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Regulation of PFAS in the EU: Tackling Health Risks and Protecting Communities

Regulation of PFAS in the EUPFAS, or “forever chemicals,” are a growing concern in the European Union due to their harmful impact on both human health and the environment. Regulation of PFAS in the EU is accelerating to help control negative health outcomes and prevent further contamination of the environment. This article explores the latest developments in PFAS regulation and litigation and the broader implications for public health and vulnerable communities in the EU.

Background

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) is the umbrella name for a group of more than 7 million human-made and naturally occurring chemicals. This group of chemicals is known for its persistence in the environment gaining the nickname of “forever chemicals.” Over the past few years, PFAS have come to the spotlight in European media following extensive class actions against producers in the U.S. since the late 1990s.

It is a subset of several thousand human-made PFAS which are of particular concern in Europe today for their negative impacts on human health. These health impacts include increased incidences of cancer, pregnancy complications and potentially, diseases of organs such as the thyroid and kidneys.

Harmful PFAS (such as PFOS and PFOAS) are a global problem, accumulating in environments and living beings. The Stockholm Convention sought to regulate several types of PFAS, beginning in 2009 and expanding to regulate what is currently a handful of the chemicals worldwide. Globally, 99% of humans (including fetuses) have measurable levels of forever chemicals in their bloodstream.

The European PFAS Problem

Europe has a legacy of several large production sites where forever chemicals were used heavily in industry. There are also large sites where PFAS presence in firefighting foam has caused significant contamination of groundwater and surrounding soil. In a Europe-wide investigation from French news platform Le Monde and The Forever Pollution Project, PFAS contamination was detected at 23,000 sites. A further 21,500 sites had presumed contamination which had not yet been tested for, and over 2,300 sites contained concentrations of specific PFAS at which there was hazard to human health.

Little EU-specific work has investigated the impacts of harmful forever chemicals on specific groups. According to the research conducted by the author of this article, many (though not all) European industrial sites which have historic, or present PFAS production activities are situated near lower-income communities. It is a concern that people living in these areas may be disproportionately affected by the chemicals compared to those living in higher socio-economic conditions.

Furthermore, negative health outcomes from harmful PFAS exposure have been shown to accumulate faster in children. This includes impacts on the immune system and a child’s lowered ability to fight childhood infections. Lower birth weights for babies born from women with high levels of harmful PFAS exposure can also result in secondary complications of developmental problems and poorer health in later life. This outcome was comparable to associations drawn between premature births to mothers with high exposure to tobacco.

Regulating PFAS in the EU

Regulation of PFAS in the EU enjoys a relatively transparent process which began with the Stockholm Convention. It gained real traction following the 2023 submission of a “REACH” restriction proposal on forever chemicals by Denmark, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway and Sweden to the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA).

REACH is an EU regulation aiming to protect human and environmental health from chemical risks while also seeking to uphold a competitive EU chemicals industry. The regulation establishes standards of assessment, registration and compliance evaluation within EU manufacturing and imports.

As of 2025, REACH revisions have accelerated the dates of restrictions of some harmful types of PFAS in certain EU industries and led to faster safety measure implementations. Regulation of PFAS in the EU is also approaching total bans on consumer products such as cosmetics and food packaging, in line with similar developments within the US. Cleantech and health care companies will not be a part of the EU regulatory ban but see stricter regulation instead as the chemicals are still essential in these industries. The hope is for safer use of forever chemicals in present and future production.

Rise of EU PFAS Litigation

As well as an increase in regulation of PFAS in the EU, there has also been a rise in litigation surrounding legacy sites of production and PFAS use. Over the past two decades, $16.7 billion in U.S. legal settlements have been paid out to people alleging harm from PFAS exposure. A recent claim against chemical giant 3M was settled for $10.5 billion.

Both individuals and groups within EU countries are now beginning to seek compensation for health damages and costs of cleaning up PFAS pollutants. In Belgium, company 3M paid out more than €580 million to the Flemish government in 2022 for chemical leaks of forever chemicals and is also compensating neighbouring businesses into 2025 for a new round of claims.

Residents of countries including the Netherlands, Sweden, Italy and France are also suing companies, governments, and water treatment facilities (in the case of Sweden) for discharges of harmful PFAS into drinking water and agricultural land, according to Chemsec.

As legal settlements and regulatory actions increase, it is crucial to ensure that economically disadvantaged groups are not left behind in the process of receiving compensation and assistance. This is especially important as many economically disadvantaged communities are situated near legacy contamination sites and may have experienced negative health outcomes for decades before litigation, according to the research conducted by the author.

Hope for the future of the EU’s PFAS landscape

The rising awareness of forever chemicals and their impacts, the costs of essential cleanup and increasing regulation of PFAS in the EU is a positive process. EU-wide compensation and regulation could take significant time to implement, becoming a high-profile risk on the agenda of many companies facing litigation now and in the future.

Alongside these processes, there is a developing new market for innovation for both removal and disposal of harmful PFAS. Next-generation water filters, specialist treatment systems and new monitoring standards could have positive spillover effects for applications outside the EU. The new EU frameworks being introduced to handle forever chemicals may set a model for similar framework implementation elsewhere. While the EU has a lot of work and clean-up to do surrounding harmful PFAS, the prospects of safer drinking water for residents are positive. Regulation of PFAS in the EU has recognised the right to a safe environment and safe drinking water for its citizens, empowering citizens to demand these rights too.

– Autumn Joseph

Autumn is based in London,UK and focuses on Business and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Algeria: Public Health Strategy to Combat Antimicrobial Resistance

Antimicrobial ResistanceOn September 9, the World Health Organization (WHO) published Algeria’s updated National Action Plan, which aims to target antimicrobial resistance (AMR) as a critical threat to public health. The report offers an overview of previous achievements and identifies the next stage of solutions to be implemented from 2024 to 2028.

Antimicrobial Resistance

AMR is the ability of a pathogen to withstand treatment, complicating the targeting of infections caused by fungi, viruses and other microbes. According to Health Data Source, approximately 3,400 deaths in Algeria were directly attributed to AMR. Furthermore, a total of 13,600 deaths were associated with related health complications.

Globally, health care professionals find that the mutation of microbial and bacterial diseases often outpaces the development of new and effective treatment options. Antimicrobial medicines offer protection against infections and viruses during medical procedures and treatments. However, pathogens usually develop immunity to these procedures, increasing the risk of infection and risking the spread of disease.

Populations Affected by Antimicrobial Resistance

The WHO identifies humans, animals and agriculture as the primary organisms endangered by AMR. The spread of resistant pathogens threatens food safety and the integrity of food supply networks. These pathogens and bacteria, resistant to medical treatments, can proliferate within human and animal populations. Indeed, they become increasingly dangerous with each mutation.

Inequities in access to health care and services make women particularly vulnerable to AMR pathogens. Cultural perceptions of women, along with biases held by health care providers, often lead to delays in the quality of care and services they receive during medical visits. Many women face exposure to unsafe and contaminated environments in their daily activities. For instance, as the primary water collectors in their households, Algerian women risk contracting fungi or viruses from contaminated water sources.

On a positive note, Algerian women are among the most likely to seek medical advice for personal and family health concerns. To address these issues, Algerian officials, along with the global community, are working to enhance the infrastructure of their health care system to tackle AMR-related health conditions.

Algeria Proposes an Updated Action Plan

Algeria will focus on monitoring cases of treatment-resistant bacterial infection to prevent the rapid spread of disease among people, livestock and the food supply. The updated strategy would provide more data for preparing and launching health initiatives and research. Algeria’s newest goals coincide with the One Health system, a collection of health care principles embraced by nations worldwide. The One Health campaign organizes the management of infectious diseases into five divisions:

  1. Surveillance and Disease Intelligence
  2. Emergency Preparedness and Response
  3. Laboratory Systems
  4. Public Health Institutes and Research
  5. Disease Control and Prevention

This organization allows for better tracking of infectious diseases and regulating efforts to implement solutions before major medical emergencies arise.

Goals

The following goals summarize the Algerian government’s participation in reducing the threat of AMR in global communities:

  • Create awareness campaigns about the issue of Antimicrobial Resistance. Additionally, educate the public at the grade school, collegiate and professional levels.
  • Implement a training program for health care, veterinary and agricultural workers.
  • Create better surveillance and data reporting networks to monitor the issue of antimicrobial resistance.
  • Better equip laboratories as centers for research and observation of antimicrobial resistance.
  • Develop and promote treatment options that can serve as alternatives to antimicrobial medications.
  • Establish a system to monitor antibiotic consumption.
  • Prevent and control infection in neonatal settings by updating known hygienic protocols, promoting breastfeeding for new mothers, revisiting the issue of mother-fetus infection and more.
  • Prevent and control community infections by promoting rapid tests for bacterial blood; include private doctor offices, laboratories and hygienic clinics in antimicrobial research.
  • Establish a therapeutic standard on the issue of antimicrobial resistance.
  • Establish a community-based monitoring system for local developments in AMR.
  • Prevent and control infections at the farm level.
  • Create a ranking system for the critical stages of AMR and establish an antimicrobial committee accessible to local Wilaya hospital committees and the private sector.
  • Monitor antimicrobials in human and veterinary health.
  • Develop a therapeutic recommendation for the treatment of AMR in human medicine.
  • Develop a good practice guide for the use of antimicrobial medicines in veterinary settings.
  • Strengthen regulations and training around the use and availability of antimicrobials.
  • Create a documentation system for antimicrobial research and develop financing.
  • Develop research collaborations with universities and create international and national partnerships.
  • Create committees and oversight groups to monitor the implementation of the antimicrobial action plan and develop funding for AMR research.

These goals will promote research campaigns dedicated to understanding, tracking and controlling the transmission of diseases prone to AMR.

Final Note

Combating AMR bacteria will prepare the medical community to limit the spread of complex diseases, protecting a population of 42 million. While the updated program is in the early stages, the Algerian government has committed to partnering with public and private institutions to educate communities nationwide and to ensure long-lasting results.

– Karina Dunn

Karina is based in Mesquite, TX, USA and focuses on Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Health and Vector-Borne diseases

Vector-Borne DiseasesVector-borne diseases comprise 17% of known infectious diseases, like malaria, Dengue fever and West Nile virus. Vector-borne diseases result from an infection transmitted to humans and other animals by vectors. Despite causing millions of cases each year worldwide, adverse climatic conditions can worsen the global burden of these infections and negatively impact human health.

Effect of Adverse Weather on Vector-Borne Diseases

Vectors are sensitive to their environments. An increase in the earth’s average temperature presents a difficult challenge for addressing vector populations, as altered weather patterns and temperature changes affect vectors directly and indirectly. Rising temperatures can increase the speed of vector life cycles and breeding, which can increase vector populations and the speed of pathogen replication in hosts.

Indirectly, the weather changes impact the habitats and environments where these vectors exist and can change their geographic range and distribution. Mosquitoes, for example, breed in stagnant water; increased precipitation in some areas can amplify the number of vector breeding sites. These long-term changing weather patterns can increase vector’s geographic range, as warmer winter temperatures allow vector species to live in a larger area, increasing the range of the infections they spread to humans.

The burden of vector-borne diseases is highest in tropical and subtropical areas, disproportionately affecting the most impoverished populations. Malaria is one of the most prevalent vector-borne diseases globally, with an estimated 219 million cases and more than 400,000 deaths annually, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Most of these deaths occur in children under five, with mosquitoes being the primary transmission vector.

Helpful Organizations

Many international organizations focus on this issue, working with the public health perspective and tackling changing climatic conditions to safeguard human health. GAVI, the Vaccine Alliance, has played a crucial role in combating vector-borne diseases by funding and supporting the distribution of vaccines for diseases such as yellow fever and Japanese encephalitis. GAVI-supported yellow fever campaigns in more than 10 African countries protected more than 130 million people. Its efforts have significantly increased vaccination coverage in low-income countries, reducing the incidence of these diseases and enhancing human health security.

While Gavi seeks immunization coverage for many diseases, the Malaria Elimination Initiative (MEI) focuses on eliminating malaria through surveillance and response, vector control, program management and drugs and diagnostics. MEI has a global focus and projects in South America, sub-Saharan Africa and Southern Asia. MEI has made significant progress in working at national, regional and international levels. Furthermore, the Nature Conservancy is an international organization with multiple priorities, including improving resilience for vulnerable habitats and communities, working with governments on clean energy policies and maximizing natural carbon storage opportunities through habitat conservation and agriculture practices.

Conclusion

The impact of changing temperatures on vector-borne infectious diseases is profound, exacerbating their global burden and highlighting the need for targeted investments and improvements. Investing in outbreak responses and enhancing disease surveillance systems is crucial to counter the increased infection potential from changing climatic conditions. These strategies can reduce exposure to vectors and susceptibility to vector-borne diseases, particularly in vulnerable populations. Additionally, investing in ecosystem stabilization and forest and wetland preservation can reduce greenhouse gas emissions, limit climate variability and contain vector habitats.

– Hodges Day

Hodges is based in San Francisco, CA, USA and focuses on Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Public Health in Africa: Reducing Meningitis

Public Health in AfricaFor many people around the world, the COVID-19 pandemic was an eye-opening event that revealed the dangers and inadequacies of the world’s global health systems. However, for other people, outbreaks of epidemic diseases might be more of a lived reality. On the continent of Africa, many know a certain geographic region in sub-Saharan Africa as the “meningitis belt.” These 26 countries face the dangers of meningitis more than other places around the world, and the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic delayed the vaccination of the MenAfriVac meningitis vaccine to 50 million children in these countries. African governments collaborated with the World Health Organization (WHO), the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and PATH, a nonprofit health organization, to develop the MenAfriVac vaccine and distribute it to more than 350 million people living in areas of high risk. While this scientific effort made an incredible difference in public health in Africa, the COVID-19 pandemic largely disrupted the processes that allowed these successes to continue. The pandemic reduced services aimed at preventing meningitis by 50% from 2019 to 2020. Despite recent setbacks, WHO developed a plan to address meningitis.

Meningitis: The Disease

Meningitis is a complex disease with several variations. It arises in viral or bacterial form with several types of viruses or bacteria causing meningitis. Some meningitis vaccines protect against several forms of meningitis.

The types of meningitis are important to consider because historically, different types of meningitis affected African communities. Prior to 2010, only 10% of meningitis cases were a form other than meningitis type A; however, after the introduction of the MenAfriVac vaccine, the number of cases of meningitis type A decreased significantly. Since 2017, no person has experienced a case of meningitis type A in the region. While deaths due to meningitis still totaled 140,552 people in Africa in 2019, the elimination of meningitis type A means that about 95% of people diagnosed with meningitis survived in 2021. Since 2013, however, meningitis type C led to several outbreaks in the meningitis belt.

At the end of 2021, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) reported 2,662 cases of meningitis along with 205 deaths due to meningitis. Local mobile clinics and vaccination drives from WHO helped reduce the outcome of death from 85% of cases to 10% of cases fairly quickly.

The Defeating Meningitis Road Map

WHO assists with suppressing the outbreaks of meningitis such as in the case of the Democratic Republic of Congo in late 2021; however, it also develops long-term plans to improve public health in Africa overall. In November 2020, the World Health Assembly approved the Defeating Meningitis by 2030 roadmap. WHO will implement the $1.5 billion plan in January 2023, which will begin the fight to control meningitis in Africa by 2030. The plan includes a goal to achieve a 90% vaccination rate using a new vaccine that will hopefully protect communities against new outbreaks of the disease. From 2023 to 2030, the plan also hopes to reduce deaths of meningitis by 70% and reduce cases of meningitis by 50%. Several steps to achieving these goals include increased disease surveillance to catch meningitis early and increasing awareness of services to improve overall public health in Africa.

With WHO’s plan to defeat meningitis by 2030, public health in Africa will greatly improve the lives of millions of people within the meningitis belt. Meningitis is mostly a preventable disease with the efforts of vaccinations and other measures of public health. As the rest of the world encountered during the COVID-19 pandemic, collaboration within a community goes a long way to keeping everyone safe.

– Kaylee Messick

Photo: Flickr

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Poverty in Denmark – 3 Facts You Need to Know

Poverty In Denmark
Denmark has one of the lowest poverty rates in the world, and it is important to look at what allows the nation to have such a low rate. With aggressive public health programs and a well-rounded social welfare program that
brings aid for unemployment, disability and old age, the people of Denmark can often receive proper help and assistance in times of need.

Social Welfare Aid

Widespread access to welfare in the country stems from a systemically upheld belief that welfare is a right of the people and not a privilege as it is all paid for through taxes. The benefits received by those who are unable to properly support themselves or their children work to lower poverty in Denmark. Furthermore, while the Danish have access to assistance programs, one poll suggests that nearly 60% of respondents believe that the economic gap between the upper and lower classes needs to be reduced.

Social responsibility is a large key ideal held by many people in Denmark. Social responsibility carries into the ideas of the social welfare programs and correlates to funds allocated toward helping members of the community. Because of governmental and social efforts, the level of poverty in Denmark is able to stay relatively low. For instance, funds and programs go to help parents raising new children, allowing a year of paid paternity or maternity leave.

The Poverty Rate

As of 2018, Denmark had a poverty rate of around 0.30%, which was a 0.1% increase from the previous year. Those living with fewer than $5.50 U.S. dollars per day are counted within the poverty figures. This is one of the lowest poverty rates in the world, around 10% less than the United State’s poverty rate in 2020. With a high poverty rate in the late 1980s of around 1.2%, the decline has occurred steadily over the years. While the poverty rate tends to fluctuate from year to year, it remains relatively low. Currently, Denmark is often compared to nations like the Netherlands, Malta, the Czech Republic and Norway. However, changes in social spending correlate to the fact that poverty seems to be been rising despite the high levels of support offered by the system.

Child Poverty

Despite Denmark’s reputation for strong welfare programs, child poverty rose in the country from 2016 to 2017. In the span of that year, the number of children recognized as living in poverty rose from around 40,000 to more than 60,000. Despite the level of social welfare benefits, employment rates have remained largely unchanged among certain groups. Among those affected by reduced social spending are refugees and minority groups in the country. As of 2017, the number of children under the poverty line accounts for more than 5% of the child population. Programs like the Integration Benefit are targeted to those living in extreme poverty in Denmark.

With many different social programs, poverty in Denmark has been able to stay relatively low in recent years, notably due to social programs and community mentalities. Despite the rising poverty rates among those in danger of falling below the poverty line, the Danish government has been implementing programs to try and reduce these issues like the Integration Benefit. Lastly, the programs afforded to parents allow for a stable environment for parents to raise their children. The solutions to these issues through more aid and higher access to aid stand to lower the poverty rate further.

– Jake Herbetko
Photo: Flickr

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5 Facts About Healthcare in Kiribati

healthcare in kiribati
The Republic of Kiribati, better known as just Kiribati, is an Oceanic country formed by 33 unique islands, of which 20 are inhabited. The majority of Kiribati’s population is located on the Eastern Gilbert islands, while many islands located in the center function without a permanent population. Healthcare in Kiribati has been a committed work-in-progress, especially after the notification in the late 20th century that its population was at one of the lowest standards of living in Oceania. The disjointedness of the islands and a lack of cohesive national health policy has significantly impacted Kiribati’s ability to effectively provide national healthcare services to all that need it.

In fact, as recently as 2012, there was not an official agency for national health policy, regulation of health standards, assessment of health technology, or management of health technology. However, despite this glaring lack of infrastructure, Kiribati has instituted projects at the national level to improve its primary level of healthcare. The government, along with partnerships from international health organizations, is working to invest in Kiribati’s health infrastructure.

The following five facts about healthcare in Kiribati are integral to understanding the country’s changing health structures and transition out of poverty.

5 Facts About Healthcare in Kiribati

  1. Around 22% of the Kiribati population is living under the “basic needs” threshold, according to the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. However, the traditional definition of poverty is not used in Kiribati, as much of the population believes that as long as one can maintain subsistence living, they are not poor. Instead, poverty is related to meet their basic expenses on a daily or weekly basis. This culture has made it so that many residents in Kiribati live in housing without access to clean water, sanitation or other basic hygiene utilities.
  2. Kiribati is at an elevated risk for infant mortality, consistently ranking as the highest country in Oceania by the estimated absolute number of incident cases, with approximately five times the number of cases as Australia. In 2012, the rate of infant mortality stood at 60 deaths per 1,000 individuals. While this statistic was significantly reduced from years past, there is no reason for such a high percentage of the population to suffer from infant mortality. The most common causes of infant mortality in Kiribati are perinatal diseases, diarrhoeal diseases and pneumonia. As a result of inadequate water supply and poor sanitation, water and food-borne illnesses can also contribute to the incidence of infant mortality.
  3. Kiribati also suffers from its lack of developed healthcare infrastructure. Hospital facilities, doctors to assist the population, and trained nurses are all hard to come by in Kiribati. Though they meet standards for routine care, the scarce availability of such facilities makes them hard to access for the general population. With only three district-level hospitals and one referral level hospital, patients often must be sent overseas if serious conditions arise. This remote level of treatment can often make timely access to medicines an issue as well.
  4. In Kiribati, there is a low number of doctors and nurses relative to the population overall. This low number contributes to the relatively high infant and maternal mortality rates of Kiribati. Recently, the government has worked with smaller groups around Kiribati to train more healthcare professionals. By holding orientation courses for all health staff and developing long-term courses for primary care staff, communities on many of Kiribati’s islands could tackle the lack of healthcare personnel issues. As a result of these programs and increased training, the number of individuals that are able to assist with healthcare is rising, and the rates of morbidity from common diseases have been reduced.
  5. Water supply is an issue in Kiribati that most don’t directly associate with healthcare and disease, but can have a significant impact on the health of the population. Outdoor defecation is said to be prevalent in Kiribati, which can lead to contamination of the water supply. Groundwater contamination is often related to a higher incidence of diarrheal diseases. However, outdoor defecation is not entirely the result of a lack of other options, but education is necessary to help the population of Kiribati understand the risks associated with it.

In the fight against poverty and for a healthcare system that can serve its entire population, Kiribati has much work to do. Progress has been made in developing training for healthcare professionals and educational programs for communities, but many services such as sanitation and clean water supply still aren’t up to standards. Still, with a government committed to increasing the healthcare provisions for its people, Kiribati is sure to develop into a country that can provide for its growing population.

– Pratik Samir Koppikar
Photo: Pixabay

Diabetes in South Africa: 5 Essential Facts

Diabetes is a disease that occurs when the pancreas is unable to produce or use insulin well, resulting in a high blood sugar level. When the body fails to make insulin at all, this is type 1 diabetes. With type 2 diabetes, the body does not produce or use insulin effectively. Both types of diabetes come with side effects that are detrimental to a person’s lifestyle. In the African region, South Africa has the second largest population of people with diabetes. Here are five facts that you should know about diabetes in South Africa.

5 Facts About Diabetes in South Africa

  1. Diabetes is a leading cause of death in South Africa. With non-communicable diseases (NCDs) like diabetes on the rise globally, South Africa is no exception. In 2016, diabetes and other NCDs caused 16% of the total deaths in the country. Diabetes is one of the three leading causes of death in South Africa, the other two being tuberculosis and cerebrovascular diseases. Among the South African population, there is a major lack of awareness of the disease and access to proper healthcare. Because the prevalence of diabetes in South African adults is 12.8%, it is crucial that other countries continue to support the funding and research of diabetes in South Africa.
  2. There are many ill-side effects for those living with diabetes. Diabetics must consistently track their blood sugar levels to ensure they don’t go into a diabetic coma. Additionally, diabetics are two to three times likelier to experience cardiovascular problems, like heart attacks or strokes. Diabetes can cause an individual’s kidneys to stop working. In most healthcare facilities in South Africa, they lack the procedures necessary to help a diabetic undergoing kidney failure, like renal replacement therapy by dialysis or through transplant. Another symptom of diabetes is neuropathy – or nerve damage – in the feet, which can lead to infection or potential amputation. In healthcare centers in South Africa, there is little equipment available for testing nerve damage in the feet and symptoms like this can often slip under the radar. Through an increase in funding from other countries, individuals suffering from diabetes in South Africa can have access to more equipment and medication necessary for dealing with diabetes.
  3. Socioeconomic disparities and other factors contribute to the prevalence of diabetes in South Africa. In South Africa, proper healthcare is inaccessible in poorer communities. The deficiency of experienced health professionals and respectable clinics makes it hard for citizens to undergo testing or treat the disease if they have it. More than one million citizens in South Africa do not know if they are diabetic. With more accurate and accessible testing, a greater population can begin treatment for the disease. It is crucial that the government receive funding to build diagnostic centers and train medical staff.
  4. Diabetes in South Africa is preventable and treatable in many ways. Though diabetes is irreversible, there are ways to keep symptoms at bay. Type 1 diabetes often develops in childhood and is usually impossible to eliminate. However, type 2 diabetes can go into remission with medication and changes in lifestyle. A common medication used to treat diabetes is metformin. Exercise and good eating habits are helpful treatments for diabetics. The most effective way to decrease the prevalence of diabetes in South Africa is to prematurely educate citizens and encourage healthy decision making. South Africa is currently working towards this goal.One recent preventative measure taken by the South African government is the implementation of a sugar tax. By charging more for sugary drinks and foods, the government is fighting obesity and helping citizens make more conscious decisions. In July 2019, South Africa briefly launched a Diabetes Prevention Programme (DPP). The DPP aims to integrate intervention treatments into a culturally relevant context through household questionnaires and group gatherings for at-risk individuals. In the conclusion of this program, the DPP will focus on using the information they gathered to create a curriculum that can educate communities about diabetes. To prevent rising cases of diabetes it is important that there is more pervasive awareness of the causes of diabetes. Citizens can learn how to manage obesity and understand when they should seek testing.
  5. Many countries and organizations help by funding testing centers and medical treatment in South African cities. The International Diabetes Federation (IDF) works with several organizations in the South African region to help combat the severity of the disease through advocacy, funding and training. The three organizations that are a part of IDF are Diabetes South Africa (DSA), Society for Endocrinology, Metabolism and Diabetes of South Africa (SEMDSA) and Youth with Diabetes (YWD). DSA is one organization that does its part in educating citizens and lobbying the government for better facilities and cheaper healthcare. DSA is a nonprofit that centers around mobilizing volunteers to demand better treatment for those with diabetes.

– Danielle Kuzel
Photo: Flickr

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What to Know About COVID-19 in South Africa

COVID-19 in South Africa
Reports of COVID-19 fill the news and media daily. From increases in cases and closures to decreases in fatality rates and re-openings, the news channels are consumed by COVID-19 headlines. However, one thing not covered much in the media is how African nations are faring during these uncertain times. South Africa is currently leading the African continent in the number of COVID-19 cases, and there is seemingly no end in sight. Here is a look at the specific impact of COVID-19 in South Africa.

Lockdown

COVID-19 in South Africa follows a similar origin path as the rest of the world, where the virus went undetected or misdiagnosed for weeks, maybe months, before its first confirmed positive case appeared. South Africa, like most nations, went into lockdown in late March. The South African government, as of April 27, 2020, planned to gradually loosen restrictions beginning on May 1, 2020.

The level of strictness for lockdowns varies from country to country. South Africa is one of the nations implementing strict restrictions for its lockdown. The country has been on Level 5 restrictions. Level 5 restrictions prohibit citizens from performing the majority of activities, including leisurely ones such as exercise or going to the convenience store. Furthermore, the police may confront anyone who leaves their dwellings.

Numbers

The reported numbers in South Africa are much lower than those reported around the world. This may be the result of strict lockdown enforcement as opposed to some nations with looser lockdown restrictions. As of April 28, 2020, the African country reported 4,996 confirmed coronavirus cases and 93 deaths. South Africa is also experiencing a recovery rate of approximately 25 percent, which is a significant factor in the government’s decision to begin loosening restriction laws.

Despite large numbers of recovering patients, COVID-19 in South Africa has not gone away. The number of cases continues to rise, much like the rest of the world. On March 5, 2020, South Africa diagnosed its first patient with COVID-19. On April 15, 2020, the nation had a total of 2,605 confirmed cases, with 4,996 by the end of April. Although the virus is not going away anytime soon, South Africans are certainly doing their part to reduce the spread of the virus.

Social Distancing

Social distancing is the practice of remaining apart from others to decrease the spread of the virus. South Africa has been on lockdown and enforcing social distancing since late March, about a month after the nation diagnosed its first COVID-19 patient. On May 1, the government loosened the restrictions to Level 4. Level 4 restrictions consist of the ability to travel nationally, but not internationally. A few small local businesses also opened.

Moving Forward

In South Africa and around the world, people are social distancing and quarantining. For COVID-19 to be successfully tackled in South Africa, the nation must continue to prioritize the health of its citizens and financially support those who are struggling with unemployment and poverty. This will hopefully result in a significant drop in the number of cases in the country. Moving forward, South Africa and other nations around the world should use the lessons of the COVID-19 pandemic to prepare for future pandemics and epidemics.

– Cleveland Lewis 
Photo: Flickr

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5 Facts About Heart Disease in India

 5 Facts About Heart Disease in India
The rates of non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, cancer and respiratory diseases are increasing at alarming rates in developing countries around the world. However, heart disease in India has had a particularly high impact on the nation’s population. This increase requires attention and action to reduce the strain of heart disease on the Indian population.

5 Facts About Heart Disease in India

  1. Rising rates of cardiovascular disease have rapidly increased in India. The number of cases within the country has more than doubled from 1990 to 2016. In comparison, heart disease in the United States decreased by 41% in the same time period. Death as a result of cardiovascular disease has increased by 34 percent in the country in the past 26 years alone. In 2016, 28.1 percent of all deaths were caused by heart disease and a total of 62.5 million years of life were lost to premature death. Heart disease in India accounts for nearly 60% of the global impact of cardiac health even though India accounts for less than 20 percent of the global population.
  2. The burden of heart disease, while high throughout India, varies greatly from state to state. Punjab has the highest burden of disease, with 17.5 percent of the population afflicted, while Mizoram has the lowest burden, a full 9 times lower than Punjab. These immense disparities between Indian states are dependent upon the level of development and regional lifestyle differences. Understanding prevalent risk factors in different regions allows for more effective interventions. Specifically tailored programs are needed, rather than viewing India as a monolith.
  3. Rates of heart disease are far higher in the urban Indian populations when compared to rural communities. Urban areas record between 400 or 500 cases in every 100,000 people, while rural populations record 100 cases per 100,000 people. Risk factors for heart disease include a sedentary lifestyle, obesity, central obesity, hypercholesterolemia, diabetes and metabolic syndrome. All of these factors are abundant in urban populations and limited in rural populations, thus accounting for the discrepancy.
  4. On average, heart disease in India affects people 8 to 10 years earlier than other parts of the world, specifically heart attacks. This huge discrepancy can be explained by increased rates of tobacco consumption, the prevalence of diabetes and genetic predisposition for premature heart disease. A common genetic determinant of heart disease in Indians is familial hypercholesterolemia, a lipid disorder. Although this disorder is treatable with lifestyle changes and pharmaceuticals, it is often undiagnosed. This causes an increased likelihood of heart disease. Furthermore, stress levels in young Indians have been on the rise due to hectic lifestyles and increased career demands. Mental stress compounded with genetic predisposition and environmental factors like diet, sleep, and exercise has resulted in higher rates of heart disease in India’s younger population.
  5. The India Heart Association is committed to increasing awareness of the severity of heart disease in India. This organization is nongovernmental and launched by individuals who have been personally affected by heart disease. The organization’s major goals include increasing awareness of heart disease in India through online campaigns and grassroots activities. The organization has been appointed to the Thoracic and Cardiovascular Instrumentation Subcommittee of the Bureau of Indian Standards by the Indian government. Efforts are multi-faceted, operating through partnerships with local governments, hospitals, and programming with donors. Organizations like this one are making effective strides in addressing the burden of heart disease in India.

As heart disease in India is on the rise, it is important to understand the impact on global health. Non-communicable diseases have an undeniable effect on development. The World Health Organization stated, “Poverty is closely linked with NCDs, and the rapid rise in NCDs is predicted to impede poverty reduction initiatives in low-income countries.” In an effort to reduce global poverty, attention should move to heart disease in India, and further, to non-communicable diseases in developing countries globally.

– Treya Parikh
Photo: Flickr
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10 Facts About Life Expectancy in Burkina Faso

According to data accumulated by the United Nations, life expectancy in Burkina Faso has increased by 32 years since 1950. Contemporary estimates place Burkina Faso’s current life expectancy at 62 years, while in 1950 life expectancy was measured to be 30 years. Despite these gains, contemporary figures remain low compared to the developed world. These 10 facts about life expectancy in Burkina Faso showcase the massive strides made in public health and standard of living while also describing challenges yet to be overcome.

10 facts About Life Expectancy in Burkina Faso

  1. Malaria: The Center for Disease Control (CDC) lists malaria as the number one cause of death in Burkina Faso. Severe Malaria Observatory reports that malaria is responsible for 61.5 percent of all hospitalizations and 30.5 percent of deaths occurring each year due to malaria. Similarly, for children under 5, malaria is the leading cause of hospitalization with 63.2 percent of all admittances. Malaria accounts for nearly half of all deaths for children under 5.
  2. HIV: Tremendous strides in reducing the prevalence of HIV are further improving life expectancy in Burkina Faso. The population affected by HIV has been reduced from 2.3 percent down to 0.8 percent between 2001 and 2018. Representing an overall decrease of 65 percent, Burkina Faso reduced HIV prevalence more than any country in that period. Further, in 2007 HIV was still ranked as the fifth most likely cause of death in Burkina Faso. By 2017, HIV had plummeted to the 16th most likely cause of death. Working with major international partners including the University of Oslo, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Terre des Hommes and the Global Fund allowed Burkina Faso to develop and implement methods to prevent mother to child transmission of HIV. 
  3. Sanitation Improvements: According to the Burkinabè government’s Ministry of Water and Sanitation between 2018 and 2019, Burkina Faso successfully constructing 26,039 family latrines and 966 public latrines. In the same year, the Burkinabè government assisted in the construction of 553 kilometers of additional water supply infrastructure and 188 new standpipes in urban areas. This construction increased national access to drinking water from 74 percent to 75.4 percent within a single year. Similarly, the national sanitation rate rose from 22.6 percent to 23.6 percent. Inadequate access to proper sanitation and clean water are the primary contributors to diarrheal disease, which is one of the leading causes of death in Burkina Faso. Improvements in sanitation have reduced deaths attributed to diarrheal diseases and increased overall life expectancy in Burkina Faso.
  4. Infant and Maternal Mortality: Infant mortality has decreased from 91 deaths per 1,000 births in the year 2000 to 49 deaths in 2017. Similarly, the maternal mortality rate dropped significantly between 2000 and 2017 from 516 deaths per 100,000 live births to 320 deaths per 100,000 live births. These advancements are due to greater access to hospitals, particularly in urban areas, as well as innovations in public health such as the Maternal Death Surveillance and Response system. The initiative trains health care professionals across the country to properly identify, notify and investigate instances of maternal death. Since its inception, the program has been nationalized leading to maternal and neonatal death audits so that health facilities regularly address the shortcomings of the health system to avoid future deaths.
  5. Child Mortality: A recent study conducted by the World Bank found that one in eight children born in Burkina Faso will die before the age of 5. The risk of under-5 mortality is 6 percent higher for children born to mothers younger than the age of 18. The average age of a woman in Burkina Faso at the time of childbirth is 19 years old and the birth rate for women aged 15-19 is 122 births per 1,000. To curb adolescent pregnancy the Burkina Faso Council of Community Development Organizations launched a campaign to reduce sexually transmitted disease, unwanted or adolescent pregnancies and unsafe abortions in Burkina Faso in 2019.
  6. High Fertility Rates: Even as life expectancy in Burkina Faso has improved, high fertility rates influence public health as women, on average, give birth to 4.5 children. Though contemporary efforts to address high fertility rates have been promising, the population demographic distribution is largely 14 years old and younger. With these demographics dominating the population Burkina Faso’s rate of growth will continue to increase as this younger generation reaches adulthood.
  7. High Growth Rates: Despite life expectancy increasing, Burkina Faso still displays a young age structure — typified by a declining mortality rate coupled with particularly high fertility rates. Burkina Faso’s population is growing at a projected rate of 2.66 percent, making the nation the 18th fastest growing population in the world. This precipitous growth places a greater strain on the nation’s arable land as well as economic well being, causing challenges in maintaining the growth of life expectancy in Burkina Faso’s future.
  8. Security Crisis: Since 2016, Burkina Faso has been targeted by several militant Islamist extremist groups primarily based in the country’s Northern region. Attacks committed by these groups claimed 1,800 lives in 2019, according to the United Nations. In 2019, there was a 10-fold increase in the number of internally displaced persons (IDPs); the total people displaced is estimated at around half a million. This large number of IDPs and people who have been fleeing violence to neighboring Mali have compounded economic and ecological problems in Burkina Faso. Although, the government is looking to continue to propel growth in life expectancy in Burkina Faso.
  9. Humanitarian Aid: Around 948,000 people need security and 1.5 million people are currently dependent upon humanitarian aid to cover basic medical needs. Basic health care is crucial in effectively reducing poverty and improving life expectancy. Humanitarian aid is focusing on impacting 1.8 million people by providing $312 million in funding.
  10. Continued Growth Projections: Regardless of concerns,  recently presented data from the 2019 Revision of World Population Prospects, the United Nations projects continued growth in the area of Burkinabè life expectancy. Life expectancy in Burkina Faso is projected to increase to 70 years by 2050 according to the U.N. study.

These 10 facts about life expectancy in Burkina Faso depict a nation that has made great achievements and is ready to face its contemporary problems with assistance from international partners. 

– Perry Stone Budd
Photo: Flickr