Webinar title: The Role of Vitamin D and Vitamin D Supplementation in the Prevention and Management of Pneumonia in Children
The Role of Vitamin D and Vitamin D Supplementation in the Prevention and Management of Pneumonia in Children will explore the emerging evidence on vitamin D’s impact on paediatric respiratory health, specifically in reducing the incidence and severity of pneumonia. We will begin with an overview of pneumonia’s global burden in children under five, focusing on areas where morbidity and mortality rates are highest.
Key topics will include vitamin D’s biological role in immune function, recent clinical studies supporting its potential in preventing respiratory infections, and current supplementation guidelines from leading health organizations. The presentation will also address implementation challenges in low-resource settings and the practical role of family physicians in advising on vitamin D supplementation for at-risk paediatric populations.
This session aims to provide primary care clinicians with actionable insights into leveraging vitamin D for better respiratory health outcomes in young patients. Interactive poll questions will engage participants and help tailor discussions on evidence-based practices and future directions in this field.
Understanding health determinants in complex and evolving urban environments is crucial for mitigating and preventing risk factors (including those related to climate change) that may disproportionately impact vulnerable populations.
This webinar aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of urban determinants of health (UDH), presenting evidence and case studies demonstrating how addressing urban health determinants can significantly improve health outcomes. The discussion will also highlight the role of primary healthcare practitioners in addressing UDH to prevent diseases and promote health in urban settings.
Ultimately, ensuring equitable access to healthcare will enable urban populations to benefit fully from the socio-economic opportunities that cities offer.
Speaker: Dr. Mercy Wanjala
Mercy Wanjala is a primary care provider, researcher, advocate, and leader. She is the Executive Coordinator of the Africa Forum for Primary Health Care. She holds a master’s degree in Family Medicine from the University of Havana, Cuba. She is a part-time lecturer at Kabarak University Department of Family Medicine and at the University of Health Equity, School of Nursing Leadership focusing on Primary Health Care and Health Systems Leadership. She is passionate about upstream medicine, focusing on social determinants of health, community empowerment, self-care, and strengthening of PHC and Family Medicine in Africa.
Objectives:
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Understand the Global Burden of Paediatric Pneumonia
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Explain the Immunological Role of Vitamin D
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Review Evidence from Clinical Studies on Vitamin D and Pneumonia Prevention
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Evaluate Current Guidelines for Vitamin D Supplementation in Children
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Identify Implementation Challenges and Strategies for Family Physicians
Date: Thursday, 14th of November 2024
Time: 3 pm Central Africa Time (CAT)
Duration: 1 hour
CPD Points: 1
