ObjectiveTo review the current literature around the potential impact, effectiveness and perceptions of plain packaging in low income settings.MethodA systematic review of the literature.Data sources9 databases (PubMed, Global Health, Social Policy and Practice, Applied Social Sciences Index and Abstracts (ASSIA), CINAHL, PsycINFO, British Library for Development Studies (BLDS), Global Health Library and Scopus) were searched. The terms used for searching combined terms for smoking and tobacco use with terms for plain packaging.Study selectionStudies investigating the impact of plain packaging on the determinants of tobacco use, such as smoking behaviour, appeal, prominence, effectiveness of health warnings, response to plain packs, attitudes towards quitting or likelihood of smoking in low-income settings, were identified. Studies must have been published in English and be original research of any level of rigour.Data extractionTwo independent reviewers assessed studies for inclusion and extracted data.Data synthesisThe results were synthesised qualitatively, with themes grouped under four key headings: appeal and attractiveness; salience of health warnings and perceptions of harm; enjoyment and perceived taste ratings; and perceptions of the impact on tobacco usage behaviour.ResultsThis review has identified four articles that met the inclusion criteria. Studies identified that tobacco products in plain packaging had less appeal than in branded packaging in low-income settings.ConclusionsThis review indicates that plain packaging appears to be successful in reducing appeal of smoking and packets, and supports the call for plain packaging to be widely implemented in conjunction with other tobacco control policies. However, there are considerable gaps in the amount of research conducted outside high-income countries.

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Capsule: A newly developed pilot forecasting system for epidemic thunderstorm asthma is assisting the health sector in Victoria, Australia, to prepare for these rare but potentially deadly events.

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BackgroundPersons with disability are often marginalised and excluded from international development efforts. This case study reviews the success of Uttarakhand Cluster of development NGOs in changing organisational behaviour towards being disability inclusive in their development (DID) activities.MethodsA triangulation of qualitative research methods was used, including key informant interviews, focus group discussions and review of textual data.ResultsThe results synthesise data into Kotter’s framework for organisational change, explaining the different stages of change experienced by the Cluster as it moved towards DID. Development of a disability mission, sharing of capacity and resources, and presence of disability champions were key in the organisations' transition towards DID.ConclusionThis case study demonstrates that the Cluster, a low - cost network, was able to drive organisational change and promote DID.

The Women's Economic Stability Initiative developed and evaluated a new model to help low-income, single women with children make progress toward economic stability through vocational training/educational attainment (particularly in fields traditionally dominated by men), financial assistance for reliable childcare, transportation, and housing, and life coaching/case management using an empowerment approach. During the first 3 years of the initiative, participants made progress in attaining academic degrees, maintaining employment, experiencing modest increases in income, some success in building assets, and paying down/eliminating credit card debt. The initiative provided the support needed to help women gain greater stability for themselves and their children.

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