SHARED started in 1996 as an EC concerted action. SHARED's objective is to share essential information on health research and development for developing countries. Everyone can contribute information to the database. A network of Focal Points has a proactive role in information dissemination on a local level. Visit their web site for more information.
Useful Resources
SHARing Point Server
At the SHARing Point Server you can find people and their activities like projects, journal articles, abstracts, realtime health news and mailing list postings from Asia, Africa, Europe, North and South America.
Social accountability: Tools and mechanisms for improved urban water services
Velleman Y: WaterAid Working Paper, June 2010
This paper discusses the need for specific pro-poor measures to ensure water service provision to poor urban populations. Given the proven importance of pro-poor measures for urban water service delivery and viability, the question arises as to why such measures are not undertaken by utilities as normal practice. Although financial constraints matter, they do not constitute the only barrier. The report argues that the missing ingredient needed in order to reach poor people is accountability to the people, which necessitates the meaningful involvement of users in the planning, delivery and monitoring of water services. This increases the chances of delivering reliable, sustainable and affordable water services to more urban inhabitants. The engagement of users in utility reforms and ongoing service improvement processes is crucial, since reforms to improve efficiency (inevitably the main driver for reforms) do not necessarily translate into geographical equity or a commitment to serve the poor. Without incentives, a clear mandate to serve the poor or a ‘champion’, companies chase markets that are ‘easy’, offer the highest returns and do not require subsidies. However, user engagement is far from simple and its outcomes far from predictable. The paper draws on a variety of literature, as well as a series of key-informant interviews.
Source - A Health Resource Centre
Source is a unique resource centre, designed to meet the information needs of those working in health, disability and development worldwide. Source is an innovative collaboration between an academic institution, the Centre for International Child Health (at the Institute of Child Health, UCL), and two international NGOs, Healthlink Worldwide (formerly AHRTAG) and Handicap International UK. Source is aimed at health workers, researchers, rehabilitation workers, non-governmental and governmental organisations and disabled peoples' organisations worldwide and has a unique collection of over 20,000 health and disability related information resources.
Further details: /newsletter/id/29452
Source website
Source is an international information support centre designed to strengthen the management, use and impact of information on health and disability.
South Africa pre-decision information kit
Public Services International: 14 January 2010
The official launch of the pre-decision and information kit on migration and women health workers was held on the 9th of December, 2009, at the Parktonian Hotel in Johannesburg. The launch was attended by representatives from the National Department of Health (NDH), the International Labour Organization (ILO), Treatment Action Campaign (TAC), Public Service Coordinating Bargaining Council (PSCBC) and affiliates of the Public Services International (PSI) in South Africa, including a number of trade unions. The pre-decision and information kit was prepared by the National Working Group (NWG), composed of representatives of PSI affiliates in South Africa. The objective of the pre-decision information kit was to provide as much information as possible to professional women health workers intending to leave or enter South Africa for work. It provides a wide range of information from cost of living comparisons, terms and conditions of employment, cultural and language dynamics, workers’ rights and referral organisations to assist and guide health workers to make informed decisions or help them in cases of possible abuse. The launch of the toolkit came at an opportune time a few days before International Migrants Day, which is commemorated on the 18th of December each year.
South African guidelines for the diagnosis, management and prevention of acute viral bronchiolitis in children
Green RJ, Zar HJ, Jeena PM, Madhi SA, Lewis H: South African Medical Journal 100:320-325, 2010
The objective of this paper was to develop and publish a guideline for doctors managing acute viral bronchiolitis because this condition is extremely common in South Africa. Acute viral bronchiolitis is responsible for significant morbidity in the population, and subsequently a great deal of patient and parental distress, and the disease is costly, since many children are unnecessarily subjected to investigations and treatment strategies that are of no proven benefit. The main aims of the guideline are to promote an improved standard of treatment based on understanding of the disease and its management, and to encourage cost-effective and appropriate management. A detailed literature review was conducted and summarised into this document by a selected working group of paediatricians from around the country. Recommendations include the appropriate diagnostic and management strategies for acute viral bronchiolitis.
Southern Africa Network for Biosciences
African Union: New Partnership for Africa's Development, 2016
The Southern Africa Network for Biosciences (SANBio) is a platform to address and find means to resolve key bioscience concerns in health, nutrition, agriculture and environment in the Southern Africa. SANBio, was established alongside four other networks under the African Biosciences Initiative (ABI), for the SADC region. Thirteen countries of the SADC region are part of the SANBio network, supporting each other to be acknowledged as the biosciences network improves livelihoods in Southern Africa through research and innovation. The platform provides access to world-class laboratories for African and international scientists conducting research on Africa’s biosciences challenges. SANBio’s Mission is pursued through functions for : Research, development and innovation; and increasing capacity (human resources and infrastructure) to strengthen the network.
Southern Africa: AIDS information portal
The South African Medical Research Council (MRC) in collaboration with several partners is in the process of establishing an Internet information portal on HIV/AIDS for Southern Africa. The portal will provide a unique knowledge resource to facilitate collaboration and knowledge sharing among institutions and individuals in the prevention of HIV/AIDS in Southern Africa.
Special series of reviews: 'Improving the Use of Research Evidence in Guideline Development'
Health Research Policy and Systems: November 2006
Health Research Policy and Systems anounced through BioMed Central the publication of a special series of reviews 'Improving the Use of Research Evidence in Guideline Development', available from the journal website. The reviews were commissioned by the World Health Organisation (WHO)’s Advisory Committee on Health Research (ACHR). The series examines the methods used by WHO and other organisations to formulate recommendations about health, and is part of the documentation produced to inform ACHR’s advice to WHO in making health decisions.