World Bank Group

Approximately 75% of children aged 2 to 4 worldwide are regularly subjected to violent discipline. We study the impact of a digitally delivered intervention on positive parenting practices in Jamaica using a randomized controlled trial. Results show that the intervention improves caregiver knowledge (0.52 SD), attitudes toward violence (0.2 SD), and reduces caregiver violence against children (0.12 SD). Treatment children experience fewer emotional problems (0.17 SD). We also find reductions in caregiver depression (0.12 SD), anxiety (0.16 SD), and parental stress (0.16 SD) for treatment caregivers nine months later. The digital delivery has important scalable policy implications that could help decrease violence against children worldwide. • RCT of a digitally delivered intervention on non-violent parenting in Jamaica. • Content was delivered through SMS, an app, and online group parenting sessions. • Document ITT improvements in caregiver knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors. • Findings show reductions in caregiver depression, anxiety, and stress nine months later. • Scalable policy implications could help decrease violence against children worldwide.

This study examines the complexities of producing safe beef in Uganda, focusing on the actors, challenges, and dynamics that influence the production of safe beef. Using qualitative methods like focus group discussions (FGDs) and key informant interviews (KIIs), along with tools like Process Net-Map, the study identifies key actors’ roles and perceived influences in the beef value chain, as well as challenges and opportunities in producing safe beef. Results indicated the presence of 16 actors along the beef value chain in the cattle corridor of Uganda. Based on perceived influence levels, cattle farmers were recognized as the most influential actors, followed by veterinarians and cattle traders. The study also found that collusion among actors, regulatory capture, and lax enforcement hinder the process of the production of safe beef in Uganda, posing market and public health risks. Additionally, variability in actor influence was observed at the subregional and district levels, highlighting different subregional practices, economic conditions, and regulatory environments that affect the production of safe beef. Addressing these subregional variations and customizing interventions accordingly are important for improving food safety standards and maintaining the integrity of the beef supply chain across diverse geographical contexts. The study emphasizes the need for enhanced regulatory oversight, consumer education through labeling, and strict penalties for violations to ensure safe beef production.

Modelling the cost effectiveness of screening interventions presents unique challenges. These relate to a lack of knowledge about underlying health states and disease progression in the absence of screening, added costs arising from incidental findings, screening recall and follow-up diagnostics, imperfect uptake, potential harms to otherwise healthy people, and impacts on resource capacity and equity. No specific but generalisable advice currently exists to help guide health economic modellers working in this area. There is a need for tailored recommendations beyond the widely used, health economic modelling frameworks. We aimed to develop a set of recommendations for modelling the cost effectiveness of screening programmes. In our iterative process, we first drafted a conceptual document outlining key issues requiring recommendations. This framework was then expanded based on additional themes identified through a survey of screening modelling experts. Next, the draft recommendations were shared with a broader international expert group, which included modellers, health economists and policy specialists. Finally, the core concepts were refined and agreed upon during a virtual stakeholder meeting. A set of ten recommendations and a checklist are presented. The document provides guidance on critical methodological requirements for modelling screening interventions. These guidelines are intended to help health economic modellers and screening policy makers working to evaluate screening interventions across a wide range of diseases and jurisdictions with clarity, rigour and consistency.

This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and antibiotic resistance profiles of bacterial isolates from sheep and goats in Hyderabad and Tandojam, Pakistan. A total of 100 samples (nasal swabs, fecal matter, wound exudates, and milk) were collected from clinically healthy and diseased small ruminants. Bacterial isolation and identification were performed using morphological, cultural, and biochemical methods. Antibiotic susceptibility testing was conducted using the Kirby–Bauer disk diffusion method against 11 commonly used antibiotics. Results revealed an overall bacterial prevalence of 42%. The most frequently isolated bacteria were Escherichia coli (48%), followed by Staphylococcus aureus (45%), Bacillus cereus (32%), Streptococcus pyogenes (30%), Pasteurella multocida (28%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (25%), and Micrococcus luteus (18%). High antimicrobial resistance was observed against ampicillin, enrofloxacin, and ofloxacin among most isolates, whereas gentamicin and tetracycline remained largely effective. The findings highlight the significant presence of multidrug-resistant bacteria in small ruminants, posing potential zoonotic risks and emphasizing the need for prudent antimicrobial use in veterinary practice in the region.

Sustainable agri-food system transformation in Africa is critical for addressing the persistent challenges of hunger and malnutrition while promoting sustainability. Here, we investigate how green growth initiatives intersect with the agri-food system transformation in the African Continental Free Trade Area context. We combine World Development Indicators, International Financial Statistics, and OECD data, and we use the Prais-Winsten regression model to analyze the relationship between green growth initiatives and Sustainable Development Goal 2- Zero Hunger indicators across 46 African countries. We show that green growth initiatives positively impact agricultural productivity and cereal yield but negatively affect total fisheries production. Low-income countries, including Malawi, Uganda, Mozambique, and Sierra Leone experience mixed effects, while upper-middle-income countries such as South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, and Mauritius face more challenges. Economic growth, renewable energy, and financial development significantly influence agri-food system sustainability, but challenges like carbon dioxide emissions and deforestation hinder progress. Policymakers should prioritize pro-poor green technology investments, enhance finance accessibility, and implement environmental mitigation measures while fostering trade openness and regional cooperation. In Africa, green growth initiatives enhance the value added per worker in agriculture, forestry, and fisheries, as well as cereal yield, but they have a negative impact on total fisheries production, according to an analysis that combines agricultural and economic data with a statistical approach.

Environmental awareness in our country has been there since time immemorial. The environmental attributes of Earth, Water, Fire, Air and Space (Ether) have been revered as gods and still continue to be. The water of the ganges and the leaves of Tulsi are considered most favourite offerings for worship of God. Plants, animals (Flora and Fauna) have been worshipped and still are. But ironically, at the same time, our country appears to be one of the forerunners in destruction of plant and wild life. This seems to be an unexplainable contradiction.

BackgroundThe intertwined challenges of climate change and malnutrition amplify each other, with climate change exacerbating malnutrition, particularly in vulnerable populations; and food systems significantly contributing to emissions and environmental degradation. Addressing these issues together offers opportunities for shared gains, yet funding streams for these sectors remain siloed and misaligned.ObjectiveThis study developed a scoring methodology to assess the compatibility of climate funds with financing nutrition-related actions where synergies align with climate funds’ primary goals, referred to as the “scope for nutrition integration”.MethodsUsing the Climate Funds Update database, 18 active climate funds were systematically reviewed and rated based on their potential for financing nutrition-related activities. The study included a descriptive characterization of funds to identify entry points and understand their geographic reach, size, and focus. The scoring methodology considered four criteria: mandate alignment with nutrition objectives, flexibility in funding structure, visibility of nutrition action, and publicly available precedents for nutrition-related projects.ResultsOut of the 18 climate funds analyzed, 12 had strong scope for nutrition integration, 3 had some scope, and 3 had limited scope. Many of these funds offer promising opportunities given their large financing availability. Most funds’ descriptive characterization revealed a focus on equity and inclusion, representing important entry points for integrating nutrition-related activities even in funds with seemingly less integration potential. Climate funds with comprehensive climate action approaches combining mitigation, adaptation, and resilience exhibited the strongest alignment with nutrition integration potential. Mitigation funds were the most limited in their scope for financing nutrition-related activities, but important untapped opportunities exist for nutrition-smart climate mitigation. A case study of the Green Climate Fund’s investment in Burundi highlights how climate finance can support both climate adaptation and improved nutrition outcomes, emphasizing the need for purposeful, evidence-based integration of nutrition.ConclusionsThis paper provides a practical framework for identifying opportunities to integrate nutrition-related activities within climate financing, aiming to enhance resilience, strengthen adaptation efforts, and advance climate mitigation goals through a nutrition lens. By doing so, global stakeholders can address the dual crises of climate change and malnutrition, driving transformative outcomes for people and the planet.Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12939-025-02716-8.