Aid Programs Research Articles

A Mobile Craniofacial Surgery Unit: Reconstructing Casualties of War in Ukraine.

This paper describes the development and implementation of a mobile craniofacial surgical unit designed to address complex posttraumatic craniofacial deformities in both civilian and military casualties resulting from Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Restricted air space, limited possibilities for transportation of personnel and equipment, frequent interruption of power and water supply, and constant threat of injury to patients and medical personnel from missile and drone strikes, precludes reliable and safe delivery of tertiary care. The Canada Ukraine Surgical Aid Program (CUSAP) addressed these challenges by establishing a mobile craniofacial surgery unit, operating just outside of the war zone. The following report characterizes the civilian and military casualties, highlights the barriers to the provision of adequate tertiary care locally, and provides a detailed description of the measures that were taken to organize the mobile unit. The effectiveness of this program is documented, and specific challenges are illustrated through case examples. We believe this model serves as a template for delivering surgical aid to victims of any global disaster where care cannot be provided locally.

Factors of unmet dental care needs due to the time, economic, and physical constraints among older people

Objectives: We aim to identify factors associated with unmet dental care needs in older adults and explore the impact of time, economic and physical constraints on each. Methods: The analysis was based on the 2023 Community Health Survey. Statistical analyses were conducted using chi-square test and multinomial logistic regression for 65,952 people aged 65 years and older. Results: First, we looked whether subjects experienced unmet dental care needs and found that 8.4% did. Second, according to the type of unmet dental care needs, 54.1% of the time, economic, and physical constraints were economic constraints. Analyzing each of the time, economic, and physical constraints, we found that time constraints were associated with younger age. For economic constraints, lower education level and health security type of recipients in medical aid program were more likely to experience unmet dental care needs. In terms of physical constraints, those living in rural areas were more than three times more likely to experience unmet dental care needs than those living in urban areas. Conclusions: The results showed that time constraints were related to age, economic constraints were related to household income level, and physical constraints were related to residential area.

Exploring knowledge, attitudes and practices towards sustainable food aid programmes across Europe

Abstract Background Food insecurity has increased following the COVID-19 pandemic and the Ukraine conflict. In some EU high-income countries, more than 70% of food aid users experience food insecurity, highlighting the need for food aid programmes to provide good quality and sustainable services and maximise the social inclusion of food aid users. The aim of this study was to identify areas that can promote sustainability in food aid programmes. Methods Knowledge, attitudes and practices towards sustainable food aid were assessed via a quantitative questionnaire. Socio-demographic data were also collected. The survey was translated and disseminated online across 5 EU countries (Austria, Cyprus, Greece, Poland, Portugal), targeting staff and volunteers involved in food aid programmes (20 per country, total N = 100). Descriptive statistics were used for data analysis. Results Most participants were female (68%), 18-49 years old (87%) and occupied in a NGO (89%) as employee (55%). The mean total knowledge score was 11.8 out of 19 (SD 3.2) with low knowledge (% of correct answers) on household food waste (18%) and environmental impact of cooking appliances (29%). In all countries (except Austria) more than 70% of participants agreed that they can apply sustainability through their work; however, more than 50% agreed that sustainability is not always feasible in food aid programmes. Food loss/waste, access to local food and the economic crisis were the main parameters reported to impact sustainability in food aid (≥70% of N). The most frequently applied practices were storing food according to expiration date, monitoring quantities in food distribution, considering beneficiaries’ needs and reading food labels. The least frequently applied practices were composting food leftovers and using energy-efficient methods to distribute food. Conclusions Sustainability is considered important; however, more effort is needed to promote and embed sustainability parameters in food aid programmes. Key messages • Sustainability is considered important in food aid programmes; however, more effort is needed to promote and embed sustainability parameters in practice. • Identifying sustainability areas in food aid programmes can lead to successful educational and training initiatives.

Implementasi Teknologi Blockchain Dalam Pengembangan Aplikasi Manajemen Penyaluran Bantuan Sosial Berbasis Web

The distribution of social assistance is a crucial component of the government's efforts to reducepoverty and social inequality. However, the implementation of aid programs often faces issuesrelated to transparency, data security, and the risk of misuse. Blockchain technology, with its abilityto provide a transparent and immutable record of data, offers a potential solution to address theseissues. Blockchain can increase transparency by providing a digital ledger that can be accessed byall relevant parties, without the possibility of data manipulation. The technology also allows forimmutable data logging, thus addressing data security concerns and the risk of misuse. In addition,the use of smart contracts allows for the automation of the aid distribution process in accordancewith predetermined provisions, thereby reducing errors and potential abuse. As such, blockchainoffers a potential solution to increase effectiveness and accountability in the implementation ofsocial assistance programs.

Effectiveness of targeted financial aid on disability welfare for the ageing population in China: A quasi-experiment study.

Addressing the problem of disabilities and disability deterioration is a key task for healthy ageing. Financial aid has been an effective measure for vulnerable groups, especially ageing people with disabilities. However, the effects of targeted financial aid on preventing disability deterioration remain unknown. The Chinese government launched a targeted financial aid programme aimed at people with disabilities. In this study, we investigated the causal effects of such targeted financial aid on disability deterioration prevention for elderly people with disabilities in China. The data set used in this study included 36 640 elderly individuals with disabilities in China between 2016-19. We constructed a quasi-experiment approach and used a difference-in-differences (DID) method to examine the counterfactual differences between the treatment group in four cities that implemented such targeted financial aid in 2018 and the control group in three cities that did not adopt the policy over the study period. We employed propensity score matching (PSM) jointly with DID to mitigate selective bias. For sensitivity analysis, we conducted supplementary analyses on alternative samples, focusing on each of the treated cities respectively. Besides the main outcome, we also used fixed effect models to test the impact of such financial aid on rehabilitation access. The targeted financial aid significantly reduced the possibility of disability deterioration for elderly people with severe disabilities (0.26%; P < 0.001). Using PSM-DID models, the impact remained significant (0.33%; P < 0.001). Moreover, financial aid was significantly related to their access to rehabilitation services (12.71%; P < 0.001). Further analysis showed the heterogenous effects of targeted financial aid across individual demographic and socioeconomic factors, as well as communities with and without rehabilitation facilities. Targeted financial aid had a positive impact on preventing disability deterioration among elderly individuals aged ≥65 years with severe disabilities. Moreover, rehabilitation care had a potential mediating role in the relationship between targeted financial aid and disability deterioration prevention. This study highlights the effectiveness of targeted financial aid in preventing disability deterioration and improving rehabilitation care for people with disabilities.

Health screening disparities in people living with HIV; A nationwide organized screening setting

BackgroundWe identified the uptake of people living with HIV (PLWH) using health-screening services and compared the screening rate with the general population, to identify factors associated with the use of screening services by PLWH. MethodsThis population-based study used data from the Korean National Health Insurance, a single mandatory health insurance system covering all residents. The uptake rates for screening for general health, gastric cancer, and colorectal cancer, which were provided by a national health screening program with free of charge or minimal cost in Korea from 2010–2020. Factors associated with general health, gastric cancer, and colorectal cancer screening were also explored. ResultsScreening uptake rates for general health, gastric cancer, and colorectal cancer in PLWH increased from 2010–2019 but decreased in 2020. The standardized screening ratio showed lower screening rates for general health, gastric cancer, and colorectal cancer in PLWH with 0.80 (95 % confidence interval (CI) = 0.77–0.83), 0.64 (95 % CI = 0.61–0.67), and 0.67 (95 % CI = 0.64–0.71) in 2019. Increased age, Charlson Comorbidity Index, and years since HIV diagnosis were associated with increased screening uptake in PLWH. Otherwise, PLWH recipients of medical aid programs received less for each screening compared to PLWH who paid insurance premiums higher than 50 %. An increased medication possession ratio of highly active antiretroviral therapy was associated with decreased general health and gastric cancer screening uptake but increased colorectal cancer screening uptake. ConclusionsSignificant disparities in health-screening uptake were observed in PLWH compared to the general population in a nationwide organized screening setting without cost barriers.

Experience and challenges delivering hepatitis C virus treatment for people who inject drugs in Kenya.

Despite having a higher risk of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections, people who inject drugs (PWID) in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) have limited access to HCV treatment. There is scarce literature on treatment delivery modalities that overcome logistical and financial barriers. We utilized different service delivery modalities to provide direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) to PWIDs infected with HCV through methadone clinics and needle and syringe program (NSP) sites in Kenya. In collaboration with Kenya's National AIDS and STI Control Programme (NASCOP), we enrolled individuals with active HCV infection confirmed by HCV RNA detection from methadone and NSP sites in Nairobi, Mombasa, and Kilifi counties. Liver function and hepatitis B virus (HBV) status were assessed at baseline. Those eligible for treatment were offered ledipasvir-sofosbuvir treatment provided by NASCOP through directly observed therapy (DOT). Participants completed a follow-up visit 12 weeks after completing treatment to measure sustained viral response (SVR-12). Challenges faced while delivering HCV treatment at participating sites included the limited availability and reliability of laboratory assays, and financial constraints faced by PWIDs to attend daily DOT. Based on our experience, strategies to deliver HCV treatment for PWID in Kenya should consider improving the availability of laboratory tests and prioritizing treatment through methadone centers to achieve good outcomes.

The right to education under the conditions of martial state

The right to education is one of the fundamental human rights approved in the Constitution of Ukraine. However, the war conditions taking place on the territory of Ukraine create significant challenges for ensuring this right. In this article, we analyze the problems that arise in the context of ensuring the provisions of Article 53 of the Constitution of Ukraine in conditions of war and offer ways to solve them. This article highlights the importance of ensuring the right to education under martial law in Ukraine and suggests practical measures to achieve this goal. The study of this topic contributes to the development of effective strategies for managing educational processes in wartime conditions. Ensuring the right to education in the conditions of martial law in Ukraine becomes a particularly acute problem due to active hostilities and occupation of territories. Military operations are accompanied by violations of human rights, including the right to education, which is contrary to international standards. Military aggression forces the evacuation of schools, universities and other educational institutions, which disrupts the educational process and creates difficulties for obtaining an education. The results of military operations have serious psychological consequences for children, youth and teaching staff, which negatively affects their learning and work capacity. The article analyzes the problem of ensuring the right to education under martial law. The challenges faced by Ukraine in providing educational opportunities during the war are investigated. Special attention is paid to strategies for protecting the right to education, including the role of international law, humanitarian aid programs and innovative approaches to education. Based on this analysis, recommendations are provided to improve the situation with the right to education in the conditions of military conflict. The problems of education during the legal regime of martial law are analyzed, the need to continue measures to guarantee the constitutional right to education is emphasized, since education is considered extremely important for the progress of society, the future of the country directly depends on the level of education, talents, culture and consciousness of the young generation.

Implementation of BLT DD: Insights from Village Cash Assistance Program

Background: Direct Cash Assistance from village funds (BLT DD) is vital for supporting rural communities, particularly during economic challenges. Specific background: Since 2020, Desa Gelam has allocated funds for BLT DD, making it a relevant case for examining program implementation. Knowledge gap: Limited research exists on the detailed execution and impact of BLT DD at the village level. Aims: This study analyzes the implementation of BLT DD in Desa Gelam, focusing on the roles of village officials and the importance of standard operating procedures (SOPs) for transparency. Results: Findings reveal that clear SOPs enhance the effective distribution of aid, with significant contributions from the village head and welfare officer, aligning with Edward III’s theory of communication, resources, disposition, and bureaucratic structure. Novelty: This research offers insights into how structured procedures improve social aid program execution, emphasizing village leadership. Implications: The study highlights the necessity of clear guidelines and strong leadership to ensure successful social assistance programs like BLT DD, serving as a model for enhancing aid distribution efficiency in other villages. Highlights : Role of SOPs: Clear standard operating procedures enhance transparency and efficiency in aid distribution. Leadership Impact: Village head and welfare officer are crucial for the successful implementation of BLT DD. Theoretical Alignment: Findings support Edward III’s theory on effective communication and resource management in social programs. Keywords: Direct Cash Assistance, BLT DD, Desa Gelam, standard operating procedures, village leadership

Spanish-speaking Patients' Experiences with Hearing Health Care.

Background/introduction: Health care providers working with Spanish-speaking patients must provide culturally and linguistically appropriate care to meet the communication needs of this population. Disparities related to hearing health care access remain understudied, leaving gaps in clinical practice and guidance for audiologists. The purpose of this study was to explore the experiences of Spanish-speaking patients with hearing loss when accessing hearing health care services through a limited income hearing aid program. Methods: Six Spanish-speaking patients (three monolingual Spanish, three bilingual Spanish/English) with hearing loss from the Oklahoma City metropolitan area completed in-depth, semi-structured interviews. Results/findings: Three main themes emerged: (1) perceived barriers to service delivery (cost, language, and transportation); (2) success with hearing health care (use of interpreters and reduced cost of services and amplification); and (3) cultural factors (family, religion, and use of home remedies). Discussion/conclusion: The themes identified can provide a foundation for service delivery of patient-centered services that are culturally and linguistically appropriate to help improve access to and quality of hearing health care, particularly for this population of patients. This study identified factors that may contribute to hearing health care disparities for Spanish-speaking adults, which may not be observed in other disciplines that are less communication-focused. Suggestions for improving services for audiologists serving Spanish-speaking patients are discussed.

Sustainable Strategies for Improving Humanitarian Supply Chain Management in the United Nations Using Dynamic Capability Theory

The purpose of the qualitative multiple case study was to explore the strategies some supply chain managers of the United Nations (UN) use to leverage operational efficiencies in the UN humanitarian programs. As a result, communities supporting sustainability and peace or those fostering economic development will be able to respond effectively to humanitarian crises. Moreover, the UN can remain operational and engage in political and conflict-reduction interventions integral to economic and social recovery and sustainability. This study applied the qualitative multiple case study through semi-structured interviews with nine supply chain managers in the United Nations, direct observations, document analysis, and artifacts. The research is grounded in the dynamic capability theory (DCT). The research revealed several strategies that supply chain managers of the UN use to ensure operational efficiencies grouped around three themes: (a) analytical, innovation, and knowledge management strategies; (b) effective supply chain management leadership strategies; and (c) risk management strategies. This study is one of the first to apply generic findings of humanitarian supply chain studies to the United Nations, the global organization with diverse mandates that continuously strives to achieve efficiencies required by donors providing financial support, thus remaining operational. The study’s results could help leaders in the various humanitarian organizations who operate in vulnerable environments and under strict scrutiny from donors to deliver their aid programs most efficiently by understanding dynamic capabilities. Previous studies indicate the lack of strategic frameworks applicable to the United Nations that could improve decision-making at the strategic, tactical, and operational levels, facilitate collaboration among supply chain stakeholders, and reduce the costs of the operational performance of the supply chain system in the UN.

Analytical potential energy functions for CO in its ground and excited electronic states.

Accurate functions to analytically represent the potential energy interactions of CO diatomic system in , , and electronic states are proposed. The new functions depend upon only four parameters directly obtained from experimental data, without any fitting procedure. These functions have been developed from the modified generalized potential proposed by Araújo and Ballester. The function for the electronic state represents a significant improvement to the previously proposed model. To quantify the accuracy of the potential energy functions, the Lippincont test is used. The novel potential was also compared with the classical Morse potential and with the recently proposed Improved Generalized Pöschl-Teller potential. Furthermore, the main spectroscopic constants and vibrational energy levels are calculated and compared for all potentials. The present results agree excellently with the experiment Rydberg-Klein-Rees (RKR) potentials. The rovibrational energy levels of the proposed diatomic potentials were asserted by solving radial the Schrödinger equation of the nuclear motion with the aid of the LEVEL program.

The German Business Panel: Firm-Level Data for Accounting and Taxation Research

ABSTRACT The German Business Panel (GBP) periodically surveys key decision-makers via a large sample of companies in Germany. The survey questions investigate managers’ accounting and taxation choices as well as the expected and perceived outcomes of those decisions. To obtain causal evidence, the survey supports the use of randomized survey experiments. The evidence from the GBP can meaningfully advance our understanding of issues that require data on internal processes as well as expectations, perceptions, and objectives behind ex-post reported accounting figures. The target population comprises the universe of legal entities included in the official German Statistical Business Register. We show that the dominance of small and medium-sized entities is a feature that Germany shares with many European countries, implying that GBP findings will be reasonably generalizable to European settings. We illustrate the usefulness of GBP data by presenting evidence from the initial waves of the GBP during the COVID-19 pandemic. The findings show how government aid programs contributed unevenly to the solvency of the most negatively affected companies, and how companies, rather than consumers, benefited from a temporary reduction of VAT rates. The paper also demonstrates how the scientific community can use the GBP data.

Evaluating the Impact of AICS on Chronic Illness Management: A Case Study of Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) Service in Cagayan de Oro City, Philippines

As the leader in social protection, the Medical Aid for Patients program, a type of assistance under the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS), consistently implements AICS services to support government efforts in providing aid to individuals and families in need. This is a stop-gap measure to support the recovery of individuals and families suffering from unexpected life events adversities or crises. This study explores the efficiency of medical assistance received by clients with chronic illness in Cagayan de Oro City using a qualitative case study design. A purposeful method was used to comprise the 15 participants who are active AICS beneficiaries and residents in Cagayan de Oro City. The data were collected using In-depth Interview (IDI), Focus Group Discussion (FGD), and Key Informant Interview (KII). The Hyper-RESEARCH software was utilized to help the researcher identify codes, categories, and themes. Based on the narratives of the participants, four themes emerged: Necessity, Obtainability of Services, Responsive Services, and Saving Lives. The AICS is not only a big help, but patients with chronic illness describe the service as an extension of their lives. It is, thus, recommended to strengthen the Local Government Units, LGU's partnership and other stakeholders to sustain the efficiency of the implementation of the AICS services. Future research may consider the evaluation of the assistance to individuals in crisis services particularly the impact of Institutionalization Standard Operation or ISO accreditation on the efficiency of service in the Crisis Intervention Section in Cagayan de Oro City. This study takes a qualitative approach as the intent is to comprehend the intricate issues influencing the quality of medical assistance for beneficiaries during crises

Projected impact of fast-tracking of anti-retroviral treatment coverage on vertical transmission of HIV in India.

One of the five high-level goals under Phase V of the National AIDS and STD Control Programme (NACP) of the Government of India is the elimination of vertical transmission of HIV. In this paper, we estimate the potential impact of maintaining and enhancing the anti-retroviral treatment under the NACP in terms of averting new infections and vertical transmission rates vis-à-vis no intervention scenario. We used India's HIV Estimates 2022 models to create treatment coverage scenarios of no interventions, status quo, business as usual, on-track and fast-track scenarios from 2023 to 2030. Our analysis indicates that fast-tracking scale-up of treatment services would avert almost 41000 child infections from 2023 to 2030 leading to a vertical transmission rate of around 7.70% in 2030 vis-a-vis no interventions scenario. Higher and sustained ART coverage would not only take the country closer to the elimination goals but would also prevent thousands of vertical transmissions, thus bringing a lot of benefits to HIV-positive pregnant women and their families. Supported by efforts for the prevention of new infections in the general population, India is on track for the attainment of elimination of vertical transmission of HIV by 2030.

The city the earthquake built: internal displacement, international aid and state–society relations in the “fragile city” of Canaan

This paper revisits the case of Canaan – a massive informal settlement that emerged in the wake of the devastating 2010 earthquake in Haiti – in order to examine the often-forgotten aftermath of international aid programming in an urban, fragile-state context. Originally categorized as an (informal) internal displacement site, Canaan continued to expand in the years following the quake, reaching an estimated population of 300,000 by 2016. Using a qualitative case study of Canaan conducted nearly 15 years after its creation, the paper makes two interrelated arguments: first, that the ways in which the United Nations’ “durable solutions” framework is frequently understood and applied may be unrealistic and even deleterious for state–society relations in some fragile urban contexts. Second, even calls to shift (urban) internal displacement programming to a more development footing is far from a panacea if these interventions are not designed to be more politically nuanced, context-sensitive and modest about what can be achieved in such complex environments.

Rethinking food aid for immigrants and refugees: Insights from Syracuse

AbstractMotivationFood security is a multidimensional issue, crucially underpinned by cultural acceptability, which significantly affects emotional well‐being and social integration. This study was motivated by the persistent challenge faced by refugee and immigrant communities in accessing culturally appropriate food, a critical aspect often overlooked by food assistance programmes. This gap both hinders nutritional intake and impedes the emotional and social well‐being of these vulnerable populations.PurposeThis study aimed to explore the alignment between the cultural dietary preferences of refugee and immigrant communities in Syracuse, New York, and the offerings of local food aid programmes, specifically focusing on culturally appropriate fresh produce. It sought to understand the extent to which food assistance meets the cultural needs of these communities, thereby informing potential improvements in food security practices and policy.Approach and MethodsUsing a mixed‐methods approach, the study collected quantitative and qualitative data. Surveys were conducted with 35 refugee and immigrant women to quantitatively assess the availability and suitability of culturally specific food items within local food bank programmes. In addition, qualitative insights were derived through focus group discussions with eight of these participants. This dual‐method approach allowed for a comprehensive evaluation of both perceived and actual gaps in service provision.FindingsThe findings highlighted a significant gap between the fresh produce provided by the food assistance programmes and the cultural dietary needs of the participants. Although these programmes provide essential nutrition, they often neglect to accommodate the cultural preferences of diverse communities. This emphasizes the urgent need for food aid initiatives to integrate cultural preferences, enhancing the acceptability of food aid and supporting the psychological adjustment of refugees and immigrants to new environments.Policy ImplicationsThis study underscored the need for policy‐makers and food assistance programmes to prioritize cultural appropriateness alongside nutritional adequacy. It recommended the adoption of more inclusive food distribution practices that recognize and respect the cultural diversity of beneficiaries. Such practices are crucial, not only for improving the nutritional and psychological outcomes of refugees and immigrants but also for fostering their integration and participation in the community. Establishing policies that encourage the inclusion of culturally diverse food options can significantly enhance the effectiveness of food security efforts.

Unlocking the impact of international financial support to infrastructure, energy efficiency, and ICT on CO2 emissions in India

Financial resource constraints prevent developing nations from investing in the infrastructure needed for the green transition. For this reason, it is well known that numerous financial aid programs are offered globally, mainly to wealthy developing nations whose economies are predicated on high energy consumption. It hasn't been looked into if these resources are allocated to worthwhile projects. This study examines how foreign financial assistance in this area affects India's infrastructure emissions. The effects of natural resources, economic growth, information and communication technology, energy efficiency (oil and gas), and natural resources on the environment are being investigated as well. The novel multivariate quantile on-quantile regression technique is used in this context to examine a time-series data set spanning 2000–2021. According to the findings, there is a correlation between reduced carbon emissions and increased foreign financial aid. Likewise, advancements in energy efficiency and information and communication technologies also benefit the ecosystem. However, India's emissions are rising due to its abundant natural resources and economic expansion. Policy recommendations were made regarding the need for India to use international financial aid primarily to strengthen environmentally friendly infrastructure rather than solving problems such as current account deficit or budget deficit.

Using access to higher education to redress inequities: tensions between equity and excellence in the polytechnic universities in Mexico

ABSTRACT Despite the expansion of higher education and the growing number of students from disadvantaged socioeconomic background and/or from ethnic minorities who now access university places, inequalities in access to higher education based on social class and origin remain a challenge. This article analyses the Polytechnic Universities in Mexico, examining them as a public policy for democratising access to higher education. We conducted 15 semi-structured interviews with the rectors and heads of the academic administration staff of 12 Polytechnic Universities, aiming to identify the limits and potential of the various strategies that make the PU model a policy of equity. These strategies include (i) the geographical decentralisation of university campuses, (ii) the scholarships and financial aid programmes, and (iii) the recruitment campaigns to attract new students. The interviews enable us to uncover the trade-off between equity and excellence and to observe how the PU model addresses it. While some of the responses and effects have already been examined in the literature, others highlight some nuanced specificities in the context of PUs in Mexico. Our results provide evidence that suggests a need to reconsider the most effective equity PUs strategies for enhancing access to higher education for disadvantaged populations in Mexico.

Tactical Medicine – a Challenge of the Times! Medical University – the Main Provider of First Aid in the Region or a Free Listener?

The article presents the results of the activities of the consortium "First Aid and Digital Health of the Population" and Amur State Medical Academy, as a higher educational institution — a leader and provider of effective education in first aid programs.