Non-governmental Research Articles

COVID-19 vaccination in low and middle-income countries: Creating a sustainable roadmap for promoting public health intervention.

The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is a global public health threat ravaging the health systems. In low and middle-income countries (LMICs), COVID-19 and several other challenges concurrently worsen the health outcome indicators. Interestingly, vaccines have been identified as the most reliable and cost-effective public health intervention, and the governments in LMICs have instituted an array of plans to ensure every eligible person gets vaccinated. However, there is still considerable apathy around the use of the available COVID-19 vaccines in LMICs which is impeding the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. In this paper, we explore the multiple interrelated factors behind low COVID-19 vaccination coverage in LMICs. It is therefore recommended that the governments in LMICs embrace multicomponent and wide-ranging strategies. This should involve utilising community-based approaches such as community pharmacy-led vaccination to promote community access to COVID-19 vaccines and to revive trust in national health authorities by offering population-specific, target-driven, transparent, and timely communication to the community who they serve about the safety and efficacy of the COVID-19 vaccine. Communication strategies should be tailored to reflect diverse political orientations as this can enhance vaccine acceptance. Additionally, local political parties and representative should be engaged in broad alliances to facilitate community mobilisation and support for vaccination campaigns. Also, relevant Nongovernmental Organisations and Community-based Organisations should institute programs at the grassroots that incorporate the gatekeepers to the community aimed at influencing population behaviour regarding COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy. Besides, the public health department in the ministry of health in LMICs should create more awareness, through social and mass media, particularly in the rural, semi-urban, and slum communities about the pivotal role of vaccination. Thus, we opined that these strategies will help LMICs achieve the COVID-19 vaccination target and further reposition the healthcare systems, and promote other public health interventions now and in the future.

Exploring the multifaceted vulnerabilities of female street child labor in the capital city of Bangladesh

Numerous children experience vulnerability due to their families' profound economic and socio-economic hardships. Among this demographic, females face heightened susceptibility, particularly those engaged in child labor. Dhaka, the capital city of Bangladesh, hosts a substantial population of female child laborers, compounding their precarious circumstances. Hence this study utilizes a qualitative phenomenological approach to investigate the vulnerabilities affecting these female child laborers thoroughly. A total of 25 in-depth interviews were conducted with female child laborers in Dhaka city, following a semi-structured format. NVivo 14 software was instrumental in the systematic coding and analysis of the extensive text data, enhancing the reliability and validity of the findings. This study, therefore, explores various vulnerabilities faced by female child laborers in Dhaka city, including risky health behavior, abusive behavior, sexual harassment, school dropout, unhygienic dietary habits, hazardous work conditions, and substandard living environments. Their socio-economic conditions make them susceptible to physical and mental setbacks, exploitation, and loss of dignity. The study emphasizes the necessity for comprehensive support and breaking the cycle through educational, health, and social initiatives. It offers a detailed portrayal of the living conditions of female child laborers in Dhaka city, providing valuable insights and evidence-based policy prescriptions for policymakers and Non-Government Organizations to formulate effective policies and measures to safeguard this vulnerable community.

Food Harvest: A Collaborative Solution for Reducing Food Waste

Abstract: Food waste is a significant worldwide issue that impacts both wealthy and developing countries. It is estimated that approximately 50% of food produced is wasted. This wasted food is an inefficient use of time, energy, and resources that went into producing it, in addition to being a loss of nourishment. Food waste also contributes to environmental issues like greenhouse gas emissions and has a large financial impact. To tackle this problem, we suggest an innovative approach. This essay suggests a thorough website designed to address the problems associated with food waste. This solution, which makes use of Firebase Authentication's powerful features, attempts to promote a cooperative ecosystem among four important parties: hotel managers, farmers, non- governmental organizations (NGOs), and composters.

Tracking sustainability compliance of buildings in rapidly urbanizing Southeastern Nigeria

This study examines sustainability compliance in Southeast Nigeria, a region experiencing rapid economic, social, and environmental changes. The research uses a mixed-methods approach to collect both quantitative and qualitative data from various stakeholders, including enterprises, governments agencies, civil society organizations, and local communities. The findings reveal a complex landscape of sustainability compliance, highlighting gaps and barriers such as inadequate regulatory frameworks, limited resource access, and a lack of awareness and capacity-building initiatives. Additionally, cultural and societal factors significantly influence attitudes and behaviours towards sustainability. The study emphasizes the importance of context-specific approaches to sustainability compliance in a region characterized by unique socio-cultural and economic dynamics. It provides recommendations for policymakers, businesses, and civil society organizations to foster greater sustainability awareness, promote responsible practices, and create an enabling environment for sustainable development. Further research and collaborative efforts are needed to address these challenges and advance sustainability objectives in the Southeast region.

Ending child marriages through young people’s movement building: the case of community champions in Mutasa District, Zimbabwe

Despite efforts made to promote gender equality in all spheres of life, women, especially young girls below the age of 18 years from marginalised African communities continue to face a plethora of challenges such as harmful practises and negative gender stereotypes which hinder them from realising their full potential. Included in these harmful practises is the abhorrent act of child sexual exploitation in the name of child marriages. There are several initiatives by different actors to end child marriages and Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) Africa Trust (SAT), Zimbabwe is one Civil Society Organisation (CSO) that has made significant strides in contributing towards ending child sexual exploitation. The organisation works to empower adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) to define their needs and undertakes various forms of advocacy including awareness raising and direct advocacy with key decision-makers. Interventions contribute to reducing self-stigma that disempowers adolescents and young people from realising their full potential. This article discusses an intervention that SAT has spearheaded in a bid to contribute to the end of child sexual exploitation and the role social workers can play to work with Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) such as SAT in ending child marriages. How to reference using ASWNet style: Mushunje, M., Ismail-Mauto, H. & Mazhambe R. (2024). Ending child marriages through young people’s movement building: the case of community champions in Mutasa District, Zimbabwe. African Journal of Social Work, 14(4), 207-216. https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/ajsw.v14i4.4 Visit journal website: https://ajsw.africasocialwork.net

Online Gambling: A Tantalizing Game with Risks that Drain Fortunes and Futures

Online gambling has become an increasingly serious problem in Indonesia, affecting not only individuals but also social structures more broadly. This study aims to examine the prevalence and characteristics of online gambling among Indonesian adolescents and university students and find challenges and strategies in dealing with this problem. The data were analyzed using theme analysis, and the findings show that online gambling is a complex problem influenced by various factors, including ease of access, social influence, and financial incentives. This research shows that a comprehensive approach is needed in dealing with online gambling, involving the government, law enforcement, and civil society organizations. The findings suggest that public education and awareness campaigns are crucial in preventing online gambling, and law enforcement should be equipped with effective resources and technology to monitor and block online gambling activities. This research contributes to the existing literature by providing insights into the experiences and perceptions of Indonesian adolescents and university students who engage in online gambling. The findings also indicate the importance of a multi-faceted approach in dealing with online gambling, including the development of alternative recreational activities and the provision of counseling services for those affected by gambling addiction.

Pilot model of hepatitis C virus micro-elimination in high-risk populations in Hong Kong: Barriers and facilitators

BackgroundAlthough the general seroprevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in Hong Kong is <0.5 %, Hong Kong is still striving for HCV elimination owing to barriers in care cascade encompassing linkage-to-care (LTC), treatment initiation and adherence. We aimed to evaluate the feasibility of a pilot model of micro-elimination to strengthen the HCV care cascade for high-risk groups in Hong Kong. MethodsWe initiated the pilot Conquering Hepatitis vIa Micro-Elimination (CHIME) program which adopts an integrated care approach involving outreach visits to halfway house or drug rehabilitation centers run by non-governmental organizations. Participants with history of injection drug use (PWID), recreational drug use, or imprisonment were included. We performed point-of-care test for anti-HCV with reflex HCV RNA testing. LTC with government-subsidized direct acting antiviral was provided to viremic participants. We compared the impact on the care cascade with a cohort of HCV patients (17.8 % PWID) under usual care. Results396 participants (62.9 % PWID) were screened and 187 (47.2 %) were viremic, of which 29.8 % had cirrhosis. Proportion with LTC, treatment initiation and adherence were 76.5 % and 63.7 %, 90.9 % and 85.8 %, and 90.0 % and 92.2 %, for the CHIME program and usual care, respectively. The CHIME program was significantly associated with higher odds of LTC (OR 1.797, 95 % CI 1.221–2.644). Non-engagement in care (affecting 37.9 % participants with HCV viremia) was associated with unemployment (OR 2.165, 95 % CI 1.118–4.190). ConclusionThe pilot CHIME program demonstrated feasibility of an integrated approach to consolidate the HCV care cascade in high-risk populations in Hong Kong.

Gendered socialization and sexual violence - A socio-anthropological study in Togo.

This article bases its argument on the social representations that justify sexual violence against adolescent girls and women and make it commonplace. It looks at the constructions of masculinity and femininity and their potential effects on the occurrence of sexual violence among adolescent girls. This is a socio-anthropological study carried out in the plateau regions of Togo. The empirical data came from individual semi-directive interviews (55), life stories (4) of adolescent rape victims and group interviews (40) with several stakeholders (adolescents, parents of adolescents, educators, community leaders and religious leaders). The results show that despite the efforts of the State and non-governmental organisations, local sexuality logics often have an impact on the persistence of sexual violence. (.

Impacts of CSR autonomy, self-expressiveness and hedonic value of CSR activity on guest citizenship and hotel brand preference

Recruiting guests to participate in corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities during a vacation presents a dilemma for hotel managers – will such requests spoil a holiday? The study is significant because of increased investment by hotels in CSR activities and greater inclusion of hotel guests in CSR activities. We extend psychological wellbeing theory to evaluate the relative importance of CSR autonomy in enhancing guest engagement. A scenario based on a guest’s return to an actual hotel recently visited was designed and a convenience sample of 249 survey respondents analyzed using structural equation modeling. While hedonic value of the CSR activity provided the greatest effect on brand preference, both self-expressiveness and CSR autonomy significantly impacted brand preference. Effects for all constructs were mediated through cocreated citizenship behavior. The study has substantial theoretical implications for scholars and practical implications for CSR marketing communication campaigns to guests conducted by hotel managers and non-governmental organizations.

The role of civil society organizations (CSOs) as community-based knowledge brokers: A qualitative study with CSOs during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic in Canada

Background: This study explored how civil society organizations in British Columbia, Canada, obtained, shared, and communicated multilingual COVID-19 information with people whose first language is not English. Aim: The aim was to examine civil society organizations’ role as community-based knowledge brokers during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: Commencing in December 2022, virtual semi-structured interviews were conducted with employees from civil society organizations in British Columbia (N=15). Results: Civil society organizations played a crucial role in sharing multilingual information with people whose first language is not English. They amplified public health messages, addressed confusion concerning public health orders, and engaged with community members to better understand and address local needs. Discussion: Civil society organizations contributed to health communication efforts and succeeded in reaching populations overlooked by mainstream communication channels. Conclusions: The COVID-19 pandemic provides an opportunity to reflect on the role of civil society organizations as community-based knowledge brokers that acted as intermediaries to support information-sharing from government public health communications to priority populations. Based on this study’s findings, we propose several recommendations to enhance equity-based preparedness, responses, and re­covery for health emergencies.

The Challenge of Evaluating the Impact of NGOs on the Human Capital and Life Satisfaction of Syrian Refugees in Turkey

Abstract The number of projects designed by non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to meet refugees’ needs in Turkey has steadily increased since the arrival of Syrian refugees. In existing studies, the projects of NGOs working with Syrian refugees have not been evaluated from a lens of human capital and life satisfaction. Given the crucial role of NGOs in implementing social policies within host countries, it becomes imperative to conduct thorough analyses of the effects of their projects on the target groups. The objective of this study is to evaluate the significance of human capital and life satisfaction within NGO projects, as perceived by NGO employees. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with national and international NGO representatives in Istanbul to probe the impact of the projects on Syrian refugees. Based on the findings, despite the considerable number of projects carried out with Syrian refugees, the absence of a dedicated methodology to measure changes in participants’ human capital and life satisfaction poses significant challenges in evaluating project outcomes. In this research, I propose a five-step method for assessing the impacts of NGO-applied projects. This method acknowledges existing limitations and promotes the improvement of the evaluation process.

Potrzeby osób z niepełnosprawnościami na poziomie lokalnym na przykładzie powiatu trzebnickiego

Getting to know the needs of people with disabilities might truly contribute to the improvement of their quality of life. The aim of the study discussed in this article is the hierarchisation of the needs of people with disabilities at the local level, on the example of Trzebnica poviat, and determining whether there are differences between their order of needs and that indicated at the regional level. The study was carried out from June to September 2020 among people with disabilities aged 15 and over divided into two samples: one consisting of 50 inhabitants of Trzebnica poviat and the other of 188 inhabitants of Dolnośląskie (Lower Silesian) Voivodship. Quota sampling in terms of selected socio-economic features, i.e. the respondents’ gender, place of residence and degree of disability was adopted in the study. Information about the surveyed population obtained from the National Population and Housing Census 2011 and non-governmental organisations was used in the sample selection process. People with disabilities inhabiting Trzebnica poviat identified bathroom modernisation as well as obtaining medicine and care products as their most urgent needs. They pointed to the absence of lifts in residential buildings, obstacles to travelling independently by means of public transport, lack of information about available training, poor prospects for obtaining resources for pursuing their interests and poor condition of roads as the most nagging everyday problems. The comparison of the order of needs of people with disabilities from the Trzebnica poviat and that of people with disabilities from the whole Dolnośląskie Voivodship shows there are differences. However, diagnosing the needs of people with disabilities at a local level and the subsequent implementation of relevant changes by local governments might improve the quality of life of people with disabilities in the whole region.

Роль держави та громадських організацій у підтримці соціально відповідального бізнесу

The article examines the importance of social responsibility and clarifies the role of the state and public organizations in supporting socially responsible businesses. Today, many Ukrainian enterprises and organizations realize the importance of socially responsible business and increasingly create and implement socially responsible business projects. Such social projects may be related to charity, creating new jobs for IDPs or people with certain special needs, introducing new ecological technologies in energy or food, and other social initiatives. Modernity has faced a whole chain of quite complex problems, for example, the rapid growth of social inequality, global environmental crises, and protracted armed conflicts. The article focuses on the fact that overcoming the mentioned problems requires significant general efforts not only of power structures but also of business and scientific circles and the public. The author analyzes publications devoted to the formation and improvement of socially oriented behavior of business entities and analyzes the experience of using public-private practices and approaches to creating and implementing projects regarding the social responsibility of representatives of state authorities, business structures, public organizations, and other stakeholders. The social responsibility of the state is one of the main levers of ensuring the quality and effectiveness of state administration. The author emphasizes that the state has an essential task in shaping the socially responsible behavior of citizens. Legislative influence, educational policy, support for socially responsible businesses, and public campaigns are all tools the state can use to support and develop socially responsible behavior that contributes to creating an ethical and sustainable society. Public organizations also play an essential role in implementing these principles and forming an ethical business environment. The most crucial function of NGOs is to change people. In our fragmented society, non-governmental organizations promote social inclusion and integration. Public organizations are active initiators of social projects and social initiatives aimed at creating comfortable living conditions for communities, improving the quality of education, etc. The author emphasizes that the state is vital in regulating and stimulating socially responsible business behavior. Legislation, financial incentives, and other instruments of government intervention can contribute to the formation of an effective system of social responsibility. It was also found that public organizations monitor and promote the principles of social responsibility. They can influence business by demanding compliance with high standards of ethics and integrity. Keywords: social responsibility of business, state, public organizations, social state, social projects.

Stakeholder perceptions of the Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources Marine Protected Area planning process

Establishing Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) in international waters is critical for the conservation of marine biodiversity. The Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR) is a global leader in high seas conservation, having established two international MPAs in Antarctica’s Southern Ocean, as part of a commitment to establish a representative system of MPAs for the CAMLR Convention Area. CCAMLR MPAs are adopted by consensus. However, consensus decision-making has slowed the MPA adoption process, and since 2016 the Commission has been unable to agree and implement further MPAs, which has stalled the development of the circumpolar representative system. The key aim of this study was to identify how features of the planning process contribute to outcomes, problems and solutions. We conducted semi-structured interviews with 18 scientists, policymakers, and expert observers from fisheries and environmental non-government organisations involved in CCAMLR MPA planning, to explore their perceptions (experiences, opinions, impressions) of the planning process. Our results identify four key features that are influential across multiple areas of the CCAMLR MPA planning and decision-making process: i) a lack of common understanding; ii) the influence of historical relationships and legacy in subsequent planning processes; iii) inconsistencies between expectations of and requirements for MPA planning; and iv) the degree to which CCAMLR principles and practices, norms, and values are shared. We demonstrate how these four features may help or hinder the effectiveness of the current planning process. We then make suggestions regarding how the planning process could be adapted to capitalise on these features.

Trans-Local Climate Politics in Ordinary Cities: From Local Agenda 21 to Transition Towns to Climate Emergency Declarations

This article addresses the question of how ordinary cities, conceptualized here in a simplified way as peripheralized small and medium-sized cities, navigate (the complexities of) climate policy and planning. To do so, we elaborate on three temporal waves of trans-municipal environmental politics that have simultaneously shaped municipal climate politics in many places globally: (a) the Local Agenda 21, between 1992–2002; (b) the Transition Towns movement, between 2006 and 2015; and (c) recent climate emergency declarations, in place since 2016. Interestingly, the thousands of participating municipalities include not only the well-known frontrunners but also many small and medium-sized cities. Some have come into contact with climate and transformation issues for the first time, others have even been pioneers for much larger cities. However, the three waves also each have different characteristics in terms of underlying governance models, theory of change and scope of transition, role of planning and civil society, or output orientation. Through the combination of quantitative and qualitative methods, an overview of interlinkages between the three climate policy waves in German ordinary cities is compiled from publicly accessible databases. In addition, qualitative impressions allow for statements on the actors of this transformation processes, including municipal governments and councils, civil society organizations and social movements, various bridging agents, and trans-national municipal networks. This perspective on (referential and institutional) continuities is deepened in a case study on the medium-sized town of Marburg, Hesse. As participating cities in all three waves are predominantly located in the Global North, the article aims to also contribute to the application of the “ordinary city model” to regionally peripheralized cities in globally non-peripheral regions.

Barriers and Facilitators to Medication Adherence among the Vulnerable Elderly: A Focus Group Study.

Poor medication adherence is a significant public health issue, especially among the vulnerable elderly, leading to increased morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs. This study aimed to explore, identify, and understand the barriers and facilitators to medication adherence among vulnerable elderly individuals. We conducted a qualitative study using focus group interviews with 31 participants, including community nurses, social care services, volunteers from non-governmental organizations, patient association members, and informal caregivers, using semi-structured questions and inductive content analysis to gather and analyze qualitative data. Two main categories, "Perceived barriers" and "Facilitative interventions" were developed. The findings revealed multiple barriers, including medication-related barriers, patient-related barriers and barriers related to the healthcare system and healthcare personnel. Participants also highlighted the importance of facilitating interventions like medication management, health education, supportive social networks, and ensuring continuity of care. The study underscores the need for targeted strategies to improve medication adherence among the vulnerable elderly.

Challenges of Managing the Employability of Differently Abled in South India: Experiences of Two Non-governmental Organizations

Challenges of Managing the Employability of Differently Abled in South India: Experiences of Two Non-governmental Organizations

Protocol for a mixed-methods study to explore implementation outcomes of the Phone-based Interventions under Nurse Guidance after Stroke (PINGS-II) across 10 hospitals in Ghana

BackgroundStroke survivors are at a substantially higher risk for adverse vascular events driven partly by poorly controlled vascular risk factors. Mobile health interventions supported by task shifting strategies have been...

Justification regimes and crisis practices: International educational collaboration amidst pandemic and war

This research investigates how international educational collaboration (IEC) as a social activity adapts to global crises: COVID-19 and the Russian’s invasion in Ukraine. We focus on Finnish higher education institutions (HEIs) and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) that actively provide IEC activities, such as student exchange, education export and educational capacity building abroad. Drawing from the sociology of conventions (SC) and the concept of social practices, we formulate a multidimensional framework that connects regimes of justification, and social practices that emerge in crises. Considering crises as a critical test, we analyse how IEC cope with unexpected situations that require establishing new justifications of public accountability and morality, and practices that fit the crises situation. Our empirical data collected through a two-stage open-ended questionnaire in 2021 and 2022 enables us to consider the recent trends and potential future(s) of IEC. Empirically, we conclude that coping with global crises requires IEC actors to make changes in IEC practices. Analytically, we theorise that regimes of justification and social practices that emerge during crises (crisis practices) are interconnected. Thus, this study contributes to practice-oriented frame by considering accountability of practices in the unexpected circumstances, enhancing the understanding of how different organisations adapt to turbulent times.

Microsurgery in low- and middle-income countries: Results of 20 years of experience in Cambodia

BackgroundMicrosurgical free tissue transfer is the gold standard for reconstructing major bone or soft tissue defects but requires complex training, and specific resources. Therefore, some authors have stated that microsurgery is impossible in low- and middle-income countries. MethodsPatients from Khmer underwent free flap surgery at the Children’s Surgical Centre in Phnom Penh between 2004 and 2023. Two non-governmental organizations facilitated the program: Rose Charities Cambodia provided the facilities, patients and local staff, and Doctors of the World provided the surgeons, and anesthetists. At least one Khmer surgeon was trained during these operations. Digital data were collected retrospectively, and analyzed in June 2023. ResultsFifty-six free flaps in 54 patients have been performed since 2004. The most frequent sites requiring reconstruction were the head and neck (35.7%), lower limbs (30.4%), and upper limbs (21.4%). The most frequent free flaps were free fibula (44.6%), gracilis (19.6%), and anterolateral thigh (16.1%). Among the 56 flaps, 41 (= 73.2%) were viable long-term and 15 (26.7%) were microsurgical failures. Sixteen flaps underwent revision in the operating room. Twenty-three flap-related complications were reported in 21 patients with mostly vascular thrombosis (n = 12), hematoma (n = 3) and infections (3). However, 83.3% had improved or were cured of their initial pathology after final surgical management. ConclusionsFree flaps performed in our series as part of international surgical collaborations in a low-income country are feasible, but we experienced higher failure rates, and later revisions compared to the results in high-income countries. We identified several solutions to improve the microsurgery outcomes in low-income settings.