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Yu W, Zhang L, Yang C. The impact of the digital economy on enterprise innovation behavior: Based on CiteSpace knowledge graph analysis. Front Psychol 2023; 14:1031294. [PMID: 36755669 PMCID: PMC9900121 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1031294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction As a new trend, the digital economy will promote "digital industrialization" in the process of promoting "industrial digitalization." It can accelerate technological innovation by adjusting managerial behavior and strategic decisions, promoting and protecting technological research and development, and providing technological infrastructure. While technological innovation, which generally occurs in enterprises, will promote a new round of upgrading, optimization, and even reshaping of the whole industry. The two are highly synergistic. Therefore, it is of great practical significance to study the impact of the digital economy era on enterprise innovation behavior. Methods We analyzed the impact of the digital economy era on corporate innovation behavior in the Web of Science database from 2010 to 2020 through bibliometric and scientific knowledge mapping methods. Results and discussion Our study found that: the research on enterprise innovation behavior in the digital economy era has formed eight research directions, such as expertise, human capital FSA, integration in global value chains, financial innovation, fintech, people preference shift, internet of everything, and consumer co-creation. In addition, the research hotspots on enterprise innovation behavior in the digital economy era range from enterprises' perception of digital economy contact, to enterprises' familiarity with digital technology and its application, to enterprises' attempted evolution of digital transformation, reflecting the potential of both theoretical and practical characteristics. Finally, we present an outlook on the future cross-sectional development of research on enterprise innovative behavior in the digital economy era and propose a research trend based on the Chinese context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenling Yu
- Jiangsu Provincial Academy of Social Sciences, Nanjing, China
| | - Lipai Zhang
- School of Business and Management, Shanghai International Studies University, Shanghai, China
| | - Chen Yang
- School of Management, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
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2
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Rahi M, Sharma A. India could harness public-private partnerships to achieve malaria elimination. THE LANCET REGIONAL HEALTH. SOUTHEAST ASIA 2022; 5:100059. [PMID: 37383669 PMCID: PMC10305908 DOI: 10.1016/j.lansea.2022.100059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/30/2023]
Abstract
Public-private partnerships (PPP) have been beneficial in different sectors like infrastructure development and service sector across the world, including in India. Such partnerships in the healthcare sector have also been successful in providing access to affordable medical attention to all sections of society. These partnerships between public and private entities have proven to be beneficial in controlling malaria in high burden districts of India and taking these areas to the brink of elimination, thus setting examples to follow. The two successful ones are the Comprehensive Case Management Project (CCMP) in Odisha which is now adopted by the state, and the Malaria Elimination Demonstration Project (MEDP) which has nearly eliminated malaria from the highly endemic district of Mandla in Madhya Pradesh. Here we propose that non-government and semi-government actors may be given vital roles in the malaria elimination efforts till 2030 and beyond. These partners will add value to the national programme and may have the potential to develop and test different models of malaria elimination in real-life settings that the government programme can absorb sustainably.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manju Rahi
- Division of Epidemiology and Communicable Diseases, Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), New Delhi, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research, Ghaziabad, India
| | - Amit Sharma
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research, Ghaziabad, India
- ICMR-National Institute of Malaria Research, New Delhi, India
- Molecular Medicine, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, New Delhi, India
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3
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Cooperative Projects to Share Good Practices towards More Effective Sustainable Mining—SUGERE: A Case Study. SUSTAINABILITY 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/su14063162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The supply of raw materials is a global challenge to be addressed; themes such as “sustainability”, “responsibility”, and “eco-compatibility” represent the cornerstones for proceeding towards a “wise” management of georesources. According to the United Nations’ SDGs, the economic development of countries must go hand in hand with the improvement of their environmental, health, and social sustainability. From this perspective, the exploitation of georesources needs to be handled with an interdisciplinary approach that tackles not only the technical, economic, and environmental issues, but also the social, legislative, and human health ones. In recent years, Europe has promoted several cooperative projects aimed at boosting sustainability in the extractive industry. To achieve and guarantee concrete and truly sustainable mining, it is necessary to build and strengthen educational and training skills. With these objectives in mind, the first results of the EU–Africa SUGERE Erasmus+ project are presented here. The objects of the project are the implementation of Bachelor, Master, and doctoral curricula in geology and mining engineering and the promotion of socioeconomic development thanks to the training of experts who are able to cooperate and work in an interdisciplinary manner for a sustainable approach to local mine exploitation.
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4
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Leuenberger A, Cambaco O, Zabré HR, Lyatuu I, Utzinger J, Munguambe K, Merten S, Winkler MS. "It Is Like We Are Living in a Different World": Health Inequity in Communities Surrounding Industrial Mining Sites in Burkina Faso, Mozambique, and Tanzania. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph182111015. [PMID: 34769535 PMCID: PMC8582703 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph182111015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2021] [Revised: 09/29/2021] [Accepted: 10/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Background: Health equity features prominently in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, yet there are wide disparities in health between and within countries. In settings of natural resource extraction (e.g., industrial mines), the health of surrounding communities is affected through myriad changes in the physical, social, and economic environment. How changes triggered by such projects translate into health inequities is poorly understood. Methods: This qualitative study explores potential layers of inequities by systematically coding perceived inequities of affected communities. Drawing on the framework method, we thematically analyzed data from 83 focus group discussions, which enrolled 791 participants from 10 study sites in Burkina Faso, Mozambique, and Tanzania. Results: Participants perceived inequities related to their individual characteristics, intermediate factors acting on the community level, and structural conditions. Due to environmental pollution and land loss, participants were concerned about unsecured livelihoods. Positive impacts, such as job opportunities at the mine, remained scarce for local communities and were claimed not to be equally distributed among community members. Conclusion: Extractive industries bear considerable risks to widen existing health gaps. In order to create equal opportunities among affected populations, the wider determinants of health must be considered more explicitly in the licensing process of resource extraction projects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Leuenberger
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, P.O. Box, CH-4002 Basel, Switzerland; (O.C.); (H.R.Z.); (I.L.); (J.U.); (S.M.); (M.S.W.)
- University of Basel, P.O. Box, CH-4003 Basel, Switzerland
- Correspondence:
| | - Olga Cambaco
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, P.O. Box, CH-4002 Basel, Switzerland; (O.C.); (H.R.Z.); (I.L.); (J.U.); (S.M.); (M.S.W.)
- University of Basel, P.O. Box, CH-4003 Basel, Switzerland
- Manhiça Health Research Centre, Maputo C.P. 1929, Mozambique;
| | - Hyacinthe R. Zabré
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, P.O. Box, CH-4002 Basel, Switzerland; (O.C.); (H.R.Z.); (I.L.); (J.U.); (S.M.); (M.S.W.)
- University of Basel, P.O. Box, CH-4003 Basel, Switzerland
- Research Institute of Health Sciences, Ouagadougou B.P. 7192, Burkina Faso
| | - Isaac Lyatuu
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, P.O. Box, CH-4002 Basel, Switzerland; (O.C.); (H.R.Z.); (I.L.); (J.U.); (S.M.); (M.S.W.)
- University of Basel, P.O. Box, CH-4003 Basel, Switzerland
- Ifakara Health Institute, P.O. Box, Dar es Salaam 78 373, Tanzania
| | - Jürg Utzinger
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, P.O. Box, CH-4002 Basel, Switzerland; (O.C.); (H.R.Z.); (I.L.); (J.U.); (S.M.); (M.S.W.)
- University of Basel, P.O. Box, CH-4003 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Khátia Munguambe
- Manhiça Health Research Centre, Maputo C.P. 1929, Mozambique;
- Faculty of Medicine, Eduardo Mondlane University, Maputo C.P. 257, Mozambique
| | - Sonja Merten
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, P.O. Box, CH-4002 Basel, Switzerland; (O.C.); (H.R.Z.); (I.L.); (J.U.); (S.M.); (M.S.W.)
- University of Basel, P.O. Box, CH-4003 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Mirko S. Winkler
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, P.O. Box, CH-4002 Basel, Switzerland; (O.C.); (H.R.Z.); (I.L.); (J.U.); (S.M.); (M.S.W.)
- University of Basel, P.O. Box, CH-4003 Basel, Switzerland
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5
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Leuenberger A, Winkler MS, Cambaco O, Cossa H, Kihwele F, Lyatuu I, Zabré HR, Farnham A, Macete E, Munguambe K. Health impacts of industrial mining on surrounding communities: Local perspectives from three sub-Saharan African countries. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0252433. [PMID: 34086737 PMCID: PMC8177516 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0252433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2020] [Accepted: 05/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Industrial mining projects can play an important role in global sustainable development if associated health risks are minimised and opportunities maximised. While a broad body of evidence from quantitative studies exists that establishes the interlinkages between mining operations and effects on public health, little research has been conducted investigating health impacts from the perspective of affected communities. This is particularly true in sub-Saharan Africa, where about a third of the remaining global mineral resources are endowed and health-related indicators for sustainable development are lagging behind. In this multi-country qualitative study, we explore community perceptions regarding impacts of industrial mining on their health and well-being. In nine study sites in Burkina Faso, Mozambique and Tanzania, we conducted 83 participatory focus group discussions with a total of 791 participants (385 men, 406 women). Our findings reveal a broad range of perceived impacts on environmental, economic and social determinants of health, with secondary health implications related to morbidity, mortality and well-being. Overall, perceived negative impacts prevailed, mainly related to environmental pollution, change in livelihoods or social disruption. Perceived positive impacts on health and well-being were related to interventions implemented by the mines such as new or improved water sources, health care facilities, roads and schools. The consistency of these findings across countries and study sites suggests a structural problem and indicates a pressing need to address health by acting on the wider determinants of health in mining regions. Participatory health impact assessment should be strengthened in host countries to foster strategic interventions, include marginalised population groups, and protect and promote the health of local communities. By including community perspectives on health before and during project implementation, policymakers can take advantage of economic opportunities while avoiding the pitfalls, bringing their communities closer to achieving good health and well-being goals by 2030 and beyond.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Leuenberger
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Mirko S. Winkler
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Olga Cambaco
- Manhiça Health Research Centre, Maputo, Mozambique
| | - Herminio Cossa
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Manhiça Health Research Centre, Maputo, Mozambique
| | | | - Isaac Lyatuu
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Ifakara Health Institute, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Hyacinthe R. Zabré
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Research Institute of Health Sciences, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
| | - Andrea Farnham
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | | | - Khátia Munguambe
- Manhiça Health Research Centre, Maputo, Mozambique
- Faculty of Medicine, Eduardo Mondlane University, Maputo, Mozambique
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6
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Jones RT, Tusting LS, Smith HMP, Segbaya S, Macdonald MB, Bangs MJ, Logan JG. The Role of the Private Sector in Supporting Malaria Control in Resource Development Settings. J Infect Dis 2021; 222:S701-S708. [PMID: 33119094 PMCID: PMC7594257 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiaa488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Industrial operations of the private sector, such as extraction, agriculture, and construction, can bring large numbers of people into new settlement areas and cause environmental change that promotes the transmission of vector-borne diseases. Industry-related workers and communities unduly exposed to infection risk typically lack the knowledge and means to protect themselves. However, there is a strong business rationale for protecting local resident employees through integrated vector control programs, as well as an ethical responsibility to care for these individuals and the affected communities. We discuss the role and challenges of the private sector in developing malaria control programs, which can include extensive collaborations with the public sector that go on to form the basis of national vector control programs or more broadly support local healthcare systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert T Jones
- Arthropod Control Product Test Centre, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom.,Department of Disease Control, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Lucy S Tusting
- Department of Disease Control, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Hugh M P Smith
- Department of Disease Control, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | | | | | - Michael J Bangs
- lnternational SOS, Ltd., Timika, Papua Province, Indonesia.,International SOS, Ltd., Kolwesi, Lualaba Province, Democratic Republic of Congo
| | - James G Logan
- Department of Disease Control, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
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7
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Systematic Literature Review of Health Impact Assessments in Low and Middle-Income Countries. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2019; 16:ijerph16112018. [PMID: 31174273 PMCID: PMC6603924 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16112018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2019] [Revised: 05/28/2019] [Accepted: 06/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Health Impact Assessments (HIAs) motivate effective measures for safeguarding public health. There is consensus that HIAs in low and middle-income countries (LMICs) are lacking, but no study systematically focuses on those that have been successfully conducted across all regions of the world, nor do they highlight factors that may enable or hinder their implementation. Our objectives are to (1) systematically review, geographically map, and characterize HIA activity in LMICs; and (2) apply a process evaluation method to identify factors which are important to improve HIA implementation in LMICs. A systematic review of peer-reviewed HIAs in 156 LMICs was performed in Scopus, Medline, Web of Science, Sociological abstracts, and LILACs (Latin American and Caribbean Health Sciences) databases. The search used PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines and covered HIAs across all type of interventions, topics, and health outcomes. HIAs were included if they reported a clear intervention and health outcome to be assessed. No time restriction was applied, and grey literature was not included. The eligible studies were subjected to six process evaluation criteria. The search yielded 3178 hits and 57 studies were retained. HIAs were conducted in 26 out of 156 countries. There was an unequal distribution of HIAs across regions and within LMICs countries. The leading topics of HIA in LMICs were air pollution, development projects, and urban transport planning. Most of the HIAs reported quantitative approaches (72%), focused on air pollution (46%), appraised policies (60%), and were conducted at the city level (36%). The process evaluation showed important variations in the way HIAs have been conducted and low uniformity in the reporting of six criteria. No study reported the time, money, and staff used to perform HIAs. Only 12% of HIAs were based on participatory approaches; 92% of HIAs considered multiple outcomes; and 61% of HIAs provided recommendations and fostered cross-national collaboration. The limited transparency in process, weak participation, and inconsistent delivery of recommendations were potential limitations to HIA implementation in low and middle-income countries. Scaling and improving HIA implementation in low and middle-income countries in the upcoming years will depend on expanding geographically by increasing HIA governance, adapting models and tools in quantitative methods, and adopting better reporting practices.
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8
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Nuwasiima A, Nuwamanya E, Navvuga P, Babigumira JU, Asiimwe FT, Lubinga SJ, Babigumira JB. Study protocol: incentives for increased access to comprehensive family planning for urban youth using a benefits card in Uganda. A quasi-experimental study. Reprod Health 2017; 14:140. [PMID: 29078815 PMCID: PMC5659021 DOI: 10.1186/s12978-017-0400-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2017] [Accepted: 10/17/2017] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The use of contraception is one of the most cost-effective public health interventions and has the potential to prevent about 30% of maternal and 10% of child deaths in developing countries. Voucher-based initiatives for family planning are an effective and viable means of increasing contraceptive use. In this paper, we present a protocol for a pilot study of a novel incentive, a family planning benefits card (FPBC) program to increase uptake of family planning services among urban poor youth in Uganda while leveraging private sector funding. METHODS The study employs both impact and health economic evaluation methods to assess the effect of the FPBC program. We propose a quasi-experimental study design with two separate pre- and post-samples to measure program effectiveness. The main outcome of the impact evaluation is the percentage change in the prevalence of modern contraceptive use and unmet need for contraception. We will also conduct model-based incremental cost-effectiveness and budget impact analyses. The main outcomes of the economic evaluation are the cost per enrolled youth and cost per pregnancy averted, and cost per disability-adjusted life-year (DALY) averted. We will also pilot a corporate social responsibility model of sponsorship for the FPBC program in partnership with local corporations. Budget impact analysis will examine the potential affordability of scaling up the FPBC program and the fiscal implications of this scale up to the corporate social responsibility (CSR) budgets of partner corporations, the government, and the individual taxpayer. DISCUSSION In this study, we propose an impact and economic evaluation to establish the proof concept of using a FPBC program to increase uptake of family planning services among urban poor youth in Uganda. The results of this study will present stakeholders in Uganda and internationally with a potentially viable option for corporate-sponsored access to family planning in urban poor communities. TRIAL REGISTRATION MUREC1/7 No. 10/05-17. Registered 19th July 2017.
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Affiliation(s)
- Afra Nuwasiima
- Global Health Economics Ltd, P.O Box 27011, Kampala, Uganda.
| | - Elly Nuwamanya
- Global Health Economics Ltd, P.O Box 27011, Kampala, Uganda
| | | | | | | | - Solomon J Lubinga
- Pharmaceutical Outcomes Research and Policy Program, Department of Pharmacy, University of Washington, P.O. Box 357630, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA.,Global Medicines Program, Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
| | - Joseph B Babigumira
- Pharmaceutical Outcomes Research and Policy Program, Department of Pharmacy, University of Washington, P.O. Box 357630, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA.,Global Medicines Program, Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
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9
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Pfeiffer M, Vanya D, Davison C, Lkhagvasuren O, Johnston L, Janes CR. Harnessing opportunities for good governance of health impacts of mining projects in Mongolia: results of a global partnership. Global Health 2017; 13:39. [PMID: 28655318 PMCID: PMC5488494 DOI: 10.1186/s12992-017-0261-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2016] [Accepted: 06/11/2017] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The Sustainable Development Goals call for the effective governance of shared natural resources in ways that support inclusive growth, safeguard the integrity of the natural and physical environment, and promote health and well-being for all. For large-scale resource extraction projects -- e.g. in the mining sector -- environmental regulations and in particular environmental impact assessments (EIA) provide an important but insufficiently developed avenue to ensure that wider sustainable development issues, such as health, have been considered prior to the permitting of projects. Methods In recognition of the opportunity provided in EIA to influence the extent to which health issues would be addressed in the design and delivery of mining projects, an international and intersectoral partnership, with the support of WHO and public funds from Canadian sources, engaged over a period of six years in a series of capacity development activities and knowledge translation/dissemination events aimed at influencing policy change in the extractives sector so as to include consideration of human health impacts. Results Early efforts significantly increased awareness of the need to include health considerations in EIAs. Coupling effective knowledge translation about health in EIA with the development of networks that fostered good intersectoral partnerships, this awareness supported the development and implementation of key pieces of legislation. These results show that intersectoral collaboration is essential, and must be supported by an effective conceptual understanding about which methods and models of impact assessment, particularly for health, lend themselves to integration within EIA. Conclusions The results of our partnership demonstrate that when specific conditions are met, integrating health into the EIA system represents a promising avenue to ensure that mining activities contribute to wider sustainable development goals and objectives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michaela Pfeiffer
- Interventions for Healthy Environments, Department of Public Health, Environmental and Social Determinants of Health, World Health Organization, Av Appia 20, CH-1211, Geneva 27, Switzerland
| | - Delgermaa Vanya
- Environmental Health, WHO Country Office, Government building VIII, Olympic Street- 2, Sukhbaatar District, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
| | - Colleen Davison
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Queens University, Ontario, Kingston, Canada
| | | | - Lesley Johnston
- School of Public Health and Health Systems, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, N2L3G1, Canada
| | - Craig R Janes
- School of Public Health and Health Systems, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, N2L3G1, Canada. .,Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, V3L1S7, Canada.
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10
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Castro MC, Krieger GR, Balge MZ, Tanner M, Utzinger J, Whittaker M, Singer BH. Examples of coupled human and environmental systems from the extractive industry and hydropower sector interfaces. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2016; 113:14528-14535. [PMID: 27791077 PMCID: PMC5187694 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1605678113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Large-scale corporate projects, particularly those in extractive industries or hydropower development, have a history from early in the twentieth century of creating negative environmental, social, and health impacts on communities proximal to their operations. In many instances, especially for hydropower projects, the forced resettlement of entire communities was a feature in which local cultures and core human rights were severely impacted. These projects triggered an activist opposition that progressively expanded and became influential at both the host community level and with multilateral financial institutions. In parallel to, and spurred by, this activism, a shift occurred in 1969 with the passage of the National Environmental Policy Act in the United States, which required Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for certain types of industrial and infrastructure projects. Over the last four decades, there has been a global movement to develop a formal legal/regulatory EIA process for large industrial and infrastructure projects. In addition, social, health, and human rights impact assessments, with associated mitigation plans, were sequentially initiated and have increasingly influenced project design and relations among companies, host governments, and locally impacted communities. Often, beneficial community-level social, economic, and health programs have voluntarily been put in place by companies. These flagship programs can serve as benchmarks for community-corporate-government partnerships in the future. Here, we present examples of such positive phenomena and also focus attention on a myriad of challenges that still lie ahead.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcia C Castro
- Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115;
| | | | | | - Marcel Tanner
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, CH-4002 Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, CH-4003 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Jürg Utzinger
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, CH-4002 Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, CH-4003 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Maxine Whittaker
- College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Sciences, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD 4811, Australia
| | - Burton H Singer
- Emerging Pathogens Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610
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11
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Zolnikov TR. The maladies of water and war: addressing poor water quality in Iraq. Am J Public Health 2013; 103:980-7. [PMID: 23597360 PMCID: PMC3698740 DOI: 10.2105/ajph.2012.301118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/13/2012] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Water is essential in providing nutrients, but contaminated water contributes to poor population health. Water quality and availability can change in unstructured situations, such as war. To develop a practical strategy to address poor water quality resulting from intermittent wars in Iraq, I reviewed information from academic sources regarding waterborne diseases, conflict and war, water quality treatment, and malnutrition. The prevalence of disease was high in impoverished, malnourished populations exposed to contaminated water sources. The data aided in developing a strategy to improve water quality in Iraq, which encompasses remineralized water from desalination plants, health care reform, monitoring and evaluation systems, and educational public health interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tara Rava Zolnikov
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
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12
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Manderson L, Aagaard-Hansen J, Allotey P, Gyapong M, Sommerfeld J. Social research on neglected diseases of poverty: continuing and emerging themes. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2009; 3:e332. [PMID: 19238216 PMCID: PMC2643480 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0000332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Lenore Manderson
- Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia.
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13
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Calain P. Oil for health in sub-Saharan Africa: health systems in a 'resource curse' environment. Global Health 2008; 4:10. [PMID: 18939986 PMCID: PMC2596095 DOI: 10.1186/1744-8603-4-10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2008] [Accepted: 10/21/2008] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In a restricted sense, the resource curse is a theory that explains the inverse relationship classically seen between dependence on natural resources and economic growth. It defines a peculiar economic and political environment, epitomised by oil extraction in sub-Saharan Africa. Methods Based on secondary research and illustrations from four oil-rich geographical areas (the Niger Delta region of Nigeria, Angola, southern Chad, Southern Sudan), I propose a framework for analysing the effects of the resource curse on the structure of health systems at sub-national levels. Qualitative attributes are emphasised. The role of the corporate sector, the influence of conflicts, and the value of classical mitigation measures (such as health impact assessments) are further examined. Results Health systems in a resource curse environment are classically fractured into tripartite components, including governmental health agencies, non-profit non-governmental organisations, and the corporate extractive sector. The three components entertain a range of contractual relationships generally based on operational considerations which are withdrawn from social or community values. Characterisation of agencies in this system should also include: values, operating principles, legitimacy and operational spaces. From this approach, it appears that community health is at the same time marginalised and instrumentalised toward economic and corporate interests in resource curse settings. Conclusion From a public health point of view, the resource curse represents a fundamental failure of dominant development theories, rather than a delay in creating the proper economy and governance environment for social progress. The scope of research on the resource curse should be broadened to include more accurate or comprehensive indicators of destitution (including health components) and more open perspectives on causal mechanisms.
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