UN Population Division, Department of Economic and Social Affairs,
with support from the UN Population Fund (UNFPA)
|
| UN Population Division, Department of Economic and Social Affairs, with support from the UN Population Fund (UNFPA) |
|
HDDFLASH ISSUE No. 10, November 4, 1996
Electronic newsletter and archiving service on human development
issues
World Bank
Human Development Department
e-mail: hddlink@worldbank.org
http://www.worldbank.org/html/hcovp/hdd/contents.html
=====================================================================
In this issue......
* Redesigning Government's Role in Health: Lessons for Indonesia
From Neighboring Countries
* What's New in the HDDFLASH Archive?
* Courses in Health Economics - Bangkok, Thailand
* 1997 TDR/IDRC Award; Gender and Tropical Diseases
* Vacancy Announcements
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Redesigning Government's Role in Health:
Lessons for Indonesia from Neighboring Countries
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Since 1973, the Government of Indonesia has expanded its role in
health, with favorable results initially. IMR (per 1000 live births)
fell from over 100 in 1970 to roughly 86 by 1980, with recent
surveys showing IMR of 57 for 1990s. Despite these gains and
extensive government involvement, performance in Indonesia's health
sector has been disappointing and lagging behind its neighbors.
What can Indonesia learn from its neighbors? The report "Redesigning
Government's Role in Health: Lessons for Indonesia from Neighboring
Countries," by S. Lieberman, Division Chief (EA3PH), attempts to
address these issues. The study provides a comprehensive
historical review of the health system and policies pursued in
Indonesia and its neighboring countries (Malaysia, the Philippines
and Thailand).
Chronically low levels of health spending provides only a limited,
proximate explanation of the poor performance. Acknowledging the
differences in income and spending, the study concludes that
Indonesian planners can learn from some of the initiatives of its
neighbors. Among the recommendations were:
* decentralization of major health responsibilities to the
provinces;
* strengthening the capacity of MOH in technical support,
program review, policy analysis and advocacy;
* better coordination between public and private sector.
* rethinking and reinvigorating community-based activities
* increasing public funding
A limited number of copies of the report are available. To request a
copy, please contact Tracee Graham-Williams at (202)458-2531
fax:(202)522-3394 and by e-mail: tgraham@worldbank.org
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Short Courses in Health Economics
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
The CENTRE FOR HEALTH ECONOMICS, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok,
Thailand is offering a number of short courses in Health Economics.
- ORGANIZATION MANAGEMENT AND DECISION MAKING IN THE HEALTH SECTOR
(December 2 - 27, 1996)
Analysis and decision making in health care organizations in the private
and public sectors. Attention will be given to the assessment of strengths
and weaknesses of modeling in relation to particular types of decisions.
- HEALTH ECONOMICS RESEARCH METHODS
(December 30, 1996 to January 24, 1997)
Principles of health economics research, including the roles of questions,
hypotheses and theories in the research process, with critical review of
research design and methodologies. This will lead to the ability to prepare
a research proposal, including strategies for data management, analysis and
communication of results.
Fees and other estimated expenses for a four-week course in year 1996-97
are approximately 51,250 Baht (US$2,050).
Please request application materials and other information from :
Director of Short Courses in Health Economics
Centre for Health Economics, Faculty of Economics
Chulalongkorn University
Bangkok 10330, Thailand
Tel: (662)218-6281 Fax: (662)218-6279
Email: ppongsa@netserv.chula.ac.th
or fecoppc@chulkn.car.chula.ac.th
%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
1997 TDR/IDRC AWARD: GENDER AND TROPICAL DISEASES
%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
Gender Issues in the 'Operationalization of Bednets Use' is the topic of
the 1997 IDRC/TDR award on gender and tropical diseases. The award, in
the amount of C$5,000, is jointly sponsored by Canada's International
Development Research Centre (IDRC) and (Tropical Disease Research) TDR.
Most of the submissions for earlier awards have not adequately addressed
the topic of gender. The topic of gender issues in the use of bednets
encompasses a broad range of concerns. These include the household
dimensions of information sharing concerning the positive, preventive
aspects of bednet use; gender power relations influencing decision-making
regarding the purchase, dipping, and maintenance of the nets; potential
positive effects of bednet use for pregnant women; and gender differences
in the utilization of bednets within the household.
The ideal paper should:
- contribute new and useful knowledge on gender issues in the use of
bednets
- be original, not published elsewhere
- provide a basis for future research
- offer a critical review of current knowledge on the chosen topic
- focus on practical disease control issues
- not exceed 30 typewritten, double-spaced (A4) pages (including figures
and references.
Deadline for submission: September 30, 1997
For further information please contact:
Dr. Carol Vlassoff,
Manager, Gender and Tropical Diseases Task Force,
TDR/WHO, 1211 Geneva 27, Switzerland.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Opportunities for Micro Nutrient Interventions (OMNI):
REPORT OF THE XVII IVACG MEETING
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Virtual Elimination of Vitamin A Deficiency: Obstacles and Solutions for
the Year 2000", the report of the XVII IVACG Meeting, (held in Guatemala,
March 1996) is now available from the International Vitamin A Consultative
Group (IVACG). It contains the XVII IVACG Meeting program, meeting
summary and recommendations, abstracts of presentations, and participant
lists.
The five-day meeting program included 130 presentations related to the
obstacles and solutions to implementing programs to eliminate vitamin A
deficiency as a public health problem as well as other topics related to
vitamin A deficiency.
To order your copy, send a message to:
IVACG Secretariat,
ILSI Research Foundation
1126 Sixteenth Street, NW
Washington, D.C. 20036, USA
tel (202) 659-9024; fax (202) 659-3617
E-mail : OMNI@DC.ILSI.ORG.
**************************************************************************
OPPORTUNITIES FOR MICRONUTRIENT INTERVENTIONS (OMNI) is located at
1616 North Fort Myer Dr, Suite 1100, Arlington, Virginia
22209 USA - Tel: 703 528-7474 - Fax: 703 528-7480
E-mail: omni_project@jsi.com
WWW: http://www.jsi.com/intl/omni/home
**************************************************************************
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VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENTS
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*** Scientific Program Associate ***
The International AIDS Vaccine Initiative (IAVI) was established in January
1996 with the mission of accelerating the development of an AIDS vaccine,
particularly for use in less developed countries.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Based in Washington D.C., the Scientific Program Associate will:
* Assist the Scientific Director in all aspects of development,
implementation and oversight of IAVI's targeted vaccine development
program; monitor AIDS vaccine research and development; review and track
scientific literature and reports; prepare scientific presentations,
correspondence, grant/contract documents and reports; report on HIV/AIDS
and vaccine workshops and conferences.
* Manage the activities of the IAVI Scientific Office; coordinate with IAVI
staff, IAVI's Scientific Advisory Committee, legal, developmental and other
consultants, HIV/AIDS and vaccine researchers, IAVI grantees/contractors,
community organizations, and private sector partners through oral and
written communications.
DESIRED KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS
- Fundamental knowledge of the biology of HIV/AIDS, international AIDS
prevention research and/or vaccine development
- Familiarity with grant making processes
- Familiarity with NIH and/or private sector vaccine efforts
- Excellent organizational skills
- Ability to take initiative and to work with minimal guidance
- Strong written and verbal communication skills; ability to communicate at
professional/scientific and lay person levels
REQUIREMENTS
-Master of Science, Master of Public Health OR four year undergraduate
degree with minimum 5 years experience in managing a biomedical research
program of grants and contracts
-Experience in public health of laboratory research, or comparable
technical position
Salary range: $35,000 - $60,000 per annum, commensurate with qualifications
and experience.
Application Deadline: November 6, 1996.
Fax cover letter and resume to:
Dr. Margaret Johnston,
Scientific Director,
IAVI, at 202-408-1818
*** Information, Education and Communications Advisor ***
The Opportunities for Micronutrient Interventions (OMNI) program, through
the US Agency for international Development (USAID)is working with the
Eritrean Ministry of Health to provide assistance to ensure virtual
elimination of IDD and control of VAD and IDA. OMNI will provide technical
assistance through a field office in Asmara and is seeking a full-time
Information, Education and Communication (IEC) Advisor to provide capacity
building technical assistance to the Ministry of Health IEC Unit and to
serve as IEC liaison for all international agency health projects in
Eriteria.
Responsibilities: coordinating formative research, training workshops,
field activities, monitoring and results analysis. In addition, position
will coordinate and supervise all OMNI-Eriteria IEC, including supporting
the IDD and MN Task Forces to determine appropriate messages and creation
of written, audio and visual materials to promote the benefits of iodized
salt, including the development of a national level campaign and education
curriculum materials. Position will sit at both MOH and OMNI office.
Qualifications: MPH or health education/communications. Minimum
two years experience in managing and implementing IEC programs in
developing countries. Demonstrate ability to work closely with a wide
range of institutions and agencies. Excellent written/spoken English,
Tigrigna preferred, and interpersonal skills.
Application deadline: November 30. Send resume and three references to :
OMNI PO Box 5841 Asmara or fax OMNI Washington 703 528-7480 or via E-mail
at omni_project@jsi.com.
**** Epidemiologist *****
UN/WHO Level P5
The Centre for Health and Population Research (ICDDR, B: International
Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh) is a leading
international research centre in the developing world and the foremost
bio-medical research institution in Bangladesh. The Centre's mission is to
develop and disseminate solutions to major health and population problems,
particularly in the areas of population, reproductive health and child
survival, with an emphasis on the policy relevance of simple and
cost-effective methods of prevention and case management. The Centre has
recently been actively strengthening the use of economic, social and
behavioral sciences in research and promoting the Centre's capacity in
these disciplines with support from the Ford Foundation.
Duties and responsibilities:
- Head of the Child Health Programme in the Division of Community
Health
- Develop research protocols and take part in multidisciplinary studies
that utilize quantitative and qualitative social research methods for
improving health and population based interventions and programmes;
- Generate competitive research grants to carry out the above;
- Strengthen expertise in and commitment to, the application of
epidemiology within research studies carried out by other Programmes
and Divisions at the Centre;
- Disseminate and publish findings from the studies and promote their
application to policy formulation and health planning, as well as
program implementation and evaluation
- Work to strengthen epidemiology skills and capacity within the Centre
for training, technical assistance and collaboration with other
Bangladeshi and international organizations.
Qualifications:
- Postgraduate research degree (PhD) in epidemiology or related
discipline, together with experience in public health. Candidates
with equivalent experience and training in related quantitative
disciplines are encouraged to apply.
- Applicants should have demonstrated ability to lead a
multidisciplinary team in research, as well as have a good record of
publications in international peer reviewed journals.
- Successful applicants will probably have had 5-10 years as a
principal investigator in community based health research, including
intervention studies and programs aimed at improving health outcomes.
Research experience in reproductive and child health, diarrhea and
respiratory diseases, and/or in HIV/AIDS and STDs would be an
advantage.
- Excellent leadership in international health and in post-graduate
training.
- Fluency in English is essential.
- Experience in South Asia or other developing countries, an ability
for interdisciplinary team work and a record of attracting research
funding would be a definite advantage.
Appointment is for three years initially. Candidates wishing to discuss
the post are encouraged to send a full CV to
Professor Patrick Vaughan
Director of Community Health Division
Fax: 880-2-886050
Include tel., fax and email contact numbers.
Applications should include a full covering letter and detailed CV,
together with three references to the: Division Director, Administration
and Personnel, ICDDR, B, GPO Box 128, Dhaka-1000, Bangladesh (Fax:
880-2-883116)