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Nutrition, Health and Population |
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Source: Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, Statistics Database
Nutrition, Health and Population Links
There are a number of key health issues for developing countries, especially in Africa. They include malnutrition, HIV/AIDS, malaria, tuberculosis and avian flu. This page provides current developments on these issues as well as background.
HIV infection, leading to AIDS, is a major world problem, especially in Africa. In addressing the problem of HIV infection, there have been major concerns..
The first major concern is that African people and governments have been unable to afford the level of care available in the United States and other developed countries, where (expensive) anti-retroviral therapy has not cured HIV/AIDS, but has permitted substantially longer life for those infected. In the last several years this has been partially addressed by two major developments. First is a significant increase in developed country assistance. The second is the resolution of international property rights disputes over anti-retroviral (ARV) drugs, which has permitted a substantial reduction in the cost of ARV drugs supplied in developing countries.
The second major concern is the persistence of behavior patterns that permit HIV infection. The three principal ways of HIV infection are by sexual contact, though blood transmission (by drug users sharing the same needle, and by medical procedures, especially blood transfusion, not adopting proper safeguards) and by mother to child transmission. Sexual contact is the major means of HIV infection, with mother to child transmission a consequence of sexual contact. HIV testing will alert HIV-positive people that they are HIV positive, and ideally they will take measures to protect their sexual partners against infection, and to not have children or to take measures to reduce the possibility of .HIV infection in the newborn.
HIV epidemic 'is getting worse' BBC News November 21, 2006 (You will leave this site.) ZIMBABWE: Five year plan to battle HIV/AIDS on farms launched IRIN November 16, 2006 (You will leave this site.)
In South Africa, a dramatic shift on AIDS--treatment, prevention get new emphasis Craig Timberg Washington Post October 27, 2006 (You will leave this site and be required to register [once] with the Post.)
Africa gives 'ABC' mixed grades. AIDS abstinence plan raises awareness but has small effect on behavior. David Brown Washington Post August 15, 2006 (You will leave this site and be required to register [once] with the Post.)
The lives of women I have known who became infected by HIV Salma Maoulidi June 9, 2007 The lives of women with HIV she has known bring her reflections on what changes would be necessary to protect those in similar circumstances.
U.N. group sets compromise on AIDS policy. Document sets no targets, cites risks to women. David Brown Washington Post June 5, 2006 (You will leave this site and be required to register [once] with the Post.) AIDS is an example of nations coming together to address a significant human concern. This article discusses the results of the June UN meeting on AIDS.
Food or drugs? How famine and hunger compound Africa's AIDS crisis. Karen Allen BBC News June 2, 2006 Two problems: even with low cost AIDS drugs, people may well be poor enough that they must choose between buying food or buying AIDS drugs. Secondly, without food, it is very difficult to take AIDS drugs, as they cause a significant strain on the body.
AIDS vaccine testing goes overseas. U.S. funds $120 million trial despite misgivings of some researchers. Ariana Eunjung Cha Washington Post May 22, 2006 (You will leave this site and be required to register [once] with the Post.)
Botswana: Routine HIV testing not as straightforward as it sounds IRIN February 1, 2005.
Botswana is undertaking a program of HIV testing for those who come to medical facilities. This article describes the issues involved.
Other diseases and health problems
Why children die for lack of a toilet United Nations Development Program November 9, 2006
World Health Organization backs DDT for malaria control, reversing 30 year policy BBC News September 15, 2006 (You will leave this site.)
Cure for neglected diseases: funding. Large doses of donations will lead to new drugs, report says.. Justin Gillis Washington Post April 17, 2006 (You will leave this site and be required to register [once] with the Post. Saving millions for just a few dollars: cost-effective health measures for poor nations David Brown Washington Post April 1, 2006 (You will leave this site and be required to register [once] with the Post.)
BOTSWANA: Diarrhea epidemic kills 470 children IRIN April 5, 2006 (You will leave this site.)
New non-profit attempts to develop production facility for new tuberculosis vaccines Justin Gillis Washington Post March 23, 2006 (You will leave this site and be required to register [once] with the Post.)
High bird flu risk in Africa after outbreak in Nigeria FAO February 10, 2005
Delivery of health care and general
Largess with clear limits: in Africa and elsewhere, Gates Foundation takes focused approach to giving. Craig Timberg Washington Post July 23, 2006 (You will leave this site and be required to register [once] with the Post.
AFRICA: Health worker migration--can it be stemmed? IRIN April 7, 2006 (You will leave this site.)
UGANDA: Global Fund probe reveals massive graft IRIN April 3, 2006 (You will leave this site.)
Theft, bribery and extortion deprive millions of proper healthcare Transparency International February 1, 2006
The only way to delay the onset of AIDS for HIV infected people is through anti-retroviral therapy. These ARV drugs must reach people, including poor people, if they are to be protected against AIDS. A major concern is corruption in the medical system which, in various ways including stolen drugs, can cripple this effort. This article describes the corruption issues facing the healthcare sector in developing and developed countries.
2005 Nutrition, Health and Population Hunger Notes Home Page