Health, Education, Social Protection News & Notes 18/2012

Health, Education, Social Protection News & Notes 18/2012
A bi-weekly newsletter supported by GIZ (Deutsche Gesellschaft fr Internationale Zusammenarbeit)

26 August 2012
You can download back issues (2005 - 2012) of this newsletter at: http://german-practice-collection.org/en/links/newsletters/hesp-news-and-notes or search all issues there with:
Table of Contents: Editorial ............................................................................... 4

RSS Feeds for Health, Education, Social Protection News & Notes ...................................... 4
BOOKS ................................................................................ 4
South Africas National Development Plan: Vision for 2030 ................................................... 4 For the Publics Health: Investing in a Healthier Future.......................................................... 4 Maximizing Mobile: 2012 Information and Communications for Development ....................... 5 Protecting Childhood in the AIDS Pandemic: Finding Solutions that Work ............................ 5
ONLINE PUBLICATIONS .................................................... 5

Global Health.............................................................................................................. 5
What Australias win against Big Tobacco means for global health........................................ 5 The Cost-Effectiveness of Environmental Approaches to Disease Prevention ...................... 6 Global oral public health - the current situation and recent developments ............................. 6
HIV - AIDS - STI ......................................................................................................... 6

Realising the dream of an AIDS-free generation .................................................................... 6 The Beginning of the End of AIDS? ........................................................................................ 7 Wheres the Care? - Enhancing adherence, retention, and quality of life in people living with HIV........................................................................................................................................... 7 Combination Approaches: An Overview of Combination Prevention...................................... 7 What Is the Optimal First Line Antiretroviral Therapy in Resource-Limited Settings? ............ 8 Eliminating Pediatric HIV/AIDS: What It Will Take and What It Will Bring .............................. 8 Task shifting of antiretroviral treatment from doctors to primary-care nurses in South Africa (STRETCH): a pragmatic, parallel, cluster-randomised trial................................................... 8
Sexual & Reproductive Health .................................................................................... 9

The Road to Safety: Strengthening Protection for LGBTI Refugees in Uganda and Kenya .. 9 Emergency contraception........................................................................................................ 9 40 years of innovation in sexual and reproductive health ....................................................... 9
Maternal & Child Health............................................................................................ 10

Rethinking WHO guidance: review of evidence for misoprostol use in the prevention of postpartum haemorrhage ...................................................................................................... 10 Performance of community health workers under integrated community case management of childhood illnesses in eastern Uganda.............................................................................. 10 Born Too Soon: The Global Action Report on Preterm Birth ................................................ 10
Malaria ..................................................................................................................... 11
Evolution of intermittent screening and treatment for malaria in pregnancy control ............. 11 Mass blood survey for malaria: pooling and realtime PCR combined with expert microscopy in north-west Thailand ........................................................................................................... 11
HESP-News & Notes - 18/2012 - page 1
Evaluation of a national universal coverage campaign of long-lasting insecticidal nets in a rural district in north-west Tanzania ...................................................................................... 11
Tuberculosis ............................................................................................................. 12
Finding tuberculosis at the first encounter with HIV care: dont miss the opportunity to save a life ....................................................................................................................................... 12 Drug-Resistant Tuberculosis among HIV-Infected Patients Starting Antiretroviral Therapy in Durban, South Africa ............................................................................................................. 12 The Role of mHealth in the Fight Against Tuberculosis ........................................................ 12 Skin biopsy: a pillar in the identification of cutaneous Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection ............................................................................................................................................... 13 Towards an empowerment approach in tuberculosis treatment in Cape Town, South Africa: a qualitative analysis of programmatic change ..................................................................... 13
Other Infectious Diseases......................................................................................... 13

Cholera Outbreak Guidelines: Preparedness, Prevention and Control ................................ 13 Epidemic Pertussis in 2012 - The Resurgence of a Vaccine-Preventable Disease ............. 14 Global leprosy situation, 2012 ............................................................................................... 14 Nigeria: Ground Zero for the High Prevalence Neglected Tropical Diseases .................... 14
Non-communicable Diseases ................................................................................... 14

High Rates of Obesity and Non-Communicable Diseases Predicted across Latin America 14
Food & Nutrition........................................................................................................ 15

The Global Forum on Food Security and Nutrition: Online discussions that make a difference............................................................................................................................... 15 Coming to Terms with Terminology: Food Security, Nutrition Security, Food Security and Nutrition, Food and Nutrition Security ................................................................................... 15 Imagining a world free from hunger: Ending hunger and malnutrition and ensuring food and nutrition security .................................................................................................................... 16 The impact of cash transfers on nutrition in emergency and transitional contexts: A review of evidence ................................................................................................................................ 16
Essential Medicines .................................................................................................. 16

Pharmaceutical research and development: what do we get for all that money?................. 16 Southern Med Review - Volume 5, Issue 1, July 2012 ......................................................... 17 Nocebo Phenomena in Medicine: Their Relevance in Everyday Clinical Practice ............... 17
Social Protection....................................................................................................... 17
Social Protection in European Union Development Cooperation ......................................... 17 Social Policies in Solomon Islands and Vanuatu .................................................................. 17 The quest for universal health coverage: achieving social protection for all in Mexico ........ 18 What works? Best practices of social protection for informal workers .................................. 18 An Alternative Framework for Analyzing Financial Protection in Health ............................... 18
Water, Sanitation & Hygiene..................................................................................... 19

Status Report on the Application of Integrated Approaches to Water Resources Management ......................................................................................................................... 19 Development Aid and Access to Water and Sanitation in Sub-Saharan Africa .................... 19
Human Resources.................................................................................................... 20
So many, yet few: Human resources for health in India ....................................................... 20
Health Systems & Research ..................................................................................... 20

Primary health care implementation: A brief review.............................................................. 20 Test, Learn, Adapt: Developing Public Policy with Randomised Controlled Trials ............... 20 Indias Role in Global Health R&D ........................................................................................ 21 The 2012 world health report no health without research: the endpoint needs to go beyond publication outputs ................................................................................................................ 21 Translating research findings into practice - the implementation of kangaroo mother care in Ghana.................................................................................................................................... 21 An evaluability assessment of a West Africa based Non-Governmental Organizations (NGO) progressive evaluation strategy................................................................................. 22 Implementing new health interventions in developing countries: why do we lose a decade or more? .................................................................................................................................... 22 DRG-based payment systems in low- and middle-income countries: Implementation experiences and challenges.................................................................................................. 22 Verbal Autopsy Standards: Ascertaining and attributing causes of death ............................ 23
Information & Communication Technology ............................................................... 23

Open access versus subscription journals: a comparison of scientific impact ..................... 23
Google launch SMS version of Gmail in Africa ..................................................................... 23 The Asian and Pacific Training Centre for Information and Communication Technology for Development (APCICT) Communities of Practice ................................................................ 24 Giving Office-Based Physicians Electronic Access to Patients Prior Imaging and Lab Results did not deter Ordering of Tests ................................................................................ 24
Education ................................................................................................................. 24
Understanding the Implications of Online Learning for Educational Productivity ................. 24
Harm Reduction & Drug Use .................................................................................... 25

Tobacco use in 3 billion individuals from 16 countries: an analysis of nationally representative cross-sectional household surveys ............................................................... 25
Millennium Development Goals ................................................................................ 25

The MDGs after 2015: Some reflections on the possibilities ................................................ 25 Post-2015 Education Millennium Development Goals .......................................................... 25 The Wheel of Development: The Millennium Development Goals as a communication and development tool ................................................................................................................... 26
Development Assistance .......................................................................................... 26

European Development Aid: How to be more effective without spending more?................. 26 The role of NGOs and civil society in development and poverty reduction .......................... 26 Tracking Alumni Career Paths: Third NCCR North-South Report on Effectiveness............. 27 Introduction to Impact Evaluation .......................................................................................... 27 Impact Evaluation Toolkit ...................................................................................................... 27 Measuring Fraud in Overseas Aid: Options and Method ...................................................... 28
Others ...................................................................................................................... 28
Is this a mosquito? ................................................................................................................ 28 Livelihoods, basic services and social protection in Northern Uganda and Karamoja ......... 28
ELECTRONIC RESOURCES ............................................ 29

Community Dermatology - Issue No. 13, 2012 ..................................................................... 29 HIV Prevention Knowledge Base .......................................................................................... 29 World Federation of Public Health Associations (WFPHA) Newsletter................................. 29
INTERESTING WEB SITES .............................................. 30

Global Health Observer......................................................................................................... 30 Poverty Research Archive..................................................................................................... 30 The Health Administration Project......................................................................................... 30
TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES............................................ 30
Designing and Implementing Social Transfer Programmes.................................................. 30 E-learning course: Introduction to Monitoring and Evaluation of Human Resources for Health .................................................................................................................................... 31
CONFERENCES................................................................ 31
Symposium: Global health in the 21st century...................................................................... 31 th 5 Africa Conference on Sexual Health and Rights.............................................................. 31 th 13 Congress of the Association for Health Information and Libraries in Africa (AHILA 13) 31 10th Malaria Meeting............................................................................................................. 32
CARTOON ......................................................................... 32 TIPS & TRICKS ................................................................. 32

Zoom the Web Using the Scroll Wheel ................................................................................. 32 iPad Multi-Touch Gestures.................................................................................................... 33
Editorial
RSS Feeds for Health, Education, Social Protection News & Notes
In addition to this bi-weekly PDF issue we have created a RSS (Really Simple Syndication) feed for our Newsletter HESP News & Notes. RSS feeds bring information to you. Instead of waiting for the PDF issue of this newsletter the RSS feed sends you actual short synopses of what we have posted to your computer, smartphone or tablet. It also allows you to select only the topics you are interested in (e.g. malaria, tuberculosis etc.) for subscription. Finally it automatically creates an archive of all our messages that is searchable on our web site. For further information and subscription instructions go to: http://hesp-news.org You may also follow us on Twitter at: https://twitter.com/HESPNews
BOOKS
South Africas National Development Plan: Vision for 2030
National Planning Commission, November 2011 444 pp. 6.3 MB: http://allafrica.com/download/resource/main/main/idatcs/00041101: c9bd950570730f3cabe7f67cdaf618a2.pdf By 2030, the plan suggests eliminating poverty and reduce inequality; also a country wherein all citizens have the capabilities to grasp the ever-broadening opportunities available. The overview covers the high-level targets of the plan, a brief summary of the diagnostic document, a summary of the proposed development paradigm and an account of demographic trends and external drivers of change. It then provides a summary of each of the chapters in the plan. ***
For the Publics Health: Investing in a Healthier Future

by Kristine M. Gebbie and Donald M. Steinwachs Institute of Medicine, 2012 313 pp. 4.1 MB: http://download.nap.edu/cart/download.cgi?&record_id=13268&free=1 The book assesses the financial challenges facing the governmental public health infrastructure. It provides recommendations about what is needed for stable and sustainable funding, and for its optimal use by public health agencies. This book makes the argument that adequate and sustainable funding for public health is necessary to enable HESP-News & Notes - 18/2012 - page 4
public health departments across the country to inform and mobilize action on the determinants of health, to play other key roles in protecting and promoting health, and to prepare for a range of potential threats to population health. ***
Maximizing Mobile: 2012 Information and Communications for Development

by Tim Kelly, Nicolas Friederici, Michael Minges et al. International Bank for Reconstruction and Development / The World Bank, 2012 244 pp. 21.1 MB(!): http://siteresources.worldbank.org/EXTINFORMATIONANDCOMM UNICATIONANDTECHNOLOGIES/Resources/IC4D-2012-Report.pdf This report analyzes the growth and evolution of applications for mobile phones, focusing on their use in agriculture, health and financial services, as well as their impact on employment and government. It also explores the consequences for development of the emerging app economy, summarizing current thinking and seeking to inform the debate on the use of mobile phones for development. Its no longer about the phone itself, but about how it is used, and the content and applications that mobile phones open. ***
Protecting Childhood in the AIDS Pandemic: Finding Solutions that Work

by Jody Heymann, Lorraine Sherr, and Rachel Kidman Oxford University Press, 2012, 35.00; ISBN 9780199765126 To view chapter summaries go to: http://www.oxfordscholarship.com/view/10.1093/acprof:oso/97801997651 26.001.0001/acprof-9780199765126 The book will bring together lessons from experts around the world on what has worked, and what needs to be done to transform the outcomes of children of all ages whose lives have been affected by HIV/AIDS. Specifically, the book examines which public policies and programs work best to meet the full range of childrens needs, from medical care to social support, and from infancy to adolescence.
ONLINE PUBLICATIONS
Global Health What Australias win against Big Tobacco means for global health
by John R. Seffrin, Chief Executive Officer of The American Cancer Society (from Health-e, 23. 8. 2012) Read online at: http://www.health-e.org.za/news/article.php?uid=20033726 The ruling this week by Australia's high court to uphold its governments right to introHESP-News & Notes - 18/2012 - page 5
duce plain packaging for tobacco products is a landmark event for global health. With the worlds eyes watching this decision, the court struck down a challenge from the biggest cigarette manufacturers around the globe. ***
The Cost-Effectiveness of Environmental Approaches to Disease Prevention

by Dave A. Chokshi and Thomas A. Farley N Engl J Med 2012; 367:295-297; July 26, 2012 3 pp. 322 kB: http://www.nejm.org/doi/pdf/10.1056/NEJMp1206268 Although preventive approaches to disease are intuitively appealing - and frequently presented as a way to reduce costs - analyses have suggested that, as a whole, they are no more cost-effective than therapeutic interventions. But are some preventive approaches more cost-effective than others? Yet some preventive services, such as tobacco taxes or water fluoridation, are not delivered in health care settings. Understanding whether certain approaches are more cost-effective than others requires a framework for categorizing preventive interventions. ***
Global oral public health - the current situation and recent developments
by Kenneth A Eaton Journal of Public Health Policy (2012) 33, 382386 5 pp. 63 kB:
http://www.palgrave-journals.com/jphp/journal/v33/n3/pdf/jphp201222a.pdf
In many countries, oral health has a relatively low priority. This is perhaps unsurprising because, with the exception of oro-pharyngeal cancer, very few people die as a direct result of oral diseases. Painful or unsightly teeth and periodontal tissues (gums) and oral infection can, however, have a variety of consequences leading to a reduced quality of life and considerable expense. This article explains why oral health should be fully integrated into health planning and public health, considering, in particular, the increasing emphasis placed on non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and oral manifestations of infectious disease.
HIV - AIDS - STI Realising the dream of an AIDS-free generation

Editorial The Lancet Infectious Diseases, Vol. 12, Issue 9, Page 647, September 2012 1 pp. 74 kB:
http://download.thelancet.com/pdfs/journals/laninf/PIIS1473309912702098.pdf
An AIDS-free generation is achievable. The approaches and interventions necessary are already available, and new methods in development will enable more people to take HESP-News & Notes - 18/2012 - page 6
some control over their risk of infection. The fact that we dare hope of achieving it is a testimony to how far the effort to understand and tackle HIV/AIDS has come in the past 30 years. Nonetheless, ingenuity, equity, and multiparty engagement are needed to devise a clear roadmap to an AIDS-free generation. ***
The Beginning of the End of AIDS?

by Diane Havlir and Chris Beyrer N Engl J Med 2012; 367:685-687; August 23, 2012 3 pp. 407 kB: http://www.nejm.org/doi/pdf/10.1056/NEJMp1207138 We are at a moment of extraordinary optimism in the response to the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). The response to HIV, perhaps better than efforts against any other epidemic, encapsulates what can be accomplished when scientists, policymakers, the private sector, and the community mobilize toward a common goal. Propelling us to the point where we can talk about the end of AIDS is nothing short of remarkable. Yet the most important part of the story is about to be written. ***
Wheres the Care? - Enhancing adherence, retention, and quality of life in people living with HIV
A Special Report for the XIX International AIDS Conference by Kimberly Green, Olivia Dix, Faith Mwangi-Powell et al. Africa Health, July 2012 16 pp. 5.7 MB: http://www.africa-health.com/articles/july_2012/HIV%20Care.pdf Inside: Wheres the care in the post-ART era? How HIV care promotes prevention Care and support during the pre-ART stage Integration: making it happen Children and HIV care needs The impact of palliative care services offered in ART clinics ***
Combination Approaches: An Overview of Combination Prevention

A Collection of Research and Tools to Help You Find What Works in Prevention AIDSTAR-One, 2012 15 pp. 54 kB:
http://www.aidstarone.com/printpdf/focus_areas/prevention/pkb/combination_approaches/overview_combination_prevention?utm_ source=blog&utm_medium=social&utm_content=PKBCOMBOPREV&utm_campaign=Afro
The goal of combination prevention is to reduce the transmission of HIV by implementing a combination of behavioural, biological, and structural interventions that are carefully selected to meet the needs of a population. Also, because individuals HIV prevenHESP-News & Notes - 18/2012 - page 7
tion needs change over a lifetime, combination approaches help ensure that people have access to the types of interventions that best suit their needs at different times. ***
What Is the Optimal First Line Antiretroviral Therapy in Resource-Limited Settings?

by Chris Kenyon and Robert Colebunders PLoS Med 9(8): e1001291 (14 August 2012) 2 pp. 66 kB:
http://www.plosmedicine.org/article/fetchObjectAttachment.action;jsessionid=011995AF9B035527A 602696C2E0BC0BE?uri=info%3Adoi%2F10.1371%2Fjournal.pmed.1001291&representation=PDF
The perspective discusses policy implications for the use of first line antiretroviral therapies in resource-limited settings, emerging from a new research study conducted by Campbell and colleagues. ***
Eliminating Pediatric HIV/AIDS: What It Will Take and What It Will Bring
by R.J. Simonds and Laura Guay Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, April 2012 7 pp. 722 kB: http://aidstarone.com/sites/default/files/AIDSTAROne_PrevSpotlight_PediatricAIDS.pdf This report starts with the statement that in the coming decade, the world can look forward to the virtual elimination of new HIV infections among infants. Early epidemiologic research has been critical to this victory. The report outlines some of the key elements required for achieving that vision. ***
Task shifting of antiretroviral treatment from doctors to primary-care nurses in South Africa (STRETCH): a pragmatic, parallel, clusterrandomised trial
by Lara Fairall, Max O Bachmann, Carl Lombard et al. The Lancet, Early Online Publication, 15 August 2012 10 pp. 311 kB: http://download.thelancet.com/pdfs/journals/lancet/PIIS0140673612607302.pdf Robust evidence of the effectiveness of task shifting of antiretroviral therapy (ART) from doctors to other health workers is scarce. The authors aimed to assess the effects on mortality, viral suppression, and other health outcomes and quality indicators of the Streamlining Tasks and Roles to Expand Treatment and Care for HIV (STRETCH) programme, which provides educational outreach training of nurses to initiate and repr escribe ART, and to decentralise care. They conclude that expansion of primary-care nurses roles to include ART initiation and represcription can be done safely, and improve health outcomes and quality of care, but might not reduce time to ART or morta lity. ***
Sexual & Reproductive Health The Road to Safety: Strengthening Protection for LGBTI Refugees in Uganda and Kenya
by Duncan Breen, Eleanor Acer, Annie Sovcik et al. Human Rights First, 2012 102 pp. 689 kB: http://www.humanrightsfirst.org/wp-content/uploads/pdf/RPPThe_Road_to_Safety.pdf Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and intersex (LGBTI) refugees are often among the most vulnerable and isolated of refugees. This is especially true in places where they are at heightened risk due to violent attacks, discrimination, and laws that criminalize same-sex relations. In this report, Human Rights First lays out a road map of practical steps that UNHCR, the U.S. government, and other key actors should take to ensure that LGBTI refugees have equal access to protection, assistance, and durable solutions, with the goal of more effectively implementing the positive commitments that have been made to improve protection for LGBTI refugees. ***
Emergency contraception
World Health Organization - Fact Sheet N244, July 2012 Read online at: http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs244/en/# Emergency contraception, or post-coital contraception, refers to methods of contraception that can be used to prevent pregnancy in the first few days after intercourse. It is intended for emergency use following unprotected intercourse, contraceptive failure or misuse (such as forgotten pills or torn condoms), rape or coerced sex. Any woman of reproductive age may need emergency contraception at some point to avoid an unwanted pregnancy. ***
40 years of innovation in sexual and reproductive health

by Michael T Mbizvo, Catherine d'Arcangues, Paul FA Van Look et al. The Lancet, Vol. 380, Issue 9843, pp. 705-706, 25 August 2012 2 pp. 345 kB: http://download.thelancet.com/pdfs/journals/lancet/PIIS0140673612610253.pdf The Human Reproduction Programme (HRP) at WHO was formally established in 1972 with the aim of developing a variety of safe, acceptable and effective methods for fertility regulation and of monitoring the long-term safety and efficacy of existing methods as well as the support of institutions capable of conducting such work. Huge disparities in sexual and reproductive health within and between countries point to the challenges of adapting present knowledge and technology to low-resource settings. HRP is well positioned to respond in view of its 40 years of experience, its network of collaborating centres, its ability to convene many partners around global issues, and its unique position within the UN system. *** HESP-News & Notes - 18/2012 - page 9
Maternal & Child Health Rethinking WHO guidance: review of evidence for misoprostol use in the prevention of postpartum haemorrhage
by Christina S Chu, Petra Brhlikova, Allyson M Pollock J R Soc Med; August 2012, Vol. 105, No. 8, 336-347 12 pp. 1.3 MB: http://jrsm.rsmjournals.com/content/105/8/336.full.pdf+html This article describes and critically appraises clinical trials assessing misoprostol effectiveness in preventing primary postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) in home and community settings in low- and middle-income countries. The authors conclude that current evidence does not support misoprostol use in home and community settings in low- and middle-income countries for PPH prevention. WHO should rethink its recent decision to include misoprostol on the Essential Medicines List. ***
Performance of community health workers under integrated community case management of childhood illnesses in eastern Uganda
by Joan N Kalyango, Elizeus Rutebemberwa, Tobias Alfven et al. Malaria Journal 2012, 11:282 (20 August 2012) 25 pp. 1.1 MB: http://www.malariajournal.com/content/pdf/1475-2875-11-282.pdf Curative interventions delivered by community health workers (CHWs) were introduced to increase access to health services for children less than five years and have previously targeted single illnesses. However, CHWs in the integrated community case ma nagement of childhood illnesses strategy adopted in Uganda in 2010 will manage multiple illnesses. The authors conclude that with appropriate training that emphasizes pneumonia assessment, adequate supervision, and provision of drugs and necessary supplies, CHWs can provide integrated treatment for malaria and pneumonia. ***
Born Too Soon: The Global Action Report on Preterm Birth

Editors: Christopher Howson, Mary Kinney, Joy Lawn World Health Organization, 2012 126 pp. 5.8 MB: http://www.who.int/entity/pmnch/media/news/2012/201204_bornto osoon-report.pdf The report provides the first-ever national, regional and global estimates of preterm birth. The report shows the extent to which preterm birth is on the rise in most countries, and is now the second leading cause of death globally for children under five, after pneumonia. Born Too Soon proposes actions for policy, programs and research by all partners - from governments to NGOs to the business community - that if acted upon, will substantially reduce the toll of preterm birth, especially in high-burden countries.
Malaria Evolution of intermittent screening and treatment for malaria in pregnancy control
by William Brieger Africa Health, July 2012 3 pp. 1.2 MB: http://www.africa-health.com/articles/july_2012/malaria.pdf Rapid diagnostic tests (RDT) are improving all the time, with some scientists reporting greater sensitivity than microscopy. Couple this to their speed of result, and new effective measures for managing and preventing malaria become possible. In areas where intermittent preventive treatment during pregnancy may be abandoned due to low and decreasing malaria risk and instead replaced with active case management, screening with RDT is likely to identify most infections in pregnant women and out -performs microscopy as a diagnostic tool. ***
Mass blood survey for malaria: pooling and realtime PCR combined with expert microscopy in north-west Thailand
by Kanungnit Congpuong, Aungkana SaeJeng, Rungniran Sug-aram et al. Malaria Journal 2012, 11:288 (21 August 2012) 8 pp. 959 kB: http://www.malariajournal.com/content/pdf/1475-2875-11-288.pdf Asymptomatic carriage of Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax is common in both low-and high-transmission settings and represents an important reservoir of infection that needs to be targeted if malaria elimination is to succeed. The authors conclude that a combination of pooling, real-time PCR and expert microscopy provides a feasible approach to identifying and treating asymptomatic malaria infections in a timely manner. ***
Evaluation of a national universal coverage campaign of long-lasting insecticidal nets in a rural district in north-west Tanzania
by Philippa A West, Natacha Protopopoff, Mark W Rowland et al. Malaria Journal 2012, 11:273 (10 August 2012) 16 pp. 386 kB: http://www.malariajournal.com/content/pdf/1475-2875-11-273.pdf Insecticide-treated nets (ITN) are one of the most effective measures for preventing malaria. Mass distribution campaigns are being used to rapidly increase net coverage in atrisk populations. The universal coverage campaign in Muleba district of Tanzania was equitable, greatly improving long-lasting insecticidal nets ownership and, more moderately, usage. However, the goal of universal coverage in terms of the adequate provision of nets was not achieved. Multiple, continuous delivery systems and education activities are required to maintain and improve bed net ownership and usage.
Tuberculosis Finding tuberculosis at the first encounter with HIV care: dont miss the opportunity to save a life
Editorial Int J Tuberc Lung Dis 16(9):1138, 1 September 2012 1 1 pp. 105 kB:
http://docstore.ingenta.com/cgibin/ds_deliver/1/u/d/ISIS/70084094.1/iuatld/ijtld/2012/00000016/00000009/art00002/EBC230C45EA49A761 345131989481BDE9DFDF34018.pdf?link=http://www.ingentaconnect.com/error/delivery&format=pdf
Since the emergence of TB and HIV co-infections, public health officials have been asking the same questions - how do we screen for, diagnose, and prevent TB in people living with HIV? This article tries to answer this question. ***
Drug-Resistant Tuberculosis among HIV-Infected Patients Starting Antiretroviral Therapy in Durban, South Africa
by Jeffrey K. Hom, Bingxia Wang, Senica Chetty et al. PLoS ONE 7(8): e43281 (17 August 2012) 5 pp. 163 kB:
http://www.plosone.org/article/fetchObjectAttachment.action;jsessionid=CD3D68D0AB6A6979 BD3E4BE453991E40?uri=info%3Adoi%2F10.1371%2Fjournal.pone.0043281&representation=PDF
The prevalence of TB resistance to at least one drug was 7.4% among adults with positive TB cultures initiating Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) in Durban, South Africa, with 5.1% having rifampin or rifampin plus INH resistance. Improved tools for diagnosing TB and drug resistance are urgently needed in areas of high HIV/TB prevalence. ***
The Role of mHealth in the Fight Against Tuberculosis

Stop TB Partnership and mHealth Alliance, 2012 10 pp. 1.5 MB: http://www.mhealthalliance.org/images/content/publications/mhealt h_tb_paper.pdf To bring about a step change in the fight against TB, we need new tools and simple, affordable innovations to better detect people suffering from it. We also have to make health services available to the people most vulnerable to contracting it. The authors believe that mobile phones can bring about such positive change. This paper showcases the potential of mobile technologies for TB, explores some outstanding applications, and seeks to catalyze the conversation about mobile health (mHealth) within the TB community. ***
Skin biopsy: a pillar in the identification of cutaneous Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection

by Alejandro Hernndez Solis, Norma Estela Herrera Gonzlez, Fernando Cazarez et al. J Infect Dev Ctries 2012; 6(8):626-631 (18 July 2012) 6 pp. 642 kB: http://www.jidc.org/index.php/journal/article/download/2729/763 Tuberculosis in developing countries is still an important cause of skin lesions which must be studied via histopathological examination and culture due to their low bacillary load. The present study aimed to establish the frequency and clinical characteristics of cutaneous tuberculosis among Mexican adult patients. A polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test is necessary to obtain faster confirmation of the disease and to establish an early, specific and effective treatment. ***
Towards an empowerment approach in tuberculosis treatment in Cape Town, South Africa: a qualitative analysis of programmatic change
by Salla Atkins, Simon Lewin, Karin C. Ringsberg et al. Global Health Action Vol. 5 (2012) 11 pp. 827 kB: http://www.globalhealthaction.net/index.php/gha/article/download/14385/pdf_1 International tuberculosis (TB) policy generally recommends the use of directly observed therapy (DOT) to ensure treatment adherence. This article examines a change in TB treatment support that occurred in 2005 in South Africa, from DOT to the enhanced TB adherence programme (ETA). The results suggest the empowerment-oriented programme emerged through the presence of policy entrepreneurs with access to r esources. Policy entrepreneurs were influenced by a number of simultaneously occurring challenges including problems within the existing programme; a perceived mismatch between patient needs and the existing TB treatment model; and the TB-HIV co-epidemic.
Other Infectious Diseases Cholera Outbreak Guidelines: Preparedness, Prevention and Control
by Elizabeth Lamond and Jesee Kinyanjui Oxfam, June 2012 105 pp. 3.0 MB:
http://oxfamilibrary.openrepository.com/oxfam/bitstream/10546/237172/1/ ml-cholera-guidelines-preparedness-prevention-and-control-030512-en.pdf
The aim of this guidelines is to provide a quick, step-by-step guide to inform cholera outbreak interventions and ensure public health programmes that are rapid, communitybased, well-tailored, and gender and diversity aware. The guidelines will enable both public health teams and programme managers to undertake necessary preparations to prevent cholera outbreaks from occurring and to respond effectively when they have occurred. *** HESP-News & Notes - 18/2012 - page 13
Epidemic Pertussis in 2012 - The Resurgence of a Vaccine-Preventable Disease

by James D. Cherry The New England Journal of Medicine, August 15, 2012 3 pp. 418 kB: http://www.nejm.org/doi/pdf/10.1056/NEJMp1209051 According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the United States is currently experiencing what may turn out to be the largest outbreak of reported pertussis (whooping cough) in 50 years. Why has this theoretically vaccine-preventable disease been on the upswing? ***
Global leprosy situation, 2012

Weekly Epidemiological Record (WER) 24 August 2012, Vol. 87, 34 (pp. 317328) 12 pp. 1.2 MB: http://www.who.int/entity/wer/2012/wer8734.pdf Leprosy control has improved significantly due to national and sub-national campaigns in most endemic countries. Nevertheless, new cases continue to occur in almost all endemic countries and high-burden pockets can exist against a low-burden background. Intensified and focused activities with multiple drug treatment have reduced the leprosy burden but sustaining the same level of focus and commitment is a challenge, especially in low-resource settings where equity of access is an issue. ***
Nigeria: Ground Zero for the High Prevalence Neglected Tropical Diseases
by Peter J. Hotez, Oluwatoyin A. Asojo, Adekunle M. Adesina PLoS Negl Trop Dis 6(7): e1600 (July 31, 2012) 5 pp. 384 kB:
http://www.plosntds.org/article/fetchObjectAttachment.action;jsessionid=34B4A375CABFAF82 0296FA5A56620F46?uri=info%3Adoi%2F10.1371%2Fjournal.pntd.0001600&representation=PDF
Among all of the African nations, Nigeria has the greatest number of people infected with neglected tropical diseases (NTDs). With the right political will, the country has sufficient resources to expand its current investments for the important work of Nigerias NTD program. A Nigeria free from its high prevalence NTDs can be expected to acce lerate that nations economic development through improvements in child growth, intellect and cognition, pregnancy outcome, and worker productivity. Through expansions in integrated NTD control and disease elimination, Nigeria would become an important role model for all of Africa.
Non-communicable Diseases High Rates of Obesity and Non-Communicable Diseases Predicted across Latin America
by Laura Webber, Fanny Kilpi, Tim Marsh et al. PLoS ONE 7(8): e39589 (13 August 2012) 6 pp. 319 kB:
http://www.plosone.org/article/fetchObjectAttachment.action;jsessionid=A1E4989DF4254E097 35AE7ECC181214E?uri=info%3Adoi%2F10.1371%2Fjournal.pone.0039589&representation=PDF
Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as cardiovascular disease and stroke are a major public health concern across Latin America. A key modifiable risk factor for NCDs is overweight and obesity highlighting the need for policy to reduce prevalence rates and ameliorate rising levels of NCDs. Without intervention obesity trends will continue to rise across much of Latin America. Effective interventions are necessary if rates of obesity and related diseases are to be reduced.
Food & Nutrition The Global Forum on Food Security and Nutrition: Online discussions that make a difference
by Mark Smulders, Mauricio Rosales, Andi Shiraz et al. Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, 2012 100 pp. 4.9 MB: http://www.fao.org/docrep/016/ap095e/ap095e00.pdf Knowledge is only effective when it is shared and made available to the broadest possible range of people. With this in mind the Global Forum on Food Security and Nutrition was launched in 2007 to bring together academics, researcher and development pract itioners for facilitated online discussion and knowledge sharing. This publication aims at exploring the Forums activities, to provide a taste of what is happening within the Forum and, most importantly, of what can happen beyond it. ***
Coming to Terms with Terminology: Food Security, Nutrition Security, Food Security and Nutrition, Food and Nutrition Security
Committee on World Food Security Revised Draft: 25 July 2012 16 pp. 236 kB: http://www.fao.org/fsnforum/sites/default/files/file/Terminology/MD776(CFS___Co ming_to_terms_with_Terminology).pdf While the relationship between food security and nutrition security might seem straightforward from a technical perspective a lively debate is taking place on how to best capture these concepts in a common definition that is both technically and politically acceptable. At present, food security, nutrition security, food security and nutrition and food and nutrition security are all being used. The paper proposes to move towards the more inclusive terminology food and nutrition security in order to better reflect the conceptual linkages between food security and nutrition security. ***
Imagining a world free from hunger: Ending hunger and malnutrition and ensuring food and nutrition security
Thematic Think Piece - FAO, IFAD, WFP, May 2012 11 pp. 256 kB: http://www.un.org/millenniumgoals/pdf/Think%20Pieces/6_food_nutrition.pdf More than a decade ago, the world made halving the proportion of people who suffer from hunger a critical component of the first Millennium Development Goal (MDG). Important progress has been made toward that objective, but much more work is needed. While the proportion of those suffering from hunger has g one down, the absolute numbers show little sign of decline. Around the world, nearly a billion people are hungry and more than two billion suffer micronutrient deficiencies that cost lives, livelihoods and economic growth. ***
The impact of cash transfers on nutrition in emergency and transitional contexts: A review of evidence
by Sarah Bailey and Kerren Hedlund Commissioned by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) through the Deutsche Gesellschaft fr Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) and ODI, January 2012 52 pp. 458 kB: http://www.odi.org.uk/resources/docs/7596.pdf Cash transfer programming is now widely accepted as a way to meet a variety of needs in humanitarian and transitional settings. Nutrition, food security and health actors all could consider cash transfers as a way of addressing the multiple causes of malnutrition. The purpose of this paper is to explore evidence on the nutritional impact of cash transfers in emergency and transitional settings.
Essential Medicines Pharmaceutical research and development: what do we get for all that money?
by Donald W Light and Joel R Lexchin BMJ 2012;345:e4348; (published 7 August 2012) 5 pp. 282 kB: http://www.bmj.com/content/345/bmj.e4348.pdf%2Bhtml Data indicate that the widely touted innovation crisis in pharmaceuticals is a myth. The real innovation crisis, say the authors, stems from current incentives that reward companies for developing large numbers of new drugs with few clinical advantages over e xisting ones. ***
Southern Med Review - Volume 5, Issue 1, July 2012

An International Journal to Promote Pharmaceutical Policy Research 60 pp. 1.5 MB: http://www.southernmedreview.org/etc/fullissue/SMR_v5_i1.pdf Southern Med Review is a global pharmaceutical policy peer reviewed journal published from New Zealand and the July 2012 issue of the journal has been released. The complete journal can be accessed from the University of Aucklands web site at the above URL. ***
Nocebo Phenomena in Medicine: Their Relevance in Everyday Clinical Practice

by Winfried Huser, Ernil Hansen, Paul Enck Dtsch Arztebl Int 2012; 109(26): 459-65 8 pp. 515 kB: http://www.aerzteblatt.de/pdf.asp?id=127210 The placebo effect is a result of the patients expectation that the treatment will help. But expectations can also do harm. When a patient anticipates a pills possible side effects, he can suffer them even if the pill is fake. This nocebo effect has been largely overlooked by researchers, clinicians and patients. Nocebo phenomena are common in clinical practice and have recently become a popular topic of research and discussion among basic scientists, clinicians, and ethicists.
Social Protection Social Protection in European Union Development Cooperation

Communication from the European Commission to the European Parliament, the Cou ncil, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions, Brussels, 20.8.2012 11 pp. 192 kB:
http://ec.europa.eu/europeaid/what/social-protection/documents/com_2012_446_en.pdf
This paper will guide the work of the EU commission on social protection for the coming years. It is based on the Agenda for Change, which sets out EU policy on future development cooperation. The communication highlights that social protection can play a key role in reducing poverty and vulnerability. By increasing equity and providing protection against risk, social protection can support poverty reduction and inclusive growth, as well as supporting social cohesion and stability. ***
Social Policies in Solomon Islands and Vanuatu

by Biman Chand Prasad and Paul Kausimae Commonwealth Secretariat and United Nations Research Institute for Social Development (UNRISD), August 2012 HESP-News & Notes - 18/2012 - page 17
94 pp. 750 kB: http://www.unrisd.org/80256B3C005BCCF9/(httpAuxPages)/BD6 54FB0242A9688C1257A520042F4BE/$file/SP%20Solomon.pdf The main objective of this paper is to trace the development of social policies in two underdeveloped South Pacific countries, Solomon Islands and Vanuatu. In addition, it describes the nature of these policies. The paper discusses the countries development strategies and how these have been affected by external pressures and challenges. ***
The quest for universal health coverage: achieving social protection for all in Mexico
by Felicia Marie Knaul, Eduardo Gonzlez-Pier, Octavio Gmez-Dants et al. The Lancet, Early Online Publication, 16 August, 2012 22 pp. 1.1 MB: http://www.bwpi.manchester.ac.uk/resources/Working-Papers/bwpi-wp-17112.pdf Mexico is reaching universal health coverage in 2012. A national health insurance programme called Seguro Popular, introduced in 2003, is providing access to a package of comprehensive health services with financial protection for more than 50 million Mexicans previously excluded from insurance. Universal coverage in Mexico is synonymous with social protection of health. This report analyses the road to universal coverage along three dimensions of protection: against health risks, for patients through quality assurance of health care, and against the financial consequences of disease and injury. ***
What works? Best practices of social protection for informal workers

A cross-country study: Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Vietnam by Laura Donovan, Gary Asperas, Monica Burns et al. EPOS Health Management and Deutsche Gesellschaft fr Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), 2012 78 pp. 1.2 MB:
http://german-practice-collection.org/en/download-centre/doc_download/1059
So far little is known as to what works to protect informal sector workers in selected partner countries. To what degree do public and private (profit and non-profit) schemes already exist, that cater for the need of the informal sector and what conclusions can be drawn from the experience? This study intends to fill a knowledge gap with regard to good practice in the area of social protection in the countries of Vietnam, Pakistan and Kyrgyzstan. ***
An Alternative Framework for Analyzing Financial Protection in Health

by Jennifer Prah Ruger PLoS Med 9(8): e1001294 (21 August 2012)
6 pp. 216 kB:

http://www.plosmedicine.org/article/fetchObjectAttachment.action;jsessionid=68CCB615ED8350BC 1EB82AAFE6B9A193?uri=info%3Adoi%2F10.1371%2Fjournal.pmed.1001294&representation=PDF
Conventional indicators of financial protection such as catastrophic spending and impoverishing spending are too narrowly conceived and likely to underestimate the adverse effects of insufficient financial protection. A multidimensional financial protection profile can capture interrelated aspects of health expenditure, such as direct and indirect costs of illness, coping strategies used to meet costs, insurance status and utilization, etc. With the data the profile yields, researchers can further study health costs effects by poverty or income level and type of health treatment for a fuller, more comprehensive view of health cost burdens and their distribution.
Water, Sanitation & Hygiene Status Report on the Application of Integrated Approaches to Water Resources Management
by Peter Koefoed Bjrnsen, Paul Glennie, Gareth James Lloyd et al. United Nations Environment Programme, 2012 119 pp. 20.0 MB(!): http://www.unwater.org/downloads/UNW_status_report_Rio2012.pdf Over 80 percent of countries have reformed their water laws in the past twenty years as a response to growing pressures on water resources from expanding populations, urbanization and climate change. In many cases, such water reforms have had positive impacts on development, including improvements to drinking water access, human health and water efficiency in agriculture. At the same time, global progress has been slower where irrigation, rainwater harvesting and investment in freshwater ecosystem services are concerned. ***
Development Aid and Access to Water and Sanitation in Sub-Saharan Africa

Editors: Adeleke Salami, Marco Stampini and Abdul B. Kamara African Development Bank Group, 2012 162 pp. 11.6 MB(!): http://www.afdb.org/fileadmin/uploads/afdb/Documents/Publicatio ns/main%20report1.pdf Differences in financial and operational capacities among governments: These are quite unsurprisingly - the two major factors why progress on meeting water and sanitation-related development goals across sub-Saharan Africa is largely uneven. The report provides useful insights that will assist regional member countries, the Banks oper ations, and donor agencies in the design and implementation of future development aid strategies and action for increased access to water and sanitation in sub-Saharan Africa. ***
Human Resources So many, yet few: Human resources for health in India
by Krishna D Rao, Aarushi Bhatnagar and Peter Berman Human Resources for Health 2012, 10:19 (13 August 2012) 18 pp. 743 kB: http://www.human-resources-health.com/content/pdf/1478-4491-10-19.pdf In many developing countries, such as India, information on human resources in the health sector is incomplete and unreliable. This prevents effective workforce planning and management. This paper aims to address this deficit by producing a more complete picture of India's health workforce. An important first step is to ensure the availability of reliable and comprehensive workforce information through live workforce registers.
Health Systems & Research Primary health care implementation: A brief review
by Rita Magawa Consultancy Africa Intelligence, 16 August 2012 Read online at:
http://www.consultancyafrica.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1096:primary -health-care-implementation-a-brief-review-&catid=61:hiv-aids-discussion-papers&Itemid=268
This paper provides a brief overview on the key aspects of comprehensive primary health care (PHC) implementation as defined by the Conference in the Declaration of Alma Ata. Since the declaration in 1978, some countries have successfully implemented PHC to deliver health services, whilst others continue to battle with challenges that impede progress in this regard. This paper discusses factors that have contributed to the successful implementation of PHC and that continue to hinder its progress in various countries. ***
Test, Learn, Adapt: Developing Public Policy with Randomised Controlled Trials
by Laura Haynes, Owain Service, Ben Goldacre et al. Published by UK Cabinet Office Behavioural Insights Team, June 2012 35 pp. 3.0 MB: http://www.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/sites/default/files/resources/TLA-1906126.pdf Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) are the best way of determining whether a policy is working. They are now used extensively in international development, medicine, and business to identify which policy, drug or sales method is most effective. However, RCTs are not routinely used to test the effectiveness of public policy interventions in the UK. What makes RCTs different from other types of evaluation is the introduction of a randomly assigned control group, which enables you to compare the effectiveness of a new intervention against what would have happened if you had changed nothing. *** HESP-News & Notes - 18/2012 - page 20
Indias Role in Global Health R&D

by Paul Wilson and Aarthi Rao Results for Development Institute (R4D), 2012 96 pp. 3.3 MB: http://healthresearchpolicy.org/sites/healthresearchpolicy.org/files/assessments/fil es/R4D%20-%20Indias%20Role%20in%20Global%20Health%20RD%20Final.pdf Despite Indias rapid economic growth and growing technological prowess, it continues to suffer from widespread poverty and a heavy burden of infectious disease, including high rates of tuberculosis, malaria, and other so called neglected diseases. This report, based on interviews with policymakers, industry executives, and Indian and international experts, surveys the landscape of neglected diseases R&D in India, assesses strengths and weaknesses, and makes recommendations for both the government of India and international organizations interested in the development of new technologies to combat neglected disease in developing countries. ***
The 2012 world health report no health without research: the endpoint needs to go beyond publication outputs
by Rony Zachariah, Tony Reid, Nathan Ford et al. Tropical Medicine & International Health, Article first published online: 16 August 2012 3 pp. 42 kB: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1365-3156.2012.03072.x/pdf The theme of the 2012 World Health Report is no health without research and is a call to action for filling the global gaps in health research. Bridging the difference between the haves and have-nots is vital if we are to live up to the call of this theme and use research to make improvements on the ground. Although it is vital to try to boost research and publications in countries where there are shortfalls, there is also an imper ative to move beyond the publishing milestone to translate the evidence into policy and practice. ***
Translating research findings into practice - the implementation of kangaroo mother care in Ghana
by Anne-Marie Bergh, Rhoda Manu, Karen Davy et al. Implementation Science 2012, 7:75 (13 August 2012) 19 pp. 669 kB: http://www.implementationscience.com/content/pdf/1748-5908-7-75.pdf Kangaroo mother care (KMC) is a safe and effective method of caring for low birth weight infants and is promoted for its potential to improve newborn survival. Many countries find it difficult to take KMC to scale in healthcare facilities providing newborn care. This paper describes the contextualisation and practical application of previous research findings and the results of monitoring the progress of the implementation of KMC in Ghana. *** HESP-News & Notes - 18/2012 - page 21
An evaluability assessment of a West Africa based Non-Governmental Organizations (NGO) progressive evaluation strategy
by Lna DOstie-Racine, Christian Dagenais, Valry Ridde Evaluation and Program Planning 36, 7179 (21 July 2012) 9 pp. 520 kB: http://german-practice-collection.org/en/downloadcentre/doc_download/1058 While program evaluations are increasingly valued by international organizations to inform practices and public policies, actual evaluation use (EU) in such contexts is inconsistent. The current article focuses on the evaluability assessment (EA) of a West-Africa based humanitarian NGOs progressive evaluation strategy. It provides an example of EA procedures when such guidance is scant in the literature. It also offers an opportunity to analyze critically the use of EAs in the context of a humanitarian NGOs collaboration with evaluators and political actors. ***
Implementing new health interventions in developing countries: why do we lose a decade or more?
by Alan Brooks, Thomas A Smith, Don de Savigny and Christian Lengeler BMC Public Health 2012, 12:683 (21 August 2012) 32 pp. 1.5 MB: http://www.biomedcentral.com/content/pdf/1471-2458-12-683.pdf It is unclear how long it takes for health interventions to transition from research and development (R&D) to being used against diseases prevalent in resource-poor countries. the authors undertook an analysis of the time required to begin implementation of four vaccines and three malaria interventions. They evaluated five milestones for each intervention, and assessed if the milestones were associated with beginning implementation. They conclude that identifying critical milestones and their timing relative to R&D, promises to help new interventions realize their intended public health impact more rapidly. ***
DRG-based payment systems in low- and middle-income countries: Implementation experiences and challenges
by Inke Mathauer and Friedrich Wittenbecher HSF Discussion Paper 01-2012, Department of Health Systems Financing, World Health Organization 55 pp. 699 kB: http://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/10665/75150/3/HSS_HSF_DP.E.10.2_eng.pdf Since the 1990s, case-based payments and payments based on diagnosis-related groups (DRGs) have gradually become the principal means of reimbursing acute inpatient care in hospitals in most high-income countries. This discussion paper provides an in-depth overview of DRG based payment systems in low- and middle-income countries. This fills a research gaps as it is the first in its kind. Evidence is presented of how DRGbased payment systems have been implemented in low- and middle-income countries, HESP-News & Notes - 18/2012 - page 22
and what challenges they face to operate in their institutional environment. ***
Verbal Autopsy Standards: Ascertaining and attributing causes of death

The 2012 WHO verbal autopsy instrument by Kanitta Bundhamcharoen, Peter Byass, Daniel Chandramohan et al. World Health Organization, 2012 143 pp. 1.1 MB: http://www.who.int/healthinfo/statistics/WHO_VA_2012_RC1_Instrument.pdf This manual informs users on how to use the 2012 WHO verbal autopsy (VA) instrument. It has been designed to become suitable for routine use. Compared to the 2007 instrument, numbers of conditions and questions have been reduced, based on evidence from the field. The questions have been reformulated to allow for responses with a simple yes or no answer, or a duration in some instances. This approach makes the instrument usable for software that assigns causes of death. The instrument is designed for all age groups, including maternal and perinatal deaths, and also deaths caused by injuries.
Information & Communication Technology Open access versus subscription journals: a comparison of scientific impact
by Bo-Christer Bjrk and David Solomon BMC Medicine 2012, 10:73 (17 July 2012) 10 pp. 5.4 MB: http://www.biomedcentral.com/content/pdf/1741-7015-10-73.pdf In the past few years there has been an ongoing debate as to whether the proliferation of open access (OA) publishing would damage the peer review system and put the qua lity of scientific journal publishing at risk. The authors conclude that their results indicate that OA journals indexed in Web of Science and/or Scopus are approaching the same scientific impact and quality as subscription journals, particularly in biomedicine and for journals funded by article processing charges. ***
Google launch SMS version of Gmail in Africa

http://www.bbc.com/news/technology-18898967#story_continues_1 Google has launched a text message-based version of its email service targeted at users in Africa. Gmail SMS can run on so-called "dumb phones" which only have very basic features and no access to the internet. The service has so far been made available in Ghana, Nigeria and Kenya. Gmail SMS automatically forwards your emails as SMS text messages to your phone and you can respond by replying directly to the SMS. ***
The Asian and Pacific Training Centre for Information and Communication Technology for Development (APCICT) Communities of Practice
http://unapcict.org/news/apcict-launches-communities-of-practice The Asian and Pacific Training Centre for Information and Communication Technology for Development (APCICT) launched its online Communities of Practice (CoP). The CoP is a collaborative online platform that enables participants with common interests to share knowledge and best practices related to topics on ICT for development (ICTD). The CoP will initially include interactive forums on two topics of APCICTs Knowledge Sharing Series (KSS), which aims to provide government officials with easy-to-reference, policy guidelines on different aspects of ICTD. ***
Giving Office-Based Physicians Electronic Access to Patients Prior Imaging and Lab Results did not deter Ordering of Tests
by Danny McCormick, David H. Bor, Stephanie Woolhandler et al. Health Affairs 31, No. 3 (March 2012): 488-496 9 pp. 212 kB: http://news.doccheck.com/uploads/assets/articles/210229/health_ affairs_study.pdf?dcnews_fe=fa85c9841adef0c660552eb1cebf9ef4&cide=dce105973 The findings of this study raise the possibility that, as currently implemented, electronic access does not decrease test ordering in the office setting and may even increase it, possibly because of system features that are enticements to ordering. The authors conclude that use of these health information technologies, whatever their other benefits, remains unproven as an effective cost-control strategy with respect to reducing the ordering of unnecessary tests.
Education Understanding the Implications of Online Learning for Educational Productivity

by Marianne Bakia, Linda Shear, Yukie Toyama et al. U.S. Department of Education, Office of Educational Technology, January 2012 76 pp. 622 kB: http://ctl.sri.com/news/ImplicationsOnlineLearning2.pdf The purpose of this report is to support educational administrators and policymakers in becoming informed consumers of information about online learning and its potential impact on educational productivity. The report provides foundational knowledge needed to examine and understand the potential contributions of online learning to educational productivity. The report also includes a review of ways that online learning might offer productivity benefits compared with traditional place-based schooling. ***
Harm Reduction & Drug Use Tobacco use in 3 billion individuals from 16 countries: an analysis of nationally representative cross-sectional household surveys
by Gary A Giovino, Sara A Mirza, Jonathan M Samet et al. The Lancet, Vol. 380, Issue 9842, pp. 668-679, 18 August 2012 12 pp. 668 kB: http://download.thelancet.com/pdfs/journals/lancet/PIIS014067361261085X.pdf Despite the high global burden of diseases caused by tobacco, valid and comparable prevalence data for patterns of adult tobacco use and factors influencing use are absent for many low-income and middle-income countries. The authors assessed these patterns through analysis of data from the Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS). The r esults showed high rates of smoking in men, early initiation of smoking in women, and low quit ratios, reinforcing the view that efforts to prevent initiation and promote cessation of tobacco use are needed to reduce associated morbidity and mortality.
Millennium Development Goals The MDGs after 2015: Some reflections on the possibilities
by Deepak Nayyar The UN System Task Team on the post-2015 UN Development Agenda, April 2012 28 pp. 358 kB: http://www.un.org/en/development/desa/policy/untaskteam_undf/d_nayyar.pdf This background paper was prepared for the UN System Task Team on the post-2015 UN Development Agenda and reflects on options and possibilities beyond 2015. The Task Team is led by the Department of Economic and Social Affairs and the United Nations Development Programme and brings together senior experts from over 50 UN entities and international organizations to provide system-wide support to the post-2015 consultation process, including analytical input, expertise and outreach. ***
Post-2015 Education Millennium Development Goals

by Nicholas Burnett and Colin Felsman Overseas Development Institute, August 2012 30 pp. 900 kB: http://www.odi.org.uk/resources/docs/7776.pdf This report reviews and contributes to the evidence base concerning progress on the education Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and Education for All Goals (EFA) to 2015 and beyond. For this purpose, the evidence base comprises experience with the MDGs to date, current debates and policy developments, the aim of a post-2015 global agreement similar to the MDGs, how a global agreement might add value to national efforts, and the type of agreement that might be made, including targets and indicator.
The Wheel of Development: The Millennium Development Goals as a communication and development tool
by Dorine E Van Norren Third World Quarterly, Vol. 33, No. 5, pp. 825-836, 1 June 2012 12 pp. 826 kB:
http://www.beyond2015.org/sites/default/files/wheel%20of%20development%20TWQ2012.pdf
Despite the shortcomings of the Millennium Development Goals as a development tool, they have proven to be an important communication tool that is worth preserving after 2015. Inclusion of important themes of the Millennium Declaration and elements of the capability theory is essential in a post-2015 system, as well as putting human rights and gender principles at its core. Process orientation rather than end goals could lead to Millennium Development Actions with Progress Signs, which, represented in a circular symbol, form a wheel of development, complemented by a Wheel of Governance.
Development Assistance European Development Aid: How to be more effective without spending more?
by Elena Muoz Glvez Notre Europe Policy Paper 57, July 2012 72 pp. 594 kB:
http://www.notreeurope.eu/uploads/tx_publication/DevelopmentAid_E.MunozGalvez_NE_July12.pdf?mkt_tok=3RkMMJWWf F9wsRojv6%2FJZKXonjHpfsXw6%2B4kWKOg38431UFwdcjKPmjr1YACTMt0dvycMRAVFZl5nQhdDOWN
In the field of development policy, three are the main challenges that the EU is facing: the fragmentation of European development aid (with 27+1 European donors that do not fully coordinate their actions); the changing development environment resulting from the rise of emerging economies; finally, the current fiscal stringency. This paper discusses ways of enhancing the efficiency and coherence of EU development aid. After presenting the major issues at debate on how to improve EU development spending, the author evaluates how the Commissions proposal on development financing for 2014-2020 ranks along these issues, and formulates some proposals for improvement. ***
The role of NGOs and civil society in development and poverty reduction
by Nicola Banks and David Hulme Brooks World Poverty Institute (BWPI), University of Manchester Working Paper 171, June 2012 40 pp. 638 kB: http://www.bwpi.manchester.ac.uk/resources/WorkingPapers/bwpi-wp-17112.pdf Since the late 1970s, NGOs have played an increasingly prominent role in the development sector, widely praised for their strengths as innovative and grassroots-driven organisations with the desire and capacity to pursue participatory and people-centred HESP-News & Notes - 18/2012 - page 26
forms of development and to fill gaps left by the failure of states across the developing world in meeting the needs of their poorest citizens. There are ongoing questions of these comparative advantages, given their growing distance away from low-income people and communities and towards their donors. ***
Tracking Alumni Career Paths: Third NCCR North-South Report on Effectiveness

by Eva Maria Heim, Sonja Engelage, Anne B. Zimmermann et al. Swiss National Centre of Competence in Research (NCCR) North-South Dialogue, No. 42, 2012 60 pp. 1.5 MB: http://www.nccr-north-south.unibe.ch/publications/Infosystem/Online%20Dokumente/Upload/Heim_et-al_NCCR_Dialogue_42.pdf Engagement in North-South research partnerships can benefit the career prospects of a developing country scientist. An analysis of 44 alumni - from Africa, Asia and Latin America - of a Swiss-funded North-South research programme showed that more than 90 per cent of them stayed in developing countries after attaining their PhD, and were mostly working in academia. Although the programme has trained PhD students for careers in both the research and development sectors, most students end up pursuing university-based research careers, rather than entering the development sector. ***
Introduction to Impact Evaluation

by Patricia J. Rogers RMIT University (Australia) and BetterEvaluation, March 2012 21 pp. 1.7 MB: http://www.interaction.org/sites/default/files/1%20%20Introduction%20to%20Impact%20Evaluation.pdf This guidance note provides an overview of impact evaluation, explaining how impact evaluation differs from and complements other types of evaluation, why impact evaluation should be done, when and by whom. It describes different methods, approaches and designs that can be used for the different aspects of impact evaluation. The note discusses what is considered good impact evaluation evaluation that achieves a balance between the competing imperatives of being useful, rigorous, ethical and practical and how to achieve this. ***
Impact Evaluation Toolkit

Measuring the Impact of Results-Based Financing on Maternal and Child Health by Christel Vermeersch, Elisa Rothenbhler and Jennifer Sturdy The World Bank, June 2012 Download all Modules (68.1 MB!!) at: http://wbgfiles.worldbank.org/documents/hdn/he/PortfolioIEToolkit061512.pdf
This toolkit offers a step-by-step guide on how to evaluate the impact of interventions, especially those related to maternal and child health and those involving results-based financing (RBF). According to its developer, the World Bank Human Development Network, the guide can also be easily adapted for impact evaluation (IE) in other fields. ***
Measuring Fraud in Overseas Aid: Options and Method

by Mark Button, Chris Lewis, David Shepherd and Graham Brooks Centre for Counter Fraud Studies, March 2012 47 pp. 544 kB: http://www.dfid.gov.uk/r4d/pdf/outputs/misc_gov/60908DFID_FINAL_REPORT_March2012post_david.pdf This report starts by exploring the experience of other countries and multilateral bodies in measuring fraud in aid. It also investigates the methods used amongst other public bodies. The report then moves on to the challenges of measuring fraud in bilateral aid agencies, using Fraud Loss Measurement Techniques (FLM), before considering some of the methodologies which were ruled out. The report ends with the preferred methodology followed by options for fraud loss measurement in bilateral agencies.
Others Is this a mosquito?

No. Its an insect spy drone for urban areas, already in production, funded by the US Government. It can be remotely controlled and is equipped with a camera and a microphone. It can land on you, and it may have the potential to take a DNA sample or leave a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tracking nanotechnology on your skin. It can fly through an open window, or it can attach to your clothing until you take it in your home. ***
Livelihoods, basic services and social protection in Northern Uganda and Karamoja
by Kirsten Gelsdorf, Daniel Maxwell and Dyan Mazurana Overseas Development Institute Discussion Papers, August 2012 64 pp. 961 kB: http://www.odi.org.uk/resources/docs/7781.pdf For decades, the populations in Northern Uganda and Karamoja suffered terrible loss of life and livelihoods through armed conflict and widespread insecurity. This paper aims to help pinpoint strategic opportunities for future research on how best to promote improvements in quality of life for conflict-affected populations. It summarises access to basic services and social protection interventions. This includes a review of existing reHESP-News & Notes - 18/2012 - page 28
sponses, in this case in support of access to basic services and social protection. Finally, it presents an analysis of the data, evidence and methodologies utilised in the literature reviewed.
ELECTRONIC RESOURCES
Community Dermatology - Issue No. 13, 2012
A Publication of the International Foundation for Dermatology http://www.ifd.org 12 pp. 961 kB: http://www.ifd.org/pdf/Community_Dermatology_13.pdf Contents: Building a Network: The International Skin Care Nursing Group Infectious causes of leg ulceration Community Based Management of Vitiligo Implementation of the 2010 WHO recommendations for ART initiation ***
HIV Prevention Knowledge Base

A Collection of Research and Tools to Help You Find What Works in Prevention: http://www.aidstar-one.com/focus_areas/prevention/pkb/ An online resource that brings HIV research and practice together in a single, easy-toaccess place. With succinct reviews of epidemiology, interactive literature reviews, and links to practical tools for evidence-based programming, the HIV Prevention Knowledge Base helps you find what works in prevention. ***
World Federation of Public Health Associations (WFPHA) Newsletter

07, 2012 - Published: 31 July 2012 http://www.wfpha.org/online-newsletter/items/wfpha-newsletterjuly-2012.html The WFPHA Newsletter includes the following topics: Sixty-fifth World Health Assembly News from our Members WFPHA Members communication Members Newsletter WFPHA Working Groups Whats on e.g. New Policy for Endorsement request at the WFPHA Upcoming Events e.g. Joint Annual Scientific Conference MakCHS & UNACOH Publications ***
INTERESTING WEB SITES

Global Health Observer
Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium: http://www.globalhealthobserver.org/ This is a six-year EU-funded research project (INCO-DEV) in four Southern African countries (Angola, Lesotho, Mozambique and South Africa) that aims to understand how the rise of Global Health Initiatives (GHIs) has impacted the architecture of development partnerships and country-level health systems functions. ***
Poverty Research Archive

http://povertyarchive.weitzenegger.de You can use the Poverty Research Archive as search tool for getting results related to your poverty research. The search covers more than 70 Websites, which were selected for their excellent content on poverty reduction research and practice. The list of sources covers the major poverty research institutions. ***
The Health Administration Project

http://www.healthadministration.org/ HealthAdministration.org is a general information website with many resources useful to current and future health administrators. The site also discusses the offline and online educational paths one can follow to obtain a degree in health administration or a related field. It is a valuable resource to anyone interested in a career as a health administrator.
TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES
Designing and Implementing Social Transfer Programmes
A course for policymakers, government officials and practitioners around the world 15 26 October 2012, Chiang Mai, Thailand The Economic Policy Research Institute (EPRI) and HelpAge, East Asia Pacific Regional Development Centre (EAPRDC) are offering this course together with the Maa stricht Graduate School of Governance, in partnership with the Institute of Development Studies (IDS) in Brighton. Around the world, developing countries are increasingly recognising the value of social transfer programmes in reducing extreme poverty, with success stories in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. The course aims to build the capacity of government policymakers and officials, representatives from bilateral and multilateral agencies, programme pract itioners and staff members from non-governmental organisations. For more information see: http://epri.org.za/what-we-do/courses/chiangmai2012/
E-learning course: Introduction to Monitoring and Evaluation of Human Resources for Health
http://www.hrhresourcecenter.org/elearning/login/index.php The course introduces key monitoring and evaluation (M&E) concepts and explains how they apply to the field of human resources for health (HRH). It also provides an overview of resources and tools to inform evidence-based planning and decision-making for HRH programs. The course is aimed at HRH practitioners, M&E practitioners, global health students and professionals, program planners, and policy-makers and does not require any prior experience or knowledge of M&E. It is a low-bandwidth-friendly, free course available to anyone who wishes to learn about the topic.
CONFERENCES
Symposium: Global health in the 21st century
Celebrating 50 years of Heidelbergs contribution September 13-15, 2012 - Heidelberg Institute of Public Health, Germany Public Health and Tropical Medicine at the University Hospital Heidelberg celebrate an anniversary in 2012: Fifty years ago, in 1962, the Institute of Tropical Hygiene and Pu blic Health was founded. In the course of restructuring of the Medical Faculty, the Institute of Public Health and, within the Department of Infectious Diseases, the Section Clinical Tropical Medicine were formed. Both have a strong position within the faculty today. For more information about the Symposium see: http://www.klinikum.uni-heidelberg.de/Global-Health-Symposium-English.125853.0.html ***
5th Africa Conference on Sexual Health and Rights

19-22 September 2012 Windhoek, Namibia The 5th Africa Conference on Sexual Health and Rights will take stock of responses to sexual health and rights on the continent since ICPD, and interrogate the status of sexual health and rights, with particular focus on women, girls, adolescents and youth. For more information see: http://www.africasexuality.org ***
13th Congress of the Association for Health Information and Libraries in Africa (AHILA 13)
Enhancing Access to Health Information in Africa 15-19 October 2012, Praya City, Cape Verde This conference is expected to bring together health information professionals and stakeholders to share research findings and good practices addressing the issues of reHESP-News & Notes - 18/2012 - page 31
search, collaboration and innovation. With the integration of workshops, free papers and social programmes, the conference promises to be a stimulating and enjoyable event. For more information see: http://www.ahila.org/ahila13/ ***
10th Malaria Meeting

of the Malaria group/section antiparasitic chemotherapy of the Paul-Ehrlich-Society (PEG e.V.) in cooperation with the German Society for tropical Medicine and intern ational Health (DTG e.V.) and the German Society for Parasitology (DGP e.V.) 09-10 November 2012, Marburg an der Lahn/Germany For more information and registration see: http://www.pfalciparum.de/page13.php
CARTOON
TIPS & TRICKS

Zoom the Web Using the Scroll Wheel
Are you tired of trying to read that fine print on your computer screen? The trick works on most browsers, including Internet Explorer, Firefox, and Chrome. It probably also works in lots of other places: In Vista and Windows 7, you can zoom by holding the Ctrl key and rolling the scroll wheel on your mouse. When the Ctrl key is held and the scroll wheel is rolled forward (away from you), the view size, including text and images is increased. With the Ctrl key pressed, roll the wheel backward (towards you) and the view size is decreased. Whether you are reading this in your e-mail (it also works in many email clients), in a document, or on the web, give it a try. Note: If this is being used in a browser window, and you would like to return the window to normal size, hold the Ctrl key and tap the 0 (thats zero) key (Ctrl+0).
iPad Multi-Touch Gestures

Even though PC users have their shortcuts and keyboard tricks, iPad user shouldnt feel left out - there are plenty of secrets around. Today you learn about some of the multitouch hand gestures Apple included in their latest iOS version. First, place four or five fingertips on your iPad screen. Now try this: Pinch together to back out to the home screen. Swipe left or right to switch to another open program. Swipe up to reveal the multi-tasking bar That should take some stress off your Home button. Note: If multi-touch gestures dont appear to be working for you, make sure you are updated to iOS 5 on your iPad, and Multi-touch gestures are enabled in your settings panel.
Best regards, Dieter Neuvians MD
-----------------------------Fair Use: This Newsletter is produced under the principles of 'fair use'. We source relevant news articles, resources and research documents and strive to attribute sources by providing reference and/or direct links to authors and websites. Disclaimer: The views expressed in this newsletter, do not necessarily represent those of GIZ or the editor of HESP-News & Notes. While we make every effort to ensure that all facts and figures quoted by authors are accurate, GIZ and the editor of the Newsletter cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies contained in any articles. Please contact dneuvians@gmx.de if you believe that errors are contained in any article and we will investigate and provide feedback.
To subscribe for free to the newsletter send an e-mail to:
Majordomo@mailserv.gtz.de
leave the Subject line empty with the following commands in the body of the message:
subscribe hpn-news-notes end (If you have problems subscribing, send me a note (dneuvians@gmx.de) that you would like to receive the newsletter).
We encourage you to share the newsletter with your friends & colleagues.

Health, Education, Social Protection News &amp; Notes 18/2012

Hochgeladen von

Dokumentinformationen

Copyright

Verfügbare Formate

Dieses Dokument teilen

Dokument teilen oder einbetten

Freigabeoptionen

Stufen Sie dieses Dokument als nützlich ein?

Sind diese Inhalte unangemessen?

Copyright:

Verfügbare Formate

Health, Education, Social Protection News &amp; Notes 18/2012

Hochgeladen von

Copyright:

Verfügbare Formate

Health, Education, Social Protection News & Notes 18/2012

A bi-weekly newsletter supported by GIZ (Deutsche Gesellschaft fr Internationale Zusammenarbeit)

Table of Contents: Editorial ............................................................................... 4

ONLINE PUBLICATIONS .................................................... 5

HIV - AIDS - STI ......................................................................................................... 6

Sexual & Reproductive Health .................................................................................... 9

Maternal & Child Health............................................................................................ 10

HESP-News & Notes - 18/2012 - page 1

Other Infectious Diseases......................................................................................... 13

Non-communicable Diseases ................................................................................... 14

Food & Nutrition........................................................................................................ 15

Essential Medicines .................................................................................................. 16

Water, Sanitation & Hygiene..................................................................................... 19

Health Systems & Research ..................................................................................... 20

Information & Communication Technology ............................................................... 23

HESP-News & Notes - 18/2012 - page 2

Harm Reduction & Drug Use .................................................................................... 25

Millennium Development Goals ................................................................................ 25

Development Assistance .......................................................................................... 26

ELECTRONIC RESOURCES ............................................ 29

INTERESTING WEB SITES .............................................. 30

CARTOON ......................................................................... 32 TIPS & TRICKS ................................................................. 32

HESP-News & Notes - 18/2012 - page 3

For the Publics Health: Investing in a Healthier Future

Maximizing Mobile: 2012 Information and Communications for Development

Protecting Childhood in the AIDS Pandemic: Finding Solutions that Work

The Cost-Effectiveness of Environmental Approaches to Disease Prevention

HIV - AIDS - STI Realising the dream of an AIDS-free generation

The Beginning of the End of AIDS?

Combination Approaches: An Overview of Combination Prevention

What Is the Optimal First Line Antiretroviral Therapy in Resource-Limited Settings?

HESP-News & Notes - 18/2012 - page 8

40 years of innovation in sexual and reproductive health

Born Too Soon: The Global Action Report on Preterm Birth

HESP-News & Notes - 18/2012 - page 10

HESP-News & Notes - 18/2012 - page 11

The Role of mHealth in the Fight Against Tuberculosis

HESP-News & Notes - 18/2012 - page 12

Skin biopsy: a pillar in the identification of cutaneous Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection

Epidemic Pertussis in 2012 - The Resurgence of a Vaccine-Preventable Disease

Global leprosy situation, 2012

HESP-News & Notes - 18/2012 - page 15

HESP-News & Notes - 18/2012 - page 16

Southern Med Review - Volume 5, Issue 1, July 2012

Nocebo Phenomena in Medicine: Their Relevance in Everyday Clinical Practice

Social Protection Social Protection in European Union Development Cooperation

Social Policies in Solomon Islands and Vanuatu

What works? Best practices of social protection for informal workers

An Alternative Framework for Analyzing Financial Protection in Health

HESP-News & Notes - 18/2012 - page 18

6 pp. 216 kB:

Development Aid and Access to Water and Sanitation in Sub-Saharan Africa

HESP-News & Notes - 18/2012 - page 19

Indias Role in Global Health R&D

Verbal Autopsy Standards: Ascertaining and attributing causes of death

Google launch SMS version of Gmail in Africa

HESP-News & Notes - 18/2012 - page 23

Education Understanding the Implications of Online Learning for Educational Productivity

HESP-News & Notes - 18/2012 - page 24

Post-2015 Education Millennium Development Goals

HESP-News & Notes - 18/2012 - page 25

Tracking Alumni Career Paths: Third NCCR North-South Report on Effectiveness

Introduction to Impact Evaluation

Impact Evaluation Toolkit

Health, Education, Social Protection News & Notes 18/2012

Health, Education, Social Protection News & Notes 18/2012