Justin Kochanski, USA - 6 April - 18 May 2016

I graduated from Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa this past May. Originally from Chicago, IL, I attended university to study Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology with a concentration in Global and Comparative Public Health. I've worked many odd jobs to help pay for school– pathology technician, oncology laboratory assistant, and junior epidemiologist at the state department, just to name a few. 

My experience from these jobs, along with my compassion for social justice and philanthropy, has led me to pursue a career in medicine. I will start medical school this coming August, with the intent of working in some sort of global health setting after graduation. I strongly believe that health is a fundamental human right, and I want to work to help secure and promote that right throughout the world. 

Seva to me means "A commitment to humanity and dedication to justice, pursuing what is just."

When I am not studying, you can find me on the soccer pitch, rock climbing, or backpacking!

World Malaria Day 25th April

WHO estimated that in 2015 nearly 3.2 billion people or about half the world’s population were at risk of malaria across 97 countries and territories.  Though the majority of these cases and deaths occur in sub-Saharan Africa  those in Asia, Latin America and even the Middle East are at risk.

It is estimated that there were 214 million cases of malaria and 438,000 deaths.  It’s not all bad news though as since 2001 it is estimated that 6.2 million lives have been saved.  Furthermore between 2000 and 2015, malaria mortality rates among populations at risk has decreased by 60% with the incidence among populations at risk falling by 37% globally. 

So just what is Malaria?  It is a a preventable and curable disease caused by parasites spread through bites from infected female mosquitoes.  Those most vulnerable are young children, pregnant women and non-immune travellers from malaria free areas.

Symptoms 

Initial symptoms include fever, headache chills and vomiting which can make it hard to diagnose and recognise as malaria especially given symptoms usually occur 10-15 days after being bitten  In severe cases multi organ involvement is frequent.  For those who live in malaria endemic areas they may have developed partial immunity allowing asymptomatic infections to occur 

Treatment

As with most diseases, early diagnosis and treatment is the aim to reducing further spread and mortality.  Unfortunately like TB, resistance to antimalarials is one of the challenges to effective treatment. Fortunately at this time anti-malarial drug resistance is geographically isolated in the Greater Mekong Subregion (Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam.  As such additional support is being provided to strengthen the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of malaria in this region. 

Source: WHO World Malaria Report 2015

Prevention

• WHO recommends the following vector controls: 

1. Insecticide Treated Mosquito Nets 
2. Indoor Residual Spraying 

• Use of antimalarial medicines for travellers, pregnant women and children living in malaria prone areas 

Clinical trials of the most malaria vaccine (RTS, S/AS01) is underway and shows promising results. The vaccine was developed as a partnership between GSK (GlaxoSmithKline Biologicals) and MVI (PATH Malaria Vaccine Initiative) with support of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation as well as network of African research centre.

RTS, S/AS01 works against the most deadly form of malaria which also happens to be the most prevalent in Africa.  It is being used alongside other more established preventative techniques given that additional trials and registration/testing is still underway. 

Research and development of other malaria vaccines is also underway though are not as far advanced nor show as much promise as RTS, S/AS01. 

It is noted that there are no licensed vaccines against malaria or any other human parasite. 

The World Health Assembly adopted an ambitious but achievable strategy in 2015 by 2030

• Reducing by at least 90% the rate of new malaria cases
• Reducing the death rates of malaria by 90% 
• Elimination of malaria in at least 35 countries
• Ensuring that malaria-free countries remain that way 

Unfortunately it is estimated that to reach these goals the spending for malaria treatment and prevention needs to triple over the next 15 years to US$8.7 billion by 2030. 

One can donate to help end Malaria: The Global Fund

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed within this article are the personal opinions of the author. The facts and opinions appearing in the article do not reflect the views of AarogyaSeva and AarogyaSeva does not assume any responsibility or liability for the same.

To get in touch with the author or to join our team write to us at – Volunteer@aarogyaseva.org

World Immunisation Week 24th-30 April

“ No child should be denied the right to immunization for unfair reasons, including economic or social causes. All barriers must be overcome.”  Dr Margaret Chan, WHO Director-General

It is estimated that 2-3 million deaths are avoided from diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis and measles due to immunisation.   Unfortunately there is an estimated 18.7 million infants worldwide who are still missing out on basic vaccinations. More than 60% of these children live in 10 countries including India.

Illness, disability and death from cervical cancer, diphtheria, hepatitis B, measles, mumps, polio, rubella and rotavirus diarrhoea are among the diseases immunisation can prevent. 

World Immunisation Week is celebrated annually to raise public awareness of how it saves lives and encourage increase vaccination rates for both adults and their children. 

This is the second year that the theme has been to “Close the Immunisation Gap”.

Global immunisation coverage 2014 

We are still lagging on diseases that can be easily prevented and more needs to be done now to prevent avoidable illness and deaths. 

Contrary to common belief vaccinations are required not just by children but we also need to remember that as adults we also need to ensure our vaccinations are put to date.  For instance before my nephew was born my family and I all had to make sure we had our shots of pertussis or whooping cough up to date as babies under 1 month are unfortunately very vulnerable and unable to be vaccinated at birth.   I’ve seen footage of a child with whopping cough and struggling to breathe and it is very distressing to hear and watch. 

These are WHO’s 6 Goals of the Global Vaccine Action Plan 

1. Immunisation against Diphtheria, Tetanus and Pertussis
2. Measles mortality Reduction 
3. Rubella elimination 
4. Maternal and neonatal tetanus elimination
5. Polio Eradication 
6. Use of new or under-utilised vaccines 

Here are some ways in which you can help: 

• Make sure that you and your family immunisations are up to date
• If you are anyone you know is pregnant or trying to be make sure they have are vaccinated against rubella and tetanus 
• Share this blog and other Immunisation Week articles and news with your friends and family 
• Donate to organisations that are working to closing the immunisation gap such as World Vision, or UNICEF

When our clinic opens we encourage everyone to come down and get a health check including assessing if your immunisations are up to date. 

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed within this article are the personal opinions of the author. The facts and opinions appearing in the article do not reflect the views of AarogyaSeva and AarogyaSeva does not assume any responsibility or liability for the same.

To get in touch with the author or to join our team write to us at – Volunteer@aarogyaseva.org

World Health Day April 7th

April 7th marks World Health Day.  This year WHO has chosen to focus on the fight against Diabetes.  I’m sure everyone of us knows some one who has diabetes.  

Diabetes is a complex multi organ disease which is more than just your body not being able to process/use insulin normally leading to increased risk of heart attacks, kidney failure, blindness, amputation and stroke.

In 2012 it was a direct cause of 1.5 million deaths with WHO predicting that diabetes will be the 7th leading cause of death by 2030.

Why are we focused on Diabetes this World Health Day? 

1. The diabetes epidemic is rapidly increasing in many countries, with the documented increase most dramatic in low- and middle-income countries.
2. A large proportion of diabetes cases are preventable. Simple lifestyle measures have been shown to be effective in preventing or delaying the onset of type 2 diabetes. Maintaining normal body weight, engaging in regular physical activity, and eating a healthy diet can reduce the risk of diabetes.
3. Diabetes is treatable. Diabetes can be controlled and managed to prevent complications. Increasing access to diagnosis, self-management education and affordable treatment are vital components of the response.
4. Efforts to prevent and treat diabetes will be important to achieve the global Sustainable Development Goal 3 target of reducing premature mortality from noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) by one-third by 2030. Many sectors of society have a role to play, including governments, employers, educators, manufacturers, civil society, private sector, the media and individuals themselves.

Goals of World Health Day 2016

1. Increase awareness about the rise in diabetes, and its staggering burden and consequences, in particular in low-and middle-income countries;
2. Trigger a set of specific, effective and affordable actions to tackle diabetes. These will include steps to prevent diabetes and diagnose, treat and care for people with diabetes; and
3. Launch the first Global report on diabetes, which will describe the burden and consequences of diabetes and advocate for stronger health systems to ensure improved surveillance, enhanced prevention, and more effective management of diabetes

Take the quiz on your knowledge of diabetes here:  Take Diabetes Quiz here

When our clinic opens we encourage everyone to come down and get a health check including assessing if you have diabetes. 

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed within this article are the personal opinions of the author. The facts and opinions appearing in the article do not reflect the views of AarogyaSeva and AarogyaSeva does not assume any responsibility or liability for the same.

To get in touch with the author or to join our team write to us at – Volunteer@aarogyaseva.org

What's Toby Up to These Days?

Remember Toby Lamp who volunteered with us last year? 

Toby is a Registered Nurse from Indiana USA with over 4 years experience as ER Trauma Tech, Medical Support Assistant and LPN.  He has a big smile and lots of energy.

After spending a month in India followed by 2 months in Nepal post the Earthquakes he was inspired to cycle across America to raise awareness and funds for AarogyaSeva, Nepal and Chennai.   It was a massively inspiring effort and we thank him for his contribution.

So what's Toby up to these days? 

He's back in US working as an ER/ICU nurse for Dupont Hospital.  In his spare time he is keen to raise awareness on health issues and is looking to run for Congress.  Toby is also who connected us to our current crowd funding campaign on female hygiene kits.  Thanks for bringing this to our attention! 

To find out more on what Toby is up to: Toby Lamp 
To donate to our crowdfunding campaign: Donate Here

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed within this article are the personal opinions of the author. The facts and opinions appearing in the article do not reflect the views of AarogyaSeva and AarogyaSeva does not assume any responsibility or liability for the same.

To get in touch with the author or to join our team write to us at – Volunteer@aarogyaseva.org