[The medical care of seamen of civil shipping: the role of non-commercial organizations].

According to the International Labor Organization, health protection and access to medical treatment are to be guaranteed to seamen in the same way as to people working ashore. However, in practice, formal measures and mechanisms do not always make it possible to provide medical care to crew members of civil vessels due to peculiarities of legal systems of the States in whose territorial waters the vessel is located, remoteness of the vessel from coastline and objective situation that permits to receiving medical care from the shore. As far as possible these problems are resolved by non-profit organizations of seamen. The overview of their activities is presented in this article.

The relationship between dynamic monitoring network plans and eco-efficiency - New evidence from atmospheric quality monitoring policy in China.

China's rapid economic development in recent decades has come at a considerable environmental cost. This paper explores whether atmospheric quality monitoring policy (AQMP) improves eco-efficiency by using AQMP as a natural experimental group. We assessed the eco-efficiency of 285 cities in China from 2009 to 2019 using the super-efficient SBM model and estimated the impact of AQMP using the propensity score method Difference-in-Difference (PSM-DID) model. The key findings of this paper are as follows: First, AQMP can enhance eco-efficiency, promoting sustainable urban development. Second, governmental and non-governmental organizations play contrasting roles in either fostering or reversing the positive effects of AQMP. Factors like innovation, clean energy adoption, and industrial structure have a positive mediating influence. Finally, the impact of AQMP on eco-efficiency varies across cities, displaying heterogeneity. Specifically, AQMP has a positive effect on eco-efficiency in resource-rich cities, small and medium-sized urban centers, smart cities, and coastal areas. These findings carry significant implications for the establishment of dynamic monitoring networks and the advancement of eco-efficiency in emerging countries, including China.

Magnitude of undernutrition and its association with dietary diversity among older persons in Ethiopia: a systematic review and meta-analysis, 2023.

Undernutrition in elders remains under-detected, under-treated, and under-resourced and leads to further weight loss, increased infections, and delay in recovery from illness as well as increased hospital admissions and length of stay. The reports of the findings were fragmented and inconsistent in Ethiopia. Therefore, the main objective of this meta-analysis was to estimate the pooled prevalence of undernutrition and its association with dietary diversity among older persons in Ethiopia. Online databases (Medline, PubMed, Scopus, and Science Direct), Google, Google Scholar, and other grey literature were used to search articles until the date of publication. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guideline was followed. The random effect model was used to estimate the pooled prevalence; whereas subgroup analysis and meta-regression were performed to identify the probable source of heterogeneity using Stata version 14.0 software. Out of 522 studies accessed, 14 met our criteria and were included in the study. A total of 7218 older people (aged above 60 years old) were included in the study. The pooled proportion of undernutrition among older persons in Ethiopia was 20⋅6 % (95 % CI 17⋅3, 23⋅8). Elders who consumed low dietary diversity scores were strongly associated with undernutrition among older persons. Therefore, promoting appropriate intervention strategies for elders to improve dietary diversity practices and nutritional status is crucial.

PULS - Austrian Cardiac Arrest Awareness Association: An overview of a multi-tiered and multi-facetted regional initiative to save lives.

Background: Out-of-hospital cardiac arrest with subsequent cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) still leads to dismal outcomes worldwide. The crucial gap between cardiac arrest and advanced life support can only be filled by bystander-CPR. However, knowledge and willingness of the public towards basic life support (BLS) remain low. Global and national initiatives for awareness building and CPR training have produced promising improvements, but an additional focus on regional initiatives might be necessary to truly implement change. Methods and results: In order to support other like-minded groups, we present a "coming of age" narrative review of PULS - Austrian Cardiac Arrest Awareness Association, along with a future outlook and "lessons learned". Interviews with past and present employees, members, and functionaries were conducted by the authors. Additionally, the organization's archives were assessed. Conclusion: Following current guidelines and the Utstein formula of survival, building a system to save lives is essential to achieve progress concerning cardiac arrest survival and outcomes. As kinds of "regional offices" of global resuscitation efforts, a network of individual local initiatives and organizations such as PULS can carry the respective messages, engage with local key figures of implementation, and keep up perpetual work for cardiac arrest awareness and BLS education.

Role of Dentistry in Humanitarian Projects: Knowledge and Perspective of Future Professionals on the World of Volunteering in Spain.

Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in dentistry seek to promote the improvement on oral health in the most disadvantaged regions. The objective of this study is to identify the level of knowledge, expectations, and motivations that dental school students have about volunteering in dentistry, as well as to evaluate possible differences in these variables depending on their level of dental training. During the month of September 2022, a voluntary and anonymous online survey was carried out among all the students at the Dentistry School of Oviedo University. There were 5 questions to judge knowledge about global oral health course. 12 additional questions were included to assess the willingness to volunteer in international setting, the volunteer profile, as well as the most effective means to improve oral health in host communities. None of the students from our center had participated as a volunteer in dental NGOs, but up to 64.4% of them had considered their collaboration. The level of knowledge about global oral health obtained was low, with the percentage of correct answers ranging between 14.4% (in the question about the ideal patient/dentist ratio) and 57.8% (in the question about the fluoride concentration in drinking water). Majority of dental students (98.9%) were not aware that basic package of oral care was created by WHO. Significantly, the students of the clinical courses showed a greater motivation to volunteer.

Dynamic analysis of NGO emergency relief goods supply: 2020 Hubei COVID-19 as a case.

Intention: Global emergencies cause significant damage to lives, assets, and the economy. Therefore, the supply of relief goods is essential in emergency relief contexts, which is generally the function of non-government organizations (NGOs) as they have unique relief goods supply advantages. However, few studies have explored the influencing factors on NGO relief goods supply efficiency. To systematically explore the factors affecting supply efficiency, we aim to develop a supply chain model for simulating and providing policy suggestions. Method: Taking the 2020 Hubei COVID-19 as case study, this research developed a system dynamic (SD) model for the NGO relief supply system to evaluate and quantify the impact of factor changes on relief supplies. Conclusion: It was found that transportation and information delays aggravated the NGO emergency supply chain bullwhip effect and caused large supply fluctuations. The initial relief goods inventory was found to be a decisive factor in reducing shortages in disaster areas; however, government support was found to play only a limited role in reducing information and transportation delays. Value: This study enriches NGO emergency supply chain literature and provides suggestions for guiding NGO relief goods supplies in the future.

Threat awareness training for non-governmental organizations deploying humanitarian aid workers into conflict environments.

INTRODUCTION: The current war in Ukraine and the subsequent deployment of Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) from around the world has highlighted the many potential dangers faced by humanitarian aid workers operating in conflict zones. Humanitarian aid workers may face both direct and indirect threats and aggression while on deployment, and given the rising number of global conflicts, the authors postulate a need to incorporate threat awareness training as part of pre-deployment training. METHODS: A list of the top 22 rated NGOs providing international aid was obtained from CharityWatch. All 22 were contacted via their public email addresses or website contact pages to find out if they provide any form of security, tactical or threat awareness training. RESULTS: Of the 13 NGOs that responded, 7 did not deploy staff into recent conflict zones or surroundings. All 6 NGOs who deployed staff into Ukraine or surrounding border countries, provided either security, tactical or threat awareness training to their staff. CONCLUSION: With the rising number of conflicts and disasters around the world, humanitarian aid workers are increasingly exposed to hostile environments and there is a compelling need for NGOs to ensure staff are adequately trained and prepared to handle any dangers and threats they may face. In this study, all 6 of the studied NGOs which deployed staff to the conflict zone confirmed some type of security or threat awareness training ranging from in-house security briefs to extensive, multi-day, commercially run courses such as Hostile Environment Awareness Training course.

Results from the Malaysia 2022 report card on physical activity for children and adolescents.

Background: The Malaysia 2022 Report Card on Physical Activity for Children and Adolescents provides evidence-based assessment across 12 indicators of physical activity-related behaviors, individual characteristics, settings and sources of influence, and strategies and investments for children and adolescents. Methods: The development process follows the systematic steps recommended by the Active Healthy Kids Global Alliance was used. Nationally representative data from 2016 to 2021, government reports and unpublished data were reviewed and consolidated by a panel of experts. Letter grades were assigned based on predefined benchmarks to 12 indicators including 10 core physical activity indicators that are common to Global Matrix 4.0 and two additional indicators (Diet and Weight Status). The current grading was then compared against those obtained in 2016. Results: Four of six indicators in the Daily Behaviors category received D- or C grades [Overall Physical Activity, Active Transportation and Diet (D-); Sedentary Behaviors (C)], which remains poor, similar to the 2016 report card. School indicator was graded for the Settings and Sources of Influence category, which showed an improvement from grade B (2016) to A- (2022). As for the Strategies and Investments category, B was again assigned to the Government indicator. Two new indicators were added after the 2016 Report Card, and they were graded B (Physical Fitness) and B- (Weight Status). Four indicators (Organized Sports and Physical Activity, Active Play, Family and Peers, and Community and Environment) were again graded Incomplete due to a lack of nationally representative data. Conclusion: The 2022 Report Card revealed that Malaysian children and adolescents are still caught in the "inactivity epidemic". This warrants more engagement from all stakeholders, public health actions, and timely research, to comprehensively evaluate all indicators and drive a cultural shift to see Malaysian children and adolescents moving more every day.

Theory of change and strategic priorities of the world federation of haemophilia.

The World Federation of Haemophilia (WFH) is a global network of national member organizations (NMOs) that advocate, collectively and individually, to improve lives of people with inherited bleeding disorders. The WFH vision of "Treatment for All" speaks to a future in which all people with an inherited bleeding disorder will have access to care, regardless of their gender or where they live. Over the last several years, initiatives including the WFH Humanitarian Aid program, the World Bleeding Disorders Registry, and Guidelines for the Management of Haemophilia and von Willebrand disease have significantly changed how the WFH and its partners work to improve and sustain care for people with bleeding disorders. Following an extensive consultation that included over 200 stakeholders from 70 countries, a Theory of Change was developed, and strategic priorities identified, to clearly define the WFH's intended impact and point of accountability to its stakeholders, and to determine how and through who those goals will be achieved. Both should help the WFH better support its NMOs and healthcare providers around the world in their efforts to improve access to diagnosis and care, as new therapies revolutionize the treatment landscape and the fallout of the global pandemic continues to challenge the ways in which we work and connect. Global collaboration of all stakeholders, based on their resources, objectives and skills, will be required to achieve these goals and to ensure more people have reliable access to safe treatment and care, regardless of their bleeding disorder, gender, or where they live.

Enfrentamento da violência contra a mulher: a atuação de coletivo de mulheres / Afrontando la violencia contra las mujeres: el trabajo de un colectivo de mujeres / Confronting violence against women: the work of a women's collective

Objetivo: descrever a atuação do Coletivo de Mulheres do Calafate para o enfrentamento da Violência Contra a Mulher. Método: estudo qualitativo, descritivo, realizado em Salvador, Bahia, Brasil, entre setembro e novembro de 2020. Compôs a pesquisa os relatos de nove mulheres que possuem ou possuíram vínculo institucional com o referido coletivo, sendo fundamentado na História Oral Temática, utilizando-se o meio digital para assinatura do TCLE e entrevista. Resultados: a atuação do Coletivo para o enfrentamento da violência contra a mulher inclui estratégias no âmbito da comunidade, emergindo assim as categorias: espaço para escuta às mulheres; espaço para compartilhar vivências de mulheres; espaço para articulação com os serviços de referência; e espaço para encaminhamento e/ou acompanhamento de mulheres nos serviços. Considerações Finais: o Coletivo promoveu ações de enfrentamento da violência contra a mulher, sinalizando a importância de organizações sociais feministas enquanto cenário de referência na comunidade.

Objetivo: describir el trabajo del Colectivo de Mujeres de Calafate en el afrontamiento a la violencia contra las mujeres. Método: Estudio cualitativo y descriptivo realizado en Salvador, Bahía, Brasil, entre septiembre y noviembre de 2020. La investigación se basó en los relatos de nueve mujeres que tienen o han tenido vínculos institucionales con el mencionado colectivo, a partir de la Historia Oral Temática, utilizando medios digitales para firmar el ICF y la entrevista. Resultados: el trabajo del Colectivo para afrontar la violencia contra las mujeres incluye estrategias dentro de la comunidad, y surgieron las siguientes categorías: espacio para escuchar a las mujeres; espacio para compartir las experiencias de las mujeres; espacio de enlace con los servicios de derivación; y espacio para derivar y/o acompañar a las mujeres a los servicios. Consideraciones finales: el Colectivo promovió acciones para afrontar la violencia contra las mujeres, lo que señala la importancia de las organizaciones sociales feministas como escenario de referencia en la comunidad.

Objective: to describe the work of the Calafate Women's Collective to confront violence against women. Method: a qualitative, descriptive study carried out in Salvador, Bahia, Brazil, between September and November 2020. The research included the reports of nine women who have or have had an institutional link with the aforementioned collective, based on Thematic Oral History, using the digital media for signing the informed consent form and interviews. Results: The Collective's work to confront violence against women includes strategies within the community, thus emerging the categories: space for listening to women; space for sharing women's experiences; space for liaison with referral services; and space for referral and/or accompaniment of women to services. Final considerations: the Collective promoted actions to confront violence against women, signaling the importance of feminist social organizations as a reference point in the community.

Role of non-governmental organizations in poverty reduction in the global South: evidence from world vision Ghana, Kintampo South district.

Poverty is a global issue, particularly in the Global South. This has made its reduction vital, although official efforts have yielded modest results. As a result, non-state entities such as non-governmental organizations (NGOs) arose to supplement the government's poverty reduction initiatives. Even though there have been studies on the role of NGOs in poverty reduction in the Global South, the results remain inconclusive. As such, this study investigates World Vision Ghana's (WVG) impact on poverty reduction. The study employed an after-only design. The sample size was 384 people, and the data were collected utilizing questionnaires and an interview guide. Descriptive statistics, parametric and non-parametric analysis, and thematic analysis were used to analyze the data. It was discovered that WVG used both demand-side and supply side approaches to poverty reduction, which helped increase earnings, acceptable food consumption, access to potable water and toilet facilities, human capital development, and understanding of children's rights. However, WVG's operation is hampered by low literacy among clients, an uncertain rainfall pattern, insufficient funding, and loan non-payment. WVG's interventions largely contributed to poverty reduction. As a result, the promotion of demand and supply side approaches to poverty reduction, the establishment of literacy programs, and the sensitization of recipients on the need for loan repayment are critical in boosting the success of WVG's interventions and ensuring sustainability of outcomes.

Healthcare system responses to non-communicable diseases' needs of Syrian refugees: The cases of Jordan and Lebanon.

Introduction: Since the start of the Syrian conflict in 2011, Jordan and Lebanon have hosted large refugee populations, with a high pre-conflict burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). We aimed to explore NCD service provision to Syrian refugees in these two host countries and to identify lessons learned that may inform the global response to the changing health needs of refugees. Methods: Between January 2017 and June 2018, we conducted 36 in-depth interviews with stakeholders from Jordan and Lebanon, as well as global stakeholders, to understand the context, the achievements, gaps and priorities in the provision and uptake of NCD prevention, testing and treatment services to Syrian refugees. Findings: Both countries succeeded in embedding refugee health care within national health systems, yet coverage and quality of NCD health services offered to Syrian refugees in both contexts were affected by under-funding and consequent policy constraints. Changes in policies relating to cost sharing, eligibility and vulnerability criteria led to difficulties navigating the system and increased out-of-pocket payments for Syrians. Funding shortages were reported as a key barrier to NCD screening, diagnosis and management, including at the primary care level and referral from primary to secondary healthcare, particularly in Lebanon. These barriers were compounded by suboptimal implementation of NCD guidelines and high workloads for healthcare providers resulting from the large numbers of refugees. Conclusions: Despite the extraordinary efforts made by host countries, provision and continuity of high quality NCD services at scale remains a tremendous challenge given ongoing funding shortfalls and lack of prioritization of NCD care for refugees. The development of innovative, effective and sustainable solutions is necessary to counter the threat of NCDs.

The activity of noncommercial organizations providing medical social care to migrants in conditions of COVID-19.

The article considers actual topic concerning acquisition by migrant associations of certain importance in the public sphere of different countries. The analysis demonstrated that these public structures begin to act as actors of intersectorial cooperation within the framework of state policy in the fields of migration and health care. It is substantiated that various institutions of civil society remained in shadow of state and commercial structures for a long time. Only recently, Russian socially oriented noncommercial organizations acquired status of suppliers of social services, including medical social care of population. At that, they became a subject of cooperation in order to provide medical social care to population, which is provided not only to Russian citizens within the framework of mandatory medical insurance, but also to migrants. It is proved that during the pandemic, many noncommercial organizations expanded scope of cooperation with government, business and public structures of medical and social profile. Some noncommercial organizations that were originally organized as associations of migrants and had character of diasporas are now legitimate NGOs. Such organizational and functional changes can be interpreted as a result of development in the field of care of migrants and their integration into the Russian noncommercial sector. As a consequence of transnational commitment of migrants themselves and their interest in development of their native countries. Also, as a result of institutional integration, and consequence of spreading of COVID-19 and intensification of need in medical and social care to countrymen and their families. It is concluded that institutional changes allow NGOs to establish more open relations with associations of migrants of various origins, as well as to attract additional resources for planning, financing and implementing projects that are strategically important both for survival of organizations themselves and for helping migrants in pandemic conditions.

Caring for people experiencing homelessness in times of crisis: Realities of essential service providers during the COVID-19 pandemic in Copenhagen, Denmark.

Objectives: The COVID-19 pandemic shed light on rooted social inequalities and on housing as a crucial social determinant of health. Little is known on current practices and new opportunities to support people experiencing homelessness in a situation of a global health crisis. This study explores frontline workers' experiences of providing essential services to people experiencing homelessness in Copenhagen, Denmark, during the first COVID-19 lockdown, and highlights best practices of care in future crises. Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted in August-September 2020 with nine service providers working in six organizations offering essential services to people experiencing homelessness during the spring 2020 lockdown in Copenhagen. The data analysis, following inductive coding, drew upon the concept of disaster resilience. Results: Several initiatives were undertaken by the municipality and local organizations to ensure the continuation and adaptation of essential services to people experiencing homelessness during the COVID-19 crisis. These included collaborations with and financial support from businesses, the municipality, and other service providers; a mobile test unit, temporary shelters, and isolation sites; and an increased availability of opioid substitution treatment. Several improvements are to be made, particularly regarding sustainability and long-term benefits of the initiatives, facility-level risk preparedness, universal access to essential services for undocumented migrants, as well as collaboration between service providers. Conclusions: The lockdown offered the opportunity to experiment with innovative ways of working, of which many had a protective effect on people experiencing homelessness. This knowledge can be used to improve services and reduce the long-term vulnerability of people experiencing homelessness.

Validating the evaluation capacity scale among practitioners in non-governmental organizations.

The growing emphasis on demonstrating the effectiveness of social services through evaluation has heightened demand for nongovernmental organization (NGO) practitioners to enhance evaluation capacity. However, a lack of validated instruments in the NGO context has hampered efforts to assess NGO practitioners' current evaluation capacity and understand how capacity-building activities could be tailored to meet NGO practitioners' actual needs and enhance their evaluation capacity. Hence, this study aims to develop the Evaluation Capacity Scale (ECS), a self-reporting instrument of NGO practitioners' capacity to conduct an effective evaluation of their service programs. Validation data was derived from 439 NGO practitioners who attended the Jockey Club MEL Institute Project in Hong Kong, China. Exploratory factor analysis of the ECS revealed three factors-evaluation mindset, evaluation implementation, and evaluation communication-and confirmatory factor analysis further validated this three-factor structure. Moreover, MANCOVA analysis demonstrated the ECS's predictive validity. Overall, the ECS demonstrated satisfactory convergent validity, high internal consistency reliability, and predictive validity, and its factor structure was supported in subgroups based on gender, age, and level of education. Theoretical and practical implications of the findings are discussed.

From the Inside Out: Gender Mainstreaming and Organizational Culture Within the Aid Sector.

Many international non-government organizations (INGOs) implement interventions designed to promote gender equality, investing significant resources into embedding gender considerations into programmes through the strategy of gender mainstreaming. However, despite their altruistic mission, INGOs place less focus on addressing culture and power hierarchies within their organizations. This article suggests that many INGOs fail to walk the talk on gender equality. Through an analysis of recent challenges facing the development and humanitarian aid sector, including gaps in safeguarding and #AidToo, this paper emphasizes the importance of addressing gender equality from the inside out. It draws on feminist perspectives, the notion of the "deep structure" of organizations and the author's own experiences to argue for the need to address gendered, racial and colonial power hierarchies within the organizational culture of INGOs. The article argues that it is no longer sufficient to reduce gender mainstreaming and inclusion to programming interventions, and that INGOs need to reflexively and intentionally tackle power and inequalities within their own culture and structures.

Factors associated with access to health care among foreign residents living in Aichi Prefecture, Japan: secondary data analysis.

BACKGROUND: In Japan, foreign residents, and particularly new arrivals in the country, experience barriers to health care and show poorer health outcomes when compared to Japanese nationals. The health-care-related situation for foreign residents in Japan has been characterized by drastic changes over time; thus, there is difficulty identifying individuals who are "left behind" by the system. In this study, we aimed to identify, among foreign residents who attended informal free medical consultations, factors associated with "being advised to visit a medical facility" and "being referred to a medical facility," which represented hypothetical proxy indicators of barriers to health care. METHODS: Secondary data analyses were conducted using the activity records of a non-governmental organization that provides free consultations targeting foreign residents in various locations in Aichi Prefecture, Japan. Participant characteristics, including insurance coverage, were determined. Bivariate and multi-variate analyses were performed to identify factors associated with having barriers to health care. RESULTS: Among 608 extracted cases, 164 (27.5%) cases were advised to visit a medical facility, and 72 (11.8%) were referred to a medical facility during the consultations. Those who were not covered by public insurance showed a 1.56-time (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.19-2.05) higher prevalence of being advised to visit a medical facility when compared to those who were covered by public insurance. Unemployed people and students were more likely to be referred to a medical facility than were professional workers; the prevalence ratios were 3.28 (95% CI: 1.64-6.57) and 2.77 (95% CI: 1.18-6.46), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Although the majority were insured, almost 30% were advised to visit a medical facility, which implied that they had had limited access to the formal health-care system before availing of the free consultations. The findings highlight those uninsured, unemployed people and students, who are considered vulnerable to access to health care. It is vital to provide those who are vulnerable with the necessary support while updatinge evidence, so that no one is "left behind."

Improved detection of microbiological pathogens: role of partner and non-governmental organizations.

BACKGROUND: Proper detection of disease-causing organisms is very critical in controlling the course of outbreaks and avoiding large-scale epidemics. Nonetheless, availability of resources to address these gaps have been difficult due to limited funding. This report sought to highlight the importance of in-country partners and non-governmental organizations in improving detection of microbiological organisms in Ghanaian Public Health Laboratories (PHLs). METHODS/CONTEXT: This study was conducted between June, 2018 to August, 2019. U. S CDC engaged the Centre for Health Systems Strengthening (CfHSS) through the Association of Public Health Laboratories to design and implement strategies for strengthening three PHLs in Ghana. An assessment of the three PHLs was done using the WHO/CDS/CSR/ISR/2001.2 assessment tool. Based on findings from the assessments, partner organizations (CfHSS/APHL/CDC) serviced and procured microbiological equipment, laboratory reagents and logistics. CfHSS provided in-house mentoring and consultants to assist with capacity building in detection of epidemic-prone infectious pathogens by performing microbiological cultures and antimicrobial susceptibility tests. RESULTS: A total of 3902 samples were tested: blood (1107), urine (1742), stool (249) and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) (804). All-inclusive, 593 pathogenic bacteria were isolated from blood cultures (70; 11.8%); urine cultures (356; 60%); stool cultures (19; 3.2%) and from CSF samples (148; 25%). The most predominant pathogens isolated from blood, urine and stool were Staphylococcus aureus (22/70; 31%), Escherichia coli (153/356; 43%) and Vibrio parahaemolyticus (5/19; 26.3%), respectively. In CSF samples, Streptococcus pneumoniae was the most frequent pathogen detected (80/148; 54.1%). New bacterial species such as Pastuerella pneumotropica, Klebsiella oxytoca, Vibrio parahaemolyticus, and Halfnia alvei were also identified with the aid of Analytical Profile Index (API) kits that were introduced as part of this implementation. Streptococcus pneumoniae and Neisseria meningitidis detections in CSF were highest during the hot dry season. Antimicrobial susceptibility test revealed high rate of S. aureus, K. pneumoniae and E. coli resistance to gentamicin (35-55%). In urine, E. coli was highly resistant to ciprofloxacin (39.2%) and ampicillin (34%). CONCLUSION: Detection of epidemic-prone pathogens can be greatly improved if laboratory capacity is strengthened. In-country partner organizations are encouraged to support this move to ensure accurate diagnosis of diseases and correct antimicrobial testing.

Involvement of charities in Iran's health care system: a qualitative study on problems and executive/legal/supportive requirements.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to reflect on scientific experts' and executive stakeholders' opinions on how charitable organizations can participate in the health care system properly and cope with problems, challenges, strategies, and executive requirements at three major levels of prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation. METHODS: A total number of 20 semi-structured interviews were conducted with scientific experts and executive stakeholders, selected for this qualitative study, based on an interview guide. Using the purposeful sampling method, we selected scientific experts with 5 years of experience in the health care system and executive stakeholders who had 5 years of experience in charitable activities. We applied a framework method for data analysis, and the main themes were extracted through MAXQDA software. RESULTS: Our findings revealed that charitable organizations at the major levels of the health care system, i.e., prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation, possessed the necessary capacities to provide services effectively. Nevertheless, charities encountered some problems, e.g., financial instability, non-recognition of donors' legal status, non-involvement in policy-making, inadequate cooperation from other agencies, absence of transparent programs and goals, together with weaknesses in advertising and attracting donations. It was noted that the government should take more operational steps towards supporting such organizations, e.g., by granting special facilities and exemptions, engaging charities in policy-making and training processes, and empowering them in terms of the production of resources. Charitable organizations are also recommended to establish external communications with other bodies such as municipalities, secretaries of state, governorate offices, welfare organizations, relief committees, and medical sciences universities. CONCLUSIONS: Charitable organizations have the potentials to provide health care services at prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation levels. Thus, it is of utmost importance to adopt strategies such as creating sustainable funding sources, training charity managers with a wide variety of scientific management techniques, and implementing their intellectual capacities in legislative and planning processes.

Práticas integrativas e complementares em uma Organização Não Governamental: em busca de um cuidado integral / Housing-related sanitary conditions of a rural community in the Jiquiriçá Valley, Brazil / Condiciones sanitarias relacionadas a la vivienda en una comunidad rural del Valle del JIQUIRIÇÁ, Bahía, Brasil

As práticas que complementam os tratamentos convencionais estão sendo cada vez mais procuradas, em busca de uma promoção da saúde que atenda tanto as necessidades físicas quanto emocionais e espirituais. Entre as práticas de cuidado buscadas e utilizadas milenarmente destacam-se as Práticas Integrativas e Complementares em Saúde (PICS). O objetivo deste estudo foi discutir as motivações dos usuários para procura das PICS em uma organização não governamental (ONG). O referencial teórico utilizado foi de Arthur Kleinman e Madeleine Leininger. Trata-se de uma pesquisa qualitativa e exploratória, que abordou 12 usuários de práticas integrativas e complementares disponibilizadas na referida organização. Realizaram-se entrevista semiestruturada no domicílio dos participantes no período de maio a agosto de 2014 e observação participante no local de estudo. A análise dos dados foi realizada de acordo com a proposta operativa de Minayo. A maioria dos participantes recorreu à ONG após algum problema de saúde. Além das PICS, outros fatores foram mencionados como importantes no cuidado realizado nesse ambiente, tais como acolhimento, criação de vínculos e espiritualidade, evidenciando o relevante significado sociocultural desse local. Destaca-se que a busca por práticas integrativas e complementares e por esse espaço de cuidados surge a partir da necessidade de um cuidado biopsicossocial, cultural e espiritual.

Practices that complement conventional treatments are being increasingly sought out, in pursuit of a health care that addresses both physical, emotional, and spiritual needs. Among the care practices sought and used millennially, the complementary comprehensive health care practices (PICS) stand out. Hence, this qualitative and exploratory study discusses the motivations of users when seeking complementary comprehensive practices in a non-governmental organization (NGO). The works of Arthur Kleinman and Madeleine Leininger make up the theoretical framework. Data was collected by means of semi-structured interviews conducted with 12 users of the complementary comprehensive practices available in the organization, at the participants' home, from May to August 2014, and participant observation at the study site. Data analysis was performed according to Minayo's operational proposal. Most participants turned to the NGO after some health issue. Besides the complementary comprehensive practices, the respondents mentioned user embracement, bonding, and spirituality as other important factors in the care given, thus highlighting the great socio-cultural meaning of this space. Importantly, the search for complementary comprehensive practices and for this health care space stems from the need for biopsychosocial, cultural, and spiritual care.

Las prácticas que complementan los tratamientos convencionales se están buscando cada vez más para tener una promoción de la salud que atienda tanto las necesidades físicas como emocionales y espirituales. Entre las prácticas de cuidado buscadas y utilizadas milenariamente se destacan las prácticas integradoras y complementarias (Pic). Este artículo pretende discutir las motivaciones de los usuarios en cuanto a la búsqueda de las Pic en una organización no gubernamental (ONG). El referencial teórico utilizado fue de Arthur Kleinman y Madeleine Leininger. Este estudio resulta de una investigación cualitativa, exploratoria que abordó a 12 usuarios que utilizaban las prácticas integradoras y complementarias disponibles en esta organización. Se realizaron una entrevista semiestructurada en el domicilio de los participantes en el período de mayo a agosto de 2014 y una observación participante en el local de estudio. El análisis de los datos fue realizado de acuerdo con la propuesta operativa de Minayo. La mayoría de los participantes recurrieron a la ONG después de algún problema de salud. Y se evidenció que, además de las Pic, otros factores fueron mencionados como importantes en el cuidado realizado en este ambiente, tales como la acogida y la creación de vínculos y espiritualidad, lo que muestra el relevante significado sociocultural de este espacio. Se destaca que la búsqueda por las prácticas integradoras y complementarias y por este espacio de cuidados surge a partir de la necesidad de un cuidado biopsicosocial, cultural y espiritual.