A new study by 91��ɫ researchers points to accessibility issues and perception of privacy as the biggest obstacles

TORONTO, March 22, 2021 − With rates of COVID-19 continuing to rise, apps like Canada’s COVID Alert app still are not being downloaded by the majority of the population, according to new at 91��ɫ’s . Researchers at the lab, which is affiliated with the Disaster and Emergency Management program and the Dahdaleh Institute for Global Health Research, found that accessibility and inclusion challenges − such as the lack of multilingual functionality on the apps − along with perceptions around privacy, are deterring users from downloading the app.

The DGHH Lab today released 23 recommendations on how to better develop, implement, and regulate digital contact tracing apps so that apps can be improved in ways that are meaningful to users, to increase app uptake, and ultimately, make these apps more effective in the response to COVID-19. This research stems from a previous study they conducted looking at digital technology use during COVID-19.

“Canada’s COVID Alert app is more privacy-centric. However, the perceptions people have – such as that the app is tracking users’ locations or that the data collected is used for other purposes – may not reflect the reality of the situation. That’s why it's important to have clear and transparent communication about how this app works, what this app does, and what privacy issues are actual concerns, in order to combat any misinformation,” says Rebecca Babcock, research coordinator, Digital Global Health & Humanitarianism Lab.

She adds that currently Canada’s COVID Alert app is available only in English and French. “The lack of language options creates an accessibility barrier for some of Canada’s multicultural population. Developers, implementers, and regulators really need to focus their attention on inclusive design to improve uptake.”

Researchers reviewed the use of these types of apps in several countries and found user uptake of these digital contact tracing apps fluctuated greatly around the world, which directly impacted their ability to be useful in the response to COVID-19.�� They identified factors that can influence users to download or not download a digital contact tracing app by focusing on the user, which was identified as a gap.

“Digital contact tracing apps can definitely play a big role in combatting transmission, however, for that to happen, they must be implemented focusing on the needs, wants and fears of the people expected to use these apps. Combined they must be designed to complement the gaps of existing systems they aim to support, from health systems to social systems,” says Jennie Phillips, director, Digital Global Health & Humanitarianism Lab.

Based on a number of factors, such as population, uptake rates, location, etc., researchers selected Scotland, Cyprus, Iceland, Ireland, and South Africa. They reached out to experts and conducted interviews as well as conducted an extensive literature review. The findings were analyzed using a systems approach to understand how people are influenced by individual, community, and system level factors around the world.

Researchers say without understanding users and finding ways to mitigate the risks and amplify the benefits that users find most influential, user uptake cannot be improved.

The research identified eight factors influencing users across countries:

1. Perceptions of Data Collection and Management
2. Sense of Community
3. Communications & Misinformation
4. Accessibility & Inclusion
5. Trust in Public/Private institutions
6. Policy and Governance
7. Response Infrastructure
8. Digital Capability

Researchers Jennie Phillips and Rebecca Babcock��are available for interviews.

91��ɫ��is a modern, multi-campus, urban university located in Toronto, Ontario. Backed by a diverse group of students, faculty, staff, alumni and partners, we bring a uniquely global perspective to help solve societal challenges, drive positive change and prepare our students for success. 91��ɫ's fully bilingual Glendon Campus is home to Southern Ontario's Centre of Excellence for French Language and Bilingual Postsecondary Education. 91��ɫ’s campuses in Costa Rica and India offer students exceptional transnational learning opportunities and innovative programs. Together, we can make things right for our communities, our planet, and our future.��

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Media Contact:��

Anjum Nayyar, 91��ɫ Media Relations, cell 437 242 1547,��anayyar@yorku.ca

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91��ɫ's Dahdaleh Institute for Global Health Research launches first of its kind web-based tool

TORONTO, November 5, 2020��– A new web-based tool will help aid workers ensure that water is safe to drink in refugee and internally displaced persons (IDP) camps. Researchers at 91��ɫ’s Dahdaleh Institute for Global Health Research, in partnership with Médecins sans Frontières (MSF/Doctors Without Borders), launched the Safe Water Optimization Tool () today, the first concrete application of artificial intelligence for improving safe water supply in humanitarian operations.

The tool builds on more than five years of water safety research carried out in refugee camps in South Sudan, Jordan, Rwanda, Tanzania, and Bangladesh. Researchers from 91��ɫ’s Lassonde School of Engineering, Department of Mathematics and Statistics, and School of Global Health all collaborated on the tool.

The SWOT deploys machine learning and numerical modelling techniques to analyze water quality monitoring data that is routinely collected in refugee and IDP camps, in order to generate��water chlorination targets that are both site-specific��and��evidence-based. ��Using water quality data from public water distribution points and from people’s shelters, the models show how rapidly chlorine decays under local site conditions. Site-specific chlorination targets ensure the water has sufficient residual chlorine to protect water from being re-contaminated by waterborne pathogens for the entire duration of household storage and use in camp settings. By ensuring safe water at the point of consumption, the SWOT helps protect public health during humanitarian emergencies.

Chlorination is the most widely used method of water treatment in humanitarian operations because of its ease-of-use, low cost, and importantly, the residual protection it provides against pathogenic recontamination. Because of its widespread use, humanitarian organizations relied on a single universal guideline on how to chlorinate water during emergencies.

“The universal guideline doesn’t always work because its not based on any actual evidence from humanitarian field settings,” says Syed Imran Ali,��founder and lead, SWOT. “What this tool does is it enables us to use the local data to figure how we need to treat the water so it safe in those local conditions. It's a complete game-changer in that respect. We’re getting site-specific, evidence-based recommendations for water treatment rather than a universal guideline based on no field evidence.”

Waterborne diseases such as cholera, dysentery and hepatitis E are some of the leading threats facing displaced populations and are among the leading causes of preventable death in refugee camps.��The research that would eventually lead to the SWOT began during a major Hepatitis E outbreak in refugee camps in South Sudan in 2013, where Ali worked as a Water and Sanitation Specialist with MSF.

Humanitarian teams routinely collect free residual chlorine (FRC) at public water distribution points ��and shelters in refugee camps. The data is then uploaded to the SWOT website and users receive an email report telling them how much to chlorinate the water at the point of distribution. This information, researchers say, is key to ensure the water at that site remains safe for the entire duration of time that people store and use water in their shelters.

“We have a lot of evidence that re-contamination of water can occur in tents at the camps and that’s where we can see the spread of waterborne diseases,” says Ali. “By improving the safe water chain to people’s households, we can improve their public health in these camps.”

Researchers say at a time when countries are fighting a world-wide pandemic like COVID-19, tools like this can prevent further healthcare crises.

“One of the key and often forgotten and most effective interventions in terms of reducing the risk of spread of COVID, is water, sanitation, and hygiene,” says James Orbinski, SWOT��advisor, professor and the inaugural Director of 91��ɫ’s Dahdaleh Institute for Global Health Research. “In the North, we talk about personal protective equipment and hand washing. We assume that the water itself isn't contaminated and we're using water to remove contaminants from our hands. In situations like refugee camps and internally displaced persons settings, if you're asking people to use water that itself is contaminated you could be spreading, through that contaminated water, infectious diseases. So what this tool does is it provides a very clear approach to maximizing or optimizing safe water.”

The tool is currently being used in camps in Nigeria, Bangladesh, and Tanzania.

“91��ɫ is absolutely the right home for this tool as 91��ɫ is not only conceptually, but very practically, committed to both equity and to transdisciplinary approaches to new knowledge,” says Orbinski.

91��ɫ champions new ways of thinking that drive teaching and research excellence. Our students receive the education they need to create big ideas that make an impact on the world. Meaningful and sometimes unexpected careers result from cross-disciplinary programming, innovative course design and diverse experiential learning opportunities. 91��ɫ students and graduates push limits, achieve goals and find solutions to the world’s most pressing social challenges, empowered by a strong community that opens minds. 91��ɫ U is an internationally recognized research university – our 11 faculties and 25 research centres have partnerships with 200+ leading universities worldwide. Located in Toronto, 91��ɫ is the third largest university in Canada, with a strong community of 53,000 students, 7,000 faculty and administrative staff, and more than 300,000 alumni.

Media contact: Anjum Nayyar, 91��ɫ Media Relations, cell 437-242-1547,��anayyar@yorku.ca

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TORONTO, Monday March 18, 2019��– Skills training, pharmacare, and housing affordability are all expected to play a large role in tomorrow’s federal budget. 91��ɫ experts are available to answer questions about how the 2019 budget will impact the economy, address issues surrounding housing affordability, poverty and the labour market.

is a professor at Osgoode Hall Law School who co-chairs 91��ɫ’s Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Society Task Force. D’Agostino is the founder and director of IP Osgoode. She can comment on the importance of skills training with the evolving nature of the labour market due to the effects of AI, the importance of startups and scaleups in the Canadian economy, regulatory hurdles confronting big data collection, and intellectual Property (IP) and commercialization.

is a professor in the Faculty of Health in Health Policy and Management and director and special advisor to the dean for Global Health, Community Partnerships and Strategic Projects. Wiktorowicz can speak about a national pharmacare program, healthcare equity for low-income segments of the population, and negotiating the price of pharmaceuticals.

is a professor in the Faculty of Liberal Arts and Professional Studies in the School of Public Policy and Administration. Klassen’s research focuses on Canadian labour market policy and income security (including pensions and employment insurance). ��He can comment on affordable housing and mortgage policies, job training, labour market shortages in the skilled trades, and retirement and pensions in Canada.

is a professor in the Faculty of Environmental Studies and co-chair of the Sustainable Energy Initiative. Winfield can comment on climate change policy, carbon pricing, low-carbon transition and clean technology subsidies, as well as environmental policy.

, is a professor and the director of the Dahdaleh Institute for Global Health Research. Orbinski is a medical doctor and advocate for global health. He is the former international president of Médecins Sans Frontières/Doctors Without Borders. He can comment on the health benefits of a national pharmacare program and how poverty reduction can help improve health outcomes.

NOTE: 91��ɫ’s����is available for double-ended broadcast interviews.

��91��ɫ champions new ways of thinking that drive teaching and research excellence. Our students receive the education they need to create big ideas that make an impact on the world. Meaningful and sometimes unexpected careers result from cross-disciplinary programming, innovative course design and diverse experiential learning opportunities. 91��ɫ students and graduates push limits, achieve goals and find solutions to the world’s most pressing social challenges, empowered by a strong community that opens minds. 91��ɫ U is an internationally recognized research university – our 11 faculties and 25 research centres have partnerships with 200+ leading universities worldwide. Located in Toronto, 91��ɫ is the third largest university in Canada, with a strong community of 53,000 students, 7,000 faculty and administrative staff, and more than 300,000 alumni.

91��ɫ U's fully bilingual Glendon Campus is home to Southern Ontario's Centre of Excellence for French Language and Bilingual Postsecondary Education.

Media contact: Yanni Dagonas, 91��ɫ Media Relations

647-468-7850 | yannidag@yorku.ca

The post 91��ɫ U experts available to comment on 2019 Federal Budget appeared first on News@91��ɫ.

TORONTO, Monday March 18, 2019��– Skills training, pharmacare, and housing affordability are all expected to play a large role in tomorrow’s federal budget. 91��ɫ experts are available to answer questions about how the 2019 budget will impact the economy, address issues surrounding housing affordability, poverty and the labour market.

is a professor at Osgoode Hall Law School who co-chairs 91��ɫ’s Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Society Task Force. D’Agostino is the founder and director of IP Osgoode. She can comment on the importance of skills training with the evolving nature of the labour market due to the effects of AI, the importance of startups and scaleups in the Canadian economy, regulatory hurdles confronting big data collection, and intellectual Property (IP) and commercialization.

is a professor in the Faculty of Health in Health Policy and Management and director and special advisor to the dean for Global Health, Community Partnerships and Strategic Projects. Wiktorowicz can speak about a national pharmacare program, healthcare equity for low-income segments of the population, and negotiating the price of pharmaceuticals.

is a professor in the Faculty of Liberal Arts and Professional Studies in the School of Public Policy and Administration. Klassen’s research focuses on Canadian labour market policy and income security (including pensions and employment insurance). ��He can comment on affordable housing and mortgage policies, job training, labour market shortages in the skilled trades, and retirement and pensions in Canada.

is a professor in the Faculty of Environmental Studies and co-chair of the Sustainable Energy Initiative. Winfield can comment on climate change policy, carbon pricing, low-carbon transition and clean technology subsidies, as well as environmental policy.

, is a professor and the director of the Dahdaleh Institute for Global Health Research. Orbinski is a medical doctor and advocate for global health. He is the former international president of Médecins Sans Frontières/Doctors Without Borders. He can comment on the health benefits of a national pharmacare program and how poverty reduction can help improve health outcomes.

NOTE: 91��ɫ’s����is available for double-ended broadcast interviews.

��91��ɫ champions new ways of thinking that drive teaching and research excellence. Our students receive the education they need to create big ideas that make an impact on the world. Meaningful and sometimes unexpected careers result from cross-disciplinary programming, innovative course design and diverse experiential learning opportunities. 91��ɫ students and graduates push limits, achieve goals and find solutions to the world’s most pressing social challenges, empowered by a strong community that opens minds. 91��ɫ U is an internationally recognized research university – our 11 faculties and 25 research centres have partnerships with 200+ leading universities worldwide. Located in Toronto, 91��ɫ is the third largest university in Canada, with a strong community of 53,000 students, 7,000 faculty and administrative staff, and more than 300,000 alumni.

91��ɫ U's fully bilingual Glendon Campus is home to Southern Ontario's Centre of Excellence for French Language and Bilingual Postsecondary Education.

Media contact: Yanni Dagonas, 91��ɫ Media Relations

647-468-7850 | yannidag@yorku.ca

The post 91��ɫ U experts available to comment on 2019 Federal Budget appeared first on News@91��ɫ.

TORONTO, ON, September 13, 2018 – At a time when there are increasing attacks on humanitarian sites, pandemics and an unprecedented number of refugees globally, humanitarian and global health organizations continue to face challenges in providing and responsibly allocating resources for assistance.

On September 18, 2018, at 7 p.m., special guest lecturer International President of Médecins Sans Frontières/Doctors Without Borders (MSF) will explore themes of humanitarianism including global health challenges, refugee crises and major pandemics. MSF is world-renowned for providing practical medical humanitarian relief and speaking out when necessary.

During Dr. Liu’s talk, titled “21st Century Humanitarianism,” will describe her view of the politics and contemporary challenges of humanitarianism. She will also speak about:

• What are the responsibilities of states to ensure humanitarian assistance and protection?

• Increasing violence within international humanitarian law

• Protection of civilian rights

What: Public lecture by Dr. Joanne Liu, International President, Médecins Sans Frontières/Doctors Without Borders, presented by the Dahdaleh Institute for Global Health Research

Who:

Introductory Comments: Professor Director, Dahdaleh Institute for Global Health Research, Professor at the Faculty of Health, School of Health Policy & Management at 91��ɫ

Welcome: Lisa Phillips, Provost & Vice-President Academic at 91��ɫ

Public Lecturer:�� Dr. Joanne Liu, International President of Médecins Sans Frontières/Doctors Without Borders (MSF)

When: September 18, 2018 at ��7:00 - 8:30pm

Where: Tribute Communities Recital Hall, Accolade East Building, 91��ɫ

Tickets are free: (available now)

By Phone (416) 736-5888

In Person at Accolade Box Office, CIBC Lobby - Accolade East Building

More about Joanne Liu:

Dr. Joanne Liu was elected International President of Médecins Sans Frontières/Doctors Without Borders (MSF) in 2013. She trained at McGill University School of Medicine and specialized in pediatrics at Sainte-Justine Hospital, Montréal. She began MSF fieldwork in 1996 and has undertaken over twenty missions since, in Central Africa, Central Asia and the Middle East. Her operational contributions range from introducing comprehensive medical care for survivors of sexual violence to developing a telemedicine platform connecting physicians in remote sites with medical specialists worldwide. A staunch advocate of anchoring MSF’s identity in field-based, quality-driven patient care, she seeks to introduce the same focus into the global health arena.

91��ɫ��champions new ways of thinking that drive teaching and research excellence. Our students receive the education they need to create big ideas that make an impact on the world. Meaningful and sometimes unexpected careers result from cross-disciplinary programming, innovative course design and diverse experiential learning opportunities. 91��ɫ students and graduates push limits, achieve goals and find solutions to the world’s most pressing social challenges, empowered by a strong community that opens minds. 91��ɫ U is an internationally recognized research university – our 11 faculties and 25 research centres have partnerships with 200+ leading universities worldwide. Located in Toronto, 91��ɫ is the third largest university in Canada, with a strong community of 53,000 students, 7,000 faculty and administrative staff, and more than 300,000 alumni.

91��ɫ U's fully bilingual Glendon Campus is home to Southern Ontario's Centre of Excellence for French Language and Bilingual Postsecondary Education.

Media Contact:��Anjum Nayyar, 91��ɫ Media Relations, 416-736-2100 ext. 44543,��anayyar@yorku.ca

The post 91��ɫ U hosts public lecture by��Doctors Without Borders (MSF) International President on Humanitarianism and��Global Health appeared first on News@91��ɫ.