Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) faced many challenges in 2013 providing medical assistance around the world. Political instability and violence in countries like South Sudan, Central African Republic, Syria, and Somalia led to massive displacement of people and collapse of healthcare systems. MSF had to withdraw from Somalia after 22 years of continuous work due to threats and violence against staff. In Syria, MSF could only operate in opposition-held areas with instability remaining a constant challenge. MSF responded to numerous emergencies and outbreaks worldwide, providing over 800,000 medical consultations in Central African Republic alone. MSF spoke out about restrictions on humanitarian access and the failure of the international system to respond adequately to crises.
The right to health of non-nationals and displaced persons in the sustainable...Lyla Latif
Under the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), United Nations (UN) Member States reported
progress on the targets toward their general citizenry. This focus repeatedly excluded marginalized ethnic and
linguistic minorities, including people of refugee backgrounds and other vulnerable non-nationals that resided
within a States’ borders. The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) aim to be truly transformative by being made
operational in all countries, and applied to all, nationals and non-nationals alike. Global migration and its diffuse
impact has intensified due to escalating conflicts and the growing violence in war-torn Syria, as well as in many
countries in Africa and in Central America. This massive migration and the thousands of refugees crossing borders
in search for safety led to the creation of two-tiered, ad hoc, refugee health care systems that have added to the
sidelining of non-nationals in MDG-reporting frameworks.
This document discusses issues related to advancing the sexual and reproductive health and human rights of men who have sex with men (MSM) living with HIV. It notes that MSM living with HIV face double stigma due to fear/ignorance around HIV transmission and negative attitudes towards MSM. Young MSM living with HIV face additional challenges accessing healthcare without parental consent. The document argues for a rights-based approach and inclusion of MSM in policymaking to address their disproportionately high rates of HIV infection worldwide due to criminalization, discrimination, and lack of access to appropriate healthcare services.
HIV/AIDS is a national disaster in Tanzania that requires comprehensive management. Around 1.6 million people in Tanzania are living with HIV, though prevalence varies widely by region from under 2% to over 16%. The epidemic poses serious social and economic threats and has left over 1 million orphans. Tanzania has implemented various prevention strategies, including voluntary counseling and testing, promoting abstinence and faithfulness, condom distribution, preventing mother-to-child transmission, and youth education programs. However, HIV/AIDS continues to devastate the country.
This document summarizes research on the transgender population in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam and the challenges they face related to HIV, health, and human rights. It notes that transgender people suffer discrimination worldwide and lack legal protections in most of Asia. In Vietnam, they are often conflated with MSM and lack recognition of their gender identity. The document reviews limited available data on health issues like HIV prevalence and access to transition-related care. It estimates the transgender population in Ho Chi Minh City to be 2,000-3,000 and notes a lack of targeted programs and legal protections for this at-risk group.
Madridge Journal of AIDS (ISSN: 2638-1958); HIV-related stigma is a global issue. Its perpetuation varies in magnitude across and within countries, and serves as a major barrier to HIV prevention efforts.
The document discusses how HIV/AIDS has disproportionately impacted African Americans in urban areas. Some key points:
- African Americans represent 13% of the US population but around half of new HIV diagnoses. Rates are much higher than for whites and Hispanics.
- Cities examined like Detroit, New York, Baltimore, and DC have large African American populations and high rates of HIV among this group.
- Factors contributing to higher rates include poverty, lack of access to healthcare and education, high-risk behaviors, and stigma preventing awareness and treatment.
- Efforts are being made through organizations, campaigns, testing and healthcare to address the epidemic in these communities.
The document summarizes the key findings of a consultation on the issues and barriers facing transgender people in accessing HIV and other services in Yangon, Myanmar. The consultation identified low levels of condom use and HIV awareness within the transgender community. It also found that transgender people face discrimination in healthcare settings, preventing access to prevention, treatment, and support services. Common issues included stigma, unfriendly services, and a lack of tailored HIV prevention interventions. The document recommends improving health services, reducing risk behaviors, and addressing discrimination in order to improve transgender health outcomes in Yangon.
Alphaneodesign+untitled presentation+Ao1Bonnou Baku
The document summarizes MSF's activities in 2015, highlighting major crises and challenges faced including attacks on hospitals in Syria, Yemen, Afghanistan and Sudan. It discusses the large-scale displacement of people fleeing conflicts in countries like Burundi, Syria, and South Sudan. It also summarizes MSF's response to epidemics like Ebola, measles, and malaria.
The right to health of non-nationals and displaced persons in the sustainable...Lyla Latif
Under the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), United Nations (UN) Member States reported
progress on the targets toward their general citizenry. This focus repeatedly excluded marginalized ethnic and
linguistic minorities, including people of refugee backgrounds and other vulnerable non-nationals that resided
within a States’ borders. The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) aim to be truly transformative by being made
operational in all countries, and applied to all, nationals and non-nationals alike. Global migration and its diffuse
impact has intensified due to escalating conflicts and the growing violence in war-torn Syria, as well as in many
countries in Africa and in Central America. This massive migration and the thousands of refugees crossing borders
in search for safety led to the creation of two-tiered, ad hoc, refugee health care systems that have added to the
sidelining of non-nationals in MDG-reporting frameworks.
This document discusses issues related to advancing the sexual and reproductive health and human rights of men who have sex with men (MSM) living with HIV. It notes that MSM living with HIV face double stigma due to fear/ignorance around HIV transmission and negative attitudes towards MSM. Young MSM living with HIV face additional challenges accessing healthcare without parental consent. The document argues for a rights-based approach and inclusion of MSM in policymaking to address their disproportionately high rates of HIV infection worldwide due to criminalization, discrimination, and lack of access to appropriate healthcare services.
HIV/AIDS is a national disaster in Tanzania that requires comprehensive management. Around 1.6 million people in Tanzania are living with HIV, though prevalence varies widely by region from under 2% to over 16%. The epidemic poses serious social and economic threats and has left over 1 million orphans. Tanzania has implemented various prevention strategies, including voluntary counseling and testing, promoting abstinence and faithfulness, condom distribution, preventing mother-to-child transmission, and youth education programs. However, HIV/AIDS continues to devastate the country.
This document summarizes research on the transgender population in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam and the challenges they face related to HIV, health, and human rights. It notes that transgender people suffer discrimination worldwide and lack legal protections in most of Asia. In Vietnam, they are often conflated with MSM and lack recognition of their gender identity. The document reviews limited available data on health issues like HIV prevalence and access to transition-related care. It estimates the transgender population in Ho Chi Minh City to be 2,000-3,000 and notes a lack of targeted programs and legal protections for this at-risk group.
Madridge Journal of AIDS (ISSN: 2638-1958); HIV-related stigma is a global issue. Its perpetuation varies in magnitude across and within countries, and serves as a major barrier to HIV prevention efforts.
The document discusses how HIV/AIDS has disproportionately impacted African Americans in urban areas. Some key points:
- African Americans represent 13% of the US population but around half of new HIV diagnoses. Rates are much higher than for whites and Hispanics.
- Cities examined like Detroit, New York, Baltimore, and DC have large African American populations and high rates of HIV among this group.
- Factors contributing to higher rates include poverty, lack of access to healthcare and education, high-risk behaviors, and stigma preventing awareness and treatment.
- Efforts are being made through organizations, campaigns, testing and healthcare to address the epidemic in these communities.
The document summarizes the key findings of a consultation on the issues and barriers facing transgender people in accessing HIV and other services in Yangon, Myanmar. The consultation identified low levels of condom use and HIV awareness within the transgender community. It also found that transgender people face discrimination in healthcare settings, preventing access to prevention, treatment, and support services. Common issues included stigma, unfriendly services, and a lack of tailored HIV prevention interventions. The document recommends improving health services, reducing risk behaviors, and addressing discrimination in order to improve transgender health outcomes in Yangon.
Alphaneodesign+untitled presentation+Ao1Bonnou Baku
The document summarizes MSF's activities in 2015, highlighting major crises and challenges faced including attacks on hospitals in Syria, Yemen, Afghanistan and Sudan. It discusses the large-scale displacement of people fleeing conflicts in countries like Burundi, Syria, and South Sudan. It also summarizes MSF's response to epidemics like Ebola, measles, and malaria.
A ready-made presentation on Violation of Women's rights giving a detailed account of the violence on women globally and in India. Includes historical events that are important in the context of women's rights. This PPT talks about how women's rights are violated on daily basis, globally and in India along with providing measures to ensure our women's safety and well being. Talks about women's rights in India as well.
This document provides an overview of a synopsis series produced by the Latin America and Caribbean Regional Office (LACRO) of the AIDS Control and Prevention (AIDSCAP) Project. The series aims to highlight lessons learned from over 5 years of implementing HIV/AIDS prevention programs in 14 Latin American and Caribbean countries. It discusses the need to advance new technical strategies to more effectively address the pandemic, including promoting civil-military collaboration. The document introduces a synopsis on civil-military collaboration, focusing on engaging the military in HIV/AIDS prevention and how partnerships with the military can benefit both civilian and military populations.
The document provides background information on a proposed Regional Forum of Youths of Latin America and the Caribbean in 2014. It summarizes the key issues facing youth in the region related to poverty, education, employment, health, and political participation. The forum aims to facilitate dialogue between youth and other stakeholders to generate recommendations on priorities for youth to be incorporated into the post-2015 development agenda. The expected results are recommendations for the post-2015 agenda and establishing alliances to promote youth issues regionally and globally. Proposed themes for discussion include eradicating poverty, education, gender equity, health, jobs, and political participation. The forum will prioritize participation of youth representatives from across the region along with relevant governmental and non-governmental
The document summarizes key international instruments that establish and protect women's human rights. It discusses conventions like CEDAW that prohibit discrimination against women and establish principles of gender equality. It also outlines other agreements from conferences that further articulate concepts of women's empowerment, reproductive rights, and gender equity. However, it notes that while progress has been made, many challenges still remain in fully implementing these agreements and ensuring women's rights are upheld and respected in practice around the world.
The Thai government took actions in the past that reduced HIV prevalence, such as promoting condom use and increasing access to treatment. However, the new government has not done enough, resulting in increased discrimination against people living with HIV and a rise in HIV prevalence. People living with HIV now often go to "AIDS temples" to die, since they face rejection from hospitals and society. While some laws protect people with HIV, discrimination remains common in workplaces, families, and healthcare settings. More action is needed from the government to continue reducing HIV rates and end the stigma faced by those living with the virus.
- African Americans are disproportionately affected by HIV in the United States, accounting for almost half of new HIV infections and people living with HIV despite making up only 14% of the population.
- HIV infections among blacks have remained stable in recent years, though new infections among black women decreased 21% from 2008-2010.
- Risk factors for higher rates of HIV among African Americans include high prevalence of HIV and other STDs in their communities, lack of awareness of HIV status, stigma, and socioeconomic challenges like poverty and lack of healthcare access.
- The Safe2Live program provides HIV education and resources targeting at-risk youth ages 8-13, especially black teens who represent 68% of new youth infections.
The document discusses the importance of addressing gender equality in Global Fund proposals and responses to HIV, TB, and malaria. It notes that women often have less access to health services and information than men due to social and economic inequalities. It provides examples of how diseases like HIV, malaria, and TB disproportionately impact women. The document advises applicants to involve gender experts and conduct a gender analysis to ensure their proposals address the specific needs of women, men, girls and boys. It also recommends integrating gender-sensitive and transformative interventions that promote human rights and reduce health inequalities.
The Power of You is an article that highlights the power of an individual and the youth to improve the Human Rights of Women and the Power of Youth in improving society.
Global Medical Cures™ | HIV Among Women
DISCLAIMER-
Global Medical Cures™ does not offer any medical advice, diagnosis, treatment or recommendations. Only your healthcare provider/physician can offer you information and recommendations for you to decide about your healthcare choices.
Global undp 2013 trans health & human rightsclac.cab
This document discusses issues related to transgender health and human rights. It provides an introduction to key terminology and concepts. International human rights standards protect transgender people and require states to respect, protect, and fulfill their rights. However, transgender people still face high rates of violence, discrimination, lack of legal gender recognition, and barriers to health care and development worldwide. The document aims to increase understanding of these issues and suggest actions to promote transgender rights and inclusion.
From 2004-2008, Nevada saw a shift in the HIV/AIDS epidemic toward blacks, youth, and heterosexual adults. To effectively plan prevention and care, it is important to identify at-risk populations. The document discusses Nevada's HIV epidemiology, including increases in infections among blacks, Hispanics, youth, MSM, and older age groups. It also summarizes community input that identified priority populations as MSM, HIV-positive individuals, youth/young adults, and minorities. Goals and strategies focused on increasing awareness, testing, interventions, condom access, and linkages to care for these at-risk groups.
America cares hiv-aids in black america#GOMOJO, INC.
Increase community awareness of HIV/AIDS and HIV prevention strategies.
Increase community understanding of the clinical research process.
Develop and strengthen relationships with community stakeholders, including (but not limited to) medical care providers, STD/HIV counseling and testing providers, faith leaders, Non Governmental Organizations and Community Based Organizations.
Increasingly, African Americans in general are recognizing that HIV is wreaking devastation across our communities. Those who have joined the fight against HIV and AIDS in Black communities are coming to understand that it is a difficult and multifaceted problem—but that it is also a winnable war. With this report, we aim to arm those people with the information they need to get there.
The document discusses the history and current state of the AIDS epidemic in Africa. It begins by tracing HIV back to chimpanzees in Cameroon in the 1930s and its spread to humans. By the 1980s, AIDS cases rose sharply across Eastern Africa due to factors like labor migration. Treatment was not widely available until the 1990s. Currently, South Africa has the most HIV cases but prevalence has declined by a third over the past decade due to treatment programs. However, the number of people needing treatment is expected to exceed resources by 2020 without increased prevention and sustainable treatment options. More work is still needed to curb the epidemic.
This report examines gender-based violence (GBV) in disasters. It finds that GBV often increases following disasters, though it can be difficult to determine the scale of increase where pre-disaster GBV levels were already high. Displacement due to disasters commonly raises GBV risks. Disasters also cause economic hardship, sometimes leading to negative coping behaviors like transactional sex that elevate GBV risk. However, the country studies did not find strong evidence of disaster-linked increases in issues like child marriage and trafficking. Overall, disaster response is hindered by a lack of awareness and data about GBV, as reporting mechanisms are disrupted and plans do not address GBV prevention or support for survivors. The report calls for humanitarian
Young people account for a large percentage of new HIV infections globally. While the rate of new HIV infections among youth has declined slightly, young people still face significant challenges. Coordinated efforts are needed between governments, organizations, and youth groups to improve access to sexual education and healthcare, strengthen HIV prevention programs, and increase meaningful youth participation.
Community capacity proposal gomojo for WORLD CHANGE FROM DTLV #GOMOJO, INC.
The document discusses strategies to combat the HIV/AIDS epidemic in the United States and Nevada. It provides background on HIV/AIDS rates nationally and in Nevada, highlighting disproportionate impacts among certain groups. Key strategies discussed include increasing availability of media campaigns, online interventions, substance use interventions, and HIV testing. Specific tactics proposed under each strategy, such as developing culturally appropriate media campaigns targeting various communities, increasing online outreach and education, and requiring acknowledgement of safe sex practices on dating websites. The document emphasizes the need for a coordinated response using evidence-based approaches to reduce transmission rates and improve health outcomes.
H.O.P.E for AFRIKA is a nonprofit organization established in 2009 that provides healthcare, education, and poverty relief programs in Africa. It aims to improve access to healthcare and transform healthcare delivery on the continent. The organization's mission is to provide services that improve healthcare quality and outcomes for African populations. Some of its key programs include a patient-centered care model, increasing healthcare access, establishing rural health programs, and improving African healthcare systems. The organization focuses on vulnerable groups including those in impoverished regions, recently affected by disasters, and facing barriers to access international healthcare.
International Journal of Humanities and Social Science Invention (IJHSSI) is an international journal intended for professionals and researchers in all fields of Humanities and Social Science. IJHSSI publishes research articles and reviews within the whole field Humanities and Social Science, new teaching methods, assessment, validation and the impact of new technologies and it will continue to provide information on the latest trends and developments in this ever-expanding subject. The publications of papers are selected through double peer reviewed to ensure originality, relevance, and readability. The articles published in our journal can be accessed online.
The document discusses global health and nursing care. It provides definitions and context for global health, including how globalization has increased interdependence between populations and the spread of diseases. Factors like unhealthy populations, chronic illnesses, and limited access to resources affect populations worldwide. It also outlines several international organizations that work on global health issues and their roles in areas like providing aid, funding health infrastructure, and addressing health problems.
Doctors Without Borders (MSF) is an international medical humanitarian organization created in 1971 to provide independent, impartial medical assistance to people in over 60 countries. MSF provides assistance to those threatened by armed conflict, epidemics, malnutrition, lack of healthcare access, or natural disasters. In 1999, MSF received the Nobel Peace Prize. MSF provides medical care and support to people affected by armed conflicts, epidemics, and lack of access to healthcare in rural areas around the world.
Doctors Without Borders (MSF) is a nonprofit organization founded in 1971 that provides medical assistance in areas affected by conflict, epidemics, disasters, or lack of healthcare access. With over 65,000 staff worldwide, MSF is guided by principles of medical ethics to ensure quality care, patient confidentiality, and prioritizing the patient's health. MSF operates numerous programs for medical services, research, logistics, and more to assist vulnerable populations around the world.
A ready-made presentation on Violation of Women's rights giving a detailed account of the violence on women globally and in India. Includes historical events that are important in the context of women's rights. This PPT talks about how women's rights are violated on daily basis, globally and in India along with providing measures to ensure our women's safety and well being. Talks about women's rights in India as well.
This document provides an overview of a synopsis series produced by the Latin America and Caribbean Regional Office (LACRO) of the AIDS Control and Prevention (AIDSCAP) Project. The series aims to highlight lessons learned from over 5 years of implementing HIV/AIDS prevention programs in 14 Latin American and Caribbean countries. It discusses the need to advance new technical strategies to more effectively address the pandemic, including promoting civil-military collaboration. The document introduces a synopsis on civil-military collaboration, focusing on engaging the military in HIV/AIDS prevention and how partnerships with the military can benefit both civilian and military populations.
The document provides background information on a proposed Regional Forum of Youths of Latin America and the Caribbean in 2014. It summarizes the key issues facing youth in the region related to poverty, education, employment, health, and political participation. The forum aims to facilitate dialogue between youth and other stakeholders to generate recommendations on priorities for youth to be incorporated into the post-2015 development agenda. The expected results are recommendations for the post-2015 agenda and establishing alliances to promote youth issues regionally and globally. Proposed themes for discussion include eradicating poverty, education, gender equity, health, jobs, and political participation. The forum will prioritize participation of youth representatives from across the region along with relevant governmental and non-governmental
The document summarizes key international instruments that establish and protect women's human rights. It discusses conventions like CEDAW that prohibit discrimination against women and establish principles of gender equality. It also outlines other agreements from conferences that further articulate concepts of women's empowerment, reproductive rights, and gender equity. However, it notes that while progress has been made, many challenges still remain in fully implementing these agreements and ensuring women's rights are upheld and respected in practice around the world.
The Thai government took actions in the past that reduced HIV prevalence, such as promoting condom use and increasing access to treatment. However, the new government has not done enough, resulting in increased discrimination against people living with HIV and a rise in HIV prevalence. People living with HIV now often go to "AIDS temples" to die, since they face rejection from hospitals and society. While some laws protect people with HIV, discrimination remains common in workplaces, families, and healthcare settings. More action is needed from the government to continue reducing HIV rates and end the stigma faced by those living with the virus.
- African Americans are disproportionately affected by HIV in the United States, accounting for almost half of new HIV infections and people living with HIV despite making up only 14% of the population.
- HIV infections among blacks have remained stable in recent years, though new infections among black women decreased 21% from 2008-2010.
- Risk factors for higher rates of HIV among African Americans include high prevalence of HIV and other STDs in their communities, lack of awareness of HIV status, stigma, and socioeconomic challenges like poverty and lack of healthcare access.
- The Safe2Live program provides HIV education and resources targeting at-risk youth ages 8-13, especially black teens who represent 68% of new youth infections.
The document discusses the importance of addressing gender equality in Global Fund proposals and responses to HIV, TB, and malaria. It notes that women often have less access to health services and information than men due to social and economic inequalities. It provides examples of how diseases like HIV, malaria, and TB disproportionately impact women. The document advises applicants to involve gender experts and conduct a gender analysis to ensure their proposals address the specific needs of women, men, girls and boys. It also recommends integrating gender-sensitive and transformative interventions that promote human rights and reduce health inequalities.
The Power of You is an article that highlights the power of an individual and the youth to improve the Human Rights of Women and the Power of Youth in improving society.
Global Medical Cures™ | HIV Among Women
DISCLAIMER-
Global Medical Cures™ does not offer any medical advice, diagnosis, treatment or recommendations. Only your healthcare provider/physician can offer you information and recommendations for you to decide about your healthcare choices.
Global undp 2013 trans health & human rightsclac.cab
This document discusses issues related to transgender health and human rights. It provides an introduction to key terminology and concepts. International human rights standards protect transgender people and require states to respect, protect, and fulfill their rights. However, transgender people still face high rates of violence, discrimination, lack of legal gender recognition, and barriers to health care and development worldwide. The document aims to increase understanding of these issues and suggest actions to promote transgender rights and inclusion.
From 2004-2008, Nevada saw a shift in the HIV/AIDS epidemic toward blacks, youth, and heterosexual adults. To effectively plan prevention and care, it is important to identify at-risk populations. The document discusses Nevada's HIV epidemiology, including increases in infections among blacks, Hispanics, youth, MSM, and older age groups. It also summarizes community input that identified priority populations as MSM, HIV-positive individuals, youth/young adults, and minorities. Goals and strategies focused on increasing awareness, testing, interventions, condom access, and linkages to care for these at-risk groups.
America cares hiv-aids in black america#GOMOJO, INC.
Increase community awareness of HIV/AIDS and HIV prevention strategies.
Increase community understanding of the clinical research process.
Develop and strengthen relationships with community stakeholders, including (but not limited to) medical care providers, STD/HIV counseling and testing providers, faith leaders, Non Governmental Organizations and Community Based Organizations.
Increasingly, African Americans in general are recognizing that HIV is wreaking devastation across our communities. Those who have joined the fight against HIV and AIDS in Black communities are coming to understand that it is a difficult and multifaceted problem—but that it is also a winnable war. With this report, we aim to arm those people with the information they need to get there.
The document discusses the history and current state of the AIDS epidemic in Africa. It begins by tracing HIV back to chimpanzees in Cameroon in the 1930s and its spread to humans. By the 1980s, AIDS cases rose sharply across Eastern Africa due to factors like labor migration. Treatment was not widely available until the 1990s. Currently, South Africa has the most HIV cases but prevalence has declined by a third over the past decade due to treatment programs. However, the number of people needing treatment is expected to exceed resources by 2020 without increased prevention and sustainable treatment options. More work is still needed to curb the epidemic.
This report examines gender-based violence (GBV) in disasters. It finds that GBV often increases following disasters, though it can be difficult to determine the scale of increase where pre-disaster GBV levels were already high. Displacement due to disasters commonly raises GBV risks. Disasters also cause economic hardship, sometimes leading to negative coping behaviors like transactional sex that elevate GBV risk. However, the country studies did not find strong evidence of disaster-linked increases in issues like child marriage and trafficking. Overall, disaster response is hindered by a lack of awareness and data about GBV, as reporting mechanisms are disrupted and plans do not address GBV prevention or support for survivors. The report calls for humanitarian
Young people account for a large percentage of new HIV infections globally. While the rate of new HIV infections among youth has declined slightly, young people still face significant challenges. Coordinated efforts are needed between governments, organizations, and youth groups to improve access to sexual education and healthcare, strengthen HIV prevention programs, and increase meaningful youth participation.
Community capacity proposal gomojo for WORLD CHANGE FROM DTLV #GOMOJO, INC.
The document discusses strategies to combat the HIV/AIDS epidemic in the United States and Nevada. It provides background on HIV/AIDS rates nationally and in Nevada, highlighting disproportionate impacts among certain groups. Key strategies discussed include increasing availability of media campaigns, online interventions, substance use interventions, and HIV testing. Specific tactics proposed under each strategy, such as developing culturally appropriate media campaigns targeting various communities, increasing online outreach and education, and requiring acknowledgement of safe sex practices on dating websites. The document emphasizes the need for a coordinated response using evidence-based approaches to reduce transmission rates and improve health outcomes.
H.O.P.E for AFRIKA is a nonprofit organization established in 2009 that provides healthcare, education, and poverty relief programs in Africa. It aims to improve access to healthcare and transform healthcare delivery on the continent. The organization's mission is to provide services that improve healthcare quality and outcomes for African populations. Some of its key programs include a patient-centered care model, increasing healthcare access, establishing rural health programs, and improving African healthcare systems. The organization focuses on vulnerable groups including those in impoverished regions, recently affected by disasters, and facing barriers to access international healthcare.
International Journal of Humanities and Social Science Invention (IJHSSI) is an international journal intended for professionals and researchers in all fields of Humanities and Social Science. IJHSSI publishes research articles and reviews within the whole field Humanities and Social Science, new teaching methods, assessment, validation and the impact of new technologies and it will continue to provide information on the latest trends and developments in this ever-expanding subject. The publications of papers are selected through double peer reviewed to ensure originality, relevance, and readability. The articles published in our journal can be accessed online.
The document discusses global health and nursing care. It provides definitions and context for global health, including how globalization has increased interdependence between populations and the spread of diseases. Factors like unhealthy populations, chronic illnesses, and limited access to resources affect populations worldwide. It also outlines several international organizations that work on global health issues and their roles in areas like providing aid, funding health infrastructure, and addressing health problems.
Doctors Without Borders (MSF) is an international medical humanitarian organization created in 1971 to provide independent, impartial medical assistance to people in over 60 countries. MSF provides assistance to those threatened by armed conflict, epidemics, malnutrition, lack of healthcare access, or natural disasters. In 1999, MSF received the Nobel Peace Prize. MSF provides medical care and support to people affected by armed conflicts, epidemics, and lack of access to healthcare in rural areas around the world.
Doctors Without Borders (MSF) is a nonprofit organization founded in 1971 that provides medical assistance in areas affected by conflict, epidemics, disasters, or lack of healthcare access. With over 65,000 staff worldwide, MSF is guided by principles of medical ethics to ensure quality care, patient confidentiality, and prioritizing the patient's health. MSF operates numerous programs for medical services, research, logistics, and more to assist vulnerable populations around the world.
While the world has focused on the traditional causes of premature death in Africa – communicable diseases such as HIV, malaria and tuberculosis, malnutrition, road and other accidents and political conflicts – a column of other types of killers has been gaining ground.
These are the chronic, noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) such as cancer, heart disease, diabetes, sickle-cell disease and kidney disease, whose collective toll is rising rapidly. How aware are patients of the causes of and cures for their diseases, and how well are they served by the healthcare providers in their countries?
The document discusses the use of child soldiers in Chad. It notes that both the Chadian National Army (ANT) and opposition forces have forcibly recruited children. While the ANT claims to no longer recruit children, only 10% of its forces have been screened and recruitment could still occur outside of official processes due to weak command. The conflict in Chad stems from civil wars and proxy wars with Sudan, with children being used on both sides of these conflicts. International law prohibits the recruitment and use of children under 15, but birth registration is lacking in Chad making age verification difficult.
The document discusses the challenges facing refugee children with disabilities living in Zaatari refugee camp in Jordan. It notes that common disabilities seen in children include physical impairments from war injuries, as well as mental, intellectual and developmental disabilities. The document provides background on the Syrian civil war, Jordan as a host country, and Zaatari refugee camp. It outlines UNICEF's response to meet the needs of refugee children with disabilities, including efforts around immunizations, nutrition, water/sanitation/hygiene, child protection, and education. However, it notes many disabled children remain unregistered and without access to basic services and support.
The UN established UNAIDS in 1994 to coordinate the global response to the HIV/AIDS epidemic. UNAIDS aims to prevent the spread of HIV, provide care and support to those living with HIV, reduce vulnerability to HIV, and alleviate the impact of the epidemic. Through UNAIDS' efforts and partnerships with other organizations, deaths from AIDS-related illnesses have declined significantly from 2.3 million in 2005 to 1.6 million in 2012, treatment access has increased dramatically, and millions of lives have been saved due to reduced prices for antiretroviral drugs.
The document discusses a Tamil genocide protest that took place in Toronto, Canada in 2009. Tens of thousands of Tamil Canadians protested to raise awareness about alleged human rights abuses against Tamils by the Sri Lankan government during the country's 25-year civil war. Major protests involved human chains along city streets, demonstrations on university campuses, and rallies at Parliament Hill in Ottawa. The protesters called on Western leaders to take action and provide humanitarian aid to affected civilians.
The document is a position paper from New Zealand for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees that addresses three topics: the Syrian refugee crisis, protecting refugees' rights, and protecting refugees from human trafficking. For the Syrian refugee crisis, New Zealand supports increasing aid and ensuring refugees' safety and rights. For refugees' rights, New Zealand promotes host states receiving support, sharing best practices, and regional cooperation. For human trafficking, New Zealand urges preventing exploitation of refugees and prosecuting traffickers while protecting victims.
International Medical Corps is an global humanitarian non-profit that provides medical relief and training to communities affected by conflict, disaster and poverty. It operates programs in emergency response, health services, water and sanitation, mental health, and capacity building. The document discusses International Medical Corps' work providing mental health and psychosocial support services to urban refugees in Jordan, including partnering with the Jordanian government to develop an e-learning training on mental health for health practitioners.
Speaking notes for president cyril ramaphosa for the 1st extraordinary inter ...SABC News
SPEAKING NOTES FOR PRESIDENT CYRIL RAMAPHOSA FOR THE
1
ST EXTRAORDINARY INTER-SESSIONAL SUMMIT OF HEADS OF STATE AND GOVERNMENT OF THE
ORGANISATION OF AFRICAN, CARIBBEAN AND PACIFIC STATES (OACPS), 3 JUNE 2020
What Does Doctors Without Borders Accomplish?Randy Blum
Doctors Without Borders (www.doctorswithoutborders.org), which is more widely known outside the United States by its French name, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), operates in more than 60 countries to address the medical needs of individuals endangered by exclusion from healthcare, violence, neglect, epidemics, malnutrition, or natural disasters. Guided by the principles of medical ethics, the organization’s personnel provide neutral and impartial care to those in need.
Exploring migration, mobility and health in South Africa: key public health i...Jo Vearey
The document discusses key public health issues related to migration and mobility in South Africa. It notes that (1) South Africa experiences complex migration flows that current public health systems do not adequately address, (2) public health systems are already overburdened yet must also serve migrants, and (3) xenophobic attitudes present challenges. The document calls for improving data on migration and health, advocating for migration-sensitive public health responses, and addressing the health needs of both internal and cross-border migrants.
1) We know who is most vulnerable to HIV infection in different parts of the world, such as young women in southern Africa and sex workers in southern Asia.
2) There are proven prevention and treatment methods available, and prices for diagnostics and medications have decreased while investments have increased.
3) However, criminalization of key populations, gender inequality, lack of youth-friendly services, insufficient funding for prevention, and failure to prioritize key affected groups pose barriers to ending the AIDS epidemic by 2030 as envisioned. The role of the Netherlands includes advocacy, funding, and convening partners to address these challenges through a human rights-based, evidence-driven approach focused on at-risk groups.
This Global Appeal provides updated information for governments, private donors, partners and other readers interested in UNHCR’s priorities and budgeted activities for 2023 to protect and improve the lives of tens of millions of people – refugees, asylum-seekers, returnees, internally displaced people, stateless persons, and others of concern to UNHCR. It highlights the challenges faced by UNHCR and its partners in attempting to respond to multiple life-threatening crises and ever-growing humanitarian needs
This document discusses the impact of extremism on Jordanian women. It outlines Jordan's accomplishments in advancing women's rights through new laws and regulations, as well as increased political participation. However, extremism threatens these gains by promoting misogynistic views. Extremism affects women's self-image and mindsets of youth. The media plays a key role in countering extremist ideas and promoting women's empowerment. Political leadership, through initiatives like Amman's Message, also aims to promote tolerance and moderation over extremism. Overall, the rise of extremism undermines women's rights in Jordan, threatening hard-won legal and social progress. Coordinated efforts are needed across society to address both the ideological roots
Similar to MSF International Activity Report 2013 (16)
2. The MÉdecins Sans
Frontières Charter
Médecins Sans Frontières is a private international association. The association is made up
mainly of doctors and health sector workers and is also open to all other professions which
might help in achieving its aims. All of its members agree to honour the following principles:
Médecins Sans Frontières provides assistance to populations in distress, to victims of natural or
man-made disasters and to victims of armed conflict. They do so irrespective of race, religion,
creed or political convictions.
Médecins Sans Frontières observes neutrality and impartiality in the name of universal medical
ethics and the right to humanitarian assistance and claims full and unhindered freedom in the
exercise of its functions.
Members undertake to respect their professional code of ethics and to maintain complete
independence from all political, economic or religious powers.
As volunteers, members understand the risks and dangers of the missions they carry out and
make no claim for themselves or their assigns for any form of compensation other than that
which the association might be able to afford them.
The country texts in this report provide descriptive overviews of MSF’s operational activities throughout the
world between January and December 2013. Staffing figures represent the total full-time equivalent positions
per country at the end of 2013.
Country summaries are representational and, owing to space considerations, may not be comprehensive.
For more information on our activities in other languages, please visit one of the websites listed on p.100.
The place names and boundaries used in this report do not reflect any position by MSF on their legal status.
Some patients’ names have been changed for reasons of confidentiality.
3. 14 South Sudan: A country gripped by violence
4 The year in review
16 Addressing women’s health needs
18 CAR: Descent into chaos
27 Activities by country
Contents
2 MSF programmes Around The World
4 The Year in Review
Dr Joanne Liu, International President
Jérôme Oberreit, Secretary General
8 Overview Of activities
10 Glossary of Diseases and activities
14 South Sudan: A country gripped by violence
16 Addressing Women’s Health Needs
18 CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC: DESCENT INTO CHAOS
22 A Day in the Life: médecins Sans Frontières
(MSF) clinic at Dera Murad Jamali,
Balochistan, Pakistan
24 Overcoming challenges to meet
MSF’s vaccination ambitions
27 activities by country
95 special reports 2013
96 Facts and figures
100 Contact MSF
Contents 1
10. Overview of
activities
Largest country programmes
based on project expenditure
The total budget for our programmes in these 10 countries
is 323 million euros, 53 per cent of MSF’s operational budget.
1. Democratic Republic
of Congo
2. South Sudan
3. Haiti
4. Syria
5. Central African Republic
6. Niger
7. Somalia
8. Iraq
9. Chad
10. Zimbabwe
Staff numbers
Largest country programmes based on the number of MSF staff
in the field. Staff numbers measured in full-time equivalent units.
Outpatient consultations
Largest country programmes according to the number of outpatient
consultations. This does not include specialist consultations.
1. Democratic Republic of Congo 1,654,100
2. South Sudan 981,500
3. Niger 916,000
4. Central African Republic 816,300
5. Myanmar 519,100
6. Kenya 415,700
7. Afghanistan 370,000
8. Somalia 318,400
9. Mali 308,100
10. Swaziland 287,800
Programme locations
Number of programmes
Africa 240
Asia*
108
Americas 24
Europe 11
Pacific 4
* Asia includes the Middle East
and the Caucasus
1. Democratic Republic of Congo 3,604
2. South Sudan 2,854
3. Haiti 2,324
4. Niger 1,879
5. Central African Republic 1,631
Context of intervention
Number of programmes
Stable 161
Armed conflict 117
Internal instability 88
Post-conflict 21
2.8 %
1 %
Percentage of
programme
portfolio
62 %
28 %
6.2 %
Percentage of
programme
portfolio
30 %
28 %23 %
42 %
5%
Médecins Sans Frontières
8 Overview of activities
11. 2013 activity highlights
This data groups together direct, remote support
and coordination activities. Note: these highlights
give an overview of most MSF activities but cannot
be considered exhaustive.
9,029,100
Outpatient
Number of outpatient consultations
477,700
Inpatient
Number of admitted patients
1,871,200
Malaria
Total number of cases treated
233,800
Therapeutic
feeding centres
Number of severely malnourished
children admitted to inpatient or
outpatient feeding programmes
17,100
Supplementary
feeding centres
Number of moderately malnourished
children admitted to supplementary
feeding centres
341,600
HIV
Number of HIV patients registered
under care at end 2013
325,500
Antiretroviral treatment
(first-line)
Number of patients on first-line
antiretroviral treatment at end 2013
5,500
Antiretroviral treatment
(second-line)
Number of patients on second-line
antiretroviral treatment at end 2013
(first-line treatment failure)
18,500
PMTCT – mother
Number of HIV-positive pregnant
women who received prevention
of mother-to-child transmission
(PMTCT) treatment
16,800
PMTCT – baby
Number of eligible babies born in 2013
who received post-exposure treatment
182,200
Births
Number of women who delivered
babies, including caesarean sections
77,350
Surgical interventions
Number of major surgical interventions,
including obstetric surgery, under
general or spinal anaesthesia
11,100
Sexual violence
Number of patients medically treated
for sexual violence
29,900
Tuberculosis (first-line)
Number of new admissions to
tuberculosis first-line treatment
1,950
Tuberculosis (second-line)
Number of new admissions to MDR
tuberculosis treatment, second-line drugs
141,100
Mental health (individual)
Number of individual mental health
consultations
14,200
Mental health (group)
Number of group counselling or mental
health sessions
27,900
Cholera
Number of people treated for cholera
2,497,250
Measles vaccinations
Number of people vaccinated against
measles in response to an outbreak
129,900
Measles treatment
Number of people treated for measles
162,400
Meningitis vaccinations
Number of people vaccinated against
meningitis in response to an outbreak
1,750
Meningitis treatment
Total number of people treated
for meningitis
International Activity Report 2013
Overview of activities 9
12. Glossary of
diseases and
activities
Chagas disease
Chagas disease is found almost exclusively
in Latin America, although increased
global travel and migration have led
to more cases being reported in North
America, Europe, Australia and Japan.
Chagas is a parasitic disease transmitted
by triatomine bugs, which live in cracks
in the walls and roofs of mud and straw
housing. It can also be transmitted through
blood transfusions or to the foetus during
pregnancy, and, less frequently, through
organ transplants. A person with Chagas
often feels no symptoms in the first, acute
stage of the disease. Then the chronic
stage is asymptomatic for years. Ultimately,
however, debilitating complications develop
in approximately 30 per cent of people
infected, shortening life expectancy by an
average of 10 years. Heart complications
such as heart failure, arrhythmia and
cardiomyopathy are the most common
cause of death for adults.
Diagnosis is complicated, requiring
laboratory analysis of blood samples. There
are currently only two medicines available
to treat the disease: benznidazole and
nifurtimox, which were both developed
over 40 years ago. The cure rate is almost
100 per cent in newborns and infants, but
as the gap between the date of infection
and the beginning of treatment lengthens,
the cure rate declines.
The treatment currently used can be toxic
and can take longer than two months to
complete. Despite the clear need for more
efficient and safer medication, there are few
new drugs in development.
MSF treated 4,500 patients for Chagas disease
in 2013.
Cholera
Cholera is a water-borne, acute
gastrointestinal infection caused by the
Vibrio cholerae bacterium. It is transmitted
by contaminated water or food, or direct
contact with contaminated surfaces. In
non-endemic areas, large outbreaks can
occur suddenly and the infection can spread
rapidly. Most people will suffer only a
mild infection, but the illness can be very
severe, causing profuse watery diarrhoea
and vomiting that can lead to severe
dehydration and death. Treatment consists
of a rehydration solution – administered
orally or intravenously – which replaces
fluids and salts. Cholera is most common in
densely populated settings where sanitation
is poor and water supplies are not safe.
As soon as an outbreak is suspected,
patients are treated in centres where
infection control precautions are taken
to avoid further transmission of the
disease. Strict hygiene practices must be
implemented and large quantities of safe
water must be available.
MSF treated 27,900 people for cholera in 2013.
Health promotion
Health promotion activities aim to improve
health and encourage the effective use of
health services. Health promotion is a two-
way process: understanding the culture and
practices of a community is as important as
providing information.
During outbreaks of disease or epidemics,
MSF provides people with information on
how the disease is transmitted and how
to prevent it, what signs to look for, and
what to do if someone becomes ill. If MSF
is responding to an outbreak of cholera,
for example, teams work to explain the
importance of good hygiene practices,
because the disease is transmitted through
contaminated water or food, or direct
contact with contaminated surfaces.
HIV/AIDS
The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is
transmitted through blood and body fluids
and gradually breaks down the immune
system – usually over a three- to 15-year
period, although 10 years is more usual
– leading to acquired immunodeficiency
syndrome, or AIDS. As the virus progresses,
people begin to suffer from opportunistic
infections. The most common opportunistic
infection that leads to death is tuberculosis.
Simple blood tests can confirm HIV status, but
many people live for years without symptoms
and may not know they have been infected
with HIV. Combinations of drugs known as
antiretrovirals (ARVs) help combat the virus
and enable people to live longer, healthier lives
without their immune systems deteriorating
rapidly. ARVs also significantly reduce the
likelihood of the virus being transmitted.
As well as treatment, MSF’s comprehensive
HIV/AIDS programmes generally include
education and awareness activities, condom
distribution, HIV testing, counselling and
prevention of mother-to-child transmission
(PMTCT) services. PMTCT involves the
administration of ARV treatment to the mother
during and after pregnancy, during labour and
breastfeeding, and to the infant just after birth.
MSF provided care for 341,600 people living
with HIV/AIDS and antiretroviral treatment for
331,000 people in 2013.
Kala azar (visceral leishmaniasis)
Largely unknown in high-income countries
(although it is present in the Mediterranean
basin), kala azar – Hindi for ‘black fever’ –
is a tropical, parasitic disease transmitted
through bites from certain types of sandfly.
It is endemic in 76 countries, and of the
estimated 200,000–400,000 annual cases,
90 per cent occur in Bangladesh, India,
Ethiopia, South Sudan, Sudan and Brazil. Kala
azar is characterised by fever, weight loss,
Médecins Sans Frontières
10 Glossary of diseases and activities
14. continued Glossary of diseases and activities
Meningococcal meningitis
Meningococcal meningitis is a bacterial
infection of the thin membranes surrounding
the brain and spinal cord. It can cause
sudden and intense headaches, fever, nausea,
vomiting, sensitivity to light and stiffness of
the neck. Death can follow within hours of
the onset of symptoms. Up to 50 per cent of
people infected will die without treatment.
Six strains of the bacterium Neisseria
meningitidis (A, B, C, W135, X and Y) are
known to cause meningitis. People can be
carriers without showing symptoms and
transmit the bacteria when they cough or
sneeze. Cases are diagnosed through the
examination of a sample of spinal fluid and
treatment consists of specific antibiotics.
However, even with treatment, 10 per cent
or more patients will die and as many as one
in five survivors may suffer from after effects,
including hearing loss and learning disabilities.
Meningitis occurs throughout the world,
but the majority of infections and deaths are
in Africa, particularly across the ‘meningitis
belt’, an east–west geographical strip from
Ethiopia to Senegal, where epidemics are
most likely to be caused by meningococcus A.
A new vaccine against this strain provides
protection for at least 10 years and even
prevents healthy carriers from transmitting
the infection. Large preventive vaccination
campaigns have now been carried out in
Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Chad,
Ghana, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal and
Sudan and have resulted in a decrease in the
number of new cases.
MSF treated 1,750 patients for meningitis and
vaccinated 162,400 people against the disease
in response to outbreaks in 2013.
Mental healthcare
Traumatising events – such as suffering or
witnessing violence, the death of loved ones
or the destruction of livelihoods – are likely
to affect a person’s mental wellbeing. MSF
provides psychosocial support to victims of
trauma in an effort to reduce the likelihood
of long-term psychological problems.
Psychosocial care focuses on supporting
patients to develop their own coping strategies
after trauma. Counsellors help people to
talk about their experiences and process
their feelings so that general stress levels are
reduced. MSF also offers group counselling,
as a complementary approach.
MSF staff held 155,300 individual and group
counselling sessions in 2013.
Relief items distribution
MSF’s primary focus is on providing
medical care, but in an emergency teams
often distribute relief items that contribute
to physical and psychological survival. Such
items include clothing, blankets, bedding,
shelter, cleaning materials, cooking utensils
and fuel. In many emergencies, relief
items are distributed as kits – cooking kits
contain a stove, pots, plates, cups, cutlery
and a jerrycan so that people can prepare
meals, while a washing kit includes soap,
shampoo, toothbrushes, toothpaste and
laundry soap.
Where people are without shelter, and
materials are not locally available, MSF
distributes emergency supplies – rope and
plastic sheeting or tents – with the aim of
ensuring a shelter. In cold climates more
substantial tents are provided, or teams try
to find more permanent structures.
MSF distributed 146,650 relief kits in 2013.
Reproductive healthcare
Comprehensive neonatal and obstetric
care form part of MSF’s response to any
emergency. Medical staff assist births
and perform caesarean sections where
necessary and feasible, and sick newborns
and babies with a low birth weight receive
medical care.
Many of MSF’s longer-term programmes
offer more extensive maternal healthcare.
Several antenatal visits are recommended
so that medical needs during pregnancy
are met and potentially complicated
deliveries can be identified. After delivery,
postnatal care includes medical treatment,
counselling on family planning and
information and education on sexually
transmitted infections.
Good antenatal and obstetric care can
prevent obstetric fistulas. An obstetric
fistula is a hole between the vagina and
rectum or bladder that is most often a
result of prolonged, obstructed labour.
It causes incontinence, which can lead to
social stigma. Around two million women
are estimated to have untreated obstetric
fistulas; there are between 50,000 and
100,000 new cases each year. A number
of MSF programmes carry out specialist
obstetric fistula repair surgery.
MSF held more than 703,900 antenatal
consultations in 2013.
Sexual violence
Sexual violence occurs in all societies and in all
contexts at any time. Destabilisation of contexts
often results in increased levels of violence,
including sexual violence. Sexual violence is
particularly complex and stigmatising and has
long-lasting consequences and can result in
important health risks.
MSF medical care for victims of sexual violence
covers preventive treatment against sexually
transmitted infections, including HIV, syphilis
and gonorrhoea, and vaccinations for tetanus
and hepatitis B. Treatment of physical injuries,
psychological support and the prevention and
management of unwanted pregnancy are also
part of the systematic care. MSF provides a
medical certificate to all victims of violence.
Medical care is central to MSF’s response
to sexual violence, but stigma and fear may
prevent many victims from coming forward.
A proactive approach is necessary to raise
awareness about the medical consequences
of sexual violence and the availability of care.
Where MSF sees large numbers of victims
– especially in areas of conflict – advocacy
action aims to raise awareness among local
authorities, as well as the armed forces when
they are involved in the assaults.
MSF medically treated 11,100 patients for
sexual violence-related injuries in 2013.
Sleeping sickness
(human African
trypanosomiasis)
Generally known as sleeping sickness, human
African trypanosomiasis is a parasitic infection
transmitted by tsetse flies that occurs in
sub-Saharan Africa. In its latter stage, it attacks
the central nervous system, causing severe
neurological disorders and frequently death.
More than 95 per cent of reported cases are
caused by the parasite Trypanosoma brucei
gambiense, which is found in western and
central Africa. The other 5 per cent of cases
are caused by Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense,
which is found in eastern and southern Africa.
During the first stage, the disease is relatively
easy to treat but difficult to diagnose, as
symptoms such as fever and weakness are
non-specific. The second stage begins when
the parasite invades the central nervous system
and the infected person begins to show
neurological or psychiatric symptoms, such as
poor coordination, confusion, convulsions and
sleep disturbance. Accurate diagnosis of the
illness requires a sample of spinal fluid.
Nifurtimox-eflornithine combination
therapy or NECT, developed by MSF, Drugs
for Neglected Diseases initiative (DNDi)
and Epicentre, is now the World Health
Organization recommended protocol. NECT
is much safer than melarsoprol, the drug that
was previously used to treat the disease, and
which is a derivative of arsenic. Melarsoprol
Médecins Sans Frontières
12 Glossary of diseases and activities
26. Overcoming challenges to meet
MSF’s vaccination
ambitionsToday, 10-month-old Roni will
be vaccinated against one of
the world’s biggest killers of
children his age: pneumonia.
He waits patiently, perched on
his mother’s hip, as she gives
his name and date of birth to
the Médecins Sans Frontières
(MSF) team working in Yida
refugee camp in South Sudan.
While immunisation has always been a major
part of MSF operations – with more than two
million people protected against measles in
2013 alone, for example – the organisation
recently upped its vaccination ambitions. This
involves, in part, using the newest vaccines
more systematically in MSF operations,
including in emergencies, where children
are at their most vulnerable. For example,
Roni was one of several thousand children
vaccinated by MSF in the Yida camp between
July and September 2013 with two new
vaccines that were not yet available in South
Sudan: pentavalent and the pneumococcal
conjugate vaccine (PCV). MSF projects are
also rolling out innovative strategies, seeking
to show in Guinea, for instance, that a new
oral cholera vaccine is effective in responding
to outbreaks and even works as a useful
preventive tool where cholera is endemic.
MSF’s renewed commitment to vaccination
as a medical priority centres on the ambition
to strengthen routine immunisation, that
is to say, the vaccines the World Health
Organization (WHO) recommends all children
should receive. Four priority countries have
been chosen: Central African Republic (CAR),
Chad, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)
and South Sudan. There are many aspects
to this work, and one is reducing ‘missed
opportunities’ in MSF projects by screening
eligible children for their vaccination status
during clinic visits. Another is integrating
immunisation into other paediatric
programmes. MSF projects in Niger, Mali and
Chad, for example, are already combining
routine vaccination activities with other health
measures such as seasonal malaria prevention.
A third strategy is pursuing opportunities
to find those children over the age of one
who haven’t completed the recommended
immunisation series and need to ‘catch up’.
However, these new vaccination plans are in
danger of being thwarted by the issue of price,
and by the very nature of the vaccine product
itself. MSF, through specific campaigning
and advocacy, needs to address these issues,
while also focusing on innovative operational
activities and research.
When price curtails ambitions
The GAVI Alliance – the foundation that
procures vaccines on behalf of many
developing countries – has been instrumental
in negotiating substantially lower vaccine
prices for the world’s poorest countries.
This has helped to improve availability of the
newest vaccines in countries hardest hit by
diseases like pneumonia.
These lower prices are, however, only available
through specific purchasing channels, and
MSF has not been able to systematically
access the ‘GAVI price’. Nor does GAVI have
policy provisions that cater to emergency
Five Vaccination Visits are Required Before a Baby’s First Birthday.
This can be Difficult for Caregivers in Developing Countries
WE NEED EASIER-TO-USE VACCINES
SEVERA
L HOUR WALK
NOMON
EYFORTRANSPO
RT
TIME
AW
AY FROM WORK A
NDFAMILY
TREA
CHEROUS TERRA
IN
6 WEEKSBIRTH 10 WEEKS 14 WEEKS 9 MONTHS
Schedule is WHO-recommended routine immunisations for children – http://www.who.int/immunization/policy/Immunization_routine_table2.pdf
Médecins Sans Frontières
24 Overcoming challenges to meet MSF’s vaccination ambitions