10 Global Health Issues to Watch in 2018

January 19, 2018It ’s notallbad news.When we set out to compile our annual list of global health issues to watch this year, it seemed like all bad news. And true, that ’s often what we deal with in global health—the problems that need tackling, the suffering we can help alleviate.But then stories and columns likethis one cheer us up. They remind us that no matter how complicated and frustrating our work may get, fighting back against poverty and inequality works.There are and always will be global health challenges to face. But there ’s boundless hope, too. And a field full of determined health workers and other humanitarians ready to do what’s right.Now here are ten of the global health issues that will be most on our minds atIntraHealth International in 2018:10. Sparks of innovation from unexpected places.Speaking of news that makes us happy...Have you heard of thispioneering new surgical procedure that ’s saving the lives of babies born withhydrocephalus? It ’s far more effective than the treatment doctors use in the US (a device called a shunt), which only works long-term about two-thirds of the time. And this new procedure was developed in Uganda. NowAmerican doctors are traveling to Mbale to learn from the Ugandan physicians who invented it.Creative advances like this are often born of necessity, in unglamorous, unexpected circumstances. (Take theOd ón Device—it was invented in a kitchen by anArgentinian car mechanic and it ’s saving babies all over t...

Source: IntraHealth International - January 19, 2018 Category: International Medicine & Public Health Authors: mnathe Source Type: news