Migration process of Venezuelan women to Brazil: living conditions and use of health services in Manaus and Boa Vista, 2018-2021.

BACKGROUND: The last decade saw the emergence of a new significant migration corridor due to the mass migration of Venezuelans to neighboring countries in South America. Since 2018, Brazil became the third host country of Venezuelan displaced populations. Little is known about how migratory processes affect needs, access to social programs, and public health services of migrant women. The goal of this study is to shed light on the socio-economic profile, living conditions, and use of health services of Venezuelan migrant women in two main reception cities in Brazil. METHODS: A survey was conducted using respondent-driven sampling (RDS) in the cities of Boa Vista (Roraima), and Manaus (Amazonas). The study included 2012 Venezuelan migrant women aged between 15 and 49 years old who migrated from Venezuela to Brazil between 2018 and 2021. Relative prevalence was calculated, and the χ2 test was used to analyse the homogeneity of proportions. All analyses considered the complex sampling. RESULTS: The main reasons for migrating relate to difficulties obtaining food (54%) and accessing health services (37.8%) in their country of origin. They were young and mixed race (65.7%) and had high school education (69.9%). In Manaus, 3.7% of the interviewees declared that they had no family income in the last month, while in Boa Vista, it was higher (66.2%) (p-value < 0.001). Almost one-third of them sought health care in the last 15 days, and 95% of them received care. The residents of Boa Vista arrived more recently and family income and access to paid work improved with time of residence in Brazil. CONCLUSIONS: Given the increasing flow of Venezuelan migrants crossing to Brazil, a reception system was established for the provision of food, shelter, access to health services, and income transfer programs to migrants. This was the case despite high unemployment and poverty levels and income inequality, particularly in the city of Boa Vista. However, the majority had legal migrant status and had access to the public and universal healthcare system in Brazil (SUS). The use of the SUS was similar in both cities, acting as a buffer for the differences in opportunities offered.

Plan nacional de salud 2009-2013/2018 / National health plan 2009-2013/2018

El Plan Nacional de Salud establece los Objetivos, Políticas, Proyectos y Medidas consideradas estratégicas para alinear la gestión del Estado venezolano orientada a garantizar el derecho a la salud para el período 2009­2013/2018, de acuerdo a los mandatos de la Constitución de la República Bolivariana de Venezuela, y a las directrices, enfoques, políticas y estrategias del Plan de Desarrollo Económico y Social 2007-2013 "Proyecto Nacional Simón Bolívar", en la transición al socialismo. Bajo la conducción y liderazgo del Ministerio del Poder Popular para la Salud, como Rector del Sistema Público Nacional de Salud, el plan articula en forma coordinada los aportes del conjunto del Estado, y los órganos del Poder Popular en la producción social, preservación y recuperación de la salud. Ha sido formulado con los aportes de 22 Ministerios, bajo el liderazgo conjunto del Ministerio del Poder Popular para la Salud (MPPS) y del Ministerio del Poder Popular para la Planificación y Desarrollo (MPPPD), y la cooperación técnica de la Organización Panamericana de la Salud/Organización Mundial de la Salud (OPS/OMS).

Ten-year follow-up of the largest oral Chagas disease outbreak. Laboratory biomarkers of infection as indicators of therapeutic failure.

Trypanosoma cruzi uses various mechanisms of infection to access humans. Since 1967, food contaminated with metacyclic trypomastigotes has triggered several outbreaks of acute infection of Chagas disease by oral transmission. Follow-up studies to assess the effectiveness of anti-parasitic treatment of oral outbreaks are rather scarce. Here, we report a 10-year laboratory follow-up using parasitological, serological, and molecular tests of 106 individuals infected in 2007 of the largest known outbreak of orally transmitted Chagas disease, which occurred in Caracas city, Venezuela. Before treatment (2007), specific IgA, IgM and IgG, were found in 71% (75/106), 90% (95/106) and 100% (106/106), respectively, in addition to 21% (9/43) parasitemia, Complement Mediated Lysis (CML) in 98% (104/106) and 79% (34/43) parasitic DNA for PCR. Blood culture detected parasitemia up to 18 months post-treatment in 6% (6/106) of the patients. In 2017, the original number of cases in the follow-up decreased by 46% and due to the country's economic situation, not all the trials could be carried out in the entire population. During follow-up, IgA and IgM disappeared promptly, with IgM persisting in 19% (20/104) of the patients three years after treatment. The anti-T. cruzi IgG remained positive 10 years later in 41% (20/49) of the individuals evaluated. CML remained positive seven years later in 79% (65/82) of the cases. PCR positive cases decreased after treatment but progressively recovered, being positive in 69% (32/46) of the individuals evaluated in 2017. The group of children (under 18 years of age) showed the highest PCR positivity with 76% (26/34) of the cases, but their parasitic load tended to diminish, while in adults the parasitic load regained their initial values. The simultaneous evaluation of serological tests and PCR of the patients allowed us to separate patients among responders and non-responders to the anti-parasitic treatment, and this information prompted us to apply a second anti-parasitic treatment in the group of non-responders. In this population not subjected to the like lihood of re-infection, adult patients were more likely to be non-responders when compared to children. These results suggest that rigorous laboratory follow-up with T. cruzi infectious biomarkers is essential to detect cases of parasite persistence.

Clinical and epidemiological characterization of patients with psoriasis and the prescription of biological therapy in Venezuela: a cross-sectional study. / Caracterización clínica y epidemiológica de pacientes con psoriasis y prescripción de terapia biológica en Venezuela: estudio transversal.

INTRODUCTION: Psoriasis is a chronic disease that affects the skin. One hundred twenty-five million people around the world suffer from this condition. In specific groups of patients, the joints may also be involved. To control and follow-up patients with psoriasis, psoriasis area severity and dermatological quality of life measurements were established. Both parameters are necessary for the initiation of biological therapy, as specified in the psoriasis management guide (2015) of the national committee of rheumatological, immunological, and bone metabolism diseases of the Venezuelan Institute of Social Security. OBJECTIVE: To characterize the clinical and epidemiological variables and the prescription of biological therapy in patients with psoriasis who access the high-cost dispensing program of the Venezuelan Institute Social Security (IVSS) pharmacy. METHODS: This is a descriptive, cross-sectional study. RESULTS: A total of 374 patient records were assessed. The male gender was more frequent, with 56.1% (p <0.001), mostly from Caracas city. In comparing age groups with sex, a difference among these was observed (p <0.05). 57.5% previously used methotrexate, 6.68% biological, 3.2% topical steroids, and 31% did not report which type of previous therapy they had received. Amongst the clinical presentations, 70% corresponded to plaque psoriasis. 79% of the patients presented moderate activity according to the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI): Eleven percent were assessed with the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI); 39% of them reported an extremely important effect. The anergic range of the Mantoux test represented 70.9% of the cases, and 0.3% took the booster evaluation. Chest X-ray was reported normal in 95% of the cases. The most demanded biological medicine was etanercept, in 52% of the cases. CONCLUSIONS: Male gender and its association with psoriasis was an important finding. The need to improve the administrative components in completing the medication request formats and strengthen clinical measurements and good medical practice was also found.

INTRODUCCIÓN: La psoriasis es una enfermedad crónica que compromete la piel, padecida por cerca de 125 millones de personas en todo el mundo. En un grupo determinado de pacientes, también puede afectar el sistema articular. Para el control y seguimiento de los pacientes con psoriasis se estableció la aplicación de los índices de severidad del área de psoriasis y de calidad de vida dermatológica. Ambos parámetros son necesarios para el inicio de terapia biológica, según lo establecido en la guía de manejo de psoriasis (2015) del comité nacional de enfermedades reumatológicas, inmunológicas y de metabolismo óseo del Instituto Venezolano de los Seguros Sociales. OBJETIVO: Caracterizar las variables clínicas, epidemiológicas y la prescripción de terapia biológica en los pacientes con psoriasis que acceden al programa de dispensación de alto costo de la farmacia del Instituto Venezolano de los Seguros Sociales. MÉTODO: Es un estudio descriptivo, transversal. RESULTADOS: Se evaluaron 374 expedientes, donde el sexo masculino fue más frecuente con 56,1% (p < 0,001), provenientes en su mayoría de la ciudad de Caracas, en la comparación de los grupos de edad con el sexo, se observó que existía una diferencia entre estos (p < 0,05). El 57,5% usó previamente metotrexato; 6,68% biológicos; 3,2% esteroides tópicos y 31% no reportó qué tipo de terapia previa recibía. Dentro de las presentaciones clínicas, 70% correspondió a la psoriasis en placa. El 79% de los pacientes presentaba actividad moderada según el índice de la severidad del área de psoriasis, y al 11% se les realizó el índice de calidad de vida dermatológica, de los cuales 39% presentaban un efecto extremadamente importante. El rango anérgico de la prueba de Mantoux representó 70,9% de los casos, donde al 0,3% le fue realizado la prueba de Booster, y la radiografía de tórax se reportó normal en 95%. El medicamento biológico más demandado fue el etanercept con 52% de los casos. CONCLUSIONES: El sexo masculino y su relación con la psoriasis fue un hallazgo de importancia, como también se evidenció la necesidad de mejorar los componentes administrativos en la gestión de los formatos de solicitud de medicamentos y fortalecer la aplicación de la clinimetría con elemento de buena práctica médica.

Cross-border COVID-19 spread amidst malaria re-emergence in Venezuela: a human rights analysis.

BACKGROUND: Since 2016 Venezuela has seen a collapse in its economy and public health infrastructure resulting in a humanitarian crisis and massive outward migration. With the emergence of the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 at the end of 2019, the public health emergency within its borders and in neighboring countries has become more severe and as increasing numbers of Venezuelans migrants return home or get stuck along migratory routes, new risks are emerging in the region. RESULTS: Despite clear state obligations to respect, protect and fulfil the rights to health and related economic, social, civil and political rights of its population, in Venezuela, co-occurring malaria and COVID-19 epidemics are propelled by a lack of public investment in health, weak governance, and violations of human rights, especially for certain underserved populations like indigenous groups. COVID-19 has put increased pressure on Venezuelan and regional actors and healthcare systems, as well as international public health agencies, to deal with a domestic and regional public health emergency. CONCLUSIONS: International aid and cooperation for Venezuela to deal with the re-emergence of malaria and the COVID-19 spread, including lifting US-enforced economic sanctions that limit Venezuela's capacity to deal with this crisis, is critical to protecting rights and health in the country and region.

Caracterización clínica y epidemiológica de pacientes con psoriasis y prescripción de terapia biológica en Venezuela: estudio transversal / Clinical and epidemiological characterization of patients with psoriasis and the prescription of biological therapy in Venezuela: a cross-sectional study

Introducción La psoriasis es una enfermedad crónica que compromete la piel, padecida por cerca de 125 millones de personas en todo el mundo. En un grupo determinado de pacientes, también puede afectar el sistema articular. Para el control y seguimiento de los pacientes con psoriasis se estableció la aplicación de los índices de severidad del área de psoriasis y de calidad de vida dermatológica. Ambos parámetros son necesarios para el inicio de terapia biológica, según lo establecido en la guía de manejo de psoriasis (2015) del comité nacional de enfermedades reumatológicas, inmunológicas y de metabolismo óseo del Instituto Venezolano de los Seguros Sociales. Objetivo Caracterizar las variables clínicas, epidemiológicas y la prescripción de terapia biológica en los pacientes con psoriasis que acceden al programa de dispensación de alto costo de la farmacia del Instituto Venezolano de los Seguros Sociales. Método Es un estudio descriptivo, transversal. Resultados Se evaluaron 374 expedientes, donde el sexo masculino fue más frecuente con 56,1% (p < 0,001), provenientes en su mayoría de la ciudad de Caracas, en la comparación de los grupos de edad con el sexo, se observó que existía una diferencia entre estos (p < 0,05). El 57,5% usó previamente metotrexato; 6,68% biológicos; 3,2% esteroides tópicos y 31% no reportó qué tipo de terapia previa recibía. Dentro de las presentaciones clínicas, 70% correspondió a la psoriasis en placa. El 79% de los pacientes presentaba actividad moderada según el índice de la severidad del área de psoriasis, y al 11% se les realizó el índice de calidad de vida dermatológica, de los cuales 39% presentaban un efecto extremadamente importante. El rango anérgico de la prueba de Mantoux representó 70,9% de los casos, donde al 0,3% le fue realizado la prueba de Booster, y la radiografía de tórax se reportó normal en 95%. El medicamento biológico más demandado fue el etanercept con 52% de los casos. Conclusiones El sexo masculino y su relación con la psoriasis fue un hallazgo de importancia, como también se evidenció la necesidad de mejorar los componentes administrativos en la gestión de los formatos de solicitud de medicamentos y fortalecer la aplicación de la clinimetría con elemento de buena práctica médica.

Introduction Psoriasis is a chronic disease that affects the skin. One hundred twenty-five million people around the world suffer from this condition. In specific groups of patients, the joints may also be involved. To control and follow-up patients with psoriasis, psoriasis area severity and dermatological quality of life measurements were established. Both parameters are necessary for the initiation of biological therapy, as specified in the psoriasis management guide (2015) of the national committee of rheumatological, immunological, and bone metabolism diseases of the Venezuelan Institute of Social Security. Objective To characterize the clinical and epidemiological variables and the prescription of biological therapy in patients with psoriasis who access the high-cost dispensing program of the Venezuelan Institute Social Security (IVSS) pharmacy. Methods This is a descriptive, cross-sectional study. Results A total of 374 patient records were assessed. The male gender was more frequent, with 56.1% (p <0.001), mostly from Caracas city. In comparing age groups with sex, a difference among these was observed (p <0.05). 57.5% previously used methotrexate, 6.68% biological, 3.2% topical steroids, and 31% did not report which type of previous therapy they had received. Amongst the clinical presentations, 70% corresponded to plaque psoriasis. 79% of the patients presented moderate activity according to the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI): Eleven percent were assessed with the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI); 39% of them reported an extremely important effect. The anergic range of the Mantoux test represented 70.9% of the cases, and 0.3% took the booster evaluation. Chest X-ray was reported normal in 95% of the cases. The most demanded biological medicine was etanercept, in 52% of the cases. Conclusions Male gender and its association with psoriasis was an important finding. The need to improve the administrative components in completing the medication request formats and strengthen clinical measurements and good medical practice was also found.

HIV, COVID-19, and civil society: Lessons from Venezuela's humanitarian crisis.

Venezuela has been experiencing a humanitarian emergency for much of the past decade, and its health system is widely recognized to be in a state of collapse. The political and economic crisis that gave rise to this situation has been accompanied by myriad human rights violations. With the national government's response to HIV so severely weakened by the ongoing humanitarian emergency, Venezuelan civil society organizations and international allies have stepped in to fill the void. The three prongs of their agenda have been community-led service delivery, health system monitoring, and advocacy. Our long experience in the HIV field tells us that the Venezuelan HIV community's capacity to respond to the collapse of the health system is not exceptional. HIV civil society organizations and networks of people living with HIV in countries worldwide are well-suited to help maintain health system functionality in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, and it is imperative for the global community to capitalize on their skills.

Reflexiones sobre la experiencia venezolana, impacto social y económico, de la pandemia del coronavirus en un mundo globalizado / Reflections on the venezuelan experience, social and economic impact, of the coronavirus pandemic in a globalized world

En el presente trabajo se realiza una reflexión de la experiencia venezolana frente a la pandemia del COVID-19. Se parte del análisis del contexto económico previo y de las políticas públicas en salud y los cambios ocurridos en los últimos 20 años. La situación existente al inicio de la pandemia coloca al país en una gran vulnerabilidad, siendo una nación asediada con un bloqueo al acceso de cuentas en divisas fuera del país. Bloqueo en la venta e incautación de los recursos petroleros y de las finanzas públicas venezolanas existente en otros países. Déficit de combustibles como la gasolina. Caída de los precios del petróleo y con la imposibilidad de importar y exportar bienes y servicios. Las medidas tomadas ante la pandemia fueron: Decreto Presidencial de estado de alarma, cuarentena nacional consiente, distanciamiento social, uso obligatorio del tapaboca. Suspensión de la actividad laboral y la escolar presencial en todos los niveles. Detección precoz de posibles casos con la aplicación de pruebas rápidas masivamente. Control fronterizo con cuarentena obligatoria por 14 días y aplicación de pruebas de detección del COVID-19. Protección del empleo, suspensión de pago de alquileres de vivienda y locales comerciales entre otros. Se concluye que las decisiones tomadas por el gobierno nacional han sido exitosas para contener la propagación de la pandemia y mantener una baja mortalidad. El comportamiento de la población ha sido ejemplar. Finalmente en un mundo globalizado es necesario globalizar la solidaridad, fortalecer los estados nación versus las leyes del mercado para atender la salud.

This paper reflects on the Venezuelan experience in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic. It starts from the analysis of the previous economic context and of public health policies and the changes that have occurred in the last 20 years. The situation that existed at the beginning of the pandemic places the country in a highly vulnerable position, being a nation under siege with a block to the access of foreign currency accounts outside the country. Blockade in the sale and seizure of Venezuelan oil resources and public finances existing in other countries. Fuel deficit such as gasoline. Fall in oil prices and the impossibility of importing and exporting goods and services. The measures taken in the face of the pandemic were: Presidential Decree of alarm status, consenting national quarantine, social distancing, compulsory use of the mask. Suspension of work and school activity at all levels. Early detection of possible cases with the application of mass rapid tests. Border control with mandatory 14-day quarantine and application of COVID-19 screening tests. Protection of employment, suspension of payment of rent for housing and commercial premises, among others. It is concluded that the decisions made by the national government have been successful in containingthe spread of the pandemic and maintaining low mortality. The behavior of the population has been exemplary. Finally, in a globalized world it is necessary to globalize solidarity, strengthen nation states versus market laws to care for health.

Dependence- and Disability-Free Life Expectancy Across Eight Low- and Middle-Income Countries: A 10/66 Study.

Objective: The objective of this study was to estimate healthy life expectancies in eight low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), using two indicators: disability-free life expectancy (DFLE) and dependence-free life expectancy (DepFLE). Method: Using the Sullivan method, healthy life expectancy was calculated based on the prevalence of dependence and disability from the 10/66 cohort study, which included 16,990 people aged 65 or above in China, Cuba, Dominican Republic, India, Mexico, Peru, Puerto Rico, and Venezuela, and country-specific life tables from the World Population Prospects 2017. Results: DFLE and DepFLE declined with older age across all sites and were higher in women than men. Mexico reported the highest DFLE at age 65 for men (15.4, SE = 0.5) and women (16.5, SE = 0.4), whereas India had the lowest with (11.5, SE = 0.3) in men and women (11.7, SE = 0.4). Discussion: Healthy life expectancy based on disability and dependency can be a critical indicator for aging research and policy planning in LMICs.

Epidemiología, consumo de recursos y costos del manejo médico de la Hepatitis C en Argentina, Colombia, Uruguay y Venezuela.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the epidemiology, the consumption of resources and the relevant costs in the management of hepatitis C in four Latin American countries: Argentina, Colombia, Uruguay and Venezuela. STUDY DESIGN: Bibliographic review, study of costs and elicitation by experts METHODS: A literature search was carried out to collect epidemiological and cost data for the management of the disease. Information was additionally elicited with hepatologists from each country using the modified Delphi Panel technique. For the estimation of costs, the perspective of the health system was adopted. The direct medical costs of the different stages associated with the natural history of the disease were considered through micro-costing. RESULTS: Extensive epidemiological and economic information is provided for the four countries under study. The age range between 40 and 60 years was the most affected. The frequency of genotypes showed a predominance of genotype 1 (68 to 88%), genotype 1b having been reported as the most prevalent in Argentina and Colombia and 1a in Uruguay and Venezuela. The costs of drug regimens, associated health events and adverse events present important differences in the four selected countries of Latin America. CONCLUSION: Hepatitis C presents a high burden of disease in the countries under study, and its management imposes significant costs on health systems.

Health crisis in Venezuela: Status of communicable diseases and implications for the European Union and European Economic Area, May 2019.

Re-emerging diseases outbreaks are being reported in Venezuela since 2012/13, following ongoing political and economic crisis. Healthcare system collapse has led to an increasing incidence and mortality from communicable diseases. Increasing movement of people between Venezuela and the European Union and European Economic Area (EU/EEA) creates a need for increased awareness of the infectious disease risks and requirements for appropriate investigation and treatment of individuals arriving from Venezuela; overall risk for EU/EEA citizens is low.

Venezuela's public health crisis: a regional emergency.

The economic crisis in Venezuela has eroded the country's health-care infrastructure and threatened the public health of its people. Shortages in medications, health supplies, interruptions of basic utilities at health-care facilities, and the emigration of health-care workers have led to a progressive decline in the operational capacity of health care. The effect of the crisis on public health has been difficult to quantify since the Venezuelan Ministry of Health stopped publishing crucial public health statistics in 2016. We prepared a synthesis of health information, beyond what is available from other sources, and scholarly discussion of engagement strategies for the international community. Data were identified through searches in MEDLINE, PubMed, and the grey literature, through references from relevant articles, and governmental and non-governmental reports, and publicly available databases. Articles published in English and Spanish until Dec 1, 2018, were included. Over the past decade, public health measures in Venezuela have substantially declined. From 2012 to 2016, infant deaths increased by 63% and maternal mortality more than doubled. Since 2016, outbreaks of the vaccine-preventable diseases measles and diphtheria have spread throughout the region. From 2016 to 2017, Venezuela had the largest rate of increase of malaria in the world, and in 2015, tuberculosis rates were the highest in the country in 40 years. Between 2017 and 2018, most patients who were infected with HIV interrupted therapy because of a lack of medications. The Venezuelan economic crisis has shattered the health-care system and resulted in rising morbidity and mortality. Outbreaks and expanding epidemics of infectious diseases associated with declines in basic public health services are threatening the health of the country and the region.

The food security and nutrition crisis in Venezuela.

As Venezuela's economic and political crises continues to evolve, hyperinflation, declining food production and food shortages are contributing to the deterioration of the food and nutrition situation. While official data is largely unavailable, food security and nutrition data from a variety of sources suggest that nearly the entire population is food insecure and that prevalence of acute malnutrition among children is reaching crisis levels in vulnerable populations. In the most recent national survey, 80% of households were food insecure and most households receiving government food assistance reported only occasional receipt. Prevalence of acute malnutrition among children under five increased in vulnerable communities across many states, surpassing serious or critical thresholds in multiple states. Hospitals across the country are reporting increases in both the number and proportion of pediatric consultations and admissions with acute malnutrition, and malnutrition deaths are increasingly common. Declining food security, increases in prevalence of acute malnutrition among children in vulnerable communities, rising pediatric hospital admissions with acute malnutrition and clinician reports of child deaths due to acute malnutrition are indicative of a crisis. The response to the nutrition and food security crisis to date has been limited. There is an urgent need to begin taking steps to address widespread food insecurity and to support treatment for children with acute malnutrition.

Trends in infant mortality in Venezuela between 1985 and 2016: a systematic analysis of demographic data.

BACKGROUND: Between the 1950s and 2000, Venezuela showed one of the most substantial improvements in infant mortality rates in Latin America. However, the recent economic crisis alongside an increase in infectious and parasitic diseases might be reversing previous patterns. Because no official updated mortality statistics have been published since 2013, the effect of these recent events has been difficult to assess accurately. We therefore aimed to estimate infant mortality rate trends and report the effect of the crisis. METHODS: We estimated infant mortality rates using direct methods (ie, death counts from Venezuelan Ministry of Health via yearbooks and notifiable diseases bulletins, and birth records published by the UN Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean and the Venezuelan National Institute of Statistics) and indirect methods (using census data and a Living Conditions Survey ENCOVI 2016). We shaped yearly estimations using a semiparametric regression model, specifically a P-Spline model with a cubic thin plate base. The primary objective was to estimate infant mortality rate trends from 1985 to 2016. FINDINGS: Around 2009, the long-term decline in infant mortality rate stopped, and a new pattern of increase was observed. The infant mortality rate reached 21·1 deaths per 1000 livebirths (90% CI -17·8 to 24·3) in 2016, almost 1·4 times the rate of 2008 (15·0, -14·0 to 16·1). This increase represents a huge setback on previous achievements in reducing infant mortality. INTERPRETATION: Our conservative estimation indicates that Venezuela is in the throes of a humanitarian crisis. The increase in infant mortality rate in 2016 compared with 2008 takes the country back to the level observed at the end of the 1990s, wiping out 18 years of expected progress, and leaves the Venezuelan Government far from achieving the target of nine deaths per 1000 livebirths stated in the UN Millennium Development Goals. FUNDING: None.