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Integrating mental health and psychosocial interventions into World Bank lending for conflict-affected populations : a toolkit

BAINGANA, Florence
BANNON, Ian
September 2004

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"The toolkit begins with a general introduction that sets the stage for mental health and psychosocial interventions in the context of conflict affected populations. A discussion of programming issues then follows which is then followed by two sections that outline the steps to take to operationalise mental health and psychosocial interventions"

Integrating HIV voluntary counselling and testing services into reproductive health settings : stepwise guidelines for programme planners, managers and service providers

MYAYA, Mary
2004

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This guide aims to provide reproductive and sexual health programme planners, managers and providers with the information necessary to integrate voluntary counselling and testing (VCT) for HIV/AIDS within their services. In particular it considers integration within the context of family planning (FP) service provision. FP and VCT provision have similar aims of reaching sexually active people and promoting safe and healthy sexuality. FP settings therefore offer specific opportunities for reaching women with VCT. This guide looks at the continuum of possibilities available for integrating VCT. It is divided into 5 sections. Section 1 provides an introduction to VCT; section 2 details an assessment process for use when considering how to integrate VCT services; section 3 describes factors to consider when planning the integrated service; section 4 covers specific implementation issues; and section 5 focuses on monitoring and evaluation. The appendices contain checklists, sample monitoring tools and further reference material. Most of the references are available through the Internet

Bridging the implementation gap between knowledge and action for health

HAINES, A
KURUVILLA, S
BORCHERT, M
2004

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There is widespread evidence of failure to implement health interventions that have been demonstrated to be cost-effective by high-quality research; this failure affects both high-income and low-income countries. Low-income countries face additional challenges to using research evidence including: the weakness of their health systems, the lack of professional regulation and a lack of access to evidence. There is a need to strengthen institutions and mechanisms that can more systematically promote interactions between researchers, policy-makers and other stakeholders who can influence the uptake of research findings. The concept of public engagement with health research requires a public that is both informed and active. Even when systematic reviews are available further work is needed to translate their findings into guidelines or messages that are understandable to patients and health professionals. Many of the commonly used approaches for keeping health professionals' knowledge up-to-date appear to have small or inconsistent effects. The evidence-base is more extensive for interventions directed towards professionals, such as education, reminders or feedback, than for those directed at organisations or patients. The effect of interventions varies according to the setting and the behaviour that is targeted. Case studies in low-income settings suggest that some strategies can result in increased coverage of evidence-based interventions, but there is a lack of evidence from systematic reviews of rigorous research. Given the potential for near-term improvements in health, finding more effective ways of promoting the uptake of evidence-based interventions should be a priority for researchers, practitioners and policy-makers

Facilitation skills workbook

CLARKE, Sophie
BLACKMAN, Rachel
CARTER, Isabel
2004

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This workbook on facilitation skills provides training material for people who plan to use PILLARS Guides in their local communities. It can be used as part of regular training sessions or can be delivered as a five day workshop. Participants will become familiar with the content of several PILLARS Guides and learn how to adapt their use. They will gain participatory learning skills, understand the qualities and skills of a good facilitator and gain confidence in using PILLARS Guides with community groups. The training uses participatory methods and role play

Open source in developing countries

WEERAWARANA, Sanjiva
WEERATUNGA, Jivaka
2004

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This study discusses the history of open source, how open source works, and why developers contribute to open source. After examining open source markets and business models, it presents a strategy framework and strategy map for developing countries to go down the open source path. Finally, it presents a classification of the current status of developing countries in relation to its IT policy and infrastructure and how a donor agency can assist in exploiting open source to create value in the economy. A case study of Sri Lanka illustrares how the donor action plan, strategy implementation and strategy map all tie together

Mobilising the church : a PILLARS guide

CARTER, Isabel
2004

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Churches are often at the forefront in helping the poor and supporting communities, playing a role that goes beyond biblical teaching and spiritual support. This guide provides church members with material for discussion, designed to help churches to successfully manage their interventions, understand their role in the community, develop facilitation skills, increase confidence in their ability to carry out practical work and activities, improve relationships with other organisations and encourage openness and sharing of differing views. Drawing on key passages of the Bible, this guide consists of a brief introduction to each topic, accompanied by a set of questions designed to encourage group discussion

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