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Agberotimi S, Adekunle O. Enhancing Alcohol-Related Research in Africa: Possibility for a Continental-Wide Alliance. JOURNAL OF PREVENTION (2022) 2024:10.1007/s10935-024-00794-y. [PMID: 38990474 DOI: 10.1007/s10935-024-00794-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/01/2024] [Indexed: 07/12/2024]
Abstract
Alcohol-related harms constitute a major public health concern in Africa, with high rates of alcohol consumption and associated negative health and social consequences. Despite this, there is a lack of comprehensive and coordinated research on alcohol use and related harms across the continent. This paper discusses common factors such as diverse traditions and cultures, prevailing low socioeconomic status, gendered approach, limited policy and weak regulation and compliance to existing alcohol control policies that contribute to alcohol-related problems, and the challenges facing alcohol-related research including limited research, isolated and uncoordinated research, and resource scarcity; it further proposes strategies for advancing a continental-wide alliance to enhance alcohol-related research in Africa. The alliance would bring together researchers, policymakers, and other stakeholders to collaborate on research projects, share data and resources, and develop evidence-based interventions to reduce alcohol-related harms. Furthermore, the paper outlines the potential benefits of such an alliance, including improved data collection and analysis, greater capacity building for researchers, and more effective policy and program development. The paper concludes that a continental-wide alliance on alcohol-related research in Africa has the potential to significantly enhance our understanding of alcohol use and related harms on the continent and to inform effective prevention and intervention strategies.
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Gage R, Connor J, Jackson N, McKerchar C, Signal L. Generating political priority for alcohol policy reform: A framework to guide advocacy and research. Drug Alcohol Rev 2024; 43:381-392. [PMID: 38017702 DOI: 10.1111/dar.13782] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2023] [Revised: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/28/2023] [Indexed: 11/30/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION While effective policies exist to reduce alcohol-related harm, political will to enact them is low in many jurisdictions. We aimed to identify key barriers and strategies for strengthening political priority for alcohol policy reform. METHODS A framework synthesis was conducted, incorporating relevant theory, key informant interviews (n = 37) and a scoping review. Thematic analysis informed the development of a framework for understanding and influencing political priority for alcohol policy. RESULTS Twelve barriers and 14 strategies were identified at multiple levels (global, national and local). Major barriers included neoliberal or free trade ideology, the globalised alcohol industry, limited advocate capacity and the normalisation of alcohol harms. Strategies fell into two categories: sector-specific and system change initiatives. Sector-specific strategies primarily focus on influencing policymakers and mobilising civil society. Examples include developing a clear, unified solution, coalition building and effective framing. System change initiatives target structural change to reduce the power imbalance between industry and civil society, such as restricting industry involvement in policymaking and securing sustainable funding for advocacy. A key example is establishing an international treaty, similar to the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, to support domestic policymaking. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS Our findings provide a framework for understanding and advancing political priority for alcohol policy. The framework highlights that progress can be achieved at various levels and through diverse groups of actors. The importance of upstream drivers of policymaking was a key finding, presenting challenges for time-poor advocates, but offering potential facilitation through effective global leadership.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan Gage
- Department of Public Health, University of Otago Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Jennie Connor
- Department of Preventive and Social Medicine, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | | | - Christina McKerchar
- Department of Population Health, University of Otago Christchurch, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - Louise Signal
- Department of Public Health, University of Otago Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand
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Semahegn A, Manyazewal T, Hanlon C, Getachew E, Fekadu B, Assefa E, Kassa M, Hopkins M, Woldehanna T, Davey G, Fekadu A. Challenges for research uptake for health policymaking and practice in low- and middle-income countries: a scoping review. Health Res Policy Syst 2023; 21:131. [PMID: 38057873 PMCID: PMC10699029 DOI: 10.1186/s12961-023-01084-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 11/26/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND An estimated 85% of research resources are wasted worldwide, while there is growing demand for context-based evidence-informed health policymaking. In low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), research uptake for health policymaking and practice is even lower, while little is known about the barriers to the translation of health evidence to policy and local implementation. We aimed to compile the current evidence on barriers to uptake of research in health policy and practice in LMICs using scoping review. METHODS The scoping review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses-extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) and the Arksey and O'Malley framework. Both published evidence and grey literature on research uptake were systematically searched from major databases (PubMed, Cochrane Library, CINAHL (EBSCO), Global Health (Ovid)) and direct Google Scholar. Literature exploring barriers to uptake of research evidence in health policy and practice in LMICs were included and their key findings were synthesized using thematic areas to address the review question. RESULTS A total of 4291 publications were retrieved in the initial search, of which 142 were included meeting the eligibility criteria. Overall, research uptake for policymaking and practice in LMICs was very low. The challenges to research uptake were related to lack of understanding of the local contexts, low political priority, poor stakeholder engagement and partnership, resource and capacity constraints, low system response for accountability and lack of communication and dissemination platforms. CONCLUSION Important barriers to research uptake, mainly limited contextual understanding and low participation of key stakeholders and ownership, have been identified. Understanding the local research and policy context and participatory evidence production and dissemination may promote research uptake for policy and practice. Institutions that bridge the chasm between knowledge formation, evidence synthesis and translation may play critical role in the translation process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agumasie Semahegn
- Centre for Innovative Drug Development and Therapeutic Trials for Africa (CDT-Africa), College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
- College of Health and Medical Sciences, Haramaya University, Harar, Ethiopia.
- Department of Population, Family and Reproductive Health, School of Public Health, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana.
| | - Tsegahun Manyazewal
- Centre for Innovative Drug Development and Therapeutic Trials for Africa (CDT-Africa), College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Charlotte Hanlon
- Centre for Innovative Drug Development and Therapeutic Trials for Africa (CDT-Africa), College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
- Centre for Global Mental Health, Health Services and Population Research Department, King's College London, London, UK
- Department of Psychiatry, WHO Collaborating Centre for Mental Health Research and Capacity-Building, School of Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Eyerusalem Getachew
- Centre for Innovative Drug Development and Therapeutic Trials for Africa (CDT-Africa), College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Bethelhem Fekadu
- Centre for Innovative Drug Development and Therapeutic Trials for Africa (CDT-Africa), College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Esubalew Assefa
- Centre for Innovative Drug Development and Therapeutic Trials for Africa (CDT-Africa), College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
- Health Economics and Policy Research Unit, Wolfson Institute of Population Health, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
- Department of Economics, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, The Open University, Milton Keynes, UK
| | | | - Michael Hopkins
- Science Policy Research Unit, University of Sussex, Brighton, UK
| | - Tassew Woldehanna
- College of Business and Economics, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Gail Davey
- Global Health & Infection Department, Brighton and Sussex Medical School, Brighton, UK
- School of Public Health, College of Health Science, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Abebaw Fekadu
- Centre for Innovative Drug Development and Therapeutic Trials for Africa (CDT-Africa), College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
- Department of Psychiatry, WHO Collaborating Centre for Mental Health Research and Capacity-Building, School of Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
- Global Health & Infection Department, Brighton and Sussex Medical School, Brighton, UK
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Townsend B, Johnson TD, Ralston R, Cullerton K, Martin J, Collin J, Baum F, Arnanz L, Holmes R, Friel S. A framework of NGO inside and outside strategies in the commercial determinants of health: findings from a narrative review. Global Health 2023; 19:74. [PMID: 37817196 PMCID: PMC10565967 DOI: 10.1186/s12992-023-00978-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 10/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Public health scholarship has uncovered a wide range of strategies used by industry actors to promote their products and influence government regulation. Less is known about the strategies used by non-government organisations to attempt to influence commercial practices. This narrative review applies a political science typology to identify a suite of 'inside' and 'outside' strategies used by NGOs to attempt to influence the commercial determinants of health. METHODS We conducted a systematic search in Web of Science, ProQuest and Scopus. Articles were eligible for inclusion if they comprised an empirical study, explicitly sought to examine 'NGOs', were in English, and identified at least one NGO strategy aimed at commercial and/or government policy and practice. RESULTS One hundred forty-four studies met the inclusion criteria. Eight industry sectors were identified: extractive, tobacco, food, alcohol, pharmaceuticals, weapons, textiles and asbestos, and a small number of general studies. We identified 18 types of NGO strategies, categorised according to the target (i.e. commercial actor or government actor) and type of interaction with the target (i.e. inside or outside). Of these, five NGO 'inside' strategies targeted commercial actors directly: 1) participation in partnerships and multistakeholder initiatives; 2) private meetings and roundtables; 3) engaging with company AGMs and shareholders; 4) collaborations other than partnerships; and 5) litigation. 'Outside' strategies targeting commercial actors through the mobilisation of public opinion included 1) monitoring and reporting; 2) protests at industry sites; 3) boycotts; 4) directly engaging the public; and 5) creative use of alternative spaces. Four NGO 'inside' strategies directly targeting government actors included: 1) lobbying; 2) drafting legislation, policies and standards; 3) providing technical support and training; and 4) litigation. NGO 'outside' strategies targeting government included 1) protests and public campaigns; 2) monitoring and reporting; 3) forum shifting; and 4) proposing and initiating alternative solutions. We identified three types of NGO impact: substantive, procedural, and normative. CONCLUSION The analysis presents a matrix of NGO strategies used to target commercial and government actors across a range of industry sectors. This framework can be used to guide examination of which NGO strategies are effective and appropriate, and which conditions enable NGO influence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Belinda Townsend
- Australian Research Centre for Health Equity, School of Regulation and Global Governance, Australian National University, Canberra, Australia.
| | - Timothy D Johnson
- Australian Research Centre for Health Equity, School of Regulation and Global Governance, Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
| | - Rob Ralston
- Global Health Policy Unit, Social Policy, School of Social and Political Science, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | | | - Jane Martin
- Obesity Policy Coalition, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Jeff Collin
- Global Health Policy Unit, Social Policy, School of Social and Political Science, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Fran Baum
- Stretton Health Equity & School of Social Science, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
| | | | - Rodney Holmes
- Foundation for Alcohol Research and Education, Canberra, Australia
| | - Sharon Friel
- Australian Research Centre for Health Equity, School of Regulation and Global Governance, Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
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Li W, Chen L, Hsu M, Mo D, Xia L, Min K, Jiang F, Liu T, Liu Y, Liu H, Tang YL. The association between workload, alcohol use, and alcohol misuse among psychiatrists in China. Front Psychiatry 2023; 14:1171316. [PMID: 37426098 PMCID: PMC10325676 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1171316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2023] [Accepted: 06/07/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Aim Survey alcohol use and workload among Chinese psychiatrists and explore their associations. Methods We conducted an online questionnaire among psychiatrists working in large psychiatric institutions across the country. We collected data including demographic factors, alcohol use, and workload. Alcohol use was assessed using the Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test-Consumption (AUDIT-C), and workload-related questions included working hours, night shifts, and caseloads. Results In total, 3,549 psychiatrists completed the survey. Nearly half (47.6%) reported alcohol use, and the percentage of alcohol use in males (74.1%) was significantly higher than in females. 8.1% exceeded the AUDIT-C cutoff scores for probable alcohol misuse (19.6%in males and 2.6%in females). AUDIT-C scores were significantly correlated with working hours per week (p = 0.017) and the number of outpatient visits per week (p = 0.006). Regressional analysis showed that alcohol use was significantly associated with the following factors: longer working hours (Working more than 44 h/week, OR = 1.315), having an administrative position (OR = 1.352), being male (OR = 6.856), being single (OR = 1.601), being divorced or widowed (OR = 1.888), smoking (OR = 2.219), working in the West (OR = 1.511) or the Northeast (OR = 2.440). Regressional analysis showed that alcohol misuse was significantly associated with the following factors: fewer night shifts (Three to four night shifts/month, OR = 1.460; No more than 2 night shifts/month, OR = 1.864), being male (OR = 4.007), working in the Northeast (OR = 1.683), smoking (OR = 2.219), frequent insomnia (OR = 1.678). Conclusion Nearly half of the psychiatrists in China reported alcohol use and 8.1% had probable AUD. Alcohol consumption is significantly associated with several workload-related factors, such as long working hours, heavy caseload, and administrative duties. Alcohol misuse was inversely associated with the number of night shifts per month. While the direction of causality is unclear, our findings may help identify vulnerable professional groups and develop more targeted interventions to improve healthcare professionals' well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenzheng Li
- Department of Psychiatry, Chao Hu Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Hefei Fourth People’s Hospital, Hefei, China
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Mental Health and Psychological Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Affiliated Psychological Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Long Chen
- Department of Psychiatry, Chao Hu Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Hefei Fourth People’s Hospital, Hefei, China
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Mental Health and Psychological Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Affiliated Psychological Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Michael Hsu
- Addiction Psychiatry Fellowship Program, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Daming Mo
- Hefei Fourth People’s Hospital, Hefei, China
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Mental Health and Psychological Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Affiliated Psychological Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Lei Xia
- Department of Psychiatry, Chao Hu Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Mental Health and Psychological Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Anhui Psychiatric Center, Hefei, China
| | - Kaiyuan Min
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Feng Jiang
- School of International and Public Affairs, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- Institute of Healthy Yangtze River Delta, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Tingfang Liu
- School of Health Policy and Management, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Yuanli Liu
- School of Health Policy and Management, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Huanzhong Liu
- Department of Psychiatry, Chao Hu Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Mental Health and Psychological Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Anhui Psychiatric Center, Hefei, China
| | - Yi-lang Tang
- Addiction Psychiatry Fellowship Program, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
- Atlanta Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Decatur, GA, United States
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Lee HK. Prerequisites for stakeholder framework: Consumer advocacy and health protection in the digital industry. •. J Behav Addict 2020; 9:898-902. [PMID: 33325840 PMCID: PMC8969714 DOI: 10.1556/2006.2020.00095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2020] [Revised: 10/25/2020] [Accepted: 10/29/2020] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The World Health Organization (WHO) included gaming disorders in International Classification of Disease-11th (ICD-11) on May 25, 2019. Since then, some academics and the gaming industry have continued to argue over the health system's response to online addictive behaviors. Under these circumstances, a framework involving groups representing various interests is needed to derive a reasonable solution to the dispute over the inclusion of gaming disorders in ICD-11. For this framework to work effectively, it is necessary to agree on consistent and advanced research findings that harms related to the excessive use of digital devices or content continue to occur empirically all over the world and that addictive use constitutes a primary addictive disorder. The problematic risk taking involving emerging technologies may include not only health risks from addictive use, but also more general harms associated with digital ethics and norms such as privacy and transparent money transactions. An understanding of a public health model of addiction is required to reduce harms associated with online addictive behavior that exist behind risk taking. Such harms are also mediated by excessive use, excessive money spending, and exposure to addictive content such as violence and pornography. Major stakeholders and their roles can be derived more effectively based on these conceptual models and parameters of harms. In conclusion, the context of the proposed stakeholder framework should be further optimized on the basis of two principles: (1) advocating consumer rights as a general and standard approach to digital products; and (2) protecting consumers' health from harms related to addictive behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hae Kook Lee
- Department of Psychiatry, Uijeongbu St. Mary's Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, 222 Banpo-daero, Seocho-gu, Seoul 06591, South Korea,Corresponding author.
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Heller O, Somerville C, Suggs LS, Lachat S, Piper J, Aya Pastrana N, Correia JC, Miranda JJ, Beran D. The process of prioritization of non-communicable diseases in the global health policy arena. Health Policy Plan 2019; 34:370-383. [PMID: 31199439 PMCID: PMC6736081 DOI: 10.1093/heapol/czz043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Although non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are the leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, the global policy response has not been commensurate with their health, economic and social burden. This study examined factors facilitating and hampering the prioritization of NCDs on the United Nations (UN) health agenda. Shiffman and Smith's (Generation of political priority for global health initiatives: a framework and case study of maternal mortality. The Lancet 370: 1370-9.) political priority framework served as a structure for analysis of a review of NCD policy documents identified through the World Health Organization's (WHO) NCD Global Action Plan 2013-20, and complemented by 11 semi-structured interviews with key informants from different sectors. The results show that a cohesive policy community exists, and leaders are present, however, actor power does not extend beyond the health sector and the role of guiding institutions and civil society have only recently gained momentum. The framing of NCDs as four risk factors and four diseases does not necessarily resonate with experts from the larger policy community, but the economic argument seems to have enabled some traction to be gained. While many policy windows have occurred, their impact has been limited by the institutional constraints of the WHO. Credible indicators and effective interventions exist, but their applicability globally, especially in low- and middle-income countries, is questionable. To be effective, the NCD movement needs to expand beyond global health experts, foster civil society and develop a broader and more inclusive global governance structure. Applying the Shiffman and Smith framework for NCDs enabled different elements of how NCDs were able to get on the UN policy agenda to be disentangled. Much work has been done to frame the challenges and solutions, but implementation processes and their applicability remain challenging globally. NCD responses need to be adapted to local contexts, focus sufficiently on both prevention and management of disease, and have a stronger global governance structure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivia Heller
- Division of Tropical and Humanitarian Medicine, Geneva University Hospitals and University of Geneva, Rue Gabrielle-Perret-Gentil 4, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Claire Somerville
- Gender Centre, Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies, Ch. Eugène-Rigot 2, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - L Suzanne Suggs
- BeCHANGE Research Group, Institute of Public Communication, Università della Svizzera italiana, Via G. Buffi 13, Lugano CH, Switzerland
| | - Sarah Lachat
- Division of Tropical and Humanitarian Medicine, Geneva University Hospitals and University of Geneva, Rue Gabrielle-Perret-Gentil 4, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Julianne Piper
- Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies, Ch. Eugène-Rigot 2, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Nathaly Aya Pastrana
- BeCHANGE Research Group, Institute of Public Communication, Università della Svizzera italiana, Via G. Buffi 13, Lugano CH, Switzerland
| | - Jorge C Correia
- Division of Tropical and Humanitarian Medicine, Geneva University Hospitals and University of Geneva, Rue Gabrielle-Perret-Gentil 4, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - J Jaime Miranda
- CRONICAS Centre of Excellence in Chronic Diseases, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Av. Armendariz 445, Miraflores, Lima 18, Peru
- School of Medicine, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Av. Armendariz 445, Miraflores, Lima 18, Peru
| | - David Beran
- Division of Tropical and Humanitarian Medicine, Geneva University Hospitals and University of Geneva, Rue Gabrielle-Perret-Gentil 4, Geneva, Switzerland
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Spencer J, McRobie E, Dar O, Rahman-Shepherd A, Hasan N, Hanefeld J, Khan M. Is the current surge in political and financial attention to One Health solidifying or splintering the movement? BMJ Glob Health 2019; 4:e001102. [PMID: 30899558 PMCID: PMC6407571 DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2018-001102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2018] [Revised: 12/20/2018] [Accepted: 12/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The global health field has witnessed the rise, short-term persistence and fall of several movements. One Health, which addresses links between human, animal and environmental health, is currently experiencing a surge in political and financial attention, but there are well-documented barriers to collaboration between stakeholders from different sectors. We examined how stakeholder dynamics and approaches to operationalising One Health have evolved further to recent political and financial support for One Health. METHODS We conducted a mixed methods study, first by qualitatively investigating views of 25 major policymakers and funders of One Health programmes about factors supporting or impeding systemic changes to strengthen the One Health movement. We then triangulated these findings with a quantitative analysis of the current operations of 100 global One Health Networks. RESULTS We found that recent attention to One Health at high-level political fora has increased power struggles between dominant human and animal health stakeholders, in a context where investment in collaboration building skills is lacking. The injection of funding to support One Health initiatives has been accompanied by a rise in organisations conducting diverse activities under the One Health umbrella, with stakeholders shifting operationalisation in directions most aligned with their own interests, thereby splintering and weakening the movement. While international attention to antimicrobial resistance was identified as a unique opportunity to strengthen the One Health movement, there is a risk that this will further drive a siloed, disease-specific approach and that structural changes required for wider collaboration will be neglected. CONCLUSION Our analysis indicated several opportunities to capitalise on the current growth in One Health initiatives and funding. In particular, evidence from better monitoring and evaluation of ongoing activities could support the case for future funding and allow development of more precise guidelines on best practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Spencer
- Centre on Global Health Security, Chatham House, London, UK
- London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Ellen McRobie
- Centre on Global Health Security, Chatham House, London, UK
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Osman Dar
- Centre on Global Health Security, Chatham House, London, UK
| | | | - Nadeem Hasan
- Centre on Global Health Security, Chatham House, London, UK
| | - Johanna Hanefeld
- Department of Global Health and Development, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Mishal Khan
- Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
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Samojłowicz D, Twarowska-Małczyńska J, Borowska-Solonynko A, Poniatowski ŁA, Sharma N, Olczak M. Presence of Toxoplasma gondii infection in brain as a potential cause of risky behavior: a report of 102 autopsy cases. Eur J Clin Microbiol Infect Dis 2019; 38:305-317. [PMID: 30470966 PMCID: PMC6514116 DOI: 10.1007/s10096-018-3427-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2018] [Accepted: 11/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasmosis was linked to impairment in brain function, encompassing a wide range of behavioral and neuropsychiatric changes. Currently, the precise localization of Toxoplasma gondii in the human brain is limited and the parasite DNA was not found in population-based screening of autopsy cases. The aim of proposed study was to identify the presence of parasite DNA within the brain and its association with risky behavior and alcohol consumption in postmortem examination. Preliminarily, 102 cases with certain circumstances of death at time of forensic autopsy was included. Due to high risk of bias, the females were excluded from the analysis and final study group consists 97 cases divided into three groups: risky behavior, inconclusively risky behavior, and control group. The obtained tissue samples for Nested PCR covered four regions of the brain: symmetric left/right and anterior/posterior horns of lateral ventricles comprising lining ependyma and hippocampus. The second type of material comprised blood evaluated for antibodies prevalence using ELISA and alcohol concentration using HS-GC-FID. Analysis demonstrated 16.5% prevalence concerning the parasite DNA presence in examined brain tissue samples without specific distribution and association with age at death or days after death until an autopsy was performed. Results have shown correlation between occurrence of risky behavior leading to death and higher proportions of positive parasite DNA presence within the brain. Correlation was not observed between parasite DNA presence and excessive alcohol consumption. Conducted screening demonstrated correlation between parasite DNA presence in the brain with risky behavior and provided new information on possible effects of latent toxoplasmosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dorota Samojłowicz
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Center for Biostructure Research, Medical University of Warsaw, Oczki 1, 02-007 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Joanna Twarowska-Małczyńska
- Department of General Biology and Parasitology, Center of Biostructure Research, Medical University of Warsaw, Chałubińskiego 5, 02-004 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Aleksandra Borowska-Solonynko
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Center for Biostructure Research, Medical University of Warsaw, Oczki 1, 02-007 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Łukasz A. Poniatowski
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, Centre for Preclinical Research and Technology (CePT), Medical University of Warsaw, Banacha 1B, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland
- Department of Neurosurgery, Maria Skłodowska-Curie Memorial Cancer Center and Institute of Oncology, W. K. Roentgena 5, 02-781 Warsaw, Poland
| | | | - Mieszko Olczak
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Center for Biostructure Research, Medical University of Warsaw, Oczki 1, 02-007 Warsaw, Poland
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Pjrek E, Silberbauer L, Kasper S, Winkler D. Alcohol consumption in Austrian physicians. Ann Gen Psychiatry 2019; 18:22. [PMID: 31572485 PMCID: PMC6760098 DOI: 10.1186/s12991-019-0246-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2019] [Accepted: 09/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alcohol is one of the leading exogenous causes for adverse health consequences in Europe. The aim of the present study was to examine the pattern of alcohol consumption in Austrian physicians. METHODS A telephone survey was conducted in 400 office-based physicians in Austria. Our questionnaire included the four questions of the CAGE questionnaire and questions to assess alcohol consumption on the previous day. RESULTS 131 participants (32.8%) completed the interview. 3.8% of the subjects had a CAGE score of 2 or higher indicating a problem with alcohol, but this rate was not statistically different from numbers reported for the general population (4.1%). 46.6% of our subjects had drunken alcohol on the previous day. Compared to the general population, the rate of having drunk alcohol yesterday was higher in both gender of our sample, but the amount of alcohol drunk was significantly lower. Doctors in rural areas had drunken alcohol more frequently and in greater quantities on the previous day than those in urban areas. There was a positive correlation between age and the amount of drinking on the previous day, and between age and CAGE scores. Furthermore, subjects who had consumed alcohol yesterday obtained higher scores on the CAGE. CONCLUSIONS Our findings indicate that the rate of Austrian physicians with problematic alcohol consumption is similar to the general population. Physicians in rural areas and older doctors might be of higher risk for alcohol abuse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edda Pjrek
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical University of Vienna, Währinger Gürtel 18-20, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Leo Silberbauer
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical University of Vienna, Währinger Gürtel 18-20, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Siegfried Kasper
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical University of Vienna, Währinger Gürtel 18-20, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Dietmar Winkler
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical University of Vienna, Währinger Gürtel 18-20, 1090 Vienna, Austria
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11
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Béracochéa D, Mons N, David V. Targeting the Glucocorticoid Receptors During Alcohol Withdrawal to Reduce Protracted Neurocognitive Disorders. Front Psychiatry 2019; 10:580. [PMID: 31620025 PMCID: PMC6759466 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2019.00580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2018] [Accepted: 07/23/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Persistent regional glucocorticoid (GC) dysregulation in alcohol-withdrawn subjects emerges as a key factor responsible for protracted molecular and neural alterations associated with long-term cognitive dysfunction. Regional brain concentrations of corticosterone vary independently from plasma concentrations in alcohol-withdrawn subjects, which may account for the treatment of alcohol withdrawal-induced persistent pathology. Thus, from a pharmacological point of view, a main issue remains to determine the relative efficacy of compounds targeting the GC receptors to attenuate or suppress the long-lasting persistence of brain regional GC dysfunctions in abstinent alcoholics, as well as persistent changes of neural plasticity. Data from animal research show that acting directly on GC receptors during the withdrawal period, via selective antagonists, can significantly counteract the development and persistence of cognitive and neural plasticity disorders during protracted abstinence. A critical remaining issue is to better assess the relative long-term efficacy of GC antagonists and other compounds targeting the corticotropic axis activity such as gamma-aminobutyric acid A (GABAA) and GABAB agonists. Indeed, benzodiazepines (acting indirectly on GABAA receptors) and baclofen (agonist of the GABAB receptor) are the compounds most widely used to reduce alcohol dependence. Clinical and preclinical data suggest that baclofen exerts an effective and more powerful counteracting action on such persistent cognitive and endocrine dysfunctions as compared to diazepam, even though its potential negative effects on memory processes, particularly at high doses, should be better taken into account.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Béracochéa
- Université de Bordeaux, Institut de Neurosciences Cognitives et Intégratives d'Aquitaine, Pessac, France.,CNRS UMR 5287, Institut de Neurosciences Cognitives et Intégratives d'Aquitaine, Pessac, France
| | - Nicole Mons
- Université de Bordeaux, Institut de Neurosciences Cognitives et Intégratives d'Aquitaine, Pessac, France.,CNRS UMR 5287, Institut de Neurosciences Cognitives et Intégratives d'Aquitaine, Pessac, France
| | - Vincent David
- Université de Bordeaux, Institut de Neurosciences Cognitives et Intégratives d'Aquitaine, Pessac, France.,CNRS UMR 5287, Institut de Neurosciences Cognitives et Intégratives d'Aquitaine, Pessac, France
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12
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Shiffman J. Agency, Structure and the Power of Global Health Networks. Int J Health Policy Manag 2018; 7:879-884. [PMID: 30316239 PMCID: PMC6186462 DOI: 10.15171/ijhpm.2018.71] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2018] [Accepted: 07/24/2018] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Global health networks-webs of individuals and organizations linked by a shared concern for a particular condition-have proliferated over the past quarter century. In a recent editorial in this journal, I presented evidence that their effectiveness in addressing four challenges-problem definition, positioning, coalitionbuilding and governance-shapes their ability to influence policy. The editorial prompted five thoughtful commentaries that reflected on these and other challenges. In this follow-up editorial, I build on the commentaries to suggest ways of advancing research on global health networks. I argue that investigators would do well to consider three social theory-influenced global governance debates pertaining to agency-the capacity of individuals and organizations to act autonomously amidst structural constraints. The three debates concern the relationship between agency and structure, the power of ideas vis-à-vis interests and material capabilities, and the level of influence of non-state actors in a global governance system that most scholars identify as state-dominated. Drawing on these debates, I argue that rather than presume global health network influence, we need to find more robust ways to investigate their effects. I argue also that rather than juxtapose agency and structure, ideas and interests and non-state and state power, it would be more productive to consider the ways in which these elements are intertwined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeremy Shiffman
- Johns Hopkins University, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Paul H. Nitze School of Advanced International Studies, Washington, DC, USA
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13
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A Clinical Study of Toxication Caused by Carbamazepine Abuse in Adolescents. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2018; 2018:3201203. [PMID: 29765983 PMCID: PMC5885346 DOI: 10.1155/2018/3201203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2017] [Accepted: 02/06/2018] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Carbamazepine is known to produce the side effect of euphoria. As such, it lends itself to being a drug of abuse, particularly in the adolescent population. This retrospective study evaluated carbamazepine abuse, treatment course, and associated morbidity in Chinese adolescents. The median dose of carbamazepine resulting in overdose was 2,000 mg (800–5,000). Patients were largely from urban-rural fringe areas (76.47%, 52.94%) with school performance within the last 1/3 range and (52.94%) unsupervised by parents. 35.29% experienced an obvious sense of euphoria. All patients had nervous system symptoms, 6 (35.29%) cases developed coma (GCS < 8), and 5 (29.41%) cases experienced convulsion. Four cases were treated with hemodialysis. The incidence rate in young patients with repeat carbamazepine use and without the supervision of parents was higher than that in first-time users (5/7 versus 4/10), but the difference was not significant. The toxic dose of repeat users was 3428 ± 1035 mg, significantly higher than that of 1470 ± 646 mg in first-time users (P = 0.001). Carbamazepine can produce a sense of euphoria, which is more likely to lead to its abuse and overdose in adolescents. To prevent carbamazepine abuse and overdose will be critical in educating at-risk adolescents and preventing associated morbidities in the future.
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14
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Marten R, Hawkins B. Stop the toasts: the Global Fund's disturbing new partnership. Lancet 2018; 391:735-736. [PMID: 29433848 DOI: 10.1016/s0140-6736(18)30253-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2018] [Accepted: 02/05/2018] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Robert Marten
- London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London WC1H 9SH, UK.
| | - Ben Hawkins
- London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London WC1H 9SH, UK; University of York, York, UK
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15
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Hawkins B, Holden C, Eckhardt J, Lee K. Reassessing policy paradigms: A comparison of the global tobacco and alcohol industries. Glob Public Health 2018; 13:1-19. [PMID: 26998944 PMCID: PMC6620754 DOI: 10.1080/17441692.2016.1161815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Tobacco is widely considered to be a uniquely harmful product for human health. Since the mid-1990s, the strategies of transnational tobacco corporations to undermine effective tobacco control policy has been extensively documented through internal industry documents. Consequently, the sale, use and marketing of tobacco products are subject to extensive regulation and formal measures to exclude the industry from policy-making have been adopted in the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control. In contrast to tobacco, alcohol is subject to less stringent forms of regulation, and the alcohol industry continues to play a central role in policy-making in many countries and at the global level. This article examines whether there is a sufficient rationale for such different regulatory approaches, through a comparative analysis of the political economy of the tobacco and alcohol industries including the structure of the industries, and the market and political strategies they pursue. Despite some important differences, the extensive similarities which exist between the tobacco and alcohol industries in terms of market structure and strategy, and political strategy, call into question the rationale for both the relatively weak regulatory approach taken towards alcohol, and the continued participation of alcohol corporations in policy-making processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Hawkins
- a Department of Global Health and Development , London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine , London , UK
| | - Chris Holden
- b Department of Social Policy & Social Work , University of York , Heslington , UK
| | - Jappe Eckhardt
- c Department of Politics , University of York , Heslington , UK
| | - Kelley Lee
- d Faculty of Health Sciences , Simon Fraser University , Burnaby , Canada
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16
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Casswell S. Global Alcohol Harm Network: Struggling or Emerging? A Response to Shiffman. Int J Health Policy Manag 2017; 6:487-488. [PMID: 28812850 PMCID: PMC5553219 DOI: 10.15171/ijhpm.2017.31] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2017] [Accepted: 02/25/2017] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Sally Casswell
- Social and Health Outcomes Research and Evaluation (SHORE), SHORE & Whariki Research Centre, College of Health, Massey University, Auckland, New Zealand
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17
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Shiffman J. Networks and global health governance: Introductory editorial for Health Policy and Planning supplement on the Emergence and Effectiveness of Global Health Networks. Health Policy Plan 2017; 31 Suppl 1:i1-2. [PMID: 27067140 DOI: 10.1093/heapol/czw019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
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18
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Shiffman J. Four Challenges That Global Health Networks Face. Int J Health Policy Manag 2017; 6:183-189. [PMID: 28812801 PMCID: PMC5384980 DOI: 10.15171/ijhpm.2017.14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2016] [Accepted: 01/28/2017] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Global health networks, webs of individuals and organizations with a shared concern for a particular condition, have proliferated over the past quarter century. They differ in their effectiveness, a factor that may help explain why resource allocations vary across health conditions and do not correspond closely with disease burden. Drawing on findings from recently concluded studies of eight global health networks—addressing alcohol harm, early childhood development (ECD), maternal mortality, neonatal mortality, pneumonia, surgically-treatable conditions, tobacco use, and tuberculosis—I identify four challenges that networks face in generating attention and resources for the conditions that concern them. The first is problem definition: generating consensus on what the problem is and how it should be addressed. The second is positioning: portraying the issue in ways that inspire external audiences to act. The third is coalition-building: forging alliances with these external actors, particularly ones outside the health sector. The fourth is governance: establishing institutions to facilitate collective action. Research indicates that global health networks that effectively tackle these challenges are more likely to garner support to address the conditions that concern them. In addition to the effectiveness of networks, I also consider their legitimacy, identifying reasons both to affirm and to question their right to exert power.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeremy Shiffman
- Department of Public Administration and Policy, School of Public Affairs, American University, Washington, DC, USA
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19
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Herrick C. The post-2015 landscape: vested interests, corporate social responsibility and public health advocacy. SOCIOLOGY OF HEALTH & ILLNESS 2016; 38:1026-1042. [PMID: 27037612 DOI: 10.1111/1467-9566.12424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
This paper explores the tensions between UN calls for private sector engagement in the post-2015 landscape and public health opposition to those 'harm industries' that are 'corporate vectors of disease' for the mounting global non-communicable disease burden. The UN's support for public-private partnership has provided industries with 'vested interests' in the propagation of unhealthy behaviours with new opportunities for the strategic alignment of their corporate social responsibility (CSR) endeavours with the post-2015 sustainable development agenda. This has galvanised public health advocates to place pressure on the World Health Organisation to formalise their ambiguous stance towards private sector involvement in public policy formation and the resultant 'conflicts of interest'. This paper critically examines the 'gathering storm' between this 'anti-corporate movement' and the alcohol industry in the increasingly politicised domain of CSR. Drawing on the example of SABMiller's Tavern Intervention Program, the paper argues that CSR represents a profound threat to the sanctity and moral authority of the public health worldview. Questions therefore need to be asked about whether the public health-led path of industry non-association will necessarily result in health improvements or just a further retrenchment of the ideological faultlines explored in the paper.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clare Herrick
- Department of Geography, King's College London, London, UK
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20
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Shiffman J, Quissell K, Schmitz HP, Pelletier DL, Smith SL, Berlan D, Gneiting U, Van Slyke D, Mergel I, Rodriguez M, Walt G. A framework on the emergence and effectiveness of global health networks. Health Policy Plan 2016; 31 Suppl 1:i3-16. [PMID: 26318679 PMCID: PMC4954553 DOI: 10.1093/heapol/czu046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/27/2014] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Since 1990 mortality and morbidity decline has been more extensive for some conditions prevalent in low- and middle-income countries than for others. One reason may be differences in the effectiveness of global health networks, which have proliferated in recent years. Some may be more capable than others in attracting attention to a condition, in generating funding, in developing interventions and in convincing national governments to adopt policies. This article introduces a supplement on the emergence and effectiveness of global health networks. The supplement examines networks concerned with six global health problems: tuberculosis (TB), pneumonia, tobacco use, alcohol harm, maternal mortality and newborn deaths. This article presents a conceptual framework delineating factors that may shape why networks crystallize more easily surrounding some issues than others, and once formed, why some are better able than others to shape policy and public health outcomes. All supplement papers draw on this framework. The framework consists of 10 factors in three categories: (1) features of the networks and actors that comprise them, including leadership, governance arrangements, network composition and framing strategies; (2) conditions in the global policy environment, including potential allies and opponents, funding availability and global expectations concerning which issues should be prioritized; (3) and characteristics of the issue, including severity, tractability and affected groups. The article also explains the design of the project, which is grounded in comparison of networks surrounding three matched issues: TB and pneumonia, tobacco use and alcohol harm, and maternal and newborn survival. Despite similar burden and issue characteristics, there has been considerably greater policy traction for the first in each pair. The supplement articles aim to explain the role of networks in shaping these differences, and collectively represent the first comparative effort to understand the emergence and effectiveness of global health networks.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - David Berlan
- Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32306, USA
| | | | | | - Ines Mergel
- Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY 13244, USA
| | | | - Gill Walt
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London WC1E 7HT, UK
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21
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Shiffman J, Schmitz HP, Berlan D, Smith SL, Quissell K, Gneiting U, Pelletier D. The emergence and effectiveness of global health networks: findings and future research. Health Policy Plan 2016; 31 Suppl 1:i110-23. [PMID: 27067141 PMCID: PMC4954561 DOI: 10.1093/heapol/czw012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/31/2016] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Global health issues vary in the amount of attention and resources they receive. One reason is that the networks of individuals and organizations that address these issues differ in their effectiveness. This article presents key findings from a research project on the emergence and effectiveness of global health networks addressing tobacco use, alcohol harm, maternal mortality, neonatal mortality, tuberculosis and pneumonia. Although networks are only one of many factors influencing priority, they do matter, particularly for shaping the way the problem and solutions are understood, and convincing governments, international organizations and other global actors to address the issue. Their national-level effects vary by issue and are more difficult to ascertain. Networks are most likely to produce effects when (1) their members construct a compelling framing of the issue, one that includes a shared understanding of the problem, a consensus on solutions and convincing reasons to act and (2) they build a political coalition that includes individuals and organizations beyond their traditional base in the health sector, a task that demands engagement in the politics of the issue, not just its technical aspects. Maintaining a focused frame and sustaining a broad coalition are often in tension: effective networks find ways to balance the two challenges. The emergence and effectiveness of a network are shaped both by its members' decisions and by contextual factors, including historical influences (e.g. prior failed attempts to address the problem), features of the policy environment (e.g. global development goals) and characteristics of the issue the network addresses (e.g. its mortality burden). Their proliferation raises the issue of their legitimacy. Reasons to consider them legitimate include their members' expertise and the attention they bring to neglected issues. Reasons to question their legitimacy include their largely elite composition and the fragmentation they bring to global health governance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeremy Shiffman
- Department of Public Administration and Policy, American University, 4400 Massachusetts Ave., NW, Washington, DC 20016-8070, USA,
| | - Hans Peter Schmitz
- Department of Leadership Studies, University of San Diego, San Diego, CA 92110-2492, USA
| | - David Berlan
- Reubin O'D. Askew School of Public Administration and Policy, Florida State University, 627 Bellamy Building, Tallahassee, FL 32306-2250, USA
| | - Stephanie L Smith
- School of Public Administration, The University of New Mexico MSC05 3100, 1 University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM 87131-0001, USA
| | - Kathryn Quissell
- Department of Public Administration and Policy, American University, 4400 Massachusetts Ave., NW, Washington, DC 20016-8070, USA, Department of Health Sciences, Sargent College, Boston University, 635 Commonwealth Ave, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Uwe Gneiting
- Oxfam America, Private Sector Department, 1101 17th St NW #1300, Washington, DC 20036, USA and
| | - David Pelletier
- Division of Nutritional Sciences, 212 Savage Hall, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
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Gneiting U, Schmitz HP. Comparing global alcohol and tobacco control efforts: network formation and evolution in international health governance. Health Policy Plan 2016; 31 Suppl 1:i98-109. [PMID: 26733720 DOI: 10.1093/heapol/czv125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/22/2015] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Smoking and drinking constitute two risk factors contributing to the rising burden of non-communicable diseases in low- and middle-income countries. Both issues have gained increased international attention, but tobacco control has made more sustained progress in terms of international and domestic policy commitments, resources dedicated to reducing harm, and reduction of tobacco use in many high-income countries. The research presented here offers insights into why risk factors with comparable levels of harm experience different trajectories of global attention. The analysis focuses particular attention on the role of dedicated global health networks composed of individuals and organizations producing research and engaging in advocacy on a given health problem. Variation in issue characteristics and the policy environment shape the opportunities and challenges of global health networks focused on reducing the burden of disease. What sets the tobacco case apart was the ability of tobacco control advocates to create and maintain a consensus on policy solutions, expand their reach in low- and middle-income countries and combine evidence-based research with advocacy reaching beyond the public health-centered focus of the core network. In contrast, a similar network in the alcohol case struggled with expanding its reach and has yet to overcome divisions based on competing problem definitions and solutions to alcohol harm. The tobacco control network evolved from a group of dedicated individuals to a global coalition of membership-based organizations, whereas the alcohol control network remains at the stage of a collection of dedicated and like-minded individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Uwe Gneiting
- Private Sector Department, Oxfam America, Washington, DC 20005 and
| | - Hans Peter Schmitz
- Department of Leadership Studies, University of San Diego, San Diego, CA 92110-2492, USA
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