Half a century of Japanese research on two Neglected Tropical Diseases (trypanosomiasis and leishmaniasis): Overseas scientific cooperation.

Trypanosoma and Leishmania species are responsible of a range of Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) from disfiguring conditions to fatal processes in humans. Both genera also affect wild and domestic animals causing diseases of public health significance and high economic impact on farm economy of developing areas. Japan has been actively involved in overseas cooperation and the country has a large scientific community. However, there is no information on the scientific output of Japanese scientists and institutions on these two NTDs. To explore the Japanese contribution and its profile, we have mined Web of Science database from 1971 to 2022 the articles by Japanese scientists, scientific areas and institutions, time-related variations of these parameters, and involvement in cooperation activities with foreign scientists. Research on Trypanosoma has been present in all the studied period, with higher production, whereas Leishmania-related activities showed a delay. A steady increased of Japanese scientific output was found up to the beginning of 2000s, whereas a certain stagnation was found in the present century. Low growth rate of research output on these two NTDs by Japanese authors in the 21st century is not correlated neither to the pattern found globally nor the situation in other parasitic infections. Thus, other elements should be considered in future analysis including the actual number of scientists involved and the available funding. Reinforcement of research groups from Japanese institutions and widening the scope of collaborations, particularly with health and academic centers from endemic regions, could trigger the Japanese productivity in the research area.

Struggling to resume childhood vaccination during war in Myanmar: evaluation of a pilot program.

BACKGROUND: After the military coup in Myanmar in February 2021, the health system began to disintegrate when staff who called for the restoration of the democratic government resigned and fled to states controlled by ethnic minorities. The military retaliated by blocking the shipment of humanitarian aid, including vaccines, and attacked the ethnic states. After two years without vaccines for their children, parents urged a nurse-led civil society organization in an ethnic state to find a way to resume vaccination. The nurses developed a vaccination program, which we evaluated. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study and participatory evaluation were conducted. We interviewed the healthcare workers about vaccine acquisition, transportation, and administration and assessed compliance with WHO-recommended practices. We analyzed the participating children's characteristics. We calculated the proportion of children vaccinated before and after the program. We calculated the probability children would become up-to-date after the program using inverse survival. RESULTS: Since United Nations agencies could not assist, private donations were raised to purchase, smuggle into Myanmar, and administer five vaccines. Cold chain standards were maintained. Compliance with other WHO-recommended vaccination practices was 74%. Of the 184 participating children, 145 (79%, median age five months [IQR 6.5]) were previously unvaccinated, and 71 (41%) were internally displaced. During five monthly sessions, the probability that age-eligible zero-dose children would receive the recommended number of doses of MMR was 92% (95% confidence interval [CI] 83-100%), Penta 87% (95% CI 80%-94%); BCG 76% (95% CI 69%-83%); and OPV 68% (95% CI 59%-78%). Migration of internally displaced children and stockouts of vaccines were the primary factors responsible for decreased coverage. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study to describe the situation, barriers, and outcomes of a childhood vaccination program in one of the many conflict-affected states since the coup in Myanmar. Even though the proportion of previously unvaccinated children was large, the program was successful. While the target population was necessarily small, the program's success led to a donor-funded expansion to 2,000 children. Without renewed efforts, the proportion of unvaccinated children in other parts of Myanmar will approach 100%.

Desafios do uso da inteligência artificial nos diagnósticos de saúde: uma revisão integrativa / Challenges of using artificial intelligence in health diagnoses: an integrative review / Desafíos del uso de la inteligencia artificial en diagnósticos de salud: una revisión integradora

Objetivo: compreender a participação da IA nos diagnósticos da saúde moderna e definir limites para sua aplicação. Metodologia: Revisão integrativa da literatura. A busca dos estudos se deu nas bases de dados LILACS, MEDLINE e SCIELO e foram selecionados artigos científicos, sem recorte temporal e de idioma. Resultados: A inteligência artificial impacta a medicina em três níveis: otimiza a interpretação de imagens para os médicos, aprimora o fluxo de trabalho reduzindo potenciais erros para os sistemas de saúde e capacita os pacientes a processarem seus próprios dados para promover a saúde. Contudo, é necessária atenção aos dados gerados, pois podem desencadear erros em cascata e expor informações sensíveis dos usuários do sistema de saúde. Conclusão: Atribuir à IA a responsabilidade de escolhas e funções desempenhadas por humanos é intrinsecamente perigoso, apesar de sua contribuição inegável nos processos diagnósticos. Sugere-se a realização de pesquisas robustas para compreender plenamente o impacto dessa nova era tecnológica proporcionada pela IA na área da saúde.

Objective: To understand the role of AI in modern healthcare diagnostics and define boundaries for its application. Methodology:Integrative literature review. Studies were searched in the LILACS, MEDLINE, and SCIELO databases, selecting scientific articles without temporal or language restrictions. Results: Artificial intelligence impacts medicine at three levels: it optimizes image interpretation for physicians, enhances workflow by reducing potential errors for healthcare systems, and empowers patients to process their own data to promote health. However, attention is required regarding the generated data, as it may trigger cascading errors and expose sensitive information of healthcare system users. Conclusion: Assigning AI, the responsibility of choices and functions performed by humans is inherently dangerous, despite its undeniable contribution to diagnostic processes. Robust research is suggested to fully understand the impact of this new technological era provided by AI in healthcare.

Objetivo: Comprender la participación de la IA en los diagnósticos de la salud moderna y definir límites para su aplicación. Metodología:Revisión integrativa de la literatura. Los estudios se buscaron en las bases de datos LILACS, MEDLINE y SCIELO, seleccionando artículos científicos sin restricciones temporales ni lingüísticas. Resultados: La inteligencia artificial impacta la medicina en tres niveles: optimiza la interpretación de imágenes para los médicos, mejora el flujo de trabajo al reducir errores potenciales para los sistemas de salud y capacita a los pacientes para procesar sus propios datos y promover la salud. Sin embargo, se requiere atención respecto a los datos generados, ya que pueden desencadenar errores en cascada y exponer información sensible de los usuarios del sistema de salud. Conclusión: Asignar a la IA la responsabilidad de decisiones y funciones realizadas por humanos es intrínsecamente peligroso, apesar de su contribución innegable a los procesos de diagnóstico. Se sugiere realizar investigaciones sólidas para comprender completamente el impacto de esta nueva era tecnológica proporcionada por la IA en la salud.

A Recomendação Geral N. º 24 da Convenção para a Eliminação de todas as Formas de Discriminação contra a Mulher amplia ou constrói uma interpretação aos Estados Partes? / General Recommendation N. º 24 of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women does it broaden or construct an interpretation for State parties? / ¿La Recomendación General N. º 24 de la Convención sobre la Eliminación de todas las Formas de Discriminación contra la Mujer amplía o construye una interpretación para los Estados Partes?

Objetivos: analisar se a Recomendação Geral n.º24, sobre saúde da mulher, amplia ou constrói interpretações para os Estados Partes da Convenção para a Eliminação de todas as Formas de Discriminação contra a Mulher. Metodologia: foi realizada uma pesquisa documental e bibliográfica para coletar dados e revisar criticamente documentos internacionais e literatura especializada. Os resultados foram analisados por meio da revisão crítico-narrativa. Resultados: a Convenção abrange direitos da mulher, incluindo saúde, e o Comitê da Convenção sobre a eliminação de todas as formas de discriminação contra as mulheres emite recomendações gerais para orientar sua implementação pelos Estados Partes. A Recomendação Geraln.º24 amplia as recomendações originais, abordando questões como saúde sexual, violência de gênero e participação na tomada de decisões. Conclusões: a interpretação política da Convenção, conforme preconizado por Kelsen, permite observar as necessidades e o contexto político dos Estados-parte. A Recomendação Geraln.º24 amplia as recomendações, refletindo a necessidade de adaptação das políticas públicas às mudanças globais e às necessidades das mulheres.

Objectives: This study examines whether General Recommendation (GR) No. 24, on women's health, broadens or constructs interpretations for the State parties of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women. Methodology: A documentary and bibliographical research was conducted to collect data and critically review international documents and specialized literature. The results were analyzed through critical-narrative review. Results: The Convention covers women's rights, including health, and the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women issues general recommendations to guide its implementation by State parties. GR No. 24 expands the original recommendations, addressing issues such as sexual health, gender-based violence, and participation in decision-making. Conclusions: The political interpretation of the Convention, as advocated by Kelsen, enables the observation of the needs and political context of the State parties. GR No. 24 expands the recommendations, reflecting the need to adapt public policies to global changes and women's needs.

Objetivos: Este estudio analiza si la Recomendación General (RG) n. 24, sobre la salud de la mujer, amplía o construye interpretaciones para los Estados Partes de la Convención para la Eliminación de todas las Formas de Discriminación contra la Mujer. Metodología: Se realizó una investigación documental y bibliográfica para recopilar datos y revisar críticamente documentos internacionales y literatura especializada. Los resultados fueron analizados mediante la revisión crítico-narrativa. Resultados: La Convención abarca los derechos de las mujeres, incluida la salud, y el Comité de la Convención sobre la eliminación de todas las formas de discriminación contra la mujer emite recomendaciones generales para guiar su implementación por parte de los Estados-partes. La RG n. 24 amplía las recomendaciones originales, abordando cuestiones como la salud sexual, la violencia de género y la participación en la toma de decisiones. Conclusiones: La interpretación política de la Convención, como preconiza Kelsen, permite la observación de las necesidades y el contexto político de los Estados Partes. La RG n. 24 amplía las recomendaciones, reflejando la necesidad de adaptar las políticas públicas a los cambios globales y a las necesidades de las mujeres.

International cooperation in radiology training: A multipronged approach.

INTRODUCTION: Medical imaging has undergone significant technical advancements in recent years, posing a considerable challenge for radiologists to stay up-to-date with emerging modalities and their applications in daily practice. This challenge is even more daunting in developing countries with limited resources compared to the US and other developed nations with greater economic assets. The collaboration between the United States and other advanced nations with radiological institutions in Latin America has been a significant achievement in the pursuit of new opportunities for continuous medical education. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of international collaborations among Spanish-speaking Latin American institutions and radiologists through a survey. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A group of radiologists and institutions from various countries, including the USA, Spain, and Argentina, who have been working together for several years to improve Radiology education across Latin America, were selected. An online survey was conducted. The survey included questions about interest in the activities, participation, and impact of radiologic education during these educational efforts. RESULTS: The survey received responses from 166 participants, all of whom reported knowledge of at least one type of educational activity. The most well-known activity was ALAT Webinars. The primary motivators for participation were the quality of the content and the opportunity to learn new information. Additionally, improving local education in radiology and receiving expert advice on radiology issues were identified as priorities for participation in international collaborations. The Cronbach alpha coefficient was calculated for individual and global Likert questions, resulting in a global score of 0.96. CONCLUSION: The study confirms the significance of a multifaceted approach to address gaps in radiology education. While traditional models have relied on hosting international visitors or sending US teachers abroad, the results suggest that using a variety of methods will have a greater impact than relying on a single technique for those who benefit most from collaborative efforts.

Health transformation toward universal healthcare coverage amidst conflict: examining the impact of international cooperation in Niger.

Background: Approximately 70% of Sub-Saharan African countries have experienced armed conflicts with significant battle-related fatalities in the past two decades. Niger has witnessed a substantial rise in conflict-affected populations in recent years. In response, international cooperation has aimed to support health transformation in Niger's conflict zones and other conflict-affected areas in Sub-Saharan Africa. This study seeks to review the available evidence on health interventions facilitated by international cooperation in conflict zones, with a focus on Niger. Methods: We conducted a systematic literature review (SLR) adhering to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. The search was conducted from 2000 to 4 September 2022 using MeSH terms and keywords to identify relevant studies and reports in Sub-Saharan Africa and specifically in Niger. Databases such as PubMed (Medline), Google Scholar, Google, and gray literature were utilized. The findings were presented both narratively and through tables and a conceptual framework. Results: Overall, 24 records (10 studies and 14 reports) that highlighted the significant role of international cooperation in promoting health transformation in conflict zones across Sub-Saharan Africa, including Niger, were identified. Major multilateral donors identified were the World Health Organization (WHO), United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), United Nations Fund for Population Activities (UNFPA), World Bank, United States Agency for International Development (USAID), European Union, European Commission Humanitarian Aid (ECHO), Global Fund, and Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization (GAVI). Most supports targeted maternal, newborn, child, adolescent, and youth health, nutrition, and psycho-social services. Furthermore, interventions were in the form of public health initiatives, mobile clinic implementation, data management, human resource capacity building, health information systems, health logistics, and research funding in conflict zones. Conclusion: This literature review underscores the significant engagement of international cooperation in strengthening and transforming health services in conflict-affected areas across Sub-Saharan Africa, with a particular focus on Niger. However, to optimize the effectiveness of healthcare activities from short- and long-term perspectives, international partners and the Ministry of Public Health need to re-evaluate and reshape their approach to health intervention in conflict zones.

Global pediatric radiology education: responding to training-level specific needs.

Pediatric radiology education for pediatric and radiology trainees and practicing professionals must be adapted to the target audience. In efforts to narrow the gaps in global pediatric radiology education, the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia's radiology department's Global Outreach and Education Program has designed specific interventions and curricula according to different levels of training and desired expertise. Our initiatives include an online "Introduction to Pediatric Imaging" lecture series for pediatrics residents in Botswana, Ethiopia and Vietnam; access to a learning management system (Outreach RADIAL) for radiology residents; case-based review sessions for pediatric radiology fellows; and in-person seminars for professionals from Eastern Europe and Africa. Here, we highlight our global education efforts to encourage other departments to take a similar systematic approach to outreach activities.

Política de saúde e Autoridades Reguladoras: desafios da regulação de tecnologias nas Emergências em Saúde Pública / Health policy and regulatory authorities: challenges of technology regulation in Public Health Emergencies

Resumo As Emergências em Saúde Pública (ESP) têm repercutido nos sistemas de saúde em escala global. O acesso às novas tecnologias em saúde em tempo oportuno é um desafio para a política de saúde. As autoridades reguladoras nacionais (ARN) têm papel fundamental na avaliação e regulação dessas tecnologias. O estudo objetiva analisar as principais estratégias e instrumentos regulatórios utilizados para lidar com os desafios da regulação de novas tecnologias necessárias à resposta do sistema de saúde durante as ESP. Trata-se de uma pesquisa normativa e documental, tendo como fonte a OMS e a ARN brasileira. Foram consideradas as dimensões relacionadas às estratégias para o fortalecimento das atividades regulatórias e os instrumentos regulatórios utilizados para acelerar o acesso às tecnologias, especialmente durante as ESP. A cooperação e a colaboração internacional entre as ARN e com a OMS foram importantes estratégias para o fortalecimento das ARN, com destaque para o uso de confiança, regionalização, avaliações aceleradas e compartilhamento de trabalho/informações, bem como os processos de harmonização e convergência regulatória. Identificou-se, além da utilização de instrumentos regulatórios já existentes, esforços na implementação de novos, com destaque para Autorização de Uso Emergencial.

Abstract Public Health Emergencies (PHE) have had repercussions on health systems on a global scale, and timely access to new health technologies is a challenge for health policy. The national regulatory authorities (NRA) play a key role in the evaluation and regulation of these technologies. The present study aims to analyze the main strategies and regulatory instruments used to deal with the challenges of regulating new technologies necessary for the health system's effective response during a PHE. This research, based on WHO and Brazilian NRA norms and documents, considered dimensions related to strategies for strengthening regulatory activities and regulatory instruments used to accelerate access to technologies, especially during PHEs. International cooperation between the NRA and the WHO were important strategies for strengthening the NRA, with emphasis on the use of reliance, regionalization, accelerated assessments, and work/information sharing, as well as the processes of regulatory harmonization and convergence. In addition to the use of existing regulatory instruments, efforts were also identified in order to implement new ones.

Participação do Secretariado Permanente do Fórum de Macau em iniciativas de Saúde Global entre 2015 e 2022 / Participation of the Permanent Secretariat of Forum Macao in Global Health initiatives between 2015 and 2022

Resumo O Fórum para a Cooperação Econômica e Comercial entre a China e os Países de Língua Portuguesa, mais conhecido como Fórum de Macau, fundado em 2003, atua há 20 anos como elo entre a China e os países lusófonos. Desde 2016, o Secretariado Permanente do Fórum de Macau publica um anuário destacando as principais atividades realizadas pelo mesmo no ano anterior. Este artigo tem como foco analisar o papel do Fórum de Macau como organizador e mediador de iniciativas de Saúde Global através da análise de todos os artigos publicados em seus anuários entre 2016 e 2023. Foram encontradas 34 ocorrências de artigos tratando de algum tema relacionado à área da saúde, com quase dois terços relacionados à medicina tradicional chinesa, relatos de organização frequente de atividades que fomentam a cooperação internacional em saúde, além de uma ativa participação durante o primeiro ano da pandemia de Covid-19. O Fórum de Macau é uma plataforma multilateral de diálogo entre a China, Macau e o mundo de fala portuguesa, tendo a pauta da saúde e a divulgação da medicina tradicional chinesa ocupado um espaço de destaque em seu anuário.

Abstract The Forum for Economic and Trade Cooperation between China and Portuguese-speaking Countries, better known as Forum Macao, founded in 2003, has been acting as a link between China and Portuguese-speaking countries for 20 years. Since 2016, the Permanent Secretariat of Forum Macao has published a yearbook highlighting the main activities it carried out in the previous year. This article focuses on analyzing Forum Macao's role as an organizer and mediator of Global Health initiatives by analyzing all the articles published in its yearbooks between 2016 and 2023. We found 34 articles dealing with a health-related topic, with almost two thirds related to traditional Chinese medicine, reports of frequent organization of activities that foster international cooperation in health, as well as active participation during the first year of the Covid-19 pandemic. Forum Macao is a multilateral platform for dialogue between China, Macao and the Portuguese-speaking world, with the health agenda and the dissemination of traditional Chinese medicine occupying a prominent place in its yearbook.

Regulations for the Manufacture and Control of Live Poliovirus Vaccine: International Experience and China's Path.

The eradication of poliomyelitis is a landmark achievement in the history of public health, providing strong protection for children's health. The introduction of the Chinese Regulations for the Manufacture and Control of Live Poliovirus Vaccine is a prerequisite and safeguard for the large-scale production and use of domestically produced live poliovirus vaccines, serving as an indispensable component of vaccine safety. This article, based on archival documents, letters, collections of essays, and oral interviews, examines the historical experience of the development of Chinese Regulations for the Manufacture and Control of Live Poliovirus Vaccine. It contends that the emphasis on localization and the active engagement in international cooperation are critical factors in the swift introduction of Chinese Regulations for the Manufacture and Control of Live Poliovirus Vaccine.

Leveraging collaborative research networks against antimicrobial resistance in Asia.

Background: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global health security threat requiring research collaboration globally and regionally. Despite repeated calls for international research collaboration in Asia, literature analyzing the nature of collaborative AMR research in Asia has been sparse. This study aims to describe the characteristics of the AMR research network in Asia and investigate the factors influencing collaborative tie formation between organizations. Methods: We carried out a mixed-methods study by combining social network analysis (SNA) and in-depth interviews. SNA was first conducted on primary data to describe the characteristics of the AMR research network in Asia. Exponential random graph models (ERGMs) were then used to examine the influence of factors such as organization type, country affluence levels, regional proximity and One Health research on collaborative tie formation among organizations. In-depth interviews were conducted with network participants to provide contextual insights to the quantitative data. Results: The results reveal that the research network exhibits a core-periphery structure, where a minority of organizations have a significantly higher number of collaborations with others. The most influential organizations in the network are academic institutions from high-income countries within and outside Asia. The ERGM results demonstrate that organizations prefer to collaborate with others of similar organization types, country-based affluence levels and One Health domains of focus, but also with others across different World Health Organization regions. The qualitative analysis identified three main themes: the challenges that impede collaboration, the central role of academic institutions, and the nature of collaborations across One Health domains, giving rise to important empirical milestones in understanding AMR research in Asia. Conclusion: We thus recommend leveraging academic institutions as "integrators" to bridge differences, increasing funds channelled towards research capacity building to alleviate structural barriers to collaboration, streamlining collaborative mechanisms to overcome cumbersome administrative hurdles, and increasing efforts to establish trust between all organizations.

STATE INSTITUTION «NATIONAL RESEARCH CENTER FOR RADIATION MEDICINE OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF MEDICAL SCIENCES OF UKRAINE¼ - RESEARCH ACTIVITIES AND SCIENTIFIC ADVANCE IN 2022. / РЕЗУЛЬТАТИ РОБОТИ ДУ «ÐÐÐ¦Ð†ÐžÐÐÐ›Ð¬ÐÐ˜Ð™ НАУКОВИЙ ЦЕНТРРАДІАЦІЙНОЇ МЕДИЦИНИ НАЦІОНАЛЬНОЇ АКАДЕМІЇ МЕДИЧНИХ НАУК УКРАЇНИ¼ У 2022 РОЦІ.

Research activities and scientific advance achieved in 2022 at the State Institution «National Research Center for Radiation Medicine of the National Academy of Medical Sciences of Ukraine¼ (NRCRM) concerning medical problems of the Chornobyl disaster, radiation medicine, radiobiology, radiation hygiene and epidemiology in collaboration with the WHO network of medical preparedness and assistance in radiation accidents are outlined in the annual report. The report presents the results of fundamental and applied research works of the study of radiation effects and health effects of the Chornobyl accident. The report also shows the results of scientificorganizational and health care work, staff training. The Scientific Council meeting of NAMS approved the NRCRM Annual Report.

Lessons from the "Humanization of Childbirth" Projects: Qualitative analysis of seven projects funded by the Japan International Cooperation Agency.

The "Humanization of Childbirth" Project is one of the various maternity care models that respect women and their newborn children. For more than a quarter of a century, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has been implementing technical cooperation projects worldwide that place the humanization of childbirth at the center of the concept. By reviewing the project reports, the following 11 key processes were found for the formulation and implementation of future projects for the humanized maternity care: i) project-finding/exploration of unmet needs, ii) identification of local key persons, iii) organization of a project team and a back-up committee, iv) development of an action plan, v) sharing of concepts, vi) development of local leadership, vii) organization of infrastructure, viii) final evaluation and wrap-up seminar, ix) ensuring sustainability, x) development of younger generation experts, and xi) sustainable and autonomous action.

Mapping horizon scanning systems for medical devices: similarities, differences, and lessons learned.

OBJECTIVES: This article presents the mapping of horizons scanning systems (HSS) for medical devices, conducted by the Medical Devices Working Group of the International Horizon Scanning Initiative (IHSI MDWG). It provides an overview of the identified HSS, highlights similarities and differences between the systems, and lessons learned. METHODS: Potentially relevant HSS were identified through literature searches, scan of an overview of EuroScan members, and input from the IHSI MDWG members. Structured information was collected from organizations that confirmed having an HSS for medical devices. RESULTS: Sixteen initiatives could be identified, of which 11 are currently ongoing. The purposes of the HSS range from raising awareness of trends and new developments to managing informed decisions on innovative health services in hospitals. The time-horizon is most often 3 years up to a few months before market entry. Three models of identification of new technologies crystallized: a reactive (stakeholders outside HSS inform), a pro-active (actively searching multifold sources), and a hybrid model. Prioritization is often conducted by separate committees via scoring or debate. The outputs focus either on in-depth information of single technologies or on a class of technologies or on technologies in specific disease areas. CONCLUSIONS: The identified HSS share the common experience that horizon scanning (HS) for medical devices is a resource-intensive exercise that requires a dedicated and skilled team. Insights into the identified HSS and their experiences will be used in the continued work of the IHSI MDWG on its proposal for an IHSI HSS for medical devices.

Strategizing global health governance: unpacking opportunities and challenges for least developed nations within the WHO pandemic treaty framework.

Exploring the intricacies of the proposed WHO pandemic treaty, this paper underscores its potential benefits and challenges for Least Developed Nations (LDNs) in the global health landscape. While the treaty could elevate LDNs' access to vital resources, fortify health systems, and amplify their voice in global health governance, tangible challenges in safeguarding equitable access, protecting sovereignty, and ensuring compliance are illuminated. Concluding with targeted recommendations, the paper advocates for treaty revisions that assure resource access, safeguard LDNs' autonomy, and foster capacity-building. In essence, the paper emphasizes the imperative of genuinely empowering LDNs, crafting a pandemic treaty that establishes a more equitable, resilient, and inclusive global health future.

Mapping and analysis of health financing in South Kivu province (DRC) / Cartographie et analyse du financement de la santé dans la province du Sud-Kivu (RDC)

Introduction: In South-Kivu, the health system is underfunded due to numerous constraints. Several initiatives have been tested but are insufficient for increasing and sustaining health financing. Purpose of research: Analyze the health financing system in South-Kivu, through a mapping as well as quantitative and qualitative analysis of health financing mechanisms. Results: The provincial health financing system is fragmented, with poorly coordinated mechanisms and interventions, leading to duplication of health system strengthening activities in addition to the absence of a mechanism for pooling external funding flows. Costs recovery (i.e. user fees) and external supports are the most widely used schemes while the government hardly contributes to the financing of the provincial health system. Mutual health insurance is supposed to improve access to health care, but its coverage is still extremely low. Results-Based Financing and free health care programs, fully financed by external donors, are irregular and insufficiently sustainable. Conclusions: It would be critical to implement a strategic purchasing model that is anchored in local institutions, owned by all stakeholders, and integrating all existing financing mechanisms, which could be supported by a common fund supporting the provincial health system. The "Single Contract" initiative developed to harmonize, pool, and sustain external programs, could be a good basis in this respect. This would involve strengthening policy dialogue, developing an investment case to support resource mobilization and implementing a joint monitoring and evaluation platform for disbursements led by the provincial health authorities.

Introduction: Au Sud-Kivu, en République démocratique du Congo, le système de santé est sous-financé dû à de nombreuses contraintes. Plusieurs initiatives ont été testées mais restent insuffisantes pour augmenter et pérenniser le financement de la santé. But de l'étude: Analyser le système de financement de la santé au Sud-Kivu, par une cartographie et une analyse quantitative et qualitative des mécanismes de financement. Résultats: Le système de financement de la santé de la province est fragmenté, avec des mécanismes et interventions peu coordonnés, suscitant des duplications d'activités d'appui au système de santé, en plus de la quasi-absence de mécanisme de mise en commun des appuis extérieurs. Le recouvrement des coûts et les financements extérieurs sont les mécanismes les plus utilisés alors que l'État contribue très faiblement au financement du système provincial de santé. Les mutuelles de santé sont censées améliorer l'accès aux soins, mais leur taux de couverture reste extrêmement faible. Le financement basé sur les résultats et la gratuité des soins, intégralement compensés par les donateurs extérieurs, sont irréguliers et insuffisamment pérennes. Conclusions: Il serait essentiel d'adopter au Sud-Kivu un modèle d'achat stratégique, ancré dans les institutions locales, approprié par l'ensemble des parties prenantes, qui intègre l'ensemble des mécanismes de financement existants et qui soit appuyé par un fonds commun d'appui au système provincial de santé. L'initiative du Contrat unique développée pour harmoniser, mettre en commun et pérenniser les programmes extérieurs peut servir de base pour élaborer un tel modèle. Ceci impliquerait de renforcer le dialogue politique, d'élaborer un dossier d'investissement pour soutenir la mobilisation des ressources et de créer une plateforme conjointe de suivi et d'évaluation des décaissements, pilotée par les autorités provinciales de santé.

[The review of the book "The Destiny of Scientist. The Academician Oleg Prokopievich Schepin" by R. V. Korotkih].

The review considers the book "The Destiny of Scientist. The Academician Oleg Prokopievich Schepin" by R. V. Korotkih that is based on studying of wide range of sources and publications. The author presents main periods of life and creative work of Oleg Prokopievich Schepin, the Academician of the Russian Academy of Sciences. The book by its style is notable for its simplicity and easiness. It is oriented to wide audience of readers. The purpose of the author is obvious - to share about outstanding personality being in contact with whom enriches spiritually, creatively and makes life more interesting and many-sided. Furthermore, the book reveals creative development of prominent scientist who greatly inputted into formation and consolidation of public health and health care and development of international cooperation in medicine. The author of the book, Raisa Vasilievna Korotkih, more than 20 years worked with academician O. P. Schepin and largely relied on accounts of Oleg Prokopievich himself. The author succeeded to present portrait of not only scientist, founder of eminent scientific school but great politician, organizer, health care administrator, pedagogue, leading specialist in the field of national and international health care, eminent public figure.