Although it is a small country wedged between Ghana and Benin, the most common diseases in Togo can have a major impact on many.
The World Health Organization reported that in 2014, a little over five percent of the country’s GDP expenses went toward health. The organization also listed a 2015 data finding that males and females between 15 and 60 had slightly different death rates: 309 out of 1,000 people for men versus 266 out of 1,000 people for women.
HealthGrove further put this into perspective, highlighting that out of 100,00 people, 1,266 die yearly in Togo, and listed the country’s life expectancy at 60 years.
Of the common diseases in Togo, those that can be transferred (communicable diseases) are some of the most prevalent.
Diarrhea, lower respiratory and other common infectious diseases
These accounted for a little less than 20 percent of deaths overall and slightly over 30 percent of communicable diseases specifically. Compared to 1990, in 2013 lower respiratory infections, diarrheal diseases and meningitis all posed much lower threats of mortality.
HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis
These diseases led to between 14 and 15 percent of deaths overall and over 22 percent of communicable disease-related deaths. While tuberculosis’s threat of death has decreased since 1990, HIV/AIDS has increased substantially—by 1,038 percent.
Neglected tropical diseases and malaria
These made up 12 percent of deaths in general and almost 19 percent of deaths from communicable diseases.
Malaria, rabies and schistosomiasis death rates all fell from 1990.
Neonatal disorders
These accounted for 10 to 11 percent of deaths total and over 16 percent of mortality rates due to communicable disease.
Nutritional deficiencies
These led to about four percent of deaths in general and between 6 to 7 percent of deaths for communicable diseases.
In addition, diseases that cannot be transferred—non-communicable diseases—are among some of the common diseases in Togo.
Cardiovascular diseases
As the most common of the non-communicable diseases, these accounted for a little less than 11 percent of deaths overall and over 35 percent of NCD-related deaths. Stroke, ischemic heart disease and other cardiovascular/circulatory disease rates all fell from 1990.
Diabetes, urogenital, blood and endocrine diseases
In total, these only made up slightly more than five percent of deaths, but in terms of NCDs specifically, these increased to over 17 percent. While hemoglobinopathies and hemolytic anemias, as well as chronic kidney disease, both fell since 1990 (the latter only by one percent), diabetes mellitus actually increased by about 13 percent.
Cancer
Cancer led to over four percent of deaths in general and over 14 percent of NCD-related deaths. Liver, cervical and stomach cancers all fell by over 30 percent from 1990.
There are still a number of improvements that can be made. For 2015, Togo qualified as a low-income food-deficit country and only slightly less than 12 percent of its citizens used improved sanitation facilities that year.
However, about 63 percent of the population in the same year utilized improved water drinking sources, 85 percent of one-year old children had measles immunizations and the mortality rate of children below five years old fell from about 108 deaths per 1,000 live births in 2004 to 78.4 in 2015.
The WHO released a report in February of this year detailing a meningococcal disease outbreak, but listed methods undertaken to address the matter, including requests for vaccinations, support for management and surveillance and the training of health personnel.
Applying these same tactics to the communicable diseases listed may be beneficial. Other methods, like increasing knowledge on how to reduce the spread of disease, as well as improving access to clean water and other nutritional sources could also be key.
Furthermore, for non-communicable diseases—though some may be genetic—tactics like increased exercise and diet changes may yield a reduction in their prevalence.
The nation must still make specific improvements to ensure that its population is healthy. But judging by the fluctuations of common diseases in Togo, there is great hope for a decrease in their pervasiveness.
– Maleeha Syed
Photo: Flickr
Common Diseases in Togo
The World Health Organization reported that in 2014, a little over five percent of the country’s GDP expenses went toward health. The organization also listed a 2015 data finding that males and females between 15 and 60 had slightly different death rates: 309 out of 1,000 people for men versus 266 out of 1,000 people for women.
HealthGrove further put this into perspective, highlighting that out of 100,00 people, 1,266 die yearly in Togo, and listed the country’s life expectancy at 60 years.
Of the common diseases in Togo, those that can be transferred (communicable diseases) are some of the most prevalent.
Diarrhea, lower respiratory and other common infectious diseases
These accounted for a little less than 20 percent of deaths overall and slightly over 30 percent of communicable diseases specifically. Compared to 1990, in 2013 lower respiratory infections, diarrheal diseases and meningitis all posed much lower threats of mortality.
HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis
These diseases led to between 14 and 15 percent of deaths overall and over 22 percent of communicable disease-related deaths. While tuberculosis’s threat of death has decreased since 1990, HIV/AIDS has increased substantially—by 1,038 percent.
Neglected tropical diseases and malaria
These made up 12 percent of deaths in general and almost 19 percent of deaths from communicable diseases.
Malaria, rabies and schistosomiasis death rates all fell from 1990.
Neonatal disorders
These accounted for 10 to 11 percent of deaths total and over 16 percent of mortality rates due to communicable disease.
Nutritional deficiencies
These led to about four percent of deaths in general and between 6 to 7 percent of deaths for communicable diseases.
In addition, diseases that cannot be transferred—non-communicable diseases—are among some of the common diseases in Togo.
Cardiovascular diseases
As the most common of the non-communicable diseases, these accounted for a little less than 11 percent of deaths overall and over 35 percent of NCD-related deaths. Stroke, ischemic heart disease and other cardiovascular/circulatory disease rates all fell from 1990.
Diabetes, urogenital, blood and endocrine diseases
In total, these only made up slightly more than five percent of deaths, but in terms of NCDs specifically, these increased to over 17 percent. While hemoglobinopathies and hemolytic anemias, as well as chronic kidney disease, both fell since 1990 (the latter only by one percent), diabetes mellitus actually increased by about 13 percent.
Cancer
Cancer led to over four percent of deaths in general and over 14 percent of NCD-related deaths. Liver, cervical and stomach cancers all fell by over 30 percent from 1990.
There are still a number of improvements that can be made. For 2015, Togo qualified as a low-income food-deficit country and only slightly less than 12 percent of its citizens used improved sanitation facilities that year.
However, about 63 percent of the population in the same year utilized improved water drinking sources, 85 percent of one-year old children had measles immunizations and the mortality rate of children below five years old fell from about 108 deaths per 1,000 live births in 2004 to 78.4 in 2015.
The WHO released a report in February of this year detailing a meningococcal disease outbreak, but listed methods undertaken to address the matter, including requests for vaccinations, support for management and surveillance and the training of health personnel.
Applying these same tactics to the communicable diseases listed may be beneficial. Other methods, like increasing knowledge on how to reduce the spread of disease, as well as improving access to clean water and other nutritional sources could also be key.
Furthermore, for non-communicable diseases—though some may be genetic—tactics like increased exercise and diet changes may yield a reduction in their prevalence.
The nation must still make specific improvements to ensure that its population is healthy. But judging by the fluctuations of common diseases in Togo, there is great hope for a decrease in their pervasiveness.
– Maleeha Syed
Photo: Flickr
Common Diseases in Sweden
1. Cardiovascular Diseases
Ischemic heart disease is the most common form of heart disease in Sweden. The annual mortality rate from the diseases is 241.1 deaths per 100,000 people. A major contributor to ischemic heart diseases and other cardiovascular diseases is diabetes. About 6.9 percent of the population has diabetes. If current rates continue, 10.3 percent of Swedes will have diabetes by 2050. Major risk factors for diabetes and cardiovascular diseases include high blood pressure and cholesterol, smoking, stress, lack of exercise, poor eating habits and unhealthy weight. An estimated 31.1 percent of Swedes are physically inactive. Additionally, 59.2 percent are overweight and 22 percent are obese.
2. Respiratory Diseases
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is the most common form of respiratory disease and frequently undiagnosed. About 500,000 people in Sweden have the disease. Every year, about 3,000 people die from COPD. Age is a contributor to the disease as well as smoking. Despite a COPD diagnosis, many people continue to smoke until death. Studies have found that of those who die from COPD, 40 percent of women and 33 percent of men are still smokers.
3. Neoplasms
In 2011, the most common cancer sites in men were prostate (32.2 percent), skin excluding melanoma (10.8 percent), colon (6.9 percent), lung (6.5 percent) and urinary organs (6.5 percent). In women, the most frequent sites are breast (30.3 percent), skin excluding melanoma (9.1 percent), colon (7.6 percent), lung (6.5 percent) and melanoma (5.9 percent). Despite these rates, recent developments have shown that cancer patients living in Sweden are less likely to die of cancer compared to those living in other European countries. Cancer survival rates in Sweden are 64.7 percent. In northern Europe, the rate is 59.6 percent.
4. Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia
In 2012, an estimated 173,135 people in Sweden had dementia, accounting for 1.82 percent of the population. This is higher than the 1.55 percent average in the European Union. Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia contribute to 69.1 deaths per 100,000 people every year. Dementia is more common with increasing age. Rarely are people below 65 diagnosed with dementia.
5. Sexually Transmitted Infections
People in Sweden are more likely to be treated for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as chlamydia and gonorrhea than in other European countries. A major contributor to this problem is the lack of contraception use. Studies show that 50 percent of young adults in Sweden do not use condoms with new partners and 30 percent do not use any contraception.
Acknowledging and understanding these common diseases in Sweden is important for public health policy efforts in the country.
– Francesca Montalto
Photo: Flickr
Global Need Through Graphic Novels
Their first collaboration was “Living Level-3: Iraq” in February 2016, which followed Khaled Bushar, an Iraqi refugee, as he tries to survive in the country during the rise of the Islamic State. In 2017, their second graphic novel, “Living Level-3: South Sudan”, follows members of a Sudanese family who have to leave their home for a more dangerous place because of famine. Both graphic novels also revolve around Leila Helal, an aid worker for the WFP.
Before working on either graphic novel, Dysert spent time in both countries, classified by the United Nations as level 3 emergencies due to extreme humanitarian crises, interviewing the citizens and studying the area. He then worked with the rest of the creative team to devise graphic novels that present an honest and compelling picture of the situation in each country.
One of the benefits of illustrating global need through graphic novels is the ability to create an engaging story while informing the public about the country’s humanitarian situation. In an interview with Humanosphere, Dysert discussed how he wanted to present facts about what was going on in Iraq, but not in a dry medium like many documentaries. Graphic novels provide him with that opportunity, using illustrations and storytelling.
Another opportunity that results from highlighting global need through graphic novels is the scope that graphic novels can cover compared to other mediums. WFP’s head of television communications Jonathan Dumont and head of graphic design and publishing Cristina Ascone have talked about how graphic novels provide an overall picture of everything involved with the crisis, from the citizens to the governments to the aid organizations and beyond. Details like these are harder to notice when looking at a photograph or watching a short video.
Illustrating global need through graphic novels also provides more opportunities for empathy. As discussed by Mashable, the readers get to know the characters, their personalities and their relationships. Therefore, the readers are more invested in what happens to those characters when the hardships of living in their communities occur. They wish for a better life for those characters and praise the efforts of the aid organizations. A final benefit that comes from describing global aid through graphic novels is that it promotes global advocacy to a new audience.
WFP is already working on a third “Living Level-3” graphic novel. Their dedication to explaining global need through graphic novels will hopefully spark an interest in global issues in others.
– Cortney Rowe
Photo: Flickr
The READ Act Passes into Law
The bill was first introduced in the House back in January by Rep. Nita Lowey (D-NY). After much consideration, the READ Act finally passed the Senate on Aug. 1. The bill, originally titled the Education for All Act, was first introduced in 2004 by Congresswoman Lowey and then-Senator Hillary Clinton.
The READ Act was the legislative vehicle to allow rapid expansion of federal spending for the disaster-relief fund. The READ Act was ideal for this alteration. It had already passed both legislative bodies, making it exempt from the customary back-and-forth procedures to which bill amendments are subjected. Considering the recent catastrophic hurricanes and other natural disasters, there has been a desperate need for accelerated assistance to be enacted. Thanks to the expedited amendments made to the READ Act, an additional $7.4 billion has been allocated for disaster relief.
Senators Marco Rubio (R-FL) and Dick Durbin (D-IL), authors of companion legislation, praised the bipartisan legislation. Not only will the bill improve learning conditions for the 260 million out-school-children, but also counter-terrorism efforts. Indeed, countries in which education is poorest breed the kind of conditions in which extremist threats are most likely to fester. It is not coincidence that nations with the worst economic conditions and education systems are where the greatest threats of terrorism are witnessed. Sen. Durbin said of the bill, “this bipartisan achievement will help unleash the potential of children across the globe and arm them with the necessary tools to break the cycles of poverty, violence and extremism.”
Likewise, both Senators applaud the aspects of the READ Act that particularly address the needs of school-aged girls. Struggling, impoverished countries often face high levels of gender inequality, leaving many girls excluded from the classroom. Studies have shown that for every year girls remain in the classroom their potential future earnings increase by 15 to 25 percent. This staggering statistic demonstrates the power and necessity of providing children with the opportunities inherent with access to basic education.
The Borgen Project has advocated tirelessly for the READ Act since its introduction in the House. Rep. Dave Reichert (R-WA), member of the Borgen Project’s board of directors, was the first Member of Congress to co-sponsor the bill. The Borgen Project has mobilized more than 5,300 emails from constituents to congressional leaders in support of the bill. Furthermore, supporters of The Borgen Project held 138 lobbying meetings with congressional offices in efforts to pass the bill. Now, months of diligent activism have paid off in this exciting achievement for the world’s poor. With the READ Act passed into law, the U.S. is one step closer to achieving sustainable global economic growth.
– Micaela Fischer
Some of the Most Common Diseases in Hungary
Although most Hungarians are not drastically poor, 14.6 percent of the population is living below the poverty line. Compared to the European Union average rate of 17.2 percent, Hungarians are faring slightly better. However, 44 percent of Hungarians cannot afford to pay for all of their basic resources, well above the EU average of 19.5 percent.
The life expectancy from birth in Hungary is 76 years, a relatively high number when taking into consideration that a large portion of the population is deprived of some of the basic necessities for life.
Here are some examples of the most common diseases in Hungary that affect its residents.
1. Cardiovascular diseases
Diseases related to the heart are among the most common causes of death in Hungary. Approximately 60,000 people die from cardiovascular illnesses annually. It is not surprising that high systolic blood pressure and cholesterol are also high-risk factors in Hungary.
The most common of the various cardiovascular diseases in Hungary is ischemic heart disease. Strokes, myocarditis and other cardiovascular diseases have been decreasing within the past few years, though.
2. Cancer
As in America, cancer is one of the most common diseases in Hungary. This chronic illness makes up about 27 percent of the non-communicable diseases in Hungary, just behind cardiovascular issues.
The most prevalent type of cancers for Hungarians are those in the respiratory system: tracheal, bronchus and lung cancer. Deaths caused by pancreatic cancer have risen 32 percent since 1990 and kill about 20 people out of 100,000 annually.
3. Diarrhea and lower respiratory diseases
The most common and fatal communicable diseases in Hungary are diarrhea and lower respiratory illnesses. These infections account for about 68% of the total communicable diseases in Hungary.
Although diarrheal diseases have only taken the lives of 1.2 people out of 100,000 annually, the problem is still significant and should be solved. Many other infectious diseases like meningitis and tetanus have decreased dramatically.
– Sydney Missigman
Photo: Google
The Positive Perspective on Tourism in Developing Countries
One important aspect that contributes to a more positive outlook on tourism is the attitude of both tourists and locals regarding foreign travel. Leaders of countries with successful tourism industries tend to emphasize certain ground rules to encourage the community to view the tourists as a source of wealth creation, not of charity. This attitude contributes to a more healthy relationship between tourists and locals and fosters more respectful interactions instead of a transactional relationship.
In Rwanda, the majority of the country’s revenue comes from wealthy safari tours and other tourism cooperatives. The natives have welcomed tourism as a large contributor to their economy and a necessary part of life.
The life of Mukasinadere, a member of a weaving cooperative in Rwanda, has been completely changed by the tours. Working as a weaver and selling baskets to tourists, she is now able to pay for her family’s basic needs. As a result of these cooperatives, the economy in Rwanda is flourishing, food is abundant and mortality rates have decreased substantially.
Aside from financial improvements, tourism also has positive effects on infrastructure development. Tourism encourages local customs, artwork and festivals which contribute to a better cultural understanding for both tourists and locals.
Facilities in areas with high tourist traffic are often much more high-quality, not to mention more sanitary, than local facilities which increases the quality of life and health for locals. Environmental tourism encourages wildlife and nature preservation in addition to providing funding for these causes that might not have received allocations otherwise.
While tourism in developing countries is a controversial and often stigmatized topic of discussion, it is important to remember the positives that tourism affords for the local community and aspects of cultural acceptance.
– Sarah Coiro
Photo: Pixabay
Five Facts About Common Diseases in Palau
Although it is disheartening to see development tied to a slew of new diseases and causes of death, NCDs are fortunately preventable as they are chiefly associated with lifestyle choices. Palau’s Ministry of Health is clearly aware of these health problems and is taking necessary and effective steps toward making progress in controlling them, including developing a comprehensive five-year plan.
– Sophie Nunnally
Photo: Google
Jordan Poverty Rate Increases with Refugee Crisis
The Jordan poverty rate has taken some hits in recent years, with high unemployment and weak economic growth. Job growth is a particular challenge in the area. In 2016, unemployment was at 15.3 percent.
The World Bank reported that in April that there are over 650,000 Syrian refugees currently in Jordan, which has put a strain on the country’s economy.
Economic growth has slowed in recent years. In 2016, Jordan’s economic growth saw a slight decrease, from 2.4 percent in 2015 to 2 percent. The ongoing Syrian crisis and the closure of export routes to Iraq and Syria have contributed to the country’s state of minimal growth.
However, the Jordan poverty rate is expected to see improvement in the coming years. The World Bank reports that Jordan should see a 2.3 percent growth rate for 2017, and an average rate of growth of 2.6 percent between 2017 and 2019.
According to data from the World Bank, Jordan’s GDP is approximately $38.655 billion. Its population is approaching 9.5 million.
As of 2010, the poverty headcount ratio at national poverty lines was approximately 14.4 percent, according to data from the World Bank.
According to a report from the World Bank, Jordan has undergone massive reforms in respect to education, health services, privatization and liberalization.
Additionally, social protection systems and reformed subsidies have been introduced by the country’s government. While issues of investment and business exchanges are still present, these improvements have positively influenced the region’s economy and poverty rate.
Jordan’s proximity to major conflicts in the area has put a major strain on the country’s economy. However, Jordan’s government has major improvements in the works that will benefit the economy and the Jordan poverty rate.
– Leah Potter
Photo: Flickr
Project CASITA Helps Infants and Toddlers in Peru
Community health workers aid the mothers and teach them activities to do with their children to encourage mobility and language development. The community health workers help parents design toys to exercise their infants’ tongues and play games to promote language development. Toddlers also work on picking up small objects to develop their fine motor skills. Some health workers meet parents weekly in their home and other parents attend education sessions at a central location. Health workers and caregivers typically work together for three months.
Grand Challenges Canada helps to support Project CASITA. Initially, Grand Challenges Canada provided a grant of $199,000. In May 2016, they provided a second grant to help Partners in Health expand the program to reach 3,000 children. In order to successfully expand, 30 additional community health workers were trained.
Partners in Health also cooperates with the Peruvian Ministry of Health to ensure programs are integrated and sustainable on the community and municipal levels.
Project CASITA supports families in other ways as well. They provide food baskets and mental health services. Families also receive help in applying for national identification cards which grant them access to a variety of public services.
– Sarah Denning
Photo: Flickr
The Fight for Equal Human Rights in Latvia
Latvia has a large number of stateless individuals – over 250,000 of the population. These people, many of whom are children, are not recognized as citizens of Latvia and do not enjoy many of the benefits that come with being a citizen. A lot of these stateless people are ethnic Russians who have difficulty becoming citizens of Latvia due to discrimination.
Discrimination against Russians carries over to many aspects of daily life. People who are not citizens of Latvia endure heavy restrictions in the professional world and are also limited regarding land ownership. Several people have been fired from positions due to possessing an unsatisfactory mastery of the Latvian language. Recently, the mayor of the capital of Latvia was fined for using Russian in a media post. This discriminatory behavior creates a barrier to achieving equal human rights in Latvia.
The U.N. has also raised concern about human rights in Latvia for the disabled. These concerns are specifically regarding the mentally disabled, and representatives for human rights have insisted the Latvian government prioritize the education of disabled children.
Latvia has the EU and the U.N. to hold them accountable for the preservation of human rights, and these organizations have certainly being doing so. While many issues create barriers to attaining the equal treatment of all people, Latvia continues to create reform to try to combat these issues – though there are definitely some areas still needing work. As long as the country is held accountable for its treatment of people, surely progress will be made.
– Julia Mccartney
Photo: Flickr