scholarly journals Roll out of COVID-19 vaccination in India: A SWOT analysis

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-13
Author(s):  
Priyanka Sharma ◽  
Geeta Pardeshi
Keyword(s):  
Swot Analysis ◽  
Vaccination Campaign ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Middle Income Countries ◽  
Response Information ◽  
Swot Matrix ◽  
General Elections ◽  
Media Reports ◽  
Set Up ◽  
Near Future

Abstract Objective: To identify the strengths, weaknesses, opportuntities, and threats (SWOT) in the rollout of COVID-19 vaccination campaign in India. Methods: The internal and external attributes affecting the vaccination rollout identifed by reviewing the scientific literature, government guidelines and press statements along with media reports were categorized into the SWOT matrix. Results: The existing immunization program, indigenous vaccine production, setting up of NEGVAC, updated guidelines, and training followed by dry runs were identified as strengths. The weaknesses identified in the program were knowledge gap about vaccines, apprehensions, lack of temperature loggers and VVM, space contraints in health care set up, demand supply gap, and digital divide.The experience of conducting the general elections, intersectoral coordination forged during the pandemic response, Information Technology platform, and vaccine eagerness present opportunitnies to strenghten program. The emergence of virus variants, commercial interests, laxity in COVID appropriate behaviour, and receding wave of the pandemic can pose significant threats to the implementation of the vaccination campaign. Conclusion: The study identified factors which can aid design effective measures and countermeasures for COVID-19 vaccination rollout. This SWOT analysis is relevant to Low and Middle Income countries planning to implement COVID vaccine in the near future.

Smartphone-based DIY home microsurgical training with 3D printed microvascular clamps and Japanese noodles

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zhi Yang Ng ◽  
Calum Honeyman ◽  
Alexandre G Lellouch ◽  
Ankur Pandya ◽  
Theodora Papavasiliou
Keyword(s):  
Back Wall ◽  
Internal Validation ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Middle Income Countries ◽  
Video Recordings ◽  
Low Middle Income Countries ◽  
Konjac Flour ◽  
3D Printed ◽  
Set Up

We have recently incorporated simple modifications of the konjac flour noodle model to enable DIY home microsurgical training by (i) placing a smartphone on a mug to act as a microscope with at least 3.5-5x magnification, and (ii) rather than cannulating with a 22G needle as described by others, we have found that cannulation with a 23G needle followed by a second pass with an 18G needle will create a lumen (approx. 0.83 mm) without an overly thick and unrealistic “vessel” wall. The current set-up however, did not allow realistic evaluation of anastomotic patency as the noodles became macerated after application of standard microvascular clamps, which also did not facilitate practice of back-wall anastomoses. In order to simulate the actual operative environment as much as possible, we introduced the use of 3D printed microvascular clamps. These were modified from its previous iteration (suitable for use in silastic and chicken thigh vessels) and video recordings were submitted for internal validation by senior surgeons. A “wet” operative field where the knojac noodle lumen can be distended or collapsed, unlike other non-living models, was noted by senior surgeons. With the 3D clamps, the noodle could now be flipped over for back-wall anastomosis and allowed patency testing upon completion as it did not become macerated, unlike that from clinical microvascular clamps. The perceived advantages of this model are numerous. Not only does it comply with the 3Rs of simulation-based training, it can also reduce the associated costs of training by up to a hundred-fold or more when compared to a traditional rat course, and potentially, be extended to low-middle income countries (LMICs) without routine access to microsurgical training for capacity development. That it can be utilised remotely also bodes well with the current limitations on face to-face training due to COVID restrictions and lockdowns.

scholarly journals Building a Sustainable Comprehensive Multiple Myeloma Program in Western Kenya

2021 ◽  
pp. 400-407
Author(s):  
Mercy A. Oduor ◽  
Teresa C. Lotodo ◽  
Terry A. Vik ◽  
Kelvin M. Manyega ◽  
Patrick Loehrer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Multiple Myeloma ◽  
Patient Outcomes ◽  
Support Group ◽  
Healthcare Professionals ◽  
Treatment Strategies ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Western Kenya ◽  
Middle Income Countries ◽  
Set Up ◽  
Future Plans

Despite improved treatment strategies for multiple myeloma (MM), patient outcomes in low- and middle-income countries remain poor, unlike high-income countries. Scarcity of specialized human resources and diagnostic, treatment, and survivorship infrastructure are some of the barriers that patients with MM, clinicians, and policymakers have to overcome in the former setting. To improve outcomes of patients with MM in Western Kenya, the Academic Model Providing Access to Healthcare (AMPATH) MM Program was set up in 2012. In this article, the program's activities, challenges, and future plans are described distilling important lessons that can be replicated in similar settings. Through the program, training on diagnosis and treatment of MM was offered to healthcare professionals from 35 peripheral health facilities across Western Kenya in 2018 and 2019. Access to antimyeloma drugs including novel agents was secured, and pharmacovigilance systems were developed. Finally, patients were supported to obtain health insurance in addition to receiving peer support through participation in support group meetings. This article provides an implementation blueprint for similar initiatives aimed at increasing access to care for patients with MM in underserved areas.

scholarly journals Charting mandatory vaccination policies worldwide

2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽  
Author(s):  
S Vanderslott ◽  
T Marks
Keyword(s):  
International Health ◽  
Vaccination Policy ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Vaccination Rates ◽  
Comprehensive List ◽  
Middle Income Countries ◽  
Health Authorities ◽  
Media Reports ◽  
Four Levels ◽  
Mandatory Vaccination

Abstract Background Mandatory vaccination is becoming an increasingly important policy intervention for governments trying to address low vaccination rates. However, the evidence about which countries have mandatory vaccination policy worldwide and discussions surrounding their impact has largely been limited to high-income countries. While many recent publications discuss the issue, none provide a comprehensive list. This is an obvious gap in the discussion about the merits of introducing mandatory vaccination into countries. Methods We draw on extensive desk-based research analysing a mixture of sources, including national, regional, and international vaccination policy reports, international health institution websites, ministry of health websites, and media reports. We supplemented this material by contacting a variety of health authorities, such as PAHO and the WHO as well as country's ministries of health. Results We have compiled the first comprehensive list of vaccination policies worldwide, covering 149 countries. This list indicates whether a country has a mandatory vaccination policy and the strictness of the mandate on a scale ranging across four levels. We provide an overview of the state of mandatory vaccination across different countries, set out the general trends and issues, and engage into a discussion about why, how, and where mandatory vaccination is put in place. We also provide several case studies, which highlight the limitations of vaccine mandates because other factors such as exemptions, penalties or enforcement play an important role in their actual effect on immunisation rates. Conclusions Our key finding is that the majority of low- and middle- income countries have mandatory vaccination policies but low vaccination rates because of problems with vaccine supply, delivery, and access.

Disaster Preparedness for Clinics – Further Study from Haiti

2020 ◽  
Vol 35 (2) ◽  
pp. 170-173
Author(s):  
Benjamin Kaufman ◽  
Sadia Hussain ◽  
Matthew Riscinti ◽  
Christina Bloem ◽  
Bonnie Arquilla
Keyword(s):  
Disaster Preparedness ◽  
Disaster Response ◽  
Health Resources ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Incident Command ◽  
Middle Income Countries ◽  
North East ◽  
The North ◽  
And Performance ◽  
Set Up

AbstractObjective:This team created a manual to train clinics in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) to effectively respond to disasters. This study is a follow-up to a prior study evaluating disaster response. The team returned to previously trained clinics to evaluate retention and performance in a disaster simulation.Background:Local clinics are the first stop for patients when disaster strikes LMICs. They are often under-resourced and under-prepared to respond to patient needs. Further effort is required to prepare these crucial institutions to respond effectively using the Incident Command System (ICS) framework.Methods:Two clinics in the North East Region of Haiti were trained through a disaster manual created to help clinics in LMICs respond effectively to disasters. This study measured the clinic staff’s response to a disaster drill using the ICS and compared the results to prior responses.Results:Using the prior study’s evaluation scale, clinics were evaluated on their ability to set up an ICS. During the mock disaster, staff was evaluated on a three-point scale in 13 different metrics, grading their ability to mitigate, prepare, respond, and recover in a disaster. By this scale, both clinics were effective (36/39; 92%) in responding to a disaster.Conclusion:The clinics retained much prior training, and after repeat training, the clinics improved their disaster response. Future study will evaluate the clinics’ ability to integrate disaster response with country-wide health resources to enable an effective outcome for patients.

scholarly journals THE CHAOTIC GROWTH MODEL: INTERNATIONAL TOURISM

2020 ◽  
pp. 29-38
Author(s):  
Vesna D. Jablanovic ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Growth Model ◽  
High Income ◽  
International Tourism ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Middle Income Countries ◽  
Expenditure Growth ◽  
Stable Equilibria ◽  
Stable Growth ◽  
Set Up ◽  
Chaotic Growth

The basic aims of this paper are: firstly, to create a relatively simple chaotic international tourism expenditure growth model that is capable of generating stable equilibria, cycles, or chaos; and secondly, to set up a relatively simple chaotic international tourism receipts growth model. This paper confirms stable growth of the international tourism receipts and expenditures in high-income countries, low & middle-income countries, lower-middle-income countries, middle-income countries, and upper-middle-income countries in the period 1995-2018.

Introduction: From surviving to thriving?

2019 ◽  
pp. 1-12
Author(s):  
Jo Boyden ◽  
Andrew Dawes ◽  
Paul Dornan ◽  
Colin Tredoux
Keyword(s):  
Nutrition Education ◽  
Child Poverty ◽  
Time Data ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Middle Income Countries ◽  
Psychosocial Wellbeing ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Development Goals ◽  
Set Up ◽  
Young Lives

This introductory chapter provides a background of the Young Lives study, which began in 2001. Young Lives was set up during a period of optimism for global development associated with the Millennium Declaration, with the aim of informing the Millennium Development Goals to reduce poverty. At the time, data on child poverty in low- and middle-income countries were scarce and inconsistent. It was clear, however, that this was a very significant problem. Young Lives has been collecting detailed information on a wide range of topics — including health, nutrition, education, time use, and psychosocial wellbeing — from 12,000 boys and girls living in diverse sites across the four study countries, as well as from schools attended by some of the children. These study countries include Ethiopia, India, Peru, and Vietnam.

scholarly journals Healthcare utilisation survey as part of the Hybrid model of the Surveillance of Enteric Fever in India (SEFI) study: processes, results, and challenges

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Reshma Raju ◽  
J Kezia Angelin ◽  
Arun S Karthikeyan ◽  
Dilesh Kumar ◽  
Ranjith R Kumar ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Enteric Fever ◽  
Demographic Data ◽  
Healthcare Utilisation ◽  
Accurate Estimate ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Catchment Population ◽  
Incidence Data ◽  
Middle Income Countries ◽  
Set Up ◽  
Febrile Episodes

AbstractBackgroundEnteric fever is a significant health challenge in low and middle-income countries. “Surveillance of Enteric Fever in India” (SEFI) network was set up to obtain reliable incidence data. Six sites utilised a hybrid surveillance model, a combination of facility-based surveillance and community-based healthcare utilisation survey (HCUS). HCUS was performed to determine the percentage of the catchment population utilising the study facilities for febrile episodes, and is described here.MethodsA two-stage sampling process was utilised for the HCUS to select 5000 households per site. Demographic data and healthcare-seeking behaviour were assessed.ResultsFebrile hospitalisation rate ranged from 2.5/1000 in Kullu to 9.6/1000 in Anantapur. The percentage of febrile admissions that sought care in the study hospital from the catchment area is 17% in Anantapur, 38% in Karimganj, 38% in Chandigarh, 10% in Nandurbar, 36% in Kullu and 24% in East Champaran respectively.ConclusionsThe variability in healthcare utilisation for fever admissions in the study hospitals underscores the importance of periodic healthcare utilisation surveys in hybrid surveillance. It is essential to adjust for those cases which have slipped out of the facility surveillance radar for obtaining an accurate estimate of the disease burden.

scholarly journals Training the Next Generation of Academic Global Neurosurgeons: Experience of the Association of Future African Neurosurgeons

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ulrick Sidney Kanmounye ◽  
Yvan Zolo ◽  
Stéphane Nguembu ◽  
Francklin Tétinou ◽  
Lorraine Arabang Sebopelo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Research Capacity ◽  
Primary Objective ◽  
Research Experience ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Middle Income Countries ◽  
Scholarly Output ◽  
Research Collaborations ◽  
Research Cycle ◽  
Set Up ◽  
One Year

Introduction: Although the past decade has seen a substantial increase in African neurosurgeons' academic productivity, productivity remains low compared to their colleagues from other regions. Aspiring neurosurgeons can contribute to the academic neurosurgery workforce by taking care of less technical and time-consuming research tasks. Fortunately, global neurosurgery institutions have also made efforts to increase research exposure and scholarly output in academic global neurosurgery. The Association of Future African Neurosurgeons (AFAN) created a research incubator for aspiring academic global neurosurgeons in Africa to provide enrollees with mentorship, skills, and experience. This study assesses and reports the activities and results of the research incubator.Methods: Aspiring academic global neurosurgeons were enrolled in the AFAN Research Incubator Program (ARIP), whose primary objective was to provide enrollees with foundational skills in all aspects of the research cycle. ARIP enrollees participated in didactic and practical activities with the aim of publishing ≥1 article and presenting ≥1 abstracts at international conferences in one year.Results: Fifteen AFAN members aged 25.0 ± 3.0 years enrolled in ARIP: 7 (46.7%) medical students, 4 (26.7%) general practitioners, and 4 (26.7%) residents. Eleven (73.3%) were male, 6 (40.0%) were from Cameroon and 6 (40.0%) had no previous research experience. Two (13.3%) enrollees dropped out. ARIP enrollees published a total of 28 articles, and enrollees published a median of 1.0 (IQR = 2) first-author articles on neurosurgical system strengthening. Additionally, ARIP enrollees presented 20 abstracts with a median of one abstract (IQR = 3.0).Conclusion: South-South research collaborations like ARIP can contribute to improving global neurosurgery research capacity and output. These collaborations can set up the foundations for robust research in low- and middle-income countries.

scholarly journals The covid-19 pandemic in Low- and Middle-Income Countries, who carries the burden? Review of mass media and publications from six countries

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dhia Joseph Chackalackal ◽  
Ahmed Asa'ad Al-Aghbari ◽  
Su Yeon Jang ◽  
Tatiana Rivera Ramirez ◽  
Jose Vincent ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Informal Sector ◽  
Small Businesses ◽  
Outbreak Response ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Middle Income Countries ◽  
Disadvantaged Population ◽  
The Poor ◽  
Media Reports ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Low And Middle Income

Abstract Rich countries used in the Covid-19 pandemic lockdown and physical distancing policies for transmission control. However, are these measures also suitable in countries with a fragile economy resting mainly on the informal sector? The impact of lockdown measures in disadvantaged population strata in six Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs) was reviewed using i) systematic review of 17 published papers and ii) review of 90 media reports. Those who most suffered from the lockdown were migrants, workers in the informal sector (which is huge), small businesses, slum dwellers, women and elderly revealing the social, cultural and economic inequalities of societies. Financial and food support for the poor was inadequate and sometimes mismanaged. In the better organized societies, the resilience was stronger (South Korea, Kerala/India) but also here the poor had to suffer most. It is strongly recommended that outbreak response strategies should particularly focus on the poor and vulnerable population.

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