Kenya update. The African Medical and Research Foundation has reported an outbreak of measles (12 suspected cases) in Kibera, a slum in Nairobi. An additional 3 cases were diagnosed last week in a refugee camp where persons displaced by post-election violence in Kibera have fled. This is one of the outcomes that could have been predicted as a result of the disruption of health services infrastructure caused by post-election violence.
Pakistan. Pamela Constable, a reporter for The Washington Post reported yesterday ion National Public Radio's Diane Rehm Show that no widespread violence has erupted after the Pakistani elections. In the aftermath of Kenya's terrible post-election experience, there has been concern that the tension leading up to the national elections in Pakistan might erupt into similar devastating violence. It will take some time for the Pakistani government and political leaders to absorb the significance of the election results, but it seems that Pakistan may be on the way to avoiding the kind of violence that has put Kenyan health at risk.
East Timor. Unfortunately, there is still no end in sight for violence-plagued East Timor. East Timor is an example of how post-election violence can devastate national health and development. The current crisis began with a election-inspired violence in 1999. The nation eventually gained independence from Indonesia in 2002, but violence has taken root. Riots broke out in April 2006 after the firing of soldiers. People died in the riots and tens of thousands were displaced from their homes. April 2007 brought new post-election violence. Last week violence erupted again with a rebel attack on government leaders.
The numbers tell the sad tale of poor health status in East Timor.
Life Expectancy - 59.7 years (2005)
Infant mortality rate - 52/1000 live births (2005)
Underweight children less than 5 years of age - 46% (1996-2005)
GDP per capita - $358 (2005)
The people of East Timor are in desperate need. Life hangs in the balance as people face critical nutritional and health services shortages. At the same time, it is crucial that a stable political undergirding be established here. There are many groups working toward creating political and economic stability. Reuters AlertNet has a list of agencies working in East Timor if you are looking for a way to make a monetary or volunteer contribution.
Pakistan. Pamela Constable, a reporter for The Washington Post reported yesterday ion National Public Radio's Diane Rehm Show that no widespread violence has erupted after the Pakistani elections. In the aftermath of Kenya's terrible post-election experience, there has been concern that the tension leading up to the national elections in Pakistan might erupt into similar devastating violence. It will take some time for the Pakistani government and political leaders to absorb the significance of the election results, but it seems that Pakistan may be on the way to avoiding the kind of violence that has put Kenyan health at risk.
East Timor. Unfortunately, there is still no end in sight for violence-plagued East Timor. East Timor is an example of how post-election violence can devastate national health and development. The current crisis began with a election-inspired violence in 1999. The nation eventually gained independence from Indonesia in 2002, but violence has taken root. Riots broke out in April 2006 after the firing of soldiers. People died in the riots and tens of thousands were displaced from their homes. April 2007 brought new post-election violence. Last week violence erupted again with a rebel attack on government leaders.
The numbers tell the sad tale of poor health status in East Timor.
Life Expectancy - 59.7 years (2005)
Infant mortality rate - 52/1000 live births (2005)
Underweight children less than 5 years of age - 46% (1996-2005)
GDP per capita - $358 (2005)
The people of East Timor are in desperate need. Life hangs in the balance as people face critical nutritional and health services shortages. At the same time, it is crucial that a stable political undergirding be established here. There are many groups working toward creating political and economic stability. Reuters AlertNet has a list of agencies working in East Timor if you are looking for a way to make a monetary or volunteer contribution.
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