scholarly journals Mapping child growth failure in Africa between 2000 and 2015

Nature ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 555 (7694) ◽  
pp. 41-47 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aaron Osgood-Zimmerman ◽  
Anoushka I. Millear ◽  
Rebecca W. Stubbs ◽  
Chloe Shields ◽  
Brandon V. Pickering ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Child Nutrition ◽  
Growth Failure ◽  
Child Growth ◽  
World Health ◽  
African Countries ◽  
The Sustainable Development ◽  
Risk Of Death ◽  
Infant And Young Child ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Health Organization

Abstract Insufficient growth during childhood is associated with poor health outcomes and an increased risk of death. Between 2000 and 2015, nearly all African countries demonstrated improvements for children under 5 years old for stunting, wasting, and underweight, the core components of child growth failure. Here we show that striking subnational heterogeneity in levels and trends of child growth remains. If current rates of progress are sustained, many areas of Africa will meet the World Health Organization Global Targets 2025 to improve maternal, infant and young child nutrition, but high levels of growth failure will persist across the Sahel. At these rates, much, if not all of the continent will fail to meet the Sustainable Development Goal target—to end malnutrition by 2030. Geospatial estimates of child growth failure provide a baseline for measuring progress as well as a precision public health platform to target interventions to those populations with the greatest need, in order to reduce health disparities and accelerate progress.

International Conference on Child Day-Care Health: Opening Remarks

PEDIATRICS ◽  
1994 ◽  
Vol 94 (6) ◽  
pp. 987-987
Author(s):  
Hu Ching-Li
Keyword(s):  
Child Health ◽  
Child Nutrition ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Fundamental Rights ◽  
World Health ◽  
Child Day Care ◽  
Infant And Young Child ◽  
The Family ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
Health Organization

It is important to recall the definition of health embodied in the Constitution of the World Health Organization (WHO) over 45 years ago: "Health is a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity. The enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of health is one of the fundamental rights of every human being without distinction of race, religion, political belief, economic, or social condition." Among the Organization's mandated functions is "to promote maternal and child health and welfare and to foster the ability to live harmoniously in a changing total environment." The challenge of that task is no less today than it was then. Historically, societies have evolved various patterns of family structure for social and economic functions. In preindustrial societies there evolved a great concordance between these functions, with many of the health, developmental, and socialization functions taking place first within the family and then within the immediate community. The rapid social changes of both the industrial and information revolutions have changed drastically the functions of the family, and have shifted many of the health, developmental, and social functions to nonfamily institutions, from which families are often excluded or marginally involved. Much of the international attention to child health in this last decade has been directed at simple interventions to prevent the nearly 13 million deaths each year of children under 5: universal child immunization; the control of diarrheal and acute respiratory diseases; and infant and young child nutrition, particularly breast-feeding.

scholarly journals Trends in child growth failure among children under five years of age in Ethiopia: Evidence from the 2000 to 2016 Demographic and Health Surveys

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (8) ◽  
pp. e0254768
Author(s):  
Tolesa Bekele ◽  
Patrick Rawstorne ◽  
Bayzidur Rahman
Keyword(s):  
Growth Failure ◽  
Total Sample ◽  
Child Growth ◽  
World Health ◽  
Health Concern ◽  
Demographic And Health Surveys ◽  
Z Score ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
The Government ◽  
Health Organization

Introduction In a majority of low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), levels of child growth failure (CGF) have steadily declined since 2000. However, some countries show a different trend. Despite continued investment from the government of Ethiopia as well as donors, CGF levels are still high in Ethiopia. This study aimed to assess trends in CGF and associated sociodemographic, economic and water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) factors from 2000 to 2016 in Ethiopia. Methods Data were taken from four rounds of the Ethiopia Demographic and Health Survey (EDHS). Children aged between 0 to 59 months were included. CGF indicators were categorised based on height-for-age z-score (HAZ) < -2 Standard deviation (SD), weight-for-age z-score (WAZ) < -2 SD and weight-for-height z-score (WHZ) < -2 SD. CGF trends were estimated for predicted probabilities and odds ratios (ORs) between 2000 and 2016. Results A total sample size of 31978 for HAZ, 32045 for WAZ and 32246 for WHZ were included in the current study. Stunting decreased from an adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 0.77 (95% CI: 0.67 to 0.88) in 2005 to an AOR = 0.45 (95% CI: 0.39 to 0.53) in 2016 compared with the year 2000. Compared with data in 2000, underweight decreased from an AOR of 0.70 (95% CI: 0.61 to 0.80) in 2005 to an AOR of 0.43 (95% CI: 0.36 to 0.50) in 2016. Wasting declined from an AOR of 0.91 (95% CI: 0.75 to 1.10) in 2005 to an AOR of 0.76 (95% CI: 0.61 to 0.94) in 2016, compared with data in 2000. Conclusions Between 2000 to 2016, there was a decline in CGF levels albeit the levels are still relatively high compared with the World Health Organization (WHO) cut-off levels for public health concern. Observed rates of change varied across sociodemographic, economic and WASH factors which suggest that interventions tailored towards addressing the imbalances across those factors are required.

scholarly journals Racial variation in the relationship of anemia with mortality and mobility disability among older adults

Blood ◽  
2007 ◽  
Vol 109 (11) ◽  
pp. 4663-4670 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kushang V. Patel ◽  
Tamara B. Harris ◽  
Marion Faulhaber ◽  
Sara B. Angleman ◽  
Stephanie Connelly ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Adverse Events ◽  
Black Men ◽  
Proportional Hazards ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
World Health ◽  
Mobility Disability ◽  
Who Criteria ◽  
Risk Of Death ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Health Organization

Abstract Anemia is more common among older blacks than older whites. However, it is unclear whether anemia predicts adverse events similarly in both races. Data on 1018 black and 1583 white adults aged 71 to 82 years were analyzed. Anemia, as defined by World Health Organization (WHO) criteria, was used to predict mortality over 6 years and incidence of mobility disability over 4 years. In proportional hazards models of mortality in whites, the age-adjusted hazard ratio (HR) for anemia in men was 1.96 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.35, 2.83) and in women was 2.86 (95% CI: 1.69, 4.82). In contrast, anemia was not associated with mortality in black men (HR = 1.15 [95% CI: 0.77, 1.72]) or women (HR = 1.39 [95% CI: 0.91, 2.14]). Higher mortality rate was observed only in black men with hemoglobin values more than 20 g/L (2.0 g/dL) below the WHO cutoff, whereas mortality rates were elevated in white men with hemoglobin values 1 to 10, 11 to 20, and more than 20 g/L below the WHO cutoff. In conclusion, anemia was significantly associated with increased risk of death and mobility disability in community-dwelling older whites. Conversely, older blacks classified as anemic by WHO criteria were not at risk for adverse events, indicating that alternative criteria are warranted.

scholarly journals What You Don’t Know About the Codex Can Hurt You: How Trade Policy Trumps Global Health Governance in Infant and Young Child Nutrition

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Katheryn Russ ◽  
Phillip Baker ◽  
Michaela Byrd ◽  
Manho Kang ◽  
Rizki Nauli Siregar ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Child Nutrition ◽  
Standard Setting ◽  
World Health ◽  
International Code ◽  
Infant And Young Child ◽  
Trade Politics ◽  
Breast Milk Substitutes ◽  
Milk Substitutes ◽  
Health Organization

Background: International food standards set by the Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC), have become more prominent in international trade politics, since being referenced by various World Trade Organization (WTO) agreements. The new standing of the CAC imposes limits on domestic public health regulation. We show this includes implementation of the World Health Organization (WHO) International Code of Marketing of Breast-milk Substitutes. Methods: Using trade in commercial milk formulas (CMF) as a case study, we collected detailed data on interventions across various WTO bodies between 1995 and 2019. We used language from these interventions to guide data collection on member state and observer positions during the CAC review of the Codex Standard for Follow-up Formula (CSFUF), and during CAC discussions on the relevance of WHO policies and guidelines. Results: Exporting member states made 245 interventions regarding CMFs at the WTO, many citing deviations from standards set by the CAC. These did not occur in formal disputes, but in WTO Committee and Accession processes, toward many countries. In Thailand, complaints are linked to weakened regulation. Exporters also sought to narrow the CSFUF at the CAC in a way that is at odds with recommendations in the International Code. Tensions are growing more broadly within the CAC regarding relevance of WHO recommendations. Countries coordinated during WTO committee processes to advocate for reapportioning core WHO funding to the CAC and in order to further influence standard-setting. Conclusion: The commercial interests of the baby food industry are magnifying inconsistencies between health guidelines set by the WHO, standard-setting at the CAC, and functions of the WTO. This poses serious concerns for countries’ abilities to regulate in the interests of public health, in this case to protect breastfeeding and its benefits for the health of infants, children and mothers.

Antidiabetics: Structural Diversity of Molecules with a Common Aim

2018 ◽  
Vol 25 (18) ◽  
pp. 2140-2165 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jelena B. Popovic-Djordjevic ◽  
Ivana I. Jevtic ◽  
Tatjana P. Stanojkovic
Keyword(s):  
Structural Diversity ◽  
World Health ◽  
Common Disease ◽  
Peroxisome Proliferator ◽  
Epidemic Disease ◽  
Peroxisome Proliferator Activated Receptor ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Dipeptidyl Peptidase Iv Inhibitors ◽  
Glucagon Like Peptide 1 ◽  
Health Organization

Background: Diabetes mellitus type 2 (DMT2) is an endocrine disease of global proportions which is currently affecting 1 in 12 adults in the world, with still increasing prevalence. World Health Organization (WHO) declared this worldwide health problem, as an epidemic disease, to be the only non-infectious disease with such categorization. People with DMT2 are at increased risk of various complications and have shorter life expectancy. The main classes of oral antidiabetic drugs accessible today for DMT2 vary in their chemical composition, modes of action, safety profiles and tolerability. Methods: A systematic search of peer-reviewed scientific literature and public databases has been conducted. We included the most recent relevant research papers and data in respect to the focus of the present review. The quality of retrieved papers was assessed using standard tools. Results: The review highlights the chemical structural diversity of the molecules that have the common target-DMT2. So-called traditional antidiabetics as well as the newest and the least explored drugs include polypeptides and amino acid derivatives (insulin, glucagon-like peptide 1, dipeptidyl peptidase-IV inhibitors, amylin), sulfonylurea derivatives, benzylthiazolidine- 2,4-diones (peroxisome proliferator activated receptor-γ agonists/glitazones), condensed guanido core (metformin) and sugar-like molecules (α-glucosidase and sodium/ glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors). Conclusion: As diabetes becomes a more common disease, interest in new pharmacological targets is on the rise.

scholarly journals Partnerships in Health Development

2021 ◽  
Vol 23 (1) ◽  
pp. 143-154
Author(s):  
Palitha Abeykoon
Keyword(s):  
Technical Assistance ◽  
Communicable Disease ◽  
Moral Rights ◽  
World Health ◽  
Service Access ◽  
Health Coverage ◽  
Health Development ◽  
The Sustainable Development ◽  
Provision Of Services ◽  
Health Organization

The COVID-19 pandemic has thrown into bold relief the need for an all-of-society response supported by regional and global partnerships to control the epidemic. Addressing the social determinants of health, Universal Health Coverage, the non-communicable disease (NCD) burden, the other communicable diseases and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) all would require a close collaboration among different sectors and stakeholders, including the private sector. Partnerships connote three fundamental themes—a relative equality between the partners, mutual commitment to agreed objectives and mutual benefit for the stakeholders involved. The decisions are made jointly, and roles are not only respected but are also backed by legal and moral rights. The World Health Organization (WHO) has been and continues to be the foremost promoter as well as the host for many of the global and regional partnerships in health. A typological classification would include technical assistance partnerships supporting service access and provision of services including drugs, partnerships focusing on research and development, advocacy and resource mobilisation and financing partnerships mainly to provide funds for definite disease programmes. Partnerships in health have brought and continue to bring multiple benefits to the countries. But they also engender several challenges, including the duplication of effort and waste, high transaction costs (usually to government), issues of accountability and consequent lack of alignment with country priorities. As partnerships become increasingly significant in the twenty-first century, better coordination, particularly in terms of donor harmonisation with national priorities, would be needed. It is not ambitious to attempt the elusive ideal where all parties will benefit from one other with a give and take between all stakeholders. Partnerships in health could well herald a new dawn for health development in the South-East Asia Region.

scholarly journals Newborns at risk of Covid-19 ― lessons from the last year

2021 ◽  
Vol 0 (0) ◽  
Author(s):  
Malika D. Shah ◽  
Ola Didrik Saugstad
Keyword(s):  
Horizontal Transmission ◽  
Mode Of Delivery ◽  
Newborn Infants ◽  
World Health ◽  
Premature Delivery ◽  
Mortality And Morbidity ◽  
Skin Contact ◽  
Cord Clamping ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Health Organization

Abstract After more than 1 year of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, a great deal of knowledge on how this virus affects pregnant women, the fetus and the newborn has accumulated. The gap between different guidelines how to handle newborn infants during this pandemic has been minimized, and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)’s recommendations are now more in accordance with those of the World Health Organization (WHO). In this article we summarize present knowledge regarding transmission from mother to the fetus/newborn. Although both vertical and horizontal transmission are rare, SARS-CoV-2 positivity is associated with an increased risk of premature delivery and higher neonatal mortality and morbidity. Mode of delivery and cord clamping routines should not be affected by the mother’s SARS-CoV-2 status. Skin to skin contact, rooming in and breastfeeding are recommended with necessary hygiene precautions. Antibodies of infected or vaccinated women seem to cross both the placenta and into breast milk and likely provide protection for the newborn.

scholarly journals Tuberculosis Mortality by Occupation in South Africa, 2011–2015

2018 ◽  
Vol 15 (12) ◽  
pp. 2756 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tahira Kootbodien ◽  
Kerry Wilson ◽  
Nonhlanhla Tlotleng ◽  
Vusi Ntlebi ◽  
Felix Made ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Smoking Status ◽  
Direct Method ◽  
Multivariate Logistic Regression Analysis ◽  
World Health ◽  
Health Concern ◽  
Mortality Data ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Risk Of Death ◽  
Increased Risk

Work-related tuberculosis (TB) remains a public health concern in low- and middle-income countries. The use of vital registration data for monitoring TB deaths by occupation has been unexplored in South Africa. Using underlying cause of death and occupation data for 2011 to 2015 from Statistics South Africa, age-standardised mortality rates (ASMRs) were calculated for all persons of working age (15 to 64 years) by the direct method using the World Health Organization (WHO) standard population. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to calculate mortality odds ratios (MORs) for occupation groups, adjusting for age, sex, year of death, province of death, and smoking status. Of the 221,058 deaths recorded with occupation data, 13% were due to TB. ASMR for TB mortality decreased from 165.9 to 88.8 per 100,000 population from 2011 to 2015. An increased risk of death by TB was observed among elementary occupations: agricultural labourers (MORadj = 3.58, 95% Confidence Interval (CI) 2.96–4.32), cleaners (MORadj = 3.44, 95% CI 2.91–4.09), and refuse workers (MORadj = 3.41, 95% CI 2.88–4.03); among workers exposed to silica dust (MORadj = 3.37, 95% CI 2.83–4.02); and among skilled agricultural workers (MORadj = 3.31, 95% CI 2.65–4.19). High-risk TB occupations can be identified from mortality data. Therefore, TB prevention and treatment policies should be prioritised in these occupations.

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