Publications by authors named "R J Bechtel"
Government partnerships are essential for many health solutions to sustain impact at scale, particularly in low-resource settings where strengthening health systems is critical for Universal Health Coverage. Many non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and funders ultimately want solutions to be integrated into public health systems by transitioning solution ownership, management and/or operation to government. However, NGOs and their government partners have limited guidance on how to effectively determine when a solution is ready to transition in a way that will maintain impact long term.
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- An olive pomace pâté was used to fortify pasta, bread, and granola bars, with varying percentages added (7% for pasta and 5% for bread and granola bar).
- Sensory analysis indicated that the pâté changed the appearance of pasta and bread and increased bitterness in bread and granola bars, though pasta remained less affected overall.
- Consumer testing revealed overall acceptance of both control and fortified versions, with about 30% preferring the fortified foods and 50% willing to pay more, highlighting the potential for added economic value in virgin olive oil production.
Unlabelled: Previously undiagnosed pediatric cardiac disease represents a clinical challenge for the emergency physician. The clinical presentation of these disorders can mimic other conditions of the respiratory, gastrointestinal and neurologic systems at a time when the need for early identification and treatment is at a premium. A high index of suspicion and superb clinical acumen is required to make a timely diagnosis and initiate optimal care.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBackground: Microneedle patch (MNP) technology is designed to simplify the process of vaccine administration; however, depending on its characteristics, MNP technology may provide additional benefits beyond the point-of-use, particularly for vaccine supply chains.
Methods: Using the HERMES modeling software, we examined replacing four routine vaccines - Measles-containing vaccine (MCV), Tetanus toxoid (TT), Rotavirus (Rota) and Pentavalent (Penta) - with MNP versions in the routine vaccine supply chains of Benin, Bihar (India), and Mozambique.
Results: Replacing MCV with an MNP (5 cm-per-dose, 2-month thermostability, current single-dose price-per-dose) improved MCV availability by 13%, 1% and 6% in Benin, Bihar and Mozambique, respectively, and total vaccine availability by 1% in Benin and Mozambique, while increasing the total cost per dose administered by $0.
Introduction: Populations and routine childhood vaccine regimens have changed substantially since supply chains were designed in the 1980s, and introducing new vaccines during the "Decade of Vaccine" may exacerbate existing bottlenecks, further inhibiting the flow of all vaccines.
Methods: Working with the Mozambique Ministry of Health, our team implemented a new process that integrated HERMES computational simulation modeling and on-the-ground implementers to evaluate and improve the Mozambique vaccine supply chain using a system-re-design that integrated new supply chain structures, information technology, equipment, personnel, and policies.
Results: The alternative system design raised vaccine availability (from 66% to 93% in Gaza; from 76% to 84% in Cabo Delgado) and reduced the logistics cost per dose administered (from $0.