[WCN21;178;158]

Challenges Of Neuroinfections: What Remains Prevalent And Current Optimal Care

Richard Idro

Dr Idro leads a paediatric neuroscience research group in Uganda. The group is studying the pathogenesis and the neurologic, cognitive, behaviour and epilepsy outcomes of children exposed to central nervous system infections. We conducted the first prospective studies of mental health disorders following cerebral malaria and the cognitive sequelae of severe malaria anemia in exposed children and are currently examining brain injury and stroke in sickle cell anaemia. We are also evaluating the use of Dihydroartemisin Piperaquine to prevent re-admissions with severe anaemia and/or mortality in transfused children. In addition, we are studying the developmental outcomes of the different manifestations of severe malaria in children, malaria prophylaxis and prevention of stroke in sickle cell anaemia.

Dr Idro is the Medical Research Council (UK) 2015 African Research Leadership Awardee – through which he is studying the Pathogenesis and Treatment of Nodding Syndrome and the 2019 Inaugural Greenwood Africa Award.

He was part of the World Health Organization Committee that developed the 2015 severe malaria management guidelines. He sits on Boards of the International League against Epilepsy and the International Child Neurology Association.