Well, I wanted to add some pictures to the site as they say more than words so check out the Philippines tab for those. I will also say a bit about the course I'm taking as you may know someone who is interested in taking this course or being involved with this great organization. Maternal and infant deaths are a huge problem especially in the developing world and SO many of them are easily preventable. The course I am taking here through Mercy In Action offers information about maternal and child health for medical professionals or anyone hoping to volunteer or live overseas. Specifically we are learning how to recognize the common warning signs for tuberculosis, pneumonia, dehydration, worms etc. We learn how to prevent HIV transmission from moms to babies who need breast milk. How to be prepared for and help in a natural disaster is valuable information when traveling and living overseas so this is also covered. We also discussed the connection with poverty and the devastation of natural disasters including the health problems that quickly follow as is currently occurring in Haiti with the cholera outbreaks. Yesterday, I learned that only 16% of Philippino mothers are breastfeeding due to the illegal financial incentives and false advertising of infant formula companies. Although the benefits of breastfeeding are numerous for both child and mother (immune protection, nutrition and health benefits for their entire life, bonding, it's free.....) many undereducated women here think they they have no milk and that spending their precious pesos on infant formula is really what is best for their children. It is a sad tragedy that is robbing many of their lives and health. By the way, the pediatrics journal published a 2009 study in Ghana showed a 4 times increased death rate in HEALTHY infants under a month when given any formula at all, compared to exclusive breastfeeding. It seems we should all reconsider the harmful effects of formula even if it only occurs rarely. Please pass this information on to anyone who is interested.
Outside of class, I've just been walking around to the small markets and along the beach. Enjoy the photos of these.
Outside of class, I've just been walking around to the small markets and along the beach. Enjoy the photos of these.