Oral health is a critical yet often overlooked component of global health, with low- and middle-income countries and marginalized communities facing the greatest disparities in access and outcomes of oral health care. This narrative review synthesizes evidence from policy frameworks, program evaluations, and peer-reviewed literature from 2014 onward to explore effective strategies for bridging the global oral health gap. A narrative review was conducted for articles published between 2014 and 2025. Evidence was drawn from global initiatives, policy frameworks, and documented interventions addressing oral health, with a focus on sustainable and community-centered approaches. Global initiatives have advanced oral health policies, but top-down approaches alone are insufficient. Lasting improvement depends on community-centered, context-specific interventions, including evidence-based strategies like school programs, mid-level providers, and digital health tools. Integrating oral health into primary care and universal health coverage is essential, yet challenges such as funding gaps, service fragmentation, inequities, and weak political commitment remain. Public–private and intersectoral partnerships are key to overcoming these barriers and scaling effective solutions. This review emphasizes the need for robust monitoring systems, workforce development, and localized policy implementation guided by strong governance and advocacy. Future directions include leveraging artificial intelligence and tele-dentistry, addressing social determinants, and integrating oral health into broader health and development agendas. Achieving equitable global oral health requires a coordinated, evidence-driven, and community-engaged strategy supported by inclusive governance and sustained investment.
Internal auditing has evolved from transactional verification to a risk-based assurance and consulting function that is central to corporate governance and fraud control, a shift accelerated by major corporate scandals and the 2008 global financial crisis. This role is particularly consequential in fragile, post-conflict contexts such as Somalia, where Deposit Money Banks operate amid weak governance, reliance on remittances and informal systems (e.g., hawala), and elevated exposure to corruption and financial crime. This study aimed to assess whether internal auditors in Somali Deposit Money Banks are effective in detecting and preventing fraud and to quantify the influence of four determinants: audit competence and expertise, audit process and methodology, organizational independence and authority, and management/board support. Using a quantitative descriptive–correlational design, data were collected via a structured online questionnaire (five-point Likert scale) from 278 internal audit professionals selected through stratified random sampling from a population of 1,000, and analyzed in SPSS v26 using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlations, and multiple regression; construct reliability was acceptable to excellent (Cronbach’s α = 0.78–0.85). Respondents were predominantly male (69.1
Oropouche fever is an increasingly significant health concern in tropical and subtropical areas of South and Central America, and is primarily spread by midge vectors. The Oropouche virus (OROV) was first identified in 1955 and has been responsible for numerous outbreaks, particularly in urban environments. Despite its prevalence, the disease is often under-reported, making it difficult to fully understand its impact. OROV typically causes febrile illness characterized by symptoms such as headaches, muscle pain, and, occasionally, neurological issues such as meningitis. The ability of the virus to thrive in both forested and urban areas has raised concerns regarding its potential spread to new regions, particularly in the context of climate change. This paper delves into the epidemiology, clinical features, and transmission patterns of OROV, shedding light on the difficulties in diagnosing and managing the disease. The absence of specific treatments and vaccines highlights the urgent need for continued research and development of targeted public health strategies. Advancements in molecular diagnostics and vector control strategies can mitigate Oropouche fever’s impact. However, a comprehensive public health approach involving increased surveillance, public education, and cross-border collaboration is needed, especially as the global climate crisis may expand vector habitats, posing risks to previously unaffected regions.
This systematic literature review (SLR) investigates the nexus between financial inclusion and green economic growth, synthesizing evidence from 60 Scopus-indexed studies published between 2015 and 2025. The review adopts a thematic approach, grounded in theories such as Sustainability Transition Theory, Institutional Theory, and Financial Intermediation Theory; to explore how inclusive financial systems contribute to environmental sustainability and low-carbon economic development. The findings reveal that financial inclusion promotes sustainability and green economic growth by enhancing access to capital for eco-friendly investments and supporting the adoption of renewable energy. Fintech emerges as a pivotal driver, facilitating the development of green finance through innovation, increased financial efficiency, and broader financial accessibility. Likewise, financial literacy plays a vital role, empowering individuals and firms to make informed, environmentally conscious financial decisions and investments. However, the relationship between financial inclusion and carbon emissions is found to be mixed and context-dependent. While digital financial inclusion can reduce emissions by fostering green innovation, unregulated financial expansion may contribute to environmental degradation, particularly in carbon-intensive sectors. This review identifies research gaps, including limited geographic diversity, lack of standardized metrics, and under-explored policy dimensions. It calls for more interdisciplinary, context-sensitive, and policy-relevant research to fully understand and leverage the potential of financial inclusion in accelerating the transition toward a green economy.
Electricity access is a key driver of human development, yet it remains insufficient in Somalia. This study examined the determinants of household electricity access, focusing on housing quality, energy access, and living standards. Using nationally representative data from the Somalia Integrated Household Budget Survey 2022 (SIHBS-22), composite indices were constructed through principal component analysis. Logistic regression analysis assessed the relationships between these indices and electricity access. The findings showed that higher housing quality, better energy access, and improved living standards were significant predictors of electricity access. Additional factors, including remittance inflows, displacement status, and residential location, also influenced access. The results highlight the need for a multidimensional approach to energy poverty, informing integrated policy frameworks that address housing, energy, and socio-economic well-being.
