HEALTH CONSTRAINTS TO RURAL PRODUCTION

Project is a follow-on of the World Health Organization-supported Blue Nile Health (BNH) project. The Research and Training unit of the BNH project under the Ministry of Health will be the implementing agency. Short-term U.S. technical assitance will be provided to help select a mini-computer to be installed in the National Health Laboratory in Khartoum for use in analyzing data and disseminating information relating to schistosomiasis. A small backup generator and voltage regulator will serve as an energy source for the computer in case of a power failure or variable currents. A programmable calculator will be used both as a monitoring system and as a substitute for the minicomputer. Laboratory facilities will be supplied with air-conditioners to ensure constant temperatures needed by the aquaria under study. Long-term training for a biostatistician/epidemiologist will be provided to assure continuity in the operation of the computer system. Technical assistance will be given in developing and operating software packages. Precoded forms and data collection and analysis techniques will be developed to facilitate comprehensive analysis and interpretation of data placed on the computer. The overall surveillance system will be designed to allow for future expansion. Short-term training at U.S. universities and laboratories will be provided for project researchers and will focus on such areas as snail examination mechanisms and quantitative methodology for anthropologists. Finally, a census of the total population of the Gezira will be performed to generate maps, census data, and sampling frames. Some 30,000 to 50,000 residents of the Gezira are expected to directly benefit from this project.