Andrea Zeelie: A Blogfolio

doctorswithoutborders:

Tuberculosis in 2012 Tuberculosis (TB) is often thought of as a disease of the past, but an ongoing resurgence makes it very much an issue of the present day and age.

New data suggests that the global scope of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) is much larger than previously estimated, requiring a concerted international effort to combat this deadlier form of the disease.

MSF is calling on governments, international donors, and drug companies to fight the spread of drug-resistant TB with new financing and new efforts to develop effective and affordable diagnostic tools and drugs. Far shorter and less toxic drug regimens are needed, along with currently non-existent formulations for children, and a point-of-care diagnostics test. Regulatory measures need to be enforced to prevent further spread of the disease due to mismanagement by practitioners.

Infographic by better-things.co.uk

doctorswithoutborders:

Tuberculosis  (TB) is often thought of as a disease of the past, but an ongoing resurgence makes it very much an issue of the present day and age.

TB is caused by a bacterium, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, that the World Health Organization says infects one third of the world’s population. Between 5 and 10 percent of infected people develop the disease and become contagious at some point in their lives. (For those with HIV or AIDS, however, the rate is much higher.)

The disease usually develops in the lungs, although there are extra-pulmonary cases where the bacilli infect other parts of the body, usually the lymph nodes, bones, central nervous system, and cardiovascular and gastrointestinal systems. Major symptoms of TB are: prolonged cough, bloody expectorations, chest pain, and changes in a person’s general health status. Coughing, sneezing, talking, and spitting can all spread the bacilli into the air, where they can remain viable for several hours before being inhaled by another person.

Infographic by better-things.co.uk

Women’s Post is Canada’s leading national publication for professional women. This article is second in a series exploring travel health, induced by observations undertaken in a six-week backpacking trip across South East Asia.

Health and Nutrition | March 2012

Author | Health and Safety Abroad: On the Road 

Workshop: Global Outlook, Local Meanings

I was invited by a member of the organizing committee of Global Outlook, Local Meanings to apply to present at the annual Faculty of Education conference at the University of Ottawa. The conference aims to prepare teacher candidates with new techniques. I submitted a workshop idea which incorporated my work in education in Namibia and South Africa. Approximately between 40-60 teacher candidates attended my workshop. It was a pleasure to interact with such engaging and enthusiastic future teachers.

Women’s Post is Canada’s leading national publication for professional women. This article is second in a series exploring travel health, induced by observations undertaken in a six-week backpacking trip across South East Asia.

Health and Nutrition | March 2012

Author | Health and Safety Abroad: On the Road 

Health and Nutrition | February 2012

Author | Health and Safety Abroad: Before You Go

Equal Treatment is the Treatment Action Campaign’s prestigious magazine dedicated to covering health and HIV matters. It is produced five times a year and is published in English, isiXhosa, isiZulu and Setsonga. This issue focuses on the need to amend South Africa’s Patents Act 57 of 1978. Visit http://www.fixthepatentlaws.org for more information. My last issue of ET!

ET 41: Fix the Laws, Save Our Lives | November 2011

Contributor | Pills and Profits | Slips and Ladders | Worldwide Battle (adapted)

Photo Editor | Issue

Positive Lite is a Canadian-based “lifestyle magazine” website dedicated to important issues for people living with HIV, as well as friends and supporters irrespective of sexual orientation, gender, or nationality. This article was written after multiple visits to the captivating General Idea’s exhibit at the Art Gallery of Ontario.

Events | November 2011

Guest Author | General Idea’s ideas about AIDS

Impressions: Health Achieve 2011

Last year I attended my first Health Achieve - I was astounded by the high quality of the event. This year was no different. I felt the warm fuzzies as I collected my nametag and goodiebag. This year’s speakers and sessions even seemed to top last year’s.

Read More