Expression and purification of a peptide fragment of 660 - 1468 amino acids in Neisseria gonorrhoeae NGO2105 protein as well as preparation and identification of its polyclonal antibody / 中华皮肤科杂志

Objective:To prokaryotically express a peptide fragment of 660 - 1468 amino acids in Neisseria gonorrhoeae NGO2105 protein, and to prepare and identify its polyclonal antibody. Methods:The pCold TF-NGO2105 660-1468 aa recombinant plasmid was transformed into the bacterium Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3) for protein expression. After the inclusion body protein was denatured and renatured, the target protein was purified. Then, BALB/c mice were immunized with the target protein to prepare a polyclonal antiserum; the antibody potency was evaluated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, the specificity of the antibody against NGO2105 protein in Neisseria gonorrhoeae was analyzed by Western blot analysis, the affinity of the antiserum with Neisseria gonorrhoeae was analyzed by flow cytometry, and adhesion inhibition assay was performed to evaluate the inhibitory effect of anti-NGO2105 660-1468 aa antibody on the adhesion of Neisseria gonorrhoeae to human cervical epithelial ME-180 cells. Comparisons between different groups were performed by using t test. Results:The NGO2105 660-1468 aa protein was expressed as the inclusion body, and the soluble target protein was obtained by denaturation, renaturation, and purification. After immunization of mice with the target protein, the antiserum titer was 5.12 × 10 6, and flow cytometry showed that the antibody bound well to the Neisseria gonorrhoeae NGO2105 660-1468 aa. Adhesion inhibition assay showed that the anti-NGO2105 660-1468 aa antibody significantly inhibited the adhesion of Neisseria gonorrhoeae to ME-180 cells, and the inhibitory effect was concentration-dependent to some extent, with the adhesion rates of Neisseria gonorrhoeae treated with 20- and 40-fold dilutions of the anti-NGO2105 660-1468 aa antibody being 52.9% and 79.2% respectively, significantly lower than the adhesion rate in the untreated group (100%, t = 8.40, 5.29, P < 0.001, = 0.006, respectively) . Conclusion:The NGO2105 660-1468 aa protein was successfully expressed and purified, and a highly potent polyclonal antibody was prepared, which had a good affinity with Neisseria gonorrhoeae and an adhesion inhibition ability.

Risk communication and community engagement in COVID-19: Fighting infodemics among non-governmental/community-based organizations in Africa

As the world battles the latest strain of the coronavirus known as COVID-19 characterized as a pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO), "infodemics" ­ an excessive amount of (mostly untrue) information about the pandemic that makes it difficult to discern essential information ­ has been identified by the health body as one of the major obstacles to be tackled to win the war against the raging pandemic. In a bid to control spread of the virus, the WHO published a guideline on Risk Communication and Community Engagement (RCCE) to COVID-19, noting these responses are vital for containment. The COVID-19 pandemic is testing and stretching health systems and their ability to effectively communicate with their populations. Failure to communicate accurate public health facts could lead to losses of trust, reputation, economy, and lives. This paper turns its searchlight on nongovernmental and community-based organizations (NGOs and CBOs) in Africa, and how they handle infodemics in an information environment battling not just a health pandemic, but a hoax pandemic too. Methods: The study employed mixed method, with data drawn from Africanbased NGOs and CBOs via online questionnaire and interviews against the backdrop of the Situational Theory of Publics. Findings reveal, based on what NGO/CBO survey respondents report their local clients think, that many at the grassroots still do not believe COVID-19 is real, while others view it as government's scheme to embezzle funds. NGO/CBOs therefore look to WHO and Health Ministries for accurate information. It concludes that RCCE with the public and atrisk populations help reduce confusion and builds trust in the public health guidance community members can take thereby restricting the disease spread as an outcome of the RCCE approach

Effectiveness of special awareness campaigns in sustaining leprosy awareness through community participation in rural areas of Maharashtra

Background: ALERT-INDIA had launched a strategic programme, leprosy elimination action programme (LEAP) involving all stakeholders, in support of integration of leprosy into general health system. Present study was performed with objectives to understand the effect of focused IEC in transfer of basic knowledge about leprosy, to assess the impact on the level of knowledge about leprosy in the community and to measure the sustainability of knowledge about leprosy over a period of time.Methods: Community level IEC campaigns under SSD and house to house leprosy IPC were carried out by trained staff of NGOs who partnered with LEAP and by trained community volunteers (CVs) from the villages respectively. The questionnaire assessment for IEC effectiveness through SSD strategy implemented is studied. The questionnaire was administered with the interval of 1 month, 3 months and 9 months after SSD to assess the knowledge retention, perspective and sustainability of leprosy awareness.Results: The lowest in SSD area was the knowledge about early signs followed by perception about deformity, spread, and cause. In non-SSD area lowest correct responses was in regard with early sign of infectious leprosy followed by spread, infectivity, cause, perception about deformity, patch as early sign and perception about social acceptance.Conclusions: Focused IEC as a part of selective special drive (SSD) with involvement of CVs properly inducted can increase the level of knowledge and help sustain the leprosy awareness.

ONGs no Brasil: contextualização histórica do cenário para atuação em psicologia escolar / NGOs in Brazil: historical contextualization of the scenario for acting in educational psychology / ONGs en Brasil:

Este artigo oferece uma contextualização histórica sobre o percurso de desenvolvimento das organizações não governamentais (ONGs) no Brasil. Atualmente, esses espaços vêm se ampliando no cenário do Terceiro Setor como novo agente social para o atendimento das demandas públicas. O texto parte de uma breve descrição sobre as ONGs educativas no País, como um campo de trabalho emergente ao psicólogo escolar. Em seguida, abordase a caracterização histórica sobre as transformações das políticas de Estado, os impactos nas formas de exercício da democracia pela sociedade civil organizada e os desdobramentos à história de origem e consolidação dessas instituições no Brasil. Apresenta-se o atual cenário das ONGs, sinalizando as características político-econômicas que alavancaram o crescimento do número e tipos de serviços prestados por essas entidades nos últimos tempos. Nessa seção, discute-se uma proposta de atuação do psicólogo escolar como possibilidade de trabalho nas ONGs educativas. Por fim, são feitas algumas reflexões sobre os desafios educacionais que se colocam ao psicólogo escolar diante desse novo contexto socioeducativo com potencial para o desenvolvimento humano.

This article provides a historical overview of the development of nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) in Brazil. Currently, these areas have been expanding in the Third Sector as a new social actor to meet public demands. The study starts from a brief description of the educational NGOs in the country as an emerging field of work for the school psychologist. Afterwards, it deals with the historical characterization of the transformations of the country’s state policies, the impact on the exercise of democracy by civil society and the unfolding history towards the origin and consolidation of these institutions in Brazil. It presents the current situation of NGOs, signaling the political-economic features that boosted the growth in the number and types of services provided by these entities in recent times. In this section, we discuss a proposal for performance of the school psychologist as a possibility to work in educational NGOs. Finally, some reflections on the educational challenges faced by the school psychologist at this new socio-educational context with the potential for human development are highlighted.

En este artículo se ofrece una visión histórica de la trayectoria de desarrollo de las Organizaciones no Gubernamentales en el país. En la actualidad, estos espacios se han expandido en el escenario del Tercer Sector como un nuevo agente social para atender las demandas públicas. El texto parte de una breve descripción de las ONG de educación en el país, como un campo de trabajo emergente para el psicólogo escolar. A continuación, se ocupa de la caracterización histórica de las transformaciones de las políticas del Estado, el impacto en las formas del ejercicio de la democracia por la sociedad civil organizada y las consecuencias de la historia de origen y consolidación de estas instituciones en Brasil. Se presenta el escenario actual de las ONGs, destacando las características político-económicas que impulsaron el crecimiento del número y tipos de servicios prestados por estas entidades en los últimos tiempos. En esta sección, se discute una propuesta de actuación del psicólogo de la escuela como una posibilidad de trabajo en ONG educativas. Por último, se realizan algunas reflexiones sobre los retos educativos que enfrenta el psicólogo de la escuela en este nuevo contexto socio-educativo con potencial para el desarrollo humano.

Serviços dirigidos a trabalhadores(as) do sexo em Portugal: ideologias e práticas / Support services for sex workers in Portugal: ideologies and practices

As organizações não governamentais assumem papel essencial na prestação de serviços e apoios a trabalhadores/as do sexo (TS), mas as práticas e fundamentos teóricos e ideológicos dessas intervenções permanecem pouco conhecidos. Neste artigo apresentamos as características da intervenção das 23 instituições que dirigem serviços a TS em Portugal, com o objetivo de explicitar as diferenças e semelhanças patentes nas diversas abordagens, tendo em conta os paradigmas do trabalho sexual a que se encontram associadas. Neste estudo de natureza qualitativa, efetuamos 23 entrevistas e estabelecemos relação entre as instituições e as categorias ideológicas: opressão, empoderamento, polimorfo. Identificamos uma dimensão política em algumas e concluímos que estas categorias influem na intervenção, sendo os serviços bastante semelhantes, centrados sobretudo na redução de riscos/danos decorrentes do TS, existindo apenas duas instituições com respostas de apoio à saída da atividade. Verificamos, ainda, a necessidade de envolver a participação dos/as TS em projetos que lhes são dirigidos.

Non-governmental organizations play an essential role providing support services for sex workers, however the practical, theoretical and ideological foundations of those services remains poorly known. This article presents the characteristics of the 23 agencies that provide direct services for sex workers in Portugal. We aim to clarify the differences and similarities of the approaches, according to the theoretical paradigms in sex work. In this qualitative study, we carried out 23 interviews with the agencies staff members. We linked the theoretical categories: oppression, empowerment, polymorphous with the services and we found a political dimension in some institutions. We concluded that the ideology has an influence on service typology. The services are quite similar, particularly focusing on harm reduction, and there are only two institutions that help exiting from prostitution. Moreover, participation of the sex workers is required on projects that concern them.

O remédio é o menor dos problemas: seguindo redes na adesão ao tratamento de aids / The medicine is the least of the problems: following networks in adherence to AIDS treatment

Este texto buscou problematizar a proposta metodológica de Bruno Latour. Numa pesquisa sobre pessoas vivendo com HIV (Vírus da imunodeficiência humana) e seus dilemas de adesão, valendo-nos da proposta de Latour, buscamos trabalhar com as seguintes questões: como efetuar uma aproximação aos universos das pessoas vivendo com HIV sem fracionar a vida das pessoas? Como compreender as relações que a PVHIV (Pessoas vivendo com HIV) estabelece com a medicação sem separar a questão da administração medicamentosa do restante das experiências? Apesar dos percalços, comuns àqueles que se dedicam a seguir itinerários (os perigos da travessia, diria Guimarães Rosa), a pesquisa guiada pela metodologia proposta por Latour – a metodologia etnográfica da “Teoria Ator-Rede” – permitiu, ainda que tímida e inicialmente, seguir os passos de atores, sem fracionar as suas vidas, sem fazer recortes isolados, acompanhando o que acontece em rede e está interligado, interferindo e sofrendo interferências. A etnografia realizada nos levou por caminhos tortuosos, fazendo-nos embrenhar em itinerários confusos, em redes de humanos e não humanos, de remédios, piscinas, Organização Não Governamental (ONG), serviços de saúde, uma rede de relações de pessoas vivendo com HIV nos caminhos difíceis que nossos interlocutores elaboraram...

This essay intends to question Bruno Latour’s methodological proposal. In research on people living with HIV and their adherence dilemmas, using Latour’s proposal, we sought to address the following issues: how does one bring the universes of people living with HIV closer, without fractioning their lives? How does one understand the relationship established between PLHIV (People living with HIV) and their medication without setting aside the issue of medication management from other experiences? Despite the obstacles, common to those who decide to follow certain itineraries (the dangers of the journey, as Brazilian author Guimarães Rosa would say), the research guided by the methodology proposed by Latour – the ethnographic methodology of the “Actor-Network Theory” – allowed us to follow the actors’ steps, although timidly and initially, without fractioning their lives and without making isolated cutouts, monitoring what happens in a network and is interconnected, interfering and suffering interference. The ethnography carried out led us through tortuous paths, forcing us to venture into confusing itineraries, networks of humans and non-humans, medications, swimming pools, NGOs, health care, and a network of relationships among people living with HIV, through the difficult paths that our interlocutors developed...

Abortion Clients of a Public-sector Clinic and a Non-governmental Organization Clinic in Nepal.

This paper investigates similarities and differences between abortion clients of a public-sector clinic and a non-governmental organization (NGO) clinic in Nepal. In 2010, a survey of 1,172 women was conducted in two highly-attended abortion clinics in Kathmandu—one public-sector clinic and another operated by an NGO. Data on the sociodemographic characteristics of clients, their fertility preferences, and use of contraceptives were analyzed. Similarities and differences between the two groups of clients were examined by either chi-square or t-test. The clients of the two clinics were similar with respect to age (27.3±5.7 years), education (26.5% had no education), and number of living children (1.88±1.08). They differed with regard to contraceptive practice, the circumstances resulting in unintended pregnancy, and future fertility preferences. Just over 50% clients of the public and 35% clients of the NGO clinic reported use of contraceptives surrounding the time of unintended pregnancy. The groups also differed in the contraceptive methods used and in reasons for not using any method. The NGO clinic contributed principally to expanding the availability of and access to abortion services.

Identidad profesional: proceso de configuración en el caso de dirigentes de organizaciones no gubernamentales / Professional identity: configuration process for leaders of non-governmental organizations

Considerando nuevas formas de relacionamiento entre personas y trabajo que emergen a partir de cambios en el mundo social, político y económico propios de la llamada postmodernidad, la investigación presentada caracteriza a partir de narrativas referidas a las trayectorias personales y profesionales, la configuración de la identidad de dirigentes de Organizaciones No Gubernamentales, con el propósito de contribuir a la ampliación de los repertorios de comprensión psicosocial, que faciliten la lectura sobre realidades actuales del trabajo en el contexto colombiano, diferentes a las de organizaciones de trabajo de tipo empresarial. Se utilizaron entrevistas en profundidad, en cuatro ciudades, procesadas mediante análisis de contenido y ampliadas con la técnica de líneas narrativas, a partir del abordaje teórico-metodológico de prácticas discursivas y producción de sentidos en el cotidiano. Se detectaron cinco grandes fases en las trayectorias personales-profesionales desde la noción de posicionamiento, lo que permitió perfilar el desarrollo de la carrera a partir de identificaciones, diferenciaciones y rupturas a lo largo de los relatos de la propia vida.

Considering the new forms of relation between people and their work which emerge from social, political and economical changes resulting from the so called "post modernity", this research is characterized by narratives referring to personal life and professional career, the configuration of identity of non-governmental organization leaders, aiming to contribute to the expansion of repertoires of psychosocial comprehension that allow our reading of current realities of work in the Colombian context, which differ from work organizations of business type. Interviews made in four cities were deeply used, processed through content analysis and widened through the technique of narrative line, using a theoretical-methodological approach of narrative practices and the production of meaning in daily life. Five big stages along the personal and professional lives were detected, beginning at the positioning concept, which allowed us to outline the development of a career based on identifications, differentiation and ruptures all throughout the narrative of one's own life.

The Roles of NGOs in Promoting Mental Health for the PLHIV Community in Malaysia

The first support for HIV/AIDS intervention for the PLHIV community in Malaysia was initiated by non-governmental organisations (NGOs) particularly to sustain positive living and to reduce the mental health and psychosocial impact of HIV/AIDS. While there may be several studies pertaining to mental health and HIV/AIDS carried out in Malaysia, there are limited studies on the role of the Malaysian HIV/AIDS NGOs in promoting mental health. The mental health conditions of the PLHIV community cannot be easily summarised as the side effects of the infectivity as the contributory factors affecting the PLHIV‟s mental health are varied according to their needs and groups of community particularly due to the stigmatisation of the pandemic in Malaysia. The HIV/AIDS NGOs which initially started as support groups are now challenged with more intensified and wide-ranging task particularly with the introduction of the Malaysian National Strategic Plan in 2006. However, the capability of the small number of HIV/AIDS NGOs to cater for the needs of over 90,000 cases of HIV/AIDS in Malaysia remains unrequited. These NGOs have played a crucial role in providing diverse services and have become the core intermediaries to the various groups of stakeholders. Yet, there is still a serious need to strengthen their effort in promoting mental health as a mission for the PLHIV community‟s well-being. Promoting mental health demands specific skills to enable the PLHIVs to accept cope and manage their condition: an expertise which HIV/AIDS NGO members need continuous training and guidance. With a majority of volunteers‟ involvement and limited professional workers, the NGOs face a great challenge in realising its aims of promoting mental health among the PLHIV community. This paper looks into some of the ways for mental health programme inclusion in HIV/AIDS NGOs and concludes with some future directions in identifying a collaborative agenda with various stakeholders as well as policy adjustment that will enable to sustain mental health promotion for the PLHIV community in Malaysia.

HIV/Aids e violência: da opressão que cala à participação que acolhe e potencializa / HIV/AIDS and violence: from the oppression that silences to the participation that welcomes and empowers

Este estudo exploratório e descritivo visou investigar a aproximação entre violência e vulnerabilidade à infecção ao HIV/Aids, especificamente a contribuição de ONGs/Aids no enfrentamento de situações de violência sofridas por pessoas que vivem com o HIV/Aids (PVHA) no decorrer de suas vidas, destacando formas distintas de violência, dentre elas o abuso sexual. Consideramos que vivências de várias formas e graus de violência na infância e adolescência tornam as pessoas mais vulneráveis à infecção a DST/HIV/Aids, principalmente as pessoas que vivem situações de exclusão social. Além disso, é necessário que existam redes de suporte psicossociais mais fortalecidas e preparadas para atender as demandas das pessoas que vivem com o HIV/Aids (PVHA). Foram realizadas entrevistas semidirigidas com profissionais de uma entidade e entrevistas em profundidade com jovens, além da realização de observação participante. Os resultados indicaram que a história de vida das PVHA, permeada pela violência, traz marcas indeléveis, principalmente pelo esfacelamento de laços familiares e comunitários, difíceis de serem refeitos, tendo o abuso sexual aparecido nos relatos como consequência insofismável de um contexto marcado por diversas formas de opressão social. Por sua vez, a participação em uma ONG/Aids proporcionou um espaço para a elaboração de aspectos da violência sofrida na medida em que o acolhimento possibilitou a troca de experiências entre seus pares e o diálogo com profissionais e voluntários. Dessa forma, em um espaço que pretende a politização da doença, o silêncio, o terror e o isolamento social podem ser substituídos por experiências referenciadas pela autonomia, dignidade e cidadania.

Organizações Não Governamentais na área da Saúde da Criança - revisão da literatura / Non-Governmental Organizations in the area of Child Healthcare - review of the literature

The second half of the twentieth century saw the emergence of organizations that reflected the mobilization of civil society for more effective participation in questions in the public interest and of a social nature. These became known as non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and they assumed their place as partners with public and private sectors to develop actions in different areas, including healthcare. Based on a review of the literature, the scope of this paper was to assess the status of scientific knowledge on the participation of NGOs in child healthcare and, by identifying and classifying their activities, establish if they are in line with the agenda of the field. Analysis of the publications took into consideration where the authors were from, the journal in question, the origins and area of activity of the NGOs and the source of the funds applied to the projects implemented. The nature of activities varied with the degree of development of the region where the NGOs operated and the themes, partnership between government and private sector agencies, sustainability and impact of actions on the favored communities were the main topics highlighted by the authors. The conclusion reached was that the performance of NGOs in child health is in the early stages and is a knowledge field to be explored.

A segunda metade do século vinte assistiu ao crescimento de entidades que refletiam a mobilização da sociedade civil para uma participação mais efetiva nas questões de interesse público e de cunho social. Desta forma surgiram as organizações não governamentais (ONG) que ganharam espaço como parceiros dos setores públicos e privados para a atuação em diferentes áreas, entre elas a saúde. Baseado em uma revisão da literatura, este trabalho teve como objetivo conhecer o status do conhecimento científico sobre a participação das ONG na saúde da criança e a partir da identificação e classificação de suas atividades, observar se esta atuação tem se compatibilizado com a agenda desse campo. A análise das publicações considerou a procedência dos autores, o periódico, os objetivos, a origem e o local de atuação das ONG e a procedência dos recursos aplicados nos projetos desenvolvidos. A natureza das atividades variou de acordo com o grau de desenvolvimento da região onde as ONG atuavam e os temas, parceria entre órgãos de governo e terceiro setor, sustentabilidade e impacto das ações nas comunidades beneficiárias foram os principais tópicos destacados pelos autores. Concluiu-se que as questões estão apenas se esboçando e que o impacto das intervenções das ONG na área da saúde da criança é um campo de conhecimento a ser explorado.

The Role of NGO in Deceased Organ Transplantation / 대한이식학회지

Solid organ transplantations give end stage organ failure patients new, healthy and normal lives and have them return to their families, friends and communities. But, there has been a donor organ shortage and it has been considered a major obstacle. A national report in 2009 showed a severe disparity between the annual numbers of organ donors (1,787) and the number of patients (12,235) on the deceased donor waiting list. In terms of donor action, and to meet the demands of organs for transplantation, we need to educate the public on the need for organs, eye and tissue donations, and we need to motivate the public to make an actionable donor designation. The unification of non-governmental organization (NGO) is necessary to educate the public about organ, eye and tissue donations and to avoid duplication of effort.

Impacto da violência na saúde de famílias em Fortaleza, Ceará / Impact of violence on the health of families at Fortaleza, Ceará State

O estudo descreve o impacto da violência na qualidade de vida de famílias atendidas na Associação de Parentes e Amigos Vítimas da Violência (APAVV), em Fortaleza, Ceará. Estudo de caso realizado com cinco mães que participavam de uma ONG no combate à violência. A entrevista semi-estruturada, participação nas reuniões da instituição e pesquisa documental foram as técnicas de coleta de dados, sendo esses últimos submetidos à análise temática e discutidos à luz da literatura e das cartas de promoção da saúde. Os impactos causados pela violência comprometem a saúde física e emocional das famílias, originam mudanças de comportamento entre os membros, contribuem para o aumento do tabagismo, do etilismo, do isolamento social e exacerbam sentimentos de revolta, vingança e pessimismo. O trabalho da ONG tem sido importante para apoiar as famílias na superação dos conflitos e na restauração da saúde, resgatando a auto-estima, a esperança na justiça e na mobilidade social. A saúde dessas famílias fica comprometida nos aspectos biológicos, emocionais e sociais, favorecendo o adoecimento. Essas têm recorrido ao suporte de ONGs para transformarem a "condição de vítima" - refém da violência - em "cidadania responsável" na luta contra esse fenômeno.

The study describes the impact of the violence on the quality of life of the families, which were attended at the Relatives and Friends Violence Victims Association (ARFVV) in Fortaleza, Ceará State. The case study was accomplished among five mothers that were involved in a NGO on the battle against the violence. The semi-structured interview, the participation at the institution's meetings and the documental research were the data collecting techniques, being these last ones, submitted to the thematic analysis and discussed according to the literature and Letters of Health Promotion. The impacts caused by the violence comprise the physical, emotional and social family's health, cause changes on behavior between the members, and lead to the increasing of smoking, drinking, social isolation and exacerbate revolt feelings, vengeance and pessimism. The NGO's work has been important to support the families on the conflicts overcoming, health familiar restoration, redeeming the self-expectation, the hope on the justice and social mobility. The health of families' victims from violence is affected on the biological, emotional and social aspects, favoring the process of sickness. These have appealed to the support from NGOs to transform the "victim condition" - violence hostage to the "responsible citizenship" - guardians of peace on the battle against the urban violence.

Organizações não governamentais na região da Amazônia legal brasileira: o caso da saúde / Non-governmental organizations in the Brazilian Amazon region: the case of health / Organizaciones no gubernamentales en la Amazonía brasileña: el caso de la salud

Este artigo apresenta um estudo exploratório que identifica e caracteriza a atuação das Organizações Não Governamentais na região da Amazônia Legal brasileira, no marco do desenvolvimento do Terceiro Setor no país. A coleta de dados utilizou como principal fonte de informação, o quadro de instituições filiadas da Associação Brasileira de ONGs. Posteriormente, as entidades foram agrupadas em duas tipologias: “ONGs responsáveis por redes que congregam outras entidades” e “ONGs que não atuam prioritariamente em redes”. Dada a relevância dessas organizações no Setor Saúde para a consolidação da intersetorialidade no Sistema Único de Saúde, as ONGs que atuam nesse Setor, foram discutidas como um caso específico. O artigo indica alguns caminhos para o fortalecimento das políticas públicas de saúde, na interface entre o Estado e as ONGs da Amazonia Legal, onde o poder público ainda apresenta uma baixa institucionalidade, na oferta de serviços de promoção e prevenção para população.

This article presents an exploratory study that identifies and characterizes the role of NGOs in the Brazilian Amazon region in the context of developing the Third Sector in the country. The main source data collection used were the informations of the institutions affiliated in the Brazilian Association of NGOs. Subsequently, the organizations were grouped into two types: “NGOs responsible for developing networks organizations” and “NGOs that doesn’t work primarily on the networks”. These organizations are very important to the consolidation of the intersectoral actions in the Health System. The NGOs that operate in this sector were discussed as a particular case. The article suggests some ways to the strengthning of public health policies at the interface between the State and NGOs in Amazonia, where the government still has a low institutional framework to provide promotion and prevention services to the population.

Este artículo presenta un estudio exploratorio que identifica y caracteriza el papel de las ONG en la Amazonia brasileña, en el marco del desarrollo del Tercer Sector en el país. Para la recogida de datos utilizou como la principal fuente de información las instituciones afiliadas a la Asociación Brasileña de ONG. Posteriormente, las entidades fueron agrupadas en dos tipos: “ONG responsables por redes que agrupan a otras entidades” y “ONG que no actúan principalmente en redes”. Dada la importancia de estas organizaciones en el sector de la salud para la consolidación de las acciones intersetoriales del sistema de la salud brasileño, las ONG que operan en este sector se han analizado como un caso particular. El artículo sugiere algunos caminos para el fortalecimiento de las políticas de salud pública en la interfaz entre el Estado y las ONG en la Amazonia, donde el gobierno presenta todavía un marco institucional de baja en la prestación de servicios de promoción y prevención a la población.

Building a Latin American cancer patient advocacy movement: Latin American cancer NGO regional overview / Desarrollando un movimiento de apoyo para pacientes de cáncer en America Latina: resumen regional - ONGs de cáncer

The objective of the this paper is to assess and identify the key strengths and weaknesses for cancer control NGOs in Latin America, with the goal to make recommendations about how to improve thev impact of the patient advocacy movement as it pertains to cancer. The methods included literature review, expert interviews and site visits to Latin American cancer hospitals and NGOs. The overall findings conclude that NGOs currently do not take a leadership role in cancer control in Latin America. The lack of a survivorship movement, faulty patient information services and failure of the governments to include NGOs in policy creation are identified as areas for further project work and collaboration. The stigma of cancer still remains and a burgeoning patient movement can be created to help destigmatize and debunk the myths that surround cancer.

El objetivo de este artículo es el de identificar y evaluar las fortalezas y debilidades clave de las ONG dedicadas al control del cáncer en Latinoamérica, con el fin de generar recomendaciones sobre el modo de mejorar el impacto del movimiento de apoyo para pacientes de cáncer. Los métodos incluyeron una revisión de la literatura, entrevistas a expertos y visitas a hospiptales y ONG dedicados al cáncer en Latinoamérica. Los hallazgos principales permiten concluir que en este momento las ONG no tienen un rol de liderazgo para el control del cáncer en Latinoamérica. La ausencia de un movimiento de sobrevivientes, servicios de información deficientes a los pacientes y el fracaso del gobierno para incluir a las ONG en la creación de políticas se identifican como áreas de trabajo y colaboración en proyectos a futuro. El estigma del cáncer aún subsiste y es factible crear un movimiento que florezca y ayude a desvanecerlo al exponer los mitos que rodean este padecimiento.

The situation of the assistance for the physically disabled people in Cambodia / 国際保健医療

Many people have been killed or physically disabled during twenty-year internal conflict in Cambodia. People still get injured due to remained land mines and unexplosive ordnances, even a decade after the cease-fire. This paper aims to examine the situation of the physically disabled and assistance programs in Cambodia by analyzing published documents and visiting activity sites, and to discuss future challenges. In this paper, the physically disabled mainly implies adults and children with orthopedic impairments.<br>The major causes of physical disability are: land mines; unexplosive ordnances; traffic accidents; occupational accidents such as falling down from palm trees; infectious diseases, etc. Casualties of land mines and unexplosive ordnances were 50,915 (13,686 were dead) between 1979 and 2000. Recently, the number of land mine accidents has been declining, while that of traffic accidents has been increasing. <br>Since 1980s, many international NGOs have assisted land mine victims through providing with artificial limbs, prostheses and rehabilitation services. However, the assistance for the disabled people of other categories has been neglected. The international NGOs provide services based on their own interests, therefore, the participation of the disabled people and their family in the assistance programs has been limited. The government plays only limited roles to endorse the activities of the international NGOs, and has not had any specific strategies to prepare for the future withdrawal of the NGOs.<br>Disabled people require assistance not only for health, but also for education, employment, etc. On the other hand, it is also very important to empower and build capacity of them, so that they can contribute to the development of the Cambodian society. Additionally, means of prevention should be considered as one of the key perspectives. Sustainable supporting systems should be established by the government and domestic NGOs through participation of the disabled themselves.

Performance of a Non-Government Institution, working as a 'District Tuberculosis Centre' under RNTCP.

Background: The RNTCP has envisaged the role of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in the control of tuberculosis in India, and five schemes have been developed. The RK Mission Free TB Clinic, as an exceptional case, was included under Scheme- 5, known as the ‘tuberculosis unit model’, with additional independent status of a District Tuberculosis Centre (DTC), to provide all RNTCP services. Aim: To assess the performance of the RK Mission Free TB Clinic as a full-fledged independent DTC over a 4-year period from 1999 to 2002. Material and Methods: A total of 5209 patients were initiated on anti-tuberculosis therapy under DOTS during 1999-2002. The yearly data in terms of case detection, follow-up and treatment outcome of new and retreatment cases were compiled. Results: Of the 5209 patients initiated on ATT under DOTS, 4125(79%) were new patients and 1084(21%) were retreatment cases. Of the 4125 new cases, 3049(74%) had pulmonary tuberculosis while 1076(26%) were treated for extra-pulmonary tuberculosis. In the newly detected pulmonary tuberculosis cases, the ratio of smear positive to smear negative patients was 1:0.65. The sputum conversion rates at 3 months in the new smear positive patients were 86% (1999), 85% (2000), 88% (2001) and 91% (2002). The cure and treatment completion rates in the new smear positive patients with pulmonary tuberculosis were 79% and 81% respectively in 1999. These rates were comparable for the years 2000, 2001 and 2002, with the respective values being 83%, 86% and 87%. The treatment completion rates in the new smear negative pulmonary tuberculosis cases as well as in the new extra-pulmonary tuberculosis patients were always greater than 85% in the study period. Conclusion: These results serve as a successful example of an NGO functioning within the parameters of the RNTCP.

Health Interventions in NGO's humanitarian assistance in Northern Iraq / 国際保健医療

This report presents a series of health intervention activities in the humanitarian assistance in Northern Iraq implemented during the Iraq war between March and May 2003 by Peace Winds Japan, with the fund from Japan Platform. Preparedness before the war included organization of mobile clinic teams, stocking of medical supplies and coordination between local health authorities and aid agencies. The initial rapid assessment effectively identified needs of massive number of displaced people with considerable health problems and those of disrupted local health service system. Maximum twelve mobile clinics covered a variety of sites in four areas in Northern Iraq including Kurdistan area and Mosul. Disease patterns in these areas are similar, showing acute respiratory infections are the most common. Neither large outbreak nor high incident severe malnutrition did occur though diarrhea was prevalent in some unsanitary areas. Disruption of local health service system prevented patients with chronic diseases and severe diseases such as cancer, and vulnerable groups such as disabled persons from receiving continuous or timely care and treatment. Co-ordination was successful in demarcation of NGO's activities and information sharing along with joint assessment.<br>Equitable and quality health care is a challenge of the future reconstruction phase.