Falsified and Substandard Medicines in Developing Countries: Seeking for The Sampling Procedure to Find them

Author(s):  
Irhamahayati Irhamahayati

Falsified and substandard medicines is a very important issue, especially in developing countries including Indonesia. World Health Organization (WHO) stated that 1 in 10 medicines in developing countries are substandard or falsified. It is result in risks for patients and health systems relating to ineffective drugs, prolong treatment times, possible side effects, increased healthcare spending, even the risk of serious illness and death. There are many factors responsible for this situation, namely the effectiveness of government control, public drug procurement policies, market and economic competition, the depletion of entry barriers driven by free and online trade, availability of raw materials, and mastery of technology on pharmaceuticals. The problem is how to find falsified and substandard medicines amidst so many kinds of medicines in market. If the sampling is done randomly on all types of medicines in all market, it will be less likely to find them. In addition, this kind of sampling technique will be expensive because it requires a lot of resources. Therefore, a risk-based systematic mechanism is needed to guide sampling procedure. This research was aimed to design a model that could be used as a reference. Using the system thinking method, we mapped out relationships between various factors and phenomena surrounding the issue. Then, the system dynamics modelling was developed with a focus on sentinel groups that were most at risk of drug counterfeiting cases. All relevant variables were discussed, and some recommendations were provided in this paper. We hope, using this recommendation, the sampling procedure becomes faster, more efficient, and more likely to find cases. It is because the more effective the way to control falsified and substandard medicines, the higher the protection that consumers or patients may get.

2018 ◽  
Vol 7 (2.29) ◽  
pp. 491
Author(s):  
Yarmaliza Dan Marniati

Acute Respiratory Infections still menjdi major health problem in the world. According to the World Health Organization estimates that the incidence of acute respiratory infection in developing countries with under-five mortality above 40 per 1,000 live births is 15% - 20% per year in the toddler age group. About 13 million children under five in the world die each year and most of these deaths are in developing countries. Panga in the health center of the top 10 diseases, acute respiratory infections ranked first in the amount of 65% by the sheer number of infants 158. The aim of research to influence knowledge megetahui Mother and environmental conditions on the incidence of acute respiratory infections in Toddlers in Panga sub-district Puskesmas Panga Aceh Jaya 2014. this study is a descriptive analytic with cross sectional approach. The sampling technique using random sampling techniques, selected at random from each member of the population, an analysis of the data in this study using univariate and bivariate. The survey results revealed that mother's knowledge and environmental conditions affect the incidence of ARI in Toddlers (P <0.05).  


2012 ◽  
pp. 4-31 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. North ◽  
J. Wallis ◽  
S. Webb ◽  
B. Weingast

The paper presents a summary of the forthcoming book by the authors and discusses the sample study of the 9 developing countries. While admitting the non-linearity of economic development they claim that the developing countries make a transition from the limited access orders (where the coalition of powerful elite groups plays a major role, that is based on personal connections and hampers free political and economic competition) to the open access orders with democratic government and efficient decentralized economic system. The major conclusion of this article is that what the limited access societies should do is not simply introducing open access institutions, but reorganizing the incentives of the elites so that to limit violence, provide economic and political stability and make a gradual transition to the open access order beneficial for the elites.


2020 ◽  
Vol 27 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kush K. Maheshwari ◽  
Debasish Bandyopadhyay

Background: Neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) affect a huge population of the world and majority of the victims belong to the poor community of the developing countries. Until now, the World Health Organization (WHO) has identified 20 tropical diseases as NTDs that must be addressed with high priority. However, many heterocyclic scaffolds have demonstrated potent therapeutic activity against several NTDs. Objective: There are three major objectives: (1) To discuss the causes, symptoms, and current status of all the 20 NTDs; (2) To explore the available heterocyclic drugs, and their mechanism of actions (if known) that are being used to treat NTDs; (3) To develop general awareness on NTDs among the medicinal/health research community and beyond. Methods: The 20 NTDs have been discussed according to their alphabetic orders along with the possible heterocyclic remedies. Current status of treatment with an emphasis on the heterocyclic drugs (commercially available and investigational) has been outlined. In addition, brief discussion of the impacts of NTDs on socio-economic condition is included. Results: NTDs are often difficult to diagnose and the problem is worsened by the unhealthy hygiene, improper awareness, and inadequate healthcare in the developing countries where these diseases primarily affect poor people. The statistics include duration of suffering, numbers affected, and access to healthcare and medication. The mechanism of actions of various heterocyclic drugs, if reported, have been briefly summarized. Conclusion: Scientists and pharmaceutical corporations should allocate more resources to reveal the in-depth mechanism of actions of many heterocyclic drugs that are currently being used for the treatment of NTDs. Analysis of current heterocyclic compounds and development of new medications can help in the fight to reduce/remove the devastating effects of NTDs. An opinion-based concise review has been presented. Based on available literature, this is the first effect to present all the 20 NTDs and related heterocyclic compounds under the same umbrella.


2019 ◽  
Vol 29 (Supplement_4) ◽  
Author(s):  
A A Gobir ◽  
C L Ejembi ◽  
A A Aliyu ◽  
M B Garba ◽  
C J C Igboanusi ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Lassa fever disease (LFD) is a viral haemorrhagic fever that is endemic in some West african countries where an estimated 300,000 to 500,000 cases and 5000 deaths occur yearly. The World Health Organization described it as a global health threat. At community level, its prevention relies on promoting good “community hygiene”. This study was conducted to assess practice of community hygiene measures against LFD and its associated factors. Methods A cross-sectional, community based descriptive study conducted during a LFD epidemic in a a rural community of Nigeria. An interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to collect data from 556 adult respondents, selected using systematic random sampling technique. Data was analyzed using SPSS. Results A majority of the respondents were females (52.9%). Educational attainment was significantly associated with safe food storage at the multivariate level (aOR= 1.31, 95% CI: 1.10-1.54,P= 0.002) while having a good knowledge of LFD was a significant predictor of maintaining good housing standards (aOR= 3.73, 95% CI: 1.09-12.80,P=0.036). Conclusions Predictors of practice of community hygiene against LFD include education and having an excellent knowledge of LFD. To improve community hygiene practices in the community, there is need for a comprehensive LFD behavior change communication intervention. Key messages Cubing the global threat of LFD depends on its effective prevention in endemic West African communities. This study shows that such preventive measures are poor and there is need for more response to address the problem.


Author(s):  
Grażyna Kowalska

The presented study was aimed at the determination of the level of contamination with heavy metals (Cd, Pb, As, and Hg) in 240 samples of plant materials, i.e., herbal raw materials, spices, tea, and coffee. Moreover, a probabilistic risk assessment (noncarcinogenic and carcinogenic risks) was estimated by models including target hazard quotient (THQ) and cancer risk (CR). The samples were subjected to microwave mineralisation with the use of HNO3 (65%), while the determination of the content of the elements was performed with the use of inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer (ICP–MS) and a mercury analyser. The element which was characterised by the highest level of accumulation in the analysed samples was lead (from 0.010 to 5.680 mg/kg). Among the heavy metals under analysis, the lowest concentration was noted in the case of mercury (from 0.005 to 0.030 mg/kg). A notably higher level of contamination with heavy metals was noted in the analysed samples of herbs and spices (0.005–5.680 mg/kg), compared to samples of tea and coffee (0.005–0.791 mg/kg). According to the guidelines of the World Health Organisation (WHO) concerning the limits of contamination of samples of herbal raw materials with heavy metals, lead levels exceeding the limits were only noted in 24 samples of herbs (18%). In all of the analysed samples of spices, tea, and coffee, no instances of exceeded limits were noted for any of the analysed heavy metals. The values of TTHQmax (in relation to the consumption of the analysed products) were as follows: up to 4.23 × 10−2 for spices, up to 2.51 × 10−1 for herbs, up to 4.03 × 10−2 for China tea, and up to 1.25 × 10−1 for roasted coffee beans. As the value of THQ ≤1, there is no probability of the appearance of undesirable effects related to the consumption of the analysed group of raw materials and products of plant origin. The CR value for As (max. value) was 1.29 × 10−5, which is lower than the maximum acceptable level of 1 × 10−4 suggested by United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA).


2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (4) ◽  
pp. 2324
Author(s):  
Sueny Andrade Batista ◽  
Elke Stedefeldt ◽  
Eduardo Yoshio Nakano ◽  
Mariana de Oliveira Cortes ◽  
Raquel Braz Assunção Botelho ◽  
...  

In the fight against foodborne diseases, expanding access to information for different groups is needed. In this aspect, it is crucial to evaluate the target audience’s particularities. This study constructed and validated an instrument containing three questionnaires to identify the level of knowledge, practices, and risk perception of food safety by low-income students between 11 and 14 years old. The following steps were used: systematic search of the databases; conducting and analyzing focus groups; questionnaires development; and questionnaires analysis. After two judges’ rounds, the final version was reached with 11 knowledge items, 11 practice items, and five risk perception items. The content validation index values were higher than 0.80. The adopted methodology considered the students’ understanding and perceptions, as well the appropriate language to be used. Besides, it allowed the development of questionnaires that directly and straightforwardly covers the rules set by the World Health Organization for foodborne disease control called Five Keys to Safer Food (keep clean; separate raw and cooked; cook thoroughly; keep food at safe temperatures; and use safe water and raw materials). Its use can result in a diagnosis for elaborating educational proposals and other actions against foodborne illness in the most vulnerable population.


2020 ◽  
Vol 18 (6) ◽  
pp. 60-69
Author(s):  
T.L. Maleeva ◽  
◽  
S.V. Shilnikova ◽  
V.N. Tarasevich ◽  
◽  
...  

The quality and safety of food products, including those intended for children’s nutrition, are a priority for the World Health Organization. At present, in order to ensure the quality and safety of food products for child nutrition, there are numerous regulatory and legal acts in Russia. The article provides the systematization of the regulatory and legal framework, taking into account the requirements for food products intended for child nutrition (for the raw materials used, prepared food, its nutritional value, enrichment with vitamins and micronutrients, the use of appropriate packaging and marking) and for the processes that make up its circulation (manufacturing, storage, transportation, sale, advertising and product information). Information on marking of food products for children’s nutrition in accordance with Technical Regulations of the Customs Union 022/2011 was given. The information on the main consumer characteristics of food products specified in the legislation of the Russian Federation was considered. When comparing this information, its inconsistency was established, which can make it difficult for the consumer to choose the right food products for children’s nutrition and its further use. With regard to food products intended for child nutrition, marking serves as the way of communicating information to the consumer. As a result of comparing the information on marking of packaged food products with information on the main consumer characteristics of food products, their inconsistency was also revealed, which may complicate the observance of the consumer’s rights for safety of product and information about the product. It was noted that marking of food products for child nutrition is a relevant source of information for a doctor. The authors proposed ways to optimize the regulatory framework governing the quality and safety of food products intended for child nutrition. Key words: food products, child nutrition, safety and quality of child nutrition, technical regulation, marking of child nutrition, consumer protection


2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Wongelu Endale

Abstract. Gobena WE. 2020. Short Communication: Profitability of beekeeping using locally made transitional top bar beehive in Wolmera Woreda, Oromia Region, Ethiopia. Asian J Agric 4: 1-4. Beekeeping is an important source of livelihood and can be integrated with other agricultural activities. The objective of this study is to assess the profitability of beekeeping using locally built transitional topbar hive. Two-stage sampling procedure and stratified sampling technique used in the study. Primary and secondary data are collected analyzed using descriptive statistics and partial budgeting. The partial budgeting result reveals that beekeeping is profitable by using this hive with incremental net benefit of 462.12 ETB and the beekeepers increased their benefit from the hive by more than 2.9 fold by using this beehive as compared to traditional hive. The study concludes beekeeping with this hive can be profitable business for the marginal farmers who have little business capital and land resource. Moreover, income from a single bee colony at beekeeper’s backyard can be improved with minimum cost if this hive with its package used. The overall finding of this study mainly underlined the importance of extension support and technical back to the beekeepers to use this hive.


Author(s):  
Bizuayehu Daba Feyisa ◽  
Kaleb Amanu Tamene

The main aim of this study was to assess the roles of Micro and Small Enterprises in Empowering Women in Jimma Town. In this study, the researchers employed purely qualitative research approach. Purposive sampling technique was employed as appropriate sampling technique to select research participants. In addition to this, the researchers also used data gathering tools such as in-depth interview and non-participant observations. The study found out that Micro and Small enterprises in Jimma Town have played significant roles in empowering some women entrepreneurs economically and socially by improving their livelihoods, enhancing their self-confidence, decision making capacity, financial autonomy, freedom of mobility and also boosting their social-interactions. The study also found out that women entrepreneurs have been facing serious challenges against their business such as lack of appropriate working and selling places, market linkages, loan, and shortages of raw materials and frequent interruptions of electric power supply. So, the researchers recommended that all concerned government institutions shall try their level best to address such problems to advance women’s empowerment through micro and small enterprises to the best level.


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