Secure Health Care for All
In the era of globalization, diseases spread across vast geographic areas.
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People suffer due to diseases that can be in many cases treated.
Infection is caused by the entry of pathogenic germs into the body. Microorganisms enter the body through food, injuries, sexual intercourse, blood transmission, mother-to-fetal transmission, insect bite transmission, amongst other means. The severity of the infection depends on the properties of the parasite / pathogen, as well as on the host's immunity. Parasites include bacteria, viruses, chlamydia, ricketsia, fungi, protozoa, some species of worms and arthropods or prions. Animals are the main source of human infections.
Resistance of the immune system is aided by drugs and vaccines, such as antibiotics to kill or weaken the targeted bacteria. Most infectious diseases can be cured, yet they remain the leading cause of death in developing countries. 40 % of the population in poor countries die from infectious diseases, while in rich countries, infectious diseases cause only 1 % of deaths.
Long History in the Combat of Disease For millions of years, there has been natural selection of species during various epidemics. Those who survived were the strongest, most resistant and most adaptable. However, today we can not tolerate the idea of millions of people dying due to treatable diseases. Thanks to new drugs and vaccines, the mortality from many “common” diseases has been reduced. However, the battle is far from won.
In Mesopotamia, doctors would prescribe both magical formulas to be recited as well as medicinal treatments for diseases. The Mesopotamians made no distinction between science and magic.
The public health system in Ancient Egypt was well developed. Imhotep (born 27th century BCE) is credited as being the founder of Ancient Egyptian Medicine and as being the original author of the Edwin Smith Papyrus, detailing cures, ailments and anatomical observations. He was a sage, architect and astrologer and Chief Minister to Djoser, the 2nd King of Egypt’s 3rd Dynasty. He was later worshipped as the God of Medicine in Egypt. In Greece, he was identified with the Greek God of Medicine, Asclepius.
The Edwin Smith Papyrus is the oldest known surgical treatise and describes 48 cases of injuries, fractures, wounds, dislocations and tumors. Source: Wikipedia
In India, the Atharvaveda is one of the first Indian medical texts. It contains prescriptions of herbs for various ailments. The use of herbs to treat ailments forms a large part of Ayurveda, one of the world’s oldest holistic healing systems.
Medicine in China was based on traditional medicine derived from observations by Taoist physicians. It reflects the belief that individual human experiences express causative principles effective in the environment on all levels. These causative principles express the natural order of the universe.
In Greece, the physician Hippocrates of Kos (c. 460 – c. 370 BCE) is considered as the Father of Modern Medicine. The Hippocratic Corpus is a collection of about 70 early medical works from Ancient Greece, associated with Hippocrates and his students. The Hippocratic Oath in some form is taken by physicians to this day.
The Greek physician Hippocrates (460–370 BC), the Father of Medicine. Source: Wikipedia
One English translation of a line of the Hippocratic Oath is: I will follow that system of regimen which, according to my ability and judgment, I consider for the benefit of my patients, and abstain from whatever is deleterious and mischievous.
Different variations of the Hippocratic Oath are taken by doctors around the world. A version created in the 1960s is used in the US, for example, while in Pakistan doctors adhere to the original Oath.
The relevance of the Hippocratic Oath to modern medicine has long been a topic of debate, with many arguments for both sides. In 1973, the US Supreme Court rejected the Oath as a guide to medical ethics and practice by stating that the oath is incapable of covering the latest developments and methods of medical practice and research.
Did you know… children in sub-Saharan Africa are 10 times more likely to die before the age of 5 years than children in high-income countries.
In 2019, Malaria killed 409 000 people and infected 229 million worldwide.
New, previously unknown diseases, have been identified in recent decades, e.g. Covid-19, HIV, Ebola and Hepatitis C, threatening the lives of both children and adults. Tuberculosis, Malaria and other killers continue to surge worldwide, causing countless unnecessary deaths, especially in developing countries.
Some of the most dangerous global diseases are:
HIV / AIDS The HIV virus is most often transmitted through sexual intercourse and/ or exchange of bodily fluids. The virus can also be transmitted during childbirth, blood transfusion, breastfeeding and the sharing of needles. It gradually weakens the immune system of those infected, who become more susceptible to other diseases. Tuberculosis is responsible for one-third of the deaths of HIV-positive people. There are an estimated 38 million people living with HIV around the world. In 2019, 700 000 people died from the virus and inadequate treatment, and 1.7 million people became newly infected.
The most dangerous diseases in individual countries of the world. Source: viaGood
Did you know… a total of more than 33 million people have died of HIV.
Tuberculosis Tuberculosis is one of the deadliest infectious diseases in the world. Approximately 10 million people are infected annually, of whom 1.4 million die. TB is caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, bacteria which are spread through the air by the coughs or sneezes of infected people. Only a few weeks after taking medication for TB, will a patient stop being infectious. The standard TB treatment regimen is 6 months of combination therapy.
Dengue Dengue is a mosquito-borne disease that causes flu-like symptoms. It can prove fatal to 20 % of those with severe Dengue. The viruses are spread to people through the bite of an infected Aedes species (Ae. aegypti or Ae. albopictus) mosquito. Dengue is common in more than 100 countries worldwide. It occurs in Bangladesh, India and other countries during rainy seasons. An estimated 40 % of the world is at risk of Dengue Fever, and there are approx. 390 million infections annually.
Yellow Fever The Yellow Fever virus is found in tropical and subtropical areas of Africa and South America, spread by infected mosquitoes. The disease is characterized by fever with aches and pains, severe liver disease, yellowing skin. There is no cure for Yellow Fever. Yellow Fever vaccine is advised for adults and children over the age of 9 months who are traveling to or living in countries with a known risk of Yellow Fever. Thirty-two African countries are now considered at risk of Yellow Fever. It is difficult to diagnose and can be confused with many other diseases, such as Malaria or Dengue.
Sleeping Sickness Sleeping Sickness, an African form of trypanosomiasis, is a parasitic infectious disease transmitted by the tsetse fly, which multiplies in warm, humid areas of 36 countries in sub-Saharan Africa. The infection affects the central nervous system and causes severe neurological disorders. The disease starts with fever, headache, weakness, irritated skin or joint pain. Later, the parasite attacks the central nervous system, causing confusion, violent behavior and/or convulsions. The sleep pattern is disturbed, with patients often overcome by sleep during the day. Sleeping Sickness is fatal without treatment.
The American form of trypanosomiasis is known as Chagas Disease and is caused by the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, which is transmitted to animals and people by insect vectors.
Did you know… more than 3 million people die from vaccine-preventable diseases each year.
Infected female Anopheles mosquitoes transmit Malaria. Source: Wikipedia
Malaria Malaria is transmitted by the infected female Anopheles mosquito. It is preventable and curable.
After the infection enters the human body, it travels to the liver, where it multiplies and penetrates the red blood cells until they rupture, releasing even more parasites into the bloodstream. Ninety percent of Malaria deaths occur in sub-Saharan Africa, particularly in poor areas. Children under the age of 5 years are the most vulnerable. In 2019, they accounted for 67 % of Malaria deaths worldwide.
Approximately half of all Malaria deaths worldwide occurred in the following countries: Nigeria (23 %), the Democratic Republic of the Congo (11 %), United Republic of Tanzania (5 %), Burkina Faso (4 %), Mozambique (4 %) and Niger (4 %).
Sleeping under an insecticide-treated net (ITN) can reduce contact between mosquitoes and humans, by providing both a physical barrier and an insecticidal effect. Population-wide protection can result from the killing of mosquitoes on a large scale where there is high access to and usage of such nets within a community.
Did you know… in 2019, Malaria killed approx. 409 000 people and infected almost 229 million worldwide.
Cholera Cholera causes severe diarrhea and vomiting, which can lead to death due to severe dehydration. Deaths from Cholera can be prevented by early detection. This disease affects millions of people, particularly in overcrowded areas with unsuitable hygienic conditions and a lack of clean water, after natural disasters in makeshift facilities, and refugees fleeing from political unrest.
Did you know that… ** according to the WHO, Cholera affects 2.9 million people annually and kills about 95 000 people every year.**
Ebola The Ebola virus first appeared in the Democratic Republic of the Congo in 1976, when 280 people died out of the 318 confirmed cases. The symptoms are sudden fever, weakness, headache and sore throat, followed by vomiting, diarrhea, rash, kidney and liver failure and, in some cases, internal or external bleeding. Ebola is transmitted by contact with a patient's blood, secretions and/ or body fluids. Healthcare workers must wear protective clothing to avoid direct contact. Ebola is one of the most dangerous diseases, with a mortality rate of over 90 %.
Coronavirus Disease (Covid-19) Covid-19 is a contagious disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Most people with Covid-19 develop mild to moderate symptoms and recover without special treatment. However, some seriously ill patients require hospitalization. About 1 in 6 infected people become seriously ill and suffer from breathing problems, which can be followed by death. The virus spreads from the mouth or nose of an infected person in small liquid particles by coughs, sneezes, speaking, singing or breathing. The virus spreads more easily indoors and in crowded spaces. Several vaccines are currently being used to slow down the pandemic and research continues on the disease. The fatality rate is still being assessed.
Did you know… as of 30 September 2021, more than 233 million COVID-19 cases and 4.77 million deaths have been confirmed, making it one of the deadliest pandemics in history.
Other Fatal Diseases There are many other diseases shortening the lives of people worldwide. More than 780 000 people die annually from Hepatitis B.
Measles is also very contagious, and can be serious, especially for young children. The CDC (Center for Disease Control and Prevention) recommends that people get MMR vaccine to protect against Measles, Mumps, and Rubella. Children should get two doses of MMR vaccine, starting with the first dose at 12 to 15 months of age, and the second dose at 4 - 6 years of age. Teens and adults should also be up to date on their MMR vaccination.
Diabetes, Cancer and Cardiovascular Diseases are collectively responsible for over 70 % of all deaths worldwide.
The increase in the incidence of these diseases is driven by tobacco use, physical inactivity, the harmful use of alcohol and drugs,** unhealthy diets** and air pollution, among other risk factors.
Danger of Lethal Diseases to Children Every day, approximately 15 000 children under the age of 5 years die. Most of these deaths occur in developing countries. About 44 % of the deaths of newborn infants occur during the first 28 days of life. 15 % of all children under the age of 5 years die of pneumonia, 9 % of diarrhea and 7 % of Malaria. Most of these fatal diseases can be cured or prevented. To reduce mortality, it is necessary to provide sufficient medication, vaccinations, information and qualified medical assistance.
Infant mortality. Source: Our World in Data
The first 28 days of life (the neonatal period) is the most vulnerable period for the survival of an infant. Worldwide, an average of 2.5 million babies die in the first month of life - i.e. approximately 7 000 neonatal deaths daily.
In terms of under-5 mortality, the world has made remarkable progress in the last few decades. Despite this progress, an estimated 5 million children under the age of 5 years die every year – about half of these deaths occur in sub-Saharan Africa – mostly from preventable diseases such as pneumonia, birth asphyxia, congenital anomalies, diarrhea and Malaria. The three major causes of neonatal deaths worldwide are infections, pre-term and birth asphyxia.
Between the ages of 5–14 years, the risk of death for children is relatively low (compared to children under 5 years of age). This rate has decreased by more than 50 % since 1990.
Deaths by age, showing prevalence of under 5 mortality. Source: Our World in Data
Most Common Causes of Childhood Deaths Infectious diseases (36 %) are the leading cause of death in children. Vaccination campaigns and antibiotics have greatly contributed to reducing mortality.
Pneumonia and other lower respiratory tract diseases (15 %). Lower respiratory tract infections remain a leading cause of mortality in children.
Premature birth and neonatal disorders (12 %). The younger the child, the higher the risk of mortality. Three times more children die in the first year of life than in the next four years. Premature babies (born before the 37th week of pregnancy) are at high risk of injury at birth and of infectious diseases.
Rotavirus infection, Cholera, and other infectious diseases that lead to diarrhea (10 %). Diarrheal diseases are treatable and preventable, but still remain one of the leading causes of infant mortality.
Birth defects (9 %), such as physical or genetic abnormalities that are present at birth include neural tube defects, heart defects, Down's syndrome, microcephaly, among others.
Millions of children die needlessly from malnutrition in developing countries each year. More than half a million children die from diarrhea each year.
8 million of the 11 million childhood deaths worldwide each year are preventable, as they are caused by malnutrition and other preventable diseases.
Antibiotics are life-saving in cases of infection and need to be available locally. Low birth-weight babies need to maintain body temperature through skin-to-skin contact with the mother.
Did you know… two-thirds of unvaccinated children live in undeveloped countries or in countries affected by conflict?
Disease Prevention before Birth When a woman is vaccinated against common illnesses, e.g. influenza, her body creates antibodies that recognize viruses and boost natural defenses against pathogens. When she becomes pregnant, these protective proteins are transferred to her baby across the placenta. Maternal immunization against flu also helps to protect infants from pneumonia, a common cause of childhood mortality.
Maternal mortality. Source: Our World in Data
Mothers in Danger of Lethal Diseases Mothers as well as children are at risk, particularly in developing countries, as can be seen on the following map:
One of the consequences of AIDS and other diseases is the growing number of children whose parents have died from these diseases. In sub-Saharan Africa, about 9 % of children under the age of 15 years have lost one or both parents. Many of these children are also HIV-positive. This situation leads to the impossibility to transmit the correct information, experience and values necessary to survive from generation to generation, often leading to crime and other sociopathological phenomena.
Emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases in the world. Source: Wikipedia
Expected Progression of Infectious Diseases Worldwide Developing countries will continue to experience the greatest impact of infectious diseases, due to the population explosion, inadequate sanitation, bad water quality, poor healthcare and nutrition.
Sub-Saharan Africa will remain the most vulnerable region, with numbers of deaths exceeding all other regions. Southeast Asia and the Pacific area may witness a dramatic increase in infectious disease deaths, largely from Tuberculosis, Malaria, Cholera and HIV/AIDS.
Latin America is experiencing a widespread resurgence of Cholera, Malaria, TB, and Dengue.
The Middle East is expected to be better off regarding the occurrence of infectious diseases, due to social and climatic factors, and the high level of healthcare in the oil-producing states.
Western Europe and North America face threats from multiple infectious diseases, due to the large volume of travel, trade, and immigration. However, their highly developed healthcare systems are intended to limit these negative impacts.
Did you know… a staggering 15 000 children under 5 years of age die each day, many of them due to preventable diseases.
Let’s change this! Read the Solution section!
If the disease is treatable, let’s provide care and drugs to save lives.
More medical staff, more accessible hospitals and clinics and cheaper generic medicines need to be provided where they are needed.
Through the collaboration and programs of individual governments and international institutions, the problem of current global diseases is addressed. However, prevention is equally important – various information campaigns are necessary in the battle against HIV / AIDS, as well as to increase literacy in general. The distribution of mosquito nets in particular helps to prevent Malaria.
In general, improved living standards in developing countries and the associated quality of nutrition, access to clean drinking water and improved sanitation will prevent the further spread of infections and help to strengthen the immunity of populations.
Everyone can help! In addition to directly supporting an organization operating in the respective regions, there are multiple ways of support.
How can YOU help? Raise awareness about the importance of effective healthcare, which can reduce almost 3 million of the 4 million deaths of babies under 1 month of age. Most infection-related deaths can be avoided by treating maternal infections during pregnancy, ensuring a safe birth, care of the umbilical cord and immediate breast-feeding.
Help to spread information on social networks.
Contact your policymakers to ensure that they are aware of the fact that neonatal deaths make up a huge proportion of childhood deaths. Improved registration and increasing the availability and use of relevant information in programs and to increase the knowledge of decision makers are essential, if healthcare for newborn babies and their mothers is to be given the vital attention it deserves.
Support a good NGO which deals with the problems in developing countries. These secure basic medicine, provide deworming tablets, test kits, and treat patients to reduce infant mortality.
Support groups at risk to provide protective equipment, mosquito nets and disinfectants. Healthcare workers, service workers and police officers are among the most endangered groups. Support the distribution of PPE, such as masks and disinfectants to reduce the risk of infection.
Support research, rapid tests, and drug and vaccine development New methods of testing, the development of new drugs and vaccines to stop or at least alleviate the progression of diseases are essential.
Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly, and wear a face mask indoors in public to protect yourself from infectious diseases. When inviting people home or visiting others, suggest washing hands and similar recommended low-risk behavior to prevent the spread of viruses.
Do not leave home if you are not feeling well, except for medical care. Stay in touch with your doctor, do not visit crowded public areas and avoid public transportation. If you are stuck at home, cheer up! Smile. Call or e-mail friends. Contact them on social media. Dance. Sing. Read. Listen to music.
If you are ill, you should avoid close contact with the other people in your home. You should also restrict contact with pets and other animals. Do not share dishes, cups, eating utensils and towels with others. Seek medical advice (even telephonically) to receive the proper care.
