Responsible Authorities Research Articles

A review of antibiotic misuse and bacterial resistance in Iraq

Background: Antimicrobial resistance poses a serious threat to healthcare globally. Reviewing current practice regarding antibiotic prescription and use is crucial to understanding antimicrobial resistance issues in Iraq and how to tackle them. Aim: To review and analyse studies addressing antimicrobial resistance as well as antibiotic prescription, dispensing and use in Iraq. Methods: In June 2023, we searched Google Scholar for, and reviewed, empirical studies related to antibiotic use and antimicrobial resistance in Iraq. Results: Thirty-seven eligible studies published between 2012 and 2023 were included in the review. Multi-drug-resistant bacteria, such as E. coli and P. aeruginosa, were commonly reported by the studies. Most physicians in public hospitals prescribed antibiotics frequently and empirically without relying on culture and sensitivity tests, and community pharmacists often dispensed antibiotics to patients without prescriptions, indicating self-medication and misuse of antibiotics in Iraq. Antibiotic residuals were found in raw meat and drinking water. Although there were antimicrobial resistance control regulations and plans, they were not fully implemented. Conclusion: This review shows that antimicrobial resistance and antibiotic misuse are serious problems in Iraq. The responsible authorities should work together to implement and enforce compliance to the antimicrobial resistance control plans using the One Health approach.

Strategic Directions for Strengthening Sustainability of Forestry Workforce

Today in many countries and regions, forestry sector deals with a considerable shortage of forestry workers and faces the serious challenge of ensuring a qualified and sustainable workforce. Current global processes and structural changes, such as emigration from rural areas, aging of the population, unfavorable age structure of existing employees, negative demographic trends (migrations, decline in birth rate, negative natural increase, etc.), lack of interest in the so-called 3D (dirty, dangerous and demeaning) jobs, low cost of labor and others, significantly contribute to such an adverse situation. Additionally, forestry work, especially wood harvesting, represents a very risky, professionally highly demanding and physically extremely intensive activity, which is regularly classified as one of the most dangerous occupations with a high proportion of serious injuries, fatalities and occupational diseases. For these reasons, the forestry profession is considered unattractive, and the job of a forestry worker undesirable. All of this makes finding the people interested in these jobs very difficult, and the task of ensuring the necessary workforce for all regular activities in sustainable forest management becomes very hard. In this paper, based on the surveys carried out in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina (FB&H), i.e. evaluation of forestry workforce sustainability factors, and on the study of available strategic documents, policies and case studies, strategic directions aimed at strengthening the sustainability of forestry workforce were elaborated. The sustainability factors were observed in three categories related to: a) stronger recruiting in forestry, b) more successful retention of forestry workers, and c) higher work commitment of forestry workers. Established rankings, together with other findings, were used to define four separate strategic directions: (1) Direct financial strategy, which emphasizes direct monetary payments to workers and is oriented towards labor productivity, (2) Indirect financial strategy, which focuses more on providing indirect material gains to workers and the quality of performed work, (3) Educational strategy, aimed at the education and training of workers, and (4) Technical-technological strategy, aimed at increasing the mechanization in forest operations thus reducing the demand for labor. The paper elaborates the basic starting points and main characteristics (priorities, measures and activities, stakeholders, responsible authorities, etc.) of each strategic direction considering the possibility and conditions of their implementation in national forestry sector. The objective of the paper is to raise the required awareness of the forestry workforce issues, its position and status, and also to provide foundations for enhancing the attractiveness of forestry work and improving the overall sustainability of the forestry workforce. The results of the study point out the critical issues and provide valuable insights that can help in formulating effective policies and strategies for the future.

Pathogenicity of Newcastle Disease Virus Isolated from Ethiopia

Newcastle disease represents an enormous problem for African breeders, and country-specific fears and economic exchanges complicate its elimination and control. Slow laboratory diagnosis creates additional delays during initial epidemic discovery. To address these concerns, researchers undertook a study in Ethiopia to examine the impact of the circulating Newcastle disease virus on chicken farms. The aim of the study is to identify the virus from likely outbreak cases, confirm its pathogenicity, and evaluate its effects on vaccinated and uninfected chicks Forty chicks were separated into 02 groups and exposed to 02 virus samples at the National Veterinary Institute in Bishoftu, Ethiopia. The isolated viruses were classified as velogenic, with the BOG strains scoring 1.67 and the HAR strains rating 1.55. Immunized chicks demonstrated high herd immunity, while single immunization failure was observed. In the challenged group, the death rate was 55%, with all 20 unvaccinated chicks dying from the sickness, whereas just 2 out of 20 vaccinated chicks were afflicted. Statistical analysis showed that the virus produced general inflammation, which was more common in the BOG group (87.50%) than in the HAR group (12.50%). Vaccination significantly reduced clinical signs and gross lesions, such as irritation in multiple organs. The study showed the persistence of velogenic Newcastle disease virus strains in Ethiopia and the importance of vaccination. The findings have improved our understanding of the disease's physiopathology and provided vital information for responsible authorities to implement early intervention techniques.

Multi-layered factors contribute to irrational use of antibiotics among pediatric patients in Tanzania: ADDO dispensers perspective

BackgroundAntimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a major public health problem affecting both current and future generations. Development of resistance to the commonly available antibiotics has been directly linked to their irrational use. The World Health Organization (WHO) has clearly stated on the Global Strategy on AMR, judicious antibiotic use as well as adequate knowledge and awareness about AMR, as important tools in curbing the existing problem. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the level of knowledge among accredited drug dispensing outlet (ADDO) dispensers on factors contributing to irrational use of antibiotics among Tanzanian pediatric patients.MethodsA qualitative study employing focused group discussions was conducted among 6–10 ADDO dispensers with at least 6 months dispensing experience in 14 regions between July and August 2020. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the data.ResultsFindings from this study indicate that the ADDO dispensers have adequate knowledge on antimicrobial resistance. Participants were aware of the general meaning and the use of antimicrobials. They were aware that antimicrobials are used for treating infections caused by microbes such as bacteria, fungi, and viruses. Participants knew AMR increases health related costs and that the increasing burden of AMR is not an outcome of a specific group of people such as health care providers or patients, rather a contribution of many factors that bring change in microorganism behavior. Despite this knowledge, participants felt that most of the private health care facilities are profit-oriented; they practice polypharmacy to maximize profit rather than focusing on providing quality health services. Participants revealed that dose shortage after symptomatic relief strongly contributes to AMR. Lastly, the ADDO dispensers expressed that continuous medical education and community education to patients is necessary in the efforts to fight against AMR.ConclusionsTo mitigate the increasing AMR burden in our society, integrated interventions must include both communities, ADDOs as first point of contact and other healthcare providers. Periodic refresher training with an emphasis on proper practices is crucial to help the dispensers transform their knowledge into action. Responsible authorities should ensure that ADDOs and other private health care facilities adhere to regulations.

Quantification and characterization of municipal solid waste at aler dumpsite, Lira City, Uganda: Assessing pollution levels and health risks

Managing municipal solid waste (MSW) in urban areas of developing countries is a significant challenge due to rapid urbanization and inadequate infrastructure. This study aims to quantify the MSW at Aler dumpsite in Lira City, Uganda, and assess the associated environmental and health risks. Our findings revealed a daily dumping rate of 7.38 tons, predominantly organic waste. Leachate from the site exceeded WHO limits for nutrients and heavy metals, with exceptionally high amounts of cadmium (Cd) found in soil (4.8 mg/kg) and vegetables. The water quality in nearby streams was poor, rendering it unfit for consumption due to elevated ion and nutrient levels. Health risk assessments indicated significant non-carcinogenic risks from heavy metal ingestion, with a hazard index (HI) of 4.6 for adults and 9.6 for children. While dermal exposure risks were generally low, children were at risk from stream 1 (HQderm = 1.165). Vegetable analysis revealed levels of lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), zinc (Zn), and nickel (Ni) above safe doses, posing significant non-carcinogenic risks. To address these issues, we recommend increasing public awareness to avoid consuming water and vegetables from areas around the dump site. Additionally, we suggest that the responsible authorities improve MSW management by constructing sanitary landfills to minimize water, soil, and plant pollution from landfill leachate.

Оценка эффективности организации общественной собственности: проблемы реализации и направления совершенствования

The article is devoted to the study of the peculiarities of the organization of public property and approaches to assessing its effectiveness. The analysis of various interpretations of the economic category "property" is carried out to understand the specifics of the functioning of public property and the aspects of the organization and management of private property are studied, as a result of which the peculiarities of the manifestation of traditional property rights in the mechanism of state ownership are highlighted. Based on the identified specifics, the current and long-term effects of the sale of public property are characterized, and a criterion for the effectiveness of its management is proposed, based on a change in the structure and level of satisfaction of the needs of various groups of the population and business. It is proved that the main effective organization of public property is to preserve the functions of strategic management from the real owner - the population, which should be ensured through the implementation of privatization and the mechanism of public responsibility of authorities and business structures.

Drug Reaction with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms (DRESS) Syndrome with Multiple Drugs (Leflunomide and Cefuroxime): A Case Report

Background: Adverse Drug Reactions (ADRs) are unexpected reactions to a medicine administered in the correct manner and at the proper dosage. Drug Rash with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms syndrome (DRESS syndrome) is a Severe Cutaneous Adverse Reaction (SCAR) type of ADR with complicated clinical features involving several organ systems of the body; frequently involved organs are the liver, kidney, lungs, and other organs. Prompt recognition and correct diagnosis, followed by withdrawal of the causative agent, can promote appropriate treatment, accelerate recovery, and reduce the related morbidity and mortality. Case presentation: We have, herein, presented a case of a 42-year-old female with a history of leflunomide intake for plantar fasciitis. The patient subsequently developed fever, gastrointestinal tract disturbance, facial edema, liver injury, skin rash, hematologic abnormalities (eosinophilia), hepatosplenomegaly, and lymph node enlargement. The probability of leflunomide-induced DRESS syndrome was rated as “definite”, with seven scores graded by RegiSCAR. The suspected causative agent was withdrawn, and the patient was managed symptomatically. Following her management and discharge, she again encountered similar complaints after administration of the cefuroxime tablet. The causality assessment of the reactions was done using the WHO-UMC scale and Naranjo’s assessment scale, and a “probable” reaction was found for both drugs. Conclusion: The presented case contributes to the existing global literature regarding exceptional clinical presentations. Leflunomide and cefuroxime drugs have the potential to cause DRESS syndrome. Thus, they should be handled cautiously, and if such a reaction occurs, it should be reported to the responsible authorities.

Issues on Tourism and Destination Management in Karnali Province, Nepal

This paper argues that numerous tourist destinations exist in the developing zone of Nepal, particularly in the Karnali province. Many florae and fauna are available in the zone that the panoramic tourist products ever tempt the visitors, which demand for intensive studies of culture, livelihood and public dynamics. Several hills, peaks and mountains in this zone attract tourists and create pressure to the concerned authority to take right actions on time. Several places of interests in different parts of the area still need appropriate management, which would produce the best income resources for the state to invest in the development sectors. This is the productive realm of medicinal herbs that the users still use it irrationally throughout the territory without appropriate workforce. The data were collected from 33 respondents with key informant interview, focus group discussion and personal communications. The invaluable resources available in this area are of multiple significance which export would bring huge amount for financial reservoir of a country. For comprehensive development of the region tourism, hydropower, medicinal herbs, rafting, paragliding, nature, ethnic tourism are the best means for knowledge creation there as well. The responsible state authorities must take appropriate steps in managing the multiple issues through public participation in order to convert the recent status of the territory.

A Sustainable Future : The Importance and the Development of Sustainable Finance In the 21st Century

The environmental problems that have emerged along with rapidly increasing global warming in recent years have made the concept of sustainability an important issue in the world in general. This fact has been largely effective in increasing the sensitivity of businesses and leading corporations to the environmental problems. This situation has led businesses to implement environmental friendly policies and invest in these areas, both interms of efficient use of natural resources and minimizing the damage to the environment. With the increasing global warming, climate change has recently become one of the most important problems in the world, and many countries have started to make efforts to reduce the risk of climate change. The inadequacy of environemental measures taken so far has necessitated the search for solutions in different areas regarding this issue. In this sense, financial institutions also contribute to climate awareness by following environmental policies in their activities and developing products that prioritize the environment. The concept of sustainable finance has led to the development of various financial products and to the development of financing projects aimed at protecting the environment. While the concept of sustainable finance is perceived as the responsibility of public authorities, the private sector has also been included in the process with the Sustainable Development Goals in the UN 2030 Agenda. There is no doubt that sustainable banking and finance practices, especially the implementation of sustainability practices by banks and other corporations in developing countries will contribute to the development of these countries considerably. In this study, it is aimed to draw attention to the global climate crisis, to emphasize the relationship between finance and the environment, and to contribute to the increase of applications in this field in the world by introducing green financing tools. One of the important functions of sustainable finance against the climate crisis is the evolution of companies funded within the scope of ESG criteria into a production process that tends to be sensitive to carbon emissions, as well as acquiring social and governance sensitivity. In this way, an economic process can be carried out on the axis of environmental and social awareness. In addition to combating climate change, it can be an important supporter in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.

Obstacles in the Implementation of Online Loans in Indonesia (Based on Protection Law Consumer)

Online loans are platforms that allow individuals or businesses to apply for and obtain loans over the internet. Online loans offer convenience and accessibility. However, there are also illegal online loans that are harmful to their users. This is the background for the emergence of two problem formulations, namely how legal regulations governing the practice of online loans and how consumer legal protection in online loans. The research method used is normative juridical. The results found that Financial Services Authority (Otoritas Jasa Keuangan/OJK) as the responsible authority has issued Financial Services Authority Regulations (Peraturan Otoritas Jasa Keuangan/POJK) No. 77/POJK.01/2016 on Information Technology-Based Money Lending and Borrowing Services. However, the implementation and effectiveness of this regulation is still a big challenge. Many online lending platforms operate without a license and ignore the applicable regulations, thus posing a high risk to consumers. Recipients of online loans can be said to be consumers because they are users of a service. In this case, online loan services, consumer protection has been regulated in Law No. 8 of 1999 of Consumer Protection, and regarding consumer protection in online loans has also been regulated in POJK No. 77/POJK.01/2016 and Bank Indonesia Regulation No. 3 of 2023 on Bank Indonesia Consumer Protection, although there are already regulations governing online loan consumers, online loan consumer protection is still a problem because many illegal online loans are always looking for loopholes and circumvent existing regulations.

Managing cyanobacterial blooms in recreational waters: decision support tools for public health responses

Freshwater blooms of cyanobacteria present a challenge to those tasked with managing beaches during bathing season, both to ensure the protection of public health, and to avoid lengthy beach closures. The combined effects of climate change and environmental pollution could cause blooms to become more frequent, intense, and persistent in the future in some locations, necessitating regularly review and update of response protocols. Decision support tools are used to help manage bloom events and inform responses. These can advise on the triggers for inspection, testing, posting of advisories, closing of beaches, and when to rescind advisories and reopen beaches. The aim of this paper was to present an overview of approaches and decision support tools used to inform public health responses to cyanobacterial blooms. During bathing season in Canada, most bloom monitoring is reactive, with a limited coverage of proactive monitoring, except at priority beaches. Responses to blooms vary widely, but many are informed by decision protocols or flow charts using visual inspection and single-level indicators, or alert level frameworks using multiple indicators and alert levels. The only health-based indicators used in any system are cyanotoxins, but capacity for frequent testing is often limited. Approaches to rescinding advisories also vary in the types of indicators and length of time used to determine when it is safe to resume recreational activities. This can vary from days to weeks, with some jurisdictions taking more precautionary approaches. Responsible authorities must balance public health protection with available resources for testing and monitoring with public acceptance of extended beach closures. With the prospect of more frequent and pervasive blooms in the future, there will be a need to allocate scare resources efficiently, which may require regular review and update of response protocols. Adapting approaches may require using a range of more accessible indicators alongside local knowledge, site history, and new tools to inform site-specific responses.

Assessing consumers’ perception on hot foods served in plastics and earthenware bowls at selected food joints within Sekondi-Takoradi metropolis, Ghana

The study sought to find out consumers’ perceptions regarding the use of earthenware bowls and plastic bowls to serve hot foods in two most patronized food joints within the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolis. The study adopted a descriptive survey design to gather data from consumers and operators of the selected food joints to assess knowledge of the chemical composition and potential health effects of plastic bowls used in serving foods and to determine the consumer preference to plastic or earthenware bowl. A non-probability sampling technique was purposefully used to select the respondents. A sample of thirty-two (32) respondents comprising thirty (30) consumers and two (2) operators were used for the study. The main data-gathering instruments used were interviews and observation. Data gathered had been analyzed to draw conclusions. The study revealed among others, that most of the customers had inadequate information about the potential health effects on eating from plastic bowls and the health benefits of using earthenware bowls. Based on these findings, it was recommended among others, that responsible authorities like Food and Drug Authority (FDA) should help the consumers to have a more profound knowledge concerning likely health implications of incessantly eating of hot foods in plastic bowls.

Impact of Un-ethical Decision Making in Managing Teacher Disciplinary Matters in Public Secondary Schools in Malawi

Public administration inclusive the education sector, is catalyst for national development, it hinges citizen’s intellectual and professional development. Malawi vision 2063, for self and reliant nation incorporates New public management that calls for competent public administrators to influence delivery of quality service to Malawians. The study examines the impact of Heads unethical decisions in managing teacher disciplinary matters in public secondary schools in Malawi a case of Mzuzu City. Research implores mixed methods exploratory sequential under pragmatics paradigm. Quantitative survey uses quota sampling of estimated 9 respondents from each school within the 22 public secondary schools in Mzuzu City. Sample size of participants came to approximately 200 participants out of 514 total secondary school teachers’ population. Within each school, random sampling was utilized to identify 9 to 10 teachers. Qualitative used purposive sampling to identify one respondent from each of twenty-two secondary schools. Quantitative used semi-structured questionnaire while qualitative used interview guide to collect data. Qualitative data was transcribed and coded, codes were grouped into sub-themes and sub-themes were grouped into themes which answered research questions aided by Nvivo application. Quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive statistics which ended up producing tables and graphs through SPSS 20. Through bounded rationality theoretical framework, findings reveal that respondents agreed to have knowledge of disciplinary procedures. Implying that teachers expect total compliance from responsible authorities to handle teacher disciplinary matters professionally. However, Heads gave oral warnings, written warnings, suspensions and interdictions. Heads deliberately flouted the procedures. Heads unethical decisions affected teaching and learning industry; where teachers stopped teaching for a long period of time, half pay reduced victim’s economic dignity, students suffered because they had no other teachers to teach them, some teachers left the school for better place, demoralized staff, litigations and government compensated victims of arbitrary decisions, victim teachers were sociologically affected because no other teachers wanted to associate with suspended/interdicted teacher, violation of Constitutional rights and school poor performances. The impact is negative thwarting the aspirations of Malawi Vision 2063 through derailing of quality human resources, compromised future generation and continuous breeding of mediocrity. Public service administrators deliberately bring disorder in the system for personal interests. They are committing crimes of abuse of office and neglect of official duties. Citizens be enlightened to call for accountability and transparency to those acting with mediocrity of negligence, corruption and compromised character. There must be personal liability to compensate for mediocrity.

Readiness to provide comprehensive emergency obstetric and neonatal care: a cross-sectional study in 30 health facilities in Tanzania

BackgroundDespite the global progress in bringing health services closer to the population, mothers and their newborns still receive substandard care leading to morbidity and mortality. Health facilities’ capacity to deliver the service is a prerequisite for quality health care. This study aimed to assess health facilities’ readiness to provide comprehensive emergency obstetric and newborn care (CEmONC), comprising of blood transfusion, caesarean section and basic services, and hence to inform improvement in the quality of care interventions in Tanzania.MethodsA cross-sectional assessment of 30 CEmONC health facilities implementing the Safer Births Bundle of Care package in five regions of Tanzania was carried out between December 2020 and January 2021. We adapted the World Health Organization’s Service Availability and Readiness Assessment tool to assess amenities, equipment, trained staff, guidelines, medicines, and diagnostic facilities. Composite readiness scores were calculated for each category and results were compared at the health facility level. For categorical variables, we tested for differences by Fisher’s exact test; for readiness scores, differences were tested by a linear mixed model analysis, taking into account dependencies within the regions. We used p < 0.05 as our level of significance.ResultsThe overall readiness to provide CEmONC was 69.0% and significantly higher for regional hospitals followed by district hospitals. Average readiness was 78.9% for basic amenities, 76.7% for medical equipment, 76.0% for diagnosis and treatment commodities, 63.6% for staffing and 50.0% for guidelines. There was a variation in the availability of items at the individual health facility level and across levels of facilities. We found a significant difference in the availability of basic amenities, equipment, staffing, and guidelines between regional, and district hospitals and health centres (p = 0.05). Regional hospitals had significantly higher scores of medical equipment than district hospitals and health centers (p = 0.02). There was no significant difference in the availability of commodities for diagnosis and treatment between different facility levels.ConclusionFacilities’ readiness was inadequate and varied across different levels of the facility. There is room to improve the facilities’ readiness to deliver quality maternal and newborn care. The responsible authorities should take immediate actions to address the observed deficiencies while carefully choosing the most effective and feasible interventions and monitoring progress in readiness.

The metamorphoses of denationalization of 1993. Report-I. The market fight for medications import

In the history of the Russian pharmaceutical market the year of 1993 became the year of formation of rules of market relations and changing under them of market landscape. The significant segment of state-centralized purchases moved under responsibility of regional authorities and their health care authorities. At that, powers of three former state organizations being occupied with purchases of imported medications were distributed between new state companies of Ministry of Health and commercial organizations and firms that entered pharmaceutical market. This diversity rather soon gave rise to competitive fight for budget funds and experiments of Government with market regulation. The traces of these clashes and attempts to make market regulated can be found in Ministry of Health archives and journal publications. The Report I reveals circumstances of entrance of Ministry of Health into market relationships and its acquisition of market player identity.

Role of Rural Women in Production and Marketing of Agricultural product in Khormal Sub-District- Halabja Governorate

The aim of this study was to determine the role of rural women in production and marketing of agricultural products in Zalm village, and identify the differences in production and marketing of agricultural products of rural women’s role according to some variables (Age, Level of Education, Marital status, number of family, Standard of Living, Profession and Women’s income). The research population involved all women in zalm village included (50) women. The data was collected through personal interviews; questionnaire was prepared for this purpose, to confirm the validity the questionnaire was reviewed by some experts. The results showed that the Role of rural women’s in Agricultural production was medium tend to low, while the Role of rural women’s in marketing of agricultural products was low tend to medium. The results indicated significant differences in women’s role of agricultural production according to (Level of Education, Standard of Living, and profession), while no-significant differences according to (age, Marital status, number of family, Women’s income), also The results appeared significant differences in women’s role of agricultural marketing according (Level of Education, and profession), while no significant differences according (age, Marital status, number of family, Standard of Living, Women’s income). Depending on the results we conclude that the work in the agricultural sector has changed due to the lack of government support for farmers in terms of providing agriculture Requirements for production or marketing of their products. The result shows that the level of education affects the role of women in production and marketing, as well as educational levels leads to an increase in their awareness and culture, and the expanding their knowledge of the importance of the agricultural sector. The Researcher recommended encouraging and supporting rural women to engage in agricultural work by the responsible authorities, and increasing their awareness of the importance of working in this field through the use of various extension methods, as well as working to provide agricultural production and marketing requirements so that their potential is properly exploited for the development of the agricultural sector.

FINANCIAL INCLUSION: DOES IT PLAY AN IMPORTANT ROLE IN A COUNTRY? REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE

Financial Inclusion (FI) is a key pillar of financial development and inclusive growth in a country. It plays an immense role and is showing an evolving nature around the world. Most research now investigates this concept mainly due to its supportive nature for a country’s development perspectives. Many countries make investments and pay considerable attention to initiating FI agendas and national FI strategies to improve the level of FI in their countries. Economic empowerment through formal financial sector activities, poverty reduction, lowering income inequality, enhancing savings and investments, and improving productivity are some of the contributory factors of FI. Reviewing nearly 50 past literature, this article attempts to develop new literature regarding the importance of FI for a country. Furthermore, the study examines FI definitions and barriers to FI. The findings of the literature reveal that FI directly supports the achievement of a country's growth objectives. The main contributory factors of FI are employment creation, reducing income inequality and poverty, smoothing the financial sector while maintaining financial system stability, and working with technological developments towards financial activities. However, there are several important bottlenecks such as lack of income, difficult access points due to long distance, barriers to digital finance and payments, and lack of financial knowledge. Affordable financial sector products and services for everyone tend to improve the level of FI. The outcome of the research provides valuable insight for policymakers and responsible authorities to take proactive actions to reach the FI targets by eliminating barriers to FI. In this regard, higher participation of the population towards the formal financial sector in a country is an important element, and actions should be arranged for the gradual transformation of people to achieve this target. The findings of this study further provide avenues for future studies and policy-level decisions, highlighting the fact that FI is an important concept for creating a financially inclusive country.

Workplace violence against healthcare professionals in Morocco

Background: Violence in hospitals is a significant problem and it has a negative impact on healthcare professionals. Aims: We sought to identify the occurrence, characteristics and consequences of violence against healthcare professional in Morocco and propose preventive measures. Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in 2020 among medical and paramedical healthcare professionals at a 1548-bed Moroccan university hospital that comprises 5 hospitals. Interviews were conducted using an anonymous, structured and self-administered questionnaire. The data were analysed using SPSS version 10.0. Results: Our study included 480 health workers, 61% were women and 61% were paramedics. Their mean age was 29.6±5 years and the median professional experience was 3 years. The average frequency of violence was 76% (95% CI: 72–79); verbal violence was 99%, psychological violence 34%, and physical violence 21%. More women (62%) experienced violence than men and more paramedics (83%) than medics. The perpetrators of this violence were mostly (77%) family members of the patients. The workers estimated underreporting of violence at 38%. Conclusion: Healthcare professionals are frequently exposed to violence. Reporting of such violence should be encouraged to enhance prevention and proper management by health workers and the responsible authorities.

Environmental and Human Health Problems Associated with Hospital Wastewater Management in Zimbabwe.

Wastewater is a term used to describe water that has undergone degradation in quality owing to anthropogenic activities or natural processes. Wastewater encompasses liquid waste originating from academic institutions, households, agricultural sector, industries, mines and hospitals. Hospital wastewater contains potentially hazardous substances including residues of pharmaceuticals, radioisotopes, detergents and pathogens, with detrimental impacts to the environment and human health. Nevertheless, studies related to hospital waste management are limited in Africa, particularly in Southern Africa. This research offers an overview of aspects surrounding hospital wastewater in Southern Africa, focusing on Zimbabwe. Already published and grey literature was reviewed to compile the paper. Number of patients, nature of medical services offered and hospital size influences generation of hospital wastewater. Partially and non-treated hospital wastewater is managed together with municipal wastewater. Management of hospital wastewater is impeded by shortage of resources, lack of co-ordination among responsible authorities and ineffective legal framework enforcement, among other challenges. Inappropriate hospital wastewater management results in environmental contamination, causing human ailments. Attainment of sustainable hospital wastewater management requires clearly defined and enforced legislation, collaboration of accountable stakeholders, sufficient resources and enhanced awareness of involved stakeholders. Application of technologies that uphold recycling and reuse of wastewater is essential to reach Sustainable Development Goals, Zimbabwe Vision 2030 and National Development Strategy 1 targets, particularly those dealing with environmental protection while upholding human health.

A critical evaluation of the 2022 greenhouse gas mitigation quota in Germany from an environmental economics and policy perspective

This study aims at identifying the strengths and weaknesses of the Greenhouse Gas Mitigation Quota trading as an alternative to allowance trading and carbon taxes. Information was gathered from the websites and publications of the responsible authorities and relevant legal texts. Moreover, literature on comparable environmental policy instruments was analyzed based on predefined criteria. Assumptions were made to create models for assessing cost effectiveness, Pareto efficiency, and dynamic incentive effects. The results show that the Greenhouse Gas Mitigation Quota trading only partially meets the basic criteria of environmental effectiveness, cost effectiveness, and Pareto efficiency, and has further weaknesses regarding legitimacy and practical feasibility. In order to reduce GHG emissions from fossil fuels as efficiently as possible, a key policy priority should therefore be to adapt the Greenhouse Gas Mitigation Quota and to combine it systematically with other environmental economics policies such as a carbon tax.