Nicholas Comninellis

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Calling Health Researchers – Angola day 21

Ascites

 

This young lady, who gave me permission to photo her, felt desperate to bear a child. In Angolan cultural – as in much of the world – having children is not only a means to security in older ago, but also a measure of one’s femininity or masculinity. In her anguish to become pregnant she approached a traditional healer who administered a concoction of roots and leaves boiled into a tea. Within days of consuming the substance her eyes become yellow, she began to vomit unceasingly, and then her abdomen swelled. Fast forward three months to today, where I find she is clearly suffering from chronic liver failure with ascites. Do you have a research interest? Here is a challenge for you: What is the toxin this lady consumed? Does an antidote exist? How can liver failure of this nature best be treated? What social interventions would diminished the consumption of such toxins? The “world” of global health contains a plethora of intriguing and critical question like these, just awaiting our sharpest researches to undertake!

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