Browsing by Subject "Somalia"

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    A Qualitative study of language barriers between South African health care providers and cross-border migrants
    (2017) Hunter-Adams, Jo; Rother, Hanna-Andrea
    Abstract Background Communication with health care providers represents an essential part of access to health care for the over 230 million cross-border migrants around the world. In this article, we explore the complexity of health communication from the perspective of cross-border migrants seeking antenatal care in Cape Town, South Africa in order to highlight the importance of high quality medical interpretation. Methods As part of a broader study of migrant maternal and infant nutrition, we conducted a secondary data analysis of semi-structured in-depth interviews (N = 23) with Congolese (n = 7), Somali (n = 8) and Zimbabwean (n = 8) women living in Cape Town, as well as nine focus group discussions (including men: n = 3 and women: n = 6) were conducted with migrant Somalis, Congolese, and Zimbabweans (N = 48). We first used content analysis to gather all data related to language and communication. We then analysed this data thematically. Results Zimbabwean participants described how the inability to speak the local South African language (IsiXhosa) gave rise to labelling and stereotyping by healthcare staff. Congolese and Somali participants described medical procedures, including tubal ligation, which were performed without consent. Partners often tried to play the role of interpreter, which resulted in loss of income and non-professional medical interpretation. Participants’ highlighted fears over unwanted procedures or being unable to access care. Challenges of communication without a common language (and without professional medical interpretation), rather than outright denial of care by healthcare professionals, mediated these encounters. Conclusion Although there are several factors impeding cross-border migrants’ access to health care, effective communication is a prerequisite for quality care. Free-to-patient professional medical interpretation would not only benefit migrant populations but would benefit the broader community where language and health literacy are barriers to accessing health care. Novel approaches to language access may include technology-enabled professional interpretation.
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    Open Access
    African development bank infrastructure investments in Somalia: an analysis of multilateral development funding within a high-risk socio-economic and political context
    (2025) Karaca, Resul; Chitonge, Horman
    The analysis of the African Development Bank's infrastructure investments in Somalia as a Multilateral Development Bank was the main focus of this study. The rationale behind AfDB investments in Somalia, which is unstable politically and economically - and faces terrorism as a threat - was examined. To be able to assess this rationale, the framework for infrastructure development theory was used because it assesses the relationship between infrastructure investments and economic development in general by looking at the contributions of various infrastructure investments. In this study, AfDB investments in Somalia are evaluated within this framework. This theory contends that infrastructure investments, as an input factor, contribute to economic development by lowering unemployment and poverty. To gather the data and draw the appropriate conclusions, semi-structured interviews with NGOs, individuals who are involved in AfDB Somali fund, and Somali officials who oversee these investments were conducted. Additionally, secondary data was used to supplement interviews, the primary data source, and to determine investment statistics. In the case of Somalia, information about the most recent status of these investments as well as information about the issues encountered in the investment environment were revealed, in addition to the context for justifying infrastructure investments. This study concluded that AfDB is attempting to use its infrastructure investments to increase the legitimacy of government institutions in Somalia in order to counteract terrorist groups. Although AfDB has been very successful in water and sanitation and capacity-building projects, the size of current investments makes it impossible for the energy investments and road infrastructure program to be as successful. Therefore, increasing AfDB's investment volume is of great importance. In its current state, this volume of investment militates against the goals of reducing the legitimacy of terrorist organizations and increasing the visibility of public power nationwide. AfDB should also continue to assist Somalia in achieving the Heavily Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) completion point, which is crucial for increasing its infrastructure spending. Thus, this study adds new knowledge about why AfDB, a regional multilateral development bank, continues to make investments in a nation with unfavorable political and economic conditions.
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    The relationships of Whitesloanea crassa
    (Cambridge University Press, 1998) Bruyns, P
    It is shown that the monotypic genus Whitesloanea (Asclepiadaceae, Stapelieae) is closely allied to Duvalia andHuernia but nevertheless should remain separate from them. The basionym, Caralluma crassa N.E. Br., is lectotypified.