Alternative for Underdeveloped Countries: Natural Medicine

It has proved to be very difficult to reach all those in developing countries. However, it appears that there has been a rising alternative to the challenges being faced by those who are impoverished and in need of medical attention. For those who are not so fortunate as to receive access to medical attention, natural medicine has become a sufficient, sustainable method for helping as many as possible. Granted, there are some medical conditions that cannot be treated with such natural methods. The video provided below discusses the natural approach for those who could not receive treatment otherwise.

New H.I.V. Cases Declining, but There Is Still Much Work to Get Done

One of the largest medical crusades of this age is that against H.I.V. for the many lives it takes each year. H.I.V. (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is prominent in all areas of the world, but we see the greatest concentration in the developing countries where access to medical care is not impossible, but it is impractical for many of the impoverished inhabitants. However, great strides have been made in the battle against it. As of recently, data collection states that the amount of new H.I.V. cases has been dropped by half in the past decade. While this is a celebration for all, it is seen that there is still some work to be done in the area of treatment. 

The Article: 

New H.I.V. Cases Falling in Some Poor Nations, but Treatment Still Lags

A patient infected with H.I.V. cooled off from the heat in August at a treatment center on the outskirts of Yangon, Myanmar

Resource-Poor Nations Find Less Costly Solution for Neonatal Jaundice

There are many babies who for the first few days of their lives are affected by the medical condition neonatal jaundice which is caused by an excess of bilirubin in the blood and gives the skin a yellowish tint. Typically, the condition does not require treatment and goes away after of couple of days with no lasting consequences. However, there are severe cases in which side effects include possible deafness and brain damage. In such unusual cases, the treatment require is phototherapy.

The Article:

For Neonatal Jaundice, a New Option in Resource-Poor Nations

The treatment process of phototherapy involves placing the baby, equipped with protective eyewear, under a phototherapy light box which shines a blue light. The blue light helps break down the bilirubin in the skin which can then be excreted. Thus, phototherapy is a painless and effective solution for treating severe cases of neonatal jaundice. The treatment has only one blatant drawback: its price.

The device is said to cost about $3,000 and then one has to include the replacement of compact fluorescent lightbulbs which run about $17 each. On top of that, the treatment must be continuous for 1-2 days or else serious problems may arise. 

In resource-poor nations where money is hardly abundant and electric power is not always certain, the use of these machines for treatment is "at best impractical and at worst impossible." So how do these afflicted, impoverished babies get the treatment they need?

Well, thanks to the efforts of individuals such as the scientists and designers at D-Rev, a nonprofit design firm in Palo Alto, California these babies may have treatment more readily available to them. These individuals have created a phototherapy device called Brilliance which using light-emitting diodes as opposed to the more costly compact fluorescent lightbulbs. These said LED bulbs require half the wattage, last up to 5 years, and cost 1/10 of the compact fluorescent bulbs. 

High Maternal Mortality Rate in Tanzania

It is well known that abortion is a touchy subject here in the United States, but it has been legal in all 50 states since the Supreme Court decision in the case of Roe v. Wade (click here to read the case's details). However, in places that are not as fortunate to have abortion legal, woman who desire termination of their pregnancy are forced to put their lives in the hands of amateurs. Many of these amateurs perform the procedure so poorly that fatality is common amongst their female patients.

The Article: 

The Deadly Toll of Abortion by Amateurs

 A woman in Berega, Tanzania, who sought care after a botched abortion. In Tanzania, where abortion is illegal, the maternal death rate is high in part because of failed abortions.

Of all the health dangers that face woman in Africa, there is no greater threat than death from pregnancy and childbirth. In fact, it is seen that Africa has the highest rate of maternal mortality. In comparison to developed countries, the rate is at least 100 times greater. Solutions are trying to be found in order to provide the adequate healthcare needed by women in Africa, but it seems that many issues thwart progress. There is the presence of nonprofit organizations that are trying to, with the help of Tanzanian government, provide family planning, but the expansiveness of the country itself and the distribution of its people makes it difficult to reach certain individuals who live in rather remote areas. Another issue besides geography is found in the community of Africans themselves. In their community, topics such as sexuality and sex organs is considered taboo so one could imagine how a woman would be accused of promiscuity should she be taking contraceptives. 

Though great efforts are being made to assist not only African women, but all Africans who are in need of adequate medical attention, it is seen that progress is still slow. In the words of Mr. Kaneno, an assistant medical officer in Africa who was interviewed, “It is still a long way to go.”