nothing is known about marine microplastic pollution in the area. Using plankton tows from D'Arros Island and St. Joseph Atoll – a key aggregation site, we quantified microplastic polymer type and relative abundance from locations where reef manta rays were actively feeding. We found polybutylene terephthalate (PBT, 1079 particles, 66%) to be the most abundant polymer using our screening technique. A polymer concern assessment identified polyurethane (PU), polyacrylonitrile (PAN), polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and PBT as “Very High” concern polymers that warrant further attention. We find no significant relationship between total microplastic abundance and zooplankton biomass indicating M. alfredi does not ingest relatively greater quantities of MPs while feeding at this aggregation site.
Evaluating the perceived implementation and impact of the chronic dispensing unit in the Western Cape
(Frontiers Media SA, 2026) Matthew Ilona; Viljoen Michelle; McCartney Jane; Bheekie Angeni
Introduction: The research explores the perceived implementation and impact of the Chronic Dispensing Unit (CDU) within a South African primary healthcare system, with a focus on chronic disease management, using the RE-AIM (Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation, and Maintenance) and CFIR (Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research) frameworks. Equitable access to healthcare and medicine is still a challenge; it demands long-term care and ongoing medical interventions. Introduced in 2005, the CDU in the Western Cape was designed to overcome the challenges in access by centralizing dispensing and distribution of chronic medicines. Two decades after its implementation, its contribution is underexplored. This research evaluated the long-term performance and sustainability of the CDU using implementation frameworks. Method: A qualitative design was used, using virtual semi-structured interviews with purposively selected participants (n = 8) involved in the implementation and maintenance of the CDU. Interviews were analyzed thematically. A deductive-inductive strategy was applied, guided by the RE-AIM and CFIR frameworks. Results: The CDU demonstrated substantial Reach and Effectiveness. It has refined operational processes and reduced patient waiting times. Challenges with data integration and the non-collection of medicine limit the CDU’s ability to inform clinical outcomes and long-term sustainability. Conclusions: The CDU is still an effective, well-integrated system that supports chronic disease management but is constrained by disconnected data systems. This study evaluated a large-scale health intervention that facilitated data-driven decision-making to monitor, evaluate, and report on evidence-based programmes addressing barriers to sustainment. Integrating two frameworks provided an assessment of a patient-centerd intervention, granting insights into equity in access to medicine, to strengthen primary healthcare systems.
Knowledge, attitudes, and self-reported practices of South African pharmacists regarding pediatric pharmaceutical care
(Pediatric Pharmacy Advocacy Group, Inc, 2025) Van Heerden Yasmine
OBJECTIVE Evidence on South African pharmacists’ pediatric knowledge is limited. This study explored the knowledge, attitudes, and self-reported practices of South African pharmacists regarding pediatric pharmaceutical care. METHODS A descriptive cross-sectional online survey was conducted among registered South African pharmacists. The survey, which was developed by the researcher based on previous studies, consisted of 4 sections: demographics, knowledge, attitudes, and self-reported practices. Contact information of pharmacists was obtained from The South African Pharmacy Council. Pharmacists were invited to participate via email, and a reminder email was sent after 2 weeks. The study was closed 3 days thereafter. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics (significance set at p < 0.05), and qualitative responses underwent thematic analysis. RESULTS A total of 436 surveys were fully completed (response rate of 2.4%). The median knowledge score of pharmacists was 9 out of 12 (IQR, 8–10). Participants performed well (90% correct) in questions on basic pediatric medicine, but more poorly in questions on pediatric dose calculations (66% correct), formulation challenges (67% correct), and pharmacokinetics (55% correct). There was no significant correlation between knowledge scores and years of practice, sector of practice, highest qualification, or training in pediatrics. There was a statistically significant correlation between participant knowledge and attitude scores (p = 0.003). CONCLUSION The study sample possesses knowledge of basic pediatric principles; however, gaps in knowledge remain. Participants expressed a lack of perceived preparedness for pediatric care following undergraduate training, underscoring the need for further research and educational reform.
A second-order nonstandard finite difference method for a malaria propagation model with control
(Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (MDPI), 2026) Marime Calisto Blessmore; Munyakazi, Justin B.
Standard numerical methods such as Runge–Kutta and Euler methods have been widely used to approximate solutions to nonlinear systems. These methods converge to the solution only for small step sizes; for larger time steps, they generally generate spurious or chaotic solutions. In this paper, we consider a malaria propagation model with control for which we construct a second-order nonstandard finite difference scheme that preserves the important mathematical properties of the continuous model, which are positivity, boundedness, and stability of solutions irrespective of the step size. Moreover, we show that the equilibrium points of the discrete model are the same as those of the continuous model. By applying the double mesh principle, we provide evidence that the second-order NSFD scheme approximates the true solution with small errors. Theoretical assertions and numerical results show the advantages of the developed second-order nonstandard finite difference method.
Unwrapping the global financing facility: understanding implications for women’s children’s and adolescent’s health through layered policy analysis
(Taylor and Francis Ltd, 2025) Kinney, Mary V; Kwesiga, Doris; Lawn, Joy E; Walmisley, Ulla; Kumar, Meghan Bruce; Kiendrébéogo, Joël Arthur; Wanduru, Phillip; Waiswa, Peter; Shamba, Donat; Baraka, Jitihada; Chivangue, Andes; Msemo, Georgina; Steege, Rosie; George, Asha Sara
The Global Financing Facility (GFF), launched in 2015, aims to catalyse funding for reproductive, maternal, newborn, child, and adolescent health, and nutrition. Few independent assessments have evaluated its processes and impact. We conducted a multi-layered policy analysis of GFF documents–the Investment Cases (ICs) and the GFF-linked World Bank Project Appraisal Documents (PADs)–examining the content of GFF documents for 28 countries, comparing four tracer themes (maternal and newborn health, adolescent health, community health, and quality), and analysing the policy processes in four country studies (Burkina Faso, Mozambique, Tanzania, and Uganda). From 2015 to 2022, GFF-linked PADs reported US$ 14.5 billion of funding across 26 countries through 30 PADs, with GFF contributing 4% to this value. GFF investments primarily focused on service delivery, governance, and performance-based financing. Countries received more targeted investments for maternal and newborn health and adolescent health linked to their burden of these tracer themes. Attention to community health and quality varied. ICs were broader than PADs and more inclusive in their development. Local contexts shaped policy processes. GFF supported priority-setting and learning; however, translating priorities into resourced actions proved challenging. Power dynamics influenced country ownership, donor coordination and resource mobilisation. The GFF is a significant opportunity to advance health for vulnerable populations. Progress in transparency and data use is evident, but accountability gaps, power imbalances, and limited engagement with civil society and private sector hinder national ownership. Further research is needed to determine GFF’s attribution to catalytic resource mobilization.