AUTHOR'S GUIDELINE FOR
AFRICAN JOURNAL OF CHILD HEALTH (AFRIJOCH)

Aim of the Journal

AFRIJOCH aims to foster the dissemination of high-impact, contextually relevant research that addresses the unique healthcare challenges affecting children and adolescents worldwide. The journal seeks to promote innovation, equity, and excellence in pediatric healthcare delivery, education, and policy-making across diverse settings.

Scope

AFRIJOCH welcomes original contributions that span a broad range of topics in pediatrics and child health, including but not limited to:

• Neonatal and pediatric clinical care
• Adolescent health and youth-friendly services
• Communicable and non-communicable diseases
• Maternal and child health integration
• Nutrition and food safety
• Child growth, development, education, and environmental health
• Immunization and vaccine implementation
• Mental health and psychosocial well-being
• Pediatric surgery and emergency care
• Health systems, workforce, and policy research
• Community-based health interventions
• Innovations in pediatric training and education
• Child rights and social determinants of health

Article Types

We publish a variety of article types, including:

• Original research
• Review articles
• Case reports
• Commentaries and policy briefs
• Short communications
• Letters to the editor
• Study protocols

Manuscript Categories and Specific Guidelines

Manuscript Formatting

• Double line spacing
• Continuous line and page numbering
• Manuscripts must be submitted in English, using British spelling
• SI units must be used; all special characters should be embedded in the text
• No page breaks in the manuscript
• Main text separated using appropriate headings (BOLD CAPS) and subheadings (bold lowercase)
• Tables should be in Word format, placed where first cited, and numbered sequentially
• Acronyms and abbreviations should be used sparingly and fully explained at first mention
• Generic names for drugs should be used whenever possible
• References must be cited in superscript and numerical order (not in the abstract)

File Formats

• Microsoft Word (.doc, .docx)
• Rich Text Format (.rtf)

Title Page Requirements

• A clear title indicating study design if applicable (e.g., randomized controlled trial, case control study, systematic review, case report)
• Full names and institutional affiliations of all authors
• Corresponding author details (email address required)

Keywords

Three to ten keywords reflecting the article content

Abstract

• Original Research: Max 350 words, structured (Background, Methods, Results, Conclusion, Trial Registration)
• Case Reports: Max 250 words, structured (Background, Case Presentation, Conclusion)

Main Document Sections

1. Background: Describe the rationale, aims, and literature background
2. Methods: Include study aim, design, setting, participants, materials, statistical analysis, and ethics approval
3. Results: Present findings, including statistical analysis as appropriate
4. Discussion: Discuss findings, compare with existing literature, and outline limitations
5. Conclusions: Highlight main takeaways, strengths/limitations, and future implications

Tables and Figures

• Max 5 tables and 8 figures per article
• Additional items can be included as Multimedia Appendices
• Tables should be within margins and in 12pt font
• Figures must include a title and brief description
• Legends: Max 350 words, listed after references
• Editable formats required (Word or TeX/LaTeX); no image tables
• State the source of images/software (name, version, URL)
• Use lower-case letters (a, b, c, etc.) for figure parts
• Lettering: Lower-case with only the first letter capitalized
• SI unit formatting and spacing must be correct (e.g., 3 ms, 1,000)
• Unusual abbreviations must be defined
• Scale bars must be used instead of magnification factors

Conflict of Interest

Authors must declare any potential conflicts of interest. If none, include:

Funding Statement

All financial support must be disclosed, including agency names and grant numbers. If none, include:

Declaration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) Use

Any use of AI tools (e.g., ChatGPT, Grammarly) must be disclosed. Include:

• Name and version
• Function
• Extent of human oversight

Example:

AI tools may not be credited as authors.

Unacceptable AI uses:

• Writing entire sections without human input
• Creating hypotheses or results without human review
• Listing AI tools as authors
• Including AI-generated references
• Failing to disclose significant AI use

References

• Follow Vancouver style
• Numerical, square brackets
• One reference per number
• Include only published/accepted work or valid preprints/datasets
• Do not include grant details or acknowledgements in reference list

Ethical Considerations

• Remove personally identifiable information
• Blurring facial features is not sufficient anonymization
• Consent required for identifiable images/data
• Human/clinical trial studies must include:
  • Institutional approval
  • Compliance with relevant regulations
  • Informed consent from participants/guardians

Author Contact Information

Title page must include:

• Corresponding author: Full name, affiliation, postal address, phone number, and email
• Co-authors: Full names, affiliations, and emails

Open Access Policy

AFRIJOCH follows a Gold Open Access model—articles are freely accessible upon publication.

Author Charges

Article Processing Charges (APCs) are currently waived during the journal's initial development phase. This may change as the journal evolves.

Copyright

Authors retain copyright under a Creative Commons (CC BY) license, allowing free use and redistribution with proper attribution.