A cost analysis of options for schistosomiasis control MDA programs targeting children aged five years and below in uMkhanyakude District of KwaZulu-Natal Province, South

Cost Effective ◽

Childhood Development ◽

Team Approach ◽

Cost Of Treatment ◽

Schistosomiasis Control ◽

Kwazulu Natal ◽

Abstract Background Schistosomiasis negatively impacts early childhood development. Inclusion of children aged five years and below in mass drug administration (MDA) programs for controlling schistosomiasis could improve early childhood development in communities where the disease is endemic. We estimated the projected cost of implementing a schistosomiasis control MDA program for children aged five years and below in the uMkhanyakude district of South Africa.Method We calculated the cost of implementing a schistosomiasis MDA program targeting children aged five years and below using an economies of scaled based cost function. We further compared different labor composition simulations to determine the most affordable and available human resources to implement the program. We also explored programs to which the MDA program could be integrated; and estimated what the costs for would be. Moreover, we simulated cost-effectiveness and determined the cost drivers for each simulation considered.Results A ward-based outreach team (WBOT) for implementing a schistosomiasis MDA program targeting children 5 years old and below was the best labor composition option. The simulations conducted indicated that treating children in batches of 2500 using the WBOT team approach could reduce the cost of treatment by 53% compared to treating the children on batches of 500. Integrating a schistosomiasis MDA targeting children aged 5 years and below with the immunization program was estimated to cost 3% less than integration with the deworming and Vitamin A supplementation program indicating that the former option is more cost-effective. Praziquantel, the drug that is used to treat schistosomiasis contributed over 30% of the total cost for the program.Conclusion. We estimated that between US$6,5 million and US$ 7,5 million would be needed to implement a cost effective MDA program targeting children 5 years old and blow over 3 years in uMkhanyakude district.

A Cost Analysis of Options for Schistosomiasis Control MDA Programs Targeting Children Aged Five Years and below in uMkhanyakude District of KwaZulu-Natal Province, South Africa

10.21203/rs.3.rs-53393/v1 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Mhlengi Vella Ncube ◽

Moses John Chimbari

Keyword(s):

South Africa ◽

Early Childhood ◽

Cost Effective ◽

Childhood Development ◽

Team Approach ◽

Schistosomiasis Control ◽

Kwazulu Natal ◽

Abstract BackgroundSchistosomiasis negatively impacts early childhood development. Inclusion of children aged five years and below in mass drug administration (MDA) programs for controlling schistosomiasis could improve early childhood development in communities where the disease is endemic. We estimated the projected cost of implementing a schistosomiasis control MDA program for children aged five years and below in the uMkhanyakude district of South Africa.MethodWe calculated the cost of implementing a schistosomiasis MDA program targeting children aged five years and below using an economies of scaled based cost function. We further compared different labor composition simulations to determine the most affordable and available human resources to implement the program. We also explored programs to which the MDA program could be integrated; and estimated what the costs for would be. Moreover, we simulated cost-effectiveness and determined the cost drivers for each simulation considered.ResultsA ward-based outreach team (WBOT) for implementing a schistosomiasis MDA program targeting children 5 years old and below was the best labor composition option. The simulations conducted indicated that treating children in batches of 2500 using the WBOT team approach could reduce the cost of treatment by 53% compared to treating the children on batches of 500. Integrating a schistosomiasis MDA targeting children aged 5 years and below with the immunization program was estimated to cost 3% less than integration with the deworming and Vitamin A supplementation program indicating that the former option is more cost-effective. Praziquantel, the drug that is used to treat schistosomiasis contributed 59% of the total cost for such a program.Conclusion.We estimated that US$4.3 million would be needed to implement a cost effective MDA program targeting children 5 years old and blow over 3 years in uMkhanyakude district.

A cost analysis of options for schistosomiasis control MDA programs targeting children aged five years and below in uMkhanyakude District of KwaZulu-Natal Province, South Africa

10.21203/rs.3.rs-33856/v1 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Mhlengi Vella Ncube ◽

Moses John Chimbari

Keyword(s):

South Africa ◽

Early Childhood ◽

Cost Effective ◽

Childhood Development ◽

Team Approach ◽

Schistosomiasis Control ◽

Kwazulu Natal ◽

Abstract BackgroundSchistosomiasis negatively impacts early childhood development. Inclusion of children aged five years and below in mass drug administration (MDA) programs for controlling schistosomiasis could improve early childhood development in communities where the disease is endemic. We estimated the projected cost of implementing a schistosomiasis control MDA program for children aged five years and below in the uMkhanyakude district of South Africa.MethodWe calculated the cost of implementing a schistosomiasis MDA program targeting children aged five years and below using an economies of scaled based cost function. We further compared different labor composition simulations to determine the most affordable and available human resources to implement the program. We also explored programs to which the MDA program could be integrated; and estimated what the costs for would be. Moreover, we simulated cost-effectiveness and determined the cost drivers for each simulation considered.ResultsA ward-based outreach team (WBOT) for implementing a schistosomiasis MDA program targeting children 5 years old and below was the best labor composition option. The simulations conducted indicated that treating children in batches of 2500 using the WBOT team approach could reduce the cost of treatment by 53% compared to treating the children on batches of 500. Integrating a schistosomiasis MDA targeting children aged 5 years and below with the immunization program was estimated to cost 3% less than integration with the deworming and Vitamin A supplementation program indicating that the former option is more cost-effective. Praziquantel, the drug that is used to treat schistosomiasis contributed 59% of the total cost for such a program.Conclusion.We estimated that US$4.3 million would be needed to implement a cost effective MDA program targeting children 5 years old and blow over 3 years in uMkhanyakude district.

A Cost Analysis of Options for Schistosomiasis Control Mda Programs Targeting Children Aged Five Years and Below in Umkhanyakude District of Kwazulu-natal Province, South Africa

10.21203/rs.3.rs-64034/v1 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Mhlengi Vella Ncube ◽

Moses John Chimbari

Keyword(s):

South Africa ◽

Early Childhood ◽

Cost Effective ◽

Childhood Development ◽

Team Approach ◽

Schistosomiasis Control ◽

Kwazulu Natal ◽

Abstract BackgroundSchistosomiasis negatively impacts early childhood development. Inclusion of children aged five years and below in mass drug administration (MDA) programs for controlling schistosomiasis could improve early childhood development in communities where the disease is endemic. We estimated the projected cost of implementing a schistosomiasis control MDA program for children aged five years and below in the uMkhanyakude district of South Africa.MethodWe calculated the cost of implementing a schistosomiasis MDA program targeting children aged five years and below using an economies of scaled based cost function. We further compared different labor composition simulations to determine the most affordable and available human resources to implement the program. We also explored programs to which the MDA program could be integrated; and estimated what the costs for would be. Moreover, we simulated cost-effectiveness and determined the cost drivers for each simulation considered.ResultsA ward-based outreach team (WBOT) for implementing a schistosomiasis MDA program targeting children 5 years old and below was the best labor composition option. The simulations conducted indicated that treating children in batches of 2500 using the WBOT team approach could reduce the cost of treatment by 53% compared to treating the children on batches of 500. Integrating a schistosomiasis MDA targeting children aged 5 years and below with the immunization program was estimated to cost 3% less than integration with the deworming and Vitamin A supplementation program indicating that the former option is more cost-effective. Praziquantel, the drug that is used to treat schistosomiasis contributed 59% of the total cost for such a program.Conclusion.We estimated that US$4.3 million would be needed to implement a cost effective MDA program targeting children 5 years old and blow over 3 years in uMkhanyakude district.

Scaling up support for children in HIV-affected families by involving early childhood development workers: community views from KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

Development Southern Africa ◽

10.1080/03768350701836202 ◽

2008 ◽

Vol 25 (1) ◽

pp. 61-73 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

Myra Taylor ◽

Jane D Kvalsvig

Keyword(s):

South Africa ◽

Early Childhood ◽

Scaling Up ◽

Childhood Development ◽

Kwazulu Natal ◽

Development Workers

A journey in family literacy : investigation into influences on the development of an approach to family literacy

10.51415/10321/745 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

◽

Alethea Snoeks Desmond

Keyword(s):

Early Childhood ◽

Adult Literacy ◽

Family Literacy ◽

Childhood Development ◽

Policy And Practice ◽

The Public ◽

Self Study ◽

Kwazulu Natal ◽

External Evaluators

In this critical reflective self study I have examined the Family Literacy Project (FLP) to determine the influences that contributed to the development of an approach to family literacy. This study responds to the question What influences contributed to the development of an approach to family literacy relevant to the needs of families in rural KwaZulu Natal? By identifying and exploring and critically reflecting on these influences I provide insights that can inform policy and practice in the adult education and early childhood development sectors in South Africa. The study includes my critical reflections on finding a voice within a self study and how this has contributed towards the development of a methodology. In the process, I have developed a deeper understanding and appreciation of what has been achieved in the FLP during the first eight years under my directorship, and why. In the study, I report on these insights. The FLP project in this study is situated in deeply rural KwaZulu Natal, where the existing extensive knowledge base is almost exclusively oral, and informed by well established insights, understandings and values. In this context, I have examined the roles of families, adult literacy and early childhood development to establish their impact on the development of literacy in families. Through critical reflection, I then identified the principles – active learning, holistic development, community and children‟s rights – underpinning the FLP and was able to establish how these impacted on the development and success of the project. I then examined the roles, practices and characteristics of the FLP facilitators, and the experiences of facilitators and those who engaged in the project. I also looked at the roles played by the community, the external evaluators, and the effect of exposure of the project in the public domain through attendance at iv conferences, publication of journal articles, and awards made to the project because of its successes. I conclude the study by suggesting how the insights from the study might provide support for others engaged in such initiatives and indicating how the topic may be further investigated.

The disempowerment of early childhood practitioners in impoverished and marginalised communities

South African Journal of Childhood Education ◽

10.4102/sajce.v9i1.590 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 9 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Tilana Knafo ◽

Brigitte Smit ◽

Petro Marais

Keyword(s):

Early Childhood ◽

Predominantly White ◽

Narrative Inquiry ◽

Developmental Outcomes ◽

Cost Effective ◽

Childhood Development ◽

The Social ◽

Poor Children ◽

Do So

Background: Quality early childhood programmes have proven to be highly cost-effective in reversing the detrimental consequences of poverty on children’s development. However, these programmes can only influence developmental outcomes of poor children if their needs are considered.Aim: The purpose of this article was to inquire into the experiences of two early childhood development (ECD) practitioners working and living in impoverished and marginalised predominantly white communities where the involvement of volunteers from charity organisations was prominent. The researchers argued that the practitioners’ experiences regarding their work should inform the kind of complementary volunteer aid and support sought for.Setting: The research sites were two informal predominantly white settlements where unemployed residents lived in makeshift housing.Methods: A narrative inquiry, nested in the social constructivist paradigm, was employed to explore the experiences of two practitioners. Data were collected from narrative interviews, observations, documents, photographs and artefacts.Results: Both participants knew well that the needs of the children in their care differed significantly from those of their more affluent peers and believed that training would equip them better for their task. Although both centres (and communities) benefitted from volunteer support, this well-intended aid was often misguided as the volunteers were not qualified educators and did not understand the context.Conclusion: The volunteers did not empower the practitioners to use their insight and experience to deliver a quality programme fit for context. Instead, they left the practitioners with a sense of disempowerment by dictating the programmes and practices to be followed in the respective ECD centres, even though they were not qualified to do so.

What does Africa’s young leadership mean for the continent’s early childhood development future? And what stands in its way?

Global Studies of Childhood ◽

10.1177/2043610619857218 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 10 (2) ◽

pp. 195-201

Author(s):

Patrick Makokoro

Keyword(s):

Early Childhood ◽

Young People ◽

Cost Effective ◽

Leadership Capacity ◽

Childhood Development ◽

African Countries ◽

Development Agenda ◽

Emerging Leadership ◽

Building Leadership Capacity

Africa’s emerging leadership is made up of young people who have energy, passion, and vision for the continent. Harnessed well, this passion and energy will ensure African countries will be able to benefit from an array of human capital that can take the early childhood development agenda on the continent forward. But many challenges stand in the way of the emerging young leadership – and it is essential that we give our children and youth the tools to overcome them. Early Childhood Development is a pillar and tool that can assist young leaders to pick up their role in the development of their nations and continent. Early investments in young children through early childhood development programmes that support a strong start and foundation have been proven to be cost-effective. As the continent boasts of a young population, how prepared are the youth to lead in early childhood development in the future that lies ahead? It is essential that young people be a central and active pillar in the continents development agenda and participate in early childhood development. For the transformation and development process of the continent to forge ahead, leadership capacity promotion in early childhood development must be a priority to help create a secure, prosperous, and peaceful continent. The author highlights some capacity promotion initiatives that he has participated in and the role they have played in building leadership capacity in early childhood development.