scholarly journals Lessons learned, challenges and outlooks for decision-making after a decade of experience monitoring the impact of indoor residual spraying in Benin, West Africa

2020 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Martin C. Akogbéto ◽  
Fortuné Dagnon ◽  
Rock Aïkpon ◽  
Razaki Ossé ◽  
Albert S. Salako ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
West Africa ◽  
Indoor Residual Spraying ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
The Impact

scholarly journals Lessons learned, challenges and outlooks for decision-making after a decade of experience monitoring the impact of indoor residual spraying in Benin, West Africa

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Martin C Akogbéto ◽  
Fortuné Dagnon ◽  
Rock Aikpon ◽  
Razaki OSSE ◽  
Albert Salako ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Management Strategies ◽  
Resistance Management ◽  
Indoor Residual Spraying ◽  
Cost Benefit ◽  
Blood Feeding ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
African Countries ◽  
Residual Malaria Transmission ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background: Since 2008, Indoor Residual Spraying (IRS) has been performed in Benin in 19 districts, including 4 in southern Benin, 9 in Atacora, and 8 in Atacora, Alibori and Donga in northern Benin. However, Benin still struggles with questions about IRS cost benefit and epidemiological impact. Lessons learned and challenges from 10 years of IRS in Benin to be shared with the stakeholders involved in vector control implementation for decision-making.Methods: Entomological parameters have been assessed entomological parameters in IRS communes since 2008. In all IRS intervention communes, decreases in human biting rate (HBR) of Anopheles gambiae, blood feeding inhibition and entomological inoculation rate (EIR) as compared to control district have been measured.Results: EIR was reduced by 80-90%, which is encouraging, but should be observed with caution because: (i) the reduction may be insufficient to decrease epidemiological indicators given that the residual EIR in IRS districts is still higher than it is in some regions of stable malaria; (ii) the reduction in EIR is based on comparisons with control communes, but it is difficult to select control areas with the same environmental characteristics as intervention areas; (iii) despite the reduction, half of all mosquitoes that entered IRS-treated houses succeeded in taking human blood meals. Further, there are behaviours among Benin’s population that limit IRS efficacy, including recent data showing that >90% of people are not protected by IRS between 7-10 PM. This is due to the fact that they remain outdoors and that most people are not protected from mosquito bites after 10 PM because they either sleep outdoors without IRS protection or indoors without an ITN. Moreover, people have large amounts of clothing hanging on walls where mosquitoes can rest instead of IRS-treated walls. Finally, other components are important to consider in implementing IRS among which: (i) Vector resistance management strategies are sometimes poorly understood; this is actually different from the need to replace one insecticide with another after the emergence of resistance; (ii) African countries should prepare to finance IRS themselves.Conclusion: To curtail residual malaria transmission, additional interventions able to target vectors escaping IRS should be prioritized.

scholarly journals Lessons Learned From an Early Hotspot During the COVID-19 Pandemic

2021 ◽  
pp. 000313482199475
Author(s):  
Brett M. Chapman ◽  
George M. Fuhrman
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Surgical Education ◽  
Clinical Care ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Educational Environment ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Residency Programs ◽  
Surgical Residency ◽  
The Impact

The Covid-19 pandemic has provided challenges for surgical residency programs demanding fluid decision making focused on providing care for our patients, maintaining an educational environment, and protecting the well-being of our residents. This brief report summarizes the impact of the impact on our residency programs clinical care and education. We have identified opportunities to improve our program using videoconferencing, managing recruitment, and maintaining a satisfactory caseload to ensure the highest possible quality of surgical education.

scholarly journals The Ebola outbreak, 2013–2016: old lessons for new epidemics

2017 ◽  
Vol 372 (1721) ◽  
pp. 20160297 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cordelia E. M. Coltart ◽  
Benjamin Lindsey ◽  
Isaac Ghinai ◽  
Anne M. Johnson ◽  
David L. Heymann
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
West Africa ◽  
Disease Control ◽  
Ebola Virus ◽  
Case Fatality ◽  
West African ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Haemorrhagic Fever ◽  
Chronological Order ◽  
Epidemiological Parameters

Ebola virus causes a severe haemorrhagic fever in humans with high case fatality and significant epidemic potential. The 2013–2016 outbreak in West Africa was unprecedented in scale, being larger than all previous outbreaks combined, with 28 646 reported cases and 11 323 reported deaths. It was also unique in its geographical distribution and multicountry spread. It is vital that the lessons learned from the world's largest Ebola outbreak are not lost. This article aims to provide a detailed description of the evolution of the outbreak. We contextualize this outbreak in relation to previous Ebola outbreaks and outline the theories regarding its origins and emergence. The outbreak is described by country, in chronological order, including epidemiological parameters and implementation of outbreak containment strategies. We then summarize the factors that led to rapid and extensive propagation, as well as highlight the key successes, failures and lessons learned from this outbreak and the response. This article is part of the themed issue ‘The 2013–2016 West African Ebola epidemic: data, decision-making and disease control’.

scholarly journals Lessons learned, challenges and outlooks for decision-making after a decade of experience monitoring the impact of Indoor Residual Spraying in Benin, West Africa

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Martin C Akogbéto ◽  
Fortuné Dagnon ◽  
Rock Aikpon ◽  
Razaki OSSE ◽  
Albert Salako ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Management Strategies ◽  
Resistance Management ◽  
Indoor Residual Spraying ◽  
Cost Benefit ◽  
Blood Feeding ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
African Countries ◽  
Residual Malaria Transmission ◽  
Epidemiological Impact ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background Since 2008, Indoor Residual Spraying (IRS) has been performed in Benin in 19 districts, including 4 in southern Benin, 9 in Atacora, and 8 in Atacora, Alibori and Donga in northern Benin. However, Benin still struggles with questions about IRS cost benefit and epidemiological impact. We discussed lessons learned and challenges from 10 years of IRS in Benin to be shared with the stakeholders involved in vector control implementation for decisions making. Methods We have assessed entomological parameters in IRS communes since 2008. In all IRS intervention communes, decreases in Human Biting Rate (HBR) of An. gambiae, blood feeding inhibition and Entomological Inoculation Rate (EIR) as compared to control district have been measured. Results EIR was reduced by 80-90%, which is encouraging, but should be observed with caution because: (i) the reduction may be insufficient to decrease epidemiological indicators given that the residual EIR in IRS districts is still higher than it is in some regions of stable malaria; (ii) the reduction in EIR is based on comparisons with control communes, but it is difficult to select control areas with the same environmental characteristics as intervention areas; (iii) despite the reduction, half of all mosquitoes that entered IRS-treated houses succeeded in taking human blood meals. Further, there are behaviors among Benin’s population that limit IRS efficacy, including recent data showing that >90% of people are not protected by IRS between 7-10 PM. This is due to the fact that they remain outside and that most people are not protected from mosquito bites after 10 PM because they either sleep outside without IRS protection or inside without an ITN. Moreover, people have large amounts of clothing hanging on walls where mosquitoes can rest instead of IRS-treated walls. Finally, other components are important to consider in implementing IRS among which: (i) Vector resistance management strategies are sometimes poorly understood; this is actually different from replacing an insecticide by another after the emergence of resistance; (ii) African countries should prepare to finance IRS themselves. Conclusion To curtail residual malaria transmission, additional interventions able to target vectors escaping IRS should be prioritized. Keywords: IRS, Lessons learned, challenges, outlooks, Benin

scholarly journals Potential impact of climate and socioeconomic changes on future agricultural land use in West Africa

2015 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
pp. 1129-1162 ◽  
Author(s):  
K. F. Ahmed ◽  
G. Wang ◽  
L. You ◽  
M. Yu
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Land Use ◽  
West Africa ◽  
Crop Yield ◽  
Agricultural Land ◽  
Regional Climate ◽  
Food Demand ◽  
Agricultural Land Use ◽  
Socioeconomic Drivers ◽  
The Impact

Abstract. Agriculture is a key component of anthropogenic land use and land cover changes that influence regional climate. Meanwhile, in addition to socioeconomic drivers, climate is another important factor shaping agricultural land use. In this study, we compare the contributions of climate change and socioeconomic development to potential future changes of agricultural land use in West Africa using a prototype land use projection (LandPro) algorithm. The algorithm is based on a balance between food supply and demand, and accounts for the impact of socioeconomic drivers on the demand side and the impact of climate-induced crop yield changes on the supply side. The impact of human decision-making on land use is explicitly considered through multiple "what-if" scenarios. In the application to West Africa, future crop yield changes were simulated by a process-based crop model driven with future climate projections from a regional climate model, and future changes in food demand were projected using a model for policy analysis of agricultural commodities and trade. Without agricultural intensification, the climate-induced decrease in crop yield together with increase in food demand are found to cause a significant increase in agricultural land use at the expense of forest and grassland by the mid-century. The increase in agricultural land use is primarily climate-driven in the western part of West Africa and socioeconomically driven in the eastern part. Analysis of results from multiple decision-making scenarios suggests that human adaptation characterized by science-informed decision making to minimize land use could be very effective in many parts of the region.

scholarly journals Children’s voices in system reform - A case study on children and young people’s participation within the modernisation of Child, Youth and Family

2017 ◽  
Vol 29 (1) ◽  
pp. 41-52 ◽  
Author(s):  
Luke Fitzmaurice
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Young People ◽  
Lived Experience ◽  
Expert Panel ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
System Reform ◽  
Youth Justice ◽  
Children And Young People ◽  
The Impact

INTRODUCTION: In 2015, an independent panel was appointed to overhaul Aotearoa New Zealand’s care, protection and youth justice systems. This article discusses the mechanisms used to involve children and young people in that review and evaluates the extent to which these mechanisms lived up to best practice.METHOD: The article takes a case study approach: exploring the ways in which the Expert Panel enabled children and young people to have a meaningful role in the process. The author was a member of the Expert Panel Secretariat, which supported the Panel during the review. The impact that young people’s voices had on the process motivated this research in order to explore what made their input effective, and what could have been improved.FINDINGS: The Expert Panel made young people’s participation in the review meaningful by valuing their lived experience and providing the necessary support to enable them to have their voices heard. Although more could have been done to reduce the risk of filtering and assumed representation, the Panel’s approach to involving children and young people in the design process was strongly in line with a childhood studies approach to children and young people’s participation.CONCLUSIONS: The outcomes of this process challenge the assumption that giving young people decision-making power is what makes this type of process effective. It may be that decision-making influence, not decision-making power, is what makes young people’s participation meaningful. The lessons learned from this process should guide the next phase of system reform.

scholarly journals Life as a knowledge broker in public health

2008 ◽  
Vol 29 (3) ◽  
pp. 79 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paula Robeson ◽  
Maureen Dobbins ◽  
Kara DeCorby
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Decision Making ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Health Sector ◽  
Organizational Capacity ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Information Professionals ◽  
Typical Day ◽  
Regional Health Authorities ◽  
The Impact

Program objective – Knowledge brokers (KBs), like clinical librarians (CLs), are information professionals involved in the promotion of evidence-informed decision-making (EIDM). As with CLs, the impact of literature-evaluating KBs on the health sector is sparse, and there is limited consensus on their role. To provide guidance to information professionals and organizations regarding the KB role, this paper describes a typical “day in the life” of a KB in delivering a program to promote EIDM among Canadian public health professionals. Setting – The KB program was implemented in a randomized controlled trial evaluating knowledge transfer and exchange strategies. Participants – Public health managers at various levels within Canadian public health units or regional health authorities. Program – The KB identified decision makers’ (DMs) evidence needs; facilitated access to and use of high-quality evidence; assisted in decision making; and facilitated EIDM skill development. Results – The KB role, activities and related tasks, lessons learned, and challenges are described. Conclusion – Central themes included the importance of relationship development, ongoing support, customized approaches, and individual and organizational capacity development. The novelty of the KB role in public health provided a unique opportunity to assess the need for and reaction to the role and its associated activities.

scholarly journals Potential impact of climate and socioeconomic changes on future agricultural land use in West Africa

2016 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 151-165 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kazi Farzan Ahmed ◽  
Guiling Wang ◽  
Liangzhi You ◽  
Miao Yu
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Land Use ◽  
West Africa ◽  
Crop Yield ◽  
Agricultural Land ◽  
Regional Climate ◽  
Food Demand ◽  
Agricultural Land Use ◽  
Socioeconomic Drivers ◽  
The Impact

Abstract. Agriculture is a key component of anthropogenic land use and land cover changes that influence regional climate. Meanwhile, in addition to socioeconomic drivers, climate is another important factor shaping agricultural land use. In this study, we compare the contributions of climate change and socioeconomic development to potential future changes of agricultural land use in West Africa using a prototype land use projection (LandPro) algorithm. The algorithm is based on a balance between food supply and demand, and accounts for the impact of socioeconomic drivers on the demand side and the impact of climate-induced crop yield changes on the supply side. The impact of human decision-making on land use is explicitly considered through multiple "what-if" scenarios. In the application to West Africa, future crop yield changes were simulated by a process-based crop model driven with future climate projections from a regional climate model, and future changes of food demand is projected using a model for policy analysis of agricultural commodities and trade. Without agricultural intensification, the climate-induced decrease in crop yield together with future increases in food demand is found to cause a significant increase in cropland areas at the expense of forest and grassland by the mid-century. The increase in agricultural land use is primarily climate-driven in the western part of West Africa and socioeconomically driven in the eastern part. Analysis of results from multiple scenarios of crop area allocation suggests that human adaptation characterized by science-informed decision-making can potentially minimize future land use changes in many parts of the region.

scholarly journals Lessons learned, challenges and outlooks for decision-making after a decade of experience monitoring the impact of Indoor Residual Spraying in Benin, West Africa

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Martin C Akogbéto ◽  
Fortuné Dagnon ◽  
Rock Aikpon ◽  
Razaki Osse ◽  
Albert Salako ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Management Strategies ◽  
Resistance Management ◽  
Indoor Residual Spraying ◽  
Cost Benefit ◽  
Blood Feeding ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
African Countries ◽  
Residual Malaria Transmission ◽  
Epidemiological Impact ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background Since 2008, Indoor Residual Spraying (IRS) has been performed in Benin in 19 districts, including 4 in southern Benin, 9 in Atacora, and 8 in Atacora, Alibori and Donga in northern Benin. However, Benin still struggles with questions about IRS cost benefit and epidemiological impact. We discussed lessons learned and challenges from 10 years of IRS in Benin to be shared with the stakeholders involved in vector control implementation for decisions making. Methods We have assessed entomological parameters in IRS communes since 2008. In all IRS intervention communes, decreases in Human Biting Rate (HBR) of An. gambiae, blood feeding inhibition and Entomological Inoculation Rate (EIR) as compared to control district have been measured. Results EIR was reduced by 80-90%, which is encouraging, but should be observed with caution because: (i) the reduction may be insufficient to decrease epidemiological indicators given that the residual EIR in IRS districts is still higher than it is in some regions of stable malaria; (ii) the reduction in EIR is based on comparisons with control communes, but it is difficult to select control areas with the same environmental characteristics as intervention areas; (iii) despite the reduction, half of all mosquitoes that entered IRS-treated houses succeeded in taking human blood meals. Further, there are behaviors among Benin’s population that limit IRS efficacy, including recent data showing that >90% of people are not protected by IRS between 7-10 PM. This is due to the fact that they remain outside and that most people are not protected from mosquito bites after 10 PM because they either sleep outside without IRS protection or inside without an ITN. Moreover, people have large amounts of clothing hanging on walls where mosquitoes can rest instead of IRS-treated walls. Finally, other components are important to consider in implementing IRS among which: (i) Vector resistance management strategies are sometimes poorly understood; this is actually different from should be replacing one insecticide with another after the emergence of resistance; (ii) African countries should prepare to finance IRS themselves. Conclusion To curtail residual malaria transmission, additional interventions able to target vectors escaping IRS should be prioritized.

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