More articles from COMMENTARY
- A Theory of Change for Guiding the Integration of Human-Centered Design Into Global Health Programming
How do design and global health practices and mindsets better integrate to drive more people-centered, innovative solutions to health challenges and achieve common health sector and global health ecosystem goals? This article discusses a theory of change for guiding the integration of human-centered design into global health programming.
- Design Is an Essential Medicine
We provide an analysis of design in global health through a systematic framework to understand what it is, the value it can add, and how it compares to other common problem-solving approaches in global health. We make the case that design is an essential approach when tackling complex global health challenges.
- Social and Political Dimensions of Disseminating Research Findings on Emerging Zoonotic Viruses: Our Experience in Sierra Leone
Disseminating research findings on emerging zoonotic viruses is a complex and sensitive process, particularly in contexts with histories of outbreaks. It requires an operational framework that considers the social and political context of stakeholders aiming to empower people to protect their health, while also supporting government leaders to advance global health security.
- Protecting Mental Health Data Privacy in India: The Case of Data Linkage With Aadhaar
In an underprepared and under-resourced digital mental health system, the linkage of health and personal data with Aadhaar, a biometric system that provides a unique identification number to all Indian residents, poses significant privacy risks to individuals seeking mental health care. We discuss the challenges in protecting mental health data privacy due to these emerging digital health technologies.
- The Conundrum of Low COVID-19 Mortality Burden in sub-Saharan Africa: Myth or Reality?
The demographic age structure of sub-Saharan Africa contributes significantly to the low morbidity and mortality of COVID-19 compared to other regions in the world.
- COVID-19 Pandemic in India: Through the Lens of Modeling
We reflect on and review India's COVID-19 pandemic response through the lens of modeling and data. The lessons learned from the Indian context may be beneficial for other countries.
- How Donors Can Collaborate to Improve Reach, Quality, and Impact in Social and Behavior Change for Health
To enable greater reach, quality, and impact of investments in social and behavior change, donors need to be intentional in building collaborative relationships that apply proven practices. We offer recommendations for maximizing the impact of donors' investments.
- Social Distancing in the Era of COVID-19: A Call for Maintaining Social Support for the Maternal Population
In the era of COVID-19, pregnant and postpartum women, an already vulnerable group, are facing unforeseen and compounding stressful events with reduced social protections. We argue that to prevent harmful consequences that may surpass the effects of the crisis itself for pregnant women and their families, it is imperative to prioritize maintaining formal and informal sources of social support for mothers in proposed infection control policies.
- Issue Analysis: A Use-Driven Approach to Data Governance Can Promote the Quality of Routine Health Data in India
India lacks a functional public policy framework to guide health data use and sharing practices, which stymies data quality. Embedding data governance in health data systems can promote quality and make service delivery more efficient. Much of the discourse on health information systems has focused on technology while the concern of using data for health system management and improving quality of care remains largely unaddressed.
- Faith-Based Advocacy for Family Planning Works: Evidence From Kenya and Zambia
Faith-based organizations and religious leaders can be effective family planning advocates for policy change, funding, and services. To do so, they need evidence-based knowledge, training, support within their faith communities, as well as respect for their beliefs and values.