Charles Newton
MBChB (UCT), MA (Oxford), MRCP (London), MD (UCT), FRCPCH
Cheryl & Reece Scott Professor of Psychiatry
I examine the epidemiology and behavioural consequences of children experiencing a range of adversities in the low-income countries of insults, in particular the association of autism and developmental disorders with infections of the central nervous system (including malaria, HIV and bacterial meningitis). I am conducting research on genetics of autism, epilepsy and psychosis in sub-Saharan Africa. I also conduct research on the epidemiology and psychiatric co-morbidity of epilepsy in sub-Saharan Africa, examining interventions to reduce the treatment gap and stigma associated with these disorders. I examine the neurocognitive consequences of sickle cell disease in Africa. This research has led to an interest to the mental health of children from immigrant populations in the UK and Europe. My research in Oxford focuses on autism and neurodevelopmental disorders, particular the causes and consequences of these conditions in Europe.
Recent publications
Severe anaemia and invasive bacterial infections in Kenyan children: a 26-year hospital surveillance observational study.
Journal article
Abuga KM. et al, (2027), Lancet Glob Health
Exposure to parasitic infections is associated with features and phenotypes of active convulsive epilepsy in Africa
Journal article
Langat NK. et al, (2026), Wellcome Open Research, 6, 200 - 200
A rapid review of the cross-cultural relevance of measurement tools for the assessment of eco-anxiety and other climate change-related psychological constructs
Journal article
Niedzwiedz C. et al, (2026), Wellcome Open Research, 11, 501 - 501
A blended genome and exome sequencing method captures genetic variation in an unbiased and cost-effective manner.
Conference paper
Boltz TA. et al, (2026), Nat Genet
The Effect Of Impaired Blood-Brain Barrier In Seizure Control And Response To Anti-Seizure Medication During Paediatric Acute Symptomatic Seizures Due To Severe Falciparum Malaria
Journal article
Kariuki SM. and Newton CRJC., (2026), East African Journal of Neurological Sciences, 5, 147 - 155
