Non-governmental Research Articles

Low availability of haematin (hemin) in Pakistan.

Madam, Acute Intermittent Porphyria (AIP) is an autosomal dominant disorder that results from a defect in the enzyme named porphobilinogen deaminase.1 It is symptomatic porphyria, involving the accumulation of porphyrins and porphyrin precursors due to impaired conversion in haeme synthesis. Acute Intermittent Porphyria is clinically characterized by acute episodes of multiple gastrointestinal and neurologic symptoms; during which the patient remains healthy between episodes.2 Acute Intermittent Porphyria episodes are commonly observed in post pubertal females. The most common symptoms include periodic abdominal pain, vomiting and hypertension followed by neurologic damage that leads to peripheral and autonomic neuropathies (mostly motor) and psychiatric manifestations.2 Hormonal cycle regulation may worsen porphyria, since its symptoms coincide with the menstrual cycle. Although positive response has been noted in hormonal suppression by gonadotropin releasing hormone agonists.3 Currently, the most widely used treatment is hemin, a form of haeme that can be given intravenously. Its administration reduces the haeme deficit, hence limits the production of porphyrins precursors by the body. Availability of hemin in Pakistan is not promising while alternatives such as intravenous infusion of glucose, and pain relievers like Nalbuphine, a man-made opioid analgesic, and Morphine are short-term treatments. Haeme Arginate (HA), a compound of haeme and arginine, is equivalent to hematin in the treatment of AIP. Long-term weekly intravenous infusions of prophylactic HA prevent severity and frequency of porphyric attacks in patients with AIP.4 While haeme therapy is recommended if a patient exhibits neurological impairment, liver transplant appears to be the last resort in patients with recurrent clinical manifestations. To effectively mediate the growing need of Hemin in Pakistan, a systematic plan with effective and immediate steps must be introduced. The regulatory authorities must expedite the approval and licensing process of appropriate medication that would meet the growing need of the country, while not compromising on its quality. The possibility of local production should be explored, while strengthening international ties aimed at importing affordable medication. The government should focus on initiating partnerships with international organizations, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and global health initiatives. Nationwide workshops and informative campaigns towards healthcare work should be a priority, to raise awareness of the situation and the proper steps that should be taken to minimize its adverse effects. Empowering patient advocacy groups would be beneficial in recognizing any shortcomings of the plan and to divert resources accordingly.

Less than one in five teenage women in Ethiopia know about emergency contraception.

Teenage women's fertility health faces significant challenges from unintended pregnancies and unsafe abortions. Using an emergency contraception within a defined time period could prevent unintended pregnancy and its damaging consequences, like unintended childbirth and unsafe abortion. Despite it being an appropriate contraception, the knowledge of teenage women about emergency contraception is lower among women in developing countries. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the magnitude of emergency contraception knowledge and its associated factors among teenage women in Ethiopia. Data for this study was obtained from the recent Demographic and Health Surveys. A total weighted sample of 3,381 teenage reproductive women were included. The significant associated factors with emergency contraception knowledge among teenage reproductive women were determined by fitting a multilevel mixed-effect binary logistic regression model. Finally, Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) with a 95% confidence interval and a P value of less than 0.05 was used to declare statistical significance. In Ethiopia, the magnitude of teenage women who knew about emergency contraception was 19.47% (95%CI: 18.17, 20.84). Age 17 years (AOR = 1.76, 95%CI, 1.24, 2.48) and age 19 years (AOR = 2.18, 95%CI, 1.47, 3.22), primary education level (AOR = 2.76, 95%CI, 1.60, 4.76), secondary and above educational level (AOR = 4.70, 95%CI, 2.62, 8.44), being protestant followers (AOR = 0.63, 95%CI, 0.45, 0.87), being muslim followers (AOR = 0.68, 95%CI, 0.49, 0.93), media exposure (AOR = 3.36, 95%CI, 2.59, 4.34), rural residence (AOR = 0.45; 95%CI: 0.22, 0.86), and high community level education (AOR = 140, 95%CI: 1.32, 2.00) were factors significantly associated with knowledge of emergency contraception among teenage women. This finding concluded that less than one in five teenage women knew about emergency contraception in Ethiopia. The knowledge of emergency contraception among teenage women in Ethiopia was substantially associated with women's age, education level, religion, media exposure, residency and community-level education. Hence, there is a need to implement comprehensive awareness programs and promotion of emergency contraception as a way of curbing cases of unintended pregnancies among teenage women. Government and non-governmental organizations should design targeted educational initiatives and media campaigns to improve emergency contraception knowledge among young teenagers, women with lower educational backgrounds, and rural teenagers.

Individual attendance data for over 30 years of international climate change talks

The international community has formally negotiated over climate change since 1991. The annual meetings that host these negotiations have seen an ever-growing number of individuals representing countries, international organizations, or non-governmental organizations. These meetings and their attendees have accordingly become the focal point of international climate change cooperation for both the international community and scholars studying climate change politics. Yet, researchers have been unable to access and analyze comprehensive attendee-level data pertaining to these negotiations in terms of attendees’ names, genders, job titles, delegations, divisions, and affiliations. In applying text-as-data techniques to attendance roster PDFs, we extract and build attendee-level datasets for all annual negotiations held under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and its precursor, 1991–2023. These data include original language and English-translated information on 27,470 unique delegations and 310,200 attendees over a 32-year period. Summaries and validations in turn highlight the promise of our data for the study of attendance patterns and characteristics across delegations and over time.

Phasic and periodic change of drought under greenhouse effect

Purpose Drought is the primary disaster that negatively impacts agricultural and animal husbandry production. It can lead to crop reduction and even pose a threat to human survival in environmentally sensitive areas of China (ESAC). However, the phases and periodicity of drought changes in the ESAC remain largely unknown. Thus, this paper aims to identify the periodic characteristics of meteorological drought changes. Design/methodology/approach The potential evapotranspiration was calculated using the Penman–Monteith formula recommended by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, whereas the standardized precipitation evaporation index (SPEI) of drought was simulated by coupling precipitation data. Subsequently, the Bernaola-Galvan segmentation algorithm was proposed to divide the periods of drought change and the newly developed extreme-point symmetric mode decomposition to analyze the periodic drought patterns. Findings The findings reveal a significant increase in SPEI in the ESAC, with the rate of decline in drought events higher in the ESAC than in China, indicating a more pronounced wetting trend in the study area. Spatially, the northeast region showed an evident drying trend, whereas the southwest region showed a wetting trend. Two abrupt changes in the drought pattern were observed during the study period, namely, in 1965 and 1983. The spatial instability of moderate or severe drought frequency and intensity on a seasonal scale was more consistent during 1966–1983 and 1984–2018, compared to 1961–1965. Drought variation was predominantly influenced by interannual oscillations, with the periods of the components of intrinsic mode functions 1 (IMF1) and 2 (IMF2) being 3.1 and 7.3 years, respectively. Their cumulative variance contribution rate reached 70.22%. Research limitations/implications The trend decomposition and periods of droughts in the study area were analyzed, which may provide an important scientific reference for water resource management and agricultural production activities in the ESAC. However, several problems remain unaddressed. First, the SPEI considers only precipitation and evapotranspiration, making it extremely sensitive to temperature increases. It also ignores the nonstationary nature of the hydrometeorological water process; therefore, it is prone to bias in drought detection and may overestimate the intensity and duration of droughts. Therefore, further studies on the application and comparison of various drought indices should be conducted to develop a more effective meteorological drought index. Second, the local water budget is mainly affected by surface evapotranspiration and precipitation. Evapotranspiration is calculated by various methods that provide different results. Therefore, future studies need to explore both the advantages and disadvantages of various evapotranspiration calculation methods (e.g. Hargreaves, Thornthwaite and Penman–Monteith) and their application scenarios. Third, this study focused on the temporal and spatial evolution and periodic characteristics of droughts, without considering the driving mechanisms behind them and their impact on the ecosystem. In future, it will be necessary to focus on a sensitivity analysis of drought indices with regard to climate change. Finally, although this study calculated the SPEI using meteorological data provided by China’s high-density observatory network, deviations and uncertainties were inevitable in the point-to-grid spatialization process. This shortcoming may be avoided by using satellite remote sensing data with high spatiotemporal resolution in the future, which can allow pixel-scale monitoring and simulation of meteorological drought evolution. Practical implications Under the background of continuous global warming, the climate in arid and semiarid areas of China has shown a trend of warming and wetting. It means that the plant environment in this region is getting better. In the future, the project of afforestation and returning farmland to forest and grassland in this region can increase the planting proportion of water-loving tree species to obtain better ecological benefits. Meanwhile, this study found that in the relatively water-scarce regions of China, drought duration was dominated by interannual oscillations (3.1a and 7.3a). This suggests that governments and nongovernmental organizations in the region should pay attention to the short drought period in the ESAC when they carry out ecological restoration and protection projects such as the construction of forest reserves and high-quality farmland. Originality/value The findings enhance the understanding of the phasic and periodic characteristics of drought changes in the ESAC. Future studies on the stress effects of drought on crop yield may consider these effects to better reflect the agricultural response to meteorological drought and thus effectively improve the tolerance of agricultural activities to drought events.

Humanitarianism’s Thin Red Line: Armed Escorts in Theory and Practice

In armed conflicts around the world, armed escorts are increasingly used by civilian actors in the delivery of humanitarian assistance. These escorts, at times, include peacekeepers, counter-insurgents, armed forces, armed groups or even private security companies. The use of armed actors, however, remains a critically underexplored issue. This paper will assess the theory and practice of the use of armed escorts by humanitarian actors, uncovering the legitimising discourse and the impact that armed escorts have on humanitarian principles and acceptance by local communities. It accomplishes this through a critical analysis of humanitarian guidelines and policy documents and draws from the limited research on armed escorts. The article draws from fieldwork in Sudan in 2022 to empirically show these trends in Darfur, demonstrating that the use of armed escorts by one non-governmental organisation can cause a knock-on effect to others, and that once in place, there is a lock-in effect.

Advanced supply chain optimization for emerging market healthcare systems

The complexities of pharmaceutical supply chains in emerging markets present significant challenges that directly impact healthcare outcomes, particularly in underserved regions. This research focuses on the optimization of supply chain systems for the healthcare sector, with an emphasis on enhancing pharmaceutical delivery. By leveraging data analytics and innovative procurement strategies, the study seeks to improve efficiency, reduce operational costs, and ensure the timely distribution of essential medications. Drawing on practical experiences at eMedic Technologies Africa, the research highlights the need for advanced models that integrate real-time data to optimize inventory management, forecast demand, and address bottlenecks in last-mile delivery. The study proposes a multi-faceted approach to addressing common challenges in emerging market supply chains, including unreliable infrastructure, fluctuating demand, and limited access to technology. By utilizing predictive analytics, the proposed models aim to improve accuracy in demand planning, reducing stockouts and overstock situations. Additionally, innovative procurement strategies, such as centralized procurement and strategic partnerships with local suppliers, are explored as key methods for enhancing cost-effectiveness and streamlining supply chain operations. A critical component of the research is the focus on last-mile delivery, which remains a significant hurdle in rural and underserved areas. The study advocates for the use of digital platforms and mobile technologies to enhance delivery tracking and coordination, ensuring that essential medications reach their destination efficiently. Furthermore, it emphasizes the importance of fostering collaboration between governments, non-governmental organizations, and private sector stakeholders to build resilient supply chain systems capable of adapting to local conditions. By providing actionable insights and scalable models for supply chain optimization, this research aims to contribute to improved healthcare delivery in emerging markets. The proposed strategies not only reduce costs and improve efficiency but also ensure a reliable and consistent supply of medications, ultimately leading to better health outcomes in regions most in need. Keywords: Supply Chain Optimization, Data-Driven Procurement, Last-Mile Delivery, Healthcare Efficiency, Emerging Markets

PERAN PENYULUH BERBASIS MASYARAKAT DALAM MEMPERTAHANKAN HUTAN JANDA (KAOMBO OHUSII) DI KABUPATEN BUTON SULAWESI TENGGARA

This study aims to explore the management practices of Widow Forest (Kaombo Ohusii) in Buton Regency through the lens of local wisdom and development communication, by revealing the social, cultural, and environmental dynamics involved in forest management. This study uses a variety of data collection methods. Participant observation allows researchers to be directly involved in Widow Forest management activities, observe the practices carried out, and interact with local communities and other parties involved in natural resource management. In-depth interviews will be conducted with widows, poor women, community leaders, government officials, and non-governmental organizations involved in the management of Widow Forest. The results of the study show that community-based extension by traditional officials in Takimpo Village in the management of Widow Forest (Kaombo Ohusii) is an example of effective local participation in sustainable natural resource management. The involvement of this traditional institution also shows the importance of integrating local values in development, ensuring that decisions taken are in accordance with community expectations, and supporting environmental conservation and community empowerment.

ASSESSING YOUTH INVOLVEMENT IN AGRICULTURE IN YOLA-NORTH LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF ADAMAWA STATE

The study examined youth involvement in agriculture in Yola-North Local Government Area of Adamawa State, Nigeria. Data were collected from 230 farmers using a well-structured questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The results show that the most (52.61%) of respondents were male, with an average age of 21 years. Most respondents (55.22%) were single with an average household size of 4 persons. Educationally, 2.61% had primary education, 7.39% had secondary education, 52.61% had diploma, and 37.39% had HND/Degree, indicating that all the respondents were educated. Additionally, most respondents earned between N40,000 and N200,000 annually. Factors influencing youth participation in agriculture revealed that age and sex were positive and significant at 1% level (P<0.01), while educational level was negative but significant at 10% level (P<0.1). Constraints identified included lack of government assistance, insufficient capital, poor road access, inadequate feed supply, poor extension services, and poor marketing prices. Sex (male) and age were positively associated with youth participation in agriculture, whereas the lack of government support was a significant barrier preventing youth from engaging in agricultural activities. The study recommends that inputs such as agrochemicals and credit should be made available on time and at subsidized rates by both governmental and non-governmental organizations to make agriculture more appealing to youths. Furthermore, the government or relevant institutions should strictly monitor and supervise any development or empowerment initiatives to prevent mismanagement by involved dignitaries.

Prosthetic valve dysfunction in patients with mechanical heart valves: Results from the Emergency Salam Centre cohort

IntroductionMechanical heart valve (MHV) replacement requires long-life anticoagulation due to the risk of Prosthetic Valve Dysfunction (PVD) and cardioembolism. MethodsWe report data from a prospective observational study conducted on MHV patients in the Khartoum Salam Centre for Cardiac Surgery built by ‘Emergency,’ an Italian Non-Governmental Organization, to evaluate the occurrence of PVD and associated risk factors. ResultsWe prospectively followed 3647 patients, and 38 patients (rate 1.04 × 100 pt-years) had PVD during follow-up. The time in therapeutic range (TTR) among patients without PVD was 53 % (IQR 37–67), and it was 43 % (IQR 19–58) among patients with PVD (p = 0.04). Twenty-three over 38 patients (60.5 %) were symptomatic, 18 (47.4 %) had obstructive valvular stenosis, 24 patients (63.2 %) had INR <2.0 at diagnosis, and 21 patients (55.3 %) had been off warfarin for a long time: 3 patients for 1 week, 1 patient for 2 weeks, and 17 patients for >4 weeks (6 patients were off warfarin from 3 to 12 months). Ten were uncompliant to treatment, and 8 were pregnant women. Ten patients (26.3 %) with PVD had had a previous episode of PVD, and 14 patients (36.8 %) had 2 or more associated risk factors. Only in 6 cases were no associate risk factors found. ConclusionsAmong MHV patients on warfarin treatment with a sub-optimal quality of anticoagulation, the rate of PVD is 1.04 % pt-years, and the most frequent associated risk factor for PVD occurrence is warfarin withdrawal lasting more than one week.

NGO engagement in the creation of public service innovations: A configurational, explorative approach

IMPACT This article offers critical insights for practitioners interested in the evolving landscape of public service innovation. It highlights the significant role that non-governmental organizations (NGOs) play as co-creation partners in government innovation projects, with nearly half of surveyed NGOs participating in such initiatives. Importantly, the study shows that NGOs with experience in service innovation are more likely to collaborate with government, emphasizing the value of past innovation experience in fostering successful partnerships. The authors explain the motivations behind NGO engagement, revealing that improving user experience, gaining insights, and strengthening relationships with government are key drivers. The findings suggest that co-creation is not just about service improvement but also about capacity building for NGOs through knowledge transfer and learning opportunities. Practitioners will benefit from understanding these dynamics, which reinforce the principles of New Public Governance (NPG) by highlighting the importance of collaboration and network-based innovation.

Overview and suggestion about Chinese health-related non-governmental organization's participation in global health governance

Non-governmental organization (NGO) is one of the important non-state actors in global health governance. The importance of NGO's participation in the global health governance tend to be more prominent due to its flexibility, professionalism, voluntariness and autonomy. The World Health Organization (WHO) established a Civil Society Commission (CSC) in 2023 aiming at strengthening dialogue, facilitating collaboration so as to play its bigger role in the global health governance. This paper is to make analysis to the importance of NGO in global health governance, WHOCSC's organizational structure and operational mechanism, current status and problem of Chinese health-related NGO's participation in the global health governance, and to provide policy suggestions for strengthening Chinese health-related NGOs' participation in global health governance, including incubating Chinese NGOs into national strategy for global health, strengthening resources mobilization and coordination, as well as advocating transparency and society involvement, emphasizing international humanitarian, public welfare and propaganda.

The Balance Between Gatekeeper Rules and Free Speech in the EU under the Digital Markets Act and Digital Services Act

Purpose: This article investigates the intricate balance between free speech and content restrictions within the frameworks of the EU Digital Services Act (DSA) and the Digital Markets Act (DMA). It delves into the duties of 'gatekeepers' under the DMA, the challenges of content moderation, and the delicate equilibrium between fostering open communication and curbing harmful material. The primary aim is to contribute to the ongoing debate on digital platform regulation, particularly focusing on the gatekeeper designation under the DMA and its potential to enhance freedom of speech while mitigating excessive compliance and censorship. Methodology: The study employs a mixed-methods approach to provide a comprehensive analysis of the regulatory landscape and its implications. It includes a literature review of academic journals, legal documents, and policy papers; in-depth document analysis of the DMA and DSA; case studies of landmark decisions such as GS Media and Delfi AS v. Estonia; interviews with key stakeholders; a survey of platform users; comparative analysis with other jurisdictions; policy impact assessment; and content analysis of platform policies. The research adheres to ethical guidelines, ensuring informed consent and data protection. Findings: The findings reveal that the DMA's gatekeeper rules have the potential to significantly enhance freedom of speech by curbing platform dominance, promoting content diversity, and encouraging transparent content moderation. However, the risk of over-compliance leading to the suppression of free speech is also identified. The study highlights the importance of independent oversight, clear platform guidelines, and continuous dialogue among stakeholders to maintain a balance between open markets and free speech. Unique Contribution to Theory, Policy and Practice: This article offers a novel perspective on how the DMA's gatekeeper designation improves freedom of speech while avoiding excessive censorship. It provides valuable insights for policymakers, digital platforms, and civil society organizations, emphasizing the need for a nuanced approach to content moderation that respects users' rights. The article also underscores the importance of ongoing review and adaptation of regulations to address the evolving digital landscape, thereby contributing to the development of a safer, more competitive, and fairer online environment.

Innovative but feeble: Civil society and political financing accountability in Uruguay

ABSTRACT This article examines the impact of civic action on enhancing accountability and combating corruption in political financing, focusing on two civil society initiatives in Uruguay. The initiatives aimed to digitize and map information on funding received by political parties and politicians in the 2009 and 2014 elections, presenting their findings through interactive online platforms. The paper engages theoretically with the literature on the dimensions of accountability and contributes to understanding the challenges faced by civil society organizations in promoting political financing accountability even in full democracies, a topic largely understudied. Findings highlight concerns beyond electoral authorities’ well-known resource constraints in detecting illicit political donations and spending in Uruguay. The paper shows that transparency is not enough to reduce corruption. We argue that for political finance accountability to be effective, it must encompass bottom-up, horizontal, and diagonal dimensions. The analysis suggests the need for complementary measures, such as digital solutions for reporting and disclosing political finance information, along with active horizontal and bottom-up oversight mechanisms. The article draws on qualitative analysis based on documentary research and 19 interviews with activists, academics, journalists, developers of the initiatives, and public officials involved in political finance regulation.

Formation of the System of Social Services to the Population

The current socio-economic, moral, psychological and spiritual situation in Kyrgyzstan is extremely contradictory and multifaceted. There is instability in the economy, a budget deficit is acutely felt, the number of people with incomes below the subsistence level is practically not decreasing, differentiation of the population by income is increasing, tension in the labor market is increasing, arrears in wages, pensions and social benefits are growing, trends of distress, including social deviations, are acutely evident. The current situation requires the state and non-governmental organizations, and public associations to take adequate measures, primarily in the area of developing the social protection system of the population and ensuring social security.

Leadership Empathy and Employee Retention in Health Sector NGOs in Kenya

Employee turnover undermines the achievement of organizational goals. Retaining talented employees is a significant challenge for many health sector non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and it threatens their sustainability. Previous studies have been conducted to determine the causes of employee turnover in Kenya; however, there is inadequate empirical evidence regarding the correlation between emotional intelligence competencies and employee retention. This study aimed to determine the impact of leadership empathy on employee retention in health sector NGOs in Kenya. The study was conducted based on Bar-On’s Emotional Intelligence Competencies Model. Positivism was the philosophical foundation of this descriptive design study. The analysis unit included 30 health sector NGOs in Kenya, while the observation unit included 1,500 management-level employees. The Yamane formula was used to determine the study sample size, which consisted of 316 respondents. A stratified random sampling technique was implemented to determine the sample. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect the study data. Statistical Package for the Social Sciences software (version 26) was used for data analysis, where descriptive and inferential statistics were computed. The findings are presented in tables and figures and prose form. We found a positive influence, indicating that increased empathy enhanced employee retention. Therefore, we concluded that leadership empathy is positively and significantly correlated with employee retention in health sector NGOs in Kenya. Managers and supervisors in health sector NGOs should receive training and development programs to enhance their empathy skills. Additionally, health sector NGOs should provide workshops, seminars, and coaching sessions that emphasize developing leadership empathy skills through active listening, perspective-taking, and genuine concern for others

THE ETHICS OF CIVIL SOCIETY WORK IS A BASIC PILLAR FOR ACHIEVING COMMUNITY SECURITY

Objective: This study aims to highlight one of the main roles of civil society within the legal entity of the state, in light of the participatory approach carried by the constitutional amendment in Algeria for the year 2020, through participation in the moralization of public life and contributing to achieving community security. Methods: The nature of the study required the use of different approaches. In its theoretical aspect, the descriptive approach was used to explain the participatory approach introduced by the Algerian constitutional amendment of 2020, while the tools of the analytical approach were used to discuss and analyze some parts of the study related to the ways and obstacles to employing the participatory approach on the ground, and the challenges that await it in order to achieve the desired community security. Results and discussion: In light of the challenges facing societies today, especially in light of technological developments and the accompanying fifth-generation wars at this particular time, which have made the idea a destructive weapon for the social fabric and an imminent threat to societal security within countries; for this reason, this study presents solutions to enhance the participatory approach decided upon from the technical and practical side, especially with regard to proposals for specialized training, and reorganizing the house of civil society organizations, before determining executive powers regulated by laws related to their activity. Conclusion: The participatory approach introduced by the 2020 constitutional amendment included important gains that we appreciate, but it faces practical obstacles due to its shortcomings and lack of activation mechanisms; this is what this study presents in the results reached, especially those related to rehabilitating the human cadre supervising civil society, and entrusting it with sufficient powers and guarantees capable of providing added value within the framework of achieving the desired community security, regulated by new legal frameworks that we propose within the framework of (the Associations Law - the Local Authorities Law...), parts of which the study proposes to amend.

Community Participation in Flood Management Systems in Aceh Utara Regency

Flooding remains a persistent challenge in Aceh Utara Regency, representing a complex, cross-sectoral issue. If not addressed through collaboration among various stakeholders, including community groups, it has the potential to lead to new societal problems. This research seeks to assess the effectiveness and impact of using a participatory model in flood management efforts in the region. A qualitative approach was employed, gathering data through in-depth interviews with stakeholders such as local communities, government authorities, and non-governmental organizations involved in flood mitigation programs. The findings emphasize the urgency of adopting a participatory model to enhance the effectiveness of flood management systems. Actively engaging the community in planning, execution, and evaluation processes leads to a deeper understanding of local conditions, needs, and suitable solutions. Key aspects of the participatory model include raising public awareness of flood risks and mitigation measures, improving flood management infrastructure based on community input, creating more accessible and effective evacuation plans, and strengthening the community’s capacity for emergency response and simple mitigation efforts. In conclusion, this study aims to further explore the relevance and effectiveness of the participatory model in flood management in Aceh Utara Regency, ensuring the long-term sustainability of the region's disaster management system.

Reshaping disaster management: An integrated community‐led approach

AbstractThe management of disasters has traditionally involved public, private, and nongovernmental organisations working together. While scholars have examined the value of collaborations among these entities, less is known about how to successfully engage and empower communities in disaster management. Based on network governance theory, this article contributes to the growing body of public management literature on community engagement by presenting findings from an Australian research initiative conducted after the 2019/20 Black Summer bushfires in New South Wales. Through workshops and semi‐structured interviews with a total of 58 members from local communities and emergency agencies, this paper identifies differing perspectives on power distribution among stakeholders, indicating complexities in achieving an integrated and community‐led disaster management approach. The findings underscore the need to shift from exclusively centralised to more inclusive systems, recognising the unique contributions of nonofficial community‐based groups. To address this, the study suggests: a funded community consultation committee, ensuring government and local community representation; collaborative debriefing sessions, leveraging technology for knowledge capture; and the adoption of different leadership styles able to identify, include, and integrate communities as both steerers and rowers within established hierarchical arrangements.Points for practitioners The current centralised emergency management system, which relies on recognised experts and state‐controlled facilities, limits the integration of nonofficial resources and community‐based knowledge. A shift towards a more community‐centric and integrated approach (collaborative polycentric governance) is needed to enhance disaster resilience and response in Australia. Different stages of disaster reduction could and should have different leadership styles: a transformational, collaborative community‐based style should be implemented before and after the disaster, while a transactional leadership style, more focused on restructuring the system or how it is applied, should be adopted during the disaster.

Providing Cataract Surgeries at a Rural Primary Health Centre through Non-governmental Organisation Collaboration: An 8-year Experience

Abstract The National Programme for Control of Blindness and Visual Impairment aims to reduce blindness and visual impairment in India. Despite these efforts, rural areas still have high numbers of cataract patients due to inadequate healthcare services. Leveraging non-governmental organisation (NGO) networks to provide rural eye care camps has been proposed to address these challenges. This article shares an 8-year collaboration with an NGO in rural Haryana, delivering cataract surgeries. Initially, surgeries were conducted in temporary locations; however, due to complications, they were shifted to hospitals, increasing travel difficulties. In 2016, collaboration with ICARE Eye Hospital began, involving screening camps and transporting patients for surgery. This reduced patient expenses and referral burdens, performing 1690 surgeries with high satisfaction. Authors recommend similar collaborations to achieve the national blindness reduction goal.

Distribution of Sheep Fattening Practices and Marketing Systems in the Sagnarigu Municipality in Northern Ghana

The study was conducted in the Sagnarigu Municipality in Northern Ghana to assess sheep fattening practices and marketing systems. Eighty respondents were selected and questionnaires administrated to them. Data was summarized and analysed using SPSS version 20. Majority of the fatteners were within the ages 21-30 years. Sheep fatteners were not equally distributed across the different age groups. Most of the farmers had at least primary education while majority (30.0%) of them had tertiary education. The sheep fattening enterprise in the area was male and Muslim dominant activity. Majority of respondents were engaged in specialized skill work as their main occupation with self-financing as the main source of income for the sheep fattening business. Majority had at most 5 years fattening experience. Semi-intensive system of management was mainly practiced. Farmers use wide range of feed stuff alternatively and supplied from multiple sources. Mature animals (≥ 6 months) sourced from farmers’ own flock were mostly used in fattening. Generating cash was the primary motivation for fattening sheep, with a convenient market for the fattened sheep. Customers of fattened sheep were mainly butchers. mostly at local markets (50%). Price determination for the fattened sheep was bargaining. The major constraints of sheep fatteners were diseases and mortality and lack of capital/financial. It was concluded that sheep fattening practices and marketing system was a business in the Sagnarigu municipality, nevertheless, it was not well organized and developed. To create a lucrative sheep fattening industry, government and non-governmental organizations should promote sheep fattening by providing financial and training support for the fatteners and the teaming youth in Ghana to venture into the business. This could contribute to enhancing livelihood of rural resource poor farmers, unemployment and poverty reduction as well as women empowerment in the country.