Blog 10 - Argentina

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Blog #10 - Argentina

In Argentina there is a deadly disease called Chagas. It is spreading quickly and I bet this is the first time you have every heard of it because it definitely was mine. Chagas is a parasitic disease that is from the vinchuca bug bite. A Vinchuca which is also called the Mexican Bug or the Kissing Bug. The villagers describe the disease as the “muerte subita” or rapid death. The disease eats away at cardiac muscle and eventually the victims heart ruptures. As well as the cardiac muscle in can also eat away at the intestinal wall which can result in massive internal bleeding. In adults it is incurable but is not always fatal. Though it is not always fatal it always affects the way of life and impossible to live a normal life.

            Chagas affects 15million people and most are in Latina America. The article even stated that 50,000 die each year due to the disease. Also with the development  of countries there is migration from rural to urban life. With these moves the disease is moving as well.  The affected are often not treated until the disease already is affecting daily functions. A person interviewed from this region speaks of a friend who had Chagas. One issue they pointed out was the ignorance of the public about the deadly disease. He produced a documentary in order to show the world the threat.

            This is very interesting because I literally look up diseases weekly yet I have never heard about this. This is definitely a social/political issue that is being ignored because there is no profit in being a part of the issue. 50,000 people dying are, tremendous number and this is the first article I have seen about it. When there was one death in the United States from bird flu every media source had a story. This is extremely sad because these are valuable lives being lost and seemingly no help in sight. This is a social issue and the Worth Health Organization should at the least be raising awareness.

Latina Brooks

http://www.aljazeera.com/programmes/witness/2013/04/20134168253191412.html

April 18, 2013 3:33AM

Blog 9: Tanzania

High Blood pressure in Tanzania needs urgent action. The World Health Organization states that more than 1 in 3 adult globally has high blood pressure. One even larger issue is with all these cases the problem is often not identified. Hypertension was described as a impending public disaster. The issue with hypertension is it often does not have any symptoms. A 40 year old woman when to a screening and was told that she has to take pills for the rest of her life. She stated her life was turned upside down. If her blood pressure remains uncontrolled she might have serious complications like kidney failure, stroke, and hard attack. The article does note that her case is better in her case because many people do not find out about their blood pressure problems until they have already had a stroke or other complications.

            Diseases like diabetes and hypertension are increasing in the country. There is a lack of preventative programs. People do not have a way to be diagnosed. During World Health Day there is a urge to reduce unhealthy lifestyles. There are new guidelines for the use of salt, which is a risk factor in hypertension. Blood pressure is the number one cause of death and disability globally. One of the doctors noted that the developing world needs to stop thinking that non-communicable diseases only affect countries in Western Europe. Another issue highlight was the cost of these diseases. There is reduce workforce and working hours that hinders countries economic growth. Cost of prevention is less than treating the diseases so there is an effort to provide more prevention services.

            This article was very interesting. You often here about malnutrition in African countries but this is my first time hearing about high blood pressure. There is always a story about an outbreak of a communicable disease but often non-communicable diseases are not mentioned in this part of the world. However a common theme in these countries is a lack for preventative resources.

Latina Brooks

April 11, 2013

5:37

http://thecitizen.co.tz/news/4-national-news/30324-high-blood-pressure-in-tanzania-a-call-for-urgent-action

Blog 8: China

Shanghai is closing all live poultry markets. In Shanghai there has been an outbreak of H7N9 found in pigeons in Shanghai. 20,000 birds have already been killed because of this unusual strain of bird flu. This bird flu has also made the jump from birds to humans killing six people. The government has ordered a closure of the bird market. The type of virus had not been found in humans until last week in China. Researchers in the U.S. have started preparing a vaccine for the strain of the flu H7N9. Research shows the virus found in humans were very similar and had much genetic overlap with that of the pigeons with the bird flu In effort to protect the inhabitants. Shanghai authorities have disinfected the area and all objects that were in contact with the birds. Authorities are also trying to track were the pigeons came from. There have been 14 human cases of H7N9. The range of the deaths is from a 4 year old to a 83 year old.

 The article goes on to discuss more strains in the past as well as the infected and death toll. These viruses have proven to be very deadly. This will cause many issues for China’s inhabitants. Not only are they losing money by having to mass slaughter the birds. Also they are losing food and valuable meat. But the greatest cost is the deaths. A young child only four years old will not run and play anymore because of this virus. Theses viruses that are jumping from animals to humans are proving to be very deadly. This really worries me because China has a very high density. With people in such close proximity as well as close proximity to the animals this could reach epidemic proportions. I think that we need to be more proactive with the viruses always looking for a new cure for possible mutations. Also we need better practices with animals  to avoid so much contact.

Latina Brooks

http://www.cnn.com/2013/04/04/world/asia/china-bird-flu/index.html?hpt=hp_inthenews

April 5, 2013

10:25am

 

Blog #6: Africa- Tuberculosis

The World Health Organization and Global Fund have reported a tuberculosis threat. There are strains of tuberculosis that are resistant to more than one drug. Because of this threat there is a need for $1.6 billion to beef up prevention efforts. These monies would be international and help with treatment as well as prevention. The World Health Organization as well as the Global Fund to fight AIDS, TB and Malaria is concerned. The director of World Health Organization, Dr. Margaret Chan urge significant funding from domestic and international donors.

            They stated now that there are “treading water” where they truly need to be providing a greater response. World TB day is also discussed that commemorates the day the Dr. Robert Koch discovered the mycobacterium that causes tuberculosis. Statistics discussed are 1.4 million have died in relation to TB. The most deaths per capita are in Africa. An alarm is also the Multidrug-resistant TB that is nearly immune to drugs. It is noted the Multidrug-resistant form of the disease has affected 630,000.

            The article was based on the monetary need in relation to Tuberculosis tests. This is often a common theme in various countries where aid is needed but not available. We have the means to determine the disease but not way to stop it because of monetary limitations. Money is the basis of whether individuals get aid or not. Often times it is in countries where the governments are not as stable and sometimes may even be poor. This is seen in the case as well. The governments simply cannot afford to prevent or treat tuberculosis, which was seen as a eradicated disease in earlier years. They state that $2.6 billion is every year for low-income countries, specifically in Africa. Human lives are much more important than money but all in all the money must be donated to avoid a Tuberculosis epidemic.

Latina Brooks

March 18th, 2013 9:53

 http://www.healthcanal.com/public-health-safety/37050-World-Health-Organization-and-Global-Fund-cite-tuberculosis-threat.html

Blog #5 Malawi

Malawi – Health

            Malawi is in a state of crisis because of the essential medicines that are not available. The clinics do not have enough workers and the delivery of drug supplies is the potential life saving treatments. There have been drug shortages in the recent years. In a recent 2012 report 9% of health facilities had all the full essential drugs needed for 11 common diseases. They do not have testing kits, treated mosquito nets or even basic antibiotics. Even hospitals have run out of 95% of essential medicines. Hospitals have been trying to buy supplies with money given from private donors and even families.  However, they do not have enough money to continue to take care of these patients. Patients are reported of dying from completely treatable diseases. For example, a person died from diarrhoea which is not usually life threatening. Hospitals are calling out for help and their calls have not been answered.

            Doctors stated the centralized health delivery system is the culprit of the medicine shortage. They also state the devaluation of the kwacha is a big factor. In May 2012 President Banda devalued the kwacha by 50%. This increased the price of basic goods. It is also noted that drug shortages were a problem before the kwacha was devalued but is worse now. Getting drugs in Malawi is described as a “tedious and bureaucratic” process. The Central Medical store purchased medicine in 2009 and these drugs were supposed to last 2 years. The CMS-T because of the failure of the Central Medical Store then took over. The drug problem has still not improved.

            It is clearly evident that there is a dire need for reform in Malawi. For Malawi’s citizens to lose their lives simply because of access to medicine is ridiculous. The article does a good job describing the different reasons for the drug shortage. It also talks in the last piece about the different reforms that are necessary in the country. Even the political officials were interviewed and realized how unreasonable it is for there to be no access to medicines. Even if there is a means to pay for the medicine the unpredictable deliveries make it nearly impossible.

Latina Brooks

http://www.irinnews.org/Report/97503/Malawi-s-never-ending-drug-shortage-problem

February 25, 2013

12:50pm

Blog #4 Kenya - Neglected Diseases

The recent outbreak of dengue fever and also an outbreak of kala-azar in Northern Kenya are calling for improved health services. In the countries remote communities these diseases have had a significant effect. Health officials state there have been 300 cases since the January. The disease is concentrated in the Mandera District and three degue deaths are recorded. There also may be other deaths in remote places that have not been reported. The way the outbreak is being handled has the most concern. Most patients are reported to be seeking treatment in private clinics because the district hospital is not responding with concern. A nurse even stated that they did not have the means as far as antibiotics and fluids to manage the outbreak.

            In the case of Kala-azar the officials are denying an outbreak. However the not-for-profit Drugs for Neglected Diseases Inititive has reported receiving new cases. The government does not have any more kits to diagnose kala-azar. Kala-azar is contracted by sand flies and has a death rate of 95%. If there is no kit to diagnose these cases then there will be any treatment. Treatment that only requires daily injections could save the infected. The government’s inaction is noted. There is not access to health facilities.  The government is also ridiculed at the lack of preparation and apathy for the remote citizens. In 2012, there were treatment prevention measures for kala-azar. This included rapid diagnostic test kids, mobile test centres, and insecticide-treated mosquito nets. These provisions are falling by the wayside and leaving the inhabitants to fend for themselves.

            This article is important for the world to know. There is no reason for a disease that can be treated to flourish, especially a disease with a mortality rate of 95%. This should be addressed on a government level. The lack of kits to even test for the disease is a failure for the country. Kenya should be held accountable for their inaction. This article does a good job of hold them accountable as well as using other sources that show the lack of action.

http://www.irinnews.org/Report/97506/New-cases-of-dengue-fever-kala-azar-reported-in-Kenya-s-north

Latina Brooks

February 21,2013

11:00am

Blog #3 - Uganda

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Blog #3

There is a debilitating disease known only as “nodding disease” affecting the children of Uganda. The mysterious disease is also a mystery to health officials. In one village almost every family has one child with the condition. The disease gets the name from a symptom, which looks like they are nodding to sleep. The children when “nodding” try their best to pay attention and not lose focus but they look as if they are falling asleep. They state they are not tired but during a “nodding” they cannot focus. A lot the children afflicted by this disease die at a young age. It was noted that they fall into cooking fires when they lose consciousness. Some children are even abandoned by their parents because they lose ability to function.

            Children with “nodding disease” have to be watched closely because they could easily be hurt. Parents have been known to throw children into the street. They are tired of caring for them and ask how log they are expected to do this. The World Health Organization does not even know the cause of the condition but still have no answers. Those with the disease usually have stunted growth. Children with the disease also lose cognitive ability and have been identified as a brain disease. They have tried Epilepsy drugs to control the nodding episodes and the seizures that come along with it. The physiology of the disease is understood however the cause is not known. One clue is that all children with the “nodding disease” also have onchocerciasis. Onchocerciasis can cause blindness and is a parasitic condition. The mystery of the disease creates a sense of urgency for the villagers.

            This disease has great implications for the global community. There is not a lot known about the disease. With children seemingly losing the ability to function if other places began to be affected it would be devastating. Officials are working to learn more about it. However what is know now is frightening especially if the disease were to spread.

 http://www.ghfn.org/3-stories_videos-individual/nodding-disease-baffles-experts

Latina Brooks

02/14/2013 3:53pm

Blog #2- Mali Health

            Médecins Sans Frontières/Doctors Without Borders continues to work in Mali. They are focused in the areas of Mopti, Gao, Ansango, Konna, Douentza, and Timbuktu. Doctors Without Borders last week attained admission to Konna, which is a very important area in between the northern and southern sectors. After a week 600 consultations have already been provided. Because of the state of Mali and turmoil consultations are usually products of war. Three children were treated because of injuries from playing with an explosive device. There are a wide range of gunshots and victims of bombing pouring in. As there was a little more peace the cases increased. The calm allowed people to seek help at an average of 500 per week. In addition to waring injuries Mali’s conflict has worked against eradicating the Guinea Worm Disease. The refugees are carrying the disease in to other countries like Niger. Nine people that were giving vaccines were murdered recently and this is contributing to the cases seemingly speading.

            Usually Doctors Without Borders use mobile clinics but due to landmines those services are currently unavailable. There are also two health centers in Gao and the medical consultations have a constant volume. Despite the continuing and surge of violence Doctors Without Borders is working to ensure healthcare for Mali residents.

            The conflict in Mali is creating an extreme problem for access to health. Hundreds have received help but there are individuals afraid to leave their homes to seek help. There is also a concern for health care for the displaced Malians. The United Nations reports 380,000 Malians that are displaced in Mali itself as well as living in neighboring countries. The health status of the displaced cannot be known because of the landmines, travel constraints, and communication barriers. They also cannot note the number of cases of Guinea Worm Disease because of the displaced peoples of mali.There are other humanitarian efforts to help these individuals that need health care.

http://www.msf.org.uk/Mali_landmines_Douentza_20130204.news

           

www.nytimes.com/2013/01/18/health/mali-violence-slows-guinea-worm-disease-eradication.html?_r=0

Latina Brooks

02/07/2013

9:26pm

Blog 1

In 2006 there was an outbreak of the bird flu also known as H5N1. The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization give notice that the world again is at risk for another outbreak. The FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization) urges vaccinations in order to cut down on the risk. 400million domestic poultry since 2003 were killed by the bird flu. There has also been forced culling and the damage is seen in the economic sector totaling $20 billion. The virus does not always infect humans but when humans are infected there is a 60% death rate. From 2003 to 2011 of the 500 infected by the bird flu 300 were killed. FAO is extremely concerned that precautions are not being taken globally. They also note that there are large reservoirs of the virus in countries like Asia and the Middle East. The first Endemic affected 63 countries and this threat could reach epidemic proportions. The issue that is preventing vaccinations is found to be financial constraints. FAO also warns about Peste des Petitis (PPR) that is a highly contagious sheep and goat disease. PPR has the power to wipe out entire flocks and is affecting sub-Saharan Africa. Democratic Republic of Congo is also greatly affected despite a readily available vaccination. The article describes a lack of political will and poor planning/coordination.

            Though preventing an outbreak is cheaper that cleaning up the results of one the finances in the world market do not place this at a high stake. The countries that would be affected the most would be countries that get most income from livestock and farming. Safety measures should be in place for a disease that has a 60% death rate for humans infected. The cost to vaccinate those at risk is far more important than potentially loosing human life. Not to mention the monetary cost of $20 billion in loses due to the lost of livestock. With the population density in countries in Asia and Middle East being high these vaccinations are vital to stop an epidemic. Governments seem to be more concerned with saving money now than saving lives and the cost we stand to have later.

http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=44022&Cr=influenza&Cr1=#.UQyWB7-PbR0

Latina Brooks

February 1, 2013

2:39pm

Health/Disease

I am interested in health and disease because I aspire to be a Physcians Assistant. I am currently a certified nursing assistant. Health is extremely influential to a persons life whether it is their health or persons they know.