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New £3.5 million research programme led by Kellogg Fellow, Professor Kokila Lakhoo

October 24, 2024

A new £3.5 million research programme led by Kellogg Fellow, Professor Kokila Lakhoo is set to address the alarming rates of childhood injuries in Tanzania and Zimbabwe.

Funded by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR), the project aims to develop effective, sustainable strategies to prevent child injuries and enhance care, ultimately reducing child mortality and disability in these countries.

Kellogg College is proud to support this initiative, aligning with its commitment to global health equity. We spoke to Professor Lakhoo and her team about their work and how it could transform the lives of children in Tanzania and Zimbabwe.

Focusing on children at risk

Childhood injuries are a leading cause of death and disability worldwide, particularly in low- and middle-income countries where 90% of such injuries occur. In Tanzania and Zimbabwe, child injury rates are particularly high, yet a lack of reliable data has hindered effective intervention.

“Our goal is to understand why these injuries are happening and how we can prevent them,” says Professor Lakhoo, Fellow of Kellogg College and a paediatric surgeon at the Children’s Hospital in Oxford. “By focusing on the children most at risk, we aim to reduce death and disabilities.”

Professor Godfrey Muguti, Head of Surgery at the University of Zimbabwe explained “the project aims to profoundly impact communities that have long struggled with preventable injuries among children”.

Engaging with local communities

A key aspect of the project is working closely with local communities to identify the causes of injuries and develop culturally appropriate prevention strategies.

“We’re involving children, families, healthcare workers, and community leaders in the research,” explains Dr Dennis Mazingi, a general surgeon who trained in Zimbabwe and is part of the research team. Their insights are invaluable. By understanding their daily lives and challenges, we can create practical and effective solutions.

Dr Sama, a public health specialist from Tanzania who is a long-term collaborator with Professor Lakhoo,  emphasises the importance of respecting indigenous knowledge and involving community members throughout the project. “It’s about collaboration and listening to those directly affected,” he says. “By empowering communities, we ensure that the solutions are sustainable and truly make a difference.”

Improving care for injured children

In addition to prevention, the project aims to enhance the care provided to injured children by improving the skills of local healthcare providers.

“Many injuries can be effectively treated if the right care is available,” says Professor Lakhoo. “By investing in training and capacity building in Tanzania and Zimbabwe, we’re strengthening healthcare systems and improving outcomes for children.”

The programme includes developing training programmes for healthcare workers, and ensuring that knowledge and best practices are shared and implemented locally.

A collaborative effort

The team remains dedicated to making a lasting impact on child health in Tanzania and Zimbabwe. By fostering strong partnerships and engaging with communities, there is hope that this initiative will serve as a base for future efforts to reduce childhood injuries and improve healthcare outcomes.

“This is just the beginning,” says Dr Bandyopadhyay, a key researcher on Professor Lakhoo’s team and grant chair. “By continuing to collaborate and support local communities, we can transform healthcare in Tanzania, Zimbabwe, and beyond, ensuring all children have the opportunity to be safe and thrive.”

The team’s dedication to child health in Tanzania and Zimbabwe is evident in every aspect of the project. Through strong partnerships and community engagement, the initiative offers hope not only for the children at risk today but for the future of healthcare in these countries.

About the research team

Professor Kokila Lakhoo is a paediatric surgeon at the Children’s Hospital in Oxford and leads the Oxford University Global Surgery Group. Her work focuses on creating sustainable, community-driven change in global child health.

Professor Godfrey Muguti, Professor and Head of Surgery at the University of Zimbabwe and past president of COSECSA

Dr Dennis Mazingi is a general surgeon with 12 years of experience in community engagement and a focus on children’s health.

Dr Godfrey Sama is a public health specialist working in collaboration with Prof. Lakhoo for the past 10 years on the 25year Oxford Tanzania partnership

Dr Noel Peter is a consultant surgeon in trauma and orthopaedics and a senior clinical lecturer in global surgery at Oxford University.

Dr Soham Bandyopadhyay is an academic clinical fellow in neurosurgery, contributing to the project’s focus on preventing injury through innovative strategies.