Global Commitment Research Articles

Environmental impact assessment of different power generation strategies in Oman: A comparative life-cycle analysis

This paper presents a comparative environmental impact assessment considering different power generation strategies in Oman. The Life-Cycle Assessment (LCA) methodology, and the OpenLCA tool, were employed in carrying out comprehensive analysis, and evaluation of the various environmental aspects in filling the research gap, by replacing conventional diesel generators with natural gas alternatives in Oman. The obtained results indicate that utilizing natural gas significantly reduces environmental impacts, including a decrease in global warming potential to 2.27 million kg CO2 eq, fossil fuel depletion to 34.5 million kg oil-eq, and ozone depletion to 0.13 kg CFC-11 eq. This study would help in policy decision-making to support a potential shift in power generation system, transitioning from the current use of diesel generator sets to flared produced Natural Gas across crude oil processing plants. Thus, mitigating operational cost, and improving efficiencies, for sustainable developments. Another salient part of this study is the implementation of more sustainable energy practices that supports the broader application of LCA in evaluating industrial environmental impacts. Furthermore, the results obtained in this work are in line with recent global climate change commitments and Oman's Vision 2040, in achieving cleaner energy sources to minimize environmental harm in the oil and gas sector.

STATUS OF THE RENEWABLE ENERGY IN INDIA

As India faces the dual challenges of rapid economic growth and rising energy demands, the shift towards renewable energy has emerged as a crucial strategy for sustainable development. This study examines the role of renewable energy in India’s energy landscape and its impact on sustainable development. Renewable energy is essential for enhancing energy security, reducing environmental pollution, driving economic growth, and improving public health. By reviewing recent literature and analysing the progress in renewable energy adoption, this study highlights the significant advancements made in solar, wind, and bioenergy sectors. It also explores the benefits of renewable energy, including reduced greenhouse gas emissions, increased energy access, and alignment with global climate commitments. The findings emphasize the importance of continued investment, innovation, and supportive policies to maintain momentum and ensure a sustainable energy future for India. Further study used Average annual growth rate and graphs only. KEY WORDS: sustainable development, environmental, economic growth, greenhouse gas emissions

Redefining TVET Leadership in Kenya

The alignment of technical and vocational education and training (TVET) with industry needs is pivotal for achieving sustainable development goals (SDGs) in Kenya. Yet, reliance on global commitment mechanisms, primarily voluntary national reviews (VNRs), has proven insufficient. This forum piece argues for a strategic transition towards voluntary local reviews (VLRs) and incorporating indigenous philosophies, such as Harambee, to better align TVET with SDG objectives. This transition is essential for fostering inclusive, equitable learning environments, enhancing workforce preparedness, and facilitating a community-centric educational model that effectively addresses local needs while contributing to global sustainability goals. Additionally, this forum piece underscores the need for institutional social change to resolve contradictions in current policies that hinder educational systems from reaching their goals. Drawing from a comparative study of TVET governance models in Nairobi, Kenya, and Pittsburgh, USA, this forum piece illustrates how different approaches can align TVET systems with localized educational demands and SDG frameworks, highlighting policy innovation, leadership development, and community engagement as key strategies for redefining TVET leadership.

Stakeholder perspectives on factors that influence global prioritization for MNH in humanitarian settings.

Maternal and newborn mortality rates are disproportionately high in crisis and conflict-affected countries. This study aims to understand factors influencing how MNH in humanitarian and fragile settings (HFS) is prioritized on the global health agenda during the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) era. This includes examining the policies and processes driving agenda setting and decision-making, as well as the perceptions of global actors. It further reflects on the role of global milestones, reports, convenings, and high-level champions, based on the premise that global prioritization leads to increased attention and resource allocation, ultimately contributing to improved outcomes for mothers and newborns in crisis-affected areas. A qualitative study conducted from April 2022 to June 2023, employing a desk review and 23 semi-structured key informant interviews with global actors from donor agencies, implementing organizations, research institutes, United Nations agencies, professional associations, and coalitions, predominantly based in the Global North. Data were analyzed using inductive thematic analysis and the research was guided by the Walt and Gibson Health Policy Triangle framework. Participants believe that global agenda-setting and investment decisions for MNH are primarily driven by UN agencies, donors, and implementing organizations at the global level. Although the Millennium Development Goal era successfully prioritized MNH, this focus has diminished during the SDGs, especially for HFS. Identified barriers include the complexity of reducing mortality rates in these contexts, limited political will, MNH investment fatigue, and a preference for quick wins. Fragmentation between humanitarian and development sectors and unclear mandates in protracted crises also hinder progress. Without enhanced global advocacy, accountability, and targeted investments in HFS, respondents deem global MNH targets unattainable. While waning donor interest and the siloing of HFS in global MNH decision-making pose challenges, targeted actions to address these barriers may include designating quotas for humanitarian actors in global MNH convenings, developing shared messages that convey common interests, and adopting an equity lens. Prioritizing MNH in HFS on the global agenda demands sustained commitment to ensure these settings are not an afterthought through dedicated advocacy and accountability, high-level political engagements, global milestones, and by leveraging opportunities to capture mainstream interest. Failing to shift global priorities will result in continued stagnation and worsening MNH outcomes across HFS.

Global research trends in the treatment of squamous cell carcinoma over the past decade: A bibliometric analysis

ObjectiveThis study aims to identify research trends and hot spots in the treatment of Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC) over the past decade using bibliometric analysis. MethodsData were extracted from the Web of Science Core Collection, including Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-Expanded), Social Sciences Citation Index (SSCI), and Emerging Sources Citation Index (ESCI). The data underwent manual cleaning to remove inaccuracies and irrelevancies, followed by transformation into an analyzable format via the VOSviewer software. This tool facilitated the visualization of co-occurrence networks and keyword maps, highlighting the relationships and the prominence of research themes. ResultsA total of 46448 authors from 7374 institutions across 108 countries contributed to the literature, reflecting a broad international effort. The study documented a consistent increase in SCC-related publications up to 2020, with some variability in subsequent years. Notably, the United States, Germany, China, the United Kingdom, and France were predominant in this research area. The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center and the University of Pittsburgh were leading contributors in terms of publication volume and citation impact. Key journals included ‘Oral Oncology’ and ‘Clinical Cancer Research’, which were central to the dissemination of high-impact research. Our keyword analysis identified three major research clusters focused on molecular mechanisms, clinical treatment strategies, and emerging interests in immunotherapeutic approaches. ConclusionsThe extensive collaboration and the increasing publication trend underscore the growing global commitment to advancing SCC treatment. The high level of engagement from top institutions and the concentration of research in influential journals reflect the field's dynamic evolution towards innovative and effective treatment modalities. This study provides a valuable overview for researchers, guiding future studies towards areas of high impact and emerging trends in SCC treatment. The findings advocate for enhanced focus on personalized medicine and combination therapies, which are poised to improve outcomes for SCC patients.

Gender and Age Trends in HIV Incidence in Turkey between 1990 and 2021: Joinpoint and Age-Period-Cohort Analyses.

Background and Objectives: Despite a global decrease in HIV incidence, recent trends in Türkiye indicate a concerning rise, particularly among younger populations and women. This study investigates the local and regional dynamics influencing these trends using advanced epidemiological methodologies. Material and Methods: Utilizing Age-period-cohort analysis and joinpoint regression, we analysed HIV incidence and prevalence data from the Global Burden of Disease study for Türkiye. These methods allowed for a detailed examination of changes over time, identifying specific age groups and periods with significant shifts in incidence rates. Results: Key findings include a 13.03% increase in annual percentage change among males aged 15-19 and an 11.37% increase among females in the same age group. Additionally, the incidence rates among females have shown a significant rise after 2008. Conclusions: The rising HIV incidence in Türkiye reflects complex socio-economic, cultural, and biological factors, with significant increases among young people and women. Addressing these challenges requires targeted interventions, comprehensive educational programs, and inclusive healthcare services to align with global efforts and commitments. The study underscores the importance of incorporating young people in decision-making processes to effectively combat HIV in Türkiye.

The global cost of international commitments on land restoration

AbstractLand restoration and sustainable land management projects have now been proposed for up to a billion hectares globally, responding to continuous land degradation processes. But, a lack of reliable cost estimates hinders implementation, which results in a high perceived risk of restoration investments. This study addresses this gap, using cost data from 243 restoration projects from multiple sources to estimate the cost ranges for different types of restoration more precisely. The analysis shows median restoration costs vary from 185 $US/ha to 3012 $US/ha depending on the restoration measure, implying current global land restoration commitment cost 0.04%–0.27% of annual global GDP to implement. Since the majority of these commitments are made by developing countries, international cost‐sharing mechanisms, through climate or private finance, are required to move from goal setting to implementation.

Performance Analysis and Techno-Economic Evaluation of Solar Energy Retrofitting for Coal-Fired Power Plant in Central Kalimantan Province

The power generation sector significantly contributes to climate change. Mitigation efforts are crucial to adhering to the global commitment to limit temperature increases below 2°C. One potential solution is retrofitting existing power plants with technologies that integrate renewable energy. This study explores the integration of solar energy into the operational processes of a coal-fired power plant in Central Kalimantan, replacing the extraction steam turbine in the high-pressure feed water heater No. 7. Using STEAG EBSILON for simulation, this research evaluates the power plant's performance before and after retrofitting in both power-boost (PB) and fuel-save (FS) modes under varying load conditions. The results demonstrate that thermal efficiency in both PB and FS modes increased by up to 2% compared to the base scenario. Specific fuel consumption decreased by 15.05 g/kWh in PB mode and 15.75 g/kWh in FS mode, leading to a reduction in coal consumption and CO2 emissions by 4.69% and 4.94% respectively. Additionally, the study observed that the solar percentage and solar-to-electricity efficiency increased as the load decreased. In FS mode, the solar electricity proportions at VWO, 100%, 75%, and 50% load rates were 5.23%, 5.53%, 7.76%, and 11.92%, respectively. The levelized cost of energy (LCOE) for solar electricity was calculated to be 431.82 IDR/kWh, with an expected investment return period of 5.87 years.

“It's very much part of this movement to undermine democracy”: A qualitative study of European Union level opposition strategies against reproductive health and rights

Despite increasing contestations of agreed global commitments on sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), our understanding of strategies of opposition in global health policymaking remains limited. This article explores the opposition to SRHR at the European level focusing on the decision-making institutions of the European Union (EU). The central research questions ask i) how SRHR opposition actors seek to influence EU institutions and ii) what challenges their actions pose for health policymaking at the EU level. Our empirical focus is based on the qualitative method of framework analysis, with data collected from multiple sources, including documentary data on European Parliamentary debates, Council conclusions of the European Union, reports of nongovernmental organisations, and key informant interviews. Our study is in line with observations on globally coordinated efforts to restrict access to SRH services. This is a challenge for specific forums and countries, but as well for European Union's wider internal and external policies. We present a toolbox of strategies and actors operational at the European Union level. Our findings on opposition to SRHR indicate that it can be seen as a political tool that is part of a broader anti-democratic movement. Understanding strategies of anti-SRHR opposition is important for health policymakers as it shapes debates and the achievement of universal health coverage (UHC).

Pelaksanaan Kegiatan Pengajaran Literasi Numerasi untuk Kelas 5 SD di SDN Japanan I dan II

SDGs is a form of global and national commitment to develop public prosperity. Student Community Service is one of the methods to increase SDGs score. Direct participation in teaching is a work program to achive that goal. Teaching is carried out by devevloping teaching materials and then taught to the fifth grade student of SDN Japanan I and II. Teaching materials is built by considering curriculum module for the national assessment. PISA indicator indicate that student level of understanding is on the third level, meaning student can interprate and do the simple problem. Student ability to literate and numerate need more habituation towards many program to ensure the increase of student’s critical, creative, and innovative thinking.

Policy Evaluation and Enhanced Operational Strategies for PV-Linked ESS in Korea: Practical Applications and Insights from Real-World Data

With the intensification of the global commitment to renewable energy, South Korea’s rapid expansion in renewable capacity necessitates efficient operational strategies to address the inherent variability of these energy sources. Despite the implementation of policies aimed at integrating energy storage systems (ESS) with renewable generation, such as providing additional renewable energy certificates (RECs), the measures undertaken remain relatively ineffective. Thus, this study evaluates the shortcomings of existing policies and proposes an innovative operational strategy tailored to Korea’s energy landscape. The strategy is implementable immediately using existing facilities, without requiring any new equipment, and facilitates profits of up to 12.45% greater compared with those generated using the original approach. Moreover, the results are nearly as effective as an ideal scenario wherein the PV generation and system marginal price are accurately known. Additionally, the decreased economic feasibility of ESS owing to the discontinuation of subsidies is highlighted and solutions are proposed to mitigate the problem. This underscores the urgent need for improved regulatory measures and enhanced operational strategies. The proposed approach highlights the potential to considerably reduce inefficiencies and operational costs, thereby contributing to more sustainable energy management practices within Korea.

Cancer Care Disparities: Overcoming Barriers to Cancer Control in Low- and Middle-Income Countries.

The rising global burden of cancer disproportionately affects low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), which account for over half of new patients and cancer deaths worldwide. However, LMIC health systems face profound challenges in implementing comprehensive cancer control programs because of limited health care resources and infrastructure. This analytical review explores contemporary evidence on barriers undermining cancer control efforts in resource-constrained LMIC settings. We conducted a comprehensive literature review of peer-reviewed evidence on cancer control challenges and solutions tailored to resource-limited settings. We provide a conceptual framework categorizing these barriers across the cancer care continuum, from raising public awareness to palliative care. We also appraise evidence-based strategies proposed to overcome identified obstacles to cancer control in the published literature, including task-shifting to nonspecialist health workers, strategic prioritization of high-impact interventions, regional collaborations, patient navigation systems, and novel financing mechanisms. Developing strong primary care delivery platforms integrated with specialized oncology care, alongside flexible and resilient health system models tailored to local contexts, will be critical to curb the rising tide of cancer in resource-limited settings. Urgent global commitments and investments are needed to dismantle barriers and expand access to prevention, early detection, diagnosis, treatment, and palliation services for all patients with cancer residing in LMICs as an ethical imperative. The review elucidates priority areas for policy actions, health systems strengthening, and future research to guide international efforts toward more equitable cancer control globally.

Investigating and predicting the role of photovoltaic, wind, and hydrogen energies in sustainable global energy evolution

The global shift toward next-generation energy systems is propelled by the urgent need to combat climate change and the dwindling supply of fossil fuels. This review explores the intricate challenges and opportunities for transitioning to sustainable renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and hydrogen. This transition economically challenges traditional energy sectors while fostering new industries, promoting job growth, and sustainable economic development. The transition to renewable energy demands social equity, ensuring universal access to affordable energy, and considering community impact. The environmental benefits include a significant reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and a lesser ecological footprint. This study highlights the rapid growth of the global wind power market, which is projected to increase from $112.23 billion in 2022 to $278.43 billion by 2030, with a compound annual growth rate of 13.67%. In addition, the demand for hydrogen is expected to increase, significantly impacting the market with potential cost reductions and making it a critical renewable energy source owing to its affordability and zero emissions. By 2028, renewables are predicted to account for 42% of global electricity generation, with significant contributions from wind and solar photovoltaic (PV) technology, particularly in China, the European Union, the United States, and India. These developments signify a global commitment to diversifying energy sources, reducing emissions, and moving toward cleaner and more sustainable energy solutions. This review offers stakeholders the insights required to smoothly transition to sustainable energy, setting the stage for a resilient future.

The energy mix dilemma in Indonesia in achieving net zero emissions by 2060

Background: The global responsibility to reduce greenhouse gas emissions forces Indonesia to evaluate its energy policies and strategies. The energy mix dilemma in Indonesia arises as a consequence of rapid economic growth, rapid urbanization, and the continuously increasing energy demand. By 2060, Indonesia aims to have an energy mix dominated by renewable energy sources (RES) and to reduce its dependence on fossil fuels. The importance of reducing greenhouse gas emissions is becoming increasingly apparent, considering Indonesia is one of the countries highly vulnerable to climate change. Method: This study employs a combined approach of policy analysis and literature review. The method used in this research is an objective narrative literature review as a reference for conducting the literature study. Findings: In 2023, Indonesia is still heavily reliant on fossil fuels, primarily coal, oil, and natural gas. The Indonesian government has enacted several regulations related to energy use, including policies for the development of renewable energy. Despite efforts to reduce emissions through the application of clean technologies, the main challenge is significantly replacing fossil energy sources with renewable energy. Several inhibiting factors emerge as real challenges in the journey to achieve Net Zero Emissions. Technological and infrastructure constraints are the main obstacles. The strategic importance of sustainable economic growth is a central point in this dilemma. However, the transition to net zero emissions often requires structural adjustments that can impact the economy. Conclusion: The process of transitioning to renewable energy must be carefully implemented to avoid the risk of supply instability. The alignment between economic growth, energy security, and emission reduction is key to designing effective and sustainable policies. Novelty/Originality of this Study: This study provides a comprehensive examination of Indonesia's energy mix dilemma in the context of achieving net zero emissions by 2060, specifically highlighting the intricate balance between sustainable economic growth, energy security, and global climate commitments. By adopting a holistic approach that involves the government, private sector, and societal participation, the research offers innovative policy recommendations for transitioning from non-renewable to renewable energy sources while addressing socio-economic challenges.

Optimization of palm oil biodiesel production: Environmental impact analysis and POME waste utilization

Background: Indonesia is still an energy importer, especially in the form of crude oil and fuel products to meet the needs of its industrial sector. The reduced production of fossil energy, especially oil, as well as the global commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, has prompted the Indonesian government to continue to support the role of new and renewable energy. The production of palm oil-based biodiesel is faced with a number of environmental problems, which may occur from the release of emissions during the production of FFB (Fresh Fruit Bunches), CPO (Crude Palm Oil), and biodiesel. Therefore, the purpose of this research is to compile an LCI (Life Cycle Inventory) covering the production of FFB, CPO, and biodiesel; analyze the environmental impact of the CPO bodysel production process which includes CO2 (eq) emissions, acidification and eutrophication; and develop a life cycle concept for biodiesel production from palm oil as a renewable energy. Methods: The method used in this study is a combination of quantitative LCA (Life Cycle Assessment) and AHP (Analytical Hierarchy Process) and qualitative. Findings: The results of this study are LCI in 1 ton of biodiesel consisting of NPK fertilizer of 141.1 Kg; herbicide (0.25 Kg); water (1578 m3), diesel oil (25 Kg); fresh fruit bunches of 5.67 tons; electricity of 33.8 kWh, POME (Palm Oil Mill Effluent) (3,47 m3), CPO needed for biodiesel conversion of 1.17 tons; methanol (0.41 tons), and 0.01 tons of Sodium Hydroxide. The total CO2 emission (eq) of biodiesel production from palm oil is 1489 Kg CO2 (eq), eutrophication is 1.12 Kg PO43- (eq) and acidification is 3.06 Kg SO2 (eq). With the largest contribution of CO2 (eq) emissions in CPO production and the contribution of eutrophication and acidification in oil palm plantations or FFB production (Fresh Fruit Bunches). Environmental hotspot of LCA, CO2 (eq) emissions from palm oil biodiesel production show that 53% mainly comes from POME (Palm Oil Mill Effluent) waste, other contributors are NPK fertilizers (23%), methanol (18%), and diesel oil (7%). Hotspot eutrophication showed that 61% mainly came from NPK fertilizer, methanol (20%), diesel oil (11%), and POME waste (8%). Hotspot acidification showed that 48% mainly came from NPK fertilizers, methanol (28%), POME waste (13%), and diesel oil (11%). Conclusion: The concept of a biodiesel production life cycle can be applied with the best alternative utilization of POME waste with a priority weighting of 0.357 and a CO2(eq) emission criterion of 0.494. From the optimization of the life cycle of biodiesel production with the use of POME, the potential for emission reduction is 667.2 Kg CO2 (eq). Novelty/Originality of this Study: This study's novel application of LCA evaluates the environmental impacts of biodiesel production from palm oil in Indonesia, identifying critical hotspots in CO2 emissions, eutrophication, and acidification. Additionally, it proposes an innovative optimization approach by utilizing POME to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions, highlighting a viable path for enhancing the sustainability of biodiesel production.

Reading a liberation psychology archive in South Africa

Those working from within the liberation psychology paradigm strive to remould psychology so that it might be put to work for the task of liberation – a task with which most psychologists have, historically, been wholly unconcerned. In practice, liberation psychology tends to be porous, multiple, and under-resourced. Indeed, much of what we might think of as liberation psychology is not referred to as such by its practitioners. Surfacing liberation psychology, then, requires reading into its undocumented histories. In this article, we attempt to develop a picture of liberation psychology in South Africa (SA) by reading the archives of Mohamed Seedat, a pioneering practitioner of liberation psychology. Grounded in the working-class south of Johannesburg and underwritten by expansive global commitments to liberation, Seedat’s archive spans almost four decades, passing through many disciplines, communities, political traditions, and affective registers. We suggest that his archive offers us insights into the affective components of history, developing community praxis in apartheid and post-apartheid SA, and humanising knowledge-making. We conclude by reflecting on how liberation psychology archives like Seedat’s serve as under-appreciated resources for grappling with the psycho-political constitution of emancipatory struggle.

Attitudes of Medical Students Toward Sexual Minorities: A Multicentric Survey from the Medical Education Without Discrimination Project

ABSTRACT This study, as a part of the ’Medical Education without Discrimination (MED) Project,” focuses on investigating attitudes toward sexual minorities and demographics among Turkish medical students. In the needs assessment phase of MED Project, a survey covering demographics, sexual orientation, attitudes toward sexual minorities, and Index of Attitudes Toward Homosexuals by Hudson & Ricketts (6-point Likert) was conducted among 523 medical students of one public and two nonprofit private medical schools in Istanbul. Of the students, 4.2% declared themselves as non-heterosexual. The findings highlight that medical students are on the verge of homophobia (44th percentile). Homophobia was significantly higher among public university students, males, younger individuals, those who originated from underdeveloped settlements, those who grew up with mothers who did not graduate from university, those who considered themselves happier, and those without LGBTI+ acquaintances. Of the respondents, 14.1% do not perceive LGBTI+ people as equals within the community, and 75.7% assert that they would conceal their own LGBTI+ identity if they were part of this community. This study highlights that the need for targeted interventions in medical education in line with the global commitment to reduce inequalities and promote inclusive health care.

Pandemic burden in low-income settings and impact of limited and delayed interventions: A granular modelling analysis of COVID-19 in Kabwe, Zambia

ObjectivesPandemic response in low-income countries (LICs) or settings often suffers from scarce epidemic surveillance and constrained mitigation capacity. The drivers of pandemic burden in such settings, and the impact of limited and delayed interventions remain poorly understood. MethodsWe analysed COVID-19 seroprevalence and all-cause excess deaths data from the peri-urban district of Kabwe, Zambia between March 2020 and September 2021 with a novel mathematical model. Data encompassed three consecutive waves caused by the wild-type, Beta and Delta variants. ResultsAcross all three waves, we estimated a high cumulative attack rate, with 78% (95% credible interval [CrI] 71-85) of the population infected, and a high all-cause excess mortality, at 402 (95% CrI 277-473) deaths per 100,000 people. Ambitiously improving health care to a capacity similar to that in high-income settings could have averted up to 46% (95% CrI 41-53) of accrued excess deaths, if implemented from June 2020 onward. An early and accelerated vaccination rollout could have achieved the highest reductions in deaths. Had vaccination started as in some high-income settings in December 2020 and with the same daily capacity (doses per 100 population), up to 68% (95% CrI 64-71) of accrued excess deaths could have been averted. Slower rollouts would have still averted 62% (95% CrI 58-68), 54% (95% CrI 49-61) or 26% (95% CrI 20-38) of excess deaths if matching the average vaccination capacity of upper-middle-, lower-middle- or LICs, respectively. ConclusionsRobust quantitative analyses of pandemic data are of pressing need to inform future global pandemic preparedness commitments.

The challenges of Chile to achieve control the HIV/AIDS pandemic the year 2030: A review.

Chile is contending with the highest rates of new human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) cases in both Latin America and globally, despite substantial ongoing investments in treatment. This comprehensive study, derived from PUBMED and Google searches, ANID data, and various organizational reports, highlights key areas for improvement. Over the past decade, Chile's annual infection rate has risen, signaling an urgent need for detailed analysis and effective solutions. The study includes 44 references, comprising 32 scientific articles and 12 reports from entities like the WHO and the Pan American Health Organization. Data was meticulously collected through diverse means, such as scientific congresses, meetings with authorities, and direct data requests. Fourteen critical points are identified for addressing the HIV epidemic in Chile, spanning from legislative reforms to enhanced prevention campaigns. Key recommendations include universal diagnosis, decentralized healthcare, the availability of self-tests, and a focus on mental health and the impact of migration. Despite Chile's strong economic indicators, factors such as inadequate sexual education, outdated legislation, and centralized diagnostic processes contribute to the persistent increase in new cases. The study underscores the pressing need for enhanced investment in prevention policies. Chile faces significant challenges in meeting the 90/90/90 targets, yet there is optimism in aiming for the 95/95/95 strategy by 2030. Achieving success requires a global commitment, an emphasis on prevention, and collaborative efforts among authorities, healthcare providers, and patients. Overcoming these identified barriers is essential for Chile to reach its ambitious goal and ultimately end the HIV epidemic.

Impact of ivermectin and vector control on onchocerciasis transmission in Togo: Assessing the empirical evidence on trends in infection and entomological indicators.

The World Health Organization's 2021-2030 Road Map for Neglected Tropical Diseases boosted global commitment towards the elimination of onchocerciasis, but the timeline to elimination will vary strongly between countries in Africa. To assess progress towards elimination in the Republic of Togo, we reviewed the history of control and time trends in infection. We collated all available programmatic, entomological, and epidemiological data since the initiation of the Onchocerciasis Control Programme (OCP) in Togo through different data sources. We then visualised data trends over time, to assess the impact of interventions on infection and transmission levels. Vector control was initiated by OCP from 1977 (northern and central parts of Togo) or 1988 (southern regions) up to 2002 (most areas) or 2007 ("special intervention zones" [SIZ], parts of Northern and Central Togo). Between 1988 and 1991, Togo initiated ivermectin mass drug administration (MDA) in eligible communities. The impact of vector control was high in most river basins, resulting in low annual biting rates and annual transmission potential declining to very low levels; the impact was lower in river basins designated as SIZ. Repeated, longitudinal ivermectin mass treatments have overall strongly reduced onchocerciasis transmission in Togo. Epidemiological surveys performed between 2014 and 2017 showed that the prevalence of skin microfilariae (mf) and anti-OV16 IgG4 antibodies had declined to low levels in several districts of the Centrale, Plateaux, and Maritime region. Yet, relatively high mf prevalences (between 5.0% and 32.7%) were still found in other districts during the same period, particularly along the Kéran, Mô and Ôti river basins (SIZ areas). Trends in infection prevalence and intensity show that onchocerciasis levels have dropped greatly over time in most areas. This demonstrates the large impact of long-term and wide-scale interventions, and suggest that several districts of Togo are approaching elimination.