World Health Organization Plans Research Articles

First French and Indonesian university medical cooperation for promoting emergency medicine.

Indonesia and French Guiana share many geographic and medical concerns regarding access to care. The organisational needs in emergency management, particularly in the prehospital phase, are similar. Whereas emergency medicine (EM) is an academic and entire speciality in France, it is still under construction in Indonesia. In the framework of the French and Indonesian academic cooperation, the Medical school in Jakarta University and the French Guiana University in Cayenne signed a Memorandum of Understanding encompassing education programmes, joint research work and students' and health professionals' exchanges in EM. This partnership represented the first medical cooperation programme between the two countries. The first student class was launched in August 2022 and involved 50 Indonesian doctors who graduated in August 2023. The implementation and success of this Franco-Indonesian cooperation were supported by political and academic partners from the two sides. Given the first student class's success, we aim to continue this programme, in line with Indonesia and World Health Organization's plan to establish a multi-country training hub for health emergency operational readiness and Emergency Medical Teams.

Influence of hepatitis C viral parameters on pregnancy complications and risk of mother-to-child transmission.

With the World Health Organization plan for hepatitis C elimination by the year 2030, and recent guideline recommendations to screen all women during pregnancy for HCV, data on HCV in pregnancy are needed to determine the association of HCV viremia with adverse pregnancy outcomes and mother-to-child transmission (MTCT). This retrospective cohort study was performed in Ontario, Canada, using population-based administrative healthcare data. Individuals were stratified based on whether they had active HCV viremia during pregnancy or resolved viremia at time of pregnancy. Peak HCV viral load was determined. Logistic regression was used to determine the association of viremia with adverse pregnancy outcomes; maternal HCV RNA levels were evaluated as a predictor of MTCT. We identified a total of 2,170 pregnancies in 1,636 women who were HCV RNA positive prior to pregnancy; 1,780 (82%) pregnancies occurred in women who were HCV RNA positive during pregnancy. Patients who were HCV RNA positive during pregnancy were more likely to have preterm delivery (18% vs. 12%, p= 0.002), intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (4% vs. <2%, p= 0.003), and post-partum hemorrhage (9% vs. 5%, p= 0.013), and less likely to have gestational diabetes (6% vs. 10%, p= 0.008) than those with resolved infection. Only 511 (29%) infants had screening consistent with guidelines after birth; there was an estimated 3.5% risk of MTCT. HCV RNA ≥6.0 log10 IU/ml was significantly associated with MTCT (exact odds ratio 3.4, p= 0.04). Active HCV viremia among individuals with a history of HCV infection significantly increases adverse pregnancy outcomes. Few infants are screened for MTCT. Higher HCV RNA is associated with increased risk of MTCT. The prevalence of hepatitis C has increased in women of child-bearing age and has important implications for women who become pregnant and their infants. We evaluated the effect that hepatitis C has on pregnancy outcomes as well as the rate of hepatitis C transmission to infants in a large database with linked mother-infant records. We found that active hepatitis C during pregnancy increased the risk of pregnancy complications. We also identified very low rates of testing of infants born to mothers with hepatitis C, but found higher rates of hepatitis C transmission to infants in mothers with higher virus levels.

Optimized real-time diagnosis of neglected tropical diseases by automatic recognition of skin lesions

BackgroundSkin lesions associated with certain endemic neglected tropical diseases found in landlocked areas have irreversible effects on populations, contributing to population impoverishment. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), there were 127558 new leprosy cases detected in 2020, with about 8 629 children under the age of 15 affected with approximately 7 198 suffering from grade 2 disabilities (G2D). In the same year, about 1 million new leishmaniasis cases were reported globally, whereas the number of suspected Buruli ulcer cases reported globally in one year was around 5000, with the majority of patients under the age of 15. Current diagnostic methods are unfortunately expensive, not suitable for endemic areas, and sometimes not very effective. According to the SDG Target 3.3, WHO plans to end the neglect tropical skin diseases (NTDs) by 2030. According to them, this required an early diagnosis. Our work belongs to this objective. MethodsThis paper presents an optimized diagnostic approach for neglected tropical skin diseases (NTDs) by automatically identifying skin lesions in their early phase. We chose three main skin diseases with similar early lesion development. First of all, we have built a dataset of images of these lesions. After accurately detecting the location of the skin lesion, we delineate the edges of the lesion. In addition, we apply a series of filters to detect and extract relevant features from these lesions. Finally, the detected features are fed into a support vector machine (SVM) optimized by a black hole algorithm (BHO) to be classified in real time (less processing time). ResultsOur model achieves a global classification accuracy of 96%, 94% specificity, an F-SCORE of 89%, a recall of 90%, and a sensitivity of 92% of the images under different conditions and a processing time that is lower than other classical algorithms. These results are superior to current diagnostic methods such as direct smear examination with a low sensitivity (<60%), in vitro culture with a low sensitivity (20–60%), and PCR for IS2404 with high sensitivity and specificity (>90%) (but which requires sophisticated laboratories and competent personnel). These results can improve the sanitary situation of the population and enable the development of efficient Computer-Aided Diagnosis (CAD). ConclusionThe results obtained in this research produce the best solution compared to other algorithms and can be used to make a real time diagnosis of NTDs. Trial registration“Not applicable”

Female healthcare providers’ knowledge, attitude, and practice towards cervical cancer screening and associated factors in public hospitals of Northwest Ethiopia

Objective:Cervical cancer is the fourth most common gynaecological cancer in the world. Its incidence and burden are high in developing regions, especially in sub-Saharan Africa. The World Health Organization plans to increase vaccination, screening, and treatment of cases to 90%, 70%, and 90%, respectively, in developing countries by 2030. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess knowledge, attitudes, and practices of cervical cancer screening and predictors among female healthcare providers.Methods:Institution-based cross-sectional survey was done from 4 March to 20 April 2019. The data were collected using a structured questionnaire. The data were entered into EpiData version 3.1 and analysed with SPSS version 25. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify associations. After controlling for confounders, an independent association was declared at a p-value of 0.05 with a 95% confidence interval.Results:Of a total of 404 participants, half were nurses. One hundred seventy-seven (43.8%) had adequate knowledge, 124 (30.7%) had a favourable attitude, and 35 (8.7%) had regular screening practice. The availability of trained personnel in the health facility and regular screening were variables associated with knowledge. Participants’ attitude was shown association with profession, level of education, and knowledge. Moreover, knowledge of the causes of cervical cancer and knowledge of screening were variables significantly associated with screening practice.Conclusion and recommendations:Unfortunately, there is low adequate knowledge, low favourable attitude, and irregular screening practice of cervical cancer in the study area. Despite their own effects, their knowledge and attitude may affect the vast majority of their clients. Therefore, this finding calls for prompt action, such as training for participants to increase awareness, to shape their attitudes, and to increase the uptake of screening services.

The ANT Home Care Model in Palliative and End-of-Life Care. An Investigation on Family Caregivers' Satisfaction with the Services Provided.

The World Health Organization plan for a Decade of Healthy Ageing 2020–2030 has established some priorities in the field of palliative and end-of-life care. It states that “people require non-discriminatory access to good-quality palliative and end-of-life care” and recommends the “implementation of strategies for the provision of information, training, respite and support for informal caregivers”. The priorities described are in line with the home care services that National Tumor Assistance (ANT) Foundation has been providing in Italy. This 5-years investigation was designed to measure caregivers’ satisfaction and determine what types of support services are associated with greater satisfaction. 5.441 family caregivers filled out autonomously a 6-item questionnaire at the end of home care assistance, focusing on the level of satisfaction with the social and health services received. The overall data indicate a high satisfaction rate for the home care assistance received. In particular, participants rate positively the assistance provided by healthcare professionals (physicians, nurses and psychologists). The most appreciated aspects of assistance are those ensuring a global management of patients and their families, whereas an area of deficiency emerged was the continuity of care, suggesting the importance to implement the networks between the health care facilities and home care services. The present investigation constitutes a mean to highlight the aspects associated with greater satisfaction and the ones perceived as less satisfactory by caregivers. Moreover, this research constitutes a crucial instrument to improve home care assistance provided by ANT ensuring the best quality of life for both patients and their families.

COVID-19 Worries and Opportunities

With the middle of March 2020 the news of breakout of the pandemic had been assured around the world, spreading the uncertainty and worry in a very ambiguous atmosphere all over the world (World Health Organization, 2020b). World health organization with the group of 20 (G-20) and United Nations (UN) at 26 of March 2020 committed collaboration in facing the pandemic (Khashaba, 2020). All countries including Egypt worked according to the recommendation of the World health organization plan in facing this pandemic, taking into account the safety rules in all sectors of the society (World Health Organization, 2020a) up to date efforts to help control and manage the COVID-19 and NCOVID-19. As a part of Information and Decision Support Center – Egyptian Cabinet keenness on spreading public opinion awareness, the center is publishing a newsletter about the implications of the new Corona-Virus, with the purpose of presenting the latest updates on the international level, and the most important measures and initiatives that can be of benefit in health sector, education sector, professions and social sectors too (Information and Decision Support Center System, 2020) side to side with the Regional and international efforts (Madoui &amp; Bendjeroua, 2020’ Namsolleck &amp; Moll, 2020). Although of having hard time and big challenges to protect ourselves and loved ones, it is always possible to keep a positive mindset and stay resilient. When we look back to the last eight months we will find out how every one of us had the opportunity to test his will power to continue our achievements in education, profession, social, health fields.

Improving uptake of hepatitis B and hepatitis C testing in South Asian migrants in community and faith settings using educational interventions—A prospective descriptive study

BackgroundChronic viral hepatitis (CVH) is a leading contributor to the UK liver disease epidemic, with global migration from high prevalence areas (e.g., South Asia). Despite international guidance for testing high-risk groups in line with elimination targets, there is no consensus on how to achieve this. The objectives of this study were to assess the following: (1) the feasibility of recruiting South Asian migrants to view an educational film on CVH, (2) the effectiveness of the film in promoting testing and increasing knowledge of CVH, and (3) the methodological issues relevant to scale-up to a randomized controlled trial. MethodsSouth Asian migrants were recruited to view the film (intervention) in community venues (primary care, religious, community), with dried blood spot CVH testing offered immediately afterwards. Pre/post-film questionnaires assessed the effectiveness of the intervention. ResultsTwo hundred and nineteen first-generation migrants ≥18 years of age (53% female) were recruited to view the film at the following sites: religious, n = 112 (51%), community n = 98 (45%), and primary care, n = 9 (4%). One hundred and eighty-four (84%) underwent CVH testing; hepatitis B core antibody or hepatitis C antibody positivity demonstrated exposure in 8.5%. Pre-intervention (n = 173, 79%) and post-intervention (n = 154, 70%) questionnaires were completed. ConclusionsThis study demonstrated the feasibility of recruiting first-generation migrants to view a community-based educational film promoting CVH testing in this higher risk group, confirming the value of developing interventions to facilitate the global World Health Organization plan for targeted case finding and elimination, and a future randomized controlled trial. We highlight the importance of culturally relevant interventions including faith and culturally sensitive settings, which appear to minimize logistical issues and effectively engage minority groups, allowing ease of access to individuals ‘at risk’.

Effect of Rehydration With Normal Saline Versus Ringer Lactate on Serum Sodium Level of Children With Acute Diarrhea and Severe Dehydration: A Randomized Controlled Trial

To demonstrate the equivalence of Normal Saline (NS) and Ringer Lactate (RL) for change in serum sodium levels during correction of severe dehydration in children with acute diarrhea based on World Health Organization (WHO) plan C. Equivalence randomized control trial. Pediatric diarrhea unit of a tertiary care hospital from May, 2016 to April, 2017. 72 children of 1-12 years with acute diarrhea and severe dehydration were enrolled. Children with dysentery, severe acute malnutrition, severe anemia, meningitis, and known surgical and systemic diseases were excluded. RL (n=36) or NS (n=36) were used as per WHO plan C. Blood samples were drawn before intravenous fluid correction and 3 h post-intervention. Mean change in serum sodium level from the baseline between the RL and NS groups. 70 children (35 in each group) completed the study. The difference in mean serum sodium levels from baseline in RL and NS groups were 1.4 (4.5) mEq/L and 2.1(4.9) mEq/L, respectively (P=0.58). Both RL and NS are equivalent in terms of change in serum sodium from baseline for intravenous rehydration in children with acute diarrhea and severe dehydration.

‘These are answers we need.’ WHO plans global study to discover true extent of coronavirus infections

In an effort to understand how many people have been infected with the new coronavirus, the World Health Organization (WHO) is planning a coordinated study to test blood samples for the presence of antibodies to the virus Called Solidarity II, the program, which will involve more than half a dozen countries around the globe, will launch in the coming days, says Maria Van Kerkhove, who is helping coordinate WHO’s COVID-19 response Knowing the true number of cases—including mild ones—will help pin down the prevalence and mortality rate of COVID-19 in different age groups It will also help policymakers decide how long shutdowns and quarantines should last “These are answers we need, and we need the right answers to drive policy,” WHO’s executive director for health emergencies, Michael Ryan, told a press briefing on 27 March

Interspecific hybridization of Schistosoma and its significance

Schistosomiasis is one of zoonoses (diseases that are naturally transmitted between vertebrate animals and human),and it is widespread in tropical and sub-tropical regions. It is one of the important infectious diseases that the World Health Organization plans to eliminate. Hybridization within Genus Schistosoma is an emerging public health concern in our changing world.Schistosoma spp. are dioecious trematode, in which there are lots of species infecting human and animals. Several schistosome species also overlap in their geographical and host range, which allows male and female schistosomes of different species to pair within their definitive hosts. The hybridization among different species and the production of dominant hybrid species and changes of their biological characteristics, such as host selectivity, fertility and infectivity, can lead to the evolution of schistosoma species, regional distribution of the population, the changes of epidemic patterns, and pathogenicity to human and animals, and all of them have an impact on the global schistosomiasis elimination plan.

A Territorywide Prevalence Study on Blood-Borne and Enteric Viral Hepatitis in Hong Kong.

Viral hepatitis epidemiological data are important for the World Health Organization plan of eliminating viral hepatitis. We aimed to document the prevalence of viral hepatitis A to E in Hong Kong. This community-based study was open to all Hong Kong Chinese citizens aged ≥18 years. Baseline data and risk factors were collected. Hepatitis A-E serology was measured, including hepatitis B e antigen, antibodies to hepatitis B e antigen, antibodies to hepatitis D, hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg)-positive participants, and antibodies to hepatitis B surface antigen and antibodies to hepatitis B core antigen (anti-HBc) in HBsAg-negative participants. Hepatitis C virus (HCV) RNA and genotypes were determined in anti-HCV-positive participants. A total of 10 256 participants were recruited from February 2015 to July 2016. Overall HBsAg seroprevalence was 7.8% (95% confidence interval [CI], 7.3%-8.3%), which was reduced significantly with HBV vaccination (odds ratio, 0.15 [95% CI, .11-.21]). Among HBsAg-negative participants, anti-HBc seroprevalence increased from 5.4% (<26 years) to 60.1% (>65 years). No hepatitis D virus (HDV) cases were detected. Anti-HCV positivity was 0.5% (95% CI, .3%-.6%). Prevalence of antibodies to hepatitis A virus (anti-HAV) and hepatitis E virus (anti-HEV) was 65.2% (95% CI, 64.2%-66.1%) and 33.3% (95% CI, 32.4%-34.2%), respectively, and were influenced by age, family income, and being born in mainland China. HBV seroprevalence remained high despite universal vaccination. High anti-HBc seroprevalence underlines the potential issue of HBV reactivation during profound immunosuppression. HCV and HDV remained uncommon. Anti-HAV seroprevalence had decreased whereas anti-HEV seroprevalence had risen.

Molecular Characterization of Near Full-Length Genomes of Hepatitis B Virus Isolated from Predominantly HIV Infected Individuals in Botswana.

The World Health Organization plans to eliminate hepatitis B and C Infections by 2030. Therefore, there is a need to study and understand hepatitis B virus (HBV) epidemiology and viral evolution further, including evaluating occult (HBsAg-negative) HBV infection (OBI), given that such infections are frequently undiagnosed and rarely treated. We aimed to molecularly characterize HBV genomes from 108 individuals co-infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and chronic hepatitis B (CHB) or OBI identified from previous HIV studies conducted in Botswana from 2009 to 2012. Full-length (3.2 kb) and nearly full-length (~3 kb) genomes were amplified by nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Sequences from OBI participants were compared to sequences from CHB participants and GenBank references to identify OBI-unique mutations. HBV genomes from 50 (25 CHB and 25 OBI) individuals were successfully genotyped. Among OBI participants, subgenotype A1 was identified in 12 (48%), D3 in 12 (48%), and E in 1 (4%). A similar genotype distribution was observed in CHB participants. Whole HBV genome sequences from Botswana, representing OBI and CHB, were compared for the first time. There were 43 OBI-unique mutations, of which 26 were novel. Future studies using larger sample sizes and functional analysis of OBI-unique mutations are warranted.

Rapid intravenous rehydration of children with acute gastroenteritis and dehydration: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BackgroundThe World Health Organization (WHO) recommends rapid intravenous rehydration, using fluid volumes of 70-100mls/kg over 3–6 h, with some of the initial volume given rapidly as initial fluid boluses to treat hypovolaemic shock for children with acute gastroenteritis (AGE) and severe dehydration. The evidence supporting the safety and efficacy of rapid versus slower rehydration remains uncertain.MethodsWe conducted a systematic review of randomised controlled trials (RCTs) on 11th of May 2017 comparing different rates of intravenous fluid therapy in children with AGE and moderate or severe dehydration, using standard search terms. Two authors independently assessed trial quality and extracted data. Non-RCTs and non-English articles were excluded. The primary endpoint was mortality and secondary endpoints included adverse events (safety) and treatment efficacy.Main resultsOf the 1390 studies initially identified, 18 were assessed for eligibility. Of these, 3 studies (n = 464) fulfilled a priori criteria for inclusion; most studied children with moderate dehydration and none were conducted in resource-poor settings. Volumes and rates of fluid replacement varied from 20 to 60 ml/kg given over 1-2 h (fast) versus 2-4 h (slow). There was substantial heterogeneity in methodology between the studies with only one adjudicated to be of high quality. There were no deaths in any study. Safety endpoints only identified oedema (n = 6) and dysnatraemia (n = 2). Pooled analysis showed no significant difference between the rapid and slow intravenous rehydration groups for the proportion of treatment failures (N = 468): pooled RR 1.30 (95% CI: 0.87, 1.93) and the readmission rates (N = 439): pooled RR 1.39 (95% CI: 0.68, 2.85).ConclusionsDespite wide implementation of WHO Plan C guideline for severe AGE, we found no clinical evaluation in resource-limited settings, and only limited evaluation of the rate and volume of rehydration in other parts of the world. Recent concerns over aggressive fluid expansion warrants further research to inform guidelines on rates of intravenous rehydration therapy for severe AGE.

Gastroenteritis Aggressive Versus Slow Treatment For Rehydration (GASTRO). A pilot rehydration study for severe dehydration: WHO plan C versus slower rehydration

Background: The World Health Organization (WHO) rehydration management guidelines (Plan C) for children with acute gastroenteritis (AGE) and severe dehydration are widely practiced in resource-poor settings, yet have never been formally evaluated in a clinical trial. A recent audit of outcome of AGE at Kilifi County Hospital, Kenya noted that 10% of children required high dependency care (20% mortality) and a number developed fluid-related complications. The fluid resuscitation trial, FEAST, conducted in African children with severe febrile illness, demonstrated higher mortality with fluid bolus therapy and raised concerns regarding the safety of rapid intravenous rehydration therapy. Those findings warrant a detailed physiological study of children’s responses to rehydration therapy incorporating quantification of myocardial performance and haemodynamic changes. Methods: GASTRO is a multi-centre, unblinded Phase II randomised controlled trial of 120 children aged 2 months to 12 years admitted to hospital with severe dehydration secondary to AGE. Children with severe malnutrition, chronic diarrhoea and congenital/rheumatic heart disease are excluded. Children will be enrolled over 18 months in 3 centres in Kenya and Uganda and followed until 7 days post-discharge. The trial will randomise children 1:1 to standard rapid rehydration using Ringers Lactate (WHO plan ‘C’ – 100mls/kg over 3-6 hours according to age, plus additional 0.9% saline boluses for children presenting in shock) or to a slower rehydration regimen (100mls/kg given over 8 hours and without the addition of fluid boluses). Enrolment started in November 2016 and is on-going. Primary outcome is frequency of adverse events, particularly related to cardiovascular compromise and neurological sequelae. Secondary outcomes focus on clinical, biochemical, and physiological measures related to assessment of severity of dehydration, and response to treatment by intravenous rehydration. Discussion: Results from this pilot will contribute to generating robust definitions of outcomes (in particular for non-mortality endpoints) for a larger Phase III trial.

Gastroenteritis Aggressive Versus Slow Treatment For Rehydration (GASTRO). A pilot rehydration study for severe dehydration: WHO plan C versus slower rehydration.

The World Health Organization (WHO) rehydration management guidelines (Plan C) for children with acute gastroenteritis (AGE) and severe dehydration are widely practiced in resource-poor settings, yet have never been formally evaluated in a clinical trial. A recent audit of outcome of AGE at Kilifi County Hospital, Kenya noted that 10% of children required high dependency care (20% mortality) and a number developed fluid-related complications. The fluid resuscitation trial, FEAST, conducted in African children with severe febrile illness, demonstrated higher mortality with fluid bolus therapy and raised concerns regarding the safety of rapid intravenous rehydration therapy. Those findings warrant a detailed physiological study of children's responses to rehydration therapy incorporating quantification of myocardial performance and haemodynamic changes. Methods: GASTRO is a multi-centre, unblinded Phase II randomised controlled trial of 120 children aged 2 months to 12 years admitted to hospital with severe dehydration secondary to AGE. Children with severe malnutrition, chronic diarrhoea and congenital/rheumatic heart disease are excluded. Children will be enrolled over 18 months in 3 centres in Kenya and Uganda and followed until 7 days post-discharge. The trial will randomise children 1:1 to standard rapid rehydration using Ringers Lactate (WHO plan 'C' - 100mls/kg over 3-6 hours according to age, plus additional 0.9% saline boluses for children presenting in shock) or to a slower rehydration regimen (100mls/kg given over 8 hours and without the addition of fluid boluses). Enrolment started in November 2016 and is on-going. Primary outcome is frequency of adverse events, particularly related to cardiovascular compromise and neurological sequelae. Secondary outcomes focus on clinical, biochemical, and physiological measures related to assessment of severity of dehydration, and response to treatment by intravenous rehydration. Results from this pilot will contribute to generating robust definitions of outcomes (in particular for non-mortality endpoints) for a larger Phase III trial.

UN targets antimicrobial resistance

Taking the unusual step of focusing on a health issue, the United Nations’ General Assembly convened a one-day meeting on Sept. 21 to discuss antimicrobial resistance (AMR). The goal: a global commitment to addressing the AMR challenge. Among items on the meeting agenda, attendees reaffirmed a World Health Organization plan for tackling AMR published in May 2015. They also called for the creation of national plans, programs, and policies to support efforts against AMR. To coincide with the meeting, the International Federation of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers & Associations issued an AMR roadmap that builds on a declaration endorsed by more than 100 companies at the World Economic Forum in January. The 13 major firms that signed the roadmap committed to reducing the development of AMR; improving access to antibiotics, vaccines, and diagnostics; investing in R&D; and collaborating with governments and others. A draft UN declaration acknowledged the need to both understand

Vaccine-Derived Polioviruses

The attenuated oral poliovirus vaccine (OPV) has many properties favoring its use in polio eradication: ease of administration, efficient induction of intestinal immunity, induction of durable humoral immunity, and low cost. Despite these advantages, OPV has the disadvantage of genetic instability, resulting in rare and sporadic cases of vaccine-associated paralytic poliomyelitis (VAPP) and the emergence of genetically divergent vaccine-derived polioviruses (VDPVs). Whereas VAPP is an adverse event following exposure to OPV, VDPVs are polioviruses whose genetic properties indicate prolonged replication or transmission. Three categories of VDPVs are recognized: (1) circulating VDPVs (cVDPVs) from outbreaks in settings of low OPV coverage, (2) immunodeficiency-associated VDPVs (iVDPVs) from individuals with primary immunodeficiencies, and (3) ambiguous VDPVs (aVDPVs), which cannot be definitively assigned to either of the first 2 categories. Because most VDPVs are type 2, the World Health Organization's plans call for coordinated worldwide replacement of trivalent OPV with bivalent OPV containing poliovirus types 1 and 3.

Introduction of the World Health Organization project of the International Classification of Traditional Medicine

The World Health Organization plans to incorporate "traditional medicine" into the next revision of its International Classification of Diseases-Version 11 (ICD-11). If traditional medicine is included in ICD-11, it is definitely an epoch-making issue. The expected result is the International Classification of Traditional Medicine, China, Japan and Korea Version (ICTM-CJK). The intention of the ICTM project is not only beneficial for traditional medical components, but also might be beneficial for Western biomedicine. For this shared purpose, China, Japan and Korea must understand the meaning of this project and collaborate to develop it.

The Elimination of Congenital Syphilis: A Comparison of the Proposed World Health Organization Action Plan for the Elimination of Congenital Syphilis With Existing National Maternal and Congenital Syphilis Policies

Building upon a critical assessment of national policies, programs, and treatment options, the World Health Organization (WHO) recently developed an action plan for the elimination of congenital syphilis (CS). The objective of the review was to identify areas of commonality or divergence between the national strategies and the WHO plan, thereby helping to target the development of national-level policies in light of the forthcoming recommendations of the proposed WHO action plan to eliminate CS. The 4 strategic pillars of the proposed WHO action plan were used as a comparative framework to examine the policy, programmatic, and monitoring components of a sample of 14 existing national-level congenital or maternal control policies. The countries were chosen to represent a range of resource and prevalence levels. The majority of countries do not meet every element proposed in the WHO action plan. Political commitment (pillar 1) across the 14 countries is varied. CS elimination goals were rare but all had universal screening. Linkages to appropriate case management services were identified in 11 countries, although a national governing body was not generally evident. Efforts to increase and improve access to care (pillar 2) were noted in 8 countries with recommendations to ensure all pregnant women were screened and treated. Low-resource settings have formed international partnerships. Guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of pregnant women and partners (pillar 3) found in high-resource settings were lacking in low-resource and high CS prevalence countries. Surveillance programs were active in 10 countries while comprehensive details on monitoring and evaluation (pillar 4) components including proxy CS indicators were unavailable for nearly all. The elimination of CS can be achieved through the implementation of a series of proven measures but requires technical support, funding, and a commitment among political forces, health officials, and the public to prevent and treat all CS cases and help countries reach their Millennium Development Goals. Stronger partnerships with clearly defined responsibilities should be developed among agencies responsible for national STI control, HIV/AIDS control, and Making Pregnancy Safer initiatives to ensure the universal coverage of CS control interventions.

Obstetric mortality and its causes in developing countries

Discusses dual concerns of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG): that a widening gap between obstetric standards in Britain and those in the developing world exists and that the RCOG is unable to meet the needs of Third World doctors who come to the RCOG for postgraduate study. A meeting sponsored by Birthright and held at the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) in June 1989 which explored aspects of Third World obstetric care reflects these concerns. The proceedings of the meeting have been published and verbatim recordings of the discussions are available on tape from the RCOG. Reports on maternal mortality/morbidity in the Third World indicate persistence of poor obstetrical practices and of common obstetrical complications. Suggestions for improvement include the redeployment of and the replanning of services within countries and an increase in health education for women. Access to care at the first referral institution level is seen as the key to the improvement of care. Problems of transport and communication create serious obstacles to the link between community care and the first referral institution. The goal of the World Health Organization (WHO) is to cut the Third World maternal mortality in half by the year 2000. To reach this goal WHO plans to field obstetric teams in Latin America, Africa and South Asia; to train nurse-midwives to perform life saving measures on their own initiative; and to employ community resources by training indigenous midwives to function as extensions of the health team. The RCOG will sponsor training designed for doctors who will work in developing countries.