Sao Tome Research Articles

Nigeria-Sao Tome and Principe Joint Development of Petroleum and Other Resources

1. Nigeria and Sao Tome and Principe are located in the Gulf of Guinea which is one of the most prolific oil and gas areas in the world. The two States have overlapping maritime boundary claims. Sao Tome and Principe has formally claimed archipelagic State status, and it, therefore, has drawn archipelagic baselines in accordance with Article 47 of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (hereinafter “UNCLOS”) and declared its Exclusive Economic Zone (hereinafter “EEZ”) of 200 nautical miles, but the northwestern part of this overlapped considerably with Nigeria’s claimed EEZ. After maritime boundary negotiations failed in 1998,1 the two States signed the joint development agreement. 2. The Treaty between the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Democratic Republic of Sao Tome and Principe on the Joint Development of Petroleum and Other Resources, in respect of Areas of the Exclusive Economic Zone of the two States (hereinafter “Treaty”) was concluded on 21 February 2001 and entered into force on 16 January 2003. The Treaty establishes the joint development regime between the two States, which is composed of three parts: the Treaty itself, an Appendix entitled Special Regime Area (hereinafter “SRA”), and a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).

Small island nations can achieve food security benefits through climate-adaptive blue food governance by 2050

Small island nations are highly dependent on food from aquatic environments, or blue food, and vulnerable to climate change and global food market price volatility. By 2050, rising populations will demand more food through various protein sources, including from the sea. This study identifies which small island nations can improve food self-sufficiency from the sea by implementing tailored climate-adaptive fisheries governance strategies that adapt to shifting marine resources. We combined projections of seafood demand and local catch under different future scenarios of global carbon emissions and local adaptive fisheries management to estimate potential seafood surpluses or deficits from by 2050 for 31 small island nations worldwide. We find that adapting fisheries management every 10 years could mitigate even worst-case projections of climate change impacts on locally available seafood, building a seafood surplus by 2050 in the Seychelles, Maldives, Cabo Verde, Bahamas, Antigua and Barbuda, Kiribati, PNG, Fiji, FSM, Tuvalu, and Marshall Islands. Strategic financial and capacity investments by the international community could help realize the full potential of food security from the sea for those nations. However, we project deficits in locally caught seafood by 2050 in Comoros, Sao Tome and Principe, Mauritius, Barbados, Dominican Republic, Cuba, Dominica, Jamaica, Grenada, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago, Haiti, Palau, Samoa, Nauru, and the Solomon Islands, regardless of adapting fisheries management. For those nations, we recommend international collaboration that strengthens food security from sources other than the sea coupled with investments in locally sustainable aquaculture. Overall, we find that climate-adaptive fisheries management can benefit a range of the studied small island nations, by supporting both food security goals as well as economic goals of productive fisheries for international trade

Teaching and quality of teaching: Conceptions of higher education professors in Sao Tome and Principe

Higher education is a fundamental resource to achieve the 2030’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) defined by the United Nations. Specifically, SDG4 advocates the access to quality education for all, including tertiary education. Besides, higher education is expected to be an important condition for achieving other SDGs. Developing countries face particularly important challenges to accomplish these higher education goals. Thus, it is crucial to understand how to promote quality in higher education in the specific context of each country. Among the most important factors influencing higher education quality are professors’ conceptions of teaching. These conceptions influence teaching action and have a direct impact on students’ own academic performance and learning outcomes. Teaching conceptions seems to be strongly influenced by cultural values and social norms and in African countries there is little research in this field. This study aims to characterize and understand both the conceptions of teaching and on facilitating factors and barriers to university teaching held by the University of Sao Tome and Principe (USTP) faculty. The data were obtained through semi-structured interviews to 19 university professors and analyzed through qualitative and quantitative methodologies. The results suggest the prevalence of teacher-centered/transmission-oriented and student-centered/learning-oriented conceptions of university teaching. In addition, other conceptions highlight professors’ competences and the relationship between teaching and context variables. Organizational aspects of the education system, material resources and facilities, characteristics and training of the faculty, teaching action, and students’ characteristics, are mentioned both as facilitators and barriers to university teaching. Some contributions emerged from the professors’ conceptions that could inspire improvements at the USTP teaching, therefore contributing to facing changes and challenges of a society in development.

Differentials in Maternal Mortality Pattern in Sub-Saharan Africa Countries: Evidence from Demographic and Health Survey Data

Maternal mortality ratios in sub-Saharan Africa remain high and worrisome. Moreover, maternal health indicators have remained poor despite large efforts in the last two decades. This study assesses maternal mortality patterns by age and country. The demographic and health survey data were used for the study. Based on the results, countries with the lowest adult female mortality rate include Senegal, Comoros, Rwanda, Mauritania, Sao Tome and Principe, Gambia, and Ethiopia. In addition, Chad (44.7%), Niger (38.7%), the Congo Democratic Republic (34.8%), Nigeria (34.2%), Mauritania (32.0%), Senegal (29.2%), Liberia (28.8%), Benin (27.8%), and Guinea (27.5%), respectively, reported the highest female deaths that are pregnancy-related. Overall, Lesotho (1024; 95% CI: 731–1318), Liberia (913; 95% CI: 638–1189), Chad (860; 95% CI: 728–993), Congo Democratic Republic (846; 95% CI: 690–1003), Sierra Leone (796; 95% CI: 632–960) and Guinea (724; 95% CI: 531–916) had the leading pregnancy-related mortality ratio per 100,000 live births. The study found that the patterns of death vary across different countries. There is a need for concerted efforts to reduce pregnancy-related deaths in sub-Saharan countries.

Does political conflict tilt finance-renewable energy dynamics in Africa? Accounting for the multi-dimensional approach to financial development and threshold effect of political conflict

In order to shed empirical light on the impact of the multi-dimensional decomposition of financial development indicators on renewable energy usage, this study investigates the threshold effect of political conflict on finance-energy dynamics in Africa. The research output relies on a panel of 46 African nations from 2010 to 2020, using IV-GMM estimators that are robust to cross-sectional dependence and allow for heterogeneous slope coefficients. The results of direct, indirect, and threshold equations show that i.) Financial development indicators spur renewable energy consumption, while political conflict drags it. ii.) There is a threshold at which financial development could spur renewable energy in some regions of Africa, and the tendency of financial development to maintain such capacity is conditioned on the accessibility of financial facilities and political conflict/stability within a specific range of threshold values. iii.) the threshold level assessment shows that 11 countries in the panel, including Botswana, Mauritius, Cape Verde, Namibia, Seychelles, Zambia, Sao Tome and Principe, Gabon, Ghana and Benin Rep., are above the threshold level of political conflict in Africa. From a policy angle, driving up renewable energy consumption in Africa requires the government to provide enabling safety net environment for the diversification of finance options targeting innovative shifts away from traditional energy sources to the expansion of alternative renewable energy ventures.

Acculturation Experiences of International Students from Sao Tome and Principe in China

While many studies are focused on international students from the main source countries in China, few studies have addressed how minority groups experience acculturation. Therefore, an interpretive phenomenology was used to explore the acculturation experiences of international students from Sao Tome and Principe (STP) studying in China. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with eight STP students, while analyzing the interview data using the Colaizzi method. Finally, the data yielded a total of four themes that were emerged as follows: 1. surprising explorers, 2. temporary mutes, 3. confused newcomers, and 4. elite pioneers. The findings provide insights into how the acculturation process is experienced and the strategies STP students in China followed toward it and are even consistent with existing theories and literature. International students from STP and other minority groups may benefit a lot from this study and enrich their experience of the acculturation process in a more targeted way.

Unmet need for family planning among married women in sub-Saharan Africa: a meta-analysis of DHS data (1995 – 2020)

BackgroundClosing the gap of unmet needs for family planning (FP) in sub-Saharan Africa remains critical in improving maternal and child health outcomes. Determining the prevalence of unmet needs for family planning among married women in the reproductive age is vital for designing effective sexual reproductive health interventions and programmes. Here, we use nationally representative data drawn from sub-Saharan countries to estimate and examine heterogeneity of unmet needs for family planning among currently married women of reproductive age.MethodsThis study used secondary data from Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS) conducted between January 1, 1995 to December 31, 2020 from 37 countries in sub-Saharan African. An Inverse Heterogeneity model (IVhet) in MetaXL application was used to estimate country and sub-regional level pooled estimates and confidence intervals of unmet needs for FP in SSA.ResultsThe overall prevalence of unmet need for family planning among married women of reproductive age in the sub-region for the period under study was 22.9% (95% CI: 20.9–25.0). The prevalence varied across countries from 10% (95% CI: 10–11%) in Zimbabwe to 38% (95% CI: 35–40) and 38 (95% CI: 37–39) (I2 = 99.8% and p-value < 0.0001) in Sao Tome and Principe and Angola, respectively. Unmet needs due to limiting ranged from 6%; (95% CI: 3–9) in Central Africa to 9%; (95% CI: 8–11) in East Africa. On the other hand, the prevalence of unmet needs due to spacing was highest in Central Africa (Prev: 18; 95% CI: 16–21) and lowest in Southern Africa (Prev: 12%; 95% CI: 8–16). Our study indicates that there was no publication bias because the Luis Furuya-Kanamori index (0.79) was within the symmetry range of -1 and + 1.ConclusionThe prevalence of unmet need for FP remains high in sub-Saharan Africa suggesting the need for health policymakers to consider re-evaluating the current SRH policies and programmes with the view of redesigning the present successful strategies to address the problem.

Differentials in the Prevalence of Acute Respiratory Infections Among Under-Five Children: An Analysis of 37 Sub-Saharan Countries

We investigated the prevalence and risk factors of ARI in children under 5 years old in 37 SSA countries. Data from Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) of 37 African countries was examined in this analysis. Data from children under the age of 5 years old were examined. Forest plot was used to identify disparities in the occurrence of ARIs across SSA countries. We observed a higher prevalence of ARI among children under 5 in Uganda, Kenya, Sao Tome and Principe (9% each), Gabon, Chad, Eswatini (8% each), Burundi, Ethiopia, Congo Democratic Republic (7.0% each). The prevalence of ARI among under-five children who sought medical advice/treatment from health facility was higher in South Africa (88%), Sierra Leone (86%), Tanzanian (85%), Guinea (83%) and Uganda (80%). The prevalence rate of ARI among under-five children who received antibiotics was higher in Tanzania (61%), Sao Tome and Principe (60%), Rwanda and Congo (58% each), Angola (56.0%), Mozambique (54.0%), Kenya (53.0%), Namibia (52.0%) and Gabon (50.0%). This study found that the household wealth index, maternal education, and urban residence were significantly associated with ARI (p <0.001). A higher prevalence of ARI was observed among urban residents, low income families, and those with mothers with lower education. ARI prevalence could be reduced by improving household socioeconomic status, child nutrition and community awareness of indoor and outdoor pollution. Interventions and programs focused on early diagnosis, treatment and prevention of ARIs are crucial in reducing ARIs particularly in developing countries.

Análise da produção científica alinhada com a Estratégia de Segurança Alimentar e Nutricional das Instituições Africanas de Língua Portuguesa: uma revisão sistemática de escopo

ABSTRACT This systematic scoping review aimed to map and characterize the scientific production of researchers from Portuguese-speaking African institutions that align with the Food and Nutrition Security Strategy of the Community of Portuguese-Speaking Countries. The literature search was conducted using six electronic databases (PubMed, EMBASE, Virtual Health Library, Scientific Electronic Library Online, Scopus, and Web of Science), with no restrictions on the year of publication nor language. Through the search strategy, 10,061 records were identified, of which 502 documents and 654 researchers were selected by Food and Nutrition Security specialists along three axes: 1) Policy governance; 2) Access to food; 3) Availability of food. Institutional researchers from Mozambique (66.9%), Guinea-Bissau (15.9%), and Angola (11.4%) presented the most publications and international collaborations. Researchers from Cape Verde, Sao Tome and Principe, and Equatorial Guinea institutions added only 5.8% of the total production. A greater number of publications (61%) was related to axis two of the Food and Nutrition Security Strategy of the Community of Portuguese-Speaking Countries. The most studied themes were sustainable development, child malnutrition, and agricultural production for the first, second, and third axis, respectively. In general, scientific publications have shown limitations in their approaches due to the challenge imposed by the complexity of the food system. However, there has been a quantitative evolution in publications in the last decade, with a greater participation of researchers from Portuguese-speaking African institutions.

Antenatal screenings and maternal diagnosis among pregnant women in Sao Tome & Principe-Missed opportunities to improve neonatal health: A hospital-based study.

Newborn mortality and adverse birth outcomes (ABOs) in Sao Tome & Príncipe (STP) are overwhelmingly high, and access to quality-antenatal care (ANC) is one of the strategies to tackle it. This study aimed to fill the gaps in ANC screenings with a focus on how to improve neonatal outcomes. We conducted a retrospective hospital-based study in which ANC pregnancy cards were reviewed. Screenings were described and compared according to the total number of ANC contacts: 1-3 (inadequate), 4-7 (adequate), and ≥8 (complete). The collected data were entered into QuickTapSurvey and exported to SPSS version 25 for analysis. Statistical significance was considered at a p-value ≤0.05. A total of 511 ANC pregnancy cards were reviewed. Mothers' mean age was 26.6 (SD = 7.1), 51.7% had a first trimester early booking, 14.9% (76) had 1-3 ANC contacts, 46.4% (237) had 4-7 and 38.7% (198) ≥8. Screening absence was found in 24%-41%, lack of money was registered in 36%. Pregnant women had no screening performed for HIV in 4.5%, syphilis in 8.8%, HBV 39.3%, malaria 25.8%, hemoglobin 24.5%, blood glucose 45.4%, urine 29.7%, stool exams 27.8% and 41.1% had no ultrasound. Screening completion for blood group, HIV, malaria, urine, hemoglobin, and coproparasitological exam were found to have a statistically significant difference (p<0.001) for the complete ANC group when compared to other groups. Antenatal problems identified were: 1) bacteriuria (43.2%); 2) maternal anemia (37%); 3) intestinal parasitic infections (59.2%); 4) sickle cell solubility test positive (13%); and 5) a RhD-negative phenotype (5.8%). Missed-ANC treatments were up to 50%. This study reveals a coverage-quality gap in STP since no pregnant woman is left without ANC contact, although most still miss evidence-based screenings with an impact on neonatal outcomes. Strategies such as implementing a total free ANC screening package in STP would enhance maternal diagnosis and prompt treatments.

Aplicação da VECM para Medir o Impacto Econômico do Turismo em São Tomé e Príncipe Integrando Variáveis Macroeconômicas

This quantitative research aims to analyze the long-run relationship and causality between economic development, tourism, and other macroeconomic variables in the context of Sao Tome and Principe (STP). First, the Augmented Dickey and Fuller (ADF) and Phillips and Perron (PP) unit root test is applied, followed by the Johansen cointegration test and the Vector Error Correction Model (VECM). Gross domestic product (GDP), tourism receipts (TR), foreign direct investment (FDI), Unemployment rate (UR), and Inflation (INF) are the variables used in the econometric model from 1993 to 2019. The findings indicate a positive long-run relationship between GDP and the explanatory variables TR and FDI. It also indicates a negative long-run relationship between GDP and the variables INF and UR. In terms of short-run causality, the results reveal a unidirectional causality running from GDP to FDI and INF and bidirectional causality between TR and INF. Furthermore, it suggests a long-run unidirectional causality from all independent variables to GDP. This is the first quantitative study that presents a new perspective of tourism in the context of STP by applying the VECM and integrating several macroeconomic variables.

Aplicação da VECM para Medir o Impacto Econômico do Turismo em São Tomé e Príncipe Integrando Variáveis Macroeconômicas

This quantitative research aims to analyze the long-run relationship and causality between economic development, tourism, and other macroeconomic variables in the context of Sao Tome and Principe (STP). First, the Augmented Dickey and Fuller (ADF) and Phillips and Perron (PP) unit root test is applied, followed by the Johansen cointegration test and the Vector Error Correction Model (VECM). Gross domestic product (GDP), tourism receipts (TR), foreign direct investment (FDI), Unemployment rate (UR), and Inflation (INF) are the variables used in the econometric model from 1993 to 2019. The findings indicate a positive long-run relationship between GDP and the explanatory variables TR and FDI. It also indicates a negative long-run relationship between GDP and the variables INF and UR. In terms of short-run causality, the results reveal a unidirectional causality running from GDP to FDI and INF and bidirectional causality between TR and INF. Furthermore, it suggests a long-run unidirectional causality from all independent variables to GDP. This is the first quantitative study that presents a new perspective of tourism in the context of STP by applying the VECM and integrating several macroeconomic variables.

SAO TOME E PRINCIPE: Coup Bid Foiled

Africa Research Bulletin: Political, Social and Cultural SeriesVolume 59, Issue 11 p. 23818C-23819B National Security SAO TOME E PRINCIPE: Coup Bid Foiled First published: 13 December 2022 https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-825X.2022.10809.xRead the full textAboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Share a linkShare onFacebookTwitterLinkedInRedditWechat No abstract is available for this article. Volume59, Issue11December 2022Pages 23818C-23819B RelatedInformation

Intestinal Parasitic Infections, Treatment and Associated Factors among Pregnant Women in Sao Tome and Principe: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) are a public health problem in developing countries such as Sao Tome and Principe (STP) although the pregnancy burden of IPIs is unknown in this endemic country. Thus, the aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of IPIs, prescribed anthelmintics, and associated factors among pregnant women admitted to Hospital Dr. Ayres de Menezes (HAM). A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted among pregnant women admitted to the HAM who had undergone antenatal copro-parasitological screening. Data were abstracted from antenatal care (ANC) cards regarding parasitological results and anthelmintic prescriptions. A structured questionnaire face-to-face interview was also applied. Pregnant women with an IPI (210) were compared to noninfected women (151). Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 25.0. Odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for factors associated with IPIs were estimated using multiple logistic regression models. A p value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. A total of 361 participants (210 IPI and 151 no-IPI) with a mean age of 26.96 (SD: 7.00) were included. The overall prevalence of IPI was 58.2% (95% CI 52.9 to 63.3), mainly due to helminthiasis, with a 55.9% (95% CI 50.7-61.2%) rate. Ascaris lumbricoides (90.9%) was the most predominant parasite species identified followed by Trichuris trichiura (13.8%). Polyparasitism was observed in 25 cases (11.9%). Anthelmintics were prescribed to 23% of pregnant women. S intercalatum (11) and E histolytica (7) infections were not adequately treated. IPI was significantly associated with primary education (AOR 1.73 (95% CI: 1.10-2.71)), unemployment (AOR 1.94 (95% CI: 1.20-3.13)), and parity of five or above (AOR 3.82 (95% CI: 1.32-11.08)). This study highlights the IPI burden, associated factors, and missing treatment opportunities among pregnant women with STP. This study is a useful tool for policymakers in STP to enhance the health of women and their unborn babies.

Burden of Malaria in Sao Tome and Principe, 1990-2019: Findings from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019.

Background: Malaria is a parasitic infection transmitted by mosquito vectors, commonly found in tropical regions, and characterized by high morbidity and mortality. It causes a heavy disease burden in Sao Tome and Principe (STP), an island country in West Africa which at one time had a high incidence of malaria. Objective: This study aims to analyze the trend of disease burden of malaria in STP. Methods: The crude and age-standardized incidence, mortality, and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) rate data of malaria were extracted from GBD 2019. Joinpoint 4.9 software was used to calculate the annual percentage change (APC) and the average annual percentage change (AAPC), which were also used to indicate the change in disease burden by different stages. Results: In general, the age-standardized incidence rate (ASIR), age-standardized mortality rate (ASMR), and age-standardized DALYs rate (ASDR) of malaria presented a decreasing trend between 1990 and 2019, with an average annual decrease of 5.6%, 6.2%, and 10.7%, respectively, in STP. Specifically, all indicators first presented an increasing trend from 1990 to about 2000, followed by a decreasing trend until 2019, although the incidence rebounded slightly after 2015. Overall, the ASIR, ASMR, and ASDR of malaria reduced by 77.08%, 87.84%, and 82.21%, respectively, in 2019 as compared to 1990. No significant differences in disease burden were found between males and females between 2005 and 2019. Children who were under 5 years old showed a relatively small decrease in the rate of DALYs as compared to other age groups, but remained the group with the highest disease burden of malaria in the country. Conclusions: The disease burden of malaria in STP showed a significant decrease between 1990 and 2019, but it will still be challenging to achieve the goal of eliminating malaria by 2025. The government and relevant authorities should aim to strengthen the prevention and surveillance of malaria and tailor population-specific interventions in order to reduce the disease burden of malaria in STP.

Starting gastrointestinal endoscopy in a lower middle-income country in Africa: Training, creating an endoscopy facility and developing telemedicine.

Background and study aims The prevalence of digestive diseases seems to be high in African countries. Nonetheless, the human and material resources are scarce. The aim of the Portuguese volunteering project described in this report was to develop the specialty of digestive endoscopy in Sao Tome and Principe, a lower-middle-income country in Africa. Methods Beginning by assessing the local needs and available resources and managing immediate issues related to this field, we aimed to provide the tools necessary to improve gastroenterological and endoscopic care in the country. The first step included training of the local teams, through the development and accomplishment of an adapted curriculum for a 3-year medical gastroenterological fellowship and a short-term nursing fellowship, both in Portugal, and the organization of regular gastroenterological and endoscopic theoretical and practical sessions in Sao Tome and Principe. Second, the endoscopy facilities of the unit were significantly optimized. Third, a web platform was designed to provide telemedicine incorporating real-time endoscopic imaging available remotely. Results Through these sequential steps achieved in collaboration with Portuguese and local teams, this 5-year project provided the basis for gastroenterology care in this country. Conclusions At the present time, Sao Tome and Principe has an autonomous, efficient and skilled team and unit to provide care for patients with gastrointestinal diseases who need endoscopic procedures.

SAO TOME E PRINCIPE: Opposition Win

SAO TOME E PRINCIPE: Opposition Win

A new species of scops-owl (Aves, Strigiformes, Strigidae, Otus) from Príncipe Island (Gulf of Guinea, Africa) and novel insights into the systematic affinities within Otus.

A new species of scops-owl (Aves, Strigiformes, Strigidae, Otus) is described from Príncipe Island, São Tomé and Príncipe (Gulf of Guinea, Africa). This species was discovered for science in 2016, although suspicions of its occurrence gained traction from 1998, and testimonies from local people suggesting its existence could be traced back to 1928. Morphometrics, plumage colour and pattern, vocalisations, and molecular evidence all support the species status of the scops-owl from Príncipe, which is described here as Otusbikegila sp. nov. Phylogenetic analyses suggest that this species descended from the first colonisation of the Gulf of Guinea islands, being sister to the clade including the mainland African Scops-Owl O.senegalensis, and the island endemics Sao Tome Scops-Owl O.hartlaubi and Pemba Scops-Owl O.pembaensis. The most diagnostic trait in the field is its unique call which, curiously, is most similar to a distantly related Otus species, the Sokoke Scops-Owl O.ireneae. The new species occurs at low elevations of the old-growth native forest of Príncipe, currently restricted to the south of the island but fully included within Príncipe Obô Natural Park. Otusbikegila sp. nov. takes the number of single-island endemic bird species of Príncipe to eight, further highlighting the unusually high level of bird endemism for an island of only 139 km2.

Inherited myopathies in patients from Sub-Saharan Africa: Results from a retrospective cohort

The clinical epidemiology of inherited myopathies in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) is unknown but likely underdiagnosed due to problems of scientific research and social issues. We report a case series of patients born in SSA, evacuated to Portugal through an international health protocol and seen at a single neuromuscular disorders centre, between January/2004 and August/2021. We identified 9 patients (5 males), 35.6 ± 19.3 years-old (10–64), from Cape Verde (n = 4), Angola (n = 2), Sao Tome and Principe (n = 2) and Guinea-Bissau (n = 1), with a delay in diagnosis of 19.7 ± 14.3 years. Seven patients (77.8 %) had positive family history. Most patients had significant morbidity, requiring wheelchair (55.6 %), and nocturnal non-invasive ventilation (55.6 %). The diagnosis included Bethlem myopathy (n = 2), Duchenne muscular dystrophy (n = 2), Emery-Dreifuss muscular dystrophy (n = 1), LGMDR1 (n = 2), LGMDR2 (n = 1), and type-1 myotonic dystrophy (n = 1). Genetic testing was remarkable for 3 mutations previously not described. Despite the small sample, the spectrum of hereditary myopathies in our cohort is like western studies. Further studies are needed to better understand the epidemiology of muscle diseases in SSA.

Development of alcohol control law, Sao Tome and Principe.

The World Health Organization (WHO) African Region is struggling with increasing harm associated with alcohol consumption. Legislators of Sao Tome and Principe, concerned about this harm and the high prevalence of alcohol use disorders, designed a comprehensive alcohol control bill to tackle this situation. Input into the design of the bill was obtained through interviews involving many stakeholders. The process had five phases: (i) scoping the problem to understand the social burden of the harm caused by alcohol consumption; (ii) updating the evidence on alcohol policies and identifying areas for legislative interventions; (iii) drafting the bill; (iv) aligning the legislative framework of the bill; and (v) initiating the parliamentary procedure. The new bill scored 92/100 using a standardized alcohol control policy scale. The bill covers all domains of WHO’s 2010 global strategy to reduce the harmful use of alcohol, and includes the three most cost-effective interventions for reducing alcohol consumption: increased excise taxes on alcohol; bans or comprehensive restrictions on exposure to alcohol advertising; and restrictions on the availability of retailed alcohol through reduced hours of sale. The National Assembly plenary session upheld the bill, which is now under evaluation of the specialized First Commission on Political, Legal, Constitutional and Ethical Affairs. Approval of the bill requires the final voting once it is back with the National Assembly and its promulgation by the President. Drafting an alcohol control bill which is country-led, inclusive, evidence-based and free of interference by the alcohol industry helps prioritize public health objectives over other interests.