A model for effective involvement of private medical practitioners in TB care.

The purpose of this paper is to propose a process to help to develop a new model for partnerships in tuberculosis (TB) control, based on experiences to date. We start by identifying the essential service components needed in order to deliver quality care. Secondly, we identify the main partners in a collaboration or partnership.

Reproductive health and health sector reform in developing countries: establishing a framework for dialogue.

It is not clear how policy-making in the field of reproductive health relates to changes associated with programmes for the reform of the health sector in developing countries. There has been little communication between these two areas, yet policy on reproductive health has to be implemented in the context of structural change. This paper examines factors that limit dialogue between the two areas and proposes the following framework for encouraging it: the identification of policy groups and the development of bases for collaborative links between them; the introduction of a common understanding around relevant policy contexts; reaching agreement on compatible aims relating to reproductive health and health sector change; developing causal links between policy content in reproductive health and health sector change as a basis for evidence-based policy-making; and strengthening policy-making structures, systems, skills, and values.

A systematic review of current knowledge of HIV epidemiology and of sexual behaviour in Nepal.

Objective: To systematically review information on HIV epidemiology and on sexual behaviour in Nepal with a view to identifying gaps in current knowledge.

Methods: Systematic review covering electronic databases, web-based information, personal contact with experts and hand searching of key journals.

Results: HIV-1 seroprevalence has been rising rapidly in association with high-risk behaviours, with current levels of 40% amongst the nation's injecting drug users and approaching 20% amongst Kathmandu's female commercial sex workers (FCSWs).