Global Health: Science and Practice (GHSP)
September 2015 | Volume 3 | Issue 3
http://www.ghspjournal.org/content/current

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EDITORIALS
Women’s Groups to Improve Maternal and Child Health Outcomes: Different Evidence Paradigms Toward Impact at Scale
The Care Group model, with relatively intensive international NGO implementation at moderate scale, appears successful in a wide variety of settings, as assessed by high-quality evaluation with rich program learning. Another women’s group approach—Participatory Women’s Groups—has also been implemented across various settings but at smaller scale and assessed using rigorous RCT methodology under controlled—but less naturalistic—conditions with generally, although not uniformly, positive results. Neither approach, as implemented to date, is directly applicable to large-scale integration into current public programs. Our challenge is to distill the elements of success across these approaches that empower women with knowledge, motivation, and increased self-efficacy—and to apply them in real-world programs at scale.
Glob Health Sci Pract 2015;3(3):323-326. http://dx.doi.org/10.9745/GHSP-D-15-00251

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Institutional Care of Children in Low- and Middle-Income Settings: Challenging the Conventional Wisdom of Oliver Twist
Whether institutions or extended families are better suited to care for orphans depends on the specific circumstances. Reported rates of traumatic experiences among orphans and vulnerable children are high in both institutions and extended families; improving the quality of care for such children should be the paramount priority in all settings.
Paula Braitstein
Glob Health Sci Pract 2015;3(3):330-332. First published online August 25, 2015. http://dx.doi.org/10.9745/GHSP-D-15-00228

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ORIGINAL ARTICLES
Care Groups I: An Innovative Community-Based Strategy for Improving Maternal, Neonatal, and Child Health in Resource-Constrained Settings
Care Groups use volunteers to motivate mothers to adopt key MCH behaviors. The volunteers meet as a group every 2–4 weeks with a paid facilitator to learn new health promotion messages. Key ingredients of the approach include: peer-to-peer health promotion, selection of volunteers by the mothers, a manageable workload for the volunteers (no more than 15 households per volunteer), frequent (at least monthly) contact between volunteers and mothers, and regular supervision of the volunteers.
Henry Perry, Melanie Morrow, Sarah Borger, Jennifer Weiss, Mary DeCoster, Thomas Davis, Pieter Ernst
Glob Health Sci Pract 2015;3(3):358-369. http://dx.doi.org/10.9745/GHSP-D-15-00051

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Care Groups II: A Summary of the Child Survival Outcomes Achieved Using Volunteer Community Health Workers in Resource-Constrained Settings
Care Group projects resulted in high levels of healthy behavior, including use of oral rehydration therapy, bed nets, and health care services. Accordingly, under-5 mortality in Care Group areas declined by an estimated 32% compared with 11% in areas with child survival projects not using Care Groups.
Henry Perry, Melanie Morrow, Thomas Davis, Sarah Borger, Jennifer Weiss, Mary DeCoster, Jim Ricca, Pieter Ernst
Glob Health Sci Pract 2015;3(3):370-381. http://dx.doi.org/10.9745/GHSP-D-15-00052

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Prevalence and Incidence of Traumatic Experiences Among Orphans in Institutional and Family-Based Settings in 5 Low- and Middle-Income Countries: A Longitudinal Study
Contrary to some conventional wisdom, in this large study that randomly sampled orphans and separated children from 5 countries, prevalence of reported traumatic events was no worse among those institutionalized than among those in family-based care. Reported incidence of physical or sexual abuse was actually higher for those in family-based care. Understanding the specific context, and elements contributing to potential harm and benefits in both family-based and institutional care, are essential to promoting the best interest of the child.
Christine L Gray, Brian W Pence, Jan Ostermann, Rachel A Whetten, Karen O’Donnell, Nathan M Thielman, Kathryn Whetten
Glob Health Sci Pract 2015;3(3):395-404. First published online August 25, 2015. http://dx.doi.org/10.9745/GHSP-D-15-00093
Abstract
Background:
Policy makers struggling to protect the 153 million orphaned and separated children (OSC) worldwide need evidence-based research on the burden of potentially traumatic events (PTEs) and the relative risk of PTEs across different types of care settings.
Methods:
The Positive Outcomes for Orphans study used a 2-stage, cluster-randomized sampling design to identify 1,357 institution-dwelling and 1,480 family-dwelling orphaned and separated children in 5 low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) in sub-Saharan Africa and Asia. We used the Life Events Checklist developed by the National Center for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder to examine self-reported PTEs among 2,235 OSC ages 10–13 at baseline. We estimated prevalence and incidence during 36-months of follow-up and compared the risk of PTEs across care settings. Data collection began between May 2006 and February 2008, depending on the site.
Results:
Lifetime prevalence by age 13 of any PTE, excluding loss of a parent, was 91.0% (95% confidence interval (CI) = 85.6, 94.5) in institution-dwelling OSC and 92.4% (95% CI = 90.3, 94.0) in family-dwelling OSC; annual incidence of any PTE was lower in institution-dwelling (23.6% [95% CI = 19.4, 28.7]) than family-dwelling OSC (30.0% [95% CI = 28.1, 32.2]). More than half of children in institutions (50.3% [95% CI = 42.5, 58.0]) and in family-based care (54.0% [95% CI = 50.2, 57.7]) had experienced physical or sexual abuse by age 13. Annual incidence of physical or sexual abuse was lower in institution-dwelling (12.9% [95% CI = 9.6, 17.3]) than family-dwelling OSC (19.4% [95% CI = 17.7, 21.3]), indicating statistically lower risk in institution-dwelling OSC (risk difference = 6.5% [95% CI = 1.4, 11.7]).
Conclusion:
Prevalence and incidence of PTEs were high among OSC, but contrary to common assumptions, OSC living in institutions did not report more PTEs or more abuse than OSC living with families. Current efforts to reduce the number of institution-dwelling OSC may not reduce incidence of PTEs in this vulnerable population. Protection of children from PTEs should be a primary consideration, regardless of the care setting.

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Improved Reproductive Health Equity Between the Poor and the Rich: An Analysis of Trends in 46 Low- and Middle-Income Countries
In light of advocacy efforts to reach the poorest with better health services, an examination of recent history reveals that overall the poor-rich gap in contraceptive use is already narrowing substantially, and more so where family planning programs are stronger. For most of 18 other reproductive health indicators, the gap is also narrowing. However, contraceptive use gaps in many sub-Saharan African countries have not diminished, calling for strong family planning program efforts to improve equity.
John Ross
Glob Health Sci Pract 2015;3(3):419-445. First published online September 7, 2015. http://dx.doi.org/10.9745/GHSP-D-15-00124

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INNOVATIONS
Remote Sensing of Vital Signs: A Wearable, Wireless “Band-Aid” Sensor With Personalized Analytics for Improved Ebola Patient Care and Worker Safety
This wireless sensor technology, currently being field-tested in an Ebola Treatment Unit in Sierra Leone, monitors multiple vital signs continuously and remotely. When connected with enhanced analytics software, it can discern changes in patients’ status much more quickly and intelligently than conventional periodic monitoring, thus saving critical health care worker time and reducing exposure to pathogens.
Steven R Steinhubl, Mark P Marriott, Stephan W Wegerich
Glob Health Sci Pract 2015;3(3):516-519. http://dx.doi.org/10.9745/GHSP-D-15-00189

Global Public Health
Volume 10, Issue 9, 2015
http://www.tandfonline.com/toc/rgph20/current

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Original Articles
Cancer control capacity in 50 low- and middle-income countries
DOI:10.1080/17441692.2015.1007469
Rolando Camacho, Cecilia Sepúlveda, Diogo Neves, Marion Piñeros, Maria Villanueva, Jean-Marie Dangou, Ibtihal Fadhil, Gauden Galea, Renu Garg & Silvana Luciani
pages 1017-1031

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Trust matters: A narrative literature review of the role of trust in health care systems in sub-Saharan Africa
DOI:10.1080/17441692.2015.1019538
Lise Rosendal Østergaard
pages 1046-1059

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Grandmothers as gatekeepers? The role of grandmothers in influencing health-seeking for mothers and newborns in rural northern Ghana
DOI:10.1080/17441692.2014.1002413
Mira L. Gupta, Raymond Akawire Aborigo, Philip Baba Adongo, Sarah Rominski, Abraham Hodgson, Cyril M. Engmann & Cheryl A. Moyer
pages 1078-1091

Human Service Organizations Management, Leadership & Governance
Volume 39, Issue 4, 2015
http://www.tandfonline.com/toc/wasw21/current

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Empowering Human Services Organizations to Embrace Evidence-Informed Practice: International Best Practices
DOI:10.1080/23303131.2015.1050141
Katharine A. Dill & Wes Shera
pages 323-338
Abstract
Human services organizations are increasingly using knowledge as a mechanism for implementing change. Knowledge emerging from many sources that may include academic publications, gray literature, and service user and practitioner wisdom contributes toward informing best practice. The question is how do we harness this knowledge to make practice more effective? This article synthesizes the lessons learned from eight international organizations that have made a commitment to knowledge mobilization as an important priority in their mission and operation. The article provides a conceptual model, tools, and resources to help human services organizations create strategies for building, enhancing, or sustaining their knowledge mobilization efforts. The article describes a flexible blueprint for human services organizations to leverage knowledge mobilization efforts at all levels of service delivery.

International Journal of Sustainable Development & World Ecology
Volume 22, Issue 5, 2015
http://www.tandfonline.com/toc/tsdw20/current#.VSj2SpMw1hX

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Original Articles
Social and environmental impacts of agricultural cooperatives: evidence from Ethiopia
DOI:10.1080/13504509.2015.1052860
Dagne Mojoab*, Christian Fischera & Terefe Degefac
pages 388-400
Abstract
Cooperatives are considered as potential organizational vehicles for sustainable development due to their multiple objectives and diverse roles. In particular, a lot is expected from agricultural cooperatives since they depend mainly on natural resource-based activities where sustainability issues are central concerns. Using household survey data of 305 coffee farmers from Ethiopia, the impacts of cooperative membership on farmers’ social and environmental performances are examined. Findings, based on propensity scores matching, show a significant positive impact of cooperatives on members’ social capital including trust, commitment and satisfaction, and on human capital such as training sessions received and experiences gained. However, farmers’ environmental performance is negatively associated with membership contrary to expectations. The findings suggest further efforts that need to be made by agricultural cooperatives to improve the environmental performance of farmers, while the accumulated human and social capitals are encouraging and can ease future collective actions toward cares for the environment and future generations.

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Original Articles
The role of ruminant animals in sustainable livestock intensification programs
DOI:10.1080/13504509.2015.1075441
Luis Orlindo Tedeschia*, James Pierre Muirb, David Greg Rileya & Danny Gene Foxc
pages 452-465
Abstract
Food supply has improved considerably since the eighteenth century industrial revolution, but inadequate attention has been given to protecting the environment in the process. Feeding a growing world population while reducing the impact on the environment requires immediate and effective solutions. Sustainability is difficult to define because it embodies multifaceted concepts and the combination of variables that make a production system sustainable can be unique to each production situation. Sustainability represents the state of a complex system that is always evolving. It is an intrinsic characteristic of the system that needs to be shaped and managed. A sustainable system has the ability to coexist with other systems at a different output level after a period of perturbation. Resilience is the ability of a system to recover and reestablish a dynamic equilibrium after it has been perturbed. Sustainable intensification (SI) produces more output(s) through the more efficient use of resources while reducing negative impact on the environment; it provides opportunities for increasing animal and crop production per area while employing sustainable production alternatives that fully consider the three pillars of sustainability (planet, people, and profit). Identifying the most efficient animals and feeding systems is the prerequisite to successful applications of sustainable livestock intensification programs. Animal scientists must develop strategies that forecast the rate and magnitude of global changes as well as their possible influences on the food production chain. System modeling is a powerful tool because it accounts for many variables and their interactions involved in identifying sustainable systems in each situation.

JAMA
September 15, 2015, Vol 314, No. 11
http://jama.jamanetwork.com/issue.aspx

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Viewpoint | September 15, 2015
The Response to Ebola—Looking Back and Looking AheadThe 2015 Lasker-Bloomberg Public Service Award
FREE
JAMA. 2015;314(11):1115-1116. doi:10.1001/jama.2015.11645.
The 2015 Lasker-Bloomberg Public Service Award is given to Médecins Sans Frontières/Doctors Without Borders (MSF) for its bold response and leadership in fighting the Ebola outbreak in Africa. This Viewpoint describes the challenges involved in responding to this outbreak and the importance of ongoing research and preparedness efforts.

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Viewpoint | September 15, 2015
Vaccination and the Lasker Awards – Enduring Legacies
Anthony S. Fauci, MD1; David M. Morens, MD1; Hilary D. Marston, MD, MPH1
Author Affiliations
JAMA. 2015;314(11):1119-1120. doi:10.1001/jama.2015.9807.
Dr Fauci and coauthors discuss the Lasker Awards that have been granted to scientists for discoveries underlying vaccine development.
Extract
Since 1945, the Lasker Foundation has recognized research advances with the greatest potential to improve global human health.1 Therefore, it is entirely fitting that vaccines, which save millions of lives every year worldwide, should feature so prominently in the history of the awards. Many Lasker Awards have been granted to scientists for discoveries underlying vaccine development, from basic microbiology to specific vaccine design. More recently, public health practitioners have joined the ranks of their basic science counterparts as the Lasker Foundation has recognized facilitators of vaccine delivery to those most in need…

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Global Health
Global Help for Post-Ebola Recovery in West Africa
M. J. Friedrich
Outcomes of HIV Vaccine Related to Genetic Variation
M. J. Friedrich
Poor Sanitation Practices Associated With Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes
M. J. Friedrich

Journal of Development Economics
Volume 116, Pages 1-266 (September 2015)
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/journal/03043878/115

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Watchdogs of the Invisible Hand: NGO monitoring and industry equilibrium
Original Research Article
Pages 28-42
Gani Aldashev, Michela Limardi, Thierry Verdier
Abstract
Globalization has been accompanied by rising pressure from advocacy non-governmental organizations (NGOs) on multinational firms to act in socially-responsible manner. We analyze how NGO pressure interacts with industry structure, using a simple model of NGO-firm interaction embedded in an industry environment with endogenous markups and entry. We explain three key empirical patterns in developing-country industries under activist pressure: the degree of exit under more intense activist pressure, the differential response of industries to NGO activism, and the general rise of NGO activism following globalization.
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All in the family: Explaining the persistence of female genital cutting in West Africa
Original Research Article
Pages 252-265
Marc F. Bellemare, Lindsey Novak, Tara L. Steinmetz
Abstract
Why does female genital cutting (FGC) persist in certain places but has declined elsewhere? We study the persistence of FGC—proxied for by whether survey respondents are in favor of the practice continuing—in West Africa. We use 38 repeated cross-sectional country-year data sets covering 310,613 women aged 15 to 49 in 13 West African countries for the period 1995–2013. The data exhibit sufficient within-household variation to allow controlling for the unobserved heterogeneity between households, which in turn allows determining how much variation is due to factors at the levels of the individual, household, village, and beyond. Our results show that on average, 87% of the variation in FGC persistence can be attributed to household- and individual-level factors, with contributions from those levels of variation ranging from 71% in Nigeria in 2011 to 93% in Burkina Faso in 2006. Our results also suggest that once invariant factors across women aged 15 to 49 in the same household are accounted for, women who report having undergone FGC in West Africa are on average 16 percentage points more likely to be in favor of the practice.

Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health
Volume 17, Issue 5, October 2015
http://link.springer.com/journal/10903/17/4/page/1

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Original paper
Factors Associated with Healthcare Utilization Among Arab Immigrants and Iraqi Refugees
D. Elsouhag, B. Arnetz, H. Jamil, M. A. Lumley…
Abstract
Arab migrants—both immigrants and refugees—are exposed to pre- and post- migration stressors increasing their risk for health problems. Little is known, however, about rates of, or factors associated with, healthcare utilization among these two groups. A sample of 590 participants were interviewed approximately 1 year post-migration to the United States. Factors associated with healthcare utilization, including active and passive coping strategies, were examined using logistic regressions. Compared to national healthcare utilization data, immigrants had significantly lower, and refugees had significantly higher rates of healthcare utilization. Being a refugee, being married, and having health insurance were significantly associated with medical service utilization. Among refugees, less use of psychological services was associated with the use of medications and having problem-focused (active) strategies for dealing with stress. Healthcare utilization was significantly higher among refugees, who also reported a greater need for services than did immigrants.

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Does Integrated Care Affect Healthcare Utilization in Multi-problem Refugees?
Carol C. White, Craig A. Solid, James S. Hodges, Deborah H. Boehm
Abstract
A history of trauma is common in refugee populations and appropriate treatment is frequently avoided. Using a convenience sample of 64 patients in a Somali primary care clinic, a culture and trauma specific intervention was developed to address retention into appropriate treatment. One goal of the intervention was to improve the rate of engagement in psychotherapy after a mental health referral and to test the effect of psychotherapy on health care utilization using a staged primary care clinical tool. Forty-eight percent of patients given a mental health referral engaged in psychotherapy. Patients engaging in psychotherapy had higher baseline utilization and over 12 months trended towards less emergency room use and more primary care. Our findings suggest that the intervention improved referral and retention in mental health therapy for East African refugee women.

Journal of Immigrant & Refugee Studies
Volume 13, Issue 3, 2015
http://www.tandfonline.com/toc/wimm20/current#.VQS0KOFnBhW
Special Issue: Social Work and Migration in Europe

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(Dis)Empowering New Immigrants and Refugees Through Their Participation in Introduction Programs in Sweden, Denmark, and Norway
Ariana Guilherme Fernandes
pages 245-264

The Lancet
Sep 19, 2015 Volume 386 Number 9999 p1109-1210 e9-e14
http://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/issue/current

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Editorial
Women are the key to sustainable development
The Lancet
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(15)00248-2
Summary
On Sept 25–27, UN member states will meet at the UN General Assembly in New York to adopt a new roadmap—17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)—for progress to 2030. Goal 3 is dedicated to health and consists of nine main targets, including reductions in maternal and child mortality, substance misuse, and road traffic accidents. However, many other goals—eg, water and sanitation, poverty reduction, and climate change—are also health related. How can this ambitious agenda be achieved? A Lancet Commission published in today’s issue has an answer: ensure women are healthy and have equity in all aspects of life.

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Comment
A Lancet Commission on sexual and reproductive health and rights: going beyond the Sustainable Development Goals
Ann Starrs
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(15)00250-0

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Comment
Promoting women’s health for sustainable development
Jim Yong Kim, Timothy Evans
Published Online: 04 June 2015
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(15)60942-4
Summary
As the world reflects on the progress made in the two decades since the International Conference on Population and Development Programme of Action1 and the Beijing Platform of Action2 and prepares to adopt the Sustainable Development Goals, the report of the Lancet Commission on Women and Health3 is a powerful reminder that much work remains to be done. The Commission’s extensive review of the evidence and compelling synthesis should serve as an important reference point for policy makers and practitioners as they begin to implement the post-2015 development agenda.

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Comment
Valuing the health and contribution of women is central to global development
Melinda Gates
Published Online: 04 June 2015
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(15)60940-0
Summary
During my mother’s four pregnancies, her health was viewed as a way to improve the wellbeing of her children. Between the time that my mother had her children and I had mine, more attention was paid to the health of women themselves—and particularly their survival. This concern with maternal health and survival, especially for women in low-income countries, led to the launch of the Safe Motherhood Initiative in 1987, the first global effort to focus the world’s attention on maternal health. Since then, women’s health has expanded to encompass sexual and reproductive health and, more recently, the complex interplay of factors throughout the life course, which are explored in the Lancet Commission on Women and Health.

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The Lancet Commissions
Women and Health: the key for sustainable development
Dr Ana Langer, MD, Afaf Meleis, PhD, Felicia M Knaul, PhD, Rifat Atun, MBBS, Meltem Aran, PhD, Héctor Arreola-Ornelas, MS, Zulfiqar A Bhutta, PhD, Agnes Binagwaho, MMed [Ped], Ruth Bonita, PhD, Jacquelyn M Caglia, MPH, Mariam Claeson, MD, Justine Davies, MD, France A Donnay, MD, Jewel M Gausman, MHS, Caroline Glickman, MIM, Annie D Kearns, MS, Tamil Kendall, PhD, Rafael Lozano, MD, Naomi Seboni, PhD, Gita Sen, PhD, Siriorn Sindhu, DNSc, Miriam Temin, MS, Julio Frenk, MD
Published Online: 04 June 2015
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(15)60497-4
Summary
Girls’ and women’s health is in transition and, although some aspects of it have improved substantially in the past few decades, there are still important unmet needs. Population ageing and transformations in the social determinants of health have increased the coexistence of disease burdens related to reproductive health, nutrition, and infections, and the emerging epidemic of chronic and non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Simultaneously, worldwide priorities in women’s health have themselves been changing from a narrow focus on maternal and child health to the broader framework of sexual and reproductive health and to the encompassing concept of women’s health, which is founded on a life-course approach.

The Milbank Quarterly
A Multidisciplinary Journal of Population Health and Health Policy
September 2015 Volume 93, Issue 3 Pages 447–649
http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/milq.2015.93.issue-3/issuetoc

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Op-Ed
The Future of the World Health Organization: Lessons Learned From Ebola
LAWRENCE O. GOSTIN*
Article first published online: 8 SEP 2015
DOI: 10.1111/1468-0009.12134

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Original Investigation
The Institutional Effects of Incarceration: Spillovers From Criminal Justice to Health Care
JASON SCHNITTKER1,*, CHRISTOPHER UGGEN2, SARAH K.S. SHANNON3 and SUZY MAVES MCELRATH2
Article first published online: 8 SEP 2015
DOI: 10.1111/1468-0009.12136
Abstract
Context
This study examines the spillover effects of growth in state-level incarceration rates on the functioning and quality of the US health care system.
Methods
Our multilevel approach first explored cross-sectional individual-level data on health care behavior merged to aggregate state-level data regarding incarceration. We then conducted an entirely aggregate-level analysis to address between-state heterogeneity and trends over time in health care access and utilization.
Findings
We found that individuals residing in states with a larger number of former prison inmates have diminished access to care, less access to specialists, less trust in physicians, and less satisfaction with the care they receive. These spillover effects are deep in that they affect even those least likely to be personally affected by incarceration, including the insured, those over 50, women, non-Hispanic whites, and those with incomes far exceeding the federal poverty threshold. These patterns likely reflect the burden of uncompensated care among former inmates, who have both a greater than average need for care and higher than average levels of uninsurance. State-level analyses solidify these claims. Increases in the number of former inmates are associated simultaneously with increases in the percentage of uninsured within a state and increases in emergency room use per capita, both net of controls for between-state heterogeneity.
Conclusions
Our analyses establish an intersection between systems of care and corrections, linked by inadequate financial and administrative mechanisms for delivering services to former inmates.

PLOS Currents: Disasters
http://currents.plos.org/disasters/
[Accessed 19 September 2015]

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Hospital Disaster Preparedness Tools: a Systematic Review
September 14, 2015 · Research article
Aim: Evaluating hospital disaster preparedness is one the best ways for hospital accreditation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the quality of outcome measure that offer the level of measurement, reliability and validity that are known as the ‘ psychometric properties’ of the current hospital disaster preparedness tools.
Methods: In total, 140 studies were retrieved. Studies which had been published from 2000 to 2014 and had used hospital disaster preparedness tools were appraised by using the PRISMA guideline. The content quality and the quality of the psychometric properties of the retrieved tools were assessed by using the World Health Organization Criteria for Hospital Preparedness as well as the COSMIN criteria.
Findings: Only 33 studies met the inclusion criteria. In total, eleven hospital disaster preparedness tools had been used in these 33 studies. These tools mainly focused on evaluating structural and non-structural aspects of hospital preparedness and paid little attention, if any, to the key functional aspect.
Conclusion: Given the paramount importance of evaluating hospital disaster preparedness and the weaknesses of current preparedness evaluation tools, valid and reliable tools should be developed by using experts’ knowledge and experience through the processes of tool development and psychometric evaluation.

PLoS One
http://www.plosone.org/
[Accessed 19 September 2015]

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Learning without Borders: A Review of the Implementation of Medical Error Reporting in Médecins Sans Frontières
Leslie Shanks, Karla Bil, Jena Fernhout
Research Article | published 18 Sep 2015 | PLOS ONE
10.1371/journal.pone.0137158

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The Unrecognized Burden of Influenza in Young Kenyan Children, 2008-2012
Meredith L. McMorrow, Gideon O. Emukule, Henry N. Njuguna, Godfrey Bigogo, Joel M. Montgomery, Bryan Nyawanda, Allan Audi, Robert F. Breiman, Mark A. Katz, Leonard Cosmas, Lilian W. Waiboci, Jazmin Duque, Marc-Alain Widdowson, Joshua A. Mott
Research Article | published 17 Sep 2015 | PLOS ONE
10.1371/journal.pone.0138272

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The Economics of Epidemic Diseases
Nicola Dimitri
Research Article | published 15 Sep 2015 | PLOS ONE
10.1371/journal.pone.0137964

PNAS – Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States
of America
http://www.pnas.org/content/early/
(Accessed 19 September 2015)

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Environmental liability: A missing use for ecosystem services valuation
Jacob Phelpsa,b,1, Carol Adaire Jonesc, John A. Pendergrassc, and Erik Gómez-Baggethund,e
Author Affiliations
Extract
The PNAS 100th Anniversary Special Feature on natural capital and ecosystem services highlights a range of opportunities and challenges to operationalize these concepts to strengthen environmental governance (1). However, the issue’s focus is largely on the role these concepts play in ex ante decision-making, and overlooks their role in informing courtroom liability suits for ex post environmental damages.
Liability provisions are based on the “polluter pays” principle, and hold responsible parties financially liable for environmental damages. This enables recoveries to restore or replace injured ecosystem services and to compensate for environmental harms. These costs rarely appear in company balance sheets (hence, neither in macroeconomic accounts), unless they are claimed through court cases or unless state regulations mandate the internalization of environmental damages. We believe this omission reflects an important gap in mainstream thinking about ecosystem services and natural capital accounting.

Science
18 September 2015 vol 349, issue 6254, pages 1257-1408
http://www.sciencemag.org/current.dtl

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Policy Forum
Environmental Science
Reform forest fire management
M. P. North1,2,*, S. L. Stephens3, B. M. Collins1,3, J. K. Agee4, G. Aplet5, J. F. Franklin4, P. Z. Fulé6
Author Affiliations
1USFS Pacif c Southwest Research Station, Davis, CA 95618, USA.
2University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA.
3University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA.
4University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA.
5The Wilderness Society, Denver, CO 80202, USA.
6Northern Arizona University, Flagstaf , AZ 86011, USA.
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Globally, wildfire size, severity, and frequency have been increasing, as have related fatalities and taxpayer-funded firefighting costs (1). In most accessible forests, wildfire response prioritizes suppression because fires are easier and cheaper to contain when small (2). In the United States, for example, 98% of wildfires are suppressed before reaching 120 ha in size (3). But the 2% of wildfires that escape containment often burn under extreme weather conditions in fuel-loaded forests and account for 97% of fire-fighting costs and total area burned (3). Changing climate and decades of fuel accumulation make efforts to suppress every fire dangerous, expensive, and ill advised (4). These trends are attracting congressional scrutiny for a new approach to wildfire management (5). The recent release of the National Cohesive Wildland Fire Management Strategy (NCWFMS) (6) and the U.S. Forest Service’s (USFS’s) current effort to revise national forest (NF) plans provide openings to incentivize change. Although we largely focus on the USFS, which incurs 70% of national firefighting costs (7), similar wildfire policies and needed management reforms are relevant throughout the United States and fire-prone areas worldwide.

UN Chronicle
Vol. LII Nos. 1 & 2 2015 September 2015
http://unchronicle.un.org/

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The United Nations at 70
This special double issue of the UN Chronicle celebrates the 70th anniversary of the establishment of the United Nations under the theme “Strong UN. Better World.” A select group of eminent contributors highlight key moments and achievements, challenges and obstacles and the role played by the United Nations during the past 70 years. They also reflect upon the future and what would make the Organization stronger and better able to serve humanity.

The Sentinel

Human Rights Action :: Humanitarian Response :: Health ::
Holistic Development :: Sustainable Resilience
__________________________________________________
Week ending 19 September 2015

This weekly digest is intended to aggregate and distill key content from a broad spectrum of practice domains and organization types including key agencies/IGOs, NGOs, governments, academic and research institutions, consortia and collaborations, foundations, and commercial organizations. We also monitor a spectrum of peer-reviewed journals and general media channels. The Sentinel’s geographic scope is global/regional but selected country-level content is included. We recognize that this spectrum/scope yields an indicative and not an exhaustive product. Comments and suggestions should be directed to:

David R. Curry
Editor &
Founding Managing Director
GE2P2 – Center for Governance, Evidence, Ethics, Policy, Practice
david.r.curry@ge2p2center.net

pdf version: The Sentinel_ week ending 19 September 2015

blog edition: comprised of the 35+ entries to be posted below on 20-21 September 2015

The Sentinel

Human Rights Action :: Humanitarian Response :: Health ::
Holistic Development :: Sustainable Resilience
__________________________________________________
Week ending 12 September 2015

This weekly digest is intended to aggregate and distill key content from a broad spectrum of practice domains and organization types including key agencies/IGOs, NGOs, governments, academic and research institutions, consortia and collaborations, foundations, and commercial organizations. We also monitor a spectrum of peer-reviewed journals and general media channels. The Sentinel’s geographic scope is global/regional but selected country-level content is included. We recognize that this spectrum/scope yields an indicative and not an exhaustive product. Comments and suggestions should be directed to:

David R. Curry
Editor &
Founding Managing Director
GE2P2 – Center for Governance, Evidence, Ethics, Policy, Practice
david.r.curry@ge2p2center.net

pdf version: The Sentinel_ week ending 12 September 2015

blog edition: comprised of the 35+ entries to be posted below on 15 September 2015

Secretary-General, Citing ‘Damning’ List of Humanitarian Crises, Calls for Renewed Action as General Assembly Holds Dialogue on ‘Responsibility to Protect’ Pledge
Secretary-General
SG/SM/17054-GA/11672
8 September 2015
Following are UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s remarks to the General Assembly’s informal interactive dialogue on “A vital and enduring commitment: Implementing the responsibility to protect”, in New York:

Ten years ago, world leaders transformed expectations about the responsibility to protect populations from genocide, war crimes, ethnic cleansing and crimes against humanity. When Heads of State and Government unanimously endorsed the World Summit Outcome, they expressed an unprecedented resolve to protect populations from the most egregious international crimes and to assist one another in this effort. The endorsement of the responsibility to protect was a milestone in transforming international concern about people facing mortal danger into a meaningful response.

In the decade since, we forged growing consensus on how to carry out R2P. Today, on its tenth anniversary, I urgently call on Governments and UN entities, especially the Security Council, to move from understanding to action. The Security Council is the only body empowered under international law to authorize military action to save lives when all else fails. We must do all that we can to act early, prevent atrocity crimes and support States in protecting their citizens. The question that must guide the Council’s work is: have we truly done all that we can?

Countries know that the responsibility to prevent and respond to atrocity crimes is among their primary obligations, both under international law and as a matter of common humanity. Leaders can no longer claim that national sovereignty outweighs all other concerns or hide behind excuses about national circumstances or exceptional security threats.

Awareness is important, but since R2P was adopted, the international community has failed too many vulnerable populations. We face a daunting, damning list of crises marked by acts that may constitute atrocity crimes. The concerns span many regions.

Syria is the world’s largest humanitarian crisis. The parties have shown wanton disregard for human life. All parties are alleged to have committed grave violations of human rights and international humanitarian law that may amount to war crimes and crimes against humanity. The Syrian Government in particular has not lived up to its obligation under international law to protect civilians.

The conflict is a colossal tragedy for Syria and a shameful symbol of international divisions. History’s judgement will be harsh. I deplore the abject failure to end the suffering of the Syrian people. That failure takes concrete expression in today’s refugee crisis in Europe. We must do everything possible to find a political solution based on the Geneva Communiqué. I appeal again for Security Council action.

In Yemen, civilians bear the brunt of a brutal conflict marked by reports of increasingly blatant violations of international humanitarian law. In the Central African Republic, Muslims and Christians were targeted because of who they are or what they believe. In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, armed groups continue to kill civilians. I remain deeply concerned about the situation in South Sudan and Sudan, particularly in Darfur and the two areas. The culture of impunity must end. I am particularly alarmed at the unacceptable impact on children. Their suffering due to violations of fundamental rights should prompt immediate action.

In the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, a wide array of crimes against humanity have been documented. These and other situations demand that we strengthen our work across all the pillars of R2P. Failure to rise to that moral obligation means greater human suffering that reverberates across borders.

R2P requires prevention. People need early protection so they are not forced to flee their homes. When we fail in that primary obligation, we face the subsidiary obligation to address their plight. Throughout our search for a collective response to the root causes and manifestations of atrocity crimes, we uphold and defend human rights.

The atrocity crimes that stain humanity’s conscience make it imperative that leaders transform R2P from a vital principle into visible practice. That is why I am calling for three steps. First, genuine willingness among Member States, especially Security Council members, to create the necessary political space to prevent and respond to atrocity crimes.

Second, stronger connections between early warning and early action, and third, courage in publicly confronting and addressing signs of risk. As a cross-cutting priority we must also invest financially in prevention.

The 2011 intervention in Libya offered important lessons. Military force may be required as a last resort, but it must be grounded in a clear, common understanding of the goals, overarching strategy, potential consequences and conditions on the ground. Firm compliance with international human rights and humanitarian law is essential.

After the guns fall silent, we must ensure that atrocity crimes do not recur. We can help societies to rebuild by encouraging reconciliation and holding perpetrators to account.
This is a demanding agenda. Some may argue that the risks and costs of action are too high. But the costs of inaction are far higher. Our failure to respond decisively to the unfolding tragedy today returns as another tragedy tomorrow: namely desperate people fleeing indiscriminate violence and, in too many cases, losing their lives in their quest for safety.

The global security landscape is shifting in dangerous ways. New technology is being used to incite violence. Cyberthreats are on the rise. Non-State actors are brazenly committing atrocity crimes as a means of pursuing their political goals and spreading violent extremism.

In response, countries must continue building their capacity to counter terrorism and prevent the spread of violent extremism in full accordance with human rights and the rule of law. The United Nations will continue working with Member States, regional organizations and civil society to support these efforts to advance progress.

I call on all partners to institutionalize our commitment to R2P by showing political will to address serious human rights violations. I recommend appointing focal points and empowering officials with the resources and authority to act.

I have made the responsibility to protect a core priority. I have significantly strengthened our Organization’s capacity in this area. I will continue to sound the alarm about situations of concern. I will press for dialogue and diplomacy. I will push for more rapid deployments of troops and police when necessary and authorized by the Security Council. I will deepen cooperation with regional organizations and I will fully carry out our Human Rights up Front action plan.

For 10 years, R2P has offered an alternative to indifference and fatalism. The challenges of atrocity crimes are enormous and the human cost is staggering. That is not a reason to be overwhelmed; it is a cause for urgent action. The collective weight of international action can make a difference. I count on your leadership in making sure that R2P provides real protection for people in dire need. Thank you.

Development must target the millions of children affected by humanitarian crises
Anthony Lake, UNICEF
The Guardian
Friday 11 September 2015
We must break down the barriers between development and humanitarian response, to put in place long-term efforts to end poverty and hunger

In two weeks, world leaders will ratify a new consensus to build a better world: the sustainable development goals. But we will not reach these development goals – nor can development be sustainable – without reaching the millions of children living in the midst of humanitarian crises.

Consider a few data points*. Children living in countries affected by humanitarian crises – conflicts, natural disasters and health emergencies – account for nearly half of all under-five deaths. How can we achieve SDG3, good health for all, if we don’t reach these children?

Four-fifths of these countries have stunting levels above 20%. Nearly two-thirds have stunting levels above 30%. Two-thirds have unacceptable levels of wasting, often associated with acute starvation. How can we realise SDG2, to end hunger and all forms of malnutrition, if we don’t reach these children?

Countries affected by humanitarian crises account for 43% of all out-of-school children at the primary and lower-secondary levels. SDG4 demands inclusive quality education for all. How will that be possible if we don’t reach these children?

The international community tends to compartmentalise humanitarian and development crises – separate funding appeals, separate advocacy campaigns and separate conferences. It is as if development and emergencies exist in different worlds.

But children living through crises see no distinction between humanitarian and development action – they only see whether they are getting what they need to survive, whether they are able to go to school, and whether they can dream about a better future.

When we educate a girl displaced by conflict, we’re not only giving her immediate protection. We’re helping her to shape her mind, build her own future, contribute to her family and society when she becomes an adult and perhaps even become a voice of peace in her community and country.

When we provide cash transfers to families living through natural disasters, we are not only helping see to their immediate needs. We are supporting them to prevent them depleting their savings, potentially enabling them to raise healthier, better educated children.

And sustaining the most disadvantaged and marginalised children in crisis with long-term development efforts is a practical, cost-effective path to fighting future extreme poverty – SDG1.

So, we need to keep breaking down the silos between humanitarian and development action.

Ultimately, our success in achieving the SDGs depends on addressing humanitarian crises themselves. This means, above all, refusing to accept a world in which we are unable to prevent or resolve conflicts.

Ending conflicts would open the single greatest pathway to global development; the best way to save lives; the best way to foster a generation of children ready, willing and able to sustain development into the future.

Approximately 246 million children live in countries or areas affected by armed conflict. Last year saw the highest number of child refugees since the second world war, with more than 25 million fleeing violence, destruction and deprivation.

Ending conflicts is not only in the interests of these children, though that is reason enough. It is also in the interests of every country in the world. The cost of a civil war can equal 30 years of GDP growth. Last year alone, conflicts cost the global economy an estimated $14.3trn – more than 13% of world GDP.

How can we sustain future development when we also sustain these losses, year after year? Can the world afford to lose more than 10% of its productivity year after year? How can we bring children out of poverty, poor health and despair when any progress made can be so quickly – so brutally, so needlessly – erased?

And what kind of future does humanity have when communities are battered by conflict after conflict, seemingly without end? When children fleeing these conflicts drown at sea, or suffocate in the backs of trucks crossing borders in a desperate attempt to escape the fighting?

Wouldn’t ending these conflicts be the best possible contribution to reaching the sustainable development goals?

Before we reject such a call as unrealistic, let’s consider the words of nine-year old Ali, from Sa’ada, Yemen – one of 1.8 million Yemeni children affected by the ongoing conflict there. He recently asked: “What did we do wrong? Why can’t we live like other children in the world?”

The world owes him an answer. He and every child has the right to the quiet blessing of a normal childhood.

* Data throughout this report is drawn from new, unpublished analyses of Unicef figures, relating to countries where the organisation has launched humanitarian appeals

Refugees/Migrants/IDPs [to 12 September 2015]
Editor’s Note:
The growing, multiple crises across the globe involving refugees, migrants and internally-displaced persons – especially in the EU context – continue. Please see the numerous statements and calls to actions from UN agencies and INGOs below in this edition.

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UNHCR praises Austrian, German Leadership and Civil Society Response
Press Releases, 12 September 2015
UNHCR welcomes the decision of Austria and Germany to receive thousands of refugees and migrants who crossed the border last night from Hungary. This is political leadership based on humanitarian values.

UNHCR also praises the civil society groups and individuals of Austria and Germany who are mobilizing in large numbers to welcome and provide aid to people as they enter. All over Europe, UNHCR is witnessing a remarkable outpouring of public response, including from faith-based organizations, NGOs and individuals, in many cases driving governments to change policies and rhetoric.

However, the current concentration of refugees and migrants in a small number of countries willing to receive them is not a sustainable solution. There is clearly an urgent need to put in place an emergency plan to manage the refugee crisis. The High Commissioner for Refugees, António Guterres, us putting forward concrete proposals to respond ahead of key meetings of European leaders. They are outlined here: http://www.unhcr.org/55e9793b6.html

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United action needed now for child refugees: UNICEF
NEW YORK/GENEVA, 12 September 2015 – Europe has a brief window of opportunity, before winter approaches, to protect and care for the tens of thousands of children seeking refuge, UNICEF said today.

About a quarter of those seeking refuge in Europe this year are children. More than 106,000 children have claimed asylum within the first half of 2015, up 75 per cent from last year.
Many refugee and migrant children in Europe are living in overcrowded and inadequate conditions, where they are at risk of violence, exploitation and abuse. Many are sleeping out in the open air; as winter approaches, the health of young children is especially at risk, including from the threat of diseases like pneumonia. Only concerted action to accommodate and care for children now will prevent more deaths and suffering in the months ahead.

With the growing numbers of children making perilous journeys into and across Europe, collective action with a fair distribution of responsibility across the European Union is essential. This should include putting in place a number of immediate safeguards for children and their families:
:: Safe, child-friendly reception facilities as children arrive, with access to health care, psychosocial support, recreation and schooling.
:: More resettlement places across Europe and humanitarian visas for children and their families. The processing of asylum cases should be timely, and always focus on the best interests of the children.
:: Stronger commitment to resettlement of refugees from countries in conflict to reduce the likelihood that refugees resort to unsafe routes and people smuggling.
:: Stepped-up search and rescue operations at sea and on land.
:: Speeding up family reunification programmes for separated and unaccompanied children.
:: Adequate numbers of trained child welfare specialists to care for and counsel children and families.

Such care is enshrined in the Convention on the Rights of the Child, which provides for the protection of all children – whether on the move from their homes, on the seas, over land, or on the shores of destination countries.

UNICEF urges the international community to address the root causes of this huge movement of desperate children through more vigorous diplomatic efforts to end conflicts, and to provide the required development and humanitarian support in countries of origin.