Human Resource Capacity Building Research Articles

National AIDS Control Organisation’s human resource capacity building initiatives for better response to HIV/AIDS in India

National AIDS Control Organisation’s human resource capacity building initiatives for better response to HIV/AIDS in India

National AIDS Control Organisation’s human resource capacity building initiatives for better response to HIV/AIDS in India

National AIDS Control Organisation’s human resource capacity building initiatives for better response to HIV/AIDS in India

Strengthening Public Laboratory Service in Sub-Saharan Africa: Uganda Case Study

In developed countries, the majority of medical decisions are made on the basis of quality laboratory testing according to established standards and enforced regulations. With the large investments of global health initiatives into resource-limited settings in sub-Saharan Africa, there is an opportunity to establish quality laboratory testing by overcoming barriers such as physical infrastructure, quality management plans according to external standards, and human resource capacity building. Strengthening laboratories could change the paradigm from empiric, algorithm-based clinical care to care based on accessible test-based accurate diagnoses. * SSA : sub-Saharan Africa MDGs : Millennium Development Goals TB : tuberculosis RLS : resource-limited settings UNGASS : United Nations General Assembly Special Session HC : health centers CPHL : Central Public Health Laboratories DST : Direct Sensitivity Testing NTCL : National TB Central Laboratory DBS : Dried Blood Spots JCRC : Joint Clinical Research Centre IDI : Infectious Diseases Institute HR : human resource ISO : International Organization for Standardization GCLP : Good Clinical Laboratory Practices CLSI : Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute CDC : Centers for Disease Control and Prevention WHO-AFRO : World Health Organization-Africa Regional Office SLMTA : Strengthening Laboratory Management Toward Accreditation MU-JHU/IDI : Makerere University-Johns Hopkins University at the Infectious Diseases Institute CAP : College of American Pathologists COQ : cost of quality EQA : external quality assurance NGO : non-governmental organization

Using ATMs as Workload Relievers for Ghanaian Bank Tellers: The Customer Behavioral Challenge

This study explored the issue of whether the use of the Automated Teller Machines (ATM) as a service delivery tool in the banking industry of many developing countries has achieved its intended objective of increasing the effectiveness of customer service provision and reducing the workload of bank tellers. The purpose is to understand customers’ behaviour towards the use of ATM as a banking service delivery tool, and the influence of such customer-usage behaviour on the banks’ human resource capacity building, in terms of employee workload relief and performance. This is because most banks in subSaharan African countries have introduced the ATM in bids to satisfying customers’ service needs and making the work of employees easier. Data was collected using questionnaires that were administered to bank customers who use the ATM facility, as well as bank managers. The findings showed that though most bank customers who use the ATM services perceive the ATM as a convenient, reliable, accurate and suitable service delivery tool for their banking transactions; they still underutilize the ATM’s service capacity by choosing to go to the banking halls to make cash withdrawals of amounts that could be obtained from the ATMs. It is also found that by virtue of this customer behaviour of not using the ATM’s to their full potential, the relief that it is expected to provide bank tellers is not realized. It is concluded that because of customer behavioral challenges to the effective utilization of the ATM technology, banks in developing economies not benefiting from its full potential as a customer service delivery tool, and also as a strategic workload reliever for tellers who service customers inside the banking halls.

Human resource capacity building on TB laboratory work for TB control program--through the experience of international TB laboratory training course for TB control at the Research Institute of Tuberculosis, JATA, Japan

The international training course on TB laboratory work for national tuberculosis program (NTP) has been conducted at the Research Institute of Tuberculosis since 1975 funded by Japan International Cooperation Agency in collaboration with WHO Western Pacific Regional Office. The aim of the course is to train key personnel in TB laboratory field for NTP in resource-limited countries. The course has trained 265 national key personnel in TB laboratory service from 57 resource-limited countries in the last 33 years. The number of participants trained may sound too small in the fight against the large TB problem in resource-limited countries. However, every participant is playing an important role as a core and catalyst for the TB control program in his/her own country when they were back home. The curriculum is composed of technical aspects on TB examination, mainly sputum microscopy in addition since microscopy service is provided at many centers that are deployed in a widely spread area, the managerial aspect of maintaining quality TB laboratory work at the field laboratory is another component of the curriculum. Effective teaching methods using materials such as artificial sputum, which is useful for panel slide preparation, and technical manuals with illustrations and pictures of training procedure have been developed through the experience of the course. These manuals are highly appreciated and widely used by the front line TB workers. The course has also contributed to the expansion of EQA (External Quality Assessment) system on AFB microscopy for the improvement of the quality of TB laboratory service of NTP. The course is well-known for not only having a long history, but also for its unique learning method emphasizing "Participatory Training", particularly for practicum sessions to master the skills on AFB microscopy. The method in learning AFB microscopy, which was developed by the course, was published as a training manual by IUATLD, RIT and USAID. As it is mentioned, the course has been contributing to human resource capacity building including management of laboratory service to improve NTP in the resource-limited countries. Currently, expansion of technology transfer on culture examination for drug susceptibility test has been attempted to the resource-limited countries due to the occurrence of MDR-TB (Multi drug-resistant tuberculosis) and XDR-TB (Extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis) cases. However, since sputum smear examination is most effective method of detection of infectious TB, the writers believe it is still a core component of TB control, unless a new diagnostic tool that is practicable and effective in the resource-limited countries is developed. Therefore the course will keep focused on the smear examination as the basic curriculum. The course is highly appreciated by international experts and it is our responsibility to answer the expectation from them.

Transfer of knowledge through expatriates nationals (TOKTEN) as a gender sensitive development assistance modality in patriarchal societies: An example from Kassala State, Eastern Sudan

Transfer of knowledge through expatriate nationals (TOKTEN) initiative is a UNDP technical assistance modality that aims at human resource capacity building in countries that suffer from brain-drain. One of the main constraints that impede maximum contribution of human resource development programs towards sustainable development is lack of gender-sensitivity. TOKTEN initiative is believed to overcome this constraint. Thus, this paper will examine this thesis in the Sudanese setting. Data were collected from 46 trainees who attended a training workshop arranged through TOKTEN initiative. t-Test was used to examine the difference in the level of knowledge of the male and female trainees about the different concepts and topics under consideration before and after the workshop. The study results reflected a significant improvement in the trainees’ level of knowledge with no significant difference between the mean level of knowledge of the male and female trainees. Thus, the main advantage of TOKTEN initiative is its’ capability to build human resource capacity in patriarchal societies without inducing gender disparity. Consequently, TOKTEN initiative should be promoted and expanded particularly in resource poor and patriarchal societies.

Geoscience Initiative Develops Sustainable Science in Africa

AfricaArray (http://www.AfricaArray.org) is a 20‐year initiative in the geosciences to meet the African Union's New Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD) requirements for continent‐wide cooperation in human resources development and capacity building. The name AfricaArray refers to arrays of scientists working on linked projects across the continent, arrays of shared training programs and recording stations, and, above all, a shared vision that Africa will retain capacity in an array of technical and scientific fields vital to its sustainable development. AfricaArray officially launched in January 2005 and, with support from many public and private partners, has become multifaceted, promoting a broad range of educational and research activities and supporting a multiuser sensor network (Figure 1). Though fostering geophysics education and research in South Africa was its initial focus, AfricaArray has expanded to 17 countries and is now branching out into all areas of the geosciences (Earth, atmosphere, and space).

Role of government in public health: Current scenario in India and future scope.

The new agenda for Public Health in India includes the epidemiological transition, demographical transition, environmental changes and social determinants of health. Based on the principles outlined at Alma-Ata in 1978, there is an urgent call for revitalizing primary health care in order to meet these challenges. The role of the government in influencing population health is not limited within the health sector but also by various sectors outside the health systems. This article is a literature review of the existing government machinery for public health needs in India, its success, limitations and future scope. Health system strengthening, human resource development and capacity building and regulation in public health are important areas within the health sector. Contribution to health of a population also derives from social determinants of health like living conditions, nutrition, safe drinking water, sanitation, education, early child development and social security measures. Population stabilization, gender mainstreaming and empowerment, reducing the impact of climate change and disasters on health, improving community participation and governance issues are other important areas for action. Making public health a shared value across the various sectors is a politically challenging strategy, but such collective action is crucial.

Local Government Reform Programs and Human Resource Capacity Building in Africa: Evidence from Local Government Authorities (LGAs) in Tanzania

The Local Government Reform Program (LGRP) in Tanzania was introduced to improve the access and quality of services provided by Local Government Authorities (LGAs). The main aim of the study is to clarify the practice and impact of Human Resource Capacity Building with reference to the LGRP in Tanzania. The study adopted a three-dimensional framework involving Human Resource Development (HRD), Organization Development (OD), and Institutional Development (ID) dimensions in order to gather primary and secondary data relating to Tanzania. The HRD findings revealed that the LGRP led to the introduction of training programs, upgraded working conditions, and revised management procedures. The OD dimension revealed the introduction of new organization structures, strategic plans, the involvement of employees in decision making, and culture change. It was concluded that, in relation to both HRD and OD, the LGRP resulted in positive impacts but had failed to address critical deficiencies such as poor training coordination, the inability to attract and retain skilled employees, and unsatisfactory working conditions. The ID dimension of the study identified the continued existence and application of old labor laws, a lack of fiscal autonomy at LGA level, contradictory policies, political interferences and donor dependence. The study concludes by highlighting specific recommendations and suggestions that relate to the LGRP in Tanzania. These include the involvement of politicians and lower levels of employees in training programs, the introduction of management development programs that focus upon the needs of LGAs, and improvements to employees' working conditions. Further suggestions include the amendment of contradictory laws and policies, the allocation of more tax collection resources, Human Resource and financial autonomies, and the development of a strategy to address the intrusive relationship between Central and Local Governments.

‘Distance learning’ or ‘learning at a distance’? Case study of an education initiative to deliver an in‐service bachelors degree in Zambia

In 1998, as part of what was then Zambia's Department of Technical Education and Vocational Training's (DTEVT) human resources capacity building initiative, under the Ministry of Science, Technology and Vocational Training (MSTVT), donor funding was secured to provide degree‐level training for key teachers and managers within the technical education and vocational education and training (TEVET) system. However, the lack of degree‐level courses designed for TEVET personnel at both of Zambia's universities prevented progress. This situation has disadvantaged TEVET staff and for years has limited their professional development. To address this, a pilot project involving a British Higher Education Institution delivering a degree programme, in‐country and in‐service (part‐time), was proposed by senior DTEVT staff. Some seven years after the commencement of this programme and with three cohorts having successfully been completed, this paper examines some of the key issues in delivery of the programme over the years and reflects on significant events that have influenced the programme's development and are likely to continue to impact on its future direction.

The Fiocruz experience in Global Health and Health Diplomacy capacity building: conceptual framework, curricular structure and first results

Developing an International Health capability and training professionals to work with health at the international level have been concerns of the Fiocruz for over a decade. This process culminated in its setting up a Global Health and Health Diplomacy area in 2007 and embarking on other initiatives, including a postgraduate specialisation course. This paper examines the theoretical frames of reference that orient the human resource capacity building in Global Health and Health Diplomacy pursued by Sergio Arouca National School of Public Health (ENSP/Fiocruz) in collaboration with a number of internal and external partners. Following a brief conceptual review, which delimits these areas as new objects of study in collective health, the paper examines the central issue relations between globalisation and health that organises the content and presents the structure of the 1st Specialisation Course in Global Health and Health Diplomacy, given in 2008-2009, in Brasilia. It is concluded that, in spite of advances identified in the past decade, these fields are in need of greater conceptual refinement and development of sound analytical frameworks. Meanwhile, the impacts of globalisation processes on the health of populations also pose new challenges to international cooperation. In view of the priority given to health by current Brazilian foreign policy, there is still insufficient knowledge production and human resource capacity-building to address these new realities. Thence the importance of the investments being made.

A experiência da Fiocruz na formação de profissionais em saúde global e diplomacia da saúde: base conceitual, estrutura curricular e primeiros resultados

Developing an International Health capability and training professionals to work with health at the international level have been concerns of the Fiocruz for over a decade. This process culminated in its setting up a Global Health and Health Diplomacy area in 2007 and embarking on other initiatives, including a postgraduate specialisation course. This paper examines the theoretical frames of reference that orient the human resource capacity building in Global Health and Health Diplomacy pursued by Sergio Arouca National School of Public Health (ENSP/Fiocruz) in collaboration with a number of internal and external partners. Following a brief conceptual review, which delimits these areas as new objects of study in collective health, the paper examines the central issue – relations between globalisation and health – that organises the content and presents the structure of the 1st Specialisation Course in Global Health and Health Diplomacy, given in 2008-2009, in Brasilia. It is concluded that, in spite of advances identified in the past decade, these fields are in need of greater conceptual refinement and development of sound analytical frameworks. Meanwhile, the impacts of globalisation processes on the health of populations also pose new challenges to international cooperation. In view of the priority given to health by current Brazilian foreign policy, there is still insufficient knowledge production and human resource capacity-building to address these new realities. Thence the importance of the investments being made.

The Fiocruz experience in Global Health and Health Diplomacy capacity building: conceptual framework, curricular structure and first results

Developing an International Health capability and training professionals to work with health at the international level have been concerns of the Fiocruz for over a decade. This process culminated in its setting up a Global Health and Health Diplomacy area in 2007 and embarking on other initiatives, including a postgraduate specialisation course. This paper examines the theoretical frames of reference that orient the human resource capacity building in Global Health and Health Diplomacy pursued by Sergio Arouca National School of Public Health (ENSP/Fiocruz) in collaboration with a number of internal and external partners. Following a brief conceptual review, which delimits these areas as new objects of study in collective health, the paper examines the central issue – relations between globalisation and health – that organises the content and presents the structure of the 1st Specialisation Course in Global Health and Health Diplomacy, given in 2008-2009, in Brasilia. It is concluded that, in spite of advances identified in the past decade, these fields are in need of greater conceptual refinement and development of sound analytical frameworks. Meanwhile, the impacts of globalisation processes on the health of populations also pose new challenges to international cooperation. In view of the priority given to health by current Brazilian foreign policy, there is still insufficient knowledge production and human resource capacity-building to address these new realities. Thence the importance of the investments being made.

Making Doha More Developmentally Friendly for Agriculture

The opportunity to achieve the substantial benefits from the “once‐in‐a‐generation” reduction in the support and protection of the agriculture sector under the Doha Development Agenda appears to be slipping away. The paper outlines a series of factors for the delay in the negotiations. The author contends that if developed countries had been more proactive on a trade and development agenda, then there could have been an agreement reached several months ago. Such a developmentally friendly agenda could involve (i) better Special and Differential Treatment on market access and more flexible market access protection for developing countries, (ii) a binding commitment to increase aid for trade assistance, (iii) more resources to provide human resource capacity building in export marketing in developing countries, (iv) an agreement for the termination of trade distorting domestic support, and (v) revisions to the SPS Agreement to accommodate the concerns of developing countries. A developmentally friendly agreement would likely still allow the majority of the Doha Round gains to be realized by developed countries. The paper also tracks the developments, describes the progress, and reviews the empirical estimates of the expected global impact of the eight‐year Doha Round negotiations. L'occasion de profiter des avantages substantiels que pourrait procurer la réduction « unique » du soutien et du protectionnisme agricoles dans le cadre du Programme de Doha pour le développement semble s'échapper. Le présent article expose une série de facteurs responsables du retard dans les négociations. L'auteur soutient que si les pays développés avaient été davantage proactifs quant à l'élaboration d'un programme d'échanges et de développement, un accord aurait pu être conclu il y a plusieurs mois déjà. Un programme soucieux du développement pourrait inclure: i) un « Traitement spécial et différencié» amélioré sur l'accès au marché et une protection de l'accès au marché plus souple pour les pays en développement; ii) un engagement obligatoire pour accroître l'aide au commerce; iii) davantage de ressources pour accroître le renforcement des capacités des pays en développement dans le domaine de la commercialisation des exportations; iv) un accord pour mettre fin au soutien interne qui distord les échanges; v) des modifications à l'Accord MSP pour répondre aux préoccupations des pays en développement. Un accord soucieux du développement permettrait probablement aux pays développés de réaliser la majorité des gains du cycle de Doha. Le présent article fait état des développements, décrit les progrès et examine les estimations empiriques des répercussions globales de la huitième année de négociations du cycle de Doha.

Human Resource Capacity Building in the developing world and mobilising excess capacity for export

This paper has two sides to it. The first part has to do with building sufficient human resource capacityand the second part of it is to do with the mobilisation of the excess human resource capacity forexport. Achieving this two-pronged task is a challenge that requires the expertise and involvement of allkey players in the relevant institutions for the desired results. The second part of the topic under discussion will follow on organically from the achievement of the firstpart that is, once the structures are in place to develop human resources and build capacity, thenexpansion on those structures can be used to produce the excess capacity for export.

Sustainable scaling up of good quality health worker education for tuberculosis control in Indonesia: a case study

BackgroundIn 2000, an external review mission of the National Tuberculosis Control Programme of Indonesia identified suboptimal results of TB control activities. This led to a prioritization on human resource capacity building representing a major shift in the approach following the recommendations of the external review team.Case descriptionThe National Tuberculosis Control Programme (NTP) used a systematic process to develop and implement two strategic action plans focussing on competence development based on specific job descriptions. The approach was a change from only focussing on training, to a broader, long term approach to human resource development for comprehensive TB control.A structured plan for capacity building, including standardized competency based training modules and curricula, was developed in the first phase. This was supported by an organisational system comprised of a training focal point, master trainers, and regional training centres in which nationwide training of supervisors was implemented. Training was expanded to the health service delivery level in the second phase, as well as broadened in the scope of activities beyond training to also include other aspects of human resource development.Discussion and evaluationThe result was improved technical and managerial capacity of health workers for TB control at all levels. The impact on case detection and treatment outcome was spectacular, with major improvements in quality of all aspects of service delivery.ConclusionThe strategic decision by the NTP in 2000 to put the highest priority on capacity building has resulted in impressive progress towards TB control targets, a progress that despite many challenges has been sustained.

Human resource capacity building in Ghana's local government

Human resource capacity building in Ghana's local government

Reform in international institutions: the case of the United Nations

Purpose – The paper aims to highlight the challenges faced by international organisations such as the United Nations when facing the ever‐changing demands for change through the adoption of a holistic reform process.Design/methodology/approach – The paper uses the UN as a case for understanding the reform process undertaken by international organisations. Based on the evidence in hand both from the UN and the literature on public sector reform, leadership and governance, a case has been prepared for the development of a holistic model for achieving the goals of an effective and sustainable reform.Findings – The evidence supports the view that attention ought to be paid to treating international organisations such as the UN as operating in an open system environment where there is a constant need for adaptation to the environment and adoption of change. To achieve this, attention should be paid to the development and capacity building of human resources, whose changing values, behaviour and attitudes are o...

Oral health in the family health strategy: a change of practices or semantics diversionism

To evaluate public health dentistry practices of two different family health models. Qualitative study conducted with data obtained from focus groups consisting of 58 dentists working in the Family Health Strategy for at least three years between August-October, 2006. The Paideia Family Health Approach was used in the city of Campinas and the Oral Health Initiative as part of the Family Health Strategy was implemented in the city of Curitiba, Southeastern and Southern Brazil, respectively. Data was analyzed using the hermeneutic-dialectic method. Analysis indicators were employed to indicate backwardness, stagnation or progress in oral health practices effective from the implementation of the strategies referred. The indicators used were: work process; interdisciplinary approach; territorialization; capacity building of human resources; health promotion practices; and responsiveness to users' demands. There was progress in user access to services, humanization of health care, patient welcoming and patient-provider relationship. The results related to health promotion practices, territorialization, interdisciplinary approach and resource capacity building indicated a need for technical and operational enhancements in both cities. Both models have brought about important advances in terms of increased access to services and humanization of health care. Universal access to oral health at all levels of complexity was not achieved in both cities studied. Local health managers and oral health program coordinators must bring more weight to bear in the arena that defines public policy priorities.

Oral health in the family health strategy: a change of practices or semantics diversionism

To evaluate public health dentistry practices of two different family health models.Qualitative study conducted with data obtained from focus groups consisting of 58 dentists working in the Family Health Strategy for at least three years between August-October, 2006. The Paideia Family Health Approach was used in the city of Campinas and the Oral Health Initiative as part of the Family Health Strategy was implemented in the city of Curitiba, Southeastern and Southern Brazil, respectively. Data was analyzed using the hermeneutic-dialectic method. Analysis indicators were employed to indicate backwardness, stagnation or progress in oral health practices effective from the implementation of the strategies referred. The indicators used were: work process; interdisciplinary approach; territorialization; capacity building of human resources; health promotion practices; and responsiveness to users' demands.There was progress in user access to services, humanization of health care, patient welcoming and patient-provider relationship. The results related to health promotion practices, territorialization, interdisciplinary approach and resource capacity building indicated a need for technical and operational enhancements in both cities.Both models have brought about important advances in terms of increased access to services and humanization of health care. Universal access to oral health at all levels of complexity was not achieved in both cities studied. Local health managers and oral health program coordinators must bring more weight to bear in the arena that defines public policy priorities.