scholarly journals Manual Borehole Drilling as a Cost-Effective Solution for Drinking Water Access in Low-Income Contexts

Water ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (7) ◽  
pp. 1981
Author(s):  
Pedro Martínez-Santos ◽  
Miguel Martín-Loeches ◽  
Silvia Díaz-Alcaide ◽  
Kerstin Danert
Keyword(s):  
Drinking Water ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Unconsolidated Sediments ◽  
Low Income Countries ◽  
Water Access ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Advantages And Disadvantages

Water access remains a challenge in rural areas of low-income countries. Manual drilling technologies have the potential to enhance water access by providing a low cost drinking water alternative for communities in low and middle income countries. This paper provides an overview of the main successes and challenges experienced by manual boreholes in the last two decades. A review of the existing methods is provided, discussing their advantages and disadvantages and comparing their potential against alternatives such as excavated wells and mechanized boreholes. Manual boreholes are found to be a competitive solution in relatively soft rocks, such as unconsolidated sediments and weathered materials, as well as and in hydrogeological settings characterized by moderately shallow water tables. Ensuring professional workmanship, the development of regulatory frameworks, protection against groundwater pollution and standards for quality assurance rank among the main challenges for the future.

scholarly journals Fe0/H2O Filtration Systems for Decentralized Safe Drinking Water: Where to from Here?

Water ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 429 ◽  
Author(s):  
Charles Nanseu-Njiki ◽  
Willis Gwenzi ◽  
Martin Pengou ◽  
Mohammad Rahman ◽  
Chicgoua Noubactep
Keyword(s):  
Drinking Water ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Universal Access ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Low Income Countries ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Systematic Research ◽  
Safe Drinking Water ◽  
Iron Corrosion ◽  
Small Communities

Inadequate access to safe drinking water is one of the most pervasive problems currently afflicting the developing world. Scientists and engineers are called to present affordable but efficient solutions, particularly applicable to small communities. Filtration systems based on metallic iron (Fe0) are discussed in the literature as one such viable solution, whether as a stand-alone system or as a complement to slow sand filters (SSFs). Fe0 filters can also be improved by incorporating biochar to form Fe0-biochar filtration systems with potentially higher contaminant removal efficiencies than those based on Fe0 or biochar alone. These three low-cost and chemical-free systems (Fe0, biochar, SSFs) have the potential to provide universal access to safe drinking water. However, a well-structured systematic research is needed to design robust and efficient water treatment systems based on these affordable filter materials. This communication highlights the technology being developed to use Fe0-based systems for decentralized safe drinking water provision. Future research directions for the design of the next generation Fe0-based systems are highlighted. It is shown that Fe0 enhances the efficiency of SSFs, while biochar has the potential to alleviate the loss of porosity and uncertainties arising from the non-linear kinetics of iron corrosion. Fe0-based systems are an affordable and applicable technology for small communities in low-income countries, which could contribute to attaining self-reliance in clean water supply and universal public health.

scholarly journals Patent Buy-Outs for Global Disease Innovations for Low-and Middle-Income Countries

2006 ◽  
Vol 32 (2-3) ◽  
pp. 159-173 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kevin Outterson
Keyword(s):  
Low Income ◽  
Drug Price ◽  
Marginal Cost ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
World Health ◽  
Low Income Countries ◽  
Significant Variable ◽  
Generic Competition ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Cost Of Production

The World Health Organization’s CHOICE program analyzes the cost effectiveness of various health interventions related to the Millennium Development Goals. The program identifies the best strategies for improving health in low-income countries, using a standard set of methodological assumptions. These studies evaluate interventions in many areas, including child health and HIV/AIDS.For some of these treatments, drug costs are a significant variable: if the drug price doubles, the intervention becomes less cost effective. But if the drug price is reduced by 90%, then more therapies become affordable.Drug prices are uniquely susceptible to radical price reductions through generic competition. Patented pharmaceuticals may be priced at more than 30 times the marginal cost of production; the excess is the patent rent collected by the drug company while the patent and exclusive marketing periods remain. Patent rents are significant. AIDS drugs which sell for US$10,000 per person per year in the US are sold generically for less than US$200. If patented drugs could be sold at the marginal cost of production, cost effective treatments would become even more attractive, and other interventions would become affordable.

Case study: Reducing preventable maternal mortality in Rwandan healthcare facilities through improvements in WASH protocols

2018 ◽  
Vol 23 (3) ◽  
pp. 129-134 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrea Guzman
Keyword(s):  
Low Income ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Disease Outbreaks ◽  
Health Care Facilities ◽  
Low Income Countries ◽  
Water Access ◽  
Healthcare Facilities ◽  
Record Keeping ◽  
Hygiene Practices

Problem A lack of proper water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) infrastructure and poor hygiene practices reduce the preparedness and response of health care facilities (HCFs) in low-income countries to infection and disease outbreaks. According to a World Bank Service Provision Assessment conducted in 2007, only 28% of HCFs in Rwanda had water access throughout the year supplied by tap and 58% of HCFs provided functioning latrines. 1 This evaluation of services and infrastructure in HCFs in Rwanda indicates that targets for WASH in-country need to be enhanced. Objectives To present a case study of the causes and management of sepsis during delivery that led to the death of a 27-year-old woman, and propose a WASH protocol to be implemented in HCFs in Rwanda. Methods The state of WASH services used by staff, caregivers, and patients in HCFs was assessed in 2009 in national evaluations conducted by the Ministry of Infrastructure of Rwanda. Site selection was purposive, based on the presence of both water and power supply. Direct observation was used to assess water treatment, presence and condition of sanitation facilities and sterile equipment in the delivery room, provision of soap and water, gloves, alcohol-based hand rub, and WASH-related record keeping. Results All healthcare facilities met Ministry policies for water access, but WHO guidelines for environmental standards, including for water quality, were not fully satisfied. Conclusions The promotion and provision of low-cost technologies that enable improved WASH practices could help to reduce high rates of morbidity and mortality due to infection in low-income countries.

scholarly journals Assessment of cardiovascular risk among adults in a rural area of Kancheepuram district, Tamil Nadu

2018 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
pp. 698
Author(s):  
Velavan A. ◽  
Jyothi Vasudevan ◽  
Arun S. ◽  
Anil J. Purty ◽  
Vincent A.
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Cardiovascular Risk ◽  
Cardiovascular Diseases ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Tamil Nadu ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Low Income Countries ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Cooking Oils

Background: Increasing longevity of the world’s population has resulted in a shift in the disease patterns prevalent hitherto. The worst affected are the middle and low- income countries including India. The genetic make-up of Indians render them highly susceptible to cardiovascular diseases and diabetes at a much earlier age with resultant higher mortality rates. Thus, low- cost early detection, and innovative, customized preventive strategies are the need of the hour. Methods: In this cross- sectional study, we have used the WHO/ISH risk prediction charts tailor – made for the SEAR D region, to assess the cardiovascular risk of a rural population aged above 40 years. Data regarding multiple cardiovascular risk factors were collected using a pre- defined and pre-tested questionnaire, from 400 participants, including other variables like BP and anthropometric measurements. The data were entered in Microsoft excel and analysed using SPSS- ver16. Results: We found that 14.5% of the population had more than 10% risk of cardiovascular diseases and 41.5% were in stage I or II hypertension. People who belonged to the class II SES, use of oral tobacco, saturated cooking oils and sedentary lifestyle was found to be associated with high CV risk. However the association of CV risk with other risk factors like smoking and BMI was inconsistent. Conclusions: There is an increasing trend of cardiovascular risk in rural areas of Tamil Nadu and risk factors like higher socio economic class, use of oral tobacco, saturated cooking oils and sedentary occupation were found to be associated with high CV risk.

Acceptance of a Smartphone-based Visual Field Screening Platform for Glaucoma: Pre-Post Study (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Esmael Kedir Nida ◽  
Sisay Bekele ◽  
Luc Geurts ◽  
Vero Vanden Abeele
Keyword(s):  
Visual Field ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Screening Tests ◽  
Low Income Countries ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Field Screening ◽  
Glaucoma Screening ◽  
Screening Platform

BACKGROUND Glaucoma, the “silent thief of sight”, is a major cause of blindness worldwide. It is a burden for people in low-income countries specifically, where it accounts for 15% of the total blindness. More than half of the people living with glaucoma in low-income countries, are unaware of their disease until it progresses to an advanced stage, resulting in permanent visual impairment. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the acceptability of the Glaucoma Easy Screener (GES), a low-cost and portable visual field screening platform comprising of a smartphone, a stereoscopic VR headset and a gaming joystick. METHODS A mixed-method study was conducted to evaluate the acceptability of GES, including 24 eye care professionals from four hospitals in Southwest Ethiopia. A pre-post design was employed to collect perspectives before and after using GES, using questionnaires and semi-structured interviews. The questionnaire and interview questions were guided by the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT). RESULTS Positive results were obtained both pre-use and post-use, suggesting acceptance of mHealth solutions for glaucoma screening, using a low-cost headset through a smartphone and a game controller. Ophthalmic professionals perceived GES as easy-to-use, enabling the screening of glaucoma screening tests, especially during outreach to rural areas. However, positive evaluations are contingent on adequate accuracy of the tool. Moroever, ophtalmic professionals voiced the need to limit the tool to screening only, and not for diagnosis. CONCLUSIONS The study supports the feasibility of using a mobile device in combination with a low-cost VR headset and classic controller for glaucoma screening in rural areas. GES has the potential to reduce the burden of irreversible blindness due to glaucoma. Yet, a further assessment of its sensitivity and specificity is needed.

scholarly journals Overview of the Development, Impacts, and Challenges of Live-Attenuated Oral Rotavirus Vaccines

Vaccines ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. 341 ◽  
Author(s):  
Olufemi Samuel Folorunso ◽  
Olihile M. Sebolai
Keyword(s):  
Low Income ◽  
Vaccine Development ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Low Income Countries ◽  
Effective Vaccine ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Middle Income Countries ◽  
Rotavirus Vaccines ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Infants And Young Children

Safety, efficacy, and cost-effectiveness are paramount to vaccine development. Following the isolation of rotavirus particles in 1969 and its evidence as an aetiology of severe dehydrating diarrhoea in infants and young children worldwide, the quest to find not only an acceptable and reliable but cost-effective vaccine has continued until now. Four live-attenuated oral rotavirus vaccines (LAORoVs) (Rotarix®, RotaTeq®, Rotavac®, and RotaSIIL®) have been developed and licensed to be used against all forms of rotavirus-associated infection. The efficacy of these vaccines is more obvious in the high-income countries (HIC) compared with the low- to middle-income countries (LMICs); however, the impact is far exceeding in the low-income countries (LICs). Despite the rotavirus vaccine efficacy and effectiveness, more than 90 countries (mostly Asia, America, and Europe) are yet to implement any of these vaccines. Implementation of these vaccines has continued to suffer a setback in these countries due to the vaccine cost, policy, discharging of strategic preventive measures, and infrastructures. This review reappraises the impacts and effectiveness of the current live-attenuated oral rotavirus vaccines from many representative countries of the globe. It examines the problems associated with the low efficacy of these vaccines and the way forward. Lastly, forefront efforts put forward to develop initial procedures for oral rotavirus vaccines were examined and re-connected to today vaccines.

scholarly journals Socioeconomic Factors Affecting Water Access in Rural Areas of Low and Middle Income Countries

Water ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 202 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mabel Gomez ◽  
Jordi Perdiguero ◽  
Alex Sanz
Keyword(s):  
Socioeconomic Factors ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
National Income ◽  
Political Stability ◽  
Water Access ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Middle Income Countries ◽  
Development Goals ◽  
Low And Middle Income

Worldwide, 844 million people still lack access to basic drinking water, especially in the rural areas of low and middle income countries. However, considerable progress has been made in recent years due to work on the Millennium Development Goals and Sustainable Development Goals. Nevertheless, countries’ national characteristics have often impacted on this progress. This paper analyzes whether specific socioeconomic factors affect access to improved water sources in the rural areas of developing countries. In particular, we analyze access to ‘total improved’, piped on premises, as well as other improved sources of access in rural areas for low income, low-middle income, and high-middle income countries. Our results suggest that gross national income (GNI); female primary completion rate; agriculture; growth of rural population; and governance indicators, such as political stability, control of corruption, or regulatory quality are variables related to water access, although specific associations depend on the source of water and income group examined. Understanding these interrelations could be of great importance for decision makers in the water sector as well as for future research on this topic.

scholarly journals The Light Houses of Kashmir

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (11) ◽  
pp. 1650-1656
Author(s):  
Er. Tajamul Islam
Keyword(s):  
Low Income ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Climatic Conditions ◽  
Housing Cost ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Construction Methods ◽  
Income Groups ◽  
Housing Materials ◽  
Low Cost Housing

Abstract: Home is a basic necessity for everyone and becomes one the critical challenges faced by the developing countries. India is currently facing a shortage of about 17.6 million houses and the situation is no different in Kashmir if not more prominent owing to the geographical and climatic conditions of the valley. Presently in Kashmir, We witness that the Middle income groups, low income groups and economically weaker sections of the society, which are growing in size, are struggling to have their own houses. Concrete and steel housing cost a fortune so low cost and sustainable buildings are much needed in Kashmir. Low Cost Housing’ refers to those housing units which are affordable by that section of society where income is below MHI (Median Housing Income). It includes the use of construction methods that are cost effective, innovative and environment friendly and allow for a speedy construction. The paper deals with the present and the future trends about low cost housing materials and technologies in Kashmir. These technologies & materials, if implemented, can reduce the present housing problems up to some extent. Keywords: AAC, GFRG, filler slabs, SPW, CEB

scholarly journals Under-Five Mortality Causes and Prevention

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mehmet Tekin
Keyword(s):  
Low Income ◽  
Respiratory Infections ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Perinatal Care ◽  
Low Income Countries ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Under Five ◽  
Birth Complications ◽  
Pregnancy And Childbirth ◽  
Mortality Causes

The under-five mortality rate (U5MR) represents children who die before reaching the age of 5 per 1000 live births. It is directly related to the development and economic income levels of countries. For this reason, high rates are observed in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). The neonatal period deserves more attention as the decline in mortality rates has recently stalled. The most common causes of death under 5 years old are acute respiratory infections, diarrhea, malaria, and birth complications. Although neonatal disorders and birth complications have recently come to the fore, among these reasons, deaths due to infections are still high in LMICs. The crucial topics in prevention are perinatal care and vaccination. Apart from these, access to medicine, food, and clean water is essential in preventing deaths under 5. For preventive services to achieve their goal, these services must reach everyone. Ending preventable child deaths is only possible by improving access to well-equipped healthcare professionals during pregnancy and childbirth, life-saving interventions such as vaccinations, breastfeeding and the provision of low-cost medicines, and access to water and sanitation, which are now lacking in low-income countries.

scholarly journals Sera Çevre Koşullarının Nesnelerin İnterneti Tabanlı İzleme ve Analiz Sistemi ile Denetlenmesi

2017 ◽  
Vol 5 (11) ◽  
pp. 1279 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ali Çaylı ◽  
Adil Akyüz ◽  
Abdullah Nafi Baytorun ◽  
Sedat Boyacı ◽  
Sait Üstün ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Data Collection ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Ieee 802.15.4 ◽  
Data Transfer ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Indoor Climate ◽  
Time Data ◽  
Data Collection And Analysis

Wireless sensor networks applications and inter-machine communication (M2M), called the Internet of Things, help decision-makers to control complex systems thanks to the low data-rate and cost-effective data collection and analysis. These technologies offer new possibilities to monitor environmental management and agricultural policies, and to improve agricultural production, especially in low-income rural areas. In this study, IoT is proposed with a low cost, flexible and scalable data collection and analysis system. For this purpose, open source hardware microprocessor cards and sensors are stored in the greenhouse computer database using the IEEE 802.15.4 Zigbee wireless communication protocol. The data can be analyzed by greenhouse computer analysis software, which is developed with the PHP programming language. It is possible to monitor the real time data from the greenhouse computer. Also alert rules definitions can be made and the system was tested in greenhouse conditions. It has been observed that it performs operations steadily such as data transfer, sensor measurements and data processing. The proposed system may be useful for monitoring indoor climate and controlling ventilation, irrigation and heating systems, especially for small enterprises due to the modular structure.

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