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Journal of Infection and Public Health Dec 2023
Topics: Humans; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Drug Resistance, Bacterial; One Health; World Health Organization
PubMed: 37996218
DOI: 10.1016/j.jiph.2023.11.022 -
European Journal of Physical and... Aug 2023In May 2023, the historic Resolution on Strengthening Rehabilitation in Health Systems was adopted unanimously by the 194 Member States of the World Health Assembly...
In May 2023, the historic Resolution on Strengthening Rehabilitation in Health Systems was adopted unanimously by the 194 Member States of the World Health Assembly (WHA), the highest health policy-setting body. The resolution aims to scale up and integrate rehabilitation into health systems as part of Universal Health Coverage (UHC) to address the growing rehabilitation needs due to the global ageing population, the increasing prevalence of non-communicable diseases, and the emergence of new infectious diseases such as COVID-19. Globally, data extracted from the Global Burden of Disease Study in 2019 showed that one out of three people could benefit from rehabilitation, while more than half of the population in many countries is not receiving essential rehabilitation services. This special article highlights the global challenges in meeting rehabilitation needs and emphasizes the importance of affordable, accessible, and quality rehabilitation services for vulnerable populations. The resolution's path, which started in 2017 with the "Rehabilitation 2030: a Call for Action" initiative by the World Health Organization (WHO), is outlined. We summarize the key aspects of the WHA resolution, including its requests for Member States, international organizations, and the WHO Director-General. Finally, we discuss the way forward towards implementation, involving advocacy and concrete actions by all stakeholders, with the support of the newly established World Rehabilitation Alliance. The goal is to integrate rehabilitation into health systems worldwide, thus improving the well-being and socio-economic participation of those in need.
Topics: Humans; COVID-19; World Health Organization; Aging; Health Policy; Noncommunicable Diseases
PubMed: 37695038
DOI: 10.23736/S1973-9087.23.08160-1 -
Quality of Life Research : An... Nov 2023Reliable measurement of disability in multiple sclerosis (MS) using a comprehensive, patient self-reported scale, such as the World Health Organization Disability...
INTRODUCTION
Reliable measurement of disability in multiple sclerosis (MS) using a comprehensive, patient self-reported scale, such as the World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule (WHODAS) 2.0, would be of clinical and research benefit.
METHODS
In the Trajectories of Outcome in Neurological Conditions-MS study, WHODAS 2.0 (WHODAS-36 items for working, WHODAS-32 items if not working, WHODAS-12 items short-form) was examined using Rasch analysis in 5809 people with MS.
RESULTS
The 36- and 32-item parallel forms, and the cognitive and physical domains, showed reliability consistent with individual or group use. The 12-item short-form is valid for group use only. Interval level measurement for parametric statistics can be derived from all three scales which showed medium to strong effect sizes for discrimination across characteristics such as age, subtype, and disease duration. Smallest detectable difference for each scale was < 6 on the standardised metric of 0-100 so < 6% of the total range. There was no substantial differential item functioning (DIF) by age, gender, education, working full/part-time, or disease duration; the finding of no DIF for time or sample supports the use of WHODAS 2.0 for longitudinal studies, with the 36- and 32-item versions and the physical and cognitive domains valid for individual patient follow-up.
CONCLUSIONS
Disability in MS can be comprehensively measured at interval level by the WHODAS 2.0, and validly monitored over time. Routine use of this self-reported measure in clinical and research practice would give valuable information on the trajectories of disability of individuals and groups.
Topics: Humans; Multiple Sclerosis; Reproducibility of Results; Quality of Life; Disabled Persons; Disability Evaluation; Psychometrics; World Health Organization
PubMed: 37589773
DOI: 10.1007/s11136-023-03470-6 -
Chiropractic & Manual Therapies May 2024The Global Patient Safety Action Plan, an initiative of the World Health Organization (WHO), draws attention to patient safety as being an issue of utmost importance in...
BACKGROUND
The Global Patient Safety Action Plan, an initiative of the World Health Organization (WHO), draws attention to patient safety as being an issue of utmost importance in healthcare. In response, the World Federation of Chiropractic (WFC) has established a Global Patient Safety Task Force to advance a patient safety culture across all facets of the chiropractic profession. This commentary aims to introduce principles and call upon the chiropractic profession to actively engage with the Global Patient Safety Action Plan beginning immediately and over the coming decade.
MAIN TEXT
This commentary addresses why the chiropractic profession should pay attention to the WHO Global Patient Safety Action Plan, and what actions the chiropractic profession should take to advance these objectives. Each strategic objective identified by WHO serves as a focal point for reflection and action. Objective 1 emphasizes the need to view each clinical interaction as a chance to improve patient safety through learning. Objective 2 urges the implementation of frameworks that dismantle systemic obstacles, minimizing human errors and strengthening patient safety procedures. Objective 3 supports the optimization of clinical process safety. Objective 4 recognizes the need for patient and family engagement. Objective 5 describes the need for integrated patient safety competencies in training programs. Objective 6 explains the need for foundational data infrastructure, ecosystem, and culture. Objective 7 emphasizes that patient safety is optimized when healthcare professionals cultivate synergy and partnerships.
CONCLUSIONS
The WFC Global Patient Safety Task Force provides a structured framework for aligning essential considerations for patient safety in chiropractic care with WHO strategic objectives. Embracing the prescribed action steps offers a roadmap for the chiropractic profession to nurture an inclusive and dedicated culture, placing patient safety at its core. This commentary advocates for a concerted effort within the chiropractic community to commit to and implement these principles for the collective advancement of patient safety.
Topics: Humans; Patient Safety; Chiropractic; World Health Organization; Advisory Committees; Global Health
PubMed: 38741191
DOI: 10.1186/s12998-024-00536-1 -
Bulletin of the World Health... Dec 2023Air pollution is the second most important risk factor for noncommunicable diseases, but air quality monitoring is lacking in many low- and middle-income countries. The...
Air pollution is the second most important risk factor for noncommunicable diseases, but air quality monitoring is lacking in many low- and middle-income countries. The World Health Organization (WHO) recently released its 2022 updated air quality database status report. This report contains data from about 6743 human settlements, a sixfold increase from 1102 settlements in its first publication in 2011, which shows that air pollution is increasingly recognized as a health priority at global and national levels. However, progress varies across the world. More than 90% of the settlements in the database are in high- and middle-income countries and areas mainly in China, Europe, India and North America. The database is crucial for increasing awareness of air pollution, and for calculating global exposures and the corresponding burden of disease attributable to air pollution. This article describes the progress made and challenges in collecting air quality data. The database uses official data sources which can be difficult to access and assess, because air quality monitoring is done by different government bodies or uses varying monitoring methods. These air quality data can be used by the health sector to engage in discussions on monitoring air quality to protect public health, and facilitate multisectoral engagement of United Nations agencies to support countries to conform with the 2021 WHO air quality guidelines. Although air pollution levels in most countries are higher than those recommended in the guidelines, any action policy-makers take to reduce air pollution will help reduce the burden of air pollution on health.
Topics: Humans; Air Pollution; Risk Factors; World Health Organization; Databases, Factual; Public Health
PubMed: 38024249
DOI: 10.2471/BLT.23.290188 -
Epilepsia Open Sep 2023Up to 70% of people living with epilepsy could become seizure-free with the appropriate use of antiseizure medicines. However, three quarters of people with epilepsy...
OBJECTIVE
Up to 70% of people living with epilepsy could become seizure-free with the appropriate use of antiseizure medicines. However, three quarters of people with epilepsy living in low-income countries do not get the treatment they need and also do not access antiseizure medicines. The purpose of this study was to assess the availability, price, and affordability of antiseizure medicines in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
METHODS
A cross-sectional study was done in selected pharmacies using a questioner developed after the modification of World Health Organization/Health Action International methodology. Data on the availability and price of lowest-priced generics and originator brand antiseizure medicines from essential medicines list in Ethiopia were collected from seven public sectors, five private sectors, and seven other sectors (five Kenema Public Community and two Red Cross Pharmacies) in Addis Ababa between 09 May and 31 2022. The data were analyzed using the modified World Health Organization/Health Action International workbook part I excel sheet. Descriptive results were reported in text and table format.
RESULTS
The overall availability of lowest-priced generics medication was 52%. The availability of lowest-priced generics was 62.86%, 30%, 55%, and 50% in public, private, Red Cross, and Kenema Public Community Pharmacies, respectively. The median price ratio in the public, private, Red Cross, and Kenema Public Community Pharmacy was 1.45, 3.72, 1.46, and 1.7, respectively. All the medications were unaffordable. Patients may be required to pay more than 6-month wage to purchase standard treatment for 1 month only.
SIGNIFICANCE
The overall availability of antiseizure medicines was lower than the WHO target for noncommunicable diseases. All the available medicines were unaffordable.
Topics: Humans; Health Services Accessibility; Ethiopia; Cross-Sectional Studies; World Health Organization; Costs and Cost Analysis; Drugs, Generic
PubMed: 37469205
DOI: 10.1002/epi4.12792 -
Irish Journal of Medical Science Aug 2023Ending tuberculosis (TB) is a global priority and targets for doing so are outlined in the World Health Organization (WHO) End TB Strategy. For low-incidence countries,...
BACKGROUND
Ending tuberculosis (TB) is a global priority and targets for doing so are outlined in the World Health Organization (WHO) End TB Strategy. For low-incidence countries, eliminating TB requires high levels of wealth, low levels of income inequality and effective TB programmes and services that can meet the needs of people who have not benefited from these and are still at risk of TB. In Ireland, numerous reports have noted a need for more funding for TB prevention and control.
AIM
The aim of this research was to estimate the cost of not meeting the WHO End TB target of a 90% reduction in TB incidence in Ireland between 2015 and 2035.
METHODS
The cost of projected TB cases between 2022 and 2035 is estimated based on trends in surveillance data for the period 2015 to 2019 and outcomes reported in the literature.
RESULTS
Between 2022 and 2035, it is projected that a failure to meet the WHO End TB Strategy target will result in an additional 989 cases of TB, 577.3 disability-adjusted life years and 35 deaths with TB in Ireland. The cost of this is estimated to be €70.779 million.
CONCLUSION
Given the estimated cost, Ireland's current prospects of eliminating TB and the tendency towards programmatic funding internationally, greater investment in TB prevention and control in Ireland is justifiable. A national elimination strategy with actions at the levels of the social determinants of health, the health system and the TB programme should be funded.
Topics: Humans; Incidence; Tuberculosis; World Health Organization; Ireland
PubMed: 36121600
DOI: 10.1007/s11845-022-03150-3 -
Bulletin of the World Health... Nov 2023The importance of strong coordination for research on public health and social measures was highlighted at the Seventy-fourth World Health Assembly in 2021. This article...
The importance of strong coordination for research on public health and social measures was highlighted at the Seventy-fourth World Health Assembly in 2021. This article describes efforts undertaken by the World Health Organization (WHO) to develop a global research agenda on the use of public health and social measures during health emergencies. This work includes a multistep process that started with a global technical consultation convened by WHO in September 2021. The consultation included experts from around the world and from a wide range of disciplines, such as public health, education, tourism, finance and social sciences, and aimed to identify research and implementation approaches based on lessons learnt during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. To prepare for future epidemics and pandemics, it is essential to adopt a more robust, comparable and systematic research approach to public health and social measures. Such comprehensive approach will better inform agile, balanced and context-specific implementation decisions during future emergencies. This article describes the methods used to develop global research priorities for public health and social measures and the next steps needed.
Topics: Humans; Public Health; Emergencies; COVID-19; World Health Organization; Global Health; Pandemics
PubMed: 37961059
DOI: 10.2471/BLT.23.289959 -
International Journal of Medical... Oct 2023To achieve Universal Health Coverage and the United Nations' (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) agenda for 2030, the World Health Organisation (WHO) recommended... (Review)
Review
Understanding the convergence of social enterprise, digital health, and citizen engagement for co-producing integrated Person-Centred health services: A critical review and theoretical framework.
INTRODUCTION
To achieve Universal Health Coverage and the United Nations' (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) agenda for 2030, the World Health Organisation (WHO) recommended the use of social enterprise, digital technology, and citizen engagement in the delivery of Integrated People-Centred Health Services (IPCHS) as part of its strategic vision for 21st century primary care.
METHODS
We conducted a hermeneutic review of frameworks, models and theories on social enterprise, digital health, citizen engagement and IPCHS. This involved multiple iterative cycles of (i) searching and acquisition, followed by (ii) critical analysis and interpretation of literature to assemble arguments and evidence for conceptual relationships until information saturation was reached. This process identified a set of constructs which we synthesised into a testable framework.
RESULTS
Several interdisciplinary frameworks, models and theories explain how social enterprises could use digital technology, and citizen engagement to enable the technical and social integration required to facilitate people-centred primary care. Innovative approaches can be used to maintain financial sustainability while delivering IPCHS at lower cost to vulnerable and marginalised populations in both developed and developing countries.
CONCLUSION
This framework provides a theoretical grounding to guide empirical inquiry into how social enterprises use digital technology to engage citizens in co-producing IPCHS.
Topics: Humans; Health Services; Sustainable Development; Empirical Research; World Health Organization
PubMed: 37573637
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijmedinf.2023.105174 -
Bulletin of the World Health... Jan 2024To describe the United Nations' (UN's) coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination programme and its efforts to vaccinate frontline humanitarian personnel stationed...
OBJECTIVE
To describe the United Nations' (UN's) coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination programme and its efforts to vaccinate frontline humanitarian personnel stationed in locations where access to COVID-19 vaccine was limited or absent.
METHODS
The vaccination programme was structured as a two-level operation: a global vaccine deployment support team and local vaccine deployment teams in each participating country, territory or administrative area. The central group, led by a global vaccine coordinator, oversaw medical, legal, financial, logistical, data, technological and communication aspects. Local vaccine deployment teams were led by coordinators who managed registration, logistics, communication and vaccine administration. The programme used World Health Organization-approved COVID-19 vaccines and developed prioritization criteria for distributing vaccine supplies. The programme ensured that vaccines for the UN personnel were not diverted from the populations they were intended to serve.
FINDINGS
The programme successfully formed 120 deployment teams across 152 eligible countries, territories and administrative areas, targeting approximately 673 000 individuals. By April 2023, 72 countries, territories and administrative areas had received over 470 000 doses, of which 337 072 doses were administered. Almost half of the doses administered (167 616) were to individuals in five UN hardship countries. Ninety-five severe adverse events were reported, but none led to any reported medical evacuation, permanent disability or death.
CONCLUSION
The programme demonstrated effective global coordination and local implementation, adapting to diverse contexts and operational challenges. The model can serve as a guide for global actors for future health emergencies, or for deploying health aid at a regional or global scale.
Topics: Humans; COVID-19; COVID-19 Vaccines; Vaccines; Vaccination; World Health Organization
PubMed: 38164336
DOI: 10.2471/BLT.23.289980