Neff Walker
Dados Biográficos
| ID | 100825 |
|---|---|
| NOME | Neff Walker |
| PRENOMES | Neff |
| SOBRENOME | Walker |
| ASSINATURA | WALKER N |
| AFILIAÇÕES | Johns Hopkins University |
| ORCID | 0000-0003-3526-2978 |
| VERIFICADO | Sim |
| TOTAL DE OBRAS | 58 |
| TOTAL DE CITAÇÕES | 27 |
| TOTAL COMO AUTOR | 57 |
| TOTAL COMO EDITOR | 1 |
| PRIMEIRO ANO DE PUBLICAÇÃO | 1972 |
| ANO MAIS RECENTE DE PUBLICAÇÃO | 2025 |
| ÍNDICE H | 3 |
Using calculations from the Lives Saved Tool in other global health modelling tools
San Diego, California and Tijuana, Baja California are divided by an international border but inhabited by a shared population. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted how these cities are not only geographically and socioeconomically tied, but epidemiologically linked as well. The cities differ, however, in terms of resources, and this was acutely highlighted by their access to [...]
Challenges in reducing maternal and neonatal mortality in Niger
INTRODUCTION: Recent modelled estimates suggest that Niger made progress in maternal mortality since 2000. However, neonatal mortality has not declined since 2012 and maternal mortality estimates were based on limited data. We researched the drivers of progress and challenges. METHODS: We reviewed two decades of health policies, analysed mortality trends from United Nations data and six national household surveys between 1998 and 2021 and assesse…
Effective multi-sectoral approach for rapid reduction in maternal and neonatal mortality
BACKGROUND: Bangladesh experienced impressive reductions in maternal and neonatal mortality over the past several decades with annual rates of decline surpassing 4% since 2000. We comprehensively assessed health system and non-health factors that drove Bangladesh's success in mortality reduction. METHODS: We operationalised a comprehensive conceptual framework and analysed available household surveys for trends and inequalities in mortality, inte…
Effects of the Covid-19 pandemic on maternal, newborn, and child health service coverage in Burkina Faso
Background: While countries' coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) emergency contingency and response plans aimed to prevent and control the spread of the virus, they also caused major disruptions to health services. We assessed the effects of COVID-19 on coverage and inequalities in select maternal, newborn, and child health services in Burkina Faso. Methods: We analysed data from two cross-sectional household surveys conducted in two provinces, o…
Using the Lives Saved Tool to inform global nutrition advocacy
Background: The global nutrition community has been interested in investigating investment strategies that could be used to promote an increased focus and investment in nutrition programming in low- and middle-income countries. Methods: The Lives Saved Tool (LiST) was used to evaluate lives saved and the costs of nutrition interventions in nine high-burden countries. In this case study, we detail the analyses that were conducted with LiST and how…
The impact of antibiotic treatment for syphilis, chlamydia, and gonorrhoea during pregnancy on birth outcomes
Global, regional, and national trends in under-5 mortality between 1990 and 2019 with scenario-based projections until 2030
BACKGROUND: The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), set in 2015 by the UN General Assembly, call for all countries to reach an under-5 mortality rate (U5MR) of at least as low as 25 deaths per 1000 livebirths and a neonatal mortality rate (NMR) of at least as low as 12 deaths per 1000 livebirths by 2030. We estimated levels and trends in under-5 mortality for 195 countries from 1990 to 2019, and conducted scenario-based projections of the U5MR …
Estimating additional schooling and lifetime earning obtained from improved linear growth in low- and middle-income countries using the Lives Saved Tool (LiST)
Background: Policymakers seeking to prioritize the use of restricted financial resources need to understand the relative costs and benefits of interventions for improving nutritional status. Improved linear growth can lead to increased education attainment and improved economic productivity in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), though these non-health-related benefits are not reflected in current long-term modelling efforts, including the …
Updating the assumptions on the impact of household water, sanitation and hygiene interventions on diarrhea morbidity in young children
Background: ) is a publicly available and widely used model used to estimate the impact of scaling up interventions on maternal and child health. A strength of the model is that it is continuously updated with country-specific information about intervention coverage, risk factors and causes of death. This paper reports an updated review and meta-analysis on the efficacy of water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) interventions in reducing diarrhea mo…
Population attributable fractions for risk factors for spontaneous preterm births in 81 low- and middle-income countries
Background: Complications associated with preterm birth (PTB) are the largest contributor to under-five mortality globally. Success in reaching the Sustainable Development Goal target requires identifying potentially modifiable risk factors for PTB, estimating the relative importance of these risk factors, and identifying/implementing effective prevention strategies to address them. Methods: We conducted a literature review to define risk relatio…
Maternal and child nutrition in the Lives Saved Tool
Background: The Lives Saved Tool (LiST) is a mathematical modelling tool for estimating the survival, health, and nutritional impacts of scaling intervention coverage in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Various nutrition interventions are included in LiST and are regularly (and independently) reviewed and updated as new data emerge. This manuscript describes our latest in-depth review of nutrition evidence, focusing on intervention effic…
A systematic review on estimating population attributable fraction for risk factors for small-for-gestational-age births in 81 low- and middle-income countries
The role of modeling in evaluation of maternal and child health programs
This paper explains how The Lives Saved Tool (LiST), a computer-based model that estimates the impact of scaling up interventions on stillbirths, maternal, neonatal and child health, can contribute to evaluations of programs being delivered at scale to improve maternal and child health. LiST can be used to estimate the impact of a program in advance, allowing planners to refine, streamline and set appropriate program targets. LiST can also be use…
There is no right time for accountability for women’s, children’s and adolescents’ health
The Radar coverage tool
Population-based intervention coverage data are used to inform the design of projects, programs, and policies and to evaluate their impact. In low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), household surveys are the primary source of coverage data. Many coverage surveys are implemented by organizations with limited experience or resources in population-based data collection. We developed a streamlined survey and set of supporting materials to facilita…
Strengthening effectiveness evaluations to improve programs for women, children and adolescents
A full understanding of the pathways from efficacious interventions to population impact requires rigorous effectiveness evaluations conducted under realistic scale-up conditions at country level. In this paper, we introduce a deductive framework that underpins effectiveness evaluations. This framework forms the theoretical and conceptual basis for the 'Real Accountability: Data Analysis for Results' (RADAR) project, intended to address gaps in g…
Current levels of coverage of iron and folic acid fortification are insufficient to meet the recommended intake for women of reproductive age in low- and middle-income countries
BACKGROUND: Food fortification can be an effective intervention to improve maternal and child health. Folic acid fortification can reduce neural tube defects due to folate deficiency. Iron fortification is effective to reduce maternal anemia due to iron deficiency. The paper describes the methods for estimating current coverage levels for iron fortification and folic acid fortification and estimates current impact of fortification in low- and mid…
Early estimates of the indirect effects of the Covid-19 pandemic on maternal and child mortality in low-income and middle-income countries
BACKGROUND: While the COVID-19 pandemic will increase mortality due to the virus, it is also likely to increase mortality indirectly. In this study, we estimate the additional maternal and under-5 child deaths resulting from the potential disruption of health systems and decreased access to food. METHODS: We modelled three scenarios in which the coverage of essential maternal and child health interventions is reduced by 9·8-51·9% and the prevalen…
Impacts of Covid-19 on childhood malnutrition and nutrition-related mortality
Drivers of the progress achieved by Peru in reducing childhood diarrhoea mortality
BACKGROUND: Childhood diarrhoea mortality has declined substantially in Peru in recent decades. We documented trends in childhood diarrhoea mortality from 1980 to 2015, along with trends in coverage of diarrhoea-related interventions and risk factors, to identify the main drivers of mortality reduction. METHODS: ) to help explain the reasons for the decline in diarrhoea mortality from 1980 to 2015 and to predict additional reduction with further …
Drivers of the reduction in childhood diarrhea mortality 1980-2015 and interventions to eliminate preventable diarrhea deaths by 2030
BACKGROUND: Childhood diarrhea deaths have declined more than 80% from 1980 to 2015, in spite of an increase in the number of children in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC). Possible drivers of this remarkable accomplishment can guide the further reduction of the half million annual child deaths from diarrhea that still occur. METHODS: We used the Lives Saved Tool, which models effects on mortality due to changes in coverage of preventive or…
Bangladesh
BACKGROUND: Bangladesh had a large reduction in childhood deaths due to diarrhoeal disease in recent decades. This paper explores the preventive, promotive, curative and contextual drivers that helped Bangladesh achieve this exemplary success. METHODS: Primary and secondary data collection approaches were used to document trends in reduction of Diarrhoea Specific Mortality Rate (DSMR) between 1980 and 2015, understand what policies and programmes…
Factors associated with the decline in under five diarrhea mortality in Tanzania from 1980-2015
BACKGROUND: Tanzania has made great progress in reducing diarrhea mortality in under- five children. We examined factors associated with the decline and projected the impact of scaling up interventions or reducing risk factors on diarrhea deaths. METHODS: We reviewed economic, health, and diarrhea-related policies, reports and programs implemented during 1980 to 2015. We used the Lives Saved Tool to determine the percentage reduction in diarrhea-…
Drivers of the progress achieved by Peru in reducing childhood diarrhoea mortality
BACKGROUND: India has achieved 86% reduction in the number of under-five diarrheal deaths from 1980 to 2015. Nonetheless diarrhea is still among the leading causes of under-five deaths. The aim of this analysis was to study the contribution of factors that led to decline in diarrheal deaths in the country and the effect of scaling up of intervention packages to address the remaining diarrheal deaths. METHODS: We assessed the attribution of differ…
Linking household and health facility surveys to assess obstetric service availability, readiness and coverage
BACKGROUND: Improving access and quality of obstetric service has the potential to avert preventable maternal, neonatal and stillborn deaths, yet little is known about the quality of care received. This study sought to assess obstetric service availability, readiness and coverage within and between 17 low- and middle-income countries. METHODS: We linked health facility data from the Service Provision Assessments and Service Availability and Readi…
Life experiences, response styles and mental health among mothers and children in Beirut, Lebanon
Saving newborn lives in Asia and Africa
BACKGROUND: Policy makers and programme managers require more detailed information on the cost and impact of packages of evidenced-based interventions to save newborn lives, particularly in South Asia and sub-Saharan Africa, where most of the world's 4 million newborn deaths occur. METHODS: We estimated the newborn deaths that could be averted by scaling up 16 interventions in 60 countries. We bundled the interventions in a variety of existing ma…
Comparison of household-survey estimates with projections of mortality and orphan numbers in sub-Saharan Africa in the era of HIV/Aids
The United Nations publishes estimates of HIV prevalence, AIDS mortality, and orphan numbers for all countries of the world. It is important to assess the validity of these model-based estimates since they underpin much policy concerned with care and prevention. Household surveys that ask questions about the survival of children's parents (orphanhood) offer an independent source of data with which these estimates can be compared. Survey estimates…
National response to orphans and other vulnerable children in sub-Saharan Africa
The orphaned and vulnerable children (OVC) Policy and Planning Effort Index measures the amount of effort put into place by governments, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and other stakeholders in countries in response to the needs of the increasing numbers of orphans and children made vulnerable by HIV/AIDS. The OVC Index was applied to 36 countries in sub-Saharan Africa in 2004. All countries have some organized effort to respond to the nee…
Life Experiences among Low-Income Mothers in Beirut
Characteristics of graduate training programs in school psychology
Interactional Effects of Socioeconomic Status and Cognitive Tempo on Wisc-R Performance
This article describes an investigation into the interactional effects of socioeconomic status (low versus middle) and cognitive tempo (impulsive versus reflective) on four WISC-R subtests in male children
The Stanford-Binet, 4th Edition
Response to Hopkins
Response to Hopkins: Emotional Loyalty Does Not A Good Rejoinder Make." Measurement and Evaluation in Counseling and Development, 21(1), pp. 43–44
Life Experiences among Low-Income Mothers in Beirut
Life experiences, response styles and mental health among mothers and children in Beirut, Lebanon
Diner (Data Into Nutrients for Epidemiological Research) – a new data-entry program for nutritional analysis in the Epic–Norfolk cohort and the 7-day diary method
Background and objective: A new data-entry system (DINER – Data Into Nutrients for Epidemiological Research) for food record methods has been devised for the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer (EPIC) cohort study of 25 000 men and women in Norfolk. DINER has been developed to address the problems of efficiency and consistency of data entry, comparability of data, maximising information and future flexibility in large long-term populat…
The Growing Burden of Tuberculosis
BACKGROUND: The increasing global burden of tuberculosis (TB) is linked to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. METHODS: We reviewed data from notifications of TB cases, cohort treatment outcomes, surveys of Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection, and HIV prevalence in patients with TB and other subgroups. Information was collated from published literature and databases held by the World Health Organization (WHO), the Joint United Nations …
The relationship between heterosexual and injecting drug use related HIV epidemics
Comparison of household-survey estimates with projections of mortality and orphan numbers in sub-Saharan Africa in the era of HIV/Aids
The United Nations publishes estimates of HIV prevalence, AIDS mortality, and orphan numbers for all countries of the world. It is important to assess the validity of these model-based estimates since they underpin much policy concerned with care and prevention. Household surveys that ask questions about the survival of children's parents (orphanhood) offer an independent source of data with which these estimates can be compared. Survey estimates…
Evidence-based, cost-effective interventions
National response to orphans and other vulnerable children in sub-Saharan Africa
The orphaned and vulnerable children (OVC) Policy and Planning Effort Index measures the amount of effort put into place by governments, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and other stakeholders in countries in response to the needs of the increasing numbers of orphans and children made vulnerable by HIV/AIDS. The OVC Index was applied to 36 countries in sub-Saharan Africa in 2004. All countries have some organized effort to respond to the nee…
Saving newborn lives in Asia and Africa
BACKGROUND: Policy makers and programme managers require more detailed information on the cost and impact of packages of evidenced-based interventions to save newborn lives, particularly in South Asia and sub-Saharan Africa, where most of the world's 4 million newborn deaths occur. METHODS: We estimated the newborn deaths that could be averted by scaling up 16 interventions in 60 countries. We bundled the interventions in a variety of existing ma…
Assumptions and methods in the Lives Saved Tool (LiST)
The Lives Saved Tool (LiST) is a computer-based model that estimates the impact of increasing coverage of interventions on maternal, neonatal and child mortality. The model has its origins in earlier work from the Lancet Series papers that looked at estimating the impact of increasing coverage of proven interventions on child mortality [1] and neonatal mortality [2] as well as the impact of interventions related to nutrition and nutritional statu…
Evidence-based interventions for improvement of maternal and child nutrition
Interventions to address deaths from childhood pneumonia and diarrhoea equitably
Estimating the impact of interventions on cause-specific maternal mortality
Approximately 287,000 women die of causes related to pregnancy and childbirth every year. While effective interventions exist to prevent maternal death, high quality impact evaluations for these interventions are often lacking. We conducted a Delphi process consisting of three rounds in which we asked maternal health experts to provide effectiveness estimates for 31 intervention-cause of death pairs relating to maternal mortality. Anonymous feedb…
Overview of the Lives Saved Tool (LiST)
This paper provides an overview of the historical development and current status of the Lives Saved Tool (LiST). The paper provides a general explanation of the modeling approach used in the model with links to web sites and other articles with more details. It also details the development process in developing both the model structure as well as the assumptions used in the model. The paper provides information about how LiST has been and is curr…
How within-country inequalities and co-coverage may affect LiST estimates of lives saved by scaling up interventions
Lives-saved estimates calculated by LiST include the implicit assumptions that there are no inequalities among different socioeconomic groups, and also that the likelihood of a mother or child receiving a given intervention is independent from the probability of receiving any other interventions. It is reasonable to assume that, as a consequence of these assumptions, LiST estimates may exaggerate the numbers of lives saved in a population, by ign…
Can available interventions end preventable deaths in mothers, newborn babies, and stillbirths, and at what cost?
Aging and Skilled Performance
The term "skill" encompasses an array of topics and issues. For example, individuals are skilled in a variety of domains such as chess, typing, air traffic control, or knitting; researchers study skill in a variety of ways, including speed of acquisition, accuracy of performance, and retention over time; and there are a variety of approaches to the study of skill such as computer modeling or experimental analysis. Contributing to the understandin…
Using the Lives Saved Tool as part of evaluations of community case management programs
BACKGROUND: Integrated community case management (iCCM) has been recommended by the World Health Organization to reduce mortality among children in populations with limited access to facility-based health care providers. Although many countries have introduced iCCM, interpretation of the impact is difficult due to many other activities occurring in the community. This paper suggests a method for using the Lives Saved Tool to model the independent…
Trends and patterns of modern contraceptive use and relationships with high-risk births and child mortality in Burkina Faso
BACKGROUND: In sub-Saharan Africa, few studies have stressed the importance of spatial heterogeneity analysis in modern contraceptive use and the relationships with high-risk births. OBJECTIVE: This paper aims to analyse the association between modern contraceptive use, distribution of birth risk, and under-five child mortality at both national and regional levels in Burkina Faso. DESIGN: The last three Demographic and Health Surveys - conducted …
Potential confounding in the association between short birth intervals and increased neonatal, infant, and child mortality
BACKGROUND: Recent steep declines in child mortality have been attributed in part to increased use of contraceptives and the resulting change in fertility behaviour, including an increase in the time between births. Previous observational studies have documented strong associations between short birth spacing and an increase in the risk of neonatal, infant, and under-five mortality, compared to births with longer preceding birth intervals. In thi…
Breastfeeding in the 21st century
The importance of breastfeeding in low-income and middle-income countries is well recognised, but less consensus exists about its importance in high-income countries. In low-income and middle-income countries, only 37% of children younger than 6 months of age are exclusively breastfed. With few exceptions, breastfeeding duration is shorter in high-income countries than in those that are resource-poor. Our meta-analyses indicate protection against…
Medicine (48 obras) · Environmental health (38 obras) · Global Maternal and Child Health (36 obras) · Population (30 obras) · Child Nutrition and Water Access (26 obras) · Psychological intervention (24 obras) · Nursing (20 obras) · Child mortality (17 obras) · Demography (15 obras) · Public health (15 obras)