scholarly journals Falling living standards during the COVID-19 crisis: Quantitative evidence from nine developing countries

2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (6) ◽  
pp. eabe0997 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dennis Egger ◽  
Edward Miguel ◽  
Shana S. Warren ◽  
Ashish Shenoy ◽  
Elliott Collins ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sierra Leone ◽  
Living Standards ◽  
Economic Conditions ◽  
Vulnerable Groups ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Quantitative Evidence ◽  
Middle Income Countries ◽  
Policy Responses ◽  
Economic Statistics ◽  
Household Coping Strategies

Despite numerous journalistic accounts, systematic quantitative evidence on economic conditions during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic remains scarce for most low- and middle-income countries, partly due to limitations of official economic statistics in environments with large informal sectors and subsistence agriculture. We assemble evidence from over 30,000 respondents in 16 original household surveys from nine countries in Africa (Burkina Faso, Ghana, Kenya, Rwanda, Sierra Leone), Asia (Bangladesh, Nepal, Philippines), and Latin America (Colombia). We document declines in employment and income in all settings beginning March 2020. The share of households experiencing an income drop ranges from 8 to 87% (median, 68%). Household coping strategies and government assistance were insufficient to sustain precrisis living standards, resulting in widespread food insecurity and dire economic conditions even 3 months into the crisis. We discuss promising policy responses and speculate about the risk of persistent adverse effects, especially among children and other vulnerable groups.

Evaluating a Novel Prehospital Emergency Trauma Care Assessment Tool (PETCAT) for Low- and Middle-Income Countries in Sierra Leone

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Peter G. Delaney ◽  
Zachary J. Eisner ◽  
Alfred H. Thullah ◽  
Benjamin D. Muller ◽  
Kpawuru Sandy ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sierra Leone ◽  
Trauma Care ◽  
Assessment Tool ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Middle Income Countries ◽  
Care Assessment ◽  
Prehospital Emergency ◽  
Low And Middle Income

Economic Traps and Progress in Middle-Income Countries

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-23
Author(s):  
José Antonio Alonso ◽  
José Antonio Ocampo
Keyword(s):  
High Income ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Development Path ◽  
Middle Income Countries ◽  
Policy Responses ◽  
Income Status ◽  
Rare Phenomenon ◽  
Analytical Work

The chapter discusses the existence of potential economic traps that limit the capacity for middle-income countries (MICs) to converge towards high-income status. It presents an empirical exploration of the two interpretations (absolute and relative) of middle-income traps (MITs) and considers transitions between country categories that occurred during the last three decades. Even if transitions are a rare phenomenon, the authors conclude that evidence is not able to settle the existence of MITs, but it is enough to illustrate the severity of the challenges that MICs face in their development path. The chapter analyses the theoretical arguments offered to justify the presence of these pitfalls, as well as the main policy responses required to overcome them. Even if more analytical work is required, the chapter underlines that the debate around MITs has revitalized reflection on the active policies required to promote growth in MICs. Finally, the chapter presents an overview of the book, underlying the main contributions of each chapter.

Professionals’ perspectives of prosthetic and orthotic services in Tanzania, Malawi, Sierra Leone and Pakistan

2019 ◽  
Vol 43 (5) ◽  
pp. 500-507 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lina Magnusson
Keyword(s):  
Service Delivery ◽  
Sierra Leone ◽  
Further Education ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Allied Health Professions ◽  
Individual Interviews ◽  
Middle Income Countries ◽  
Pathological Conditions ◽  
Education Needs

Background: Evidence-based recommendations are lacking for prosthetic and orthotic services in low- and lower-middle-income countries. Objectives: The aim of this study was to compare and synthesise findings related to experiences of prosthetic and orthotic service delivery in Tanzania, Malawi, Sierra Leone and Pakistan from the perspective of local professionals. Study design: This is a qualitative inductive study. Methods: A total of 49 associated prosthetists/orthotists and prosthetic/orthotic technicians participated in individual interviews. The second-order concept analysis was applied to the data. Results: Four common themes emerged: low awareness and prioritisation of prosthetic and orthotic services; difficulty managing specific pathological conditions and problems with materials; limited access to prosthetic and orthotic services; and the need for further education and desire for professional development. A further theme was unique to Sierra Leone: people with disabilities have low social status. Conclusion: Local professionals felt unable to deliver high-quality prosthetic and orthotic services. Prosthetic and orthotic education needs to be adjusted to various countries’ regulations to be recognised as allied health professions. Rehabilitation and prosthetic and orthotic service delivery need to be further integrated in low- and lower-middle-income countries’ regular health systems to increase effective person-centred rehabilitation and to address governments’ low awareness and low prioritisation of prosthetic and orthotic services. Clinical relevance The results can inform international guidelines and curriculum development for associate prosthetist/orthotist education to better prepare graduates for the clinical scenario and attempts to improve prosthetic and orthotic service delivery programmes in low- and lower-middle-income countries.

scholarly journals Non-medical Interventions to Reduce the Burden of Psychosocial and Economic Impacts of COVID-19 Pandemic: A Scope Review

2021 ◽  
Vol In Press (In Press) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sajjad Azmand ◽  
Hassan Joulaei ◽  
Maryam Fatemi
Keyword(s):  
Economic Status ◽  
Target Population ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
Vital Role ◽  
Vulnerable Groups ◽  
Economic Aspects ◽  
Negative Consequences ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Medical Interventions ◽  
Middle Income Countries

Context: COVID-19, like the other pandemics, apart from its impacts on peoples' health, has had diverse huge impacts on psycho-socio-economic aspects of societies globally. Hence, applying appropriate interventions to reduce the indirect burden of this pandemic is as important as patients’ care. Objectives: In this study, we aimed to review the main interventions against the economic and psychosocial impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Method: This scope review was conducted to determine what measures have been taken by governments against different non-medical (economic and psychosocial) consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic. The authors reviewed the relevant articles published from December 2019 to December 2020 through three databases of PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, and Google Scholar. The interventions in three areas of economic, social, or psychological were exerted, and in the review of the articles, the country and the target population were considered. Finally, the results were categorized and presented descriptively. Results: Regarding the negative consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic in psychosocial and economic aspects of societies, governments, especially in developed countries, have established measures to reduce the burdens of these consequences. Apart from interventions related to the general population, at-risk and vulnerable groups and also those with low socio-economic status are specific target populations for interventions. Conclusions: The future of the COVID-19 pandemic is uncertain and unpredictable. Governments and their decisions will play a vital role in determining the trend of the pandemic. Therefore, it is the responsibility of governments, especially in lower-middle-income countries (LMICs), to support vulnerable people and protect them against the devastating socio-economic and psychological effects of this pandemic using all their capacity.

scholarly journals Maternal and neonatal data collection systems in low- and middle-income countries: scoping review protocol

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 ◽  
pp. 18 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mabel Berrueta ◽  
Ariel Bardach ◽  
Agustin Ciaponni ◽  
Xu Xiong ◽  
Andy Stergachis ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Data Collection ◽  
Scoping Review ◽  
Care Delivery ◽  
Grey Literature ◽  
Adverse Event Reporting ◽  
Vulnerable Groups ◽  
Recent Analysis ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Middle Income Countries ◽  
Low And Middle Income

Background: Pregnant women and neonates represent one of the most vulnerable groups, especially in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). A recent analysis reported that most vaccine pharmacovigilance systems in LMICs consist of spontaneous (passive) adverse event reporting. Thus, LMICs need effective active surveillance approaches, such as pregnancy registries. We intend to identify currently active maternal and neonatal data collection systems in LMICs, with the potential to inform active safety electronic surveillance for novel vaccines using standardized definitions. Methods: A scoping review will be conducted based on established methodology. Multiple databases of indexed and grey literature will be searched with a specific focus on existing electronic and paper-electronic systems in LMICs that collect continuous, prospective, and individual-level data from antenatal care, delivery, neonatal care (up to 28 days), and postpartum (up to 42 days) at the facility and community level, at the national and district level, and at large hospitals. Also, experts will be contacted to identify unpublished information on relevant data collection systems. General and specific descriptions of Health Information Systems (HIS) extracted from the different sources will be combined and duplicated HIS will be removed, producing a list of unique statements. We will present a final list of Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health systems considered flexible enough to be updated with necessary improvements to detect, assess and respond to safety concerns during the introduction of vaccines and other maternal health interventions. Selected experts will participate in an in-person consultation meeting to select up to three systems to be further explored in situ. Results and knowledge gaps will be synthesized after expert consultation.

Urine pregnancy test (UPT) hCG negative molar pregnancy: a short report from Masanga/Sierra Leone

2018 ◽  
Vol 49 (2) ◽  
pp. 129-132
Author(s):  
TM Gresnigt ◽  
JM Sikkema
Keyword(s):  
Sierra Leone ◽  
Short Report ◽  
Molar Pregnancy ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Pregnancy Test ◽  
Middle Income Countries ◽  
Hook Effect ◽  
District Hospitals ◽  
Resource Poor ◽  
Urine Pregnancy Test

In Masanga, Sierra Leone, a multigravid woman presented with a urine pregnancy test negative molar pregnancy. This can be explained by the ‘hook-effect’. In resource-poor settings where quantitative serum hCG cannot be determined, it is of paramount importance to remain vigilant of the diagnosis of molar pregnancy. Clinical judgement and sonography remain key in diagnosing molar pregnancy in district hospitals in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), especially since their occurrence is much more common in these countries.

Aging and the Rising Burden of Noncommunicable Diseases in Sub-Saharan Africa and other Low- and Middle-Income Countries: A Call for Holistic Action

2019 ◽  
Vol 60 (5) ◽  
pp. 806-811 ◽  
Author(s):  
Razak M Gyasi ◽  
David R Phillips
Keyword(s):  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Vulnerable Groups ◽  
Noncommunicable Diseases ◽  
Mortality Data ◽  
African Countries ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Middle Income Countries ◽  
Demographic Aging ◽  
Sub Saharan ◽  
Low And Middle Income

Abstract Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) are a prevalent and growing burden among older cohorts in sub-Saharan Africa and other low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) as in many wealthier parts of the world. This stems from the combined effects of factors such as demographic aging, behavioral transitions, and developmental origins of health and disease. A crucial characteristic of many NCDs is that their personal and family impacts and costs are not accurately reflected in mortality data. Their effects are often chronic and long-term and can cause morbidity, loss of work ability, and impaired quality of life over a prolonged period. Unless addressed seriously, the continuing increase of NCDs and their burden in sub-Saharan African countries and other LMICs will almost certainly undermine progress toward achieving the target of reducing by 25% premature mortality from NCDs in these countries by 2025 and also one-third reduction of NCDs target by 2030. To have any chance of meeting or even getting near to these targets, this article calls for action by national and regional governments to strengthen universal health coverage (UHC), economic empowerment of vulnerable groups, public–private partnerships, effective fiscal regulation, and public education on NCDs, their risk factors and impacts in sub-Saharan Africa in particular and most LMICs globally.

scholarly journals Where there is no psychiatrist: A mental health programme in Sierra Leone

2014 ◽  
Vol 20 (3) ◽  
pp. 6
Author(s):  
Pino Alonso ◽  
Brian Price ◽  
Abdul R Conteh ◽  
Carmen Valle ◽  
Patrick E Turay ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Disorders ◽  
Sierra Leone ◽  
Health Workers ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Middle Income Countries ◽  
Mental Health Programme ◽  
Drug Use Disorders ◽  
Health Programme

<p><strong>Background.</strong> For most low- and middle-income countries, mental health remains a neglected area, despite the recognised burden associated with neuropsychiatric conditions and the inextricable link to other public health priorities.</p><p><strong>Objectives.</strong> To describe the results of a free outpatient mental health programme delivered by non-specialist health workers in Makeni, Sierra Leone between July 2008 and May 2012. </p><p><strong>Methods.</strong> A nurse and two counsellors completed an 8-week training course focused on the identification and management of seven priority conditions: psychosis, bipolar disorder, depression, mental disorders due to medical conditions, developmental and behavioural disorders, alcohol and drug use disorders, and dementia. The World Health Organization recommendations on basic mental healthcare packages were followed to establish treatment for each condition. </p><p><strong>Results.</strong> A total of 549 patients was assessed and diagnosed as suffering from psychotic disorders (<em>n</em>=295, 53.7%), manic episodes (<em>n</em>=69, 12.5%), depressive episodes (<em>n</em>=53, 9.6%), drug use disorders (<em>n</em>=182, 33.1%), dementia (<em>n</em>=30, 5.4%), mental disorders due to medical conditions (<em>n</em>=39, 7.1%), and developmental disorders (<em>n</em>=46, 8.3%). Of these, 417 patients received pharmacological therapy and 70.7% were rated as much or very much improved. Of those who could not be offered medication, 93.4% dropped out of the programme after the first visit. </p><p><strong>Conclusions.</strong> The identification and treatment of mental disorders must be considered an urgent public health priority in low- and middle-income countries. Trained primary health workers can deliver safe and effective treatment for mental disorders as a feasible alternative to ease the scarcity of mental health specialists in developing countries.</p>

scholarly journals Climate Change and Child Health Inequality: A Review of Reviews

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (20) ◽  
pp. 10896
Author(s):  
Emmanuelle Arpin ◽  
Karl Gauffin ◽  
Meghan Kerr ◽  
Anders Hjern ◽  
Angela Mashford-Pringle ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Child Health ◽  
Health Inequalities ◽  
Economic Resources ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Quantitative Evidence ◽  
Middle Income Countries ◽  
Low Middle Income Countries ◽  
Review Of Reviews ◽  
And Child Health

There is growing evidence on the observed and expected consequences of climate change on population health worldwide. There is limited understanding of its consequences for child health inequalities, between and within countries. To examine these consequences and categorize the state of knowledge in this area, we conducted a review of reviews indexed in five databases (Medline, Embase, Web of Science, PsycInfo, Sociological Abstracts). Reviews that reported the effect of climate change on child health inequalities between low- and high-income children, within or between countries (high- vs low–middle-income countries; HICs and LMICs), were included. Twenty-three reviews, published between 2007 and January 2021, were included for full-text analyses. Using thematic synthesis, we identified strong descriptive, but limited quantitative, evidence that climate change exacerbates child health inequalities. Explanatory mechanisms relating climate change to child health inequalities were proposed in some reviews; for example, children in LMICs are more susceptible to the consequences of climate change than children in HICs due to limited structural and economic resources. Geographic and intergenerational inequalities emerged as additional themes from the review. Further research with an equity focus should address the effects of climate change on adolescents/youth, mental health and inequalities within countries.

scholarly journals The health sector cost of different policy responses to COVID-19 in low- and middle- income countries

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sergio Torres Rueda ◽  
Sedona Sweeney ◽  
Fiammetta Bozzani ◽  
Anna Vassall
Keyword(s):  
Health System ◽  
Health Sector ◽  
Fiscal Impact ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Middle Income Countries ◽  
Policy Responses ◽  
Bed Capacity ◽  
One Year ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Low And Middle Income

Much attention has focussed in recent months on the impact that COVID-19 has on health sector capacity, including critical care bed capacity and resources such as personal protective equipment. However, much less attention has focussed on the overall cost to health sectors, including the full human resource costs and the health system costs to address the pandemic. Here we present estimates of the total costs of COVID-19 response in low- and middle-income countries for different scenarios of COVID-19 mitigation over a one year period. We find costs vary substantially by setting, but in some settings even mitigation scenarios place a substantial fiscal impact on the health system. We conclude that the choices facing many low- and middle- income countries, without further rapid emergency financial support, are stark, between fully funding an effective COVID-19 reponse or other core essential health services.

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