more on NCD global health platform

LIVESTRONG has an excellent platform to consider when approaching the global health burden of NCDs. The core elements of their platform are defined as (1) education and awareness, (2) prevention and risk reduction, (3) screening and early detection, (4) diagnostics and staging, (5) treatment, (6) surveillance and monitoring, (7) treatment. Each core element creates an opportunity for improving access and reducing global burden.

global health platforms on NCDs

Per a Livestrong briefing, 80% percent of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) occur in low- and middle-income countries. The briefing reports that presently, cancer alone, costs $895 billion annually, with a global burden that has the potential to limit productivity and economic growth on a national, regional, and international level. Many existing global health platforms function to prevent, treat, and eradicate communicable diseases. While chronic conditions that dramatically affect life expectancy are neglected. The global health conversation is shifting, however, to consider the ways in which existing global health platforms can be employed towards addressing the burden of NCDs worldwide.

At a Global Health Council discussion panel held today in New York City, various leaders in global health spoke about the importance of leveraging current global health platforms. Yet they persistently cautioned that not all platforms are translatable in the setting of NCDs. Yet I found one persistent theme, and that is the importance of primary care, continuity of care, and preventative medicine in reducing this burden. And these methods are of course connected to the burden of communicable diseases. If systems are in place to promote healthy living, vaccinations, and continuous care, both NCDs and infectious diseases can be addressed. The solution is primary care. Now the barrier is implementation - building infrastructure, training healthcare providers, and equity in access - real barriers to care that undoubtedly exist in both developing and developed countries.

10 years later

The events that occurred 10 years ago on 9/11 reverberated in profound ways across the world. PCS sends its thoughts and prayers to anyone, anywhere who has been touched by the tragedy of violence.

Important Day

Today was an important day because a Palestinian surgeon with PCS preformed a cleft lip repair on a child in need of medical attention. Today, as a result of a project aimed at promoting sustainability and self-sufficiency, one Palestinian child was able to receive the care that she needed. PCS is an organization that operates under the principle of creating a long-lasting solution to the dilemma of Cleft Care in Palestine. Today was a major indicator that we are well on our way! Thanks to your support we can continue to address this important health care need!

why do refugee camps exist today?

A nytimes article on refugee camps and the price of dignity explores the history of refugee camps while also accounting for their modern day existence. The article reads that "The camp model began at the end of World War II as a way to provide temporary housing for the displaced. “Over the years, camps have become the standard response,” Mr. Crisp said. “But they should be a last resort.”"

Refugee camps place a tremendous burden on host countries which agree to this burden under the premise that these camps are isolated and placed far away from society. But of course, placing large communities in isolation, free of resources and opportunity ensures a static state. Yet there are other options. The article reads that "Iraqi refugees managed to avoid being settled in camps because many had left for Amman and Damascus before camps were even considered. Nor did the United States want to call attention to the fact that 40 percent of Iraq’s professional class had fled." This article suggests that while resettlement is not a perfect solution, it is a better option.

http://opinionator.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/09/01/for-refugees-the-price-of-dignity/?ref=opinion