Blog 10: Desalination Plant Said to Be Planned for Thirsty Beijing

Summary:
In Beijing, China, there is a possibility that a coastal desalination plant will be planned to provide drinking water for everyone living there. Beijing has been suffering from water shortage for quite a while now, so they are in great need of a solution. They are planning to complete the plant by 2019, which will supply million tons of fresh water each day, to supply for more than 22 million people that live in the city. Northern China has been experiencing drought for years, and they have been looking for ways to provide drinking water to these highly populated areas.

Analysis:
I never suspected that China suffered from water shortage and drought, especially because they are considered to be a country that is becoming more and more industrialized. They are not typically considered to be a developing nation, although they do have economic issues in some areas. I believe that the desalination plant will be a great investment for the city, considering the fact that the water will supply water that is more than enough for the people living there. Looking at this article from a global perspective, I can’t help but think of other countries facing drought and water shortages. I know that many countries in Africa and developing nations all over the world are in need of clean, fresh water. A desalination plant would be a great solution for these countries if they are access to the sea. However, government spending would also be a concern, so not everyone can come up with a solution like Beijing did so easily.

Link:
http://www.nytimes.com/2014/04/16/world/asia/desalination-plant-beijing-china.html?ref=science&_r=0

Blog 9: Genetically Modified Mosquitoes Released in Brazil

Summary:
In Brazil, many people have been suffering from the deadly and fatal dengue fever. In efforts to prevent an increase in cases, a campaign in Brazil has decided to release a swarm of genetically modified mosquitoes made to wipe out their own kind. Dengue fever is one of the leading causes of illness and death in Brazil. Although chemical insecticides are an option for exterminating the mosquitoes, this method has not worked for Brazil, due to its tropical conditions and soaring number of reported cases. Millions of genetically modified Aedes aegypti mosquitoes were released, which has a lethal gene designed to devastate their own population. However, there are concerns about their potential impact on human health and the environment, which are the same concerns that genetically modified foods carry.

Analysis:
It amazes me how much and how quickly technology is advancing right before our eyes. If the release of these genetically modified mosquitoes end up being successful in getting rid of the dengue fever-causing mosquitoes, this could mean we would be able to come up cures and solutions on a bigger scale. Maybe for cancer, AIDS, and many other illnesses affecting us all over the world. However, the concern raised in the article about the potential harmful effects of the genetically modified mosquitoes are troublesome. This act of releasing the genetically modified mosquitoes is almost like a “test.” No body is really certain on the true effects of the release. It is almost as if they are hoping that this will turn out to be successful, knowing that there are the possibilities of something worse happening. However, it is still amazing how much technology has advanced, and if this does end up being successful, it will be a first step towards solving global health issues.

Link:
http://www.globalpost.com/dispatch/news/health/140407/brazil-genetically-modified-mosquitoes-dengue

Blog 8: Health Warning in Britain from Pollution and Dust

Summary:
In London, due to air pollution and dust sweeping in from the Sahara, Britain issued a smog alert and a health warning. Increase in air pollution were reported in several parts of England. The health warning was mainly put in place for the elderly and for those with heart and lung problems. Increased levels of air pollution seem to mainly be coming from winds, dust from the Sahara, local emissions, cars, and factories. In Central London, levels of air pollution was reported to have a score of 6 on a scale of 1 to 10 in which 10 ranks very high.

Analysis:
Air problem seems to be an ever-growing issue, especially because I remember doing a current event with the same problem that was occurring in Paris about two weeks ago. This is a great concern and a global issue, which is mainly affecting nations that are urban with big cities. Developing nations may not have this issue yet, but as the world is becoming more and more modernized and industrialized with many factories being built even in rural areas, this could lead to serious problems. Considering the fact that air pollution is linked to causing health problems is also very concerning. Today, lifestyle diseases are the main cause of health problems and number one cause of death. I believe that pollution, although it is considered to be environmental, does have a lot to do with our lifestyle choice of using cars, and developing factories. I hope we will be able to come up with a solution to this issue because it could lead to serious issues for everyone.

Link:
http://www.nytimes.com/2014/04/03/world/europe/britain-pollution.html?ref=science&_r=0

Blog 7: Ebola Outbreak in Guinea From Consumption of Bats

Summary:
In Guinea, which is a nation located in West Africa, there has been an Ebola outbreak that killed a total of 63 people. Ebola is an infection and fatal disease, that cause fever and severe internal bleeding. The government of Guinea has decided to put a ban on bat soups, because bats are believed to have caused the disease. Bats are a popular food choice in West Africa, and it is often consumed as a choice of meat. Besides the direct consumption of bats, eating fruits contaminated by bat saliva or feces, along with consumption of apes that died of Ebola are thought to be the cause of the Ebola outbreak in Guinea.

Analysis:
This article shocked me to be completely honest. I was not aware that bats were consumed as a choice of meat in West Africa, let alone anywhere in the world. The outbreak of the Ebola virus is very frightening, considering the fact that this deadly and infectious disease was caused by consumption of bats. This shows how countries all over the world can be faced with potentials of catching different diseases and viruses based on their practice, such as food choice. I believe that the ban of bat soup placed by the government on Guinea was a step towards the right direction to prevent anymore outbreaks. However, whether the ban will be effective is unknown. For some people, bat meat may be the only source of meat that they have depending on many factors such as their geographical location or economic situation.

Link:
http://www.nytimes.com/2014/03/27/world/africa/guinea-government-bans-bat-soup-to-halt-ebola-outbreak.html?ref=science&_r=0

Blog 6: Driving Ban in Paris due to Pollution

Summary:
In Paris, air pollution levels were so high that the government imposed a driving ban, which applied to both private and public transportation. The ban lasted for a total of four days. About seven hundred police members were told to fine drivers who were defying the driving ban. This issue with pollution has been a concern in Paris for a while. Speed limit have been reduced and heavy trucks have been diverted from the region in effort to decrease pollution in the past. The high level of pollution is calling for serious measures because pollution matter can cause respiratory problems and discomfort when inhaled. Hospital visits have been increasing, especially among children. Due to the ban, pollution levels did fall back to average level.

Analysis:
For the government to take serious measures as to ban both private and public transportation shows how heavy this issue of pollution is. Considering the fact that hospital visits were increasing due to pollution in the atmosphere shows the negative impact it can have on our health. With technical advancement, industrialization, and modernization occurring in many places all over the world, pollution has been a big concern for many countries. The fact that the pollution levels were so high in Paris that the government had to place a driving ban, shows that this could happen to us anytime as well. This is both an environmental and health issue, which affects us as an entire nation. Although the pollution levels did go back down to average, this article has gotten me concerned about our future.

Link:
http://www.nytimes.com/2014/03/18/world/europe/fighting-pollution-paris-imposes-partial-driving-ban.html?ref=science&_r=0

Blog 5: Study in Switzerland Finds LSD to be Therapeutic

Summary:
There was a study conducted in Switzerland. On the therapeutic effects of the drug Lysergic acid diethylamide, LSD. Although LSD is an illegal drug, it is not been banned for the purpose of research.  All of the participants in the study were severely ill, with most of them having terminal cancer. The study showed that LSD had therapeutic effects, in which it decreased end-of-life anxiety for the participants. The study found that LSD help participants’ end-of-life anxiety improve by 20 percent, and they all agreed that it was worth doing. Due to the findings of this study, other hallucinogenic drugs such as Ecstasy are going to be considered for therapy use.

Analysis:
This article is very relevant to chapter five of the book for this course. The textbook talks about LSD being a mind-altering substance that cause "bad trips." The article corresponds to the text because it did mention during the treatment of the drug, the patients did experience negative vivid experiences, often causing them to weep. However, the article seems to focus more on the positive effects of the drug rather than these distress moments that the participants experienced.  With that being said, although their anxiety levels did decrease with the use of LSD, I do not know if this drug is safe for therapeutic use. Considering the fact that all of the participants in the study were terminally ill, there is no real way of knowing whether there are major side effects associated with long-term LSD use. Because the drug directly affects our mind and perception, damage to the brain or possibilities of a mental break down later should be considered.

Link:
http://www.nytimes.com/2014/03/04/health/lsd-reconsidered-for-therapy.html?ref=science&_r=0

Blog 4: Death from Cannabis in Germany

Summary:
     In Germany, two deaths have been reported due to cannabis use. The two young men were in their 20’s, both appeared healthy outwardly. However, their autopsies showed that they both had underlying heart problems. Cannabis use does increase heart rate or blood pressure when lying down, which may have cause their hearts to beat irregularly. Death from cannabis use is very rare so they are not considered to be toxic. Cannabis use is not usually not associated with death or physical problems. However, because of this incident, it is now being suggested to avoid cannabis use if you have heart problems.  

Analysis:
This article on cannabis relates to the chapter that we are covering in lecture this week. The article did not state whether the two men used the cannabis plant in the form of hashish or marijuana for drug use. Although cannabis is not known to be extremely harmful, it is very powerful when it is in the form of hashish, according to the chapter covered in the book. Also, many places are currently facing the decision of making marijuana legal. With that being said, the findings from the article about how a person’s cardiovascular health could be associated with some risks are very important. If the use of cannabis becomes legal all over the world, the risks must be considered with them as well. One of the top causes of death here in the United States is due to cardiovascular problems. With that being said, if use of cannabis becomes legal, then concern for the safety of use will definitely need to be evaluated.

Link:
http://news.yahoo.com/german-study-finds-cannabis-triggered-2-deaths-205335372.html

Blog 3: Germany posing risk for pharmaceutical companies

Summary:
Germany came into an agreement with drug makers to for discounted prices on medicine. However, making the discount prices public could affect pharmaceutical companies everywhere and risk the industry’s profits. Germany is trying to stop wholesalers and pharmacies basing margins on list prices rather than discount. Germany is known to be tough on pharmaceutical companies because they try to bargain and negotiate prices. However, pharmaceutical companies don’t want to do that because giving discount means price falling in other places, because other countries use Germany as a reference. This matter of price negotiation is so serious that Germany patients may not get access to new medicine in the future, because companies would be facing the risk of lowering prices in other places as well.

Analysis:
This matter of price negotiation in Germany seemed like a minor problem at first, but I quickly realized that it is a Global issue. Because many countries around the world base their drug and medicine prices using Germany as a reference, if they find out that Germany is receiving drugs at a discount, those countries will in turn want to purchase them at a discount as well. However, this will pose a problem for pharmaceutical companies because they will lose profit in the industry, which could mean that they will no longer be able to produce medicine. The fact that Germany demands discounted prices may drive pharmaceutical companies to avoid selling them new medicine, which will then affect the people there because they will not have any effective drugs to treat their patients. It seems to me that Germany’s attempt to get a discount will end up hurting someone whether that be themselves, other nations, or the pharmaceutical companies.

Link:
http://news.yahoo.com/germanys-stance-pricing-threatens-drug-070456398.html

Blog 2: Poor Nations Seek New Hepatitis C Drug

Summary:
Unlike wealthier nations, poor nations around the world do not have the access to cure hepatitis C, which is a viral disease that can cause liver damage and cancer. There are at least 150 million people in the world who have this disease. Hepatitis C can be cured with a pill called sofosbuvir, however it is very costly. Even here in the United States it costs over $80,000 per treatment. This is very costly and not many countries can afford treatment. However, the campaign of Doctors Without Borders stated that there is a possibility for a similar drug to be made for $250 or less, which would be much more affordable. If this happens, the next step for the campaign would be to get funding for the treatment, which would allow Doctors Without Borders to start treatment projects in poor countries.

Analysis:
Although it seems we are not facing the problem of not being able to afford the cost for treatment, the cost per treatment here in the United States is unbelievable. It does not surprise me that poor nations are not able to get treatment, and therefore have a higher rate of illness in their countries. The dependency theory is evident in this case. Without the assistance of Doctors Without Borders trying to put an effort to have the treatment drug made much cheaper and receive funding to be able to help the poor countries, they would not have any access to treatment. As a result, the poor nation would suffer because of the obvious reason that these poor nations are dependent on wealthier nations.

Link:
http://www.nytimes.com/2014/02/11/health/poor-nations-seek-new-hepatitis-c-drug.html?ref=science&_r=0

Blog 1: National Increase in Cancer

Summary:
There has been a prediction made by the World Health Organization (WHO) that global cancer cases will increase. Developing countries will be the most affected, with a possible 44 percent increase in cancer cases, compared to a 20 percent increase for wealthier countries. Researchers say that these increases will come from the world’s increase in population and aging. However, researchers also say that the increase in cases will come from preventable factors such as our lifestyle and the environment. Cancer can be linked to drinking, smoking, diet, radiation, and pollution. The WHO are encouraging government intervention for  strict restrictions on products such as highly processed food, sugar, and alcohol.

Analysis:
The prediction of increase in cancer cases over the next two decades is very disturbing. This is definitely a global issue because it will affect many people all over the world. Although the WHO are encouraging restriction on highly processed foods, I do not believe that will help. Looking at this from the Conflict Theory perspective, low-income countries and poorer people usually have no other choice but to purchase unhealthy foods because often times they are cheaper. Unequal access to resource is evident through this.  I believe that encouraging healthy eating will only be successful if prices on healthy, natural foods decrease and if it becomes accessible to more people. Perhaps investing in farming or encouraging people to grow their own food will make healthier foods more widely accessible. However, I know that this is easier said than done. Other factors contributing to the increase in number of cancer cases such as pollution and radiation will be harder to control because they are due to the environment.

Link:
http://thinkprogress.org/health/2014/02/06/3256511/world-health-cancer-rates/

Topic: Health

I chose Health as my topic because I would like to work in the medical field. I am a Human Development major and I am pre-med. I am interested in furthering my knowledge about global health.