Building the Capacity of Health Professionals in Monitoring and Evaluation in a Public Health Institution: Experience of the National Institute of Public Health (NIPH) of Côte d’Ivoire

Background: In the context of the fight against HIV, a lack of skills in monitoring and evaluating the personnel in charge of activities has been identified at the national level. It was the subject of a priority axis of the national plan for monitoring and evaluating the fight against HIV (2006-2010) that was aimed at strengthening the capacities of actors in this area. To increase the critical mass of competent human resources in the short term, the National Institute of Public Health (NIPH) of Côte d’Ivoire organized monitoring and evaluation training sessions for healthcare professionals from 2011 to 2016. Methods: A single case study with multiple levels of analysis was carried out, combining a qualitative survey and a literature review. An evaluation was carried out six months after each training session. In addition, the results of the pre- and post-tests and of the daily and final evaluations that accompanied the various training sessions were used to provide further information. The qualitative data collected were analyzed using INVIVO 15 software. Results: Some 89 health professionals (69% men and 31% women) working at the national level (51% at the central level, including 58% in health programs) and in development partner agencies (37%) participated in this capacity building program. Most participants were senior health managers (56%), data managers (23%), and statisticians and computer scientists (10%). Almost all the trainings were financed by 16 technical and financial partners (85%), mainly the MEASURE Evaluation project (27%). Conclusion: M&E training, despite all its imperfections, has made it possible to identify M&E training needs at the national level and to increase the critical mass of national skills and to have some culture in M&E.

Sport Participation and Community Capacity Building in Disadvantaged Urban Communities

The aim of this study was to investigate the relationships between sport and community by examining the role played by sports participation in community engagement and community capacity building in disadvantaged urban communities.From a conceptual standpoint,the study is based on the sociological theory of the community and Community Capacity Building(CCB)theory,which provide overviews of the concept of community and community capacity and its characteristics.Four disadvantaged urban communities were investigated.Two of these communities had sports programs,while the other two did not.The online questionnaire methodology was adopted to assess the socio-demographic characteristics and community engagement of the participants(knowledge of programs and participation in community activities),and subsequently,an analysis of the online social media narratives of the community members themselves was developed to measure the characteristics of their community capacity building.We found that community engagement and community capacity values were higher in the communities with sports programs.These findings are promising and suggest that approaches based on sports participation development could be fruitful,particularly in disadvantaged communities.

Capacity Building Needs for Manual and Computer Assisted Teaching of Pattern Drafting for Entrepreneurship in Tertiary Institutions in Nigeria

This study investigated the capacity building needs for manual and computer assisted teaching of pattern drafting for entrepreneurship in tertiary institutions in Nigeria.The study was conducted and guided by two research questions and two hypotheses.This study adopted an ex-post facto research design.The population for the study consisted of 131 Home Economics lecturers from the Universities,Polytechnic,and Colleges of Education in South East Nigeria.The entire population was studied because of its manageable size,hence there was no sampling.The results of this study showed that the Home Economics lecturers are competent in drafting patterns using manual method.Technical skills required for lecturers of Home Economics to advance from manual to computer-assisted teaching of pattern drafting were identified.They include ability to grade patterns,ability to use software packages,and ability to discuss procedures of pattern drafting among others.Based on the findings,it was recommended among others that computer assisted teaching of pattern drafting should be incorporated and applied by Home Economics lecturers to ensure that students acquire technical skills that will enable them to enter into entrepreneurship.

Embracing different languages and local differences:Coconstructive patient simulation strengthens host countries’clinical training in psychiatry

BACKGROUND Global education in psychiatry is heavily influenced by knowledge from Western,high-income countries,which obscures local voices and expertise.AIM To adapt a human simulation model to psychiatric education in a context that is specific to local languages and cultures.METHODS We conducted an observational study consisting of six human simulation sessions with standardized patients from two host countries,speaking their native languages,and following an adaptation of the co-constructive patient simulation(CCPS)model.As local faculty became increasingly familiar with the CCPS approach,they took on the role of facilitators—in their country’s native language.RESULTS Fifty-three learners participated:19 child and adolescent psychiatry trainees and 3 faculty members in Türkiye(as a group that met online during 3 consecutive months);and 24 trainees and 7 faculty in Israel(divided into 3 groups,in parallel in-person sessions during a single training day).Each of the six cases reflected local realities and clinical challenges,and was associated with specific learning goals identified by each case-writing trainee.CONCLUSION Human simulation has not been fully incorporated into psychiatric education:The creation of immersive clinical experiences and the strengthening of reflective practice are two areas ripe for development.Our adaptations of CCPS can also strengthen local and regional networks and psychiatric communities of practice.Finally,the model can help question and press against hegemonies in psychiatric training that overshadow local expertise.

Sustainability Capacity Building Based on Educational Method: A Case Study on China and Sweden Joint Program

Environmental Education and Education for Sustainable Development (EE&ESD) have been widely accepted as an effective educational method to contribute to capacity development and processes of change in developing countries. This paper takes SIDA supported EE&ESD in formal educationadvanced international training program, China as an example. By analyzing and reflecting its orientation, implementation, outcomes and evaluation, experiences and lessons learned are expected to help improve the sorts of international cooperation capacity building programs both from international and also Chinese perspectives.

Capacity Building and Transfer of Know-how in Radiation Protection. Dissemination of Enetrap Projects Results

The ENETRAP （European Network on Education and Training in RAdiological Protection） project series, since the first edition in 2005 till the current ENETRAP III, always have been the objective to maintain a high level of competence in radiation protection （RP）, assuring the continued development of suitable well-trained personnel and adequate knowledge management. This objective is crucial to ensure future safe use of ionizing radiations （IR） and the development of new technologies in a safe way. A big effort and lot of work has been done in these 11 years including the new definitions in the BSS for RP Expert （RPE）, RP Officer （RPO） and Medical Physics Expert （MPE） which are the basis for future national development and implementation and adequate the high-level education and training （E＆T） in the countries. In order to manage all the valuable results of the projects and to distribute them to the society, is required a tool, developed with this specific propose, that will be the object of this paper.

Implementation of Capacity Development and Public Awareness for CTBT Verification Regime in Myanmar

Myanmar signed the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty(CTBT)in 1996 and ratified it in 2016.As a CTBT ratifying state,Myanmar needs to implement the capability development and public awareness concerning with CTBT verification activities.When implementing the CTBT verification regime,Myanmar considered the linkage between CTBT and sustainable development goals(SDGs).A National Data Centre(NDC)is needed in the country for collecting the data from the stations,differentiating the data quality,prioritizing and storage of the data to conduct with International Data Centre(IDC)of Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization(CTBTO).The seismic,hydroacoustic,infrasound and radionuclide technologies are important for identifying the signals generated by a nuclear explosion.Various capacity development and public awareness are important for initial step before the ratification process of the state party.Civil society,change school curriculum,participation in process,organizing workshops and seminars are carried out by policy makers’decision.International collaboration and citizen awareness are needed to understand the CTBT verification system for monitoring the nuclear explosions in a global context.The Atomic Energy Division(AED)will collaborate with external funding agents like CTBTO to improve skill of human resource for NDC implementation in Myanmar.Young scientists,science administrators and representative will be achieved from this national development initiative.This is focused on research and development in areas potentially relevant to the Treaty’s verification regime.

Clinical Nurses’Research Capacity Building in Practice—A Systematic Review

The aim of this study was to identify and evaluate evidence of clinical nurses’ research capacity building in practice. A systematic review of studies of nurses’ research capacity building in practice was performed. The quality of the articles was evaluated and reflected on in accordance with the Quality Assessment and Validity Tool for Correlation Studies. The literature searches identified a total of 4748 abstracts and titles. Eight quantitative studies were included in the evaluation. Three themes emerged from the analysis: Failure to ensure research quality and standards, Developing a research culture and Collaboration and organization of research utilization. The first theme has one sub-theme: Lack of knowledge about how to increase research utilization. The second theme is based on three sub-themes: Ability to identify clinical problems, changing nurses’ attitudes to research and research supervision. Finally, the third theme has one sub-theme: Funding as a success factor. In conclusion, research capacity building requires the development of research competence to generate knowledge that enhances quality and patient safety. Nurse leaders are essential for establishing evidence-based practice and a research culture, thus enhancing nurses’ scientific attitudes and capacity.

Building Capacity

Chinese companies in Africa are improving infrastructure and benefiting local communities

Strengthening capacity-building in malaria and schistosomiasis control under China-Africa cooperation:Assessing a case study of Burkina Faso

Malaria and schistosomiasis are highly prevalent in Burkina Faso,whereas China has successfully eliminated malaria as well as schistosomiasis as a public health problem.To implement the China-Africa health cooperation initiative,a series of activities were launched since 2019 to enhance understanding and cooperation among malaria and schistosomiasis professionals in China and Burkina Faso.This study described the achievements of the First Virtual Symposium of China-Burkina Faso Cooperation on Schistosomiasis and Malaria Control.Pre-and post-test questionnaires were employed to study the knowledge changes of participants regarding malaria and schistosomiasis control and elimination,explore capacity-building priorities,and identify potential challenges.Chi-squared statistics were used to compare the differences between sub-groups,and p value<0.05 was considered statistically significant.Participants ranked their preferences for challenges and capacity-building priorities in future cooperation.The responses of participants from both China and Burkina Faso indicated effective improvement in their general knowledge about the diseases whereas the improvement in professional knowledge on malaria and schistosomiasis was limited.The total correct response rate increased from 54.08%to 66.78%.Chinese participants had better schistosomiasis knowledge than Burkina Faso participants did,but the same result was not found for malaria.Diseases control strategies,surveillance and response system,and diagnostics techniques were identified as the top three priorities for future capacity building.Participants from China and Burkina Faso shared almost the same views about challenges except with respect to pathogens,which the former saw as a major challenge and the latter did not.The study findings will help policymakers,health managers,and researchers to understand the future cooperation between Burkina Faso and China on malaria and schistosomiasis.

ECOLOGICAL AND SOCIO-ECONOMIC REHABILITATION IN THE KARST OF SOUTHWEST CHINA

The Karst of Southwest China is a typical representative of poverty stricken region with impoverishment-degradation spiral. To essentially break away from this vicious circle, the local ecology, economy and society should be rehabilitated, and hence to strengthen the self-development capacity building of the localities. Two considerations are stressed in this article: (1) Poverty alleviation is a system project with great complexities. Any single approach is difficult to success and integrated measures should be taken. (2) Some typical and feasible areas should be selected to demonstrate the project of poverty alleviation and ecological, socio-economic reconstruction. Then, they can be used as a model to promote the sustainable development of the whole region. Based upon these ideals, a project entitled “Reversal of Impoverishment-Degradation Spiral in the Karst of Southwest China' was proposed and has been listed in 《Priority Programme for China's Agenda 21》.

Compromises of Bali Roadmap

The Bali Roadmap, as the breakthrough on intergovernmental negotiation of climate change mitigation, having brought United States on track, is still a result of compromises. The major compromises of the Bali Roadmap are centered around three issues of quantifying emission reduction targets, developing countries’ obligations as well as quantifying devel- oped countries’ financial assistance in developing countries' capacity building on climate change. It is found that the rationalities behind these compromises are the national interests. Due to the fact, achieving cohesion among all nations in climate change actions is very difficult. Therefore, the Bali Roadmap may lead to a tough way with distant hope. However, technology innovation and well-designed economic instruments would be helpful and supportive for further international negotiation and cooperation.

Regulating Aspects and Geologic Solutions of the Natural Gas Building Capacities to a Gas Market Model in Albania

Caspian Gas into Balkans over medium to long term becames Albanian case on June 2013 when TAP route was selected. After Albanian National Territory Council approved TAP AG＇s Compound Development Permit, the project should start Construction Phase 1. Existing gas pipeline connections of Albania within the European network via TAP, is highly estimated by energy authorities in both technical and regulating aspects. New pipelines are projected to be build in order to meet local energy consume and seasonal fluctuations, as well as needs of Kosovo and FYROM. Some of important points： determination on the capacity sector building for a due Albanian Gas Market Model, supply options on the future gasification, alternatives of opening underground gas storages in the salt domes of Dumre region and extending pipelines to neighboring countries. By assistance of the Secretariat of Energy Community, MEI starts drafting the new gas law to meet Third Energy Package. TAP project, IAP project, Albania-Kosovo Pipeline, an LNG plant and terminals coastal construction, can contribute on the diversification of gas supply. Underground Gas Storage potentials are geologic solution target, considering the Upper Miocene depleted sandstone gas fields of Divjaka, as well as the Dumre evaporitic deposits diapir of the Upper Triassic.

The Role of NGOs for Agribusiness Enterprises Development in Pakistan： Current Scenarios and Future Implications

This research ascertains the significant contribution of the Non-Government Organization （NGO） sector in Pakistan for the development of agribusiness enterprises. The NGO sector does not contemplate the emerging trends of agribusiness enterprises in terms of the current and future scenario in context of more efficient agro food systems under the network paradigm. Two of the many NGOs that are engaged in rural development launched various programs to support more efficient marketing systems as the precondition of better well-being. These two NGOs and their various development activities relevant to agribusiness enterprises have been analyzed in this study. The findings reveal that the evaluation matrix for the market activities of these two NGOs characterizes much potential. They are more efficient to strengthen the link between the farmers, market and rural development initiatives. However, in order to improve the linkages NGOs have to act for improving knowledge management in a more holistic way.

Differential Impacts of Wind Energy on Sustainable Power Generation in Ghana

Ghana has a yearly development interest for power at a rate of 83.8% in 2010, and to 12% from 2020 to 2040 but this opportunity has been farfetched with the shocks in energy generation during 1983, 1994, 1997-98, and 2006-2007 era pushing the energy sector into crisis and a consequent adverse impact of 1.5% to GDP. This study, therefore, investigated the differential impacts of wind energy to sustainable power generation in Ghana by assessing the determinants of energy supply, energy demand and supply mix for energy development, the capacity of the energy sector to develop wind power and possible challenges in developing wind power energy in Ghana. An exploratory design that adopted both qualitative and quantities approaches was applied to the study. The study population involving 34 sample sizes was accessed from a 46 population made up of management/ministers of energy and counsellors or energy experts. The study concluded that the demand for energy in Ghana has increased over the years but without a commensurate increase in energy supply. Major reasons for the shortfall in energy supply have centred on the monopoly enjoyed by the major power producer which invariably places stress on its ability to supply energy to meet the increasing demand. It also came out that wind energy has the potential to contribute to the overall energy fortunes of Ghana. However, a focus on wind energy may not produce the required results of reducing the energy supply gap due to a preference for solar and natural gas oils. It was also noteworthy that the need to build capacity to develop and maintain wind energy through critical, current infrastructure stance of the Ghanaian energy sector would not make this agenda of developing wind energy a reality. More so, it is important to note that the need to enhance the current weak national policy, financial backing and bridge technology gap for wind energy would be needful to realise a vibrant investment into wind energy development.

Development and Application of Statistical Business Register Guidelines in African Countries

Within the framework of its Statistical Capacity Building Program the African Development Bank （AfDB） is supporting development and improvement of statistical business registers （SBRs） in African countries. As a first step, the AfDB prepared a document entitled Guidelines .for Building Statistical Business Registers in Africa, which describes SBR design, construction, introduction, use and maintenance. To support dissemination, interpretation and effective use of the Guidelines, the AfDB is now sponsoring a programme of review and recommendations for enhancements to SBRs in selected African national statistical offices. The paper outlines the content of the Guidelines and experiences in their application. The views expressed are those of the authors and ,do nnt nec＇e^arilv reflect an official nosition of the AfDB.

Train-the-Trainer Course on Energy Efficient Operation of Ships

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) expanded, in 2011, its air emissions control regulations by encouraging energy efficiency and added them to MARPOL Annex VI. To assist national implementation of these new regulations, the IMO-KOICA partnership sponsored the development of a Train-the-Trainer (TTT) project on energy efficient operation of ships. The first project objective was to develop a comprehensive training package, which covers company policy and shipping contracts, port/ship interaction, ship technical solutions and day-to-day ship management. The second objective was to enhance capacity building in developing countries by creating a pool of instructors able to raise awareness in their respective regions using the dedicated training material. During each session, pedagogic support tools backed the content delivery. Forty-one participants from thirty-two countries attended two sessions of the TTT course. The TTT training formula, blending content and pedagogics, demonstrated its efficiency by committing and challenging each participant during the entire course. The outcome of the final day assessment showed that participants captured the essence of the issues and were able to absorb the basics of pedagogy to support the distribution of the training content and spread awareness. Know-how gained through TTT will contribute to the advancement of knowledge in promoting sustainable maritime transport development as advanced by the IMO. It is the authors’ strong belief that the way that the TTT course is designed, developed and delivered provides unique benefits for the participants and their countries.

The China tuberculosis clinical trials consortium network:a model for international TB clinical trials capacity building

Background:With the second largest tuberculosis(TB)burden globally,China is committed to actively engage in international TB clinical trials to contribute to global TB research.However,lack of research capacity among local sites has been identified as a barrier.Main text:The China Tuberculosis Clinical Trials Consortium(CTCTC)was initiated by Beijing Chest Hospital with investment from the US National Institutes of Health and technical support from Family Health International 360 in 2013,as a nationwide collaborative clinical trial network to strengthen selected clinical site research capacity and attract TB clinical trials.The program aims to:1)recruit leading hospitals that care for TB patients;2)conduct on-site assessment to identify capacity gaps and needs for improvement;3)design and deliver capacity building activities;4)attract and deliver high quality results for TB clinical trials.A total of 24 sites have joined CTCTC,covering 20 provinces in China.Twenty-two sites have been accredited by the National Medical Products Administration(NMPA)to be qualified to conduct TB clinical trials.The onsite assessment,extensive trainings among the CTCTC sites and young investigators have resulted in better understanding and improvement of the site capacity in conducting TB clinical trials.The establishment and growth of the CTCTC network has benefited from the good leadership,effective international cooperation and local commitment.Issues in human resources,regulatory environment and sustainability have been challenging the network from continuing growth.Clinical researchers have full-time clinical responsibilities in China and it is thus important to build a cadre of other human resources to assist.The regulatory environment is becoming friendlier in China to introduce international clinical trials to the CTCTC network.Conclusions:The CTCTC,with mature management structure and sustainable development model,which are distilled five key lessons for other developing countries or investigators of interest.They are the respectively using assessment-based approach to design tailored training package,understanding the availability of clinical researchers,providing solutions to maintain sustainability,understanding local regulatory environments and working with an international organization with local on-site team,respectively.Although,the experiences and capacity of China’s TB hospitals in conducting clinical research vary.Considerable efforts to continue building the capacity are still needed,although the gap is smaller for a few top-tier hospitals.

Operational research capacity building through the Structured Operational Research Training Initiative(SORT-IT)in China:implementation,outcomes and challenges

Background:Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention(China CDC)introduced the Structured Operational Research Training Initiative(SORT IT)into China to build a special capacity and equip public health professionals with an effective tool to support developing countries in strengthening their operational research.The paper aims to investigate and analyze the implementation,outcomes and challenges of the first cycle of SORT IT in China.

Enhancing Tax Administration Capacity Building in Developing Countries: A New Zealand Perspective

For developing countries,raising revenues and protecting their tax bases are more important than ever in recovering from the pandemic.As a small developed country,New Zealand endeavours to provide capacity building assistance to developing regions,especially the Pacific Islands.Assistance provided encompasses the development of core taxation systems as well as international tax matters such as the establishment of exchange of information programmes and the implementation of international tax standards.Working in partnership with international and regional organisations has proved beneficial,as demonstrated in the Pacific Initiative delivered over the last two years.Cost-effective and well-organised virtual delivery of training courses has functioned particularly well during the pandemic and will continue to feature prominently in future assistance work.