Objective: The International Rescue Committee (IRC) strove to reduce maternal mortality among Afghan refugees in Hangu district of Pakistan by improving access to emergency obstetric care (EmOC), community knowledge of danger signs of pregnancy, and the use of health information. Methods: IRC established EmOC centers, trained community members on safe motherhood, linked primary health care with education on danger signs of pregnancy and the importance of skilled attendance, and improved the health information system. Results: The maternal mortality ratio among Afghan refugees in the area improved from 291 per 100 000 live births in 2000 to 102 per 100 000 live births in 2004. The proportion of refugee births attended by skilled staff increased from 5% in 1996 to 67% in 2007. Complete prenatal care coverage increased from 49% in 2000 to 90% in 2006, and postnatal coverage more than trebled from 27% in 2000 to 85% in 2006. Conclusion: Improved services, community involvement and education, good coordination, and effective systems succeeded in reducing maternal mortality in a traditionally conservative environment.
Vivitrol adverse event reports suggest the need to investigate two months following the last medicine injection as a period of particular concern for overdose. A registry study would best quantify risk. Providers should report suspected post-discontinuation overdoses to government authorities.
This article explores the burgeoning advocacy movement for methadone and buprenorphine treatment by patients, parents, and doctors in Ukraine, and their efforts to remake a system that infantilizes and controls patients into one where patients have a voice in their treatment. Through a review of gray literature and in-depth interviews with 28 patient-advocates and doctors in five Ukrainian cities between October 2009 and July 2010, this piece chronicles the emergence of opiate substitution treatment in Ukraine, describes successes toward patient-friendly treatment, and explores the institutionalized barriers that have pushed the patients to become advocates for their own treatment.
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