Programme for Global Paediatric Research
Contact:





Dr. Alvin Zipursky
555 University Ave.
Toronto, Ontario
M5G1X8
alvin.zipursky@sickkids.ca
416-813-8762
Website: www.globalpaediatricresearch.org
Initiative: Ongoing Networks of Experts
Countries: Global initiative
Objective: PGPR is able to tap into the global community of researchers and clinicians to build specific international networks of experts focused on critical problems affecting child health in developing countries. We provide these networks with the tools they need to share information; establish research needs; collaborate; determine evidence-based action; and implement change. Essentially, we help these communities of experts thrive in order to enhance child health outcomes on a global scale. This model allows a tremendous amount of work to be accomplished with minimal financial investment.
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Initiative: Education
Countries: Global initiative
Objective: PGPR uses symposia and workshops as one of the key tools to educate clinicians and researchers about health care needs of children in resource poor settings. Speakers and attendees at these sessions are from around the world, and attend as individuals and as members of academic organizations, NGO, government initiatives, professional societies, and industry. They take the information and the connections from the sessions back to their own communities. The immediate target population in each case are clinical and research medical professionals. The ultimate target population through these professionals are at risk infants, children and mothers, particularly in developing countries. The specifics of who delivers work on the ground depends on the clinician/researcher/NGO/inter-government or government agency which uses the information and connections from the symposia and workshops to inform how they will proceed. Outcomes from PGPR symposia and workshops are shared via the PGPR website, publication in peer-reviewed journals, publication elsewhere, reports to funding agencies, and reports to constituents. PGPR also raises the profile of global maternal-child health work and issues still to be addressed within the global community of clinicians and scientists, and beyond, by presenting The PGPR Award for Outstanding Contributions to Global Child Health. This award has been presented for the last three years to outstanding researchers whose work has significantly impacted on global maternal-child health.
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Initiative: The Global Prevention of Kernicterus Network
Countries: Global initiative
Objective: Newborn jaundice is common. If left untreated it can result in severe brain damage or death. In high income countries it is routinely and easily treated and brain damage is rare. However, in developing countries bilirubin-induced brain damage (kernicterus) is common. Together with Medical Director, Dr. Vinod K. Bhutani, PGPR has developed a core network of international experts working to prevent Kernicterus around the world. This Global Prevention of Kernicterus Network (Global PKN) is focused on understanding the scope of the problem, determining ways to eradicate it, and helping implement effective solutions. Professional paediatric associations and NGOs have also committed to participating and advancing Global PKN’s agenda toward evidence-based research and solutions. Global PKN leaders are meeting with experts around the world to help establish regional networks that will link in with the Global PKN. The idea behind these regional networks is to take a “ground up” approach in understanding how best to work with communities to develop sustainable methods of detection and prevention.
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Initiative: The Global Sickle Cell Disease Network
Countries: Global initiative
Objective: About 1,000 children are born with Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) in Africa every day. It is an excruciating, deadly disease. More than half of the 1,000 African children born with SCD on this day will die before they are five years old. SCD may be even more prevalent in India, and exists throughout the world. There is a vast store of knowledge and research funds available in high income countries for the study and treatment of SCD. In developing countries, there is a shortage of funding and a tremendous number of patients. With the leadership of Medical Director, Dr. Isaac Odame, PGPR brought together leading Sickle Cell Disease researchers and clinicians from high, middle, and low income countries to form the Global Sickle Cell Disease Network (GSCDN). The GSCDN is working to: • develop research studies that will help clarify the scope of the problem of SCD around the world; • determine the most effective, efficient ways to treat SCD , especially in low-income settings; • implement solutions that fit the communities they serve; • establish clinical and research coordinating care centres within Africa through which the work described above can take place. These centres will facilitate local and regional training, infrastructure development, needs assessments and priority setting.
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