1
|
Hobbs T, Santana De Lima E, Bevington D, Preece C, Allen K, Barna P, Berry V, Booker T, Davies K, Davis G, Deighton J, Freeman L, Fuggle P, Goddard E, Greene Barker T, Harris J, Heather A, Jardiel MF, Joshi K, Keenan M, Kennedy L, Malhotra T, March A, Pilling S, Pitt M, Potter K, Rehill N, Shand J, Surtees R, Fonagy P. Kailo: a systemic approach to addressing the social determinants of young people's mental health and wellbeing at the local level. Wellcome Open Res 2023; 8:524. [PMID: 38798997 PMCID: PMC11126905 DOI: 10.12688/wellcomeopenres.20095.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
The mental health and wellbeing of children and young people is deteriorating. It is increasingly recognised that mental health is a systemic issue, with a wide range of contributing and interacting factors. However, the vast majority of attention and resources are focused on the identification and treatment of mental health disorders, with relatively scant attention on the social determinants of mental health and wellbeing and investment in preventative approaches. Furthermore, there is little attention on how the social determinants manifest or may be influenced at the local level, impeding the design of contextually nuanced preventative approaches. This paper describes a major research and design initiative called Kailo that aims to support the design and implementation of local and contextually nuanced preventative strategies to improve children's and young people's mental health and wellbeing. The Kailo Framework involves structured engagement with a wide range of local partners and stakeholders - including young people, community partners, practitioners and local system leaders - to better understand local systemic influences and support programmes of youth-centred and evidence-informed co-design, prototyping and testing. It is hypothesised that integrating different sources of knowledge, experience, insight and evidence will result in better embedded, more sustainable and more impactful strategies that address the social determinants of young people's mental health and wellbeing at the local level.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tim Hobbs
- Dartington Service Design Lab, Buckfastleigh, England, TQ11 0EE, UK
| | | | | | - Cristina Preece
- Dartington Service Design Lab, Buckfastleigh, England, TQ11 0EE, UK
| | - Kate Allen
- University of Exeter, Exeter, England, EX4 4PY, UK
| | | | - Vashti Berry
- University of Exeter, Exeter, England, EX4 4PY, UK
| | - Thomas Booker
- Research Department of Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, University College London, London, England, WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Karuna Davies
- Research Department of Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, University College London, London, England, WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - George Davis
- Dartington Service Design Lab, Buckfastleigh, England, TQ11 0EE, UK
| | | | - Leanne Freeman
- Dartington Service Design Lab, Buckfastleigh, England, TQ11 0EE, UK
| | | | - Ellen Goddard
- Dartington Service Design Lab, Buckfastleigh, England, TQ11 0EE, UK
| | - Tamsin Greene Barker
- Research Department of Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, University College London, London, England, WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Julie Harris
- Dartington Service Design Lab, Buckfastleigh, England, TQ11 0EE, UK
| | - Amy Heather
- University of Exeter, Exeter, England, EX4 4PY, UK
| | | | | | - Megan Keenan
- Dartington Service Design Lab, Buckfastleigh, England, TQ11 0EE, UK
| | - Laura Kennedy
- Research Department of Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, University College London, London, England, WC1E 6BT, UK
| | | | - Anna March
- University of Exeter, Exeter, England, EX4 4PY, UK
| | - Steve Pilling
- Research Department of Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, University College London, London, England, WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Martin Pitt
- University of Exeter, Exeter, England, EX4 4PY, UK
| | - Katie Potter
- Dartington Service Design Lab, Buckfastleigh, England, TQ11 0EE, UK
| | | | | | | | - Peter Fonagy
- Research Department of Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, University College London, London, England, WC1E 6BT, UK
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Litwan K, Lara-Mejía V, Chahine T, Hernández-Cordero S, Vilar-Compte M, Pérez-Escamilla R. An analysis of actors participating in the design and implementation of workplace breastfeeding interventions in Mexico using the NetMap analysis approach. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1192600. [PMID: 38026332 PMCID: PMC10663280 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1192600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction While breastfeeding is recognized as providing optimal nutrition for infants and toddlers, maternal employment is a commonly mentioned barrier to breastfeeding. The goal was to (a) identify key actors participating in the design and implementation of workplace breastfeeding interventions in Mexico, (b) understand the complexity of interactions between the actors, and (c) map the connections and influence between the actors when looking into networks of Advice, Command, Funding, and Information. Method Following the NetMap methodology, a total of 11 semi-structured interviews with 12 interview partners from 10 organizations were conducted. Interview data were analyzed, and networks were analyzed and visualized, using a social network mapping software. Results A total of 83 actors from five different actor groups were identified. Four networks were constructed along the four types of connections: Advice, Command, Funding, and Information. The actors were connected by 580 connections with 446 unique links. Based on various network statistics, the Mexican Institute of Social Security, the Mexican Secretary of Labor and Social Welfare, UNICEF, and the Mexican Secretary of Health were identified to be key actors. Conclusion To increase the likelihood of success of workplace breastfeeding interventions, the role of the actors "Employers" and "Women" needs to expand. They should be actively involved in the decision-making process, together with the identified key actors. It is further recommended to re-introduce a national breastfeeding strategy for Mexico that includes policies for workplace breastfeeding interventions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kathrin Litwan
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Yale School of Public Health, Yale University, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Vania Lara-Mejía
- Research Center for Equitable Development EQUIDE, Universidad Iberoamericana, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Teresa Chahine
- Yale School of Management, Yale University, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Sonia Hernández-Cordero
- Research Center for Equitable Development EQUIDE, Universidad Iberoamericana, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Mireya Vilar-Compte
- Department of Public Health, Montclair State University, Montclair, NJ, United States
| | - Rafael Pérez-Escamilla
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Yale School of Public Health, Yale University, New Haven, CT, United States
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Paina L, Glenn J. Teaching Systems Thinking as a Foundational Public Health Competency Can Be Improved. Am J Public Health 2023; 113:1064-1067. [PMID: 37535893 PMCID: PMC10484120 DOI: 10.2105/ajph.2023.307368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/05/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Ligia Paina
- Ligia Paina is with the Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD. Jeffrey Glenn is with the Department of Public Health, College of Life Sciences, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT
| | - Jeffrey Glenn
- Ligia Paina is with the Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD. Jeffrey Glenn is with the Department of Public Health, College of Life Sciences, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Chandra A, Sreeganga SD, Rath N, Ramaprasad A. Healthcare Policies to Eliminate Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) in India: A Roadmap. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:6842. [PMID: 37835112 PMCID: PMC10572727 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20196842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2023] [Revised: 09/23/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023]
Abstract
The need for systemic healthcare policies to systematically eliminate NTDs globally and in India has been stressed for more than two decades. Yet, the present policies and the research on them do not meet the need. We present an ontological framework, a research roadmap, and a policy brief to address the gap. The ontology clearly, concisely, and comprehensively represents the combinations of diseases, the objectives regarding the diseases, the entities to address them, the outcomes sought, and the potential policy instruments to invoke. The paper explicates the state of the-policies and state of the research on policies to eliminate NTDs in India. It highlights the significant gaps in the diseases covered, balance in the objectives, comprehensiveness of policies, portfolio of outcomes, and involvement of entities. Last, it presents a set of systemic policies congruent with the ontology to systematically address the gaps. The recommendations are aligned with the present research, policies, practices, and recommendations in India and of the WHO, UN agencies, and other similar bodies. The approach can be generalized to provide roadmaps for other countries facing a similar challenge and for other diseases of similar complexity. The roadmaps, with continuous feedback and learning, can help navigate the challenge efficiently and effectively.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ajay Chandra
- School of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences, Chanakya University, Bengaluru 562110, India;
| | - S. D. Sreeganga
- Jindal School of Government and Public Policy, O.P. Jindal Global University, Sonipat 131001, India;
| | - Nibedita Rath
- Open Source Pharma Foundation, National Institute of Advanced Studies, Bengaluru 560012, India;
| | - Arkalgud Ramaprasad
- Information and Decision Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60605, USA
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Thielecke M, McNeilly H, Mutebi F, Banalyaki MB, Arono R, Wiese S, Reichert F, Mukone G, Feldmeier H. High Level of Knowledge about Tungiasis but Little Translation into Control Practices in Karamoja, Northeastern Uganda. Trop Med Infect Dis 2023; 8:425. [PMID: 37755887 PMCID: PMC10537667 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed8090425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2023] [Revised: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 08/19/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Tungiasis is a neglected tropical disease (NTD) that can cause significant suffering and disability. Health promotion is an important pillar in NTD control programs, assuming that better knowledge contributes to reduced risk behavior and reduced risk of infection. The study objective was to assess tungiasis-related knowledge and its translation into control practices in a rural and highly endemic setting in Karamoja, Northeastern Uganda. We applied a mixed-methods design on household and community level. A semi-quantitative questionnaire on knowledge, practices, and attitudes (KAP) regarding tungiasis was administered to 1329 individuals with the main caring responsibilities in the household. Additionally, eight community dialogue meetings were held and analyzed. Overall, knowledge of tungiasis in humans was high but knowledge of tungiasis in animals was low. Most questionnaire respondents knew the causative agent and clinical presentations of tungiasis in humans, risk factors, and preventive measures. This tungiasis-related knowledge was translated into simple prevention measures. However, adequate tungiasis control was impeded due to a lack of resources, such as access to water and effective medical treatment. In conclusion, health promotion campaigns should be integrated with support towards adequate tungiasis control measures, such as provision of safe treatment, hardening of non-solid floors in the houses, and improved access to water.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marlene Thielecke
- Charité Center for Global Health, Institute of International Health, Charité University Medicine, 13353 Berlin, Germany
| | - Hannah McNeilly
- Edinburgh Medical School: Biomedical Sciences, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH8 9AG, UK
| | - Francis Mutebi
- Innovations for Tropical Disease Elimination (IFOTRODE), Kampala P.O. Box 24461, Uganda
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Resources, College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity, Makerere University, Kampala P.O. Box 7062, Uganda
| | - Mike B. Banalyaki
- Innovations for Tropical Disease Elimination (IFOTRODE), Kampala P.O. Box 24461, Uganda
| | - Rebecca Arono
- Innovations for Tropical Disease Elimination (IFOTRODE), Kampala P.O. Box 24461, Uganda
| | - Susanne Wiese
- Institute of Microbiology, Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Charité University Medicine, 12203 Berlin, Germany
| | - Felix Reichert
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Robert Koch Institute, 13353 Berlin, Germany
| | - George Mukone
- Innovations for Tropical Disease Elimination (IFOTRODE), Kampala P.O. Box 24461, Uganda
| | - Hermann Feldmeier
- Institute of Microbiology, Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Charité University Medicine, 12203 Berlin, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Brugnara L, Jaramillo C, Olarte-Peña M, Karl L, Deckert A, Marx M, Horstick O, Dambach P, Fehr A. Strengthening national public health institutes: a systematic review on institution building in the public sector. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1146655. [PMID: 37275484 PMCID: PMC10232799 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1146655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Strong and efficient institutions are vital to the development of well-functioning governments and strong societies. The term "institution building" encompasses the creation, support, development, and strengthening of organizations and institutions. Still, there is little aggregated evidence on "institution building" considering a wider system-thinking approach, best practices, or development cooperation specifically in the field of public health. In 2007, the International Association of National Public Health Institutes (IANPHI) created a guiding Framework that countries may use for developing National Public Health Institutes (NPHIs). This Framework is currently being revised. Methods In this context, we conducted a systematic review to facilitate this revision with recent evidence on institution building and its potential contribution to NPHI. We followed the PRISMA guidelines for systematic reviews, searching for relevant publications in seven scientific databases (Pubmed, VHL/LILACS, EconLit, Google Scholar, Web of Science, World Affairs Online, ECONBIZ) and four libraries (World Bank; European Health for All database of the World Health Organization European Region, WHO; Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, OECD; and the African Union Common Repository). The search was carried out in October 2021. We used the "framework analysis" tool for systematically processing documents according to key themes. Results As a result, we identified 3,015 records, of which we included 62 documents in the final review. This systematic review fills a major gap of aggregated information on institution building in the field of public health and National Public Health Institutes. It is to our knowledge the first systematic review of this kind. The overriding result is the identification and definition of six domains of institution building in the health sector: "governance," "knowledge and innovation," "inter-institutional cooperation," "monitoring and control," "participation," and "sustainability and context-specific adaptability." Discussion Our results show that the described domains are highly relevant to the public health sector, and that managers and the scientific community recognize their importance. Still, they are often not applied consistently when creating or developing NPHIs. We conclude that organizations engaged in institution building of NPHIs, including IANPHI, may greatly benefit from state-of-the-art research on institution building as presented in this study.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lucia Brugnara
- evaplan GmbH at the University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
- Heidelberg Institute of Global Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | | | | | - Larissa Karl
- Faculty of Natural and Social Sciences, Heidelberg University of Education, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Andreas Deckert
- Heidelberg Institute of Global Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Michael Marx
- evaplan GmbH at the University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
- Heidelberg Institute of Global Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Olaf Horstick
- Heidelberg Institute of Global Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Peter Dambach
- Heidelberg Institute of Global Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Angela Fehr
- Centre for International Health Protection, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Thelen J, Sant Fruchtman C, Bilal M, Gabaake K, Iqbal S, Keakabetse T, Kwamie A, Mokalake E, Mupara LM, Seitio-Kgokgwe O, Zafar S, Cobos Muñoz D. Development of the Systems Thinking for Health Actions framework: a literature review and a case study. BMJ Glob Health 2023; 8:bmjgh-2022-010191. [PMID: 36931663 PMCID: PMC10030275 DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2022-010191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2022] [Accepted: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 03/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Systems thinking is an approach that views systems with a holistic lens, focusing on how components of systems are interconnected. Specifically, the application of systems thinking has proven to be beneficial when applied to health systems. Although there is plenty of theory surrounding systems thinking, there is a gap between the theoretical use of systems thinking and its actual application to tackle health challenges. This study aimed to create a framework to expose systems thinking characteristics in the design and implementation of actions to improve health. METHODS A systematised literature review was conducted and a Taxonomy of Systems Thinking Objectives was adapted to develop the new 'Systems Thinking for Health Actions' (STHA) framework. The applicability of the framework was tested using the COVID-19 response in Pakistan as a case study. RESULTS The framework identifies six key characteristics of systems thinking: (1) recognising and understanding interconnections and system structure, (2) identifying and understanding feedback, (3) identifying leverage points, (4) understanding dynamic behaviour, (5) using mental models to suggest possible solutions to a problem and (6) creating simulation models to test policies. The STHA framework proved beneficial in identifying systems thinking characteristics in the COVID-19 national health response in Pakistan. CONCLUSION The proposed framework can provide support for those aiming to applying systems thinking while developing and implementing health actions. We also envision this framework as a retrospective tool that can help assess if systems thinking was applied in health actions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jenna Thelen
- Epidemiology and Public Health, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Allschwil, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Carmen Sant Fruchtman
- Epidemiology and Public Health, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Allschwil, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Muhammad Bilal
- Public Health, Child Advocacy International, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Kebabonye Gabaake
- Public Health, Institute of Development Management, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Shahid Iqbal
- Public Health, Child Advocacy International, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | | | - Aku Kwamie
- Alliance for Health Policy and Systems Research, World Health Organization, Geneve, Switzerland
| | - Ellen Mokalake
- Public Health, Institute of Development Management, Gaborone, Botswana
| | | | - Onalenna Seitio-Kgokgwe
- Monitoring Evaluation and Quality Assurance, Ministry of Health Botswana, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Shamsa Zafar
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fazaia Medical College, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Daniel Cobos Muñoz
- Epidemiology and Public Health, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Allschwil, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Srivastava S, Nambiar D. Pivoting from systems “thinking” to systems “doing” in health systems—Documenting stakeholder perspectives from Southeast Asia. Front Public Health 2022; 10:910055. [PMID: 35991011 PMCID: PMC9386283 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.910055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Accepted: 07/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Applications of systems thinking in the context of Health Policy and Systems Research have been scarce, particularly in Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs). Given the urgent need for addressing implementation challenges, the WHO Alliance for Health Policy and Systems Research, in collaboration with partners across five global regions, recently initiated a global community of practice for applied systems thinking in policy and practice contexts within LMICs. Individual one on one calls were conducted with 56 researchers, practitioners & decision-makers across 9 countries in Southeast Asia to elucidate key barriers and opportunities for applying systems thinking in individual country settings. Consultations presented the potential for collaboration and co-production of knowledge across diverse stakeholders to strengthen opportunities by applying systems thinking tools in practice. While regional nuances warrant further exploration, there is a clear indication that policy documentation relevant to health systems will be instrumental in advancing a shared vision and interest in strengthening capacities for applied systems thinking in health systems across Southeast Asia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Siddharth Srivastava
- The George Institute for Global Health, New Delhi, India
- *Correspondence: Siddharth Srivastava
| | - Devaki Nambiar
- Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Prasanna School of Public Health, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, India
- Devaki Nambiar
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Cassidy R, Borghi J, Rwashana Semwanga A, Binyaruka P, Singh NS, Blanchet K. How to do (or not to do)…Using Causal Loop Diagrams for Health System Research in Low- and Middle-Income Settings. Health Policy Plan 2022; 37:1328-1336. [PMID: 35921232 PMCID: PMC9661310 DOI: 10.1093/heapol/czac064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2022] [Revised: 05/27/2022] [Accepted: 08/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Causal loop diagrams (CLDs) are a systems thinking method that can be used to visualize and unpack complex health system behaviour. They can be employed prospectively or retrospectively to identify the mechanisms and consequences of policies or interventions designed to strengthen health systems and inform discussion with policymakers and stakeholders on actions that may alleviate sub-optimal outcomes. Whilst the use of CLDs in health systems research has generally increased, there is still limited use in low- and middle-income settings. In addition to their suitability for evaluating complex systems, CLDs can be developed where opportunities for primary data collection may be limited (such as in humanitarian or conflict settings) and instead be formulated using secondary data, published or grey literature, health surveys/reports and policy documents. The purpose of this paper is to provide a step-by-step guide for designing a health system research study that uses CLDs as their chosen research method, with particular attention to issues of relevance to research in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). The guidance draws on examples from the LMIC literature and authors’ own experience of using CLDs in this research area. This paper guides researchers in addressing the following four questions in the study design process; (1) What is the scope of this research? (2) What data do I need to collect or source? (3) What is my chosen method for CLD development? (4) How will I validate the CLD? In providing supporting information to readers on avenues for addressing these key design questions, authors hope to promote CLDs for wider use by health system researchers working in LMICs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Cassidy
- Department of Global Health and Development, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, 15-17, Tavistock Place, London, WC1H 9SH, UK
| | - Josephine Borghi
- Department of Global Health and Development, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, 15-17, Tavistock Place, London, WC1H 9SH, UK
| | - Agnes Rwashana Semwanga
- Information Systems Department, College of Computing and Information Sciences, Makerere University, P.O. Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Peter Binyaruka
- Ifakara Health Institute, PO Box 78373, Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Neha S Singh
- Department of Global Health and Development, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, 15-17, Tavistock Place, London, WC1H 9SH, UK
| | - Karl Blanchet
- Geneva Centre of Humanitarian Studies, University of Geneva and the Graduate Institute, Rue Rothschild 22, 1211, Genève, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Li HM, Qian MB, Wang DQ, Lv S, Xiao N, Zhou XN. Potential Capacity of China's development assistance for health on neglected tropical diseases. Acta Trop 2022; 226:106245. [PMID: 34838784 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2021.106245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2021] [Revised: 10/19/2021] [Accepted: 11/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
Neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) are important health problem in tropical and sub-tropical regions, which afflict more than a billion people worldwide and cause several million deaths every year, especially in Africa. The World Health Organization has called for global efforts to control and eliminate NTDs. China began its health assistance program from 1950s, especially on medical mission dispatched to more than 50 African countries. In this study, a SWOT analysis was used to analyze the current strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats of China's health assistance relating to NTDs, in order to provide the recommendation to promote the activities on international assistance and cooperation on NTDs. Based on this analysis, interventions for NTDs and suggestions for future cooperation relating to NTDs are proposed. In the context of global health, China should strengthen and improve the capacity on health assistance for NTDs control.
Collapse
|
11
|
Sturmberg JP, Martin CM. How to cope with uncertainty? Start by looking for patterns and emergent knowledge. J Eval Clin Pract 2021; 27:1168-1171. [PMID: 34216085 DOI: 10.1111/jep.13596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2021] [Accepted: 06/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Joachim P Sturmberg
- School of Medicine and Public Health, Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia.,International Society for Systems and Complexity Sciences for Health, Waitsfield, Vermont, USA
| | - Carmel M Martin
- Department of Medicine, Nursing and Allied Health Monash Health Clayton, Clayton, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Exploring the dynamic complexity of risk factors for vector-borne infections in sub-Saharan Africa: Case of urban lymphatic filariasis. JOURNAL OF BIOSAFETY AND BIOSECURITY 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jobb.2021.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
|
13
|
Ehrenberg N, Ehrenberg JP, Fontes G, Gyapong M, Rocha EMM, Steinmann P, Utzinger J, Zhou XN, de Savigny D. Neglected tropical diseases as a barometer for progress in health systems in times of COVID-19. BMJ Glob Health 2021; 6:bmjgh-2020-004709. [PMID: 33849898 PMCID: PMC8050874 DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2020-004709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2020] [Revised: 02/18/2021] [Accepted: 02/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Gilberto Fontes
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Central-West Campus, Federal University of São João del Rei, Divinopolis, Brazil
| | - Margaret Gyapong
- Centre for Health Policy and Implementation Research, University of Health and Allied Sciences, Ho, Ghana
| | - Eliana M M Rocha
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Central-West Campus, Federal University of São João del Rei, Divinopolis, Brazil
| | - Peter Steinmann
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland.,University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Jürg Utzinger
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland.,University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Xiao-Nong Zhou
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases at the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shanghai, China.,School of Global Health, Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Don de Savigny
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland .,University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Onasanya A, Bengtson M, Oladepo O, Van Engelen J, Diehl JC. Rethinking the Top-Down Approach to Schistosomiasis Control and Elimination in Sub-Saharan Africa. Front Public Health 2021; 9:622809. [PMID: 33681133 PMCID: PMC7930368 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2021.622809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2020] [Accepted: 01/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The control and elimination of schistosomiasis have over the last two decades involved several strategies, with the current strategy by the World Health Organization (WHO) focusing mainly on treatment with praziquantel during mass drug administration (MDA). However, the disease context is complex with an interplay of social, economic, political, and cultural factors that may affect achieving the goals of the Neglected Tropical Disease (NTD) 2021-2030 Roadmap. There is a need to revisit the current top-down and reactive approach to schistosomiasis control among sub-Saharan African countries and advocate for a dynamic and diversified approach. This paper highlights the challenges of praziquantel-focused policy for schistosomiasis control and new ways to move from schistosomiasis control to elimination in sub-Saharan Africa. We will also discuss an alternative and diversified approach that consists of a Systems Thinking Framework that embraces intersectoral collaboration fully and includes co-creating locally relevant strategies with affected communities. We propose that achieving the goals for control and elimination of schistosomiasis requires a bottom-up and pro-active approach involving multiple stakeholders. Such a pro-active integrated approach will pave the way for achieving the goals of the NTD 2021-2030 roadmap for schistosomiasis, and ultimately improve the wellbeing of those living in endemic areas.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Adeola Onasanya
- Department of Sustainable Design Engineering, Faculty of Industrial Design Engineering, Delft University of Technology, Delft, Netherlands
| | - Michel Bengtson
- Department of Parasitology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Oladimeji Oladepo
- Department of Health Promotion and Education, Faculty of Public Health, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Jo Van Engelen
- Department of Sustainable Design Engineering, Faculty of Industrial Design Engineering, Delft University of Technology, Delft, Netherlands
| | - Jan Carel Diehl
- Department of Sustainable Design Engineering, Faculty of Industrial Design Engineering, Delft University of Technology, Delft, Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|