scholarly journals Introduction to a special issue on alcohol control policies in low and middle income countries

Author(s):  
Bundit Sornpaisarn ◽  
Kevin D. Shield

Sornpaisarn, B., & Shield, K. (2014). Introduction to a special issue on alcohol control policies in low and middle income countries. The International Journal Of Alcohol And Drug Research, 3(3), 182 – 183. doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.7895/ijadr.v3i3.182In response to the World Health Assembly’s adoption in 2010 of a resolution which endorsed a Global Strategy to Reduce the Harmful Use of Alcohol, many countries, especially those considered low- and middle-income (LMIC), formulated, and in some instances implemented, a variety of alcohol control policies. However, the supporting knowledge and evidence used to evaluate the effectiveness of alcohol control policies stem primarily from high-income countries (HIC) (Babor et al., 2010; World Health Organization, 2010). This lack of knowledge and evidence from LMIC is a considerable public health problem, as differences between the socio-economic and cultural contexts of LMIC and HIC may influence the effectiveness of an alcohol control policy (Anderson et al., 2009; Lachenmeier, 2011).

Author(s):  
Robin Room

Room, R. (2014). Alcohol control policies in low- and middle-income countries: Testing impacts and improving policymaking practice. The International Journal Of Alcohol And Drug Research, 3(3), 184 – 186. doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.7895/ijadr.v3i3.181Alcohol is a major contributor to the global burden of disease (Lim et al., 2012), and is a major source of health and social harm in many middle- and low-income countries, as well as in high-income countries. In recognition of this, a Global Strategy to Reduce the Harmful Effects of Alcohol was adopted in 2010 by the World Health Organization’s governing body, the World Health Assembly (WHA) (WHO, 2010). Since then, there has also been increasing international recognition of alcohol’s role in social problems, including crime, family problems, and lost work productivity: "beyond health consequences," WHO notes, "the harmful use of alcohol brings significant social and economic losses to individuals and society at large" (http://www.who.int/mediacentre/ factsheets/fs349/en/). New emphasis has been put, too, on alcohol’s major contribution as a risk factor for non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as cancer, heart disease, and liver cirrhosis; WHO’s global goals for NCD control include the (somewhat fuzzily defined) goal of a 10% reduction in the "harmful use of alcohol . . . as appropriate" by 2020 (WHO, 2013). Together, these steps reflect a greater international recognition of alcohol as a major issue to be addressed in improving global health


Nutrients ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (6) ◽  
pp. 2051
Author(s):  
Ann Tarini ◽  
Mari S. Manger ◽  
Kenneth H. Brown ◽  
Mduduzi N. N. Mbuya ◽  
Laura A. Rowe ◽  
...  

Adequate zinc nutrition is important for child growth, neurodevelopment, immune function, and normal pregnancy outcomes. Seventeen percent of the global population is estimated to be at risk for inadequate zinc intake. However, zinc is not included in the fortification standards of several low- and middle-income countries with mandatory fortification programs, despite data suggesting a zinc deficiency public health problem. To guide policy decisions, we investigated the factors enabling and impeding the inclusion of zinc as a fortificant by conducting in-depth interviews with 17 key informants from 10 countries. Findings revealed the decision to include zinc was influenced by guidance from international development partners and enabled by the assessment of zinc deficiency, mandatory regional food fortification standards which included zinc, the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines for zinc fortification, and the low cost of zinc compound commonly used. Barriers included the absence of zinc from regional fortification standards, limited available data on the efficacy and effectiveness of zinc fortification, and the absence of national objectives related to the prevention of zinc deficiency. To promote zinc fortification there is a need to put the prevention of zinc deficiency higher on the international nutrition agenda and to promote large-scale food fortification as a key deficiency mitigation strategy.


2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (9) ◽  
pp. 818-824
Author(s):  
Patiyus Agustiansyah ◽  
Rizal Sanif ◽  
Siti Nurmaini ◽  
Irfannuddin ◽  
Legiran

WHO has created a global strategy to accelerate the elimination of cervical canceras a public health problem and a world burden. Cervical cancer is a disease thatcan be prevented and cured, as long as it is detected early and treated effectively.Cervical cancer is also a disease that reflects global injustice. The burden isgreatest in low- and middle-income countries, where access to public healthservices is limited and screening and treatment for the disease has not been widelyapplied. In 2018, nearly 90% of all deaths worldwide occurred in low and middleincome countries. Furthermore, the proportion of women with cervical cancer whodie from the disease is more than 60% in these countries, more than double thenumber in many high-income countries, which is only 30%.


2021 ◽  
pp. 1-20
Author(s):  
Md. Mehedi Hasan ◽  
Ricardo J Soares Magalhaes ◽  
Saifuddin Ahmed ◽  
Sonia Pervin ◽  
Md. Tariqujjaman ◽  
...  

Abstract Objective: To examine geographical variations, trends, and projections in the prevalence of childhood anemia at national and subpopulation levels. Design: Repeated cross-sectional Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) conducted during 2000-2018. Setting: 53 low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) Participants: 776,689 children aged 6-59 months of age. Results: During the latest DHS rounds between 2005-2018, the prevalence of child anemia was >20% in 52 out of 53 countries and ranged from 15.9% in Armenia in 2016 to 87.8% in Burkina Faso in 2010. Out of 36 countries with at least two surveys during 2000-2018, the prevalence of child anemia decreased in 22 countries, highest in Zimbabwe (−4.2%) and increased in 14 countries, highest in Burundi (5.0%). Based on the trend, 11 and 22 out of 36 countries are projected to experience respectively moderate and severe public health problem according to the World Health Organization criteria (moderate problem: 20-39.9% and severe problem: ≥40%) due to child anemia in 2030, with the highest prevalence in Liberia (87.5%, 95% Credible Interval 52.0-98.8%). The prevalence of child anemia varied across the mother’s education and age, child sex, wealth quintiles, and place of residence, with the highest rate of child anemia among the poorest, rural, and low-educated mothers. These scenarios are projected to continue. The probability of reducing child anemia at <0.5% by 2030 is 0% for all study countries. Conclusions: The prevalence of child anemia varied between and within countries. None of the 36 LMICs is likely to eradicate child anemia by 2030.


2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (3) ◽  
pp. 642-648
Author(s):  
Patiyus Agustiansyah ◽  
Rizal Sanif ◽  
Siti Nurmaini ◽  
Irfannuddin ◽  
Legiran

WHO has created a global strategy to accelerate the elimination of cervical canceras a public health problem and a world burden. Cervical cancer is a disease thatcan be prevented and cured, as long as it is detected early and treated effectively.Cervical cancer is also a disease that reflects global injustice. The burden isgreatest in low- and middle-income countries, where access to public healthservices is limited and screening and treatment for the disease has not been widelyapplied. In 2018, nearly 90% of all deaths worldwide occurred in low and middleincome countries. Furthermore, the proportion of women with cervical cancer whodie from the disease is more than 60% in these countries, more than double thenumber in many high-income countries, which is only 30%.


Author(s):  
Brendon Stubbs ◽  
Kamran Siddiqi ◽  
Helen Elsey ◽  
Najma Siddiqi ◽  
Ruimin Ma ◽  
...  

Tuberculosis (TB) is a leading cause of mortality in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). TB multimorbidity [TB and ≥1 non-communicable diseases (NCDs)] is common, but studies are sparse. Cross-sectional, community-based data including adults from 21 low-income countries and 27 middle-income countries were utilized from the World Health Survey. Associations between 9 NCDs and TB were assessed with multivariable logistic regression analysis. Years lived with disability (YLDs) were calculated using disability weights provided by the 2017 Global Burden of Disease Study. Eight out of 9 NCDs (all except visual impairment) were associated with TB (odds ratio (OR) ranging from 1.38–4.0). Prevalence of self-reported TB increased linearly with increasing numbers of NCDs. Compared to those with no NCDs, those who had 1, 2, 3, 4, and ≥5 NCDs had 2.61 (95% confidence interval (CI) = 2.14–3.22), 4.71 (95%CI = 3.67–6.11), 6.96 (95%CI = 4.95–9.87), 10.59 (95%CI = 7.10–15.80), and 19.89 (95%CI = 11.13–35.52) times higher odds for TB. Among those with TB, the most prevalent combinations of NCDs were angina and depression, followed by angina and arthritis. For people with TB, the YLDs were three times higher than in people without multimorbidity or TB, and a third of the YLDs were attributable to NCDs. Urgent research to understand, prevent and manage NCDs in people with TB in LMICs is needed.


Nutrients ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 681
Author(s):  
Ritu Rana ◽  
Marie McGrath ◽  
Ekta Sharma ◽  
Paridhi Gupta ◽  
Marko Kerac

Small and nutritionally at-risk infants under six months, defined as those with wasting, underweight, or other forms of growth failure, are at high-risk of mortality and morbidity. The World Health Organisation 2013 guidelines on severe acute malnutrition highlight the need to effectively manage this vulnerable group, but programmatic challenges are widely reported. This review aims to inform future management strategies for small and nutritionally at-risk infants under six months in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) by synthesising evidence on existing breastfeeding support packages for all infants under six months. We searched PubMed, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, and Global Health databases from inception to 18 July 2018. Intervention of interest were breastfeeding support packages. Studies reporting breastfeeding practices and/or caregivers’/healthcare staffs’ knowledge/skills/practices for infants under six months from LMICs were included. Study quality was assessed using NICE quality appraisal checklist for intervention studies. A narrative data synthesis using the Synthesis Without Meta-analysis (SWiM) reporting guideline was conducted and key features of successful programmes identified. Of 15,256 studies initially identified, 41 were eligible for inclusion. They were geographically diverse, representing 22 LMICs. Interventions were mainly targeted at mother–infant pairs and only 7% (n = 3) studies included at-risk infants. Studies were rated to be of good or adequate quality. Twenty studies focused on hospital-based interventions, another 20 on community-based and one study compared both. Among all interventions, breastfeeding counselling (n = 6) and education (n = 6) support packages showed the most positive effect on breastfeeding practices followed by breastfeeding training (n = 4), promotion (n = 4) and peer support (n = 3). Breastfeeding education support (n = 3) also improved caregivers’ knowledge/skills/practices. Identified breastfeeding support packages can serve as "primary prevention" interventions for all infants under six months in LMICs. For at-risk infants, these packages need to be adapted and formally tested in future studies. Future work should also examine impacts of breastfeeding support on anthropometry and morbidity outcomes. The review protocol was registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO 2018 CRD42018102795).


Author(s):  
Chris Bullen ◽  
Jessica McCormack ◽  
Amanda Calder ◽  
Varsha Parag ◽  
Kannan Subramaniam ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: The global COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted healthcare worldwide. In low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), where people may have limited access to affordable quality care, the COVID-19 pandemic has the potential to have a particularly adverse impact on the health and healthcare of individuals with noncommunicable diseases (NCDs). A World Health Organization survey found that disruption of delivery of healthcare for NCDs was more significant in LMICs than in high-income countries. However, the study did not elicit insights into the day-to-day impacts of COVID-19 on healthcare by front-line healthcare workers (FLHCWs). Aim: To gain insights directly from FLHCWs working in countries with a high NCD burden, and thereby identify opportunities to improve the provision of healthcare during the current pandemic and in future healthcare emergencies. Methods: We recruited selected frontline healthcare workers (general practitioners, pharmacists, and other medical specialists) from nine countries to complete an online survey (n = 1347). Survey questions focused on the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on clinical practice and NCDs; barriers to clinical care during the pandemic; and innovative responses to the many challenges presented by the pandemic. Findings: The majority of FLHCWs responding to our survey reported that their care of patients had been impacted both adversely and positively by the public health measures imposed. Most FLHCs (95%) reported a deterioration in the mental health of their patients. Conclusions: Continuity of care for NCDs as part of pandemic preparedness is needed so that chronic conditions are not exacerbated by public health measures and the direct impacts of the pandemic.


2018 ◽  
Vol 13 (4) ◽  
pp. 187-188 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bethany Hipple Walters ◽  
Ionela Petrea ◽  
Harry Lando

While the global smoking rate has dropped in the past 30 years (from 41.2% of men in 1980 to 31.1% in 2012 and from 10.6% of women in 1980 to 6.2% in 2012), the number of tobacco smokers has increased due to population growth (Ng et al., 2014). This tobacco use and second-hand smoke exposure continue to harm people worldwide. Those harmed are often vulnerable: children, those living in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), those with existing diseases, etc. As noted by the World Health Organization (WHO), nearly 80% of those who smoke live in a LMIC (World Health Organization, 2017). Furthermore, it is often those who are more socio-economically disadvantaged or less educated in LMICs that are exposed to second-hand smoke at home and work (Nazar, Lee, Arora, & Millett, 2015).


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