Every year, over 5.9 million children die, mostly from preventable or easily treatable diseases, and more than 95% of those deaths occur in developing countries. Pneumonia is the leading cause of death in children under 5 years of age, being responsible for at least 18% of all deaths in this age category (1). In 2010, there were an estimated 120 million episodes of pneumonia in children under 5…
Support for building adequate capacities in the health sector at a national level is particularly needed, given that the health sector both uses mercury and is responsible for diagnosing, treating and preventing the health effects of mercury. The sector’s role in prevention is well recognized, and includes identifying the health effects and sources of exposure to mercury; setting reference le…
Mental health is more than the mere lack of mental disorders. The positive dimension of mental health is stressed in WHO’s definition of health as contained in its constitution: “Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.” Concepts of mental health include subjective well-being, perceived self-efficacy, autonomy…
Does the child’s breathing appear to be obstructed? Look at the chest wall movement, and listen to breath sounds to determine whether there is poor air movement during breathing. Stridor indicates obstruction. Is there central cyanosis? Determine whether there is bluish or purplish discoloration of the tongue and the inside of the mouth. Is the child breathing? Look and listen to determine wh…
In recent years, significant progress has been achieved in delivering health-related interventions that are designed to achieve goals relating to improving maternal and child health, and reducing mortality and illhealth due to HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria. It is increasingly apparent, however, that the gains have been neither universal nor sufficiently broad-based and sustainable. Progres…