Any infection can lead to sepsis — a life-threatening emergency — yet few people know what it is. Sepsis is a complication of infection that can lead to tissue damage, organ failure and death. The condition constitutes a global healthcare problem, and despite advances in modern medicine such as vaccines, antibiotics and intensive care, it is the primary cause of death from infection, especially in underserved countries.
Chronic diseases impact the way we live our lives every day. Many people do not believe that chronic diseases — such as heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes and many cancers — can be prevented. We know the major causes of these noncommunicable diseases; if we knock out risk factors, then we are much less likely to fall ill, so that, for example, 80% of all heart disease could be prevented.
1. What are Health Learning Modules? They are interactive learning courses that teach people without medical backgrounds about health and medical issues. These evidence-based and peer-reviewed modules are used for group presentations and for individual study.
On August 8 the United Nations released an Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report by 107 experts from 52 countries, which warns that the world’s food supply is at risk due to “unprecedented” climate change, combined with the exploitation of land and water resources.
The World Health Organization states that a strong health force is needed to deliver primary health care to people living in low-resource areas of the world. The current critical shortfall of doctors and nurses can be filled by community health workers (CHWs) — when they are properly trained. WiRED’s CHW curriculum includes training in basic health issues, prevention techniques, taking vital signs, first aid and other health-related skills. Further, it includes WHO-recommended topics such as health surveillance and communication competencies.
The WiRED International Governing Board has elected Charlotte Keegan Ferretti, R.N., Ed.D., as its new board chair, effective August 1, 2019. She replaces Anthony Hodge, who, though retiring from the helm, will stay on the board.
An eruption of dengue fever has reached epidemic proportions in Honduras. Health officials there have declared the crisis a national emergency. According to CNN, hospitals in La Paz are so overwhelmed that patients are spilling over into corridors and even a nearby chapel, while planned operations have been postponed.
WiRED International is pleased to announce Mark D. Kelleher’s election to its board of directors. Mr. Kelleher said, “I’m delighted to join the WiRED International board, and honored to be asked.
On July 17, the World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus declared that the year-old Ebola virus disease (EVD) outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is now a “Public Health Emergency of International Concern.” WHO has already identified Ebola as one of the 10 threats to global health in 2019.
Lency Mmbone is a 24-year-old community health worker (CHW) who lives and works in Obunga, one of the poorest areas of Kisumu in western Kenya. In a testimonial sent to WiRED International, Ms. Mmbone said, “I want to thank WiRED for providing free health information materials to the vulnerable settlement of Obunga Slum.”