International Festival of Public Health

LT 3 - Global Health

Starting the conversation: How organisations, teams, and individuals may engage in global health care

Presenter: Julie Webb (The Christie Hospital NHS Foundation Trust)

Other Author(s): Alison Sanneh, Richard Cowan, Kathryn Downey, Friday Knight

Abstract Text:

The Christie School of Oncology’s Research Partnership Innovation Bursary was awarded in November 2017 to two of our leading radiographers to visit a public radiotherapy department in Parirenyatwa Hospital, Harare, Zimbabwe. The overarching aim of this visit was to build a working partnership and foster collaborations that would be of mutual benefit for both radiotherapy professionals and patients. The Christie Global Health Group was set up as a direct result of this experience and aims to build foundational knowledge on global healthcare initiatives and to form networks to seek information and support from experienced colleagues. The group have proposed a Christie Trust policy on global healthcare initiatives and are continuing to develop an aspirational vision of their organisation, teams, and individuals to make a difference in global healthcare.

Untapped potential: Community health workers using a digitally integrated solution to enhance the understanding of social factors in the treatment of neglected tropical diseases (NTDs)

Presenter: Mohammed Azhar Khan (Bangor University)

Other Author(s): Ephraim Kisangala, Etheldrada Mbivinjo, Benard Okeah, Sam Ayo

Abstract Text:

Background: The Sustainable Development Goal 3 to transform our world calls for “Good Health and Wellbeing” and sets a target of eradicating neglected tropical diseases by the year 2030. Neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) affect the world’s most vulnerable populations, even though pharmaceutical agents and other treatments to cure these diseases, exist. A community-led healthcare model has seen greater implementation in recent years with more countries embracing community health workers as a part of the health workforce. The challenges facing this varied workforce relate mainly to motivation and incentives with training, supervision, recognition and financial remuneration being major factors regarding the sustainability and effectiveness of this workforce. The closeness of community health workers to their communities combined with their in-depth knowledge of the social and cultural factors affecting the identification, risk assessment and eventual treatment of NTDs, makes these individuals a vital link in stemming the tide of NTDs.

Proposal: We propose using existing information and communications technology (ICT) infrastructure to act as a basis for successful risk assessment and referral to health care facilities or suitable point of treatment. This bespoke digital solution will allow CHW’s to transfer knowledge about the social and cultural sentiment that will make reducing NTDs effective. Furthermore, we propose a case study of Northern Uganda as a pilot site for this project.

Assessment of socioeconomic status of rural women in Nigeria: Implications for community-based interventions for poverty alleviation and women empowerment conducted by Precious Gems Africa.

Presenter: Nosa Akpede (Precious Gems UK/Africa)

Other Author(s): Tobin Ekaete, Okonofua Martha, Nnadi Chinelo, Oboh Achioyamen, Atafo Rebecca, Odigie George, Domina Nirere, Asogun Danny

Abstract Text:

Introduction: Rural women in low income countries lack financial capacity to develop themselves and contribute meaningfully to the growth and development of their families and communities. Thus, without urgent intervention, the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG)s1 will not be achievable at the set timeline. The study was conducted by Precious Gems, (a charity focused on improving the wellbeing of women and girls) to provide information on the current socioeconomic status of women in rural communities of Nigeria, with a view to inform policies and plan targeted interventions to alleviate the plight of rural women.

Method: A descriptive cross-sectional study design was used. Respondents were selected using a multi stage sampling technique with sample size as 200. Data was collected using interviewer administered questionnaires and analyzed using SPSS version 21.

Results: One hundred and seventy six out of 200 respondents participated in the study giving a response rate of 88/0%. Mean age of respondents of respondents was 47+/-14.5 years. Majority of the women were married 120(68.2%), majority had primary education 72(40.9%), 168 (95.5%) were Christians, 61.9% were farmers and 14.3% were petty traders. About 37.5% of spouses were farmers, closely followed by commercial drivers and bike rider (18.8%). Majority of the spouses had secondary level of education of education 48 (27.3%), followed by no formal education 40 (22.7%). Mean age of marriage was 21.2± 3.8 years, Majority were the only wife (61.9%) with mean number of wives as 1.43± 5.9. Mean number of pregnancies was 5.6± 2.6, 27.3% had 8 children. Majority of respondents (61.9%) had no preference for male or female children, with the female child being the least preferred for 14.3% of respondents. Perceived gender preference for spouse was given as no particular preference for the majority (83.3%) and a preference for male child for 16.7%. The primary reason for preference for male was inheritance and for female to assist with house work. Children of 144 (81.8%) respondents of school age were in school, however for 32 (18.2%) respondents’ reasons for not sending the children to school were illness in the child (4.5%), no money (4.5%), assist with farm work (4.5%). One hundred and four (59.1%) respondents had a girl child below 18 years, of which 18.2% were married and had at least one child, and 4.5% had dropped out of school after child birth. About 72.7% of respondents had no inheritance, 22.7% owned property, of which 80% owned a house and 20%, a plantation. Main source of income was farming for the majority 88 (50%), followed by petty trading 64 (36.3%). Eight respondents (4.5%), had no source of income. Average monthly income was $30 (N10,800). About 18.2% were the bread winners in their families, 63.6% had no savings, and for 36.4% with savings only 12.5% saved in the bank. Only 48 (27.3%) had access to loans facilities, of 16 (33.3%), were from women cooperative society, 8 (16.7%), from ESUSU, 16 (33.3%) were from bank loans and 8 (16.7%) from other sources. No respondent had ever received skill acquisition training. For access to social networks, 24 (13.6%) respondents were members of women cooperative, 32 (18.2%) of meeting clubs and 24 (13.6%) of religious groups.

Conclusion: Women in the study area are socially and financially disadvantaged and require urgent interventions in the areas of skill acquisition training, access to low-interest loans and other financial empowerment schemes.

The Emerging Roles of Immigrant-Led Organisations in Improving Global Health and addressing domestic violence and abuse

Presenter: Omolade Femi-Ajao (The University of Manchester)

Other Author(s): -

Abstract Text:

Domestic violence and abuse (DVA) affects all women irrespective of ethnic origin. However for immigrant women in the UK, there are marked differences in their lived experience of DVA. Using a cross-sectional qualitative study design, 16 Nigerian women with lived experience of domestic violence and abuse, and 9 leaders from immigrant-led organisations were interviewed. Findings from the research showed that, immigrant-led non-governmental organisations (i.e. community groups and faith-based organisations) are places from which immigrant women with lived experience of domestic abuse seek help. Furthermore, due to the social capital in such groups, they are likely avenues for conducting research and disseminating public health research findings. In conclusion, UK-based immigrant-led organisations are channels through which people not normally involved in public health research, can be accessed and involved, and also contribute to providing help and support for immigrant women with lived experience of domestic violence and abuse.