Other Communicable Diseases
- Discovery of a Hidden Schistosomiasis Endemic in the Salamat Region of Chad, Africa
A mobile medical team used numerous time- and cost-saving techniques to provide therapeutic and preventive chemotherapy to nearly 12,000 patients while uncovering a hidden urogenital schistosomiasis endemic in the Salamat Region of Chad, Africa.
- The Salience of Trust to the Client-Provider Relationship in Post-Ebola Guinea: Findings From a Qualitative Study
This qualitative study in post-Ebola Guinea showed that trust was a salient construct for clients making health care-seeking decisions in a postemergency setting. This analysis argues for global health programs to build trust between clients and the health system by addressing underlying domains of trust as defined by the clients themselves.
- Findings and Implications From an Evaluation of the Gold Star Campaign in Post-Ebola Guinea: The Role of Gender and Education
During public health crises, such as an Ebola epidemic, people may lose trust in local health facilities. Short-duration mass media campaigns can improve attitudes about the quality of health facilities for men and women and can play an important role in encouraging future health service utilization.
- 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.
- Income Inequalities in Hepatitis B Vaccination and Willingness to Pay Among Women of Reproductive Age in Hanoi, Vietnam
Many countries use a fee-for-service model for hepatitis B vaccination, which amplifies health disparities across socioeconomic statuses and contributes to inequalities in HBV vaccination rates. We examined the role of household income on women’s willingness to pay and the amount they are willing to pay for HBV vaccination to identify a more optimized payment scheme and equitable access across all income groups.
- Qualitative Review of Organizational Responses to Rumors in the 2014–2016 Ebola Virus Disease Outbreak in Liberia and Sierra Leone
Rumors and misinformation were a challenge in the 2014–2016 Ebola Virus Disease response and continue to be so in the current COVID-19 pandemic. It is important to understand previous organizational approaches to identifying and addressing rumors to refine and improve these approaches.
- Matching Development of Point-of-Care Diagnostic Tests to the Local Context: A Case Study of Visceral Leishmaniasis in Kenya and Uganda
We provide a new protocol to connect how findings from field research on the local health care setting in resource-limited regions can inform researchers that are working toward developing a new point-of-care diagnostic test for neglected tropical diseases.
- Evidence-Based Process for Prioritizing Positive Behaviors for Promotion: Zika Prevention in Latin America and the Caribbean and Applicability to Future Health Emergency Responses
To maximize the impact of Zika prevention programming efforts, a prioritization process for social and behavior change programming was developed based on a combination of research evidence and programmatic experience. Prioritized behaviors were: application of mosquito repellent, use of condoms, removing unintentional standing water, covering and scrubbing walls of water storage containers, seeking prenatal care, and seeking counseling on family planning if not planning to get pregnant.
- The Challenges of Transition From Donor-Funded Programs: Results From a Theory-Driven Multi-Country Comparative Case Study of Programs in Eastern Europe and Central Asia Supported by the Global Fund
Transitioning from donor funding toward domestic financing for HIV and TB programs in Eastern Europe and Central Asia presents major challenges. It will require a substantial multipronged approach through well-planned collective and coordinated responses from global, bilateral, and national partners.
- Rapid Integration of Zika Virus Prevention Within Sexual and Reproductive Health Services and Beyond: Programmatic Lessons From Latin America and the Caribbean
During the 2015–16 Zika virus outbreak, IPPF member association providers reached clients and affected populations faster by integrating critical information and services within existing sexual and reproductive health platforms. Challenges included: (1) communicating rapidly evolving evidence to providers; (2) overcoming restrictive social norms on gender and sexuality and a related lack of public messaging on preventing sexual transmission; and (3) addressing disability stigma and breaching service gaps to support children and caregivers affected by congenital Zika syndrome.