Resource Center

Microfinance institutions have proven, to the world’s acclaim, that it is possible to create commercially sustainable enterprises that address the critical needs of the poor — at least for financial services.

Zambia is a small republic in Sub-Saharan Africa with a population of nearly 12 million. Unemployment and poverty levels are significant concerns: 80 percent of Zambians live on less than US $2 per day.

1. Present objectives, concepts, and tools for conducting household research on the use of pediatric zinc along with oral rehydration solution/salts (ORS) or recommended home-prepared fluids, such as the sugar-salt solution, commonly referred to as oral rehydration therapy (ORT), for the treatment of uncomplicated diarrhea.

2.

The continued spread of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is burdening the health care system in many developing countries. Recent global commitment has led to unprecedented levels of funding for the HIV response, of which a substantial proportion is directed toward governments and nongovernmental organizations (NGO).

To determine how the structure, process, and outcomes of quality influence the choice of a public or private facility for family planning services among poor clients.

Data from three nationally representative Service Provision Assessment (SPA) surveys conducted in Kenya, Tanzania, and Ghana were used for the analysis.

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) are a critical challenge in India with an estimated 2.4 million people living with HIV/AIDS in 2007.

The report discusses the evidence of impact that economic strengthening programs have on communities affected by HIV/AIDS, and develops good practice guidelines and recommendations for health programmers.

It begins with a discussion on why economic strengthening programs are needed for HIV/AIDS-affected communities as they cope with the long-wave shock of the epidemic, and illustrates how economic support can be tailored for different vulnerable groups most affected by HIV/AIDS.The paper then describes the main functions of economic strengthening programs, from social assistance or safety-net programs (cash or food transfers), to asset-growth and protection services (savings and insurance) and income growth initiatives through market linkages and vocational training.

This discussion is followed by a short summary of the evidence of impact that economic strengthening programs have on the welfare of targeted individuals or households and their ability to mitigate risk among vulnerable groups.