Regional poverty and infection disease: early exploratory evidence from the COVID-19 pandemic

Towards development of functional climate-driven early warning systems for climate-sensitive infectious diseases: Statistical models and recommendations

Climate, weather and environmental change have significantly influenced patterns of infectious disease transmission, necessitating the development of early warning systems to anticipate potential impacts and respond in a timely and effective way. Statistical modelling plays a pivotal role in understanding the intricate relationships between climatic factors and infectious disease transmission. For example, time series regression modelling and spatial cluster analysis have been employed to identify risk factors and predict spatial and temporal patterns of infectious diseases. Recently advanced spatio-temporal models and machine learning offer an increasingly robust framework for modelling uncertainty, which is essential in climate-driven disease surveillance due to the dynamic and multifaceted nature of the data. Moreover, Artificial Intelligence (AI) techniques, including deep learning and neural networks, excel in capturing intricate patterns and hidden relationships within climate and environmental data sets. Web-based data has emerged as a powerful complement to other datasets encompassing climate variables and disease occurrences. However, given the complexity and non-linearity of climate-disease interactions, advanced techniques are required to integrate and analyse these diverse data to obtain more accurate predictions of impending outbreaks, epidemics or pandemics. This article presents an overview of an approach to creating climate-driven early warning systems with a focus on statistical model suitability and selection, along with recommendations for utilizing spatio-temporal and machine learning techniques. By addressing the limitations and embracing the recommendations for future research, we could enhance preparedness and response strategies, ultimately contributing to the safeguarding of public health in the face of evolving climate challenges.

Effects of microfinance and small loans centre on poverty reduction in Wa West District, Ghana

Poverty, a pervasive and consequential global issue, has garnered significant attention due to its wide-reaching prevalence and profound implications. Various strategies, including microfinance, have been implemented to tackle this pressing concern. One such strategy is the Microfinance and Small Loans Centre (MASLOC) in Ghana, which aims to reduce poverty. However, despite its potential, MASLOC's role in poverty reduction has yet to be thoroughly examined, leading to inconclusive findings, and necessitating this study. A single case study design addressed this research gap and provided valuable insights. A comprehensive dataset was compiled through interviews and observations involving 40 MASLOC beneficiaries and officials. Thematic analysis was utilized to dissect the collected data, revealing noteworthy patterns and trends. The study's outcomes shed light on MASLOC's effectiveness in mitigating poverty. Specifically, it was found that MASLOC played a pivotal role in poverty reduction by bolstering income levels, amplifying consumption patterns, facilitating access to fundamental necessities, and enabling the accumulation of valuable assets. Nevertheless, the analysis also highlighted specific challenges. Issues related to loan repayment and staffing emerged as constraints within the MASLOC framework. In essence, the study established that MASLOC contributes to the overarching goal of poverty reduction. The findings are helpful because fostering a positive attitude towards loan repayment is crucial, and this endeavour should be complemented by the strategic recruitment of competent staff members who can effectively navigate the intricacies of the scheme to ensure the sustainability of MASLOC. What sets this study apart is its innovative exploration of the impact of MASLOC on poverty-a primarily overlooked facet. By delving into this uncharted territory, the study enriches the ongoing discourse surrounding government microfinance schemes' influence on its beneficiaries. This research contributes not only to the academic realm but also to the practical realm, as it offers actionable insights for policymakers in poverty reduction.