Forty women climb Machu Picchu to raise awareness about human trafficking during a five-day Freedom Challenge trek in Peru.

Vatican City, May 5, 2020 / 08:10 am (CNA).- The Vatican’s migrant and refugee office has released a booklet with guidance on how the Church might respond to the problem of people internally displaced within their own countries due to conflict or disaster.

Many people might be unaware of the existence of internally displaced people, or IDPs, Cardinal Michael Czerny, under-secretary of the migrants and refugees section, said May 5.

Speaking during a livestreamed press conference, he noted that internal displacement “is a current, contemporary reality in a surprising number of countries.”

Internally displaced persons are defined as those who have had to flee their home or residence due to violence, conflict, disaster, or development projects to find refuge in another part of the country. Since IDPs have not crossed international borders, they do not have the legal status of refugee or migrant and do not receive the legal protections those categories can give.

Czerny’s office, which is a part of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Development, published a booklet May 5 called “Pastoral Orientations on Internally Displaced People.”

The document is directed primarily at dioceses, parishes, Catholic NGOs, and other Catholic organizations. It has short paragraphs on key issues related to the welcome, protection, promotion, and integration of IDPs, interspersed with quotes from relevant Church documents and speeches by Pope Francis.

The importance of spiritual care for Catholics who are internally displaced in their countries is one of the topics addressed. Cardinal Czerny said Tuesday he would like to highlight the response an average Catholic parish might give when it “discovers IDPs in its midst and learns how to reach out to them.”

“To me, this is a great sign of hope,” he said.

“When the Holy Father asks us to go to the peripheries, we might think of going to a faraway foreign land where we will do exotic things,” the cardinal said. “But the real peripheries which hurt are the ones that are very near at hand, the ones where people among us are invisible, are set aside, are discarded, are overlooked.”

According to data from the Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre (IDMC), at the end of 2019, 45.7 million people were living internally displaced from their homes worldwide for reasons of conflict. Including other causes of displacement, the number of IDPs is more than 50 million.

The IDMC reported that the countries with the highest numbers of internally displaced people are Syria, Democratic Republic of Congo, Afghanistan, Iraq, Yemen, and Colombia, though nearly every country in the world has IDPs.

In the United States, the IDMC says there were 916,000 people newly displaced internally due to disaster in 2019. The majority of these new displacements were caused by Hurricane Dorian and the California wildfires.

The Church can do something so that “those among us who have been forced to flee and find themselves among us will receive Christian welcome and the response the Body of Christ wants to give them,” Czerny explained.

He said the aim of “Pastoral Orientations” is for the more than 50 million IDPs “to be recognized and supported, promoted and eventually reintegrated, so that they can play an active, constructive role in their country even if powerful causes, both natural and unjust human causes, have forced them to flee from home and take refuge somewhere.”

“In the post-COVID-19 world that is emerging, their contribution will be very much needed,” the cardinal added.

He explained that publishing the document on internal displacement is “not a lessening on the priority of refugees, migrants, asylum seekers, victims of human trafficking,” but a matter of “continuing to respond to the full range of people’s needs and vulnerabilities,” even in the midst of a global pandemic.

“There are very many needs which didn’t go away just because we were focused on other things in the past weeks,” he underlined. “It’s not a question of COVID-19 displacing priorities. It’s a question of both/and…”

Problems such as internal displacement were already there, “and, on top of it all we also have the challenge as a human family of resisting and overcoming this pandemic.”

The Church, he said, is able “to take on a new challenge without jettisoning other problems as if they suddenly became irrelevant.”

Stephen Brandon takes on the role of national director for OM New Zealand after serving as OM’s International Web Manager for six years.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:

Use of specific services may help to optimize health for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD); however, little is known about their service use patterns. We aimed to (1) define service use groups and (2) determine associations of sociodemographic, developmental, behavioral, and health characteristics with service use groups among school-aged children with ASD.

Research suggests that the prevalence of obesity in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is higher than in typically developing children. The US Preventive Services Task Force and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) have endorsed screening children for overweight and obesity as part of the standard of care for physicians. However, the pediatric provider community has been inadequately prepared to address this issue in children with ASD. The Healthy Weight Research Network, a national research network of pediatric obesity and autism experts funded by the US Health Resources and Service Administration Maternal and Child Health Bureau, developed recommendations for managing overweight and obesity in children with ASD, which include adaptations to the AAP’s 2007 guidance. These recommendations were developed from extant scientific evidence in children with ASD, and when evidence was unavailable, consensus was established on the basis of clinical experience. It should be noted that these recommendations do not reflect official AAP policy. Many of the AAP recommendations remain appropriate for primary care practitioners to implement with their patients with ASD; however, the significant challenges experienced by this population in both dietary and physical activity domains, as well as the stress experienced by their families, require adaptations and modifications for both preventive and intervention efforts. These recommendations can assist pediatric providers in providing tailored guidance on weight management to children with ASD and their families.

BACKGROUND:

Emergency department (ED) care processes and environments impose unique challenges for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The implementation of patient- and family-centered care (PFCC) emerges as a priority for optimizing ED care. In this article, as part of a larger study, we explore PFCC in the context of ASD. Our aims were to examine how elements of PFCC were experienced and applied relative to ED care for children with ASD.

Family involvement in the Autism Intervention Research Network on Physical Health, the Autism Treatment Network, and the Autism Learning Health Network, jointly the Autism Networks, has evolved and grown into a meaningful and robust collaboration between families, providers, and researchers. Family involvement at the center of the networks includes both local and national network-wide coproduction and contribution. Family involvement includes actively co-authoring research proposals for large grants, equal membership of network committees and workgroups, and formulating quality improvement pathways for local recruitment efforts and other network initiatives. Although families are involved in every aspect of network activity, families have been the driving force of specifically challenging the networks to concentrate research, education, and dissemination efforts around 3 pillar initiatives of addressing comorbidities of anxiety, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, and irritability in autism during the networks’ upcoming funding cycle. The expansion of the networks’ Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes program is an exciting network initiative that brings best practices in autism care to community providers. As equal hub members of each Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes team, families ensure that participants are intimately cognizant of family perspectives and goals. Self-advocacy involvement in the networks is emerging, with plans for each site to have self-advocacy representation by the spring of 2020 and ultimately forming their own coproduction committee. The Autism Treatment Network, the Autism Intervention Research Network on Physical Health, and the Autism Learning Health Network continue to be trailblazing organizations in how families are involved in the growth of their networks, production of meaningful research, and dissemination of information to providers and families regarding emerging work in autism spectrum disorders.

OBJECTIVES:

To summarize baseline data and lessons learned from the Autism Learning Health Network, designed to improve care and outcomes for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). We describe challenging behaviors, co-occurring medical conditions, quality of life (QoL), receipt of recommended health services, and next steps.

Asthma is a significant public health issue, impacting quality of life, morbidity, and health care costs nationally. Stock asthma rescue medication policies authorize school districts to maintain unassigned albuterol and enable trained staff members to administer the medication in response to asthma symptoms, exercise premedication, and asthma emergencies. Stock asthma rescue (or reliever) medication laws serve as an important fail-safe measure. Such laws provide districts with the ability to respond if a student has an asthma emergency at school but either lacks a diagnosis or does not have access to their own medication. As of September 2019, 13 states have enacted either a law or regulation authorizing the stocking of asthma rescue medication in schools: Arizona, Colorado, Georgia, Illinois, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Ohio, Texas, Utah, and West Virginia. Three additional states provide stock albuterol asthma guidelines but do not have legislation: Indiana, New York, and Nebraska. Some states have found that these policies reduce the need for 911 calls and emergency medical services transports as a result of asthma exacerbations. Initial data also demonstrate that these policies reach populations in need and improve health outcomes. This case study will describe the current state of asthma in Illinois, an innovative policy solution to address asthma emergencies in schools, and the steps taken to advocate for stock asthma rescue medication in Illinois. Legislation for stock albuterol in Illinois was signed into law in August 2018.

OBJECTIVES:

Reduce postoperative hypothermia by up to 50% over a 12-month period in children’s hospital NICUs and identify specific clinical practices that impact success.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common female reproductive disorder that often manifests during adolescence and is associated with disruptions in health-related quality of life. Prompt evaluation and clinical support after diagnosis may prevent associated complications and optimize overall health management. This article incorporates the most recent evidence and consensus guidelines to provide an updated review of the pathogenesis, clinical presentation, diagnostic evaluation, and management strategies for adolescents with this complex condition. We will review the recent international guidelines on PCOS; because the diagnosis of PCOS remains controversial, management of this condition is inconsistent. In 2019, PCOS remains a common, yet neglected, condition, in part, because of the lack of agreement around both diagnosis and management.

In response to the growing impact of the current opioid public health crisis in the United States on adolescents and young adults, pediatricians have an expanding role in identifying opioid use early, preventing escalation of risky use, reducing opioid-related harms, and delivering effective therapies. Research and expert consensus suggest the use of brief interventions focused on reducing risks associated with ongoing opioid use and using motivational interviewing strategies to engage youth in treatment. Because fatal opioid overdose remains a major cause of opioid-related mortality among youth, delivering overdose education as part of any visit in which a youth endorses opioid use is one evidence-based strategy to decrease the burden of opioid-related mortality. For youth that are injecting opioids, safe injection practices and linkage to needle or syringe exchanges should be considered to reduce complications from injection drug use. It is crucial that youth be offered treatment at the time of diagnosis of an opioid use disorder (OUD), including medications, behavioral interventions, and/or referral to mutual support groups. The 2 medications commonly used for office-based OUD treatment in adolescents are extended-release naltrexone (opioid antagonist) and buprenorphine (partial opioid agonist), although there is a significant treatment gap in prescribing these medications to youth, especially adolescents <18 years of age. Addiction is a pediatric disease that pediatricians and adolescent medicine physicians are uniquely poised to manage, given their expertise in longitudinal, preventive, and family- and patient-centered care. Growing evidence supports the need for integration of OUD treatment into primary care.

St. Patrick's Day celebrates the patron saint of Ireland known for bringing Christianity to Ireland. Hundreds of years later, OM Ireland brings the same message.

To present the true meaning of Christmas, OM Ireland’s creative arts team performs a multimedia production in schools, churches and community centres around Ireland.

Various OM ministries partner with the Irish Evangelistic Band to share the good news at Ireland's National Ploughing Championship.

Brandy and her daughter Alexia (USA) went to Ireland for a two-week outreach and left impacted just as much as they'd impacted others.

In 2019, OM Ireland hosted its largest St. Patrick's outreach.

God changes teens' lives during TeenStreet Queensland in Australia at the beginning of July.

On 19 March, OM Australia moved into their new home, a place that will help mobilise more people and finances into missions.

OM worker is amazed to see God change lives, as he peers over his book table on a busy Muslim street in Australia.

Team members of MAP Australia seek to live out the message of the Gospel to all people, no matter how sympathetic or opposed.

During the summer months, OM Ukraine in Odessa facilitated a camp, during which the Lord touched the hearts of many children.

A 29 year old recounts how his family fled the war zone and came to stay at OM Odessa centre

A 17 year old high school student shares about how she fled from the war zone and came to stay at OM Odessa's centre.

Sunday School isn't just for Sundays anymore - it can be on any given day of the week in Ukraine.

OM Ukraine team gets excited about church planting in a northern Odessa province after participating in a Bus4Life outreach in the area.

After a trip to repair war damaged churches in the east, construction workers share their experience in order to inspire others to go.

OM Panama team members struggle to continue ministry as the Gnöbe Buglé people protest and bring the country to a halt.

Participants from around the world learnt to speak the language of love and laughter during an outreach to the indigenous tribes in Panama.

Compiled by: Antigoni Markitani

Compiled by Antigoni Markitani

A properly diversified portfolio needs some exposure to hedge funds, but negative perceptions remain a problem.

A Fin24 reader looking to invest in a living annuity, was shocked to find that she would have to pay fees of up to R110 000 per annum. She wants to know if there are other options. An investment expert responds.

WELL, I don't know about you but my central heating has already been on twice in September and although I don't need much of an excuse to delve into the big heavy reds, two heating days is my current one.

IN THE winding lanes of Barcelona’s historic Barri Gòtic it’s no surprise to find a little cheese shop tucked amongst the boutiques and antique shops. What is unexpected though is that this shop, Formageria La Seu, the only one on the Iberian peninsula to feature artisanal cheese from all over Catalonia and Spain, is owned and run by a Scots woman – Katherine McLaughlin.

RIESLING is perhaps the most famous, unappreciated, abused and generally misunderstood wine of all time and it’s probably also the one most of us cut our teeth on many years ago.

OK, most of us will never be able to enjoy the first growths from Bordeaux, but you don't have to spend a grand on a bottle to realise that when it comes to cabernet and merlot blends, Bordeaux is still the region to beat.

IT would appear that nostalgia is in the air this season as I've never fielded more questions about sherry in my 25 years in the wine game. If that translates into sales there will be some very happy Spaniards in Jerez this year and it’s about time.

ONCE a staple of drive-thrus and fast food restaurants, burgers have had something of an image overhaul in recent years.

GO ON, be honest, when was the last time you picked a bottle of Australian cabernet off the shelf? Cab merlot or cab shiraz perhaps but cabernet on its own seems to have fallen out of favour with the public these days but it’s such a shame as it really is the undisputed King of Australian wines.

Nearly four years on from the day when Ellie Harrison's chips caused a national outcry, the artist is back to tell us more about why she did it – and how she survived that year in Glasgow in the media firing-line

IT is a truth universally acknowledged – at least by its advocates – that all things inexorably advance the cause of independence.

SPONSORED EDITORIAL

The budget for Census 2021 is ringfenced and won't be compromised as Treasury seeks funds to fight Covid-19, says Statistician-General Risenga Maluleke.

Once the coronavirus pandemic is over, the tourism industry will probably find that older, more affluent travellers are more hesitant to do so.

It’s been a nerve-wracking few years for the traditional auto industry. One Silicon Valley VC firm speculates on its future in an interview with Bloomberg.