Malaria Prevalence and Associated Risk Factors among Batwa Indigenous People of Kanungu District in Southwestern Uganda: Does “Place” Matter?

Introduction: Malaria is an important disease, causing high morbidity and mortality, especially in Sub-Saharan Africa. Measuring malaria prevalence using malaria rapid diagnostic tests (mRDTs), particularly among a vulnerable population sub-group, is a vital public health step in discovering effective methods of prevention and control. This study set out to examine the association between “place” and other risk factors with malaria prevalence among Batwa Indigenous People (IP). Methods: An analytical cross-sectional study design was implemented. Two surveys January 2014 (n = 572) and April 2014 (n = 541) involving interviews and testing for malaria using mRDTs were conducted in 10 Batwa settlements where a total of 1113 Batwa of all ages were surveyed and tested. The data were first compiled in MS Excel and then imported and analyzed using STATA ver.14. Descriptive statistics, were generated, followed by bivariable and multivariable regression model analysis to establish associations between the predictor and outcome variables with p ≤ 0.05 considered statistically significant. Results: Overall prevalence was 13.94% (n = 146). There is a significant relationship between settlement (place) and malaria prevalence AOR 11.7, 95% CI (1.38 - 98.93), p-value = 0.02. More males 16.97% (n = 84) tested positive compared to females 11.23% (n = 62) but there was no statistically significant association between gender and mRDT (p-value > 0.005). Children less than 5 years registered high prevalence and there was a significant relationship between age and mRDT (p-value ≤ 0.005). Wealth proxy indicators showed no association with prevalence p-value = 0.390. Season had no association with prevalence (p-value = 0.80). However, the proportion of the day spent in the forest/woodlands was significantly associated with malaria prevalence COR 12.83, 95% CI (1.14 - 143.73) p-value = 0.04. Low elevation was significantly associated with malaria prevalence COR 2.42, 95% CI (1.32 - 4.41), p = 0.004 but sleeping under a net and level of education did not show any association with malaria prevalence. Conclusion: This study highlights the importance of place in predicting malaria prevalence among Batwa Indigenous People a marginalized and remortely located sub-population. This study has shown that place matters in determining malaria prevalence. However, other factors like age, elevation and gender also contribute to malaria prevalence. Batwa have higher prevalence than the national and even non-indigenous populations in the same district. We recommend targeting hotspots intervention approach since it has proven reasonable impact on reducing malaria prevalence.

Forest-based betel leaf and betel nut farming of the Khasia indigenous People in Bangladesh: approach to biodiversity conservation in Lawachara National Park(LNP)

An exploratory survey was conducted among the Khasia living in Lawachara National Parkt （LNP） to investigate their depend- ency on the protected area （PA） for livelihoods, betel leaf hill farming, traditional forest conservation and perceptions of the PA, Field data were collected by interviewing 48 household heads from two villages （punjis） located inside the LNP and visiting their farms.： The economy of the Khasia was forest-based. They were largely dependent on betel leaf hill farming in LNP and nearly 71% of their mean annual income was de- rived from this irrespective of farmer category. On average, about 14% of the incomes of the poorer farmers came from forest produce followed by 10% and 6% for medium and rich farmers respectively. Hills and forests were the foundations of their lives and livelihoods, and LNP was the life-blood of Khasia survival. As a sustainable production system, this farming practice plays a vital role in conserving biodiversity in LNP and might be replicated elsewhere.

Socio-Psychological Factors of Rising Trend of Suicidal Ideation among Indigenous Workforce: Evidence from Himalayan Range

Apart from socio-economic disparities,indigenous people of the Himalayan range in Asia face an increasing trend of suicides.The tragic suicidal events usually go unaddressed,and no strategies are presently in place to mitigate suicides in the future.This study aims to explain the prevailing causes of suicidal ideation to come up with some policy recommendations.Through a preliminary survey,we identified social stigma,social isolation,lack of healthcare facilities,and domestic violence as the potential reasons for suicidal ideation.We identified individuals with suicide ideation for further data collection to test the relationships between the identified variables and suicidal ideation.A quantitative,explanatory and cross-sectional design was used to test the hypotheses.Inferential statistics were applied to the data containing 314 responses,and the results revealed that all the predictive variables influence the formation of suicidal ideation.The study uncovered some new dimensions of social stigma and social isolation that are common among the indigenous people.The results also indicate that some domestic violence is socially acceptable and considered a normal familial matter.Thefindings have theoretical and practical implications.We have identified new dimensions of social stigma,social isolation,and domestic violence that are new additions to the existing bank of literature.It provides insights to encourage public authorities,healthcare providers,and NGO managers to play their role in the right direction to mitigate the problem.This study opens further venues for researchers to investigate the complex issue of suicide more deeply.

Towards Inclusive Development: Situating the Socio-Economic Wellbeing and Environmental Issues of an Indigenous Cultural Community in the Philippines

The Municipality of Carranglan is a rural community where agriculture is the main source of livelihood. The Kalanguya Ancestral Domain (KAD) is also located in the area, and it provides a home for the Kalanguya indigenous cultural community. They have fled to the area for a variety of reasons. Despite its rural setting, Carranglan is regarded as a first-class municipality and the largest municipality in Nueva Ecija. This study described and documented the socio-economic profile, and existing issues and problems the Kalanguya Indigenous Peoples (IPs) experienced in their milieu, especially in terms of environmental protection. Recognizing and valuing their perspectives is vital for inclusive development. This study also situated the current status and conditions of the IPs, who generally live below the poverty line and face a range of plights and challenges. As part of safeguarding indigenous rights and interests, this study was undertaken after series of consultations with community elders and leaders. Key informant interviews, household surveys, semi-structured interviews, focused-group discussion (FGD), and direct observations were used to elicit information. Many of the respondents are elementary undergraduates which show that the community had lacked access to education. The following are the primary socioeconomic issues confronting IPs: insufficient access to potable water, suboptimal agricultural productivity, meager monthly income, and a dearth of supplementary and alternative livelihood opportunities. Forest fires, landslides, encroachment of illegal loggers, and concerns about wildlife resources are some of the current environmental issues they have encountered. The local population was supportive of plans and actions targeted at improving the environment. This reveals that the IPs possess unique indigenous forest expertise that enables them to properly manage natural resources.

Soil-transmitted helminth egg contamination from soil of indigenous communities in selected barangays in Tigaon, Camarines Sur, Philippines

Objective:To provide baseline data on the prevalence and intensity of soil-transmitted helminthiasis egg contamination in the soil among indigenous communities.Methods:A total of 317 soil samples from three barangays of indigenous communities communities in Tigaon,Camarines Sur,Philippines were examined for soil-transmitted helminthiasis egg contamination using optimized sugar flotation method.Results:Of the soil samples examined,141(44.48%)were contaminated by Ascaris spp.,Toxocara spp.,and Trichuris spp.with cumulative prevalence varying across the study sites(P<0.01).Ascaris spp.was predominant in all study sites,followed by Toxocara spp.and Trichuris spp.with a prevalence of 41.96%,7.57%,and 5.36%,respectively.Interestingly,Toxocara pp.has the highest intensity of contamination,followed by Ascaris spp.and Trichuris spp.in term of geometric mean soil-transmitted helminthiasis eggs recovered per one gram soil sample(34.25,21.45,and 11.85 respectively).Each study site harbors significant amount of soiltransmitted helminthiasis eggs and zoonotic Toxocara eggs,which present high risk of soil-transmitted helminthiasis infection,particularly among children observed to play and cohabitate with animals known to be hosts of these parasites.Conclusions:The alarming rate of soil-transmitted helminthiasis and Toxocara egg contamination reported in this study suggests that additional measures should be undertaken to control soil-transmitted helminthiasis and zoonotic intestinal infections in the country.

Clinical and Spatial Characteristics of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome by COVID-19 in Indigenous of Brazil

The new coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) broke out in Wuhan in China in December 2019, causing severe pneumonia and deaths, soon in March 2020, it reached pandemic level, affecting several countries including Brazil. The disease was named COVID-19, with characteristics of most infected having mild and moderate symptoms and a part severe symptom. The disease has already reached 158 ethnic groups, which have high vulnerability and limited access to health services. The objective is to investigate the clinical and spatial characteristics of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome of COVID-19 in the indigenous peoples of Brazil. It is an epidemiological, cross-sectional, analytical ecological study, based on data from the OpenDataSUS platform from 01/01/2020 to 31/08/2020. Profile variables, signs and symptoms and risk factors/comorbidities. The data were analyzed by Bioestat 5.3. There were 1,207 cases and 470 deaths. Profile: male gender (59.48%) means age 53 years. Signs and symptoms: fever (74.23%), cough (77.71%), sore throat (35.62%), dyspnea (69.34%), respiratory discomfort (62.80%), O2 saturation < 95% (56.42%);and associated with mortality: dyspnea (80.0%) and O2 saturation < 95% (69.36%). Risk factors and comorbidities (45.89%) were associated with deaths (54.04%). About comorbidities, chronic cardiovascular diseases represented (18.97%) and Diabetes Mellitus (18.97%), and associated with deaths: Chronic Cardiovascular Disease (24.46%). Being admitted to the ICU has a risk of death in (OR-3.96- < 0.0001-CI-2913/5383) followed by not being vaccinated against influenza (OR-1.85- < 0.0001-CI-1358/2528). The public and health policies of Brazil should be directed to control the dissemination of COVID-19 in this population, that COVID-19 evolves in the same intensity, however, the indigenous have vulnerabilities that can increase the impact of the pandemic in this population.

Case Study of Local Revitalization in Indigenous Areas of Taiwan: Using the Namasia District as an Example

This study aims to analyze the operational model of the local revitalization plan implemented in the indigenous tribes in Taiwan. It treated Namasia District of Kaohsiung City, Taiwan as the subject, and conducted an investigation by qualitative research. According to the findings, the practices of local revitalization are based on the following conditions: 1) local government leads the plan of revitalization;2) it finds DNA to develop local revitalization;3) it seeks investment from enterprises;4) it accepts the assistance from academic and professional teams for the integration and development of innovative and creative products;5) it reinforces the ethnic consciousness, supports local residents and industries, and participates in the execution of plans.

The Shed People in the Qing Dynasty and Social Changes in Northwest Jiangxi Province

The shed people began to have a presence before the Qing Dynasty.Since the Qing Dynasty,the number of shed people in northwest Jiangxi has increased sharply,which has triggered a series of social problems.This paper delves into the evolution of the relations between the indigenous people and migrant people in northwest Jiangxi after the migration of the shed people.Then,it probes into the changes in state policies resulted from the migration of the shed people and the social and economic changes generated by those policy changes.

Any alternatives to rice? Ethnobotanical insights into the dietary use of edible plants by the Higaonon tribe in Bukidnon Province, the Philippines

Though considered an agricultural country,the Philippines is the world’s largest importer of rice.The persistent problem of insufficient rice supply,however,has been exacerbated by economic crises and natural calamities.Yet,for the Higaonon tribe in Bukidnon Province,the Philippines,the rich agrobiodiversity and wild edible plants are vital for food security and resilience since the mountainous terrain in this province presents a challenge for rice cultivation.To gain insight from the indigenous edible plant knowledge of the Higaonon tribe,we conducted an ethnobotanical research to document the diversity,utilization,and biocultural refugia of both cultivated and wild edible plants.A total of 76 edible plant species belonging to 62 genera and 36 botanical families were documented.The most represented botanical families included the Fabaceae,Solanaceae,and Zingiberaceae.In terms of dietary usage,3 species were categorized as cereals;8 species were white roots,tubers,and plantains;3 species were vitamin A-rich vegetables and tubers;16 species were green leafy vegetables;12 species were categorized as other vegetables;2 species were vitamin A-rich fruits;27 species were classified as other fruits;7 species were legumes,nuts,and seeds;and 8 species were used as spices,condiments,and beverages.Using the statistical software R with ethnobotanyR package,we further calculated the ethnobotanical indices(use-report(UR),use-value(UV),number of use(NU),and fidelity level(FL))from 1254 URs in all 9 food use-categories.The species with the highest UV and UR were from a variety of nutrient-rich edible plants such as Ipomoea batatas(L.)Lam.,Musa species,Colocasia esculenta(L.)Schott,Zea mays L.,and Manihot esculenta Crantz.The extensive utilization of root and tuber crops along with corn and plantain that contain a higher amount of energy and protein,carbohydrates,minerals,and vitamins were shown to be an important nutrient-rich alternatives to rice.Whilst males appeared to be more knowledgeable of edible plant species collected from the forests and communal areas,there were no significant differences between males and females in terms of knowledge of edible plants collected from homegardens,riverbanks,and farms.The various food collection sites of the Higaonon tribe may be considered as food biocultural refugia given their socio-ecological function in food security,biodiversity conservation,and preservation of indigenous knowledge.

Bofedal response to climate variability, local management, and water extraction: A case study of Chucuyo, Northern Chile

Andean high-altitude wetlands are important ecosystems that serve a range of socialecological functions. In the Andes, bofedales, a specific type of peat-producing wetland, are essential for the sustainability of mountain ecosystems and indigenous pastoralist communities. The Chucuyo bofedal in northern Chile is affected by climatic variability and water extraction for agricultural uses via the Lauca canal. Herders in the local community also actively manage this wetland according to their traditional ecological knowledge to ensure permanent fodder for their animals. In this article, we analyze the annual behavior of the Chucuyo bofedal after the wet season. Based on precipitation data, extracted water flows, vegetation vigor from satellite images, and an ethnographic approach, we determined that the bofedal’s productivity was negatively correlated with the amount of precipitation and positively correlated with the surface area of the wetland. However, water extraction via the Lauca channel had no significant relationship with either surface area or vegetation vigor. We identify community practices and traditional ecological knowledge as key elements in the maintenance of these ecosystems. This situation is critical in the context of an aging population and the current pattern of migration out of the region to urban areas. The results provide substantial empirical evidence for future decision-making regarding the conservation of these ecosystems.

Traditional Arctic native fish storage methods and their role in the sustainable development of the Arctic

The business of the Arctic has received increased attention owing to climate change.However,resource development and the use of waterways threaten the fragile Arctic ecology.The indigenous people of the Arctic have acquired a vast amount of traditional knowledge about coexisting in harmony with nature over the course of many years.Herein,five types of fish storage facilities that are commonly used by Arctic indigenous people and their working mechanisms are described.The traditional knowledge of the Arctic indigenous people is practically applied in Arctic fish storage systems,which are still common,effective,and environmentally friendly.The traditional fish storage facilities of the aborigines are of significance because they promote the sustainable development of the Arctic.

Prevalence and risk factors of intestinal parasitism among two indigenous subethnic groups in Peninsular Malaysia

Background:Intestinal parasitic infections(IPIs)among indigenous people have been widely documented in Malaysia,however,the prevalence of these infections remains high.In the past,most studies have focused on specific species of parasites but polyparasitism has received limited attention.In addition,epidemiology studies on indigenous people tend to consider them as a homogenous group,whereas in reality different sub-ethnic groups have different cultural and living practices.Variations in living habits such as personal hygiene practices may predispose different groups to different parasitic infections.To better understand prevalence and risk factors of intestinal parasitism among different sub-ethnic groups,the present study was conducted among two sub-ethnic groups of indigenous people(Temuan and Mah Meri)residing in Selangor state,Malaysia.Methods:A cross-sectional study that focused on two distinct sub-ethnic groups was carried out from February to September 2014.Faecal samples were collected from 186 participants and examined using the formalin-ether sedimentation technique.A molecular approach was adopted to conduct a genetic characterisation of the parasites.Additionally,questionnaires were administered to obtain information on the demographics,socioeconomic backgrounds and behavioural risks relating to the participants,as well as information about their environments.Statistical analyses(i.e.binary and multivariate logistic regression analyses)were performed to measure risk factors.Results:For Temuan communities,trichuriasis(64.2%)was the most common infection found,preceding hookworm infection(34%),ascariasis(7.5%),giardiasis(14.2%)and amoebiasis(7.5%).As for the Mah Meri communities,trichuriasis(77.5%)prevailed over ascariasis(21.3%),hookworm(15%),giardiasis(7.5%)and amoebiasis(3.8%).Significant differences in proportions of trichuriasis,ascariasis and hookworm infections were observed between the Temuan and Mah Meri sub-ethnic groups.Polyparasitism was more common among the Temuan sub-ethnic group(41.5%)compared to the Mah Meri sub-ethnic group(32.5%),with the majority of participants harbouring two parasites concurrently(Temuan:33%,Mah Meri:20%).Trichuris trichiura and Ascaris lumbricoides co-infections were most prevalent(10%)among the Mah Meri communities,while a co-infection of T.trichiura with hookworm(19.8%)was most common among the Temuan communities.Multivariate analyses showed that being unemployed,having a large family and drinking unboiled water were found to be significantly associated with intestinal parasitism.Conclusion:The present study highlights substantial polyparasitism and risk factors for infections in the Temuan and Mah Meri sub-ethnic groups.The high prevalence of IPIs among these two sub-ethnic groups indicates that parasitic infections are important health issues in these communities.Hence,it is imperative to implement sound intervention strategies such as periodic preventive chemotherapy coupled with health education in order to reduce and eradicate these infections.

Using economic instruments to overcome obstacles to in situ conservation of biodiversity

The leading direct cause of the loss of biodiversity is habitat alteration and disruption.If we are to address this cause directly,we need to find ways of changing the behavior of rural people.Experience has shown that this is done most effectively through the use of economic instruments,ranging from taxes that discourage over-exploitation,to direct payments for conservation activities carried out by rural land-owners or those occupying the land.In many parts of the world,governments provide incentives such as tax breaks to private land-owners.Other countries recognize specific use rights on particular parts of the land,enabling the land-owners to earn appropriate benefits.Since many protected areas have resident human populations,it is especially important that they be encouraged to contribute to the objectives of the protected area,and economic incentives offer an important way of doing so;they might,for example,be given employment in the protected area or in associated tourism activities.Direct payments to farmers for conserving watersheds is becoming increasingly popular,in both developed and developing countries.Improved conservation will require both removing perverse subsidies and developing a wide range of approaches for rewarding land-owners for biodiversity conservation activities.

Evacuating a First Nation Due to Wildfire Smoke:The Case of Dene Tha’ First Nation

Almost every year,First Nations are evacuated in Canada because of wildfire proximity and smoke.Dynamics of wildfires,and remote locations,unique sociocultural characteristics,and limited emergency management resources present challenges for evacuation organizers and residents.This study explores how Dene Tha’First Nation evacuated their Tachécommunity in July 2012 due to wildfire smoke and how the evacuation process affected evacuees.Interviews were completed with 31 evacuation organizers and residents to examine the factors that helped and hindered the evacuation process.Lack of information about the nearby wildfire,smoke,and evacuation of the nearby small community of Zama City,combined with a generic evacuation plan,delayed and posed challenges during the evacuation of this Dene Tha’community.Strong leadership and its role in community organizing,keeping families together,providing the social support they needed,and using familiar host communities,demonstrated and contributed to the community’s resilience during the evacuation.Measures to improve evacuations and emergency management in the community and other First Nations in Canada are identified and discussed.

New look at territories of traditional nature use–traditional nature management lands at the coastal zone of the Ice Silk Road:a case study for the Russian Arctic

Territories of traditional nature use(TTNU)of indigenous population in the Arctic zone presents a historical model of sustainable development whose main principles are valuable for modern practice of economic activities in this region as well.Indigenous peoples traditional nature management practice in the Russian Arctic nowadays exists only within tribal community lands,though their virtual limits may be larger and known to indigenous population,helping to preserve regional identities.Preservation of TTNU in the course of modern economic development,including the Northern Silk Road coastal infrastructure,is important for regional ecological and social stability.They may be regarded as ecological buffer zones,restoring ecosystem functions important for regional sustainable development,though modern market economy treats them mainly as economic units less valuable for incomes than industrial.A new look at TTNU may be supported by their ecologicaleconomic assessment.A case study in the coastal Nenets TTNU belonging to family-clan community‘Ya’Erv’demonstrates its possible input to local sustainable development.

TOWARDS A GLOBAL UNDERSTANDING OF THE HUMANE TREATMENT OF CAPTURED ENEMY FIGHTERS

The prevailing narrative instructs us that humane treatment of captured enemy fighters is down to white knights from the western parts of the European continent with their codes of chivalry, or alternatively, the Swiss businessman Henri Dunant. This contribution challenges that narrative for overlooking, or being ignorant of, the way that societies around the world have approached the matter of the captured enemy fighter. Traces of some of the critical principles about humane treatment that we see in our present law can actually be found in much older societies from outside of Europe. A more accurate and representative way of understanding humanitarianism in the treatment of captured enemy fighters can and must be crafted, with the prevailing Euro-centric account balanced with practices, cultures and faiths from elsewhere. The quest to achieve more humane treatment in armed conflict is first and foremost a battle of the intellect. Narratives and conceptualisations that are more inclusive, recognising and appreciating of the ways of the rest of the world are likely to be more effective in communicating humanitarian ideals. This work adopts a new method of approaching the richness and diversity of the treatment of captured enemy fighters over time and space. This new framework of analysis uses six cross-cutting themes to facilitate a broader international and comparative perspective, and develop a more sophisticated level of understanding. The first theme is how older and indigenous societies approached the matter of captured enemy fighters. The second focuses on religions of the world, and what they teach or require. The third section examines the matter of martial practices and codes of ethics for combatants in certain societies. The fourth category engages with colonisation and decolonisation, and regulation （or non-regulation） of the treatment of captives of war. Fifth is the issue of modernisation and the impact it has had on armed forces and fighters, including on the treatment of captives. The final issue is the shift towards formalised agreements, beginning with the first bilateral agreements and then the multilateral codification exercise that began in the mid-19th century and continues to this day. This framework for analysis leads into a final chapter, presenting a fresh and holistic view on the evolution of prisoner of war protections in the international order. It provides a different way of looking at International Humanitarian Law, starting with this effort at a global understanding of the treatment of captured enemy fighters.