The emerging international policy agenda for reproductive health services in conflict settings

Article Abstract:

Author's Abstract, COPYRIGHT 1999,Elsevier Science Ltd. Over the past 20 years, shifts in the nature of conflict and the sheer numbers of civilians affected have given rise to increasing concern about providing appropriate health services in unstable settings. Concurrently, international health policy attention has focused on sexual and reproductive health issues and finding effective methods of addressing them. This article reviews the background to the promotion and development of reproductive health services for conflict-affected populatons. It employs qualitative methods to analyse the development of policy at international level. First we examine the extent to which reproductive health is on the policy agendas of organisations active in humanitarian contexts. We then discuss why and how this has come about, and whether the issue has sufficient support to ensure effective implementation. Our findings demonstrate that reproductive health is clearly on the agenda for agencies working in these settings, as measured by a range of established criteria including the amount of new resources being attracted to this area and the number of meetings and publications devoted to this issue. There are, however, barriers to the full and effective implementation of reproductive health and the number and diversity of the organisations involved in implementation. The reasons for these barriers are discussed in order to highlight areas for action before effective reproductive health service provision to these populations can be ensured. Keywords: Reproductive health; Conflict; Refugees; Agenda setting; policy analysis

International, War and society, Society, Wars, International relief

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Social network influences on reproductive health behaviors in urban northern Thailand

Article Abstract:

Author's Abstract, COPYRIGHT 1999, Elsevier Science Ltd Prevention approaches for reproductive health have evolved from an emphasis on individually focused models of behavior change to a recognition that risk reduction occurs within a context of social norms. Prevention programs can be improved by understanding how social structure influences sexual behavior and using that understanding to develop strategies for positive change. In a dynamic, urban context, communities are better conceptualized as informal networks of ties. These network structures may help to protect, or conversely, expose members to reproductive risk behaviors. Using data from a study of social and sexual networks conducted in northern Thailand, this article describes partner relations and social structure in the modern, urban context, and illustrates the links between individual, relational and structural properties and reproductive risk behaviors. Triangulation of ethnographic, survey and social network data collection and analytic tools provide an opportunity to interpret individual behaviors, meanings of relationships and structural properties of networks. Intervention approaches should build on existing networks and address the complex meanings of romantic and sexual partnerships. Keywords: Reproductive health; HIV/AIDS; Social networks; Thailand

Thailand, Social aspects, HIV (Viruses), HIV, Social networks, Sex education

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Incentives can lower the incidence of HIV AIDS in Africa

Article Abstract:

Innovative incentive-based health programs can effectively curtail the transmission of the HIV virus and the incidence of AIDS among Africans. This is because people often refuse to respond to risk-aversion schemes unless they receive tangible rewards for their participation. By adopting strategies which offer cash-equivalent benefits to people, policymakers will simultaneously lower disease risk and improve the lives of HIV-free citizens.

Editorial, Usage, HIV infection, HIV infections, Africa, Incentive (Psychology)

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