Fruit and vegetable import duty reduction in Fiji to prevent obesity and non-communicable diseases: a case study

2019 ◽  
Vol 23 (1) ◽  
pp. 181-188
Author(s):  
Colin Bell ◽  
Catherine Latu ◽  
Jeremaia Coriakula ◽  
Gade Waqa ◽  
Wendy Snowdon ◽  
...  

AbstractObjective:To describe the development of Fiji’s fruit and vegetable fiscal policies between 2010 and 2014 and explore the impact they have had on import volumes.Design:Qualitative case study and in-depth analysis of policy process. Policy impact was assessed using publicly available import volume data and prices of food products.Setting:Fiji.Participants:Senior government policy makers, non-communicable disease officers from the Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MoHMS) and supermarket managers.Results:In 2011, the Fijian Government introduced an import excise of 10 % on vegetables and reduced the import fiscal duty on fruit that was also grown in Fiji by 10 %. The import tax on vegetables was removed in 2012 in response to a MoHMS request. Policy makers from several sectors supported the MoHMS request, recognized their leadership and acknowledged the importance of collaboration in achieving the removal of the excise. Tariff reductions appear to have contributed to increases in the volume of vegetables (varieties not grown in Fiji) and fruit (varieties grown in Fiji) imported, but it is not clear if this increased population consumption.Conclusions:Reductions in import duties appear to have contributed to increases in volumes of vegetables and fruit imported into Fiji. This case study has demonstrated that governments can use fiscal policy to meet the needs of a range of sectors including health, agriculture and tourism.

2017 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
pp. 7
Author(s):  
Saida Parvin

Women’s empowerment has been at the centre of research focus for many decades. Extant literature examined the process, outcome and various challenges. Some claimed substantial success, while others contradicted with evidence of failure. But the success remains a matter of debate due to lack of empirical evidence of actual empowerment of women around the world. The current study aimed to address this gap by taking a case study method. The study critically evaluates 20 cases carefully sampled to include representatives from the entire country of Bangladesh. The study demonstrates popular beliefs about microfinance often misguide even the borrowers and they start living in a fabricated feeling of empowerment, facing real challenges to achieve true empowerment in their lives. The impact of this finding is twofold; firstly there is a theoretical contribution, where the definition of women’s empowerment is proposed to be revisited considering findings from these cases. And lastly, the policy makers at governmental and non-governmental organisations, and multinational donor agencies need to revise their assessment tools for funding.


2020 ◽  
Vol 15 (2) ◽  
pp. 95-109
Author(s):  
Heba Aziz ◽  
Osman El-Said ◽  
Marike Bontenbal

The objective of this study was to measure the level of cruise tourists' satisfaction as well as the relationship between satisfaction, recommendation, return intention, and expenditure. Also, the impact of factors such as nationality, length of the visit, and age on the level of expenditure was measured. An empirical approach for data collection was followed and a total of 152 questionnaires were collected from cruise tourists visiting the capital city of Oman, Muscat, as cruise liners anchor at Sultan Qaboos Port. Results of the regression analysis supported the existence of a causal relationship between satisfaction with destination attributes, overall satisfaction, recommendation, return intention, and expenditure. It was found that the average expenditure varies according to age and length of the visit. Recommendations for policy makers were suggested on how to increase the role of cruise tourism in strengthening the economy.


2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Diana M Hendrickx ◽  
João Dinis Sousa ◽  
Pieter J.K. Libin ◽  
Wim Delva ◽  
Jori Liesenborgs ◽  
...  

ABSTRACTModel comparisons have been widely used to guide intervention strategies to control infectious diseases. Agreement between different models is crucial for providing robust evidence for policy-makers because differences in model properties can influence their predictions. In this study, we compared models implemented by two individual-based model simulators for HIV epidemiology in a population with Herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2). For each model simulator, we constructed four models, starting from a simplified basic model and stepwise including more model complexity. For the resulting eight models, the predictions of the impact of behavioural interventions on the HIV epidemic in Yaoundé (Cameroon) were compared. The results show that differences in model assumptions and model complexity can influence the size of the predicted impact of the intervention, as well as the predicted qualitative behaviour of the HIV epidemic after the intervention. Moreover, two models that agree in their predictions of the HIV epidemic in the absence of intervention can have different outputs when predicting the impact of interventions. Without additional data, it is impossible to determine which of these two models is the most reliable. These findings highlight the importance of making more data available for the calibration and validation of epidemiological models.


2021 ◽  
Vol 1 (4) ◽  
pp. 359-369
Author(s):  
Putri Ananda Salsabilla ◽  
Ricky Riyanto Iksan ◽  
Sri Atun Wahyuningsih

ABSTRACT : APPLICATION OF FAMILY FUNCTIONS IN ABILITY TO CARE FOR MEMBERS FAMILIES WITH STROKES Background: Stroke is a non-communicable disease that is one of the leading causes of death and disability rates in the world. Stroke becomes a health threat due to impaired cerebral function, both focal and global, which lasts quickly and lasts more than 24 hours or ends in death without the discovery of the disease other than vascular disorders (World Health, 2017). World Health Organization (2018) stroke sufferers are increasing every year.. It shows that every year there are 13.7 million new cases of stroke, and about 5.5 million deaths occur from stroke. About 70% of strokes and 87% of stroke deaths and disabilities occur in low- and middle-income countries.Objective: Identified Application of Family Function Intervention in the Ability to Care for Family Members With Stroke in the Puskesmas Area of North Meruya Village of West JakartaMethod: This type of research is case studydesign research that according to Basuki Case Study is a form of research on a problem that has the nature of specificity with individual or group targets, even the wider community. In this study, researchers conducted family function interventions in four families with strokes, namely the same four sufferers were given family function interventions.Results: The results of research conducted the influence of affective function, socialization function, economic function, and health care function with the application of nursing care in stroke patients.Conclusion: The conclusion of this study results in the application of family functions in the ability to care for family members with stroke experienced significant changes to intervention. Keywords: Family Function, Caring Ability, Stroke INTISARI : PENERAPAN FUNGSI KELUARGA DALAM KEMAMPUAN MERAWAT ANGGOTA KELUARGA DENGAN STROKE Latar Belakang: Stroke merupakan penyakit tidak menular yang menjadi salah satu penyebab utama angka kematian dan kecacatan di dunia. Stroke menjadi ancaman kesehatan karena gangguan fungsi serebral, baik fokal maupun global, yang berlangsung dengan cepat dan lebih dari 24 jam atau berakhir dengan kematian tanpa ditemukannya penyakit selain dari pada gangguan vaskular (World Health Organization, 2017). World Health Organization (2018) penderita stroke semakin meningkat setiap tahunnya. Menunjukkan bahwa setiap tahunnya ada 13,7 juta kasus baru stroke, dan sekitar 5,5 juta kematian terjadi akibat penyakit stroke. Sekitar 70% penyakit stroke dan 87% kematian dan disabilitas akibat stroke terjadi pada negara berpendapatan rendah dan menengah.Tujuan: Teridentifikasi Penerapan Intervensi Fungsi Keluarga Dalam Kemampuan Merawat Anggota Keluarga Dengan Stroke di Wilayah Puskesmas Kelurahan Meruya Utara Jakarta BaratMetode: Jenis penelitian ini adalah penelitian case studydesign yaitu menurut Basuki Case Study adalah bentuk penelitian suatu masalah yang memiliki sifat kekhususan dengan sasaran perorangan ataupun kelompok, bahkan masyarakat luas.Pada penelitian ini Peneliti melakukan Intervensi Fungsi keluarga pada empat keluarga dengan stroke yaitu keempat penderita sama – sama diberikan Intervensi Fungsi Keluarga.Hasil: Hasil penelitian yang dilakukan adanya pengaruh fungsi afektif, fungsi sosialisasi, fungsi ekonomi, dan fungsi perawatan kesehatan dengan penerapan asuhan keperawatan pada pasien stroke.Kesimpulan: Kesimpulan dari penelitian ini hasil penerapan fungsi keluarga dalam kemampuan merawat anggota keluarga dengan stroke mengalami perubahan yang signifikan terhadap intervensi. Kata Kunci : Fungsi Keluarga, Kemampuan Merawat, Stroke


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elizabeth L. Andrade ◽  
Amalis Cordova Mustafa ◽  
Courtney Riggle-vanSchagen ◽  
Megan Jula ◽  
Carlos E. Rodriguez-Diaz ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Coinciding with the rising non-communicable disease (NCD) prevalence worldwide is the increasing frequency and severity of natural hazards. Protecting populations with NCDs against natural hazards is ever more pressing given their increased risk of morbidity and mortality in disaster contexts. Methods This investigation examined Hurricane Maria’s impact across 10 communities in Puerto Rico to determine whether and how disaster impact and community attributes affected NCD management. We conducted 40 qualitative interviews with mayors, first responders, faith leaders, community leaders, and municipal employees, with 4 interviews per selected municipality. Using QSR NVivo software, we coded interview transcripts and created categorical community-level impact variables based on participant responses. We undertook thematic analysis to characterize community-level impact and consequences for NCD management, and to identify convergent and divergent themes. Using a matrix coding query, we compared NCD management experiences across communities by impact variables and community attributes. Results The delivery of healthcare, pharmacy, and dialysis services was compromised due to facility structural damage and ineffective contingencies for electrical power and water supply. The challenges resulting from power outages were immediate, and individuals who were reliant on life-sustaining medical equipment, dialysis, or the refrigeration of medications were most vulnerable. Inaccessible roadways and the need to travel greater distances to locate operational health services were major impediments to transporting patients in need of NCD care, with those requiring dialysis and living in remote, mountainous communities at highest risk due to landslides and lengthy roadway obstruction. These barriers were compounded by limited communication to locate services and coordinate care. Two weeks post-hurricane, emerging challenges to NCD management included widespread diesel fuel shortages for generators, and shortages in medications, oxygen, and medical supplies. In the weeks to months post-hurricane, the emergence or exacerbation of mental health disorders was characterized as a pressing health concern. Conclusions Study findings identify contributors to morbidity and mortality among individuals with NCDs following Hurricane Maria. The degree to which these impacts were experienced across communities with different characteristics is discussed, offering important lessons regarding the impact of catastrophic disasters on NCD management for improve community disaster resilience.


BMJ Open ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (5) ◽  
pp. e028263 ◽  
Author(s):  
Raja Ram Dhungana ◽  
Bihungum Bista ◽  
Achyut Raj Pandey ◽  
Maximilian de Courten

ObjectivesTo assess the prevalence, clustering and sociodemographic distribution of non-communicable disease (NCD) risk factors in adolescents in Nepal.DesignData originated from Global School Based Student Health Survey, Nepal conducted in 2015–2016.SettingThe study sites were the secondary schools in Nepal; 74 schools were selected based on the probability proportional to school enrolment size throughout Nepal.Participants5795 school-going children aged 13–17 years were included in the study.Primary outcomesNCD risk factors: smoking, alcohol consumption, insufficient fruit and vegetable intake, insufficient physical activity and overweight/obesity were the primary outcomes. Sociodemographic distributions of the combined and individual NCD risk factors were determined by Poisson regression analysis.ResultsFindings revealed the prevalence of smoking (6.04%; CI 4.62 to 7.88), alcohol consumption (5.29%; CI 4.03 to 6.92), insufficient fruit and vegetable intake (95.33%; CI 93.89 to 96.45), insufficiently physical activity (84.77%; CI 81.04 to 87.88) and overweight/obesity (6.66%; CI 4.65 to 9.45). One or more risk factors were present in 99.6%, ≥2 were in 83% and ≥3 were in 11.2%. Risk factors were more likely to cluster in male, 17 years of age and grade 7. Prevalence of smoking (adjusted prevalence ratio (aPR)=2.38; CI 1.6 to 3.51) and alcohol consumption (aPR=1.81; CI 1.29 to 2.53) was significantly high in male, and in 16 and 17 years of age. Prevalence of insufficient physical activity and overweight/obesity was significantly lower in higher grades.ConclusionInsufficient fruit and vegetable intake and insufficient physical activity were highly prevalent in the populations studied. Risk factors were disproportionately distributed and clustered in particular gender, age and grade. The study population requires an age and gender specific preventive public health intervention.


2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (24) ◽  
pp. 7023
Author(s):  
Zhihao Duan ◽  
Jinliang Xu ◽  
Han Ru ◽  
Yaping Dong ◽  
Xingliang Liu

To reduce the impact of a natural or man-made disaster, an evacuation is often implemented to transfer the population in the potentially impacted area to a safe zone. Evacuation is an effective measure for dealing with emergency events. This paper presents a multinomial logit model for modal choice behavior in a short-notice emergency evacuation, which incorporates spatial indicators into the utility function. The study examined the determinants of evacuees’ modal choice for three evacuation distances and analyzed determinants impacting the mechanism of the modal choice decision process. The data collected in Xi’an was used to provide empirical evidence for the relationship between spatial indicators and modal choice behavior. The findings of this study will help emergency planners and policy-makers develop strategies for evacuation planning and will enable a better understanding of emergency modal choice behaviors.


Author(s):  
Mike Rayner ◽  
Kremlin Wickramasinghe ◽  
Julianne Williams ◽  
Karen McColl ◽  
Shanthi Mendis

This final chapter argues that the policy cycle should be seen as just that—a cycle, rather than a linear process with a defined start and finish. To generate effective policies, the stages need to be revisited over time. In revisiting these steps, it will be necessary to ask new questions about the problem and the solutions. The chapter includes case studies that illustrate how non-communicable disease (NCD) prevention and control interventions do not always follow the four steps of the policy cycle in a linear process. This chapter emphasizes that NCDs are multifactorial conditions with complex causal webs that require a sophisticated mix of solutions that reflect the specific context. The theoretical background, practical pointers, and case studies from this book should help to equip policy-makers, researchers, health advocates, and students with the knowledge and tools required to reduce the burden of death and disability from NCDs.


2017 ◽  
Vol 40 (2) ◽  
pp. 350-358 ◽  
Author(s):  
Simon Capewell ◽  
Ann Capewell

Abstract Non-communicable disease prevention strategies usually target the four major risk factors of poor diet, tobacco, alcohol and physical inactivity. Yet, the most effective approaches remain disputed. However, increasing evidence supports the concept of an effectiveness hierarchy. Thus, ‘downstream’ preventive activities targeting individuals (such as 1:1 personal advice, health education, ‘nudge’ or primary prevention medications) consistently achieve a smaller population health impact than interventions aimed further ‘upstream’ (for instance, smoke-free legislation, alcohol minimum pricing or regulations eliminating dietary transfats). These comprehensive, policy-based interventions reach all parts of the population and do not depend on a sustained ‘agentic’ individual response. They thus tend to be more effective, more rapid, more equitable and also cost-saving. This effectiveness hierarchy is self-evident to many professionals working in public health. Previously neglected in the wider world, this effectiveness hierarchy now needs to be acknowledged by policy makers.


2016 ◽  
Vol 14 (4) ◽  
pp. 315-329 ◽  
Author(s):  
Musa Mohammed Mukhtar ◽  
Roslan Amirudin ◽  
Ismail Mohamad

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine problems of housing delivery in Nigeria and propose some guiding principles that will lead to successful housing delivery in Nigeria. Design/methodology/approach The study was conducted through in-depth analysis of some documents related to housing sector in Nigeria. These include National Housing Policy of Nigeria, Report of the Vision 2020 National Technical Working Group on Housing, as well as publications from UN-Habitat. Moreover, literature on the subject matter have been also reviewed. Findings Major constraints to housing delivery in Nigeria includes lack of effective housing finance system, unstable macroeconomic environment, difficulty in accessing land with secure tenure, high cost of building materials, shortages of skilled labour and poor infrastructural facilities. Research limitations/implications The major limitation of this study is that no interview or field survey to collect data from stakeholders has been performed. Practical implications The study can assist housing policy makers to understands important elements that must be incorporated in the national housing policies. It can also assist construction industries to understand how to improve efficiency and productivity in their projects. Originality/value The findings of this paper was based on previous studies of housing delivery and analysis of data from some formal and informal documents The findings from this study have been used to suggest some guiding principles that can assist in solving the housing delivery problems in Nigeria.


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