Influencing policy change: the experience of health think tanks in low- and middle-income countries

In recent years there has been a growth in the number of independent health policy analysis institutes in low- and middle-income countries which has occurred in response to the limitation of government analytical capacity and pressures associated with democratization. This study aimed to: (i) investigate the contribution made by health policy analysis institutes in low- and middle-income countries to health policy agenda setting, formulation, implementation and monitoring and evaluation; and (ii) assess which factors, including organizational form and structure, support the role of health policy analysis institutes in low- and middle-income countries in terms of positively contributing to health policy. Six case studies of health policy analysis institutes in Bangladesh, Ghana, India, South Africa, Uganda and Vietnam were conducted including two NGOs, two university and two government-owned policy analysis institutes. Case studies drew on document review, analysis of financial information, semi-structured interviews with staff and other stakeholders, and iterative feedback of draft findings. Some of the institutes had made major contributions to policy development in their respective countries. All of the institutes were actively engaged in providing policy advice and most undertook policy-relevant research. Relatively few were engaged in conducting policy dialogues, or systematic reviews, or commissioning research. Much of the work undertaken by institutes was driven by requests from government or donors, and the primary outputs for most institutes were research reports, frequently combined with verbal briefings. Several factors were critical in supporting effective policy engagement. These included a supportive policy environment, some degree of independence in governance and financing, and strong links to policy makers that facilitate trust and influence. While the formal relationship of the institute to government was not found to be critical, units within government faced considerable difficulties

'I believe that the staff have reduced their closeness to patients': an exploratory study on the impact of HIV/AIDS on staff in four rural hospitals in Uganda

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Staff shortages could harm the provision and quality of health care in Uganda, so staff retention and motivation are crucial. Understanding the impact of HIV/AIDS on staff contributes to designing appropriate retention and motivation strategies. This research aimed 'to identify the influence of HIV/AIDS on staff working in general hospitals at district level in rural areas and to explore support required and offered to deal with HIV/AIDS in the workplace'. Its results were to inform strategies to mitigate the impact of HIV/AIDS on hospital staff.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>A cross-sectional study with qualitative and quantitative components was implemented during two weeks in September 2005. Data were collected in two government and two faith-based private not-for-profit hospitals purposively selected in rural districts in Uganda's Central Region. Researchers interviewed 237 people using a structured questionnaire and held four focus group discussions and 44 in-depth interviews.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>HIV/AIDS places both physical and, to some extent, emotional demands on health workers. Eighty-six per cent of respondents reported an increased workload, with 48 per cent regularly working overtime, while 83 per cent feared infection at work, and 36 per cent reported suffering an injury in the previous year. HIV-positive staff remained in hiding, and most staff did not want to get tested as they feared stigmatization. Organizational responses were implemented haphazardly and were limited to providing protective materials and the HIV/AIDS-related services offered to patients. Although most staff felt motivated to work, not being motivated was associated with a lack of daily supervision, a lack of awareness on the availability of HIV/AIDS counselling, using antiretrovirals and working overtime. The specific hospital context influenced staff perceptions and experiences.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>HIV/AIDS is a crucially important contextual factor, impacting on working conditions in various ways. Therefore, organizational responses should be integrated into responses to other problematic working conditions and adapted to the local context. Opportunities already exist, such as better use of supervision, educational sessions and staff meetings. However, exchanges on interventions to improve staff motivation and address HIV/AIDS in the health sector are urgently required, including information on results and details of the context and implementation process.</p

Oil and gas investments in Palma District, Mozambique. : Findings from a local context analysis

Shared Value Foundation and LANDac conducted an 8-week in-depth field research in communities neighbouring the Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) investments in Palma district, Northern Mozambique from February to April 2018. The aim of the study was to understand the local context of the communities in Palma district and examine the direct and indirect socio-economic impacts of the LNG investments on their livelihood. In addition, the research explored opportunities for the investments to be more inclusive of the neighbouring local population groups. This report shares the findings of the research project

Oil and gas investments in Palma District, Mozambique. : Findings from a local context analysis

Shared Value Foundation and LANDac conducted an 8-week in-depth field research in communities neighbouring the Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) investments in Palma district, Northern Mozambique from February to April 2018. The aim of the study was to understand the local context of the communities in Palma district and examine the direct and indirect socio-economic impacts of the LNG investments on their livelihood. In addition, the research explored opportunities for the investments to be more inclusive of the neighbouring local population groups. This report shares the findings of the research project

Kiwangaazi (syn 'KABANA 6H') black sigatoka, nematode and banana weevil tolerant 'Matooke' hybrid banana released in Uganda

This article presents the attributes of the first East African highland banana hybrid, 'Kiwangaazi' which was recently selected, released, and added to the national cultivar list in Uganda. The 'matooke' hybrid 'Kiwangaazi' was conventionally bred at Kawanda by crossing the tetraploid hybrid '1201k-1' ('Nakawere'AAA·'Calcutta4'AA) with the improved diploid 'SH3217' AA. The main target was black Sigatoka resistance, a disease caused by the fungal pathogen Mycosphaerella fijiensis, ranked as the most important constraint to the production of the East African highland bananas, especially in the lowlands (covering most of central and eastern Uganda). 'Kiwangaazi', together with other hybrids was evaluated for black Sigatoka response, nematode and weevil damage, yield, and consumer acceptability. The cultivar was evaluated under the code 'M9', and released by the national variety release committee as 'KABANA6H'. The name 'Kiwangaazi' was coined by farmers who participated in the on farm evaluation studies. In the local language (Luganda), 'Kiwangaazi' means ''longlasting''. Due to high pest and disease pressure, banana plantations can only last for 3-5 years, especially in central and eastern Uganda. However, due to its pests and disease tolerance, farmers observed that 'M9' plants remain vigorous after 5years, hence the name 'Kiwangaazi'