Trapped in the Traffick: Growing Problems of Drug Consumption in Lagos

1994 ◽  
Vol 32 (4) ◽  
pp. 657-677 ◽  
Author(s):  
Axel Klein
Keyword(s):  
Drug Users ◽  
World Health Organisation ◽  
Drug Consumption ◽  
Oral Traditions ◽  
World Health ◽  
Counter Measures ◽  
Narcotics Control ◽  
Control Programmes ◽  
Policy Statements ◽  
The Media

The literature on drugs in Africa includes policy statements by government officials which, by and large, follow the line set by international organisations created to design counter-measures to drug consumption and trafficking, such as the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the International Narcotics Control Board (INCB) of the United Nations. At this level the debate revolves largely around the effectiveness of different preventative strategies; control programmes and the performance of agencies are evaluated, and authors often bewail the perversion of moral values in the countries concerned, while appeals for financial assistance figure frequently in the media. Much less well known are the oral traditions and the popular culture in which the drug users, traffickers, and barons are ascribed certain roles. I would like to compare the material contained in these different bodies of work with my own field observations from the drug ‘scene’ in both high and low density areas of Lagos.

scholarly journals Should Autism Spectrum Conditions Be Characterised in a More Positive Way in Our Modern World?

Medicina ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 56 (5) ◽  
pp. 233
Author(s):  
Barry Wright ◽  
Penny Spikins ◽  
Hannah Pearson
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Abilities ◽  
World Health Organisation ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Classification Systems ◽  
World Health ◽  
Autism Spectrum Conditions ◽  
Modern World ◽  
Diagnostic Systems ◽  
Spectrum Condition ◽  
The Media

In a special issue that focuses on complex presentations related to Autism, we ask the question in this editorial whether an Autism Spectrum Condition without complexity is a disorder, or whether it represents human diversity? Much research into Autism Spectrum Conditions (ASCs) over the years has focused on comparisons between neuro-typical people and people with Autism Spectrum Conditions. These comparisons have tended to draw attention to ‘deficits’ in cognitive abilities and descriptions of behaviours that are characterised as unwanted. Not surprisingly, this is reflected in the classification systems from the World Health Organisation and the American Psychiatric Association. Public opinion about ASC may be influenced by presentations in the media of those with ASC who also have intellectual disability. Given that diagnostic systems are intended to help us better understand conditions in order to seek improved outcomes, we propose a more constructive approach to descriptions that uses more positive language, and balances descriptions of deficits with research finding of strengths and differences. We propose that this will be more helpful to individuals on the Autism Spectrum, both in terms of individual self-view, but also in terms of how society views Autism Spectrum Conditions more positively. Commentary has also been made on guidance that has been adjusted for people with ASC in relation to the current COVID-19 pandemic.

scholarly journals Understanding Substance Abuse and its Correlation with Social Changes in Sikkim: A Sociological Study

2019 ◽  
Vol 15 (3) ◽  
pp. 48
Author(s):  
Peter Rai
Keyword(s):  
Drug Abuse ◽  
Drug Use ◽  
Drug Addiction ◽  
Drug Users ◽  
World Health Organisation ◽  
The Philippines ◽  
World Health ◽  
Easy Access ◽  
Sociological Study ◽  
Pharmaceutical Industries

<p>In contemporary society, the full-fledged impact of modernisation and globalisation which has given the free movement of people, goods and money across the countries of the world can be witnessed. This has also opened the economic opportunities among the individuals and communities in the society, which has become a new way of life. Society has changed over the years and activities of the people have also undergone social change. Even the trend of taking drugs has changed with change in society. Traditionally used drugs have been replaced by modern synthetic drugs. The proliferation of pharmaceutical industries, which manufactures narcotic drugs, has, directly and indirectly, encouraged the use and abuse of drugs due to easy access in the market. The epidemic of illicit drug users in the global society has increased significantly and simultaneously related crimes in society. </p><p>Drug abuse is global phenomena. A drug is a biological substance, synthetic or natural, which is taken primarily for non-dietary needs, and it is a substance, which affects the functioning of the mind and body or both. Globally, according to UNODC estimate, in 2009, between 149 and 272 million people, or 3.3% to 6.1% of the population aged 15-64, had used illicit substance once in the previous year. Cannabis and ATS (Amphetamine-type stimulants) are two important drugs which are commonly used worldwide. Within Asia, ATS ranks as the main drug of abuse in Thailand, Japan, Republic of Korea and the Philippines, and also China, Myanmar and Indonesia are in the second rank (UNODC, 2004). Heroin, cocaine and other drugs kill around 0.2 million people each year and also causes health problems with incurable diseases. The European Monitoring Centre for Drug and Drug Addiction (EMCDDA) defines the problem of drug use as, “injecting drug use or long duration regular use of opium, cocaine and amphetamines”. World Health Organisation (WHO), defines drug addiction as a ‘disease,’ and the American Psychiatric Association, define drug abuse as the ‘illicit consumption of any naturally occurring of pharmaceutical substance for the purpose of changing the way, in which a person feels, thinks or behaves, without understanding or taking into consideration the damaging physical and mental side-effects that are caused.'</p>

Videogaming will rise rapidly as an engine of growth

2019 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Economies Of Scale ◽  
World Health Organisation ◽  
Health Condition ◽  
World Health ◽  
Live Streaming ◽  
Gaming Disorder ◽  
Mental Health Condition ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Media Ecosystem ◽  
The Media

Subject Videogaming growth. Significance The videogames industry is becoming an increasingly important engine of economic growth while also reflecting important changes in how people work. China is becoming the dominant producer and consumer. Impacts Regulation and intervention will keep encouraging the gaming sector to cluster in certain locations to benefit from economies of scale. Associated activities including live-streaming and e-sports competitions will become increasingly important in the media ecosystem. The World Health Organisation classifies ‘gaming disorder’ as a mental health condition; cases and research into the condition will grow. Three-quarters of gamers surveyed by McAfee worry about cybersecurity; the ‘Fortnite’ game has facilitated thousands of online scams. Childhood gamers develop skills that make them good candidates for cybersecurity work, potentially offsetting an upcoming talent shortage.

Koronavirüs Salgınının Türkiye’deki Suriyelilere Etkileri Üzerine İlk İzlenimler

2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 121-146
Author(s):  
Selma Akay Ertürk
Keyword(s):  
Local Community ◽  
World Health Organisation ◽  
World Health ◽  
Web Pages ◽  
Syrian Refugees ◽  
Spatial Effects ◽  
First Case ◽  
The Social ◽  
The Media ◽  
Short Time

Son dokuz yılda Türkiye’deki Suriyeli mültecilerin sayısı 3,5 milyonu geçmiştir ve bunların büyük bir çoğunluğu kamplar dışında yaşamaktadır. Koronavirüs (Kovid-19) salgını çok kısa bir süre içinde pek çok ülkeyi ve kıtayı etkisi altına almıştır. 11 Mart 2020’de Dünya Sağlık Örgütü (DSÖ), Koronavirüs salgınını küresel bir salgın yani pandemi olarak ilan etmiş ve ülkelerden yayılmayı durdurmak için sıkı önlemler almasını istemiştir. Aynı tarihte 11 Mart 2020’de Türkiye’de ilk Koronavirüs vakası Sağlık Bakanlığı tarafından duyurulmuştur. Bu çalışmanın amacı, Koronavirüs’un Türkiye’deki Suriyelilere olan sosyal, ekonomik, kültürel ve mekansal etkilerini ve Türkiye’de Suriyelilere yardım eden kuruluşların bu salgın döneminde yani bu acil kriz durumuna verdikleri yanıtları incelemektir. Yerli ve yabancı literatür ile resmi kurumların verilerinden, web sayfalarında paylaştıkları bilgilerden ve medyada çıkan haberlerden faydalanılan bu çalışmada, Türkiye’de bulunan Suriyelilerin, Koronavirüs salgını döneminde uluslararası sınırları geçme veya Türkiye’de bulundukları yerde kalma konusunda karşılaştıkları seçenekler değerlendirilmiştir.  Türkiye’deki Suriyeliler Koronavirüs salgını döneminde yerel toplumun üyeleri gibi, ekonomik zorluklarla karşı karşıya kalmışlardır. ABSTRACT IN ENGLISH Early Reflections on the Effects of Coronavirus Pandemic on Syrian refugees in Turkey In the past nine years, the number of Syrian refugees in Turkey has exceeded 3.5 million, and the vast majority of them live outside the camps. Coronavirus (COVID-19) epidemic has affected many countries and continents in a short time. On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organisation (WHO) declared the COVID-19 as a pandemic and asked countries to take stringent measures to stop spreading. On March 11, 2020, on the same date the Ministry of Health, announced the first case of COVID-19 in Turkey. This study aims to analyze the social, economic, cultural and spatial effects of Coronavirus on the Syrian refugees in Turkey and to examine the response of the institutions and international and local NGO’s who support the Syrian refugees in Turkey during this pandemic, that is, in an emergency crisis. In this study, which utilizes the data of official institutions, the information they share on their web pages and the news in the media, options of Syrians in Turkey for crossing international borders or for staying in places where they live in Turkey in time of COVID-19 evaluated. During the Coronavirus outbreak, Syrians in Turkey faced with economic difficulties like members of the local community.

The organisation of hazard prevention to travellers

1982 ◽  
Vol 82 (1-2) ◽  
pp. 117-125
Author(s):  
Anthony C. Turner
Keyword(s):  
Medical Profession ◽  
World Health Organisation ◽  
School Curriculum ◽  
World Health ◽  
Adequate Treatment ◽  
Travel Agents ◽  
Department Of Health ◽  
Safety Regulations ◽  
The Media ◽  
The Subject

SynopsisMember airlines of the International Air Transport Association in general accept very seriously the responsibilities regarding health problems due to travel. They lay down standards in a practical manner which they try and maintain, the principle being to combine maximum safety regulations with minimum restrictive practices to fit in with a successful commercial operation. These standards cover the prevention of spread by not carrying contact passengers who are in a stage of incubation; the prevention of food- and water-borne disease which covers satisfactory food preparation and food handling and also satisfactory water supplies on the aircraft; the prevention of insect-borne disease by adequate aircraft spraying; the prevention of animal-borne disease and the avoidance of, and, if necessary, the adequate treatment of, any animal vermin on the aircraft, and the avoidance of zoonoses carried by animals transported as air freight. In addition to these standards, British Airways run an immunisation centre which provides various pamphlets and booklets which give medical advice. Finally, they make an announcement of the need to take an antimalarial when entering a malarious area.From the organisations other than the airlines the situation is mainly advisory —the World Health Organisation, the Department of Health and Social Security, the Health Educational Council; all issue booklets and pamphlets to a greater or lesser extent. The medical profession and the pharmacists regrettably tend, on the whole, to be ill-informed and uninterested. The media are often inaccurate and tend to put the stress on less important issues. The travel agents and the inclusive tour operators vary greatly in their attitudes. Some are responsible and some are irresponsible.All of these points are covered in the article and it is suggested that more post-graduate centres should encourage lectures on the subject of the prevention of imported disease and it should be included in the medical school curriculum along with the lectures on tropical diseases.

Sero-Epidemiology And Pattern Of Transfusion-Transmissible Infectious Diseases Among Family Replacement And Voluntary Blood Donors In Lagos University Teaching Hospital (2018-2019), South-West Nigeria

2020 ◽  
Vol 154 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S168-S168
Author(s):  
O E Otokiti
Keyword(s):  
Blood Transfusion ◽  
Blood Donors ◽  
Blood Donation ◽  
Essential Medicine ◽  
World Health Organisation ◽  
University Teaching ◽  
World Health ◽  
The Media ◽  
Higher Institutions ◽  
Negative Controls

Abstract Introduction/Objective Despite innovations and giant strides achieved in medicine, blood transfusion has continually remained an integral aspect of patient care and management. Currently, blood and blood products are part of the World Health Organisation (WHO) model list of Essential Medicine (EML). However, despite being a ‘life saver’, potential risks of transfusion of fatal infections (TTI) are associated with its use, hence this study to evaluate the trend of TTI in blood donors. Methods In this study, 21,464 donors were screened for HIV, HBV, HCV and Syphilis between 2018 and 2019 via 4 th generation ELISA. Retrospective data was gotten from records. The results were read using a spectrophotometer. Optical Density was calculated for positive and negative controls and only results from runs in which controls had passed were used and released. Results Of the 21,464donors tested, 3818 (17%) were voluntary blood donors (VBD) and 17,646 (83%) were family replacement donors (FRP). Total number of TTI was 1928 (0.1%) of units donated. Of the screened units positive for TTI, HBV accounted for the highest prevalence 1031 (54%), HCV 498 (26%), HIV 246 (13%) and Syphilis 147 (8%). A much higher incidence of TTI sero-positivity was observed in FRP (85%) as compared with voluntary blood donors (15%). Cumulative discard rate from TTI was approximately 0.1%. Conclusion Our results in this study showed that FRP are more likely to transmit TTI than VBD. Blood transfusion services should work more on replacing family replacement donors with voluntary donors. This can be achieved by reinforcing the culture of voluntary blood donation through the media, secondary and higher institutions as well as through advocacy. Indeed the WHO recommends 100% voluntary blood donations for all nations.

scholarly journals Sexual education in the European countries

2018 ◽  
pp. 335-344
Author(s):  
Mirjana Rasevic
Keyword(s):  
Sex Education ◽  
World Health Organisation ◽  
European Countries ◽  
World Health ◽  
Planned Parenthood ◽  
Scientific Papers ◽  
The Status ◽  
Status Assessment ◽  
The Media ◽  
Definition Of

Sweden was the first country in Europe to introduce compulsory sex education into school curricula as early as 1955. It is nowadays integrated in the education systems of many European countries. Is the contemporary approach to sex education realistic in Serbia, as well? In other words, has the state modernised its education system and adapted it to the present-day requirements and needs in this field? With that respect, the paper considers a number of topics related to sex education: contemporary definition of the concept, respect of the relevant human rights, new needs for this type of information, the implementation principles, barriers and models in the European countries, the role of schools, health care institutions and the media, as well as the good practices in Europe. Besides the research results published in scientific papers, important inputs for consideration of the above topics were also taken from the relevant studies of the World Health Organisation, the International Planned Parenthood Federation and the European Society of Contraception and Reproductive Health. This has provided the basis for the status assessment and the formulation of expectations with regard to the implementation of youth sex education in Serbia. The emphasis is on working with youth as the key target group for education in this field, although sex education is significant in all stages of life.

scholarly journals The Epidemic Failure Cycle hypothesis: Towards understanding the global community’s recent failures in responding to an epidemic

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dirk Richter ◽  
Simeon Zuercher
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Approach ◽  
World Health ◽  
Biological Origin ◽  
Conspiracy Theories ◽  
Counter Measures ◽  
Cultural Conditions ◽  
Adequate Response ◽  
The Media ◽  
Health Organization ◽  
Failure Cycle

Within a few years, the global community has failed twice in responding to large viral infection outbreaks: the Ebola epidemic in 2014 and the SARS-Cov-2 pandemic in 2020. There is, however, no systematic approach or research available that analyses the repeated failures with regard to an adequate response to an epidemic. For a better understanding of failing societal responses, we propose a framework called the ‘Epidemic Failure Cycle’ (EFC). The EFC consists of four phases: Negligence, Arrogance/Denial, Panic and Analysis/Self-criticism. These phases fit largely with the current World Health Organization pandemic influenza phases: Interpandemic, Alert, Pandemic, Transition. By utilizing the Ebola epidemic and the SARS-Cov-2 pandemic as case studies, we show striking similarities in the response to these outbreaks during both crises. Finally, we suggest three major areas to be of utmost importance for triggering and maintaining the EFC. In terms of ecology, zoonoses, supposed to be the main biological origin for virus epidemics, have been largely neglected by politicians, the media and the scientific community. Socioeconomic and cultural conditions such as harsh living and working conditions as well as conspiracy theories hinder effective preventive and counter measures against epidemics. Lastly, in terms of epistemology, the reliance on knowledge about previous outbreaks has led to slow and inadequate decisions.

scholarly journals Visibility Driven Perception and Regulation of Air Pollution in Hong Kong, 1968–2020

Environments ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (6) ◽  
pp. 51
Author(s):  
Peter Brimblecombe
Keyword(s):  
Air Pollution ◽  
Hong Kong ◽  
Air Quality ◽  
Public Perception ◽  
World Health Organisation ◽  
World Health ◽  
Monitoring Networks ◽  
Pollutant Concentrations ◽  
The Media ◽  
Rural Sites

Visibility is a perceptible indicator of air pollution, so it is hardly surprising that it has been used to promote the regulation of air pollutants. In Hong Kong, poor visibility associated with air pollution has been linked with changes in tourist choices and health outcomes. Much research is available to examine the early deterioration of visibility in the city, and especially its relation to particulate sulfate. The period 2004–2012 saw especially poor visibility in Hong Kong and coincided with a time when pollutant levels were high. There is a reasonable correlation (multiple r2 = 0.57) between the monthly hours of low visibility (<8 km) and PM10, NO2, SO2, and O3 concentrations from the late 1990s. Visibility can thus be justified as a route to perceiving air pollution. Over the last decade, visibility has improved and average pollutant concentrations have declined in Hong Kong. The changing health risk from individual pollutants parallels their concentration trends: the risk from NO2 and particulate matter at urban sites has declined, but there have been increases in the health risks from ozone as its concentrations have risen across the region, although this is dominated by concentration increases at more rural sites. Since 2004, the frequency of search terms such as visibility, air pollution, and haze on Google has decreased in line with improved visibility. Despite positive changes to Hong Kong’s air quality, typically, the media representation and public perception see the situation as growing more severe, possibly because attention focuses on the air quality objectives in Hong Kong being less stringent than World Health Organisation guidelines. Policymakers increasingly need to account for the perceptions of stakeholders and acknowledge that these are not necessarily bound to measurements from monitoring networks. Improvements in air quality are hard won, but conveying the nature of such improvements to the public can be an additional struggle.

A Collaborative Study to Establish the Second International Standard for Streptokinase

1990 ◽  
Vol 64 (02) ◽  
pp. 267-269 ◽  
Author(s):  
A B Heath ◽  
P J Gaffney
Keyword(s):  
High Purity ◽  
Collaborative Study ◽  
World Health Organisation ◽  
World Health ◽  
Clot Lysis ◽  
Current Standard ◽  
International Standard ◽  
Accelerated Degradation ◽  
The World ◽  
International Collaborative Study

SummaryAn International Standard for Streptokinase - Streptodomase (62/7) has been used to calibrate high purity clinical batches of SK since 1965. An international collaborative study, involving six laboratories, was undertaken to replace this standard with a high purity standard for SK. Two candidate preparations (88/826 and 88/824) were compared by a clot lysis assay with the current standard (62/7). Potencies of 671 i.u. and 461 i.u. were established for preparations A (88/826) and B (88/824), respectively.Either preparation appeared suitable to serve as a standard for SK. However, each ampoule of preparation A (88/826) contains a more appropriate amount of SK activity for potency testing, and is therefore preferred. Accelerated degradation tests indicate that preparation A (88/826) is very stable.The high purity streptokinase preparation, coded 88/826, has been established by the World Health Organisation as the 2nd International Standard for Streptokinase, with an assigned potency of 700 i.u. per ampoule.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document