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This comprehensive document explores the intersection of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the global transition to renewable energy, with a particular focus on solar energy. The text emphasizes the critical role of reliable and sustainable energy, especially solar power, in achieving health-related SDGs, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). It discusses the challenges faced by healthcare facilities in these regions, emphasizing the importance of uninterrupted electricity for critical medical equipment and services. The document highlights the increasing significance of solar energy globally and its potential to address challenges in the healthcare sector. The International Energy Agency's (IEA) estimation that solar photovoltaic (PV) energy has become the cheapest source of electricity is discussed, along with the World Bank's active role in supporting solar energy projects in developing countries. The document presents the current status of solarization, emphasizing the exponential growth of solar capacity and generation. It also discusses global initiatives such as Mission Innovation and the contribution of various international aid organizations, including Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL), Power Africa, Lighting Global, SolarAid, UNDP - Solar for Health (S4H), and the World Bank. A significant portion of the document focuses on the role of solar energy in healthcare, detailing successful solarization projects in India, sub-Saharan Africa, and other regions. It addresses the challenges of implementing solar PV projects in healthcare facilities, emphasizing the importance of maintenance and proper management. The document also provides insights into the contributions of United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) in advancing solar-powered health systems, emphasizing its support to over 80 countries in solarization and off-grid energy solutions for healthcare. In conclusion, this article emphasizes the need for collaboration among international aid organizations, governments, and development partners to ensure universal access to reliable and sustainable electricity, particularly in healthcare facilities. It underscores the importance of long-term planning, sustainability, innovative business models, and awareness campaigns to achieve scalable and impactful results in the intersection of solar energy and healthcare delivery.
ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: The Ponseti method of treating clubfeet is considered the gold standard. However, there are specific barriers to implementing the Ponseti method for clubfoot treatment, especially in developing countries like India. METHODS: This is a retrospective study on patients who underwent the Ponseti method for clubfoot treatment at a tertiary care hospital in India. A total of 110 patients were enrolled for this study and were interviewed at the initiation of treatment and at each follow-up to identify the barriers, and their correlation to dropout rate was analyzed. RESULTS: On applying binary logistic regression, which shows the cumulative effect of all variables, the effect of the parent accompanying the patient was significant on compliance and dropout rate. CONCLUSION: Informed parents play a significant role in compliance with the treatment. The study results can help formulate an action plan to improve adherence to the Ponseti method for treating clubfoot throughout India and other developing countries.
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INTRODUCTION: All 26 antiretroviral treatment (ART) centers of Gujarat were monitored by Gujarat State AIDS Control Society under the National AIDS Control Program. A comprehensive tool is needed to identify gap in service delivery and to prioritize monitoring visits. OBJECTIVES: To supplement the existing monitoring system, identify strengths/weakness of ART centers, and give recommendations. METHODOLOGY: Scorecard was developed in spreadsheet format with 17 scoring indicators on monthly base from March 2014 onward. The centers were classified in three color zones: green (score ≥80%), yellow (score <80% and ≥50%), and red (score <50%). Visits were prioritized at centers with more indicators in yellow/red zone. The performance of centers was compared for March 2014 and March 2015. RESULTS: The statistically significant improvement was observed in indicator "ART initiation within 2 months of eligibility," while after removing red zone from analysis, four more indicators named "eligible patients transferred out before ART initiation, general clients started on ART, antenatal women started on ART, and pre-ART follow-up CD4 done" reflect statistically significant improvement. Quadrant analysis was done for some indicators, which provide insight that less number of eligible patients may be a reason for low initiation of ART at one center, and at four other centers, the possible reasons for low retention are high death rate and high lost to follow-up rate. Based on these findings, the recommendations were made to regular mentoring centers, improve coordination between ART center and care and support centers (CSCs), and conduct verbal autopsy. CONCLUSION: Scorecard is a simple and cost-effective tool for monitoring, and by highlighting low-performing indicators, it helps in improving quality of services provided at ART centers.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: India shares the largest burden of under-nutrition in world. The aim of this study was to conduct follow-up assessment of under-nourished children attending anganwadi center (AWC). METHODS: This was a retrospective cohort study conducted in 50 AWC of Tapi district. Total 529 children aged 1-6 years diagnosed as under-nourished before 1 year were included. Pre-structured questionnaire was used for present day assessment of these children followed by Epi-info mediated analysis. RESULTS: Children of literate mothers had higher weight gain. Ninety percent of children attended anganwadi regularly, however 25% of children dropped out for more than 1 month. In 1 year, growth had faltered in 20% children and was stagnant in 63% of them. Children who were treated for under-nutrition; that completed course at Child Development and Nutrition Center; and whose parents were counseled about the under-nourished status of child had higher weight gain than their counterparts. CONCLUSIONS: Parents of under-nourished children must be counseled about the nutritional status of their child. In cases of under-nourished child, referral to higher center must be ensured by health worker. Supplementary feeding as a long-term solution to country's under-nutrition problem should be studied in detail with the alternative solutions.
