Article
Infectious Diseases
Hannah Koenker, Josh Yukich, Marcy Erskine, Robert Opoku, Eleanore Sternberg, Albert Kilian
Summary: This study models several quantification approaches for ITN distribution and recommends tailored strategies to achieve global targets of ITN access and use. The current practice of conducting mass campaigns every three years is insufficient in most malaria-endemic countries. Tailored three- or two-year mass campaigns are less efficient than annual continuous distribution strategies. Full scale continuous distribution provides better ITN access and requires fewer nets in countries with at least 2.5 years of ITN retention times.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Seth Kwaku Afagbedzi, Yakubu Alhassan, Ernest Kenu, Keziah Malm, Delia Akosua Benewaah Bandoh, Nana Yaw Peprah, Otubea Owusu Ansah, Chris Guure
Summary: This study examined the factors influencing the universal coverage and utilization of Long-Lasting Insecticide Nets (LLINs) in Ghana. The results showed that 88% of households owned at least one LLIN, with a universal coverage of 75.6% and utilization rate of 65.6%. Rural areas had a 44% higher coverage rate compared to urban areas. Receiving LLINs from the Ministry of Health was associated with higher coverage. Households with children under the age of five were more likely to utilize LLINs. Rural residence and household size of more than two also influenced LLIN utilization.
FRONTIERS IN PUBLIC HEALTH
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Phyllis Dako-Gyeke, Ruby Hornuvo, Franklin N. N. Glozah, Emmanuel Asampong, Philip Teg-Nefaah Tabong, Adanna Nwameme, Gloria. M. Chandi, Nana Yaw Peprah, David Gittelman, Philip B. B. Adongo
Summary: This study explored the opportunities and barriers to implementing community health advocacy teams (CHATs) to improve the effectiveness of LLIN distribution campaigns in Ghana. The CHATs successfully increased community members' awareness and participation in LLIN through social and behaviour change communication strategies. However, the lack of financial support, organizational difficulties, and communication barriers were major challenges during implementation. Providing resources, improving communication networks, and continuous capacity strengthening are vital to support the operations of CHATs.
FRONTIERS IN PUBLIC HEALTH
(2023)
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Logan Stuck, Frank Chacky, Charles Festo, Angelina Lutambi, Ramadhani Abdul, George Greer, Renata Mandike, Rose Nathan, Ester Elisaria, Joshua Yukich
Summary: This research evaluated the School Net Programme (SNP) in Tanzania and found that the programme successfully maintained population-level ownership, use, and access to long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLIN). SNP reached wealthier households with children enrolled in school, but alternative delivery strategies may be needed to reach households without school-aged children.
HEALTH POLICY AND PLANNING
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Vishnu Prasad Sapkota, Umesh Prasad Bhusal, Govinda Prasad Adhikari
Summary: This study aims to analyze the financial protection situation across occupations and geography in Nepal using nationally representative household survey data. The results show that households engaged in informal occupations are more susceptible to poverty and financial hardships due to healthcare payments. Additionally, there is a significant urban/rural and provincial disparity in financial protection. These findings provide valuable insights for policymakers involved in designing health-financing reforms for achieving universal health coverage.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Arman Sanadgol, Leila Doshmangir, Rahim Khodayari-Zarnaq, Vladimir Sergeevich Gordeev
Summary: This study investigates the perspectives of Iranian health system experts and executive stakeholders on the role of NGOs in achieving universal health coverage (UHC). Based on interviews and document reviews, nine main themes and one hundred and five sub-themes were identified. Recognizing the critical role and contribution of NGOs in moving towards UHC is crucial.
FRONTIERS IN PUBLIC HEALTH
(2022)
Review
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Chhabi Lal Ranabhat, Shambhu Prasad Acharya, Chiranjivi Adhikari, Chun-Bae Kim
Summary: This article summarizes theoretical, philosophical, historical, financial, and political efforts to achieve universal health coverage (UHC) and assesses coverage in different eras. The study reveals that significant progress has been made in reducing maternal and child mortality rates during the primary health care (PHC) era. However, the focus has now shifted to service and financial assurance, as part of the sustainable development goals (SDG). The article also discusses resource allocation strategies, integration of health services with social health protection, human resources for health, community participation, and challenges in financial securities for global public health concerns.
FRONTIERS IN PUBLIC HEALTH
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Willian Narzetti, Francisco Silva Pinto, Daniel Narzetti, Tiago Cetrulo
Summary: Achieving universal access to water and sanitation services in developing countries requires a coherent legal, political, and institutional environment, along with a clear financial strategy. Regionalizing utilities may be crucial for addressing disparities, economic inequalities, and governance challenges. Additional financial support may be required to ensure universal access, and tariff adjustments must strike a balance between cost effectiveness and affordability for families.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Michael C. Thigpen, Svay Sarath, Sann Chan Soeung, Ork Vichit, Paul Kitsutani, Hardeep Sandhu, Christopher Gregory, Marc Fischer, Chheng Morn, Susan L. Hills
Summary: This article describes the lessons learned from a mass Japanese encephalitis (JE) immunization campaign conducted in Battambang province, Cambodia in 2013, and the specific observations for vaccination with the CD-JEV vaccine. These findings will be beneficial for public health officials and future planning for JE or other vaccine-preventable diseases in Cambodia and other regions.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Andrea Hannah Kaiser, Okore Okorafor, Bjorn Ekman, Srean Chhim, Sokunthea Yem, Jesper Sundewall
Summary: In low-and middle-income countries, implementing health financing and system reforms is crucial to achieve universal health coverage (UHC). However, in Cambodia, out-of-pocket expenditure (OOPE) remains the main source of healthcare payment, posing financial risks and hindering UHC's goal of financial protection. The study found a reversal in progress towards financial protection after improvements between 2009 and 2017, with increased catastrophic spending and impoverishment. The distribution of financial protection indicators varied across socioeconomic and geographical groups, threatening Cambodia's ability to achieve UHC.
SOCIAL SCIENCE & MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Optics
Haisen Luo, Ling Zhang, Hao Qin, Shihai Sun, Peng Huang, Yijun Wang, Zijie Wu, Ying Guo, Duan Huang
Summary: This paper presents a semi-supervised deep learning method to detect known attacks or potential threats in quantum key distribution systems. Experimental results show that this method can overcome existing limitations and improve practical security.
Article
Health Policy & Services
Joseph J. Capuno, Aleli D. Kraft, Owen O'Donnell
Summary: Based on survey data from the Philippines, the fraction of inpatient costs paid by the National Health Insurance Program increased by 21 percentage points from 2013 to 2017. The increase does not seem to be primarily due to expansions of population coverage. Additionally, prepayment of inpatient costs increased more at lower costs.
HEALTH SYSTEMS & REFORM
(2021)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Sergi Alonso, Carlos J. Chaccour, Joseph Wagman, Baltazar Candrinho, Rodaly Muthoni, Abuchahama Saifodine, Francisco Saute, Molly Robertson, Rose Zulliger
Summary: This study provides robust evidence that indoor residual spraying (IRS) with pirimiphos-methyl can be cost-effective in high transmission regions with high pyrethroid insecticide-treated nets (ITNs) coverage where the major vector is susceptible to pirimiphos-methyl but resistant to pyrethroids. The insecticide cost is the main driver of IRS costs, indicating the need to reduce the insecticide price without jeopardizing effectiveness.
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Yuanyuan Li, Chunfeng Zhang, Peng Zhan, Hongqiao Fu, Winnie Yip
Summary: This study aims to comprehensively evaluate the progress towards Universal Health Coverage (UHC) in China from 1993 to 2018, and predict the probability of achieving UHC targets by 2030. The study found that China has made significant progress in improving healthcare service coverage and reducing inequalities, but still faces challenges in improving financial protection and controlling non-communicable diseases (NCD) on its path towards UHC.
LANCET REGIONAL HEALTH-WESTERN PACIFIC
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
A. Sepehri, K. N. Minh, P. H. Vu
Summary: The study aimed to assess temporal trends in out-of-pocket expenditures per outpatient contact by insured residents in rural Vietnam. The results showed an upward trend in the amount of out-of-pocket expenditures, particularly for visits involving higher level government hospitals and private hospitals. Efforts should be directed at reforming Vietnam's hospital-centric and fragmented delivery system to contain costs and ensure financial sustainability of the social health insurance system.