scholarly journals “Give Us the Chance to Be Part of You, We Want Our Voices to Be Heard”: Assistive Technology as a Mediator of Participation in (Formal and Informal) Citizenship Activities for Persons with Disabilities Who Are Slum Dwellers in Freetown, Sierra Leone

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (11) ◽  
pp. 5547
Author(s):  
Victoria Austin ◽  
Cathy Holloway ◽  
Ignacia Ossul Vermehren ◽  
Abs Dumbuya ◽  
Giulia Barbareschi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Assistive Technology ◽  
Sierra Leone ◽  
World Health Organisation ◽  
World Health ◽  
Capacity Assessment ◽  
Informal Markets ◽  
Major Barrier ◽  
Deep Dive ◽  
Persons With Disabilities ◽  
Slum Dwellers

The importance of assistive technology (AT) is gaining recognition, with the World Health Organisation (WHO) set to publish a Global Report in 2022. Yet little is understood about access for the poorest, or the potential of AT to enable this group to participate in the activities of citizenship; both formal and informal. The aim of this qualitative study was to explore AT as mediator of participation in citizenship for persons with disabilities who live in two informal settlements in Freetown, Sierra Leone (SL). The paper presents evidence from 16 participant and 5 stakeholder interviews; 5 focus groups and 4 events; combining this with the findings of a house-to-house AT survey; and two national studies—a country capacity assessment and an informal markets deep-dive. Despite citizenship activities being valued, a lack of AT was consistently reported and hindered participation. Stigma was also found to be a major barrier. AT access for the poorest must be addressed if citizenship participation for persons with disabilities is a genuine global intention and disability justice is to become a reality.

Research on Understanding the vulnerabilities of Children with Disabilities Living in Alternative Care

2021 ◽  
pp. 234930032110228
Author(s):  
Shamim Ferdous ◽  
Mohammad Deloar Hossain
Keyword(s):  
Social Services ◽  
Quantitative Methods ◽  
Children With Disabilities ◽  
World Health Organisation ◽  
World Health ◽  
Persons With Disabilities ◽  
Secondary Sources ◽  
Qualitative And Quantitative Methods ◽  
Residential Institutions ◽  
The Government

Children with disabilities (CWDs) are one of the most marginalised and excluded groups in the society. Facing daily discrimination in the form of negative attitudes, lack of adequate policies and legislation, they are effectively barred from realising their rights to healthcare, education and even survival. It has been estimated that exposure towards all forms of violence against CWDs is four-time greater than that of children without disabilities. Bangladesh has an estimated 7–10 million CWDs (out of a total of 72 million children, World Health Organisation Report). Most of the time, these children are treated as a burden to their families or the community and thus become subject to violence. There are very few specialised institutions with residential facility to take care of them. So, they are institutionalised in general residential institutions at a significantly higher rate than other children. But both the special and general residential institutions have lack of skilled human resources and knowledge of the special situation and needs of CWDs. Peer groups of the CWDs are also less sensitised, which result in further stigma and discrimination of CWDs. A 2010 study was done by the Ministry of Women and children Affairs. The findings from interviews with adolescents’ aged 13–16 in 12 locations of Dhaka City revealed their extreme vulnerability. In 2010, a study by Bangladesh Protibondhi Foundation that conducted a survey supported by the Save the Children Sweden–Denmark found that 51.4% of CWDs are either at risk of sexual abuse (12.5%) or have been sexually abused (38.9%).The government of Bangladesh has taken a number of legislative and policy steps that indicate commitment to advancing the rights of persons with disabilities. In terms of international instruments, Department of Social Services under Ministry of Social Welfare operates various types of institutions for the children and also CWDs. The study will adopt qualitative and quantitative methods to collect information from both primary and secondary sources and also assess the situation of government non-government organisations/religious institutions where CWDs have residential facilities in order to understand which factors contribute to increased vulnerability of these children.

scholarly journals The Impact of Covid-19 Public Health Policies on Persons with Disability and their Caregivers in Malta

2021 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
pp. 25-37
Author(s):  
Andrew Camilleri ◽  
Samantha Pace Gasan ◽  
Andrew Azzopardi
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
World Health Organisation ◽  
World Health ◽  
Persons With Disabilities ◽  
Health Authorities ◽  
Essential Services ◽  
Public Health Authorities ◽  
Novel Coronavirus ◽  
Restrictive Measures ◽  
The Impact

On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organisation (WHO) declared a global health pandemic, due to the spread of a novel coronavirus, later named “Covid-19”. The spread of Covid-19 led to social isolation, distancing and a number of restrictive measures in Malta.  The aim of this paper is to analyse the impact of Covid-19 and the subsequent restrictive measures on persons with disability and their caregivers and families in Malta. Using thematic analysis, the study found that a variety of impacts ranging from a sense of isolation, lack of essential services being provided, additional difficulties encountered at the place of work and education and measures that were not sufficiently tailored for persons with disability issued by public health authorities. Underlying the additional difficulties brought about by Covid-19, structural difficulties to access essential services as well as ignorance from policy makers and politicians and the added “vulnerable-ization” of persons with disabilities were found to be highly impacting factors that pervade the experience of persons with disabilities and their caregivers.

scholarly journals Assistive Technology Use and Provision During COVID-19: Results From a Rapid Global Survey

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emma M. Smith ◽  
Maria Luisa Toro Hernandez ◽  
Ikenna D. Ebuenyi ◽  
Elena V. Syurina ◽  
Giulia Barbareschi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Assistive Technology ◽  
Emergency Preparedness ◽  
Technology Use ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
World Health ◽  
Persons With Disabilities ◽  
Alliance Networks ◽  
Infection Control Measures ◽  
Health Organization

Background: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has impacted all segments of society, but it has posed particular challenges for the inclusion of persons with disabilities, those with chronic illness and older people regarding their participation in daily life. These groups often benefit from assistive technology (AT) and so it is important to understand how use of AT may be affected by or may help to mitigate the impacts of COVID-19. Objective: The objectives of this study were to explore the how AT use and provision have been affected during the initial stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, and how AT policies and systems may be made more resilient based on lessons learned during this global crisis. Methods: This study was a rapid, international online qualitative survey in the 6 United Nations (UN) languages (English, French, Spanish, Russian, Arabic, Mandarin Chinese) facilitated by extant World Health Organization (WHO) and International Disability Alliance networks. Themes and subthemes of the qualitative responses were identified using Braun and Clarke’s 6-phase analysis. Results: Four primary themes were identified in in the data: Disruption of Services, Insufficient Emergency Preparedness, Limitations in Existing Technology, and Inadequate Policies and Systems. Subthemes were identified within each theme, including subthemes related to developing resilience in AT systems, based on learning from the pandemic. Conclusion: COVID-19 has disrupted the delivery of AT services, primarily due to infection control measures resulting in lack of provider availability and diminished one-to-one services. This study identified a need for stronger user-centred development of funding policies and infrastructures that are more sustainable and resilient, best practices for remote service delivery, robust and accessible tools and systems, and increased capacity of clients, caregivers, and clinicians to respond to pandemic and other crisis situations.

scholarly journals Assistive Technology to Promote Participation in Sport for People with Disabilities

2022 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ana Geppert ◽  
Emma M. Smith ◽  
Damian Haslett ◽  
Jennie Wong ◽  
Ikenna D. Ebuenyi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Assistive Technology ◽  
Conceptual Model ◽  
Thematic Analysis ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Sport Participation ◽  
World Health ◽  
Persons With Disabilities ◽  
The World ◽  
Qualitative Responses

Abstract Participation in sports is a fundamental right for persons with disabilities and is facilitated by the use of specialized Assistive Technology (AT). However, little is known about the role every-day AT plays in promoting sport participation. This study explores how the 50 priority assistive products on the World Health Organization’s Assistive Products List can promote participation in sports, using a mixed-methods online survey with AT users, caregivers, and coaches (n=96). We used a thematic analysis for qualitative responses describing the use of assistive products in facilitating sport participation. Results suggest every-day assistive products are required for participation in sport for persons with disabilities. We present a conceptual model of assistive product use for sport participation. We found persons with disability participate in a range of sports, contributing to community engagement. Access to every-day assistive products is therefore integral to achieving rights of persons with disabilities for participation in sport.

Shared Responsibilities for Full Participation in Society: Planning Further Integration of the ICF Into AAC

2016 ◽  
Vol 1 (12) ◽  
pp. 83-93 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mary Blake Huer ◽  
Travis T. Threats
Keyword(s):  
Environmental Factors ◽  
Augmentative And Alternative Communication ◽  
Functional Limitations ◽  
Community Support ◽  
World Health ◽  
International Classification Of Functioning ◽  
Personal Factors ◽  
Social Service Agencies ◽  
Persons With Disabilities ◽  
Full Participation

The World Health Organization's (WHO's) 2001 International Classification of Functioning Disability and Health (ICF) has as one of its central tenets the full inclusion of persons with disabilities in society. It acknowledges the need for medical and rehabilitation intervention in its biopscychosocial framework. However, the WHO realizes that society must do its part to facilitate this full participation and empowerment. Persons with complex communication needs (PWCCN) often need augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) in order to express themselves. However, in order to access and successfully use AAC, PWCCN need access to the necessary AAC devices and services, as well as a willing society to interact with them as full contributing members of society. The factors outside of a person's specific physical and/or cognitive functional limitations are addressed in the ICF via the Personal and Environmental Factors. Personal Factors include the individual's personality traits, lifestyle, experiences, social/educational/professional background, race, gender, and age. Environmental Factors include community support systems, social service agencies, governments, social networks, and those persons that interact with the PWCCN. This article addresses the sociopolitical influences on PWCCN and their functioning from a human rights perspective. The necessary introspective role of speech-language pathologists in this process is explored.

A Collaborative Study to Establish the Second International Standard for Streptokinase

1990 ◽  
Vol 64 (02) ◽  
pp. 267-269 ◽  
Author(s):  
A B Heath ◽  
P J Gaffney
Keyword(s):  
High Purity ◽  
Collaborative Study ◽  
World Health Organisation ◽  
World Health ◽  
Clot Lysis ◽  
Current Standard ◽  
International Standard ◽  
Accelerated Degradation ◽  
The World ◽  
International Collaborative Study

SummaryAn International Standard for Streptokinase - Streptodomase (62/7) has been used to calibrate high purity clinical batches of SK since 1965. An international collaborative study, involving six laboratories, was undertaken to replace this standard with a high purity standard for SK. Two candidate preparations (88/826 and 88/824) were compared by a clot lysis assay with the current standard (62/7). Potencies of 671 i.u. and 461 i.u. were established for preparations A (88/826) and B (88/824), respectively.Either preparation appeared suitable to serve as a standard for SK. However, each ampoule of preparation A (88/826) contains a more appropriate amount of SK activity for potency testing, and is therefore preferred. Accelerated degradation tests indicate that preparation A (88/826) is very stable.The high purity streptokinase preparation, coded 88/826, has been established by the World Health Organisation as the 2nd International Standard for Streptokinase, with an assigned potency of 700 i.u. per ampoule.

A Collaborative Study to Establish an International Standard for Alpha-Thrombin

1992 ◽  
Vol 67 (04) ◽  
pp. 424-427 ◽  
Author(s):  
P J Gaffney ◽  
A B Heath ◽  
J W Fenton II
Keyword(s):  
Elevated Temperatures ◽  
Collaborative Study ◽  
World Health Organisation ◽  
Significant Loss ◽  
Thrombin Inhibitors ◽  
World Health ◽  
Expert Committee ◽  
International Standard ◽  
Assay Procedure ◽  
And Control

SummarySince 1975 an International Standard for Thrombin of low purity has been used. While this standard was stable and of value for calibrating thrombins of unknown potency the need for a pure a-thrombin standard arose both for accurate calibration and for precise measurement of thrombin inhibitors, notably hirudin. An international collaborative study was undertaken to establish the potency and stability of an ampouled pure a-thrombin preparation. A potency of 97.5 international units (95% confidence limits 86.5-98.5) was established for the new a-thrombin standard (89/ 588) using a clotting-assay procedure. Stability data at various elevated temperatures indicated that the standard could be transported and stored with no significant loss of potency.Ampoules of lyophilised a-thrombin (coded 89/588) have been recommended as an International Standard for a-thrombin with an assigned potency of 100 international units per ampoule by the International Society for Thrombosis and Haemostasis (Thrombin and its Inhibitors Sub-Committee) in Barcelona, Spain in July 1990 while the Expert Committee on Biological Standardisation and Control of the World Health Organisation will consider its status at its next meeting in Geneva in 1991.

ANTARA SUNNAH DAN TRADISI (Khitan Muallaf Perempuan Baligh di Jayapura, Papua)

1970 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 271-284
Author(s):  
Hendra Yulia Rahman
Keyword(s):  
World Health Organisation ◽  
World Health

Masyarakat Indonesia pada umumnya khususnya yang bergama Islam, memiliki kebiasaan mengkhitankan anak perempuannya dan memandang ini sebagai sunnah, hal ini juga dilakukan masyarakat di negara-negara lain yang memiliki penduduk pemeluk agama Islam. Pada umumnya masyarakat megkhitankan anak perempuannya, ketika masih bayi dan meyakininya sebagai bentuk kewajiban dari perintah agama. Badan kesehatan dunia World Health Organisation (WHO) melakukan pelarangan segala bentuk khitan pada perempuan, karena dianggap sebagai bentuk kekerasan pada perempuan dengan menyakiti dan merusak alat reproduksi perempuan. Khitan perempuan dianggap sebagai tradisi yang sudah lama ada tengah-tengah masyarakat baik yang muslim maupun yang non muslim, yang dalam pelaksanaannya lebih dimaksudkan sebagai upaya pengontrolan seksualitas perempuan. Muallaf perempuan baligh khususnya di wilayah kota Jayapura, Papua rata-rata melakukan khitan, yang menurut mereka merupakan bagian dari perintah agama. Bahwasanya khitan muallaf perempuan baligh di kota Jayapaura merupakan sebuah tradisi yang terus berlangsung, dan tradisi tersebut sejalan dengan sunnah.

Comparative docking of SARS-CoV-2 receptors antagonists from repurposing drugs

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Micael Davi Lima de Oliveira ◽  
Kelson Mota Teixeira de Oliveira
Keyword(s):  
World Health Organisation ◽  
World Health ◽  
Lung Cells ◽  
The Novel ◽  
High Modulation ◽  
Main Protease ◽  
The World ◽  
Novel Coronavirus ◽  
Viral Receptors ◽  
Theoretical Results

According to the World Health Organisation, until 16 June, 2020, the number of confirmed and notified cases of COVID-19 has already exceeded 7.9 million with approximately 434 thousand deaths worldwide. This research aimed to find repurposing antagonists, that may inhibit the activity of the main protease (Mpro) of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, as well as partially modulate the ACE2 receptors largely found in lung cells, and reduce viral replication by inhibiting Nsp12 RNA polymerase. Docking molecular simulations were performed among a total of 60 structures, most of all, published in the literature against the novel coronavirus. The theoretical results indicated that, in comparative terms, paritaprevir, ivermectin, ledipasvir, and simeprevir, are among the most theoretical promising drugs in remission of symptoms from the disease. Furthermore, also corroborate indinavir to the high modulation in viral receptors. The second group of promising drugs includes remdesivir and azithromycin. The repurposing drugs HCQ and chloroquine were not effective in comparative terms to other drugs, as monotherapies, against SARS-CoV-2 infection.

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