Infecting Mosquitos With Parasites Reduces Transmisison of Malaria

by Mike Smith

Published October 04, 2009 @ 01:21PM PT

The spread of infectious diseases can be controlled by infecting mosquitoes with a parasite, potentially saving millions of human lives every year. Infecting mosquitos with the parasite Wolbachia ramps up a mosquito's immune system, which in turns dramatically lowers transmission of disease. Infected mosquitoes also live shorter lives.

Net result: Fewer, healthier mosquitoes, with the parasite passed from generation to generation. A scientist behind the study suggests, "given adequate funding and local cooperation, Wolbachia could spread though a local mosquito population in a year." But the debates continues on whether climate change will hasten the spread of Malaria.

Photo credit: unforth

Living Proof Project Provides Concrete Examples of Aid Working

by Mike Smith

Published October 02, 2009 @ 08:13AM PT

Fighting global health problems is one thing, but it's also crucial to note successful programs, as well as criticizing failing programs. The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, as well as investing in programs, have launched the "Living Proof Project" to highlight successes in the U.S. government's global health work. They simply want to get the message across to Americans that government investments have saved millions of lives in developing countries, and they need our continued support.

The campaign will begin with an ad campaign targeting policy makers in DC. The foundation will attempt to fix the disconnect between optimism and progress they personally witness abroad with the pessimism they hear at home. The Living Proof Project have put together a number of progress sheets and infographics to get you up to date on recent successes; but of course it's the videos that speak 10,000 words.

Photo credit: World Economic Forum

Universal Healthcare in Asia May Lift Poverty, Lead to Consumerism

by Mike Smith

Published October 01, 2009 @ 06:55AM PT

The WHO's Regional Committee for the Western Pacific explained that the global downturn put those who live on less than $2 a day at greater risk of deep poverty due to "catastrophic health expenses." They demanded that countries prioritize "financial plans to ensure broader access to medical services," fearing delays would push more people into poverty. The regional committee called for universal access to healthcare at a manageable price, keen to not increase the 50 million people impoverished due to health services cost.

Strategies to manage this include more investment and strengthening safety-net mechanisms for the poor and vulnerable who to often lack primary care services. In January, China announced a plan to achieve universal healthcare by 2020, planning to invest $123 billion to provide "basic medical security" to all, and to make medical services more affordable. An interesting consequence of universal healthcare? An increase to general consumer spending as health costs are alleviated. Universal healthcare is not only a good investment, but one that may see a positive economic return for a country traditionally careful about curbing consumer spending.

[Photo credit: Uberzombie]

After 70 Years We Continue to Struggle To Make Aid Work

by Mike Smith

Published September 30, 2009 @ 03:06PM PT

The Millennium Development Goals of 2005 identified international development goals essential to reducing extreme poverty. Amongst them: sprayed nets to deal with Malaria, more vitamin A, and stressing the importance of contour terracing to address soil erosion. A 1938 Africa Research survey pointed out similar needs: mosquito nets, a deficiency of vitamin A, and the beneficial effect of terracing. Quite simply, problems identified over 70 years ago have yet to be dealt with.

The paper highlights the continuing problems, explaining how the aid effort to Africa has surged, contrasting various approach to providing aid — whether it's "saving" or "one step at a time" sort of approaches. William Easterly, the paper's author, identifies a series of aid ideas and concepts that come in and out of fashion, returning once we've forgetting the disappointing experience the previous time around. The eventual conclusion? Sustained surges in GDP have been homegrown, largely haven't come from outside sources and intervention.

[Photo credit: tim brauhn]

Every Mecca Pilgrim Will Be Vaccinated Against Polio

by Mike Smith

Published September 29, 2009 @ 12:38PM PT

Rumors that the polio vaccine is a Western plot to sterilize Muslim girls has allowed the viral disease to persist, and it remains endemic in Pakistan, Afghanistan, and regions of Nigeria and India.

During the pilgrimage to Mecca this November, Saudi Arabia won't be taking any risks, forcing all pilgrims to swallow a dose of the vaccine. It's good news for the whole world, espeicially those in conflict zones, where the disease is easily spread due to insufficient vaccinations. UNICEF is working in Pakistan and Afghanistan to safeguard children from the disease which can cause permanent paralysis and try to stop it permanently.

[Photo credit: etobicokesouth]

Smoking Bans Help West As Big Tobacco Eyes Developing World

by Mike Smith

Published September 28, 2009 @ 07:28AM PT

Smoking bans in public places across Europe have proved surprisingly successful two reports conclude, helping to cut heart-attack numbers by almost a third. Tens of thousands of lives are being saved, but it's not such good news for the developing world.

Higher taxes, lawsuits and smoking bans are forcing big tobacco to move its gaze away from the West and towards the developing world. China now has more smokers than the entire US population whilst Africa offers big tobacco huge market opportunities with smoking rates being fairly low. Time report that British American Tobacco devotes 1% of local profits to improve access to water and... wait for it... healthcare. Healthcare! Nigeria filed a $44 billion damages suit against British American last year.

Tobacco isn't just a problem for those smoking it, or those enjoying the smooth second hand taste and respiratory problems. Smokers in rural Indonesia have been found to be spending large parts of the family food budget on cigarettes, worsening malnutrition.

[Photo credit: Erinisfunky]

Working To Decrease Child Mortality in the Philippines

by Mike Smith

Published September 27, 2009 @ 04:50PM PT

When you see news that says "child mortality down by two-thirds, but a long way to go" it's hard to relate. It's an abstract piece of great news, but it's hard to appreciate what's been done, and what's still to be done. So here's some concrete work. In the Philippines a seven year program is beginning. It's all part of an attempt to meet the Millennium Development Goal of reducing child deaths: in the Philippines it's hoped the rate can be reduced from 162 per 100,000 to 52 per 100,000. The U.N. helping with service delivery and equipment, as well as helping to train health workers.

The program will focus on locations that have high mortality rates due to poverty, deliveries at home, and areas with low contraceptive prevalence rates, focusing on family planning rather than using artificial contraceptives. It's explained that "skilled and professional delivery can save up to 40 percent of maternal deaths, and planned pregnancy can save another 40 percent." It all adds up to a lot of lives easily saved with a little investment.

[Photo credit: Anne Jimenez]