Catholic Agency for Overseas Development

Assessing volcanic hazards in locations exposed to multiple central volcanoes requires to consider multiple potential eruption sources and their respective characteristics. While this is common practice in ashfall hazard assessment, this is generally not considered for topography-controlled volcanic flow processes. Yet, in volcanic areas with closely spaced volcanic systems, eruptions fed from several contrasted volcanic systems might threaten one given area. Considering the case of the Nyiragongo and Nyamulagira volcanoes in the Virunga Volcanic Province (D.R.Congo), we present a method to produce a combined lava flow inundation susceptibility map that integrates both volcanoes. The spatial distribution of the probability of vent opening for the next eruption is separately constrained for both volcanoes based on the mapping of historical and pre-historical eruptive vents and fissures. The Q-LavHa lava flow probability model is then calibrated separately for each volcano, considering several historical lava flows of Nyamulagira (2004, 2006, 2010) and Nyiragongo (2002). The maps for the two volcanoes are thereafter integrated based on a weighted sum of both individual lava flow inundation probability maps, assuming historically-based relative eruption frequency of the two volcanoes. The accuracy of this probabilistic susceptibility map for the most active volcanic region in Africa was unfortunately validated by the May 2021 lava flow produced by Nyiragongo. This map was discussed and validated in 2019 with local scientists, as well as representatives of disaster management and urban planning institutions, but was not included in the regional contingency plan ahead of the 2021 eruption crisis. Updating the volcanic crisis and evacuation management plans with this lava flow probability map could contribute to reinforce risk awareness among the population and inform the future development of the city of Goma.

BackgroundPerianal fistulas are a challenging manifestation of Crohn’s disease. Best medical and surgical therapy results in only about a third of patients remaining in remission at one year on maintenance treatment and sustained healing is often elusive. There is little published data on patient perspective of living with the condition or coping strategies in the face of non-curative/non-definitive treatment. We aimed to understand the experience of living with perianal fistula(s) and their impact on quality of life and routine functioning.MethodsThis exploratory qualitative study used purposive sampling to recruit participants with current / previous diagnosis of Crohn’s anal fistulas, from national IBD / bowel disease charities. The “standards for reporting qualitative research” (SRQR) recommendations were followed. Unstructured individual face-to-face interviews were audio recorded, transcribed and analysed thematically. Early themes were reviewed by the study team including patient advocates, clinicians and qualitative researchers.ResultsTwelve interviews were conducted, achieving apparent data saturation. Three broad themes were uncovered: Burden of symptoms; Burden of treatment; and Impact on emotional, physical and social well-being. Each included several sub-themes, with considerable interplay between these. The impact of perianal fistula(s) on patients with CD is intense and wide reaching, negatively affecting intimate, close and social relationships. Fistulas cause losses in life and work-related opportunities, and treatments can be difficult to tolerate.ConclusionCrohn’s perianal fistulas exert a heavy negative physical and emotional impact on patients. These findings will inform development of a patient reported outcome measure to assess treatment effectiveness and quality of life for patients living with this challenging condition.

Background and Objectives: Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is a chronic disease worldwide. With increasing trends towards sedentary lifestyle, the prevalence of diabetes mellitus is increasing in urban region of Nepal too. Material and Methods: A quantitative descriptive study was conducted for a period of two months. One-to-one structured interviews were taken to fill the structured questionnaire prepared after proper literature review from the patients attending a diabetic clinic in Lalitpur. The questionnaire includes the socio-demographic details, lifestyle and questionnaires related to patients’ perception and use of herbal remedies/product. Relevant information was also obtained from the patient medical files. Statistical analysis was performed by using SPSS version 20. Results: Out of total population about 30 % of people were using the indigenous product for their treatment along with allopathic medication. Among them, 17 were male and 14 were female. Various indigenous herbal products were used by the patients. Among them fenugreek, aloe Vera, bitter guard, bottle guard, black berry are the common one. The frequencies of using these products are in fig 4.4. The total percentage of patient using fen ugreek is 42%, Aleo-Vera 35%, Bittergaurd 29% and very few participants were using Bottle guard, Neem, and Hibiscus and Guava leaf too.Conclusion: Participants have good faith on use of indigenous herbal products and are using it. Fenugreeks, Aloe-Vera, Bittergourd, Neem, Bottle gourd, Hibiscus and Guava leaf are commonly used. But no consistent data regarding fixed dose or method of preparation of such product was found. So, further researches are needed to confirm the effectiveness of those indigenous products.Janaki Medical College Journal of Medical Sciences (2015) Vol. 3 (2):13-20

Abstract Disaster risk reduction (DRR) policies and strategies are well established within the international development community, being utilised at the grassroots level to address all forms of hazards. An exacerbation and increase in meteorological hazards has in part been attributed to climate change. Climate change also contributes to noticeable seasonal fluctuations that severely affect natural resource based livelihoods. In response, a need in development policy has been identified to address climate change at the community level by helping those most affected through ‘climate change adaptation’ (CCA) strategies. This paper explores the differences—or, rather, the similarities—between DRR and CCA through analysing climate‐related DRR in Papua New Guinea (PNG) within the context of wider development policies. Ways forward are identified for international development policy supporting all forms of risk reduction through integrating DRR and CCA strategies. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.