News

Successes, challenges, and stories from the field.

Welcome to our dedicated news page, sharing advancements aimed at mitigating acute poisoning in low and middle-income countries. This initiative focuses on developing and implementing strategies to reduce fatalities from acute poisoning through interdisciplinary research and collaboration.

Key areas of our project include:

  • Methanol (Work Package 1): Evaluation of a new diagnostic method for its effectiveness, sensitivity, and cost-efficiency.
  • Pesticides (Work Package 2): Research on the acceptance of pre-hospital antidotes and the epidemiology of occupational poisoning due to modern pesticides.
  • Guidance (Work Package 3): Collaboration with the World Health Organisation to formulate international management guidelines for pesticide poisoning.
  • Research Capacity (Work Package 4): Enhancement of clinical toxicology and public health research capabilities in LMICs through education and practical experience.
  • Poison Information Centres (Work Package 5): Support for the development of LMIC Poison Information Centres.

Stay tuned as we share successes, challenges, and stories from the field, illustrating our journey towards a safer, healthier world free from the threat of acute poisoning.

 

BBC Documentary

BBC Documentary to Spotlight the Hidden Crisis of Methanol Poisoning

Date: March 2025

 

We are pleased to share that a new BBC radio documentary, Methanol: The Documentary, will be released on 20th March 2025. The programme will feature researchers from the NIHR RIGHT4 project, who will discuss the global impact of methanol poisoning and the need for prevention and treatment strategies.

 

The dangers of methanol poisoning were thrust into the spotlight last November when six tourists died in Laos after unknowingly consuming contaminated alcohol. While this incident made international headlines, it is far from an isolated event. Across Southeast Asia, Central America, and the Middle East, cases of methanol poisoning are reported regularly. In some outbreaks, hundreds have died, while many more have suffered blindness or long-term health complications.

 

The documentary, presented by Matthew Hill, investigates this ongoing crisis, meeting those working on the front lines to treat and prevent methanol poisoning. NIHR RIGHT4: Preventing Deaths from Acute Poisoning in Low-and Middle-Income Countries is at the forefront of research to develop more effective detection methods, treatments, and policies, aiming to create safer environments for both local communities and travellers.

 

📅 Methanol: The Documentary airs on 20th March 2025 - tune in to gain insight into this overlooked public health issue and the efforts being made to address it. 

MENATOX Slides from Professor Weir

Understanding Observational Study Design @ MENATOX 2025

Date: 7th March 2025

 

At this year’s MENATOX, Professor Christopher Weir from the University of Edinburgh gave a practical tutorial on designing quantitative observational studies in toxicology. The session focused on helping researchers choose the right study design to answer their research questions effectively.

 

He outlined three key types of observational studies: cross-sectional studies, which provide a snapshot of exposure and outcomes at a single point in time; case-control studies, which compare past exposures between those with and without a specific outcome; and cohort studies, which track individuals over time to assess how an exposure affects future health.

 

Observational studies are particularly valuable in toxicology, where conducting randomised controlled trials (RCTs) is often unethical or impractical - for example, when studying harmful substances. These studies help researchers identify associations, monitor long-term trends, and examine rare conditions.

 

A major takeaway was the importance of bias, precision, and generalisability. Bias - whether from selection, recall, or measurement errors - can distort findings. Precision ensures reliable results, while generalisability determines whether conclusions apply to a wider population. To improve study transparency and reproducibility, Professor Weir introduced the STROBE guidelines, a checklist that verifies observational studies report their design, data collection, and analysis methods.

 

This session offered a clear and practical framework for conducting high-quality observational studies.

 

👉 Access the slides here.

Learning Resources

Introducing Resources for Methanol Poisoning Awareness and Treatment

Date: 27th February 2025

 

Following the success of the MENATOX 2025 congress, one  takeaway was the need to improve awareness and training for methanol poisoning. This remains a neglected issue, disproportionately affecting communities and often occurring in outbreaks. To bridge the gap in knowledge and response, we are excited to share resources that can support healthcare professionals in identifying, diagnosing, and treating methanol poisoning.

 

Training Resources for Health Workers 

Methanol poisoning can be challenging to diagnose and manage, particularly in resource-limited settings. To support health professionals , a self-directed e-learning course has been developed by the Methanol Poisoning Initiative (MPi), MSF Hong Kong, and Oslo University Hospital. This course is designed for doctors, nurses, paramedics, and other healthcare workers who may encounter methanol poisoning cases in their practice. The course provides comprehensive training on: 

  • Understanding how methanol poisoning occurs and its toxic effects on the body
  • Diagnosing methanol poisoning with available tools 
  • Treating patients using standard and emergency treatment protocols 
  • Identifying prognostic markers for clinical decision-making 
  • Preparing for and managing methanol poisoning outbreaks 

The training is interactive, featuring quizzes, case studies, and exercises. On completion, participants receive a certificate and a digital badge awarded by MSF. 

➡️ Access the self-directed e-learning course here 

 

Resource Centre for Methanol Poisoning 

MSF has curated a Resource Centre. These include: 

  • An awareness video created by MSF to improve understanding of methanol poisoning and its dangers.
  • A protocol outlining best practices for diagnosis and treatment in English, Spanish, and Arabic.
  • Visual guides for medical practitioners, available in English, Bahasa Indonesia, Russian, and Bengali. 
  • Summaries of suspected methanol poisoning incidents worldwide. 
  • Reports from BBC, The Jakarta Post, ABS-CBN News, and others, highlighting the  consequences of methanol poisoning. 
  • Expert discussions and scientific research exploring the broader implications of methanol poisoning as a neglected disease. 

➡️ Explore the Resource Centre here 

 

Why This Matters 

Methanol poisoning is preventable, but it continues to claim lives due to lack of awareness, misdiagnosis, and delayed treatment. By equipping frontline healthcare workers with knowledge and tools, we can save lives, prevent long-term disabilities, and improve outbreak responses. We encourage all healthcare professionals, medical educators, and public health officials to take advantage of these  resources and share them within their networks.

  • Gedifew Nigatu Beza.png
  • Camilla Pennefather.png
  • Dr Amith Balachandran.png
  • Dr Thandeka Dakalo Malange.png
  • Eze Chukwu Nwoye.png
  • Auwal Isma’il Ahmad1.jpg
  • Frederic Litoke1.jpg
  • Musonda Kasolo1.jpg

Announcing Postgraduate Diploma in Medical Toxicology Scholarship Recipients

We are excited to announce a new scholarship award funded by an NIHR RIGHT4 grant. This opportunity supports individuals from low- and middle-income countries to pursue an 18‐month Postgraduate Diploma in Medical Toxicology at Stellenbosch University. The award covers institutional fees and limited travel costs, providing a  stepping stone to further professional development in medical toxicology and related research.

 

  • Gedifew Nigatu Beza is from Ethiopia. He is a lecturer of analytical chemistry at Arba Minch University and has served as head of the Department of Chemistry, coordinating both undergraduate and graduate programs. He  volunteers as a Doping Control Officer at the Ethiopian National Antidoping Office, is active with the International Society of Forensic Toxicologists, and is a member of the national chemical, biological and radionuclear surveillance and response technical working group. He is an analytical chemist.
  • Camilla Pennefather is from KwaZulu Natal. She works as a medical doctor in Cape Town, South Africa, and holds an MBChB in medicine and surgery.
  • Dr Amith Balachandran is from Vellore, South India. He is an Assistant Professor in the Department of General Medicine and the Clinical Toxicology Unit at Christian Medical College in Vellore, holding a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery.
  • Dr Thandeka Dakalo Malange is from Johannesburg and practices as a medical doctor in Cape Town, South Africa. She holds an MBChB.
  • Eze Chukwu Nwoye is from Nigeria. He is the Principal Pharmacist at the Toxicology Information Centre in Nigeria and holds a Bachelor of Pharmacy.
  • Auwal Isma’il Ahmad is from Nigeria. He serves as a Senior Medical Officer and holds an MBBS in medicine and surgery.
  • Frederic Litoke is from Kinshasa in the Democratic Republic of Congo. He works as a Senior Medical Officer in Blaauwberg and holds an MBChB as well as a Bachelor of Science.
  • Musonda Kasolo is from Zambia. He is the Pharmacy Head of Section and holds a Bachelor of Pharmacy, with additional expertise as a Pharmaceutical Supply Chain Specialist.

We welcome these outstanding scholars and look forward to the fresh perspectives and energy they will bring. Their experiences will improve public health and reduce the impact of acute poisoning in low- and middle-income countries.

FEB25 Workshop on Increasing Research and Poison Centre Capabilities

FEB25 Workshop on Increasing Research and Poison Centre Capabilities

Date: 23rd – 26th February 2025

Venue: Sheraton Hotel, Muscat, Oman

 

Join us for a series of workshops designed to improve research capabilities and strengthen poison centre services in low- and middle-income countries. Hosted by NIHR RIGHT4, this event brings together experts to foster collaboration, expand networks, and improve  output.

 

Scholarships Include:

• Attendance at MENATOX 2025 (sponsored by MENATOX)

• US$1000 towards travel and accommodation expenses

• Poison Centre Workshop (24th February 2025)

• Research Training Symposium (25th February 2025)

 

Research Training Topics (WP4):

• Increasing research capabilities

• Improving scholarly output

• Expanding professional networks

• Developing impactful collaborations

 

Poison Centre Training Topics (WP5):

• Accessing and using poison centre resources

• Collecting and analyzing poison centre data

• Developing and managing poison centre annual reports

• Interactive Q&A panel sessions

 

To Apply for a Scholarship:

Email annie.watt@nhs.scot by 3rd January 2025.

Scholarship offers will be announced on 6th January 2025.

 

Submit an Abstract:

Participants are encouraged to submit abstracts for presentation via the following link: https://menatoxconference.com/abstract-submission/

For more information, visit www.menatox.org.

2024 News

-

Date: December 2024

On 16th December 2024, the Department of Medicine at Sri Guru Ram Das University of Health Sciences, Amritsar, organised a sensitisation meeting. This initiative brought together healthcare professionals from across backgrounds to improve awareness, strengthen diagnostic and treatment capabilities, and explore new strategies to manage methanol poisoning more effectively.

The event saw an good turnout, with approximately 200 participants attending in person and 50 more joining virtually. Among them were Rural Medical Officers (RMOs) from Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs), faculty and resident doctors from SGRD and GMC Amritsar, and experts from the NIHR POC Project team at PGIMER.

📷 Left: The inauguration ceremony marking the beginning of the session.

📷 Right: The PGIMER team.

 

PGIMER Photo

Date: November 2024

We are excited to share the publication of a new study protocol in Global Health Action, titled “Situational analysis of pesticide poisoning and perceptions of autoinjector devices in rural communities in Sri Lanka.” This work is part of Work Package 2A, focusing on improving surveillance of pesticide poisoning and testing the feasibility of using atropine autoinjectors as a lifesaving intervention in rural communities.

👉 Access the full article here.

Key Highlights:

• The Problem: Pesticide poisoning is a key public health challenge in low- and middle-income countries, often due to delays in accessing hospital care after exposure to toxic substances like organophosphates.

• The Innovation: Atropine autoinjectors offer the potential for rapid, pre-hospital treatment directly in villages, reducing complications and saving lives during the critical window before hospital admission.

• The Study: This formative, qualitative research investigates the social, cultural, and logistical factors influencing the introduction of atropine autoinjectors in six villages in Sri Lanka’s North Central Province. Methods include semi-structured interviews, ethnographic observations, oral history interviews, participatory mapping, and focus group discussions.

• The Impact: By understanding community perceptions and barriers, this research will guide the design of a socially informed protocol for implementing autoinjectors, improving how pesticide poisoning is managed in low-resource settings.

Why It Matters:

This study highlights the importance of socially informed approaches to global health interventions. It aims to ensure that life-saving technologies like autoinjectors are accessible, acceptable, and feasible for the communities that need them most.

This aims to improve emergency care and health outcomes for rural agricultural workers. It also contributes to implementation science by integrating anthropological techniques, ensuring interventions are both effective and culturally relevant.


Situational analysis of pesticide poisoning and perceptions of autoinjectordevices in rural communities in Sri Lanka – a study protocol

Date: November 2024

At the 12th National Conference on Tropical Medicine and Toxicology in Bangladesh, held on 29 November 2024, Professor Aniruddha Ghose, Deputy Director of the NIHR-funded project on Preventing Deaths from Acute Poisoning in LMICs and a prominent figure at Chattogram Medical College Hospital, delivered a presentation on the upcoming Work Package 1 (WP1) study. Titled “Sensitivity, Specificity, and Acceptability of a Bedside Formate Assay as a Diagnostic Tool in Methanol Poisoning: A Prospective Observational and Randomised Study”, the study is set to launch in Bangladesh in early 2025. This  research aims to evaluate the clinical utility and practical adoption of bedside diagnostics in addressing methanol poisoning, a critical public health challenge in the region.

In addition, at the same prestigious conference, Professor Michael Eddleston, Co-Director of the project, outlined the overarching objectives and significant progress of the acute poisoning initiative. His presentation provided a comprehensive overview of the project’s mission to reduce mortality from poisoning in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), sparking meaningful discussions among attendees at this high-profile event. The conference, which gathered leading academics, clinicians, and policymakers, underscored the importance of collaborative efforts in addressing toxicology-related challenges in LMICs.


Bangladesh Toxicology Congress

Date: November 2024

Our NIHR Faculty*, Global Academy for Clinical Toxicology (GRACT), and scholarship recipients actively participated in the 22nd Scientific Congress of the Asia Pacific Association of Medical Toxicology (APAMT) held in Penang, Malaysia, from November 11–14, 2024.

As part of the congress’s scientific program, our faculty successfully organised and delivered two symposia:

• Research Capacity Building in Acute Poisoning (November 12)

• Building Poison Centres (November 13)

In addition to the symposia, four of our scholars presented their current work at the congress:

• Dr. Asanka Eriyawa

• Dr. Uyen Vy Doan (Vanessa)

• Dr. Indira Madhavan

• Dr. Kavinda Dayasiri

Congratulations to all for their excellent contributions. A special acknowledgment goes to Dr. Kavinda Dayasiri, who won the Best Oral Presentation Prize at APAMT 2024 - an outstanding achievement and a testament to their hard work.

*Faculty: Prof. Indika Gawarammana, Dr. Elizabeth Varghese, Dr. Rebecca McDonald, Prof. Michael Eddleston, Prof. James Dear, Dr. Euan Sandilands, Ms. Carine Marks, Dr. Gillian Jackson, Prof. Christopher Weir, and Prof. Nicholas Buckley.


APAMT 2024

Date: November 2024

The NIHR RIGHT4 team invite you to a webinar focusing on the growing public health challenge posed by “magic mushroom” vapes in Malaysia. This session will consider the health risks linked to these synthetic drugs, including mental illness, abnormal behaviour, and potential fatalities, particularly among young people. With this crisis escalating,  intervention and preventive strategies are important.

This webinar will feature:

• Dr. René Vytilalingam (MBBS, FRACGP, FAChAM): Addiction Medicine Specialist, East Metropolitan Health Service, Perth, Australia. He will share insights on “Alcohol and Drug Services in Western Australia – Opportunities and Challenges.”

• Pharmacist Mohd Fadhli Razali: National Poison Centre, Malaysia. He will present “The Dark Side of Vaping: Unmasking the ‘Magic Mushroom’ Vape Threat in Malaysia.”

This is a beneficial event for healthcare professionals, toxicologists, policymakers, and anyone involved in public health and addiction services.

Time: 07:00 (Edinburgh), 02:00 (New York), 15:00 (Kuala Lumpur) and more.

Register here: Click to register

For more details, visit apamt.org or contact: contactapamt@gmail.com


Webinar: Unmasking the “Magic Mushroom” Vape Crisis in Malaysia

Date: October 2024

On Monday, 4th November, the NIHR APAMT MENATOX team will host a webinar discussing key toxicology topics, including a clinical case of Mad Honey Poisoning and strategies for preventing poisoning-related deaths in low and middle-income countries.

The session will feature:

• Dr. Aynur Sahin, Associate Professor of Emergency Medicine and Medical Toxicology at Izmir City Hospital, who will present on the clinical case of Mad Honey Poisoning, a rare but significant cardiovascular condition.

• Professor James Dear, from the University of Edinburgh, will discuss the NIHR RIGHT4 initiative, which focuses on preventing poisoning deaths in resource-limited settings.

This event is of particular relevance to healthcare professionals, toxicologists, and those interested in global health initiatives around poisoning prevention.

Time: 08:00 (Edinburgh), 03:00 (New York), 10:00 (Johannesburg) and more.

Register here: Click to register


Upcoming Webinar: Mad Honey Poisoning and Preventing Poisoning Deaths in Low and Middle-Income Countries

Date: September 2024

On 7th October 2024, the NIHR APAMT MENATOX team will host a webinar addressing two significant toxicological issues: Lead Poisoning in Morocco and the global challenge of Methanol Poisoning.

This session will offer valuable perspectives on critical poisoning cases that affect populations in low- and middle-income countries.

The webinar will feature:

• Dr. Hanane Chaoui, Head of the Toxicovigilance Department at Morocco’s Centre Anti-poison, discussing the public health impact of Lead Poisoning in Morocco, particularly focusing on surveillance and intervention strategies.

• Prof. Knut Erik Hovda, Senior Consultant and Professor, will present on the ongoing global challenges posed by Methanol Poisoning and discuss the gaps in treatment and prevention worldwide.

Both experts bring a wealth of experience and will share case studies, real-world challenges, and approaches to improve toxicological response and patient care.

Time: 08:00 (Rabat), 03:00 (New York), 10:00 (Johannesburg) and other time zones.

Register here: Click to register


Upcoming Webinar: Lead and Methanol Poisoning – Key Insights from Global Experts

The NIHR RIGHT4 team is excited to welcome this year’s scholarship recipients to the Global Research Academy for Clinical Toxicology. This programme is designed to help early-career researchers and healthcare professionals gain the skills they need to tackle toxicology-related health challenges in their home countries.

Through workshops, mentorship, and collaboration with international experts, participants will learn about cutting-edge research, best practices in clinical toxicology, and innovative approaches to poisoning and exposure management.

By bringing together experts from different parts of the world, the Academy encourages global knowledge-sharing and helps build a stronger, more connected toxicology research community.

👉 Click here to meet NIHR RIGHT4 Scholar, Dr. Indira Madhavan


Date: August 2024

A webinar on September 2, 2024 will address toxicology challenges in Bangladesh and Kuwait. Hosted by MENATOX, the event features experts discussing snakebite management in Bangladesh and emerging street drug trends in Kuwait.

Prof Mohammad Abul Faiz will present on snakebite treatment obstacles in resource-limited settings, drawing from a case study of a young farmer with severe symptoms. Dr Abdullatif Aloumi will provide updates on Kuwait's evolving drug landscape and the KPCC's role in addressing it.

The webinar aims to improve regional preparedness for chemical emergencies, overdose prevention, and toxicological outbreaks. It's part of a series covering toxicology issues across Asia, the Middle East, Africa and Europe.

Interested participants can register via the provided Zoom link. For more information, visit the official website at www.apamt.org.


Upcoming Webinar Tackles Critical Toxicology Issues in Asia and Middle East

Date: July 2024

This upcoming webinar will bring together experts in toxicology and poison control to address challenges in monitoring and responding to drug threats. Scheduled for August 5, 2024, the event will feature presentations from Ms. Carine Marks of South Africa and Prof. Shaun Greene from Australia, offering insights into the development of poison centers in Africa and drug monitoring systems in Victoria, respectively.

The webinar highlights the limitations of traditional data sources in tracking new psychoactive substances and presents new approaches to overcome these challenges. Prof. Greene will discuss a system implemented in Victoria that collects comprehensive clinical and analytical data from 17 emergency departments, enabling rapid identification and response to potentially harmful substances. This system has already analysed over 2,500 acute cases, leading to the detection of 66 distinct NPS and the issuance of critical public health alerts.

Organised by NIHR, APAMT, and MENATOX, the webinar aims to foster global collaboration in addressing complex issues surrounding drug toxicity and poisoning.

For registration and more information, visit www.apamt.org or contact: contactapamt@gmail.com.


Global Perspectives on Poison Control: Innovating for Rapid Response

Date: June 2024 

As part of Work Package 2A, an ethnographic study investigates the feasibility and challenges of providing pre-hospital emergency care for pesticide poisoning in rural Anuradhapura District, Sri Lanka. The research, set to conclude its data collection phase by the end of June, focuses on three villages and uses a variety of methods. These include semi-structured interviews with healthcare workers and community members, participatory mapping exercises, focus group discussions, and oral history interviews with individuals affected by pesticide self-poisoning.

 

Data analysis is currently underway, with the possibility of additional field data collection based on initial findings. To further interpret the results, two data analysis workshops are scheduled. The first will take place in Sri Lanka, followed by a session at the University of Edinburgh in early July. These workshops aim to synthesise the ethnographic data and inform potential strategies for improving pesticide poisoning surveillance and pre-hospital treatment in rural communities.

 

This comprehensive approach aims to provide insights into the prevalence and patterns of acute pesticide poisoning among rural farming communities in Sri Lanka, potentially informing future prevention strategies and policy decisions.


Work Package 2a

Date: June 2024 

This community-based surveillance study investigates unintentional acute pesticide poisoning among pesticide sprayers in Anuradhapura and Vavuniya Districts of Sri Lanka. The research uses a prospective cohort design, following 1,200 purposely selected pesticide sprayers over 30 months.

The cohort is stratified into four risk categories based on pesticide exposure levels: medium to high-level sprayers (vegetable, fruit, and field crop farmers), low-level sprayers (paddy farmers), commercial sprayers (daily wage workers), and farm pesticide sprayers (regular farm employees).

Data collection began on January 1, 2024, using a web-based tool developed by the Pesticide Action Network. The study includes a baseline survey followed by 14 longitudinal surveys at two-month intervals. As of June 2024, the baseline and two follow-up surveys have been completed, with the third survey set to begin on July 1, 2024.

This comprehensive approach aims to provide insights into the prevalence and patterns of acute pesticide poisoning among rural farming communities in Sri Lanka, potentially informing future prevention strategies and policy decisions.


Work Package 2b

Date: May 2024

In April 2024, Carine Marks (Director, Tygerberg Poison Information Center) had the privilege of attending the Congress on Toxicology in Developing Countries (CTDC) in the city of Santiago, Chile. This event, sponsored by the International Union of Toxicology (IUTOX), brought together toxicologists from around the world to discuss the challenges faced by developing nations in the field of toxicology.

During the congress, Carine had the opportunity to present on NIHR RIGHT4 Work Package 5, which consists of:

  • Delivering interdisciplinary research addressing acute poisoning in ODA-eligible countries;
  • Increasing knowledge on how and where poisoning occurs;
  • Providing novel tools to diagnose and treat poisoned patients;
  • Generating international guidance on the diagnosis and management of acutely poisoned patients, used by the World Health Oragnization.

The poster demonstrated the key findings and implications of the research, generating interest among attendees. Presenting at the CTDC allowed Carine to receive valuable feedback and establish new connections within the toxicology community.


Chile Congress

Date: March 2024

The MENATOX Virtual Seminar was held on 4th March 2024 for a practical session on medical toxicology, organised by MENATOX, APAMT, and the NIHR RIGHT4 Project. This online seminar was designed to explore key topics in poison treatment and clinical toxicology. 

The session featured two experts in the field. Professor Bruno Mégarbane discussed a challenging case of a patient with multiple health issues who had suffered from self-poisoning. His insights provided a detailed understanding of how to approach complex toxicology cases. Following him, Lucy Shieffelbien provided a virtual tour of the New Zealand National Poisons Centre, identifying the vital work done behind the scenes to manage poisoning cases.

This seminar series is valuable for professionals looking to enhance their knowledge in poison control and medical toxicology. Register for future sessions here.


Date: 11 February 2024

  • On February 11th, 2024, a training workshop was held during the Middle East and North Africa Clinical Toxicology Association (MENATOX) conference in Abu Dhabi, UAE. This event was part of the NIHR RIGHT 4 Preventing Death from Acute Poisoning in Low- and Middle-Income Countries project. Participants in the workshop were those who had received scholarships granted by the NIHR Project to attend MENATOX, along with other attendees interested in toxicology. The majority were those working in or with an interest in toxicology from low- and middle-income countries with participants from countries in Africa, Asia and the Middle East.
  • The day was divided into two main sessions. The morning session focused on research capacity, offering presentations and interactive discussions on the role of clinical research and randomised control trials (RCTs) in toxicology. One of the highlights was a presentation on different clinical research designs, providing insights into conducting effective studies. Additionally, this session tackled the serious issue of methanol poisoning by introducing new research and the development of a formate point-of-care test (WP1), which represents an innovative tool in the fight against this type of poisoning.
  • In the afternoon, the emphasis shifted to Poison Information Centres (PICs), with discussions on how to develop and train Specialists in Poisons Information (SPIs). The session also covered essential resources needed to start and maintain a PIC, such as Patient Information Databases and Poisons Information Databases. Through interactive discussions and demonstrations, participants were given a practical look at these resources, enhancing their understanding of how to effectively use them.
  • The workshop received positive feedback from attendees, demonstrating its success in covering both theoretical and practical aspects of toxicology. It served as an opportunity for participants from low- and middle-income countries to gain valuable knowledge and skills, as well as to network with other professionals in the field. The event highlighted the importance of continuous education and collaboration in advancing the practice of toxicology, particularly in regions most affected by acute poisoning.

MENATOX 2024

Date: January 2024

To advance research and information sharing, NIHR RIGHT4 will host a post-congress workshop alongside the Middle East and North Africa Clinical Toxicology Association (MENATOX) in Abu Dhabi. Scheduled for 11th February 2024, this presents an opportunity for toxicology professionals to develop their knowledge and connect with peers.

The workshop will commence at the Mezzanine with registration beginning at 8:30 am, followed by an introduction to the NIHR's RIGHT4 project by Professor Michael Eddleston at 9:00 am.

Session Highlights:

  • Session 1: Focus on increasing research capacity through scholarships, mentoring, and clinical trial development. This includes a deep dive into Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) design in clinical toxicology, led by Professor Michael Eddleston and Professor Chris Weir.
  • Session 2: Dedicated to building capacity and resilience in Poison Information Centres (PICs). Key speakers include Dr. Euan Sandilands and Dr. Stephanie Hon will cover crucial aspects of PICs and the use of Patient Information Databases.

Participants will have the chance to engage in breakout sessions, including hands-on workshops on RCT design and demonstrations on the use of Poisons Information Databases. These are designed to foster practical skills and encourage collaborative discussions.

Interested individuals who have not yet registered are encouraged to do so. For registration details and further inquiries, participants should follow the link to the program or reach out to Dr Raúl Pardinaz-Solis.


Date: May 2024

Join us at the G Hotel Gurney in Penang, Malaysia, from November 11-12, 2024, for a series of workshops hosted by the Asia Pacific Association of Medical Toxicology (APAMT) and the University of Edinburgh. This opportunity will allow you to advance your knoweldge, network with peers, and gain hands-on experience in research methods and poison centre operations.

We are thrilled to offer a limited number of scholarships to support researchers and professionals from low-and-middle-income countries. These scholarships include attendance at the APAMT conference from November 11-14, a $1000 travel and accommodation grant, and access to the Poison Centre Workshop on November 11 and the Research Training Symposium on November 12. To apply for this scholarship, contact Annie Watt at annie.watt@nhslothian.scot.nhs.uk by July 31, 2024.


2023 News

-

Date: 20 November - 1 December 2023

Poisoning incidents, whether accidental or intentional, pose a significant healthcare challenge globally, and Nigeria is no exception. Recognising the need for specialised knowledge and resources to handle such cases, a select group of professionals from Nigeria underwent a comprehensive training program aimed at establishing and operating a Poison Information Centre in the country. This article delves into the specifics of the training, its participants, and the anticipated impact on Nigeria's healthcare landscape.

The training session was organised at Stellenbosch University's Tygerberg Poisons Information Centre, located in Cape Town, South Africa. This center is a part of the university's Division of Clinical Pharmacology and is known for its expertise in managing poisoning incidents. The training was conducted under the auspices of the NIHR RIGHT4 initiative.

The training spanned two weeks, from 20th November to 1st December 2023. It was strategically scheduled just before the launch of the Toxicology Information Centre in Nigeria, which was set to commence operations on 15th December 2023. This timing ensured that the participants could immediately put their newfound knowledge and skills into practice.

The training session saw the participation of key personnel from the Toxicology Information Centre, Nigeria. The participants included: Anoka A. Njan (Project Lead), Eze Chukwu NWOYE, Auwal Isma’il AHMAD, Mubarak Muhammed ADAMU, Keziah Samson KASSON.

The primary aim of the training was to equip the participants with the necessary knowledge and skills to efficiently manage a Poison Information Centre. The curriculum was tailored to address the unique healthcare challenges and the resource landscape of Nigeria. Key areas of focus included:

  • comprehensive insights into poisons, their sources, and their effects on the human body.
  • developing protocols for managing different poisoning cases, considering the healthcare infrastructure in Nigeria.
  • communication methods for disseminating vital information to the public and healthcare professionals.
  • given resource constraints in LMICs, the training included strategies for optimal resource allocation and management.
  • trained in managing data related to poisoning incidents and conducting research to improve the centre's operations.

The establishment of the Toxicology Information Centre in Nigeria, bolstered by the training at Stellenbosch University, is expected to have a positive impact on the country's healthcare sector. The centre aims to reduce the incidence and mortality from poisoning cases by providing timely and accurate information and intervention strategies. Furthermore, the center is expected to become a point for research and education on poisoning and toxic substances, contributing to the overall health and safety of the Nigerian population.


Nigeria PIC

Date: December 2023

Penang, Malaysia is set to host the 22nd Scientific Congress of the Asia Pacific Association of Medical Toxicology (APAMT) from the 11th to the 14th of November 2024. This congress promises to be a key event, with the theme "Transforming Toxicology Landscape for Safer and Sustainable Tomorrow."

APAMT 2024 will bring together medical professionals, toxicologists, pharmacologists, and researchers. The event is jointly organized by the Malaysian National Poison Centre, Malaysian Society of Toxicology, and the College of Emergency Physicians (Academy of Medicine Malaysia). The congress will include keynote speeches, symposia, workshops, and poster sessions aimed at advancing the knowledge and practice of medical toxicology. The congress will cover dimensions of toxicology, including:

  • the latest on managing acute and chronic poisoning, antidote development, and clinical best practices.
  • the impact of toxins on the environment and public health, and explore measures to mitigate these effects.
  • systems for monitoring and preventing toxic exposures and poisoning incidents.
  • workplace exposures and promote occupational health and safety.
  • the complex interactions between drugs and poisons, focusing on patient safety and therapeutic interventions.

Registration for APAMT 2024 is now open. Financial support may be available for emerging researchers, aimed for toxicologists in low- and middle-income countries who may otherwise be unable to attend. For further information about the application process, contact Dr Raul Pardinaz-Solis.


APAMT

Date: December 2023

A four-day workshop, as part of NIHR RIGHT4, was held in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka, from December 4-7, 2023. This marked the start of a crucial qualitative data collection phase, aimed at understanding the context of pesticide poisoning, evaluating current healthcare provisions, and the community perception of autoinjector usage in emergency scenarios.

The workshop was attended by 12 Sri Lankan participants, bringing together a diverse group dedicated to addressing this public health issue. Assistant Professor Jane Brandt Sørensen from the University of Copenhagen's Department of Public Health led the team through qualitative and ethnographic methods. Contributing to this were postdoctoral research fellows Janet Perkins (University of Edinburgh), Upul Wickramasinghe (Sri Lanka Ministry of Health), and Manjula Weerasinghe (Rajarata University). This initiative is vital for representing communities where pesticide poisoning poses a significant health challenge. 

The data collection, set to continue over the next six months, will play a crucial role in shaping future strategies to prevent acute poisoning deaths in low- and middle-income countries. The outcomes of this workshop and the subsequent research are anticipated, promising to better healthcare provision and emergency response mechanisms in rural communities.


Date: 11 November 2023

In a move to address the pressing issue of methanol poisoning in Bangladesh, the NIHR RIGHT4 project team organised a workshop on November 11, 2023, in Dhaka. The session brought together key national stakeholders to delve into the social and cultural facets of alcohol consumption in Bangladesh and the complex problem of methanol poisoning within this framework.

The workshop, a collaborative effort by the Toxicology Society of Bangladesh (TSB) and the Centre for Injury Prevention and Research, Bangladesh (CIPRB), was chaired by Professor Aniruddha Ghose of Chattogram Medical College and Hospital. The NIHR RIGHT4's Dr. Fazle Rabbi Chowdhury and Dr. Janet Perkins led the workshop, with Professor Md Robed Amin and Professor M A Faiz attending the event as special and chief guests, respectively.

The event was marked by the presence of 14 stakeholders from various sectors, including government, academia, and clinical practice. Their contributions were crucial to understanding the context of methanol poisoning, a topic that, while critical, often remains on the margins of public health discourse.

The NIHR RIGHT4 team presented a comprehensive overview of the methanol poisoning situation in Bangladesh, setting the stage for a proposed rapid ethnographic study. The study's aim is to establish a socially informed approach for testing an innovative rapid diagnostic test, which could significantly improve the diagnosis and treatment of methanol poisoning. Key points included the factors that govern the illicit alcohol market in Bangladesh, the clinical and toxicological aspects of methanol poisoning in the local context, and effective strategies for engaging with communities on the sensitive issue of alcohol consumption and methanol poisoning.

Participants engaged in group work to explore the themes and refine the methodology for the rapid ethnographic study. The collaborative effort underscored the need for a nuanced understanding of the cultural dimensions of alcohol use and the systemic challenges in addressing methanol poisoning.

The workshop concluded with a strong consensus on the importance of the study and the need for community-tailored interventions. The insights garnered from the stakeholders are set to influence the adaptation and fine-tuning of the research protocol for the upcoming ethnographic study.

The NIHR RIGHT4 project team extends its thanks to all the participants whose enthusiasm and insights have laid a strong foundation.


Meeting

Date: June 27-28, 2023

The African Network of Poison Control Centres (ANPCC) convened for its network meeting in Kitwe, Zambia, from June 27 to 28, 2023. Established in 2018, the ANPCC is a organisation supporting World Health Organisation (WHO) Member States in the African Region (AFRO) to bolster their poison prevention and control systems. This meeting in Kitwe was crucial in advancing the network’s goal of reducing the health impacts of chemicals, toxic substances, toxins, and hazardous wastes.

The network meeting brought together representatives from poison control centers across Africa to exchange knowledge and strategies. Ms. Carine Marks, from the Tygerberg Poisons Information Centre in Cape Town, South Africa, and representative of the NIHR RIGHT4 project was among the attendees.

The agenda for the second ANPCC meeting focused on critical aspects of toxicology and poison control:

  • the adoption of standardised toxicovigilance practices.
  • strengthened regional cooperation in data collection and sharing.
  • improved logistical pathways for antidote distribution.
  • enhanced technological infrastructure for poison center operations.
  • strategies to address the root causes of pesticide-related suicides.
  • a clearer understanding of regional toxicological risks and the development of relevant resources.
  • a framework for continuous professional development in toxicology.

The network meeting marked a significant step in the collective effort to strengthen poison control capabilities within the African region. By focusing on capacity building, access to resources, and regional collaboration, the meeting reaffirmed the commitment of member states to safeguarding public health against the risks of poisoning.


Afro Meeting

Date: 25 April 2023

The NIHR has funded five new research projects to help tackle the global burden of unintentional injuries, urgent and emergency care.

Worldwide, more than 5 million people die every year as a result of road traffic accidents, falls, burns, drowning, snakebite and other unintentional injuries. Tens of millions more suffer harm from these injuries, often resulting in life-long disabilities.

Injuries and accidents account for nearly 10% of the global burden of disease, and around 90% of injury-related deaths and disability occur in low and middle income countries (LMICs). However, this area has long been under-researched and under-funded.

The new awards, each of between £1 million and £5 million over four years, are made through the NIHR's Research and Innovation for Global Health Transformation (RIGHT) programme. RIGHT Call 4 was developed by NIHR working with the World Health Organisation (WHO) to fund projects aimed at preventing injury and improving emergency care in LMICs eligible for Official Development Assistance.

Preventing Deaths from Acute Poisoning in Low- and Middle-Income Countries

Professor Michael Eddleston, University of Edinburgh, and Professor Indika Gawarammana, University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka

Poisoning is a neglected problem that kills more than 300,000 people each year, many of them in LMICs. Prof Eddleston and Prof Gawarammana’s research will focus on two major problems: methanol and occupational pesticide poisoning. They will be studying new tests for methanol poisoning in major hospitals in India and Bangladesh. They will also investigate whether treatment for pesticide poisoning can be made directly available in Sri Lankan villages, before patients are transferred to hospital. Other parts of the work will focus on developing international guidelines with the WHO, and on developing increased capacity for poisoning research and Poison Information Centres worldwide. This work will be a collaboration with partnering institutions in Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, India, Iran, South Africa, China, Australia, Denmark, Norway and the UK over the course of 5 years.

https://www.nihr.ac.uk/news/nihr-research-funding-awarded-to-address-the-global-burden-of-injuries-and-accidents-and-urgent-and-emergency-care/33224


Image

This article was published on