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Equal opportunities for all : promoting community-based rehabilitation (CBR) among urban poor populations. Initiating and sustaining CBR in urban slums and low-income groups

ASSOCIATION AMICI DI RAOUL FOLLEREAU (AIFO)
October 2001

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Most CBR experience has come from rural areas in developing countries. However, even in large cities specific population groups - such as people living in slums or low-income areas in the urban peripheries - may face difficulties in accessing rehabilitation services. To address this, the World Health Organization set up a number of pilot consultations and projects in seven countries (Indonesia, India, the Philippines, Brazil, Bolivia, Egypt and Kenya) in 1995. This document gives a report of a final meeting of representatives of these pilot projects.

Information and communication technologies and health in low income countries : the potential and the constraints

CHANDRASEKHAR, C P
GHOSH, J
October 2001

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The paper outlines the potential offered by technological progress in the information and communication technologies (ICTs) industries for the health sector in developing countries, presents some examples of positive experiences in India, and considers the difficulties in achieving this potential. It focuses on applications of technology in continuing education to health personnel, health and disaster service delivery, and governance. The authors highlight the substantial cost involved in providing wider access, the problem of resource allocation in poor countries and the need for training

Digital opportunities for all : meeting the challenge

DIGITAL OPPORTUNITY TASK FORCE
May 2001

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This report examines in depth how ICT can be utilized to bridge the digital gap. It analyzes the causes of the gap, potential for bridging the divide, and a mix of strategies, policies and actions to take advantage of the digital opportunities, charting the roles of various players. The report is based on a mix of plenary meetings, informal consultations, meetings with stakeholders, and electronic outreach. It concludes that, when wisely applied, ICT oportunities can narrow the social and economic inequities and impact on development

Building an alliance with transport sector in HIV vulnerability reduction

HSU, Lee-Nah
March 2001

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This paper provides concrete examples of how the transport system's operation efficiency can contribute to reduction in workers' and passengers' vulnerability to HIV infection. In addition, some statistics are provided to show the correlation between road construction-improvement and the increase in HIV prevalence in areas where there were no proactive transport sector HIV preventive policies and strategies

Discovering the 'magic box' : local appropriation of information and communication technologies (ICTs)

MICHIELS, Sabine Isabel
VAN CROWDER, L
2001

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This paper discusses the lack of empirical evidence or analyses of local information and communication technology (ICT) applications, and their impact on people's social and economic lives. While there is a lot of information about the potential benefits of using ICT to alleviate poverty and promote equity, the lack of monitoring and evaluation in this area means that guidelines for the effective deployment of ICT, and its appropriation at the local level, have not evolved

If blindness comes

MAURER, Marc
Ed
2001

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This book focuses on activities of daily life and encourages an independent lifestyle for a visually disabled person. It is useful for parents and carers of visually disabled people

Information communication technologies, poverty and empowerment

SKUSE, Andrew
2001

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Provides a framework for pro-poor ICT based initiatives, in the context of globalisation and the rights to information and freedom of expression. Discusses 'old' versus new and emerging ICTs, concluding that the lure of technological and infrastructural solutions has tended to divert attention away from ICTs that poor people actually use - but that the convergence of old and new ICT presents opportunities. Suggests that donors should support the private sector and governments in developing pro-poor strategies. Advocates careful strategic planning and judicious use of appropriate media in every communications initiative

Can ICTs help the urban poor access information and knowledge to support their livelihoods?

SCHILDERMAN, Theo
2001

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This paper is based on a research project undertaken by ITDG and funded by DFID in to the knowledge and information systems of the urban poor. Using an action research approach, the research team found that the urban poor do require knowledge and information to improve their livelihoods, but there are gaps in what is offered; that social networks are the biggest information source, followed by key informants; that a wide range of 'infomediaries' supplies information, but again their are gaps; and that although there are a number of cases of strengthening the knowledge and information systems of the urban poor, ICTs are not yet playing a major role here

Handbook for emergencies

UNITED NATIONS HIGH COMMISSIONER FOR REFUGEES (UNHCR)
2001

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The purpose of this revised handbook is to provide guidance to field workers during emergency situations.

Information and communication technologies and disability in developing countries : a technical note

SANDHU, Jim S
SAARNIO, Ilkka
WIMAN, Ronald
2001

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This study highlights the role information and communication technologies (ICT) can play in the fight against poverty of disabled people in developing countries. The study addresses the possibilities and barriers ICT can cause for disabled people. It shows the role ICT can play in the provision of services and information for disabled people in the context of middle and low income countries

Information and communication technologies and small enterprise in Africa : lessons from Botswana

DUNCOMBE, R
HEEKS, R
2001

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The project reported here investigates what role new information and communication technologies (ICTs) may play in small enterprise development in Africa. Drawing on field research in Botswana, the project analyses the information and communication needs of these enterprises and assesses opportunities for ICT application. The authors note that holistic and integrated approaches are necessary for the successful utilisation of ICTs for small businesses in Africa

Enhancing communications and connectivity in Africa : the multilateral initiative on malaria (MIM) model | Medinfo 2001: Proceedings of the 10th World Congress on Medical Informatics

SIEGEL, E R
ROYALL, J
BENNETT, M
2001

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The article describes the MIM project. The US National Library of Medicine, working in concert with the Multilateral Initiative on Malaria (MIM), has developed and implemented a unique organisational and technical strategy to connect malaria research sites to the Internet for purposes of facilitating North-South scientific communications and access to electronic information resources on the Web. The model employs microwave and VSAT technologies, and shares bandwidth and costs among participating malaria research sites and their respective research funders in Mali, Kenya, Ghana, Tanzania and other sub-Saharan locations affiliated with MIM

Information and communication technology : poverty and development in sub-Saharan Africa and south Asia

PIGATO, Miria
2001

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This lengthy report examines the patterns of utilization, ownership and affordability of ICT in these two regions. It also discusses the application of ICT to the poor by the private sector, government and NGOs. The paper notes the significant gap between industrialized countries and these two regions and two internal gaps - between the richest and poorest and between the urban and rural areas. It also notes several principles for ICT use to alleviate poverty.

Transport, poverty and disability in developing countries

MERILAINEN, A
HELAAKOSKI, R
2001

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This technical note aims to help policy makers create and maintain accessible environment for people with disabilities. Inclusive transport is key in a strategy of mainstreaming the about 400 million people with disabilities in developing countries. This document sets out the guiding principles that should inform planning decisions, analyses the policy context and the decision-making process and addresses issues of public awareness, evaluation criteria for performance and costs of improvement

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