Malaria is a deadly disease which kills at least 300,000 Nigerian children every year. The contribution of Malaria to the high mortality rate amongst children is of grave global concern. The Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) 2008 study report shows that malaria is endemic throughout the country. Data from the study results indicates that […]
Category: Guest writers
Sandra Lako: Sierra Leone seven years on
Seven years ago today I flew into Lungi airport on an SN Brussels flight together with a few other people who were soon to be my colleagues and housemates. I remember it being hot and sticky while we were waiting to get on a helicopter to reach Freetown. I remember the drive along the beach […]
Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka: Investing in our future—the African youth dividend
South Africa has a bright future—with strategic investments now, we will have a vibrant economy fueled by our “youth bulge.” I believe that investments today will pay a youth dividend of increases in economic productivity, innovation and quality of life. […]
Alison Booth: Celebrating PROSPERO’s first year
It feels like no time at all since we launched PROSPERO. The year has flown by, buoyed by the worldwide support and enthusiasm for the initiative. It has been a successful year with over 380 reviews being undertaken in 27 different countries registered to date. We have also been delighted by the public support of […]
Nicola While on the free movement of doctors in the EU
Revising the rules on the free movement of professionals throughout Europe is one of the cornerstones of the European Commission’s strategy to make the EU more competitive and less bureaucratic. In its “Europe 2020 strategy,” the Commission aims to promote smart, sustainable, and inclusive growth, and has highlighted the need to promote intra-EU mobility to […]
Laura Woolfenden: Here comes good health
The 1920s and 1930s was an era of social and political revolution, and a switch of attitude on public health was indicative of the changing approach to public policy. The Wellcome Collection currently has an exhibition of cinematic work released by Bermondsey Borough Council’s public health department, which showcases the changed ideology on health provision […]
Richard Vize on the commission on dignity in care for older people
The consultation document published today by the Commission on Dignity in Care for Older People has powerful messages about the role of hospital doctors and the training of doctors and medical students. The commission, a joint enterprise by the NHS Confederation, Age UK and Local Government Association, was established in the wake of investigations by […]
Marge Berer: In defence of abortion on a woman’s request, including on grounds of fetal sex
Ach, what a furore. The Daily Telegraph is in its element and having a ball printing nasty allegations about doctors doing abortions illegally on grounds of sex selection. Let’s look at the issues a bit more dispassionately. First, is it actually illegal? Yes and no. The 1967 Abortion Act does not permit abortion on grounds […]
Andrew Jones: Transforming patient care using technology
A search on one fantastic piece of technology, the internet, suggests that technology can be defined as “…the application of science, especially to industrial or commercial objectives.” When I think about it, other than talking to our patients, most of what we do in medicine involves some use of technology. In fact, increasingly communicating with […]
Peter Bailey: poisoned chalice
It is now just over three weeks since I saw my last patient, hung up my stethoscope, and retired. A GP with time to think! Just imagine what might happen. Among the first fruits of this contemplation was the personal view of the Health and Social Services Bill that I submitted to the BMJ which […]