Investment in Technology for Global Health

On a recent 60 minutes, Bill Gates introduced some of the newest technological achievements that the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation has been developing. One of these is a thermos that can maintain the proper conditions for a vaccine for up to fifty days despite the weather and transportation. Another advancement that was discovered during an innovation contest held by the foundation is a toilet which does not require plumbing for areas without restrooms or running water. It is clear that although these innovations cost money and take time to develop, the results are amazing and can change lives. 

Consumption of the Poor

The Consumption of the Poor is about the prevalence of tuberculosis late in the twentieth century. The chapter opens by challenging the claim that the high prevalence of tuberculosis in the late twentieth century was a “return” of the disease—this claim implies that tuberculosis prevalence had gone down over the years, an assertion the author of the chapter disagrees with. According to the chapter, not only was 1995/6 the deadliest year of TB deaths than any other year in history, but TB has also been around throughout the century, contrary to the belief in some discourse that it had abated or had been eradicated. According to the chapter, tuberculosis has continued to affect poor communities and communities of color in the United States, and poor people in the global South. Poverty, racism, and lack of social justice have all played a role in many incidences of TB, as has the HIV Aids pandemic. 

Good microbe, bad microbe.

In global health, sometimes our best friends and worst enemies are quite small. Microscopically small. Despite their modest size, microbes have served to shape the health and well-being of communities throughout history. As an epidemiologist and public health preparedness researcher, my work has often led me to focus on pathogens – those microorganisms that have the potential to cause disease in their host. The pathogens that tend to capture my attention are ones that are novel, that might be introduced or re-introduced into non-endemic regions, or that have outbreak or pandemic potential. In this post, I will provide an update on two novel viruses that have recently caused global concern, the influenza A (H7N9) virus circulating in China and the novel coronavirus that has emerged in the Middle East. But, before I do, I would like to interject some kind words for microbes, which often get a rap because of the rogue few that cause so much damage. As a recent New York Times article reminds us, the human body is mostly microbe – for every one human cell, there are approximately 10 microbes that take residence in our bodies and provide vital functions and health benefits in ways that we are just beginning to understand. Ok, now on to the bad guys…

Communicable Diseases

Communicable diseases are very interesting to me. It is also a very important topic that I think everyone should be aware of. Communicable diseases have accounted for about 40% of the disease burden in low and middle income countries (Skolnik, 2012). I thought I knew enough general information about communicable diseases, however there is always something new to learn.

What's wrong with our food system?

I came across this great TED talkby an 11-year-old, Brike Baehr.

11-year-old Birke Baejr presents his take on a major source of our food -- far-away and less-than-picturesque industrial farms. Keeping farms out of sight promotes a rosy, unreal picture of big-box agriculture, he argues, as he outlines the case to green and localize food production.

Urban Livestock

Another excellent article from NPR that I'd like to share with you! Eliza Barclay shares "African Cities Test the Limits of Living with Livestock" today, focusing on the health and economic benefits of keeping urban livestock.

Urban Food Centers of the Future!

I came across a great article today on NPR's website discussing the opportunities and challenges inherent in urban food centers, specifically vertical farms. While there have been increasing reports on vertical farming in the news of late, this piece by Michaeleen Doucleff speaks to the realities of food production using this method, focusing on the role of LEDs. Food for thought- enjoy!

Getting Involved in Global Health

When it comes to Global Health, this is a new topic for me that I'm exploring. I happen to be planning a trip abroad to volunteer in the Dominican Republic. I will be doing my traveling with International Student Volunteers (ISV).

The traveling consists of helping build homes, teaching English & health, after school programs, and more. Since the topic of global health is new to me, I wanted to do some exploring online. I was able to find information on Global Health Force. The focus on their program is to deliver medical services and supplies to understand areas around the world. I was able to read some posts on their site that is reflecting on trips that their program has previously made to the Dominican Republic. Here I was actually able to get a better understand of global health that is happening in this area. They actually have some of the same plans when going over seas to help with conquering global health. It was interesting when reading some of their reflections though because you were able to see that although they were well prepared to help with personal hygiene and more, when they went there, their plans changed. I was able to learn that going into these foreign countries, you actually find yourself getting more emerged in the culture.

I'm curious to know, has anyone else studied or volunteered abroad? What experiences have you had when you found yourself in another country? Seeing the experiences of others helps me with having something to look forward to and helps with knowing what to expect. It would also be nice to hear about what challenges I should expect.

Overall, when it comes to global health, this is still new to me but I'm interested in learning more. When it comes to volunteering abroad, this is something that I'm really looking forward to and the more I know the better. In addition to the International Student Volunteer program and the Global Health Force are there any other programs that help students explore the opportunities of volunteering and studying? At the moment while I'm still learning, these programs are interesting me in helping to learn more about global health.

Global Health Force posts

Thank you,
Angela Frazier