International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies

About: International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies is a nonprofit organization based out in Geneva, Switzerland. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Poison control. The organization has 97 authors who have published 111 publications receiving 3290 citations. The organization is also known as: IFRC & International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement.

Towards tuberculosis elimination: an action framework for low-incidence countries

Abstract: This paper describes an action framework for countries with low tuberculosis (TB) incidence (<100 TB cases per million population) that are striving for TB elimination. The framework sets out priority interventions required for these countries to progress first towards "pre-elimination" (<10 cases per million) and eventually the elimination of TB as a public health problem (less than one case per million). TB epidemiology in most low-incidence countries is characterised by a low rate of transmission in the general population, occasional outbreaks, a majority of TB cases generated from progression of latent TB infection (LTBI) rather than local transmission, concentration to certain vulnerable and hard-to-reach risk groups, and challenges posed by cross-border migration. Common health system challenges are that political commitment, funding, clinical expertise and general awareness of TB diminishes as TB incidence falls. The framework presents a tailored response to these challenges, grouped into eight priority action areas: 1) ensure political commitment, funding and stewardship for planning and essential services; 2) address the most vulnerable and hard-to-reach groups; 3) address special needs of migrants and cross-border issues; 4) undertake screening for active TB and LTBI in TB contacts and selected high-risk groups, and provide appropriate treatment; 5) optimise the prevention and care of drug-resistant TB; 6) ensure continued surveillance, programme monitoring and evaluation and case-based data management; 7) invest in research and new tools; and 8) support global TB prevention, care and control. The overall approach needs to be multisectorial, focusing on equitable access to high-quality diagnosis and care, and on addressing the social determinants of TB. Because of increasing globalisation and population mobility, the response needs to have both national and global dimensions.

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.

Abstract: 1.1. National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies in South East Asia (SEANS) are auxiliaries to their governments1. All SEANS have Red Cross and Red Crescent laws or decrees and are recognized and appreciated by their Governments who are member states to ASEAN2 . SEANS are working together with National Disaster Management Organisations (NDMOs) and line Ministries. They are key providers of disaster risk management, health and water and sanitation and promote social inclusion, peace and stability. SEANS are working with communities, and multiply their impact with the support of volunteers and youth. The IFRC, the international organization in which SEANS, together with all other NS around the globe (altogether 190 member NS) are united, has established relationships with ASEAN bodies and organs. The IFRC has been engaging in disaster risk management training and research, participates together with the SEANS in simulation exercises, has an agreed work plan with the AHA Centre, supports ERAT trainings and is connecting to priority programmes of AADMER. The IFRC and SEANS also participate in and contribute to several priority areas of sectoral ASEAN strategies and in a number of working groups of ASEAN member states (youth, climate change, health, social inclusion, among others).

Analyzing spatial patterns of meteorological drought using standardized precipitation index

Abstract: Drought is a slow-onset, creeping natural hazard and a recurrent phenomenon in the arid and semi-arid regions of Gujarat (India). In Asia, the standardized precipitation index (SPI) has gained wider acceptance in the detection and the estimation of the intensity, magnitude and spatial extent of droughts. The main advantage of the SPI, in comparison with other indices, is that the SPI enables both determination of drought conditions at different time scales and monitoring of different drought types. This index captures the accumulated deficit (SPI 0) of precipitation over a specified period, and provides a normalized measure (i.e. spatially invariant Z score) of relative precipitation anomalies at multiple time scales. In the present study, monthly time series of rainfall data (1981–2003) from 160 stations were used to derive SPI, particularly at 3-month time scales. This 3-month SPI was interpolated to depict spatial patterns of meteorological drought and its severity during typical drought and wet years. Correlation analysis was also done to evaluate usefulness of SPI to quantify effects of drought on food grain productivity. Further, time series of SPI were exploited to assess the drought risk in Gujarat. Copyright © 2007 Royal Meteorological Society

Successful control of epidemic diphtheria in the states of the Former Union of Soviet Socialist Republics: lessons learned.

Abstract: Epidemic diphtheria reemerged in the Russian Federation in 1990 and spread to all Newly Independent States (NIS) and Baltic States by the end of 1994. Factors contributing to the epidemic included increased susceptibility of both children and adults, socioeconomic instability, population movement, deteriorating health infrastructure, initial shortages of vaccine, and delays in implementing control measures. In 1995, aggressive control strategies were implemented, and since then, all affected countries have reported decreases of diphtheria; however, continued efforts by national health authorities and international assistance are still needed. The legacy of this epidemic includes a reexamination of the global diphtheria control strategy, new laboratory techniques for diphtheria diagnosis and analysis, and a model for future public health emergencies in the successful collaboration of multiple international partners. The reemergence of diphtheria warns of an immediate threat of other epidemics in the NIS and Baltic States and a longer-term potential for the reemergence of vaccine-preventable diseases elsewhere. Continued investment in improved vaccines, control strategies, training, and laboratory techniques is needed.

Strengthening mental health care systems for Syrian refugees in Europe and the Middle East: integrating scalable psychological interventions in eight countries.

Abstract: The crisis in Syria has resulted in vast numbers of refugees seeking asylum in Syria’s neighbouring countries as well as in Europe. Refugees are at considerable risk of developing common mental disorders, including depression, anxiety, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Most refugees do not have access to mental health services for these problems because of multiple barriers in national and refugee specific health systems, including limited availability of mental health professionals. To counter some of challenges arising from limited mental health system capacity the World Health Organization (WHO) has developed a range of scalable psychological interventions aimed at reducing psychological distress and improving functioning in people living in communities affected by adversity. These interventions, including Problem Management Plus (PM+) and its variants, are intended to be delivered through individual or group face-to-face or smartphone formats by lay, non-professional people who have no...