The News Review:
- New Grants Available For Families Struggling With Child Health…
- Fund health systems, not projects, say researchers
- ENT operations start on indigenous kids
- Rural mela focusses on preventive health care
New Grants Available For Families Struggling With Child Health…
Medical News Today – Apr 14, 2008
UHCCF provides grants to families to help pay for child health care services such as speech therapy, physical therapy, occupational therapy sessions, prescriptions, and medical equipment such as wheelchairs, orthotics and eyeglasses. Parents and legal guardians may apply for grants of up to $5,000 for child medical services and equipment by completing an online application at.
Fund health systems, not projects, say researchers
SciDev.net – Apr 14, 2008
Tanzania is one of only a handful of countries to request that donors give funds to their general budget rather than to specific health projects, such as immunisation programmes. The country itself can therefore decide how to spend the money. Only two per cent of donor money to maternal and child health is given in this way, according to the Countdown initiative. "[Tanzania's success] is because the government has taken charge and changed their policies. Through this approach they’ve actually got a much more reliable source of support," said Liz Mason, director of the Department of Child and Adolescent Health and Development at the WHO, speaking at the launch of The Lancet special issue on maternal and child health in London, United Kingdom, last week (10 April). "We need a balanced focus and effort in investment in what are sometimes called ‘vertical interventions’ — such as vaccination and immunisation — with investment in strengthening the health systems," said Ann Starrs, president of Family Care International, a US-based non-profit organisation working to improve maternal health. But, she adds, it’s not a matter of diverting money away from projects.
ENT operations start on indigenous kids
The Australian – Apr 14, 2008
The children, identified in the contentious child health checks as part of the commonwealth takeover, will be treated over the next two weeks by ENT specialists who have been flown to the Alice Springs Hospital. Today marks the first of five medical blitzes by the visiting surgeons that are planned for the coming months. Of the 500 children across the Territory who are expected to receive ENT surgery, about 200 will get immediate treatment. Buses will pick up the children and their carers from communities for the journey to Alice Springs, where on average they will spend two days. The operations were among the most urgent priorities identified by the Territory emergency response child health checks… Otitis media can also cause earache, fever and an effusion known as runny-ear. Nearly two-thirds of the children examined by medical teams have been referred for follow-up services. With more than 8500 child health checks completed, 39 per cent were referred for follow-up primary health care, including treatment of skin conditions or ear infections, immunisation, and new blood tests for anaemia, 28per cent were referred for dental treatment, 10 per cent for pediatric services, 8 per cent were in need of audiology and hearing services, and 7 per cent were referred for ear, nose and throat specialist services. Health Minister Nicola Roxon revealed yesterday that dental surgery for indigenous children is scheduled for May. Mobile dental facilities will be used for dental follow-up across the Territory, and extra dental staff will visit clinics. Child health checks are continuing for children who did not receive a check in the initial phase of the program. The federal Government has committed $183 million over the next three years to improving indigenous health measures in the Territory.
Rural mela focusses on preventive health care
Hindu – Apr 14, 2008
Officials of the Health Department said proper closure of overhead tanks, septic tanks, disposal of tyres and coconut shells at houses would prevent mosquito breeding. For this, the department had put up simple models of houses and septic tanks. “Often, the cover of the septic tank is broken… Officials of the Health Department said proper closure of overhead tanks, septic tanks, disposal of tyres and coconut shells at houses would prevent mosquito breeding. For this, the department had put up simple models of houses and septic tanks. “Often, the cover of the septic tank is broken.
