Volume 6, Number 39
2 October 2006

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FAMILY PLANNING/REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH RESEARCH

Over-the-counter access, changing WHO guidelines, and contraindicated oral contraceptive use in Mexico
(Abstract; subscription needed for full text; Central America and the Caribbean)
Studies in Family Planning. 2006 Sep;37(3):197-204.
Yeatman S | Potter J | Grossman D
This study examines the prevalence of contraindications among oral contraceptive (OC) users in Mexico. Using data on smoking behavior and blood-pressure measurements from the 2000 Mexican National Health Survey, the authors found that, under the 1996 World Health Organization (WHO) medical eligibility guidelines, the prevalence of contraindications was low. When the the 2000 WHO medical eligibility guidelines were applied, however, the study found that 10% of OC users younger than 35 and 33% aged 35 and older have contraindicated health conditions. The implications of these findings are that some women will need to be counseled or informed of the possible health consequences of their continued use of oral contraceptives.

Efficacy, acceptability and tolerability of the combined contraceptive ring, NuvaRing, compared with an oral contraceptive containing 30 mcg of ethinyl estradiol and 3 mg of drospirenone
(Abstract; subscription needed for full text; Global)
Contraception. Online access September 27, 2006.
Ahrendt H | Nisand I | Bastianelli C | Gomez M | Gemzell-Damielsson K | Urdl W | Karskov B | Oeyen L | Bitzer J | Page G | Milsom I
This randomized multicenter trial compared efficacy, acceptability, tolerability and compliance of NuvaRing with a combined oral contraceptive, containing 30 mcg of ethinyl estradiol and 3 mg of drospirenone. The study found that NuvaRing has comparable efficacy and tolerability to the COC. User acceptability of both methods was high.

Emergency contraception in Honduras: Knowledge, attitudes, and practice among urban family planning clients
(Abstract; subscription needed for full text; Central America and the Caribbean)
Studies in Family Planning. 2006 Sep;37(3):187-196.
Garcia S | Lara D | Landis S | Yam E | Pavon S
This study assessed emergency contraceptive (EC) knowledge, attitudes, and practice among 2,693 family planning clinic clients in Honduras. The study found that EC awareness increased over time, but remained at just 20% at follow-up. Respondents generally demonstrated a positive attitude and low rates of concern about EC. This study is intended to fill an information gap regarding EC in Latin America and the Caribbean and to be useful in determining educational messages and target audiences for future awareness campaigns in Honduras.

Effects of a single Silastic(R) contraceptive implant containing nomegestrol acetate (Uniplant) on endometrial morphology and ovarian function for 1 year
(Abstract; subscription needed for full text; Global)
Contraception. Online access September 27, 2006.
Barbosta I | Maia H | Coutinho E | Lopes R | Lopes A | Noronha C | Botto A
This study was undertaken to evaluate the effects of a subdermal implant containing nomegestrol acetate (Uniplant) on endometrial histology and ovarian function. The study results suggest that this long-acting contraceptive method affects follicular growth and endometrial vascularization, disrupts endometrial architecture, and leads to inadequate luteal phase.

Continuation rates of Implanon(R) in the UK: Data from an observational study in a clinical setting
(Abstract; subscription needed for full text; Europe)
Contraception. 2006 Oct;74(4):287-289.
Lakha F| Glasier AF
This study followed 324 women choosing Implanon(R) in a community family planning clinic in Scotland for 3 years after insertion of the implant. Continuation rates were 89% at 6 months, 75% at 1 year, 59% at 2 years, and 47% at 2 years and 9 months. Of the 68 women who discontinued Implanon within 1 year, 91% did so because of unwanted side effects, the most common being frequent and/or unpredictable bleeding. Almost half changed to a less-effective method of contraception; however, one third (n=99, 39%) chose to use a second implant when the first one expired.

Counselling and knowledge about contraceptive mode of action among married women: A cross-sectional study
(Research Article; Europe)
BMC Women's Health. 2006 Aug 6;6(12)
Topsever P | Filiz M | Aladag N | Topalli R | Cigerli O | Gorpelioglu S
The objective of this study was to investigate associations between family planning counseling, counselor, and correct knowledge about mode of action of modern contraceptive methods among married women in Turkey. The study found a beneficial effect of counseling on knowledge about mode of action of non-barrier contraceptive methods. These findings suggest that the use of family planning counseling services in primary health care should be promoted.

FAMILY PLANNING/REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH NEWS

Chile debates morning-after pill for young teenagers
(News Article; South America)
26 Sep 2006
Associated Press
Chile has begun to supply morning-after pills to girls as young as 14. The program has created an uproar in the politically leftist but socially conservative country. The program provides contraceptives —- including the morning-after pill —- to girls as young as 14 without notifying their parents. Until now, the age limit was 16, and the morning-after pill was given only to women who had been raped.

Female Health Company receives FC-2 registration in India
(News Article; Asia)
21 Sep 2006
PR Newswire
The Female Health Company announced that its second generation Female Condom FC-2 has received registration by the Indian governmental authorities. This permits the Company and its Indian partner Hindustan Latex Limited to initiate sales of FC-2 in India. HIV prevention campaigns in India use female condoms.

FAMILY PLANNING/REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH LAW AND POLICY

Russia considers sterility tax to encourage births
(News Article; Asia)
27 Sep 2006
LifeSiteNews.com
Russia’s Parliament is considering a proposal to reinstate a Soviet era “sterility tax” on childless Russians as part of a larger plan to encourage the birthrate. The tax would affect Russia’s 21 million singles, and aims to encourage them to have children, or help the state shoulder the financial burden of encouraging families to have more children. The latest official statistics indicate that Russia’s population is declining by at least 700,000 people each year.

What drives donor funding in population assistance programs? Evidence from OECD countries
(Abstract; subscription needed for full text; Global)
Studies in Family Planning. 2006 Sep;37(3):141-154.
van Dalen H | Reuser M
The 1994 International Conference on Population and Development established goals for the expansion of population assistance. To date, the financial promises made by donor countries in 1994 have not been met. To unravel the gap between ambitions and contributions, this study investigates what lies behind the level of donor contributions and the sharing of burdens of population and HIV/AIDS assistance. It finds that contributions by donors depend heavily on the economic wealth and subjective preferences of donor countries. Small countries predominantly use multilateral aid agencies, whereas large countries rely more on bilateral aid channels.

Mobilising financial resources for maternal health
(Abstract; subscription needed for full text; Global)
Lancet. Online access September 28, 2006.
Borghi J | Ensor T | Somanathan A | Lissner C | Mills A
Coverage of cost-effective maternal health services remains poor due to insufficient supply and inadequate demand for these services among the poorest groups. Households pay too great a share of the costs of maternal health services, or do not seek care because they cannot afford the costs. Available evidence creates a strong case for removal of user fees and provision of universal coverage for pregnant women, particularly for delivery care. Current investment in maternal health is insufficient to meet the fifth Millennium Development Goal, and much greater resources are needed to scale up coverage of maternal health services and create demand.

HIV/AIDS RESEARCH

Predictive value of plasma HIV RNA level on rate of CD4 T-cell decline in untreated HIV infection
(Abstract; subscription needed for full text; Global)
Journal of the American Medical Association. 2006 Sep 27;296(12):1498-1506.
Rodríguez B | Sethi A | Cheruvu V | Mackay W | Bosch R | Kitahata M | Boswell S | Mathews C | Bangsberg D | Martin J | Whalen C | Sieg S | Yadavalli S | Deeks S | Lederman M
Related News Article: HIV measure called into question
This study involving 2,800 people suggests measuring viral load is a much less reliable way to predict loss of key CD4 immune cells than previously thought. The study also suggests that predicting disease progression -- which is crucial in deciding when to start highly active antiretroviral therapy -- might be more complex than previous thought and could include indirect ways HIV can harm the immune system.

Is smoking tobacco an independent risk factor for HIV infection and progression to AIDS? A systematic review
(Research Article; Global)
Sexually Transmitted Infections. Online access August 21, 2006.
Furber A | Maheswaran R | Carrol C | Newell J |
Related News Article: Smokers 'at greater risk of HIV'
This review article finds that smoking might increase the risk of contracting HIV. Of the six studies examining tobacco smoking as a risk factor for either HIV infection or progression of the virus to AIDS, five suggest that smoking tobacco is an independent risk factor for HIV seroconversion after adjusting for confounding factors. According to the study, smokers are between 60% and 300% more likely to contract HIV than nonsmokers.

Dynamics of HIV neutralization by a microbicide formulation layer: Biophysical fundamentals and transport theory
(Abstract; subscription needed for full text; Global)
Biophysical Journal. 2006 Sep 15;91(6):2121-2130.
Geonnotti A | Katz D
Related News Article: Study defines effective microbicide design for HIV/AIDS prevention
Duke University biomedical engineers have developed a computer tool they say could lead to improvements in topical microbicides being developed for women to use to prevent infection by the virus that causes AIDS. Using the tool, the researchers have determined that a thin, long-lasting coating of microbicide delivered to susceptible tissues in a woman's vagina can significantly reduce the spread of HIV.

HIV treatment beliefs and sexual transmission risk behaviors among HIV positive men and women
(Abstract; subscription needed for full text; Global)
Journal of Behavioral Medicine. 2006 Oct;29(5):401-410.
Kalichman S | Eaton L | Cain D | Cherry C | Pope H | Kalichman M
This study examines the association between HIV treatment beliefs, HIV transmission risk perceptions, medication adherence, viral load, and engaging in unprotected intercourse with sex partners among 158 HIV positive men and women who were receiving HIV treatments. Results showed having missed medications in the past two days and treatment-related beliefs were significantly associated with engaging in unprotected intercourse with all sex partners. These results demonstrate that the HIV status of sex partners sets the context for whether prevention-related treatment beliefs are associated with HIV transmission risk behaviors among people living with HIV/AIDS.

HIV/AIDS NEWS

Zimbabwe: HIV prevalence decline - will it last?
(Feature Article; Sub-Saharan Africa)
25 Sep 2006
Reuters
News of Zimbabwe's declining HIV prevalence rates have been met with scepticism and confusion, particularly in view of the country's economic and political climate. Some think the change is attributable to behavioral change or skewed statistics. Karen Stanecki, a UNAIDS senior advisor in the epidemiology monitoring group, stated that there was evidence of high rates of mortality, as well as "some behaviour change, including reduced number of [sexual] partners and increased condom use."

Zimbabwe: HIV/AIDS drug prices jump
(News Article; Sub-Saharan Africa)
26 Sep 2006
iafrica.com
The price of antiretroviral drugs in Zimbabwe has risen by between 50 and 60% in the past three months, pushing the drugs beyond the reach of many of the country's 600,000 HIV-positive citizens.

Tackling Papua New Guinea's AIDS epidemic
(Feature Article; Oceania)
28 Sep 2006
BBC News
Papua New Guinea and its population of just under six million is in the grip of an HIV/AIDS epidemic. With nearly 2% of the population now believed to be living with HIV and AIDS, experts fear Papua New Guinea is heading for a crisis similar to that in sub-Saharan Africa.

Tanzania: New roads expose remote areas to HIV
(News Article; Sub-Saharan Africa)
21 Sep 2006
IRIN News
Tanzania plans to build more than 2,000 kilometers of tarmac roads in the 2006/07 financial year, mostly in the relatively isolated western and southern regions. Road construction in these rural areas will open new markets and provide greater economic opportunities, but may also increase the risk of HIV transmission.

India nearly doubles free AIDS treatment centres
(News Article; Asia)
28 Sep 2006
Reuters
India's state-run AIDS control agency has nearly doubled the number of clinics giving free antiretroviral drugs to tackle the fallout of the infection in the country with the world's most cases. The country now has 91 operational clinics, up from 54 about six months ago. The number of clinics is expected to reach 100 by March.

Congo: Slim resources to counter rising HIV/AIDS level
(Feature Article; Sub-Saharan Africa)
27 Sep 2006
Reuters
The Republic of Congo's official independence celebrations were held in the Niari region this year, highlighting an area hard-hit by the pandemic but struggling to provide HIV/AIDS services. Despite the high rate of HIV, the Niari region does not have a voluntary HIV testing center, nor one for the distribution of antiretroviral (ARV) medicines. Those needing ARVs must travel 140 kilometers to reach the country's only two facilities offering treatment.

Exclusive school for HIV/AIDS children in India
(News Article; Asia)
29 Sep 2006
Mmegi
A non-profit organisation has set up a school in India for children infected with HIV/AIDS and who are barred from other institutions. The school, in southern Warrangal district in the state of Andhra Pradesh, recently started operations and is staffed by an HIV/AIDS counselor, a teacher, and a nurse.

MATERNAL AND CHILD HEALTH RESEARCH

Reproductive experience increases prolactin responsiveness in the medial preoptic area and arcuate nucleus of female rats
(Abstract; subscription needed for full text; Global)
Endocrinology. 2006 Oct;147(10):4688-4694.
Anderson G | Grattan D | van den Ancker W | Bridges R
Related News Article: Maternal behavior and coping skills may be affected by pregnancy and lactation
This study finds that pregnancy and lactation in rodents produce long-term changes in hormone receptor actions in a mother's brain that may affect maternal behavior as well as her response to stress. The implication of the findings is that prior reproductive experience may reduce the female's response to stress well beyond weaning.

Strategies for reducing maternal mortality: Getting on with what works
(Abstract; subscription needed for full text; Global)
Lancet. Online access September 28 2006.
Campbell O | Graham W
Related News Article: Health centre births key to reducing maternal deaths
Despite the huge diversity of country contexts and of determinants of maternal health, only a few strategic choices need to be made to reduce maternal mortality. This review article highlights the importance of an effective intrapartum-care strategy and prioritizes a strategy based on delivery in primary-level institutions (health centers), backed up by access to referral-level facilities.

Women's groups' perceptions of maternal health issues in rural Malawi
(Abstract; subscription needed for full text; Sub-Saharan Africa)
Lancet. 2006 Sep 30;368(9542):1180-1188.
Rosato M | Mwansambo C | Kazembe P | Phiri T | Soko Q | Lewycka S | Kunyenge B | Vergnano S | Osrin D | Newell M | Costello A
This study reports the perceptions of women's groups of maternal health problems in the rural Mchinji district of Malawi. The five problems prioritized as most important were anemia, malpresentation, retained placenta, obstructed labor, and postpartum hemorrhage. The study points out that women's groups might be effective at reducing maternal mortality because they can draw on the collective capacity in communities to solve problems and make women's voices heard by decision-makers.

Going to scale with professional skilled care
(Abstract; subscription needed for full text; Global)
Lancet. Online access September 28, 2006.
Koblinsky M | Matthews Z | Hussein J | Mavalankar D | Mridha M | Anwar I | Achadi E | Adjei S | Padmanabhan P | Lerberghe W
This review article discusses what is needed to move forward from an apparent global lull in provision and use of maternal health care where maternal mortality is high. The main obstacles to the expansion of care are the scarcity of skilled providers and health-system infrastructure, substandard quality of care, and women's reluctance to use maternity care where there are high costs and poor services. To increase the supply of professional skilled birthing care, strategic decisions must be made in three areas: training, deployment, and retention of health workers.

Obstetric vesicovaginal fistula as an international public health problem
(Abstract; subscription needed for full text; Global)
368(9542)
Wall L
Vesicovaginal fistula is a condition that is rare in developed countries, but in developing countries it is a common complication of childbirth resulting from prolonged obstructed labor. Estimates suggest that at least three million women in poor countries have unrepaired fistulas, and that 30,000–130,000 new cases develop each year in Africa alone. This article reviews the pathophysiology of vesicovaginal fistula in obstructed labor, describes the effect of this condition on the lives of women in developing countries, and gives policy recommendations to combat this problem.

Maternal health in poor countries: The broader context and a call for action
(Abstract; subscription needed for full text; Global)
Lancet. Online access September 28, 2006.
Filippi V | Ronsmans C | Campbell O | Graham W | Mills A | Borghi J | Koblinsky M | Osrin D
This review article draws attention to the economic and social vulnerability of pregnant women and stresses the importance of broader strategies, including poverty reduction and women's empowerment. It also considers outcomes beyond mortality, including near-misses and long-term sequelae, and the implications of the close association between the mother, the fetus, and the child. It highlights the need for strategic vision, financial resources, human resources, and information.

MEN'S HEALTH RESEARCH

The influence of chronic inflammation in prostatic carcinogenesis: A 5-year followup study
(Abstract; subscription needed for full text; Global)
2006 Sep;176(3):1012-1016.
MacLennan G | Eisenberg R | Fleshman R| Taylor M | Fu P | Resnick M | Gupta S
Related News Article: Chronic inflammation tied to prostate cancer
The findings of this study suggest that there is a strong association between chronic prostatic inflammation and prostate carcinogenesis. The researchers followed 177 patients who were suspected of having prostate malignancies over five years. In total, 20% of those who had chronic inflammation were diagnosed with adenocarcinoma. In contrast, only two patients (6%) who did not have inflammation received such a diagnosis. The findings have implications for management of patients with chronic inflammation.

POPULATION RESEARCH

The United States at 300 million
(Report; North America)
Yin S
The United States is set to reach a milestone in October. It will become the third country -- after China and India -- to be home to at least 300 million people. Natural increase (the excess of births over deaths) drives most population growth (60 percent annually) in the United States. This relatively high natural increase sets the United States apart from other developed countries such as Sweden and the United Kingdom, where the excess of births over deaths accounts for less growth, respectively.

POPULATION NEWS

Gender imbalance worries China, govt takes action
(News Article; Asia)
22 Sep 2006
People's Daily Online
With China worried that it does not have enough girls, the central government is implementing new policies to counter the country's worsening gender imbalance.

Uganda faces demographic pressure
(News Article; Sub-Saharan Africa)
25 Sep 2006
Blogger News Network
The long-term population growth in Uganda will place pressure on the Ugandan economy and environment in the next 20 years. The 2006 State of Uganda Population Report predicts that the high population growth will affect national saving rates, per capita income, employment rate, and the environment.

Vietnam: Half of middle-aged urban population overweight
(News Article; Asia)
29 Sep 2006
Vietnam Net
A recent survey on weight and obesity in Vietnam found that 50 percent of middle-aged people in cities are overweight. According to the World Health Organization (WHO) standard for the Asian region, the obesity rate in Vietnam is not yet considered high, but the rate of overweight people has exceeded 16% and increased markedly in each age group.

WOMEN'S HEALTH RESEARCH

Family history of breast cancer as a risk factor for ovarian cancer in a prospective study
(Abstract; subscription needed for full text; Global)
Cancer. 2006 Sep 1;107(5):1075-10783.
Kazerouni N | Greene M | Lacy J | Mink P | Schairer C
Related News Article: Family breast cancer history ups ovarian cancer risk
The study finds that having a first- or second-degree relative with breast cancer is linked to a 40% increased risk of developing ovarian cancer. Having two or more first-degree relatives with breast cancer is linked to an 80% increased risk of developing cervical cancer and is especially true for women who were diagnosed with ovarian cancer before age 60 or who have a personal history of breast cancer.

Women's reproductive health and depression: A community survey in the Gambia, West Africa
(Abstract; subscription needed for full text; Sub-Saharan Africa)
Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology. 2006 Sep;41(9):720-727.
Coleman R | Morison L | Paine K | Powell R | Walraven G |
This study explores associations between depression and reproductive health conditions in rural African women of reproductive age. It found that depression was most significantly associated with widowhood or divorce, infertility, and severe menstrual pain. The study points to the importance of reproductive potential and reproductive health in maintaining women's mental well-being across different strata of a rural and resource-poor society.

Interpregnancy weight change and risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes: A population-based study
(Abstract; subscription needed for full text; Global)
Lancet. 30 Sep 2006;368(9542):1164-1170.
Villamor E | Cnattingius S
Related News Article: Interpregnancy weight gain risky for second pregnancy
Related News Article: Gaining weight between pregnancies could lead to pregnancy complications
This study examined the associations between change in prepregnancy body-mass index (BMI) from the first to the second pregnancies, and the risk of adverse outcomes during the second pregnancy in a nationwide Swedish study. The results showed that weight gain between first and second pregnancies was associated with an increased risk of overweight and obesity-related adverse outcomes. Additionally, the researchers found that the risk of adverse outcomes increased even in women who were not overweight, but who gained a modest amount of weight between pregnancies. The results provide robust epidemiological evidence for advocating weight loss in overweight and obese women who are planning to become pregnant and, to prevent weight gain before pregnancy in women with healthy BMIs.

Preferences for sources of information about abnormal Pap tests and HPV in women tested for HPV
(Abstract; subscription needed for full text; Global)
Preventive Medicine. 2006 Sep;43(3):165-170.
McCree D | Sharpe P | Brandt H | Robertson R
This study examines women's preferences and opinions regarding sources of information and education on HPV and abnormal Pap tests. Women preferred sources that were trustworthy, accessible, and convenient, could be viewed in a private location, and were written in easily understood language. Women also preferred obtaining information from other women with HPV. The most trusted source was face-to-face interaction with the health care provider. The authors conclude that regardless of channel, women want information that they can understand about abnormal Pap tests and HPV.

YOUTH HEALTH RESEARCH

Before first sex: Gender differences in emotional relationships and physical behaviors among adolescents in the Philippines
(Research Article; Asia)
(You need Adobe Acrobat Reader to access this document)
International Family Planning Perspectives. 2006 Sep;32(3):110-119.
Upadhyay U | Hindin M | Gultiano S
This study explores how the pace of emotional relationships before first intercourse provides cues about sexual risk behavior. In general, females progress through their emotional relationships more slowly than do males, but those who progress through them quickly are at significantly greater risk of having sex at a relatively young age. The results demonstrate that the period between first date and first sex provides an opportunity to ensure that adolescents have access to the information and services that will allow them to make informed choices about sexual behavior.

The impact of an HIV and AIDS life skills program on secondary school students in KwaZulu–Natal, South Africa
(Abstract; subscription needed for full text; Sub-Saharan Africa)
AIDS Education and Prevention. 2006 Aug;18(4):281-294.
James S | Reddy P | Ruiter R | McCauley A | van den Borne B
The evaluation of an HIV/AIDS life skills program among students in KwaZulu–Natal, South Africa, showed a significant increase in student knowledge about HIV/AIDS in the intervention group compared with the control group. No effects were found on safe sex practices or on measures of psychosocial determinants of these practices. Students who received the full intervention were more positive in their perceptions about sexual behavior and social connectedness and reported less sex and more condom use than students in the partial and control groups.

Sexual initiation, substance use, and sexual behavior and knowledge among vocational students in northern Thailand
(Research Article; Asia)
(You need Adobe Acrobat Reader to access this document)
International Family Planning Perspectives. 2006 Sep;32(3):126-135.
Liu A | Kilmarx P | Jenkins R | Manopaiboon C | Mock P | Jeeyapunt S | Uthaivoravit W| van Griensven F
Thailand has undergone dramatic social changes in the last two decades, yet little is known about factors related to sexual initiation among adolescents. This study find that males initiated sexual intercourse at an earlier age than females. Sexual initiation was associated with having a nonagricultural background and using alcohol or methamphetamine. The findings have implications for interventions to ameliorate the adverse consequences of early sexual initiation. Programs should identify and target high-risk subgroups, such as those who are sexually experienced at an early age and those engaged in patterns of generalized risk-taking.

YOUTH HEALTH NEWS

Namibia: Positive trend in young men attending sex workshops
(Feature Article; Sub-Saharan Africa)
2006 Sep 27;
allAfrica.com
There is a satisfying trend with regard to active participation by young men in meetings on adolescent and sexual reproductive health aimed at combating the spread of the HIV/AIDS pandemic in Namibia. Attendance rates at workshops conducted by the People's Health Project show a positive trend among young men's participation. In the past, female adolescents mostly attended such meetings.

India: Student animations to aid fight against HIV
(News Article; Asia)
28 Sep 2006
The Delhi Government set up a new studio for students to create animated curriculum and act as peer educators on issues such as sexual health and the AIDS epidemic.

SPECIAL REPORTS/PROFILES/RESOURCES

Preventing HIV/AIDS in young people: A systematic review of the evidence in developing countries
(Review/Synthesis; Global)
2006;Geneva, World Health Organization (WHO), 2006. (WHO Technical Report Series No. 938)
USAIDS Inter-agency Task Team on Young People
This report provides evidence-based recommendations for policy-makers, program managers, and researchers to guide efforts towards meeting the UN goals on HIV/AIDS and young people. The report also provides a systematic review of the effectiveness of interventions provided: through schools, health services, mass media, communities, and to young people who are most vulnerable to HIV infection.

Engaging for health: 11th general programme of work, 2006-2015: A global health agenda
(Programming Guide; Global)
(You need Adobe Acrobat Reader to access this document)
Geneva, World Health Organization, 2006.
World Health Organization
This document outlines a strategic framework for understanding determinants of health and measures required to improve the health of populations, communities, families, and individuals.

Ethiopia 2005 Final Report
(Report; Sub-Saharan Africa)
2006 Sep;Calverton, Maryland, USA, ORC Macro, 2006.
Addis Ababa Central Statistical Agency and ORC Macro
The 2005 Ethiopia Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) has shown that there was no statistically significant drop in the birth rate since the previous survey in 2000, even though contraceptive use in the country has risen considerably. Maternal and child health indicators in Ethiopia show considerable room for improvement. Only 27.6 percent of mothers who had had a live birth in the five years before the survey had received any antenatal care from a health professional, and only 5.7 percent were attended by a health professional during delivery.

Calendar of Events

See All Events

October 15, 2006 - October 18, 2006
Who Cares? The Human Dimension of Global Health
Human resources represent the most critical and precious assets in the struggle to achieve global health. This year, the Canadian Conference on International Health will explore the field of human resources, across all aspects of the health system, and encourage a broad, but critical, approach to the theme stressing, as always, the links between research, advocacy and action.
E-Mail: conference@csih.orgEvent Location: Ottawa, Canada

November 20, 2006 - November 25, 2006
Up-Scaling Care and Support Program for People Living with HIV/AIDS
The objective of this training program is to develop understanding among program managers and service providers about the universal processes and standards for providing care and support to PLHA. It also aims to strengthen their technical and managerial capabilities in internalizing these and rolling out care and support programs for PLHA and their families, in the local contexts.
Contact's Name: Prof. R.S. Goyal / E-Mail: iihmr@iihmr.org
Event Location: Jaipur, India

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Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health: The INFO Project

Volume 6, Number 39 2 October 2006