Participation in Community Development Micro Projects in Niger Delta Region of Nigeria: Implications for Social Work Education and Practice

This study sought to investigate factors militating against community participation in development projects executed under the Micro Projects Programme and how to reduce such factors to the barest minimum in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria. A cross-sectional survey design was adopted for the study. A questionnaire, an in-depth interview (IDI) guide and a focus group discussion (FGD) guide were used for data collection. Borehole water, generator-house, health centres, staff quarters and markets were the projects executed. Inadequate devolution of power to the grassroots, among others, was the major problem that hindered involvement of community members in the development process of the Micro Projects Programme in the study areas. To enhance active participation of beneficiaries in the development process of the programme, suggestions are proffered.

President’s Address, 22nd Biennial International Conference of the International Consortium for Social Development, Johannesburg, South Africa, 13–16 July 2021

The president’s address includes welcome and concluding speeches covering the main global issues of the time, the acknowledgement of organisers, Social Development Leadership Awards, the summary of achievements in the first term and vision for the International Consortium for Social Development in the second term.

Serious Adverse Events and Fatal Outcomes Following COVID-19 Vaccination in the UK: Lessons for Other Countries

Vaccines have taken the centre stage in the fight against COVID-19 pandemic, and in reducing hospitalisation and associated mortality. Countries around the world are heavily dependent on the successful rollout of their vaccination programmes to open up the societies and re-start their economies. However, the success of any vaccine programme, to a large extent, depends upon the efficacy and safety of the vaccines. Given that UK has been way ahead in vaccinating its population, is considered a successful model compared to other countries in Europe and elsewhere and has a yellow card reporting system for adverse events, we use UK as an example to understand the side effects and fatal outcomes following vaccinations. Our results show that AstraZeneca seems to be underperforming in terms of overall reporting of minor adverse events, serious incidents and fatal outcomes following vaccination. The risk of serious anaphylactic reaction and fatal outcome was 1.36 and 1.17 times more in case of AstraZeneca vaccine when compared with Pfizer BioNTech vaccine. The analysis has implications for vaccine policies and programmes both at nation-state and global levels.

Reporting Issues of Adverse Effect of COVID-19 Vaccine in India: What We Know or Don’t Know?

Vaccines for COVID-19 in India have been allowed to be administered among large pool of adult population. In-depth knowledge regarding the adverse effect of vaccine is scarce till date, mainly due to the lack of reporting, analysing and making the data publicly available. Informed choice by the recipients is totally barred and further, compensation associated with the vaccination is also compromised. These important issues need to be highlighted in the public forum for greater awareness and action.

‘We Are Helpless, Hopeless and Living in Despair’: Impact of COVID-19 on the Overall Health and Well-being, and Participation of the Transgender Community in India

This article investigates the impact of COVID-19 on the health and lived experiences of the transgender community in India. In particular, the study analyses how COVID-19 affects the lives of the transgender community in terms of their interaction with the government policymaking and identity negotiation, livelihoods, access to health resources, availability of gender transition services and status of mental health. The analysis shows that the COVID-19 pandemic and the government strategies to curb the spread of infection have exacerbated the challenges faced by the transgender community in India and threatened their survival. As disease outbreaks traditionally perpetuate gender inequities and increase vulnerabilities borne by marginalised groups, the analysis has implications for purposefully creating appropriate platforms for participation of the transgender community and designing and delivering suitable programs and services to enhance their welling and human dignity.

Sustainable Employment and Livelihoods for All

The coronavirus pandemic has not only caused unemployment and livelihood issues, among others, but also has exposed the (pre-pandemic) need for greater employment opportunities and working conditions, and social protection measures. This special issue on ‘Sustainable Employment and Livelihoods for All’ discusses how in/formal workers’ lives are impacted and calls for immediate policy reforms and innovative programs to salvage and prevent millions of people from further plunging into poverty.