The World Health Organization (WHO) Centre for Health Development, also known as WHO Kobe Centre (WKC), invited Japan-based research institutes to submit proposals designed to strengthen universal health coverage for aging populations and address the top diseases in Japan.
The proposals are expected to address one or a combination of issues, including the integration of community-based care systems, technological innovations, the need for human resources, and prevention of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs). NCDs are long-term diseases that are not caused by infectious agents and progress slowly, such as cancer and cardiovascular diseases.
Japan’s Top Non-Communicable Diseases
In 2015, the population of Japan reached 128.3 million and the nation had a death rate of 1,100 for every 100,000 people. According to the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHEM), from 2005 to 2015, the top diseases in Japan were cerebrovascular disease, Ischemic heart disease, and Alzheimer’s disease.
Cerebrovascular disease is a generic term for a variety of health conditions, all of which directly limit or cease blood flow to the brain. From 2005 to 2015, fatal cases increased by 15.4 percent in Japan. Atherosclerosis is the most common form of cerebrovascular disease, developing from high cholesterol levels and inflammation in the carotid arteries. Cholesterol collects along the artery walls, forming a barrier of plaque and restricting blood flow. Risk factors include smoking, obesity, diabetes, and hypertension.
Ischemic heart disease is caused by the reduction of blood supply to the heart. Between 2005 and 2015, deaths caused by Ischemic heart disease increased by 24.4 percent. Plaque accumulates inside the coronary arteries, slowly decreasing blood flow. Blood flow restriction and plaque ruptures often lead to a heart attack. Risk factors for ischemic heart disease include smoking, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes and obesity.
Alzheimer’s disease is irreversible and progresses through the brain slowly, eventually destroying the ability to complete the simplest tasks. From 2005 to 2015, Alzheimer’s had the largest increase in fatal cases at 56.2 percent. The cause of this diseases is not fully understood, however, there are common factors. Alzheimer’s disease typically affects elderly men and women, people with the ApoE-e4 gene, and in some cases, individuals with vascular conditions such as stroke, high blood pressure, and heart disease.
How Diet Affects These Diseases
Cardiovascular and chronic respiratory diseases are the top NDCs caused by dietary risks. A diet rich in antioxidants and grains is necessary to prevent these and other health-related diseases. Traditionally, Japanese food is relatively low in fat, but high in sodium. High levels of sodium directly affect the cardiovascular system, potentially leading to stroke, heart disease, and heart failure. The nutritional value of a Japanese diet — primarily based on wheat, rice, fish, and soy — lacks vital nutrients found in nuts and whole grains.
High blood pressure contributes to many of the top diseases in Japan. Exercising daily and eating a healthy diet are vital to reducing high blood pressure. A variety of multigrain and whole-grain products, such as oats and bran, can help lower blood pressure. A diet plan known as Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH), is based on the National Institute of Health (NIH) research to lower blood pressure without the use of medication. The DASH diet primarily focuses on eliminating sodium and dairy and increasing consumption of vegetables, fruits, nuts, beans, seeds, and whole grains.
Advanced health and social services for aging populations are critical components to sustaining universal health coverage. The Japan Times reports that elderly people aged 65 or older make up 26.7 percent of the total population. This percentage is predicted to rise, altering the demographic structure of Japan and the need for medical care. The WKC’s primary objective is to create, “more sustainable and inclusive policies and programs for aging populations”, which is vital to achieving a complete understanding and potential cure for the top diseases in Japan.
– Madison O’Connell
Photo: Flickr
Why Are Child Soldiers Used In War?
The use of child soldiers in war is a persistent issue, despite ongoing international efforts to stop the practice. The U.N. defines a child soldier as anyone under age 18 who is recruited or used by an armed force or group in any capacity. The International Criminal Court further designates recruiting or using children under age 15 as a war crime. Yet, military groups continue to recruit children because they are cheap and manipulable.
Many children are forced to join military groups at a young age. Child soldiers are also easier to manipulate and force into conflict. Recruiters typically target children from troubled areas or conflict zones, likely accustomed to violence and with fewer educational or work opportunities.
Other children join military groups voluntarily to flee poverty, gain protection, or to connect with something resembling a family. Military organizations are viewed as a safe and secure group of comrades, distant from their difficult lives.
There are several roles that militant groups fill with child soldiers. In many cases, children participate directly in conflict, but they can also be used for other dangerous support roles. Many are porters who carry heavy loads of ammunition or injured soldiers, while others are lookouts or cooks. Girls are often forced to be sex slaves.
Participating in armed conflict has significant consequences for the physical and emotional development of children. Many endure abuse and witness extreme violence or death. Even worse, they are forced to commit horrific acts, resulting in lifelong psychological distress. Child soldiers also have a higher risk of sexual abuse by adults or other children. These children are plagued by depression, anxiety, insomnia and numerous other health issues.
While the issue of child soldiers remains daunting, progress is being made to reduce the practice across the globe. UNICEF created a campaign in 2014 called “Children, Not Soldiers” aimed towards global prevention of the use of child soldiers. The campaign focuses on seven countries: Afghanistan, Chad, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Myanmar, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen. Thousands of soldiers have been released and introduced back into civilian life because of the campaign.
National campaigns have also helped countries make significant strides towards reducing the use of child soldiers. Countries have implemented disarmament, demobilization and reintegration programs to make a change. Stopping such an ingrained practice and rehabilitating children who have grown up in conflict is a difficult task. However, these programs represent a strong effort to stop the recruitment and use of child soldiers.
– Lindsay Harris
Photo: Flickr
Water Quality in Madagascar
Many who hear the word ‘Madagascar‘, think of the family-friendly animated movie with dancing lions, lemurs, and other wild animals. This association overlooks the 22.9 million people who lack access to safe water in the country ranked fourth-worst in water quality in Africa.
Water is a basic necessity for survival, and 88 percent of people in Madagascar do not have access to improved sanitation. Over 2,100 children a year die from diarrhea because of unsafe and poor water quality in Madagascar.
Child mortality rates are 10 times higher in Madagascar than in the U.K. Sixty-six percent of people who live in urban areas have access to safe drinking water, but less than 15 percent of people in the rural area have access to such a luxury, only intensifying poverty in Madagascar.
Families who live in isolated villages do not have access to clean drinking water. Wells are contaminated with bacteria and viruses, and those who drink that water are exposing themselves to diseases. Most have no alternative to drinking the contaminated water.
Malalatiana Rasoanisina, a young Madagascar resident, explains that, “Twice a day I have to [collect water], it gave me a stomach ache as that water was yellow. I couldn’t go to school and had to go to the doctor.”
Organizations Working to Improve Water Quality
Madagascar receives about 449 billion m3 of water per year. So why is the water quality in Madagascar so unsanitary?
Madagascar’s government was not formally set up until a few years ago, which means that the nation was lacking the political or economic basis to provide solutions to the water problems. The nation has been relying on help from international organizations such as the International Development Association (IDA) and the Water & Sanitation for the Urban Poor (WSUP).
Even with the recent establishment of a formal government, people still face poor water quality in Madagascar. The public water and electricity company in the nation, JIRAMA (Jiro Sy Rano Malagasy), only covers a few areas of the nation, and JIRAMA faces an estimated debt of $27 million due to low water tariffs.
All people in Madagascar deserve clean water. Organizations such as the WSUP have been doing great work to help keep supply clean. They’ve helped improve water quality for over 700,000 people, improve sanitation services for over 180,000 people, and helped to improve hygiene practices for over 2.7 million.
Although many productive advancements have occurred in Madagascar, there remains a great deal of work ahead for the nation’s people. Many still need help and support, both inside and outside of the nation. Developed countries with safe, established water sanitation systems need to help Madagascar provide sanitary water to its people.
– Mary Waller
Photo: Flickr
10 Important Facts to Know About Refugees in Thailand
The 1951 Refugee Convention and its 1967 protocol established a legal framework that implemented rights for refugees. To date, 145 state parties have ratified this agreement; however, Thailand is not one of these countries and provides no legal protection to refugees and asylum-seekers. Currently, there are more than 100,000 refugees in Thailand. Discussed below are 10 facts about the lives and circumstances of refugees in Thailand.
Top 10 Facts on Refugees in Thailand
While the TRG still does not provide legal rights or protection to refugees, it has taken steps toward eliminating the stateless status of refugees and assisting them in resettling in other countries or safely returning to Myanmar. The TRG has pledged not only to eliminate statelessness by 2024 but at the 2016 U.N. Leaders’ Summit on Refugees it also pledged to provide better skills training opportunities for refugees, coupled with employment opportunities.
– Nicole Toomey
Photo: Flickr
Cutting-Edge Apps Improve the Quality of Life in Africa
The mobile phone continues to be one of the best weapons in the fight against global poverty. According to Global Mobile Suppliers Association (GSMA), currently six in ten individuals worldwide have cell phone access, and most of those people reside in developing countries where basic living necessities such as clean water are scarce. In Africa, up to 93 percent of the population has access to cell phones. This access provides opportunities for organizations to design anti-poverty programs, and as a result, their cutting-edge apps improve the quality of life.
Earlier this month, the Red Cross Society of Côte d’Ivoire (RCSCI) debuted its RCSCI mobile app with a threefold purpose: to improve living conditions, bolster healthcare programs and assist authorities with enforcing international humanitarian law compliance. It boasts features including regular updates on volunteer projects and educational posts on how and where to donate blood. It also provides 24-hour emergency alert notifications, ensuring that response time is quicker than ever after a natural disaster.
“We are thrilled with the launch of our new app, and the opportunity to provide aid to those in need and improve humanitarian efforts throughout the region,” RCSCI secretary general Emmanuel Kouadio stated.
The RCSCI provides one of many examples of how groundbreaking apps improve the quality of life in Africa. Last month Nigeria began a new program called “SMS for Life 2.0.” Designed as one part of a comprehensive information communications technology (ICT) development initiative, the program focuses on improving healthcare for Nigerian citizens by monitoring the availability of medicine and improving the safe delivery of drugs. The program is being implemented in each of the 36 Nigerian states and is already in use at more than 250 facilities.
In addition to SMS for Life 2.0, app designer Vodacom has created a school management program using mobile technology to provide reliable, quality meals for students and is planned for use in 4,000 schools across Nigeria’s Kaduna State. Chief Officer of Vodacom Business Vuyani Jarana recently told IT News Africa, “Vodacom is taking the lead in leveraging mobile technology to address healthcare, education and agricultural challenges in Africa.”
Both RCSCI and Vodacom are continuing to broaden their programs in efforts to eliminate poverty, with a focus on the future of agriculture as the next phase of development. Eventually, it is hoped that near-universal access to mobile technology will alleviate the lack of access to other vital resources in Africa.
– Dan Krajewski
Photo: Flickr
How the Red iPhone 7 Fights AIDS
Recently, Apple released a special edition of its iPhone 7 in collaboration with Product Red, a licensed brand owned by (RED). The red iPhone 7 fights AIDS, as each purchase contributes to the Global Fund to support HIV/AIDS programs and contributes to the goal of an AIDS-free generation.
The device’s bold finish was created in recognition of more than 10 years of partnership between Apple and (RED). “Since we began working with (RED) 10 years ago, our customers have made a significant impact in fighting the spread of AIDS through the purchase of our products, from the original iPod nano Product Red Special Edition all the way to today’s lineup of Beats products and accessories for iPhone, iPad and Apple Watch,” Apple CEO Tim Cook said.
Made available to order online worldwide and in stores March 24, the red iPhone 7 fights AIDS through its ties with the Global Fund. Founded in 2002, the Global Fund is a partnership organization between governments, civil society and the private sector to the AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria epidemics. Apple is the world’s largest corporate donor to the Global Fund and has contributed more than $130 million through its partnership with (RED). The distribution of the Product Red iPhone achieves a global reach of the world’s most loved smartphone, while providing access to life-saving medication in disadvantaged countries, allowing customers the unique opportunity to make a difference through a single purchase.
The various (RED) HIV/AIDS programs are centered mainly in sub-Saharan Africa, home to more than two-thirds of the world’s HIV-positive population. Since (RED)’s launch, it has generated $465 million to support the Global Fund and impacted 90 million people through HIV/AIDS grants in Ghana, Kenya, Lesotho, Rwanda, South Africa, Swaziland, Tanzania, and Zambia. One hundred percent of all money raised by (RED) goes directly to Global Fund HIV/AIDS grants that provide testing, counseling, treatment, and prevention programs with a specific focus on eliminating transmission of the virus from mothers to their babies.
While the latest release of the familiar Apple product might seem like yet another technological addition, the greater cause behind it is certainly worth significant attention. The red iPhone 7 fights AIDS by delivering tangible forms of aid and treatment for individuals affected, emphasizing how even a pocket-sized object can have an immense impact on those in need.
– Mikaela Frigillana
Photo: Flickr
The Importance of Diet for the Top Diseases In Japan
The World Health Organization (WHO) Centre for Health Development, also known as WHO Kobe Centre (WKC), invited Japan-based research institutes to submit proposals designed to strengthen universal health coverage for aging populations and address the top diseases in Japan.
The proposals are expected to address one or a combination of issues, including the integration of community-based care systems, technological innovations, the need for human resources, and prevention of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs). NCDs are long-term diseases that are not caused by infectious agents and progress slowly, such as cancer and cardiovascular diseases.
Japan’s Top Non-Communicable Diseases
In 2015, the population of Japan reached 128.3 million and the nation had a death rate of 1,100 for every 100,000 people. According to the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHEM), from 2005 to 2015, the top diseases in Japan were cerebrovascular disease, Ischemic heart disease, and Alzheimer’s disease.
Cerebrovascular disease is a generic term for a variety of health conditions, all of which directly limit or cease blood flow to the brain. From 2005 to 2015, fatal cases increased by 15.4 percent in Japan. Atherosclerosis is the most common form of cerebrovascular disease, developing from high cholesterol levels and inflammation in the carotid arteries. Cholesterol collects along the artery walls, forming a barrier of plaque and restricting blood flow. Risk factors include smoking, obesity, diabetes, and hypertension.
Ischemic heart disease is caused by the reduction of blood supply to the heart. Between 2005 and 2015, deaths caused by Ischemic heart disease increased by 24.4 percent. Plaque accumulates inside the coronary arteries, slowly decreasing blood flow. Blood flow restriction and plaque ruptures often lead to a heart attack. Risk factors for ischemic heart disease include smoking, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes and obesity.
Alzheimer’s disease is irreversible and progresses through the brain slowly, eventually destroying the ability to complete the simplest tasks. From 2005 to 2015, Alzheimer’s had the largest increase in fatal cases at 56.2 percent. The cause of this diseases is not fully understood, however, there are common factors. Alzheimer’s disease typically affects elderly men and women, people with the ApoE-e4 gene, and in some cases, individuals with vascular conditions such as stroke, high blood pressure, and heart disease.
How Diet Affects These Diseases
Cardiovascular and chronic respiratory diseases are the top NDCs caused by dietary risks. A diet rich in antioxidants and grains is necessary to prevent these and other health-related diseases. Traditionally, Japanese food is relatively low in fat, but high in sodium. High levels of sodium directly affect the cardiovascular system, potentially leading to stroke, heart disease, and heart failure. The nutritional value of a Japanese diet — primarily based on wheat, rice, fish, and soy — lacks vital nutrients found in nuts and whole grains.
High blood pressure contributes to many of the top diseases in Japan. Exercising daily and eating a healthy diet are vital to reducing high blood pressure. A variety of multigrain and whole-grain products, such as oats and bran, can help lower blood pressure. A diet plan known as Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH), is based on the National Institute of Health (NIH) research to lower blood pressure without the use of medication. The DASH diet primarily focuses on eliminating sodium and dairy and increasing consumption of vegetables, fruits, nuts, beans, seeds, and whole grains.
Advanced health and social services for aging populations are critical components to sustaining universal health coverage. The Japan Times reports that elderly people aged 65 or older make up 26.7 percent of the total population. This percentage is predicted to rise, altering the demographic structure of Japan and the need for medical care. The WKC’s primary objective is to create, “more sustainable and inclusive policies and programs for aging populations”, which is vital to achieving a complete understanding and potential cure for the top diseases in Japan.
– Madison O’Connell
Photo: Flickr
Education in Poland
Over the last two decades, public education in Poland has been seriously reformed, and today it is one of the best-performing educational systems in Europe and across the world.
Education in Poland began changing in the late 1990s after Miroslaw Handke took on the role of Poland’s minister of education. Amanda Ripley reports that Handke publicly announced his plans for change, stating, “We have to move the entire system — push it out of its equilibrium so that it will achieve a new equilibrium.”
Through a modernized core curriculum and regulated standardized testing, allowing school administrators to recognize areas of improvement and identify struggling students, this new equilibrium was achieved. Teachers were granted more freedom in implementing their own curricula and choosing textbooks, so long as they tailored their courses to meet national requirements.
Also, the transition of students into vocational schools was delayed by a year. This places a stronger focus on the general curriculum compared to specialized skills. Reading, writing and arithmetic are the focal points of education, as well as studying a foreign language.
There has been a change in jurisdiction from central government to local government in regard to education. This provides local authorities with increased control over budgeting. The development of new schools resulted in increased learning opportunities for more students.
Today, Poland ranks 13th in reading, 18th in mathematics, and 22nd in science worldwide, according to a 2015 OECD education report known as PISA (Programme for International Student Assessment). Student performance in these subjects has significantly improved since 2003, when the country either matched or fell below the OECD average.
Surprisingly, Poland has been able to accomplish all this by spending only five percent of its GDP, or roughly $5,000 per student annually. The U.S., by contrast, spends about three times as much, yet still ranks below Poland.
Despite these advancements, there is still room for progress. The OECD reports indicate an educational gap between students of lower classes and those of higher classes, which could be improved through more early childhood public education programs. In addition, there is a need to strengthen students’ capacity to problem-solve. By building on its achievements, education in Poland will continue to improve, serving as a global model.
– Genevieve T. DeLorenzo
Photo: Flickr
MLB Aims to Improve Water Quality in the Dominican Republic
The Dominican Republic is full of rich history, widely recognized for its tourism, beautiful beaches and elegant resorts. Most importantly, the Dominican Republic is known for baseball. Among a population exceeding 10 million, baseball has continued to flourish, responsible for the growth and development of many former and current professional baseball players, including David Ortiz, Robinson Cano and Sammy Sosa. Apart from this distinction, the Dominican Republic has experienced extreme poverty, and half of the population has no access to clean water.
In an effort to improve water quality in the Dominican Republic, the Major League Baseball Players Trust has taken the initiative to give back and make a difference in the lives of many families. As a charitable foundation allowing the opportunity for players to support important causes, it helps in alleviating global issues and encourages others to join the fight in making a difference around the world.
In partnership with the Players Trust, Esperanza International aims to free families from poverty through efforts of generating income, education and health, and restoring self-worth and dignity to those who have become hopeless. This nonprofit was founded by former MLB player Dave Valle, who witnessed first-hand the poverty-stricken regions of the country while playing winter ball in the Dominican Republic.
From September through December 2016, 76 loans were distributed to first-time borrowers through the grants provided by the Players Trust. Esperanza estimates that these loans will impact at least 380 lives in several neglected areas, including North Santo Domingo, West Santo Domingo and San Pedro de Macoris.
In addition, Esperanza operates two water purification projects with funding from the Players Trust: 7 Veces de Vida and Agua Life. Together, these two projects will provide area residents with close to 25,000 gallons of clean and affordable drinking water every month.
Many other organizations have made efforts to enhance water quality in the Dominican Republic. The Nature Conservancy is introducing water funds, which provide a way for the cities, industries and individuals to invest in sustainable fresh water sources.
In 2013, two important funds were established in the Dominican Republic. The first fund supports the watersheds, which include rivers, streams and lakes that supply fresh water. The other fund focuses on the largest river system in the country, the Yacque del Norte. According to The Nature Conservancy, both funds provide water to more than 60 percent of people living in the Dominican Republic.
Through these philanthropic efforts, the future looks promising for further improving water quality in the Dominican Republic. Alongside these endeavors, Major League Baseball continues to innovate new ways to enhance the living conditions for many families across this hopeful country.
– Brandon Johnson
Photo: Flickr
5 Great Education Systems and Why They Work
Though no perfect educational system exists, many countries could learn from the following five countries to improve their own education systems, resulting in better math and science skills.
– Emma Majewski
Photo: Flickr
5 Facts About Mexican Slums
It’s no secret that President Trump has some choice words associated with Mexico, “wall” being one of the most frequently used. The President’s plans to complicate American ties with Mexico could have devastating effects on Mexico’s poor. Cutting back on economic ties with our southern neighbor could mean speeding up the economic degradation of Mexico’s poorest communities, exacerbating the issue of Mexican slums.
Top 5 Facts About Mexican Slums
– Mary Grace Costa
Photo: Flickr