IAEA Publication
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) published a newsletter about Alan Jackson and his work with radioisotopes to help alleviate malnutrition. Alan jackson is a professor at the Institute of Nutrition at the University of Southampton. he uses radioisotopes to determine various physical qualities of a persons body.
According to the article, he can determine qualities like a persons water content, fat content/where it is stored, and mineral/nutrient content by using safe, low-energy radiation. He says that, "although all people are fundamentally the same, there are important differences from place to place, which need to be taken into account when looking for solutions to problems." In this case, the problem is malnutrition. Jackson argues that this technology will allow people to better suit their efforts or food programs for a particular region to make it more effective.
Although I don't see the data from this work to be worth exposing people to unnecessary radiation for, Jackson brings up an interesting point: "there are important differences from place to place, which need to be taken into account when looking for solutions." Medecin Sans Frontieres, for example, creates what they call Ready to Use Food or, RUF. The idea is that this food is easily packaged and distributed amongst people, while providing all the necessary nutrients to sustain a healthy body. Although it all sounds fine and dandy, imagine giving someone in the Middle East peanut butter, or a pop tart. The RUF's might meet someone's nutritional needs, but does meet their cultural needs? Will they accept it over the foods they've grown up with? Golden Rice is a great example of this. Technically, the beta-carotene in the yellow rice which is not present in white rice would alleviate most of Asia's chronic health problems and malnutrition, but no one is willing to eat yellow colored rice. "Rice is white and will always be white." Will the same thing happen with Doctors Without Borders RUF's?
Thursday, May 19, 2011
Sunday, May 15, 2011
Bizz-Buzz Blog #4: Malnutrition in Niger
Understanding Nutrition data and the Causes of Malnutrition in Niger
Malnutrition is the greatest threat world-wide to public health. In basic terms, malnutrition is a result of having an unbalanced diet where nutrients may be lacking or over-eaten. Although most-readily associated with regions such as Africa and Asia, malnutrition also affects people in first-world countries such as America and Europe, making it a global problem.
The article linked-to above specifically talks about malnutrition in Niger. Created by a US governmental agency, it was created to not only inform people about the problem in Niger, but possibly figure out why it is happening, and how to keep it from happening any more. The publication cites data and various research conducted about the current levels of malnutrition in Niger, but the exact cause of it is unknown. The problem is not as simple as a large drought. The article suggests that Niger, like many other countries' malnutrition problems, is a result of many problems and very hard to fix: food intake and availability, healthcare access, nutritional intake and socio-economic status. Interestingly, it suggests that the problem in Niger is not one of famine, but a "crisis of access" (11).
As a whole, the article suggests increased monitoring of nutrition in Niger and basic programs to be initiated to alleviate the problem. However, the article says that it is not within the scope of the paper to discuss long-term solutions.
Although long-term solutions are needed to solve the problem, Doctors Without Borders is actively working in countries to help those in need of proper nutrition. In 2006, DWB treated 150,000 children for malnutrition, although UNICEF estimates that almost 20 million children suffer from the condition worldwide. Unique to DWB, they are trying to treat malnutrition with RUF's or, Ready to Use Food. The basic premise is that access to food is limited, which means access to doctors is also limited. So instead of making someone rely on seeing a doctor to treat their malnutrition, DWB is handing out RUF packages. Not needing refrigeration and already pre-packaged, RUF's store and transport easily while still providing all the nutrients and energy needed to form a healthy body.
Malnutrition is the greatest threat world-wide to public health. In basic terms, malnutrition is a result of having an unbalanced diet where nutrients may be lacking or over-eaten. Although most-readily associated with regions such as Africa and Asia, malnutrition also affects people in first-world countries such as America and Europe, making it a global problem.
The article linked-to above specifically talks about malnutrition in Niger. Created by a US governmental agency, it was created to not only inform people about the problem in Niger, but possibly figure out why it is happening, and how to keep it from happening any more. The publication cites data and various research conducted about the current levels of malnutrition in Niger, but the exact cause of it is unknown. The problem is not as simple as a large drought. The article suggests that Niger, like many other countries' malnutrition problems, is a result of many problems and very hard to fix: food intake and availability, healthcare access, nutritional intake and socio-economic status. Interestingly, it suggests that the problem in Niger is not one of famine, but a "crisis of access" (11).
As a whole, the article suggests increased monitoring of nutrition in Niger and basic programs to be initiated to alleviate the problem. However, the article says that it is not within the scope of the paper to discuss long-term solutions.
Although long-term solutions are needed to solve the problem, Doctors Without Borders is actively working in countries to help those in need of proper nutrition. In 2006, DWB treated 150,000 children for malnutrition, although UNICEF estimates that almost 20 million children suffer from the condition worldwide. Unique to DWB, they are trying to treat malnutrition with RUF's or, Ready to Use Food. The basic premise is that access to food is limited, which means access to doctors is also limited. So instead of making someone rely on seeing a doctor to treat their malnutrition, DWB is handing out RUF packages. Not needing refrigeration and already pre-packaged, RUF's store and transport easily while still providing all the nutrients and energy needed to form a healthy body.
Thursday, May 5, 2011
Bizz-Buzz Blog #3: Malaria Outbreak in Kenya
Kenya: Malaria Outbreak Kills Hundreds
Although reported on in 2002, there was an outbreak of highland malaria in Kenya. Apparently, malaria isn't common in the mountainous areas due to low temperatures, but when it does happen, large numbers of people die because they have a lower level of immunity to it when compared to people who live at lower altitudes. In this outbreak, over 300 people died within the first month and over 158,000 people were infected with the disease.
Malaria is a disease spread between humans by mosquitos. Although treatable, untreated cases can lead to coma, or death. Malaria is not common in the states, but is well-known and basically a normal part of life in tropical and sub-tropical regions of the world where mosquitoes thrive off of the warm temperatures and constant rain.
Apparently, the highland malaria outbreak in Kenya has been so deadly because people who are normally not affected by the disease (people in mountainous regions) are now being affected. According to this article, the outbreak could have been prevented. A Kenyan doctor thinks the governments lack of alacrity to act is criminal: an outbreak of malaria is “predictable, preventable, treatable and curable—but lack of preparedness by health personnel is our crime.” The article goes on to talk about how clinics and hospitals are overwhelmed, don't have the necessary medication, or can't even offer the proper medication due to the cost.
Doctors Without Borders is quoted near the end of the article providing statistics about Malaria. Apparently, 1.2-1.8 million children die in Africa each year due to the illness, and that 8.2 million new cases of malaria happen each year in Kenya, out of a total population of 30 million. If that ratio held true in America, that means 100 million people out of 350 million would be infected with the disease. That's over 1/4 of the population infected. If that happened here, people would go crazy. However, this is everyday life in Kenya.
Although this is only one example of an outbreak, it is clearly a situation where outside help is needed. The Kenyan Government and medical system do not have the resources to handle such a situation, and that's where Doctors Without Borders comes in. During such crises, DWB will fly-in not only supplies, but also healthcare workers to help deal with the situation. On top of that, DWB actively advocates for addressing such issues on a more long-term basis, advocating for long-lasting change that will improve conditions such as access to medical care in Kenya.
Although reported on in 2002, there was an outbreak of highland malaria in Kenya. Apparently, malaria isn't common in the mountainous areas due to low temperatures, but when it does happen, large numbers of people die because they have a lower level of immunity to it when compared to people who live at lower altitudes. In this outbreak, over 300 people died within the first month and over 158,000 people were infected with the disease.
Malaria is a disease spread between humans by mosquitos. Although treatable, untreated cases can lead to coma, or death. Malaria is not common in the states, but is well-known and basically a normal part of life in tropical and sub-tropical regions of the world where mosquitoes thrive off of the warm temperatures and constant rain.
Apparently, the highland malaria outbreak in Kenya has been so deadly because people who are normally not affected by the disease (people in mountainous regions) are now being affected. According to this article, the outbreak could have been prevented. A Kenyan doctor thinks the governments lack of alacrity to act is criminal: an outbreak of malaria is “predictable, preventable, treatable and curable—but lack of preparedness by health personnel is our crime.” The article goes on to talk about how clinics and hospitals are overwhelmed, don't have the necessary medication, or can't even offer the proper medication due to the cost.
Doctors Without Borders is quoted near the end of the article providing statistics about Malaria. Apparently, 1.2-1.8 million children die in Africa each year due to the illness, and that 8.2 million new cases of malaria happen each year in Kenya, out of a total population of 30 million. If that ratio held true in America, that means 100 million people out of 350 million would be infected with the disease. That's over 1/4 of the population infected. If that happened here, people would go crazy. However, this is everyday life in Kenya.
Although this is only one example of an outbreak, it is clearly a situation where outside help is needed. The Kenyan Government and medical system do not have the resources to handle such a situation, and that's where Doctors Without Borders comes in. During such crises, DWB will fly-in not only supplies, but also healthcare workers to help deal with the situation. On top of that, DWB actively advocates for addressing such issues on a more long-term basis, advocating for long-lasting change that will improve conditions such as access to medical care in Kenya.
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Bizz-Buzz Blog #2: Lack of Medical Supplies in Haiti
Haitians Dying in Hospital From Lack of Supplies
As most probably know, a massive earthquake hit Port Au-Prince, Haiti earlier this year. Although the destruction of homes and businesses is commonly acknowledged, what about the infrastructure and hospitals also affected by this natural disaster? it's easy to see that someone's home might be destroyed, but what about the hospitals and clinics that people depend on when they need them the most?
In this Huffington Post Article, it describes the story of one victim of the earthquake and how a lack of access to medical supplies ultimately led to his death. He was extracted from the rubble of a building after being there for four days and was taken to the only functioning Hospital in Port Au-Prince, the U.N. Hospital. All others were either too damaged or did not have the proper supplies to function. Basically, a gangrenous infection was spreading through this mans body and his prognosis was not good. A doctor involved in the care of this patient said, "He's dying right now in front of our eyes...we don't have the basic equipment that would save him...In any normal hospital he'd survive" (Huffington Post). The article goes on to explain the various measures taken to try and save his life but ultimately, the young man dies.
Imagine going to the hospital in Corvallis and being told that you would be fine, except that they don't have the necessary supplies to do so. Of course, the situation in haiti is not normal and they are under immense strain right now. However, it's not only in times of emergency that people lack access to basic supplies such as clean needles, latex gloves, clean surgical gowns, etc. The situation in Port-Au Prince is just one example of many places in the world that do not have the funds, or the means, to obtain safe and sterile medical equipment.
Certain areas in medicine, like surgery, require tons of disposable equipment in order to be done safely and effectively, if even at all. Gloves, masks, gowns, hair covers, surgical drapes, etc. are some of the necessary disposables. Tools such as staples, scalpels, clamps, etc. can be sterilized and reused but this is a costly process.
When it comes down to it, it seems to be that money is the main issue. Countries like Nepal, for example, have no healthcare system in place and any care you receive you must pay for out-of-pocket. I was applying for internships over there and many places were asking that I go to local hospitals, over here, and petition for medical supplies such as intubation kits and other expensive supplies in order to bring them to them.
Although the issue seems to be more of a structural problem, Doctors Without Borders is addressing the issue by not only going into countries needing medical care, but also supplying medical equipment to clinics and towns in dire need.
The above video talks about the lack of basic supplies in Iraqi hospitals. The situation is not just in disaster-affected areas.
As most probably know, a massive earthquake hit Port Au-Prince, Haiti earlier this year. Although the destruction of homes and businesses is commonly acknowledged, what about the infrastructure and hospitals also affected by this natural disaster? it's easy to see that someone's home might be destroyed, but what about the hospitals and clinics that people depend on when they need them the most?
In this Huffington Post Article, it describes the story of one victim of the earthquake and how a lack of access to medical supplies ultimately led to his death. He was extracted from the rubble of a building after being there for four days and was taken to the only functioning Hospital in Port Au-Prince, the U.N. Hospital. All others were either too damaged or did not have the proper supplies to function. Basically, a gangrenous infection was spreading through this mans body and his prognosis was not good. A doctor involved in the care of this patient said, "He's dying right now in front of our eyes...we don't have the basic equipment that would save him...In any normal hospital he'd survive" (Huffington Post). The article goes on to explain the various measures taken to try and save his life but ultimately, the young man dies.
Imagine going to the hospital in Corvallis and being told that you would be fine, except that they don't have the necessary supplies to do so. Of course, the situation in haiti is not normal and they are under immense strain right now. However, it's not only in times of emergency that people lack access to basic supplies such as clean needles, latex gloves, clean surgical gowns, etc. The situation in Port-Au Prince is just one example of many places in the world that do not have the funds, or the means, to obtain safe and sterile medical equipment.
Certain areas in medicine, like surgery, require tons of disposable equipment in order to be done safely and effectively, if even at all. Gloves, masks, gowns, hair covers, surgical drapes, etc. are some of the necessary disposables. Tools such as staples, scalpels, clamps, etc. can be sterilized and reused but this is a costly process.
When it comes down to it, it seems to be that money is the main issue. Countries like Nepal, for example, have no healthcare system in place and any care you receive you must pay for out-of-pocket. I was applying for internships over there and many places were asking that I go to local hospitals, over here, and petition for medical supplies such as intubation kits and other expensive supplies in order to bring them to them.
Although the issue seems to be more of a structural problem, Doctors Without Borders is addressing the issue by not only going into countries needing medical care, but also supplying medical equipment to clinics and towns in dire need.
The above video talks about the lack of basic supplies in Iraqi hospitals. The situation is not just in disaster-affected areas.
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Bizz-Buzz Blog #1: Denial of Access to Healthcare in Bahrain
Main Public Hospital Is Drawn Into Bahrain Strife
Doctors Without Borders Response to the Situation
Growing up in America with well-to-do parents, yearly check-ups and emergency room visits were never questioned. Access to quick and effective healthcare was seen as a normal thing. However, this view of healthcare is not the same as other parts of the world. In many countries, access to family practitioners and basic healthcare is too costly to afford, or not available at all. In most instances, this is influenced by poverty, or conflict within the region. Doctors Without Borders however, attempts to address these international healthcare issues.
Although not directly talking about Doctors Without Borders, a New York Times article describes a hospital in Bahrain (a small island in the Persian Gulf) which has been held from treating patients. Although I won't attempt to explain the situation in Bahrain, it is basically in the midst of an uprising that the government is trying to squash. In the midst of this "civil war," soldiers are apparently blockading Bahrain's main hospital. Basically, they are denying people access to medical attention because they are protestors.
Although Doctors Without Borders goes into countries that direly need medical assistance, what can they do in Bahrain? They have a dependable healthcare system, but the government is purposefully denying it. In their response to the situation in Bahrain, Doctors Without Borders outlines what has been going on and also explain what they are doing to bring the situation to an end.
Although most Americans expect easy access to care, Bahrain is just one of hundreds of examples where access is limited, if not possible at all. A quick perusal of the doctors Without Borders website shows that they are involved in hundreds of projects across the world, trying to increase access to proper care. It is sad to think that people are denied the basic right to care, like in Bahrain. However, organizations like Doctors Without Borders attempt to fill the gaps of need, providing services and care which are not normally possible. Although not a permanent solution, this non-profit is a step towards the right direction in providing the oppressed with healthcare that most first-world people take for granted.
Doctors Without Borders Response to the Situation
Growing up in America with well-to-do parents, yearly check-ups and emergency room visits were never questioned. Access to quick and effective healthcare was seen as a normal thing. However, this view of healthcare is not the same as other parts of the world. In many countries, access to family practitioners and basic healthcare is too costly to afford, or not available at all. In most instances, this is influenced by poverty, or conflict within the region. Doctors Without Borders however, attempts to address these international healthcare issues.
Although not directly talking about Doctors Without Borders, a New York Times article describes a hospital in Bahrain (a small island in the Persian Gulf) which has been held from treating patients. Although I won't attempt to explain the situation in Bahrain, it is basically in the midst of an uprising that the government is trying to squash. In the midst of this "civil war," soldiers are apparently blockading Bahrain's main hospital. Basically, they are denying people access to medical attention because they are protestors.
Although Doctors Without Borders goes into countries that direly need medical assistance, what can they do in Bahrain? They have a dependable healthcare system, but the government is purposefully denying it. In their response to the situation in Bahrain, Doctors Without Borders outlines what has been going on and also explain what they are doing to bring the situation to an end.
Although most Americans expect easy access to care, Bahrain is just one of hundreds of examples where access is limited, if not possible at all. A quick perusal of the doctors Without Borders website shows that they are involved in hundreds of projects across the world, trying to increase access to proper care. It is sad to think that people are denied the basic right to care, like in Bahrain. However, organizations like Doctors Without Borders attempt to fill the gaps of need, providing services and care which are not normally possible. Although not a permanent solution, this non-profit is a step towards the right direction in providing the oppressed with healthcare that most first-world people take for granted.
Doctors Without Borders: Introduction
Doctors Without Borders (Link)
Doctors Without Borders, "provides aid in nearly 60 countries to people whose survival is threatened by violence, neglect, or catastrophe, primarily due to armed conflict, epidemics, malnutrition,exclusion from health care, or natural disasters. MSF provides independent, impartial assistance to those most in need. MSF reserves the right to speak out to bring attention to neglected crises, to challenge inadequacies or abuse of the aid system, and to advocate for improved medical treatments and protocols" (Taken from their website).
Doctors Without Borders, "provides aid in nearly 60 countries to people whose survival is threatened by violence, neglect, or catastrophe, primarily due to armed conflict, epidemics, malnutrition,exclusion from health care, or natural disasters. MSF provides independent, impartial assistance to those most in need. MSF reserves the right to speak out to bring attention to neglected crises, to challenge inadequacies or abuse of the aid system, and to advocate for improved medical treatments and protocols" (Taken from their website).
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