Eastern Mediterranean Region Countries Research Articles

Maternal mortality surveillance and maternal death reviews in countries of the Eastern Mediterranean Region

This paper presents the findings of a 1999 survey of 19 countries of the World Health Organization Eastern Mediterranean Region on maternal mortality surveillance systems and death review activities in the Region. Data were collected by questionnaire completed by ministry of health personnel. The findings show that 13 countries require official reporting of deaths of women of reproductive age. Most of the countries conduct maternal death reviews although only 8 have surveillance systems. Other areas investigated were the sources of information on maternal deaths, types of data collected, how the data are analysed and how such data are used. There is a need to strengthen information systems on maternal mortality in the Region in order to guide decision-makers in the planning and evaluation of maternal health programmes.

Family planning services and programmes in countries of the Eastern Mediterranean Region

This paper presents the findings of a 1999 survey of 19 countries of the World Health Organization Eastern Mediterranean Region on the family planning services and programmes in the Region. Data were collected using a questionnaire which explored the following areas: the presence of population or family planning policies and family planning activities, the family planning services available, promotional and educational activities on family planning, quality assurance, family planning data collection, analysis and dissemination, and the use of such information. The results indicate that 13 of the countries have national policies on population and family planning but even in those that do not, family planning services are widely available. The scope of the services provided varied. There is still a need to implement or strengthen family planning programmes in the Region, a need which is recognized by the countries themselves.

Basic development needs approach in the Eastern Mediterranean Region: from theory to practice

Poverty and health are mutually reinforcing and deprivation in one area produces negative effects in the other. Unfortunately at the beginning of the 21st century, the number of people living in absolute poverty continues to rise with grim health consequences. Many studies have clearly established that health is related to and influenced by a complex of environmental, social and economic factors ultimately related to each other. Therefore, actions undertaken outside of the health sector are likely to have effects much greater than those obtained through the health sector alone. Thus, the countries of the World Health Organization Eastern Mediterranean Region have adopted basic development needs to address all the determinants of health collectively through community empowerment in order to transform social lifestyles and enhance human development. This article presents the contribution made by basic development needs in empowering local communities and vulnerable groups to acquire their essential needs through the efficient use of available resources. The assessment surveys of the ongoing programme conducted periodically in different countries have demonstrated significant reduction in poverty levels and improvement in quality of life indices pertaining to a wide range of fields, including health, nutrition and other social sectors.

Water-conscious development and the prevention of water misuse and wastage in the Eastern Mediterranean Region

Many countries of the World Health Organization Eastern Mediterranean Region suffer from severe water shortage, primarily as a result of population growth. The problem will undoubtedly worsen in the future with possibly drastic consequences. This paper outlines the current situation in the Region and the possible impact of water scarcity on health and the environment. Water conservation in agricultural, commercial and domestic areas is discussed from the perspective of water-conscious development and possible strategies are proposed.

Water conservation through Islamic public awareness in the Eastern Mediterranean Region

By the year 2050 almost all Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMR) countries will be facing water shortages. Integrated water resource management seems to be the most feasible option to overcome this crisis. Water conservation should be an integral part of this option. To increase the chance of success it should clearly focus on public awareness and participation. Lack of access to information related to water conservation and public awareness activities is a problem in EMR countries. Limited activities and poor information management and exchange activities are the reason for this problem. Access to water conservation and public awareness information can be improved by compiling a database of all available literature documenting the experience of the EMR in this area. This database should be made available to water specialists as well as to the public. Islamic teachings are full of concepts and tools such as conservation cooperation preventing harm water pollution and water protection that are useful for raising public awareness of water resource conservation. However official Islamic positions towards these issues must be declared by regional Islamic legislative bodies. This will require close cooperation and coordination between water agencies and legislative bodies. Islam is influential in the EMR; therefore incorporating Islamic teachings and concepts will help public awareness programmes achieve their goals. Using the Islamic education system seems to be effective and reliable. However this must be done in close coordination and collaboration with all stakeholders and should be integrated in water resource management activities. Occasional and local actions are ineffective and should be avoided. Public awareness activities based on Islamic teachings and concepts should not be limited to mosques but should extend to the education system. This can be done by incorporating clear messages into materials taught in schools including religion science environment and Arabic literature. (excerpt)