Health leaders are typically not trained in the arenas of education, literacy and economic development. But the magnitude with which these social elements influence the health of populations cannot by ignored. Today’s leaders in health must not only appropriately inform themselves but also fully embrace their opportunities to support communities in these fields. The outcome […]
Everyone connected with healthcare knows that one of the most vulnerable periods in life is the first five years. That’s when so very many children succumb to infectious disease, often predisposed by underlying malnutrition. Understandably, the emphasis of programs in international public health and international medicine is heavily on well child care, vaccination, and early
In Bangladesh forty years ago one infant in five died during the first year. Today, only one infant in twenty dies. WHAT is the reason for this progress? You choose: A = Childhood vaccinations B = General economic development C = National health insurance D = Malaria prevention In his provocative book
Quick, what is the leading acute cause of death in world’s poorest nations? How about the second most common acute cause of death? The truth may startle you. Pneumonia as the leading acute cause of death is no surprise. But number two is coronary artery disease. No, not HIV, not diarrhea, not even malaria. It
Quick, what is the leading acute cause of death in world’s poorest nations? How about the second most common acute cause of death? The truth may startle you. Pneumonia as the leading acute cause of death is no surprise. But number two is coronary artery disease. No, not HIV, not tuberculosis, not even malaria. It
This child lives in South America in a region home to sand flies and mosquitoes. For the last year he’s suffered from intermittent fevers, weight loss, and cough. His stools have been loose and foul smelling. His family reports that this lesion on his cheek ulcerates, heal spontaneously, and ulcerates again. From which disease of poverty
Here are some hints… This disease is considered a ‘classic’ in tropical medicine. It’s generally considered to be highly contagious, but really is not. Control of the disease has improved in recent years, though many people are still suffering from the permanent disability that it brings. Enough hints? This deformity is caused by leprosy.
I was honored to receive an invitation to address the Baptist Medical Dental Fellow annual convention in Fort Worth. Such an esteemed assembly of scholars and dedicated women and men, most of whom have served voluntarily in the poorest communities around the globe. The topic they asked me to address on April 17 was
What do YOU believe are the greatest issues impacting global health? This question may seem overly academic, but viewed through the lenses of Haiti’s recent catastrophe makes the inquiry much more relevant. I find that people – especially medical people – often respond with statements like HIV or malaria or malnutrition. Myself, I prefer
Find yourself reluctant to let go a sneeze in public? Understandable, given the nation-wide anxiety surrounding Swine Flu. Feel good when you pin on a pink ribbon? Quite appropriate, given the ubiquitous concern for fighting breast cancer. And isn’t it comforting to know that today’s treatments for heart disease call for stents far more