scholarly journals Covid-19 and Cost of Living in Developing Countries

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Josue Diwambuena ◽  
Ishara Musimwa ◽  
Jean-Paul K. Tsasa
Keyword(s):  
Developing Countries ◽  
Health Insurance ◽  
Democratic Republic Of Congo ◽  
Causal Effect ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
Alcoholic Beverages ◽  
Cost Of Living ◽  
National Capital ◽  
The Cost ◽  
National Statistical Office

Abstract We document some evidence about effects of the Covid-19 pandemic on the cost of living in developing countries. We use data from the National Statistical Office of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Data are in weekly frequency. We propose a simple two-step strategy to evaluate the Covid-19 effect on the cost of living in the DRC. We consider two types of households: a typical household for the DRC and a typical household for Kinshasa –Kinshasa is the national capital and the largest city of the DRC. Then we compute the quasi-causal effect and the volatility differential for each household type. We show: First, in absolute terms, the consumption basket for a typical household in Kinshasa exhibits both a higher quasi-causal effect and a higher volatility differential than those observed from the consumption basket of a typical household for the whole country (i.e. the DRC). Second, in relative terms, the consumption basket for a typical household in Kinshasa exhibits higher quasi-causal effects than that for a typical household only in prices of food and non-alcoholic beverages and in prices of transport. Finally and more importantly, unlike developed countries where consumers spent more on food and other groceries during the pandemic, our results suggest that in response to the Covid-19 crisis, both the typical household in DRC and the typical household in Kinshasa spent more on health and communication. These findings highlight deep structural differences between developed countries, where health insurance is functional, and developing countries where patients generally face a deficit or lack of viable health insurance. Moreover, we argue expenditures on communication increased in response mainly to the lockdown measures, mobility restrictions or closing of national borders.

The cost implication of primary prevention in the HOPE 3 trial

2019 ◽  
Vol 5 (3) ◽  
pp. 266-271
Author(s):  
Andre Lamy ◽  
Eva Lonn ◽  
Wesley Tong ◽  
Balakumar Swaminathan ◽  
Hyejung Jung ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Developing Countries ◽  
Primary Prevention ◽  
Cost Saving ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
Sensitivity Analyses ◽  
Clinical Trial Registration ◽  
Pressure Lowering ◽  
The Cost ◽  
Care Costs ◽  
Country Specific

Abstract Aims The Heart Outcomes Prevention Evaluation-3 (HOPE-3) found that rosuvastatin alone or with candesartan and hydrochlorothiazide (HCT) (in a subgroup with hypertension) significantly lowered cardiovascular events compared with placebo in 12 705 individuals from 21 countries at intermediate risk and without cardiovascular disease. We assessed the costs implications of implementation in primary prevention in countries at different economic levels. Methods and results Hospitalizations, procedures, study and non-study medications were documented. We applied country-specific costs to the healthcare resources consumed for each patient. We calculated the average cost per patient in US dollars for the duration of the study (5.6 years). Sensitivity analyses were also performed with cheapest equivalent substitutes. The combination of rosuvastatin with candesartan/HCT reduced total costs and was a cost-saving strategy in United States, Canada, Europe, and Australia. In contrast, the treatments were more expensive in developing countries even when cheapest equivalent substitutes were used. After adjustment for gross domestic product (GDP), the costs of cheapest equivalent substitutes in proportion to the health care costs were higher in developing countries in comparison to developed countries. Conclusion Rosuvastatin and candesartan/HCT in primary prevention is a cost-saving approach in developed countries, but not in developing countries as both drugs and their cheapest equivalent substitutes are relatively more expensive despite adjustment by GDP. Reductions in costs of these drugs in developing countries are essential to make statins and blood pressure lowering drugs affordable and ensure their use. Clinical trial registration HOPE-3 ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT00468923.

scholarly journals Assessing the Potential Deployment of Biosensors for Point-of-Care Diagnostics in Developing Countries: Technological, Economic and Regulatory Aspects

Biosensors ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 8 (4) ◽  
pp. 119 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniel Migliozzi ◽  
Thomas Guibentif
Keyword(s):  
Developing Countries ◽  
Technological Development ◽  
Point Of Care ◽  
Medical Personnel ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
Key Factors ◽  
Resource Limited ◽  
Point Of Care Diagnostics ◽  
Successful Case ◽  
The Cost

Infectious diseases and antimicrobial resistance are major burdens in developing countries, where very specific conditions impede the deployment of established medical infrastructures. Since biosensing devices are nowadays very common in developed countries, particularly in the field of diagnostics, they are at a stage of maturity at which other potential outcomes can be explored, especially on their possibilities for multiplexing and automation to reduce the time-to-results. However, the translation is far from being trivial. In order to understand the factors and barriers that can facilitate or hinder the application of biosensors in resource-limited settings, we analyze the context from several angles. First, the technology of the devices themselves has to be rethought to take into account the specific needs and the available means of these countries. For this, we describe the partition of a biosensor into its functional shells, which define the information flow from the analyte to the end-user, and by following this partition we assess the strengths and weaknesses of biosensing devices in view of their specific technological development and challenging deployment in low-resource environments. Then, we discuss the problem of cost reduction by pointing out transversal factors, such as throughput and cost of mistreatment, that need to be re-considered when analyzing the cost-effectiveness of biosensing devices. Beyond the technical landscape, the compliance with regulations is also a major aspect that is described with its link to the validation of the devices and to the acceptance from the local medical personnel. Finally, to learn from a successful case, we analyze a breakthrough inexpensive biosensor that is showing high potential with respect to many of the described aspects. We conclude by mentioning both some transversal benefits of deploying biosensors in developing countries, and the key factors that can drive such applications.

Design Exploration of Affordable Refreshable Braille Display Technology for Low-Income Visually Impaired Users

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anthony S. Walker ◽  
Shraddha Sangelkar
Keyword(s):  
Developing Countries ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Visually Impaired ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
Tactile Display ◽  
Influential Factor ◽  
High Price ◽  
Digital Information ◽  
The Cost ◽  
Braille Display

People with visual disability need assistance in reading and writing by converting text to braille. Braille allows tactile display of the information for the visually impaired. Refreshable braille displays are commonly available in developed countries for a high price with the number of cells the display contains being the most influential factor on that price. Low-income blind individuals from developing countries cannot afford an expensive refreshable braille display, which in turn limits their access to digital information. The purpose to this paper is to explore design options for reducing the cost of refreshable braille displays. The paper begins with a summary of currently available refreshable braille displays on the market and their features. Next, the design requirements are explored for developing a low-cost device for visually impaired users in the developing countries. The paper also explains the state-of-the-art technologies for actuating the braille dots that may reduce the cost of the device. Finally, the recommendations for reducing the cost of these displays are presented.

scholarly journals New International Economic Order (NIEO): Origin, Elements and Criticisms

2017 ◽  
Vol 4 (3) ◽  
pp. 22
Author(s):  
Fesseha Mulu Gebremariam
Keyword(s):  
Economic Growth ◽  
International Economic ◽  
Developing Countries ◽  
International Economic Order ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
Economic Order ◽  
Poor Countries ◽  
Secondary Sources ◽  
The Cost ◽  
New System

Employing secondary sources of data this paper aims to assess the history, elements, and criticisms against New International Economic Order (NIEO). NIEO is mainly an economic movement happened after WWII with the aim of empowering developing countries politically through economic growth. It also criticizes the existing political and economic system as benefiting developed countries at the cost of developing countries so that a new system is needed that benefits poor countries. However, many criticize NIEO as hypothetical and unorganized movement. Clear division and disagreements among its members is evident. Developing countries failed to form unity, committed to meet the objectives of NIEO, and unable to compete in the market.

The need for anti-corruption policies in developing countries

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Richard G. Brody ◽  
Gaurav Gupta ◽  
Angela N. Ekofo ◽  
Kehinde Mayokun Ogunade
Keyword(s):  
Developing Countries ◽  
Developing World ◽  
Democratic Republic Of Congo ◽  
Developing Economies ◽  
Research Question ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
Comparative Approach ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Government ◽  
Laws And Policies

Purpose In this study, the authors examine the issue of corruption in the government institutions of developing countries. Additionally, this study aims to answer the following research question: How do developing countries implement and enforce these anti-corruption policies? Specifically, the authors look at the laws adopted in different developing countries to deal with issues related to corruption. Design/methodology/approach The authors use the qualitative approach to examine the causes of recent corruption among government officials in developing countries such as Nigeria, India, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda. A comparative approach was used to compare and contrast the anti-corruption practices of developing and developed countries. Findings The findings indicate that corruption is rampant in much of the developing world. On a positive note, the authors have found evidence of actions taken by governments in these developing economies to rapidly deal with issues of corruption. All the countries analyzed in this paper have developed anti-corruption policies and related acts to detect and punish the perpetrators of corruption. Originality/value This paper provides a greater insight as to how the anti-corruption policies are formulated and enforced in the developing world. Specifically, the authors provide examples of different emerging countries and their approaches to developing and enforcing anti-corruption policies. This guidance can help others around the world to deal with anti-corruption policies in their countries. Although the authors have learned a lot about the detrimental effects of corruption and laws enacted to combat it, the next step is to examine the processes used by the developing countries to develop these anti-corruption laws and policies.

PP02 Cost Effectiveness Of Tamoxifen For Breast Cancer Treatment In Ghana

2018 ◽  
Vol 34 (S1) ◽  
pp. 66-66
Author(s):  
Rebecca Addo ◽  
Stephen Goodall ◽  
Jane Hall Marion Haas
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Developing Countries ◽  
Cost Effectiveness ◽  
Adjuvant Treatment ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
African Countries ◽  
Treatment Protocols ◽  
Effective Measure ◽  
Menopausal Women ◽  
The Cost

Introduction:In recent years, unlike developing countries, developed countries have seen an increase in the survival of women diagnosed with breast cancer and this has been attributed to early detection through screening and best treatments such as adjuvant systemic therapies with medications like Tamoxifen. The burden of breast cancer in Africa, including Ghana, lies among premenopausal women, with mean age of diagnosis being 46 years. However, survival among these women is low due to reasons such as inability to afford treatment including Tamoxifen, an older but cheaper and effective adjuvant therapy. This study therefore sought to assess the cost effectiveness of Tamoxifen compared to nothing for the adjuvant treatment of early breast cancer among pre- and peri-menopausal women in Ghana to inform funding decisions.Methods:A Markov model was developed using TreeAge pro to incorporate effectiveness, costs and utility data. Effectiveness of Tamoxifen, rate of events and utility weights were derived from published literature. Resource utilization and costs were estimated from Ghanaian clinical expert, national health insurance scheme tariffs and medicines. The analysis was conducted from the perspective of the payer.Results:Patients on Tamoxifen incurred additional costs compared to those who received nothing. The key driver of costs was the cost of Tamoxifen. However, these costs were offset by the QALY gained: 3.51. The incremental cost effectiveness ratio (ICER) was GHC 666.15 (USD 150) per QALY gained. In line with the effective measure commonly used in developing countries, the ICER per DALYs averted was GHC 219.96 (USD 50). The results were sensitive to variations in the utility weights and the cost of Tamoxifen. There were no significant differences between the ICERs of premenopausal and peri-menopausal women in a subgroup analysis.Conclusions:Compared to no treatment, Tamoxifen therapy is highly cost-effective for the adjuvant treatment of breast cancer among pre- and peri-menopausal women in Ghana. The results can be applied to other African countries with similar resource use and treatment protocols

IS THE LIFE BOAT ETHIC APPROPRIATE?

PEDIATRICS ◽  
1975 ◽  
Vol 56 (1) ◽  
pp. 81-81
Keyword(s):  
Developing Countries ◽  
Raw Materials ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
The Rich ◽  
The Developed Countries ◽  
The Cost ◽  
Moral Legacy

Recent statements argue that we in the developed countries are in effect in a lifeboat, well supplied with resources, while many other countries are in other lifeboats without resources such as food. They argue that we should withhold these resources or risk future destruction from depletion of our own resources. As grim as this policy seems, it has many advocates today. What should the passengers on the rich lifeboat do? In answer Callahan argues that we cannot turn away from the needs of the developing countries no matter how seductive that course may seem now. For one thing, we are dependent on raw materials from them. But, more important, he points out that to bequeath a civilization of morality to our children is an even greater need, and we cannot do that by selfish isolation. "If we are to worry about our duty to posterity, it would not hurt to ask what kind of moral legacy we should bequeath. One in which we won our own survival at the cost of outright cruelty and callousness would be tawdry and vile."

scholarly journals Building Information Modelling in Cameroon

2016 ◽  
pp. 145-172
Author(s):  
F. H. Abanda ◽  
M. B. Manjia ◽  
C. Pettang ◽  
Joseph H. M. Tah ◽  
G. E. Nkeng
Keyword(s):  
Developing Countries ◽  
Pilot Study ◽  
Research Methods ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
African Countries ◽  
Building Information Modelling ◽  
Francophone Africa ◽  
Information Modelling ◽  
Building Information ◽  
The Cost

BIM has recently gained ground in developed countries. However, the use of BIM in developing countries including Cameroon is not well-known. In this study, BIM implementation in Cameroon is explored. The research methods used are a pilot study, electronic email surveys and in-depth phone interviews. Altogether, 179 professionals having at least a Master's Degree in Civil Engineering from the National Advanced School of Engineering Yaoundé I - Cameroon, a leading engineering institution in Francophone Africa, were sampled. Forty six provided feedback yielding a response rate of 25.7%. It emerged that some BIM software are already being used in Cameroon. However, major barriers hindering BIM uptake are high license fee and lack of huge projects that can pay off the cost of investment in BIM. Perhaps, partly because the respondents were highly skilled, it emerged that the lack of expertise was/is not a major problem to use BIM in projects. Although this study is limited to Cameroon, many recommendations could be relevant to other African countries.

scholarly journals CORPORATE AND SOVEREIGN FINANCING IN THE EUROBOND MARKET: SOME KEY ISSUES

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (21) ◽  
Author(s):  
Nermina Pobrić
Keyword(s):  
Developing Countries ◽  
Empirical Research ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
Theoretical Knowledge ◽  
Macroeconomic Factors ◽  
Corporate Financing ◽  
Key Issues ◽  
Market Factors ◽  
The Cost

In this article the author considers the previous importance of the Eurobond market for corporate and sovereign financing, corporate and sovereign Eurobonds issuing process, as well as costs and effects of corporate and sovereign financing in the Eurobond market. These four issues associated with corporate and sovereign financing in the Eurobond market are studied through exposing the relevant theoretical knowledge and results of empirical research. According to author’s findings, in developed countries the Eurobond market is more important for corporate than for sovereign financing. On the contrary, in developing countries the Eurobond market is more important for sovereign than for corporate financing. Most theoretical attitudes associated with the influence of different factors are grouped in three categories: issue characteristics, market factors and macroeconomic factors, as well as the influence of contagion on the cost of sovereign and corporate financing in the Eurobond market were empirically confirmed. Benefits of corporateandsovereignfinancingintheEurobondmarketare certainly large and risks can successfully be managed.

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