Global Matters
The newsletter of the Office of Global Health Volume 26, Winter 2014
Spring 2014 Global Health First Global Health Film Draws Large Audience at TTUHSC El Paso Lecture Series By Lisa Ruley, Associate Director, Media Relations, TTUHSC at El Paso
During Thursday’s debut of to the U.S. State Department. several people for prostitu- the first film in the Global John Martin, who tion. Martin asked those in the Health Film series on campus, heads the Paso del Norte Cen- audience, as healthcare provid- the documentary “Not My Life”, ter of Hope, a local center that ers, and as future physicians, to about human trafficking, 65 exists to protect victims of hu- look for signs in helping identify 12:00 Noon CT people—staff, faculty and potential victims of trafficking students—watched as most- ACB 120 during patient visits. His ly women and children who handouts which were available have been trafficked told at the screening, listed some Wednesday, February 5 their stories. ways these potential victims Ambassador Tibor P. Nagy Alma Aranda, unit could be identified: State of the World 2014: coordinator for the Office of Predictions and Reflections Is the person accompanied Global Health, TTUHSC at El by another person who Paso, warned the audience Wednesday, February 19 seems controlling (possibly that many of the images and Clyde Martin, Ph.D. the trafficker)? Global Food Security & stories would be difficult to Is the person rarely al- Feed the Future watch, but the film was im- lowed in public (except at portant to watch “because it work)? puts human faces on the num- man trafficking within the region Wednesday, March 5 Can you detect any physi- bers of people trafficked and through outreach, education, Kanika Monga, PLFSOM cal or psychological Voice for the Deprived brings them to life,” she said. and victim-centered services, abuse? Aranda gave some startling spoke to the audience before Additional March Date statistics: There are some- the screening about human traf- Does the person seem TBA where between 21 to 30 million ficking. He mentioned that eight submissive or fearful? people in slavery today which is of 10 victims of human traffick- Does the person lack iden- Wednesday, April 2 more than at any time in human ing said they have had an en- tification or documenta- Breedlove Foods, Inc. history (Source: counter with a healthcare provid- tion? Bringing Life Saving Food freetheslaves.net). According to er before anyone else, including Is someone else collecting to Those in Need UNICEF, two million children law enforcement. The center the person’s pay or holding
are estimated to be trafficking became aware of a young victim their money for safekeep- Wednesday, April 16 victims of the sex trade each when she was seen recently at a ing? TBA year. The average age of a girl local emergency room because The TTUHSC El being forced into the US do- of a severe beating. She was Paso Office of Global Health Wednesday, May 2 mestic sex slavery market is being held against her will by will feature a monthly film and Greg Miller, MD Physicians Aiding 13. The average cost of a slave are in the process of build- Physicians Abroad around the world is $90. The ing their Global Health average age of entry into prosti- library with movies, docu- tution in the U.S. is around the mentaries, and books for
age of 12 to 14 for girls and 11 anyone on campus to Presentations with hyperlinks were to 13 for boys. check out. recorded and can be viewed on the Twenty eight percent For more infor- OGH website or checked out from of human trafficking victims mation on the Paso del the OGH library. report having had contact with Norte Center of Hope, call a health care system while in a 915-231-8882. The num- trafficking situation, according ber to the National Human Trafficking Resource Cen- ter is 1-888-3737-888.
TTUHSC Global Matters | 2
1. 5. Cameroon Available 2. International6. Côte d'Ivoire Medicine Club from the OGH Library Working Together to Build a We awoke early each wives on basic principles of sexu- Healthier Jinotega morning, loaded our supplies onto al health, prenatal care, and child- buses, and departed for our mobile birth. Because many villagers do The following resources By Andrew Roth, School of clinics by sunrise. The clinics took not have access to medical care, are available for check- Medicine, Class of 2016 us to remote parts of the country, these people play an essential out: requiring travel up steep climbs role in their communities. This is When I enrolled in medical school, and through dirt roads. We arrived especially true when you consider Book I knew that I would spend my first to dozens of people from the town that, about 40% of the births in the
I am Malala summer completing a global health and surrounding countryside wait- villages that we served occur in By Malala Yousafzai elective. ing for the home (by our team’s esti- Having al- us. As mates). Our training focused on
I am Malala is the remarka- ready attend- medical teaching them the basics of wom- ble tale of a family uprooted ed similar stu- en’s health and also helping them by global terrorism, of the trips to Mexi- dents, to identify red flags such as a high fight for girls’ education, of a co and the we took risk pregnancy that should be sent father who, himself a school Dominican owner, championed and on a lot to a hospital. Our team also ad- encouraged his daughter to Republic, of re- ministered a survey to women write and attend school, and this was my visiting our clinics in order to as- brave parents who have a first oppor- sess the state of women’s health. fierce love for their daughter tunity to par- We looked at endpoints related to in a society that prizes sons. ticipate in an international program sponsibilities throughout the week, childbirth, contraceptive usage, I am Malala will make you with the added responsibilities of a believe in the power of one including triaging patients, taking and preventive screening which person’s voice to inspire medical student. These experienc- histories and physicals, running will help us improve our educa- change in the world. es are valuable opportunities to the pharmacy, and assisting in the tional programs for future trips. learn from a new culture and gain optometry clinic. Each of us had We will be working closely with medical experience, but most im- valuable opportunities to interview students traveling to Jinotega this Movie portantly for me, they represent a patients and formulate treatment coming summer so that they can professional calling. I joined Dr. plans with physicians. This im- continue this work. The Waiting Room Patti Patterson, 16 of my class- portant interaction gave us a As I continue through mates, and health professionals glimpse into our patients’ lives. I my preclinical years of medical The Waiting Room is a from throughout Texas to travel to treated a woman who suffered school, I find that my mind wan- riveting look behind the Jinotega, Nicaragua. During our from chronic respiratory infections ders back to my time in Nicaragua doors of a public hospital’s two weeks in Nicaragua, we collab- overtaxed emergency room because her kitchen did not have and to the people I served. They in Oakland, California. A orated with an organization called adequate ventilation. We found embody many of the diseases that poignant blend of humor Misiόn Para Cristo to assist in mo- new eyeglasses for an elderly I learn about and they remind me and drama, the film offers a bile medical clinics and conduct woman who needed her vision to what a privilege it is to study med- raw, intimate and ultimately educational programs about wom- sew. The most difficult cases that I icine. I am excited for the future of uplifting look at the struggle en’s health for community health saw were patients that we were the relationship between TTUHSC and determination of one workers. community and one hospital unable to help, including a teenage and Misiόn Para Cristo. This is a coping with limited re- The drive into Jinotega is girl with uncontrolled seizures and program where hard work and powerful. As you head north from sources and no road map a father losing his vision to macu- innovative ideas can make a real for navigating a health care the low-lying capitol city of Mana- lar degeneration. difference in people’s lives. landscape marked by his- gua, the elevation quickly rises, TTUHSC students are toric economic and political taking you through clouds and working to improve dysfunction. The Waiting alongside tree covered mountains Room is an eloquent and women’s health in urgent anthem of the power with coffee plantations carved into Jinotega, an im- of our collective humanity to them. The city of Jinotega is at the portant goal identi- meet the greatest challeng- bottom of a bowl shaped valley, fied by both Misiόn es of our time. and depending on the time of day it Para Cristo and the may be completely obscured by a local government.
layer of mist. Misiόn Para Cristo’s For two days, we headquarters comprise almost an held an interactive entire block in the heart of the city, educational program across the street from a busy mar- for community health For more information about ket and the main bus station. providers and mid- the resources available from the OGH library, visit our website.
GLOBAL MATTERS TTUHSC Global Matters | 3
Bringing Care Back Mark Your Calendar for the By: Karla A. Arredondo, School of Allied Health Sciences, Class of 2015 Global Perspectives Film Series
There will be many children Gunshots. Two children We may not know why Cobán playing marbles at school are lacked a functioning ambu- like the two in Cobán who wounded. In Cobán, Guatemala, lance, but we can deduce that could not be helped, many the hospital’s only ambulance is the neglect of outlying towns suffering parents, and many out of order and the children where people live in poverty people who have no income cannot be taken to Guatemala often leads to or insurance to pay for our services. It costs City where the proper emergen- carelessness. cy services they need are avail- While political nothing to give, able. The 13-year-old is in a leaders live in and what we You’re invited to join the coma after a high-caliber bullet the capital gain is invaluable Office of Global Health as we traversed his skull, and the 9- with more when we provide host a screening of one of the year-old is in need of intensive than enough our skills and many films from our library. care due to an injured trachea. resources, training to some- The entire town, all of which is and while the one. 12:00 Noon indigenous, helplessly waits and suffering of It is CST attempts to console the parents. others is only an uninteresting important to remember what ACB 240 rumor, it is easy for the leaders led us into the health profes- The political reasons behind this despicable act of to label themselves as “us” and sions. Many of us have col- terror lie in issues of land, terri- others as “them,” widening the lected stories and experienc- Thursday tory, and natural resources that socioeconomic gap and turning es that have enriched us and January 23 belong to this marginalized peo- a deaf ear to alien sorrow. further validated our career Thursday choice. We are privileged to ple. Unfortunately, the big and February 13 powerful terrorizing the poor and The richest experienc- have the opportunity to pur- uninformed is not a novel story. es I hold come from moments sue that which we consider Thursday This incident where I have the meaningful. This must not March 27 provides in- opportunity to be enlarge any gap between us Thursday sight into the of service to per- and others. It is not always April 24 great medical sons who feel necessary to travel abroad to Thursday needs of this unworthy, lesser, find opportunities to serve; it May 1 is merely a matter of aware- region. or who are ex- ness. Whether I find myself in The pecting rejection Inter-American because of the a big city or rural village, the March Feature film: reasons that led me to a Commission way a system is on Human run. I am not in health care profession re- Rights (IACHR), an organization this for personal gain or benefit. main alive and ignited: to Survival: The Deadly that promotes human rights in We are all building very power- serve and care for those Combination the Americas, was visiting Gua- ful tools as we prepare our within my reach. temala to gather information minds and bodies for vital work. about the situation of indigenous As an occupational thera- Tuberculosis is developing peoples in the country. This Ma- py student, I am learning resistance to almost every drug yan-Q’eqchi’ community in that a client-centered ap- available, which has lead to fears of an epidemic. In South Cobán lost two children this past proach to therapy is one in Africa, health authorities have August, due primarily to an act which we are respectful of locked up patients diagnosed of terror and secondarily to an each person’s culture and with XDR-TB in an effort to stop ineffective health care system. unique system of values the disease from spreading. This second-hand ex- and beliefs; therefore, we How should the issue be perience in Guatemala touched do not bring our own bias- resolved? Can countries deep fibers within me. As a fu- es and beliefs when inter- balance their need to protect the ture health professional, it acting with our clients. public from a killer disease with the rights of the individual? helped me remember the true Cobán reminds me that meaning of “health care.” Health every person deserves care is not about reimburse- respect and no one is ment, salary, efficiency, or more worthy just because
“Obamacare.” Health care is of socioeconomic status, Attendees are welcome to bring about exactly that: health care. culture, background, or religion. their own lunch.
“IACHR Condemns Attack against Maya Q’eqchi’ Children in Guatemala,” August 24, 2013, available at: Free snacks will be provided! http://www.oas.org/en/iachr/media_center/PReleases/2013/061.asp. TTUHSC Global Matters | 4 When in… Bliss A Movie Review Russia By Karla A. Arredondo, School of Allied Health Sciences, Class of 2015 Greet with a firm hand- shake and give several quick shakes while maintaining good eye hearts. yem chafes at Cemal’s domi- contact. From dull and mono- nance. However, tradition
During social functions, chromatic scenery, the viewer does not easily die and wait to be introduced, is transported to a modern Cemal’s indoctrination in hy- rather than walking up and dynamic Istanbul. Moder- per-masculine authoritarian- to strangers and intro- ducing yourself. Rus- nity here is colorful and wel- ism runs to his very core, of- sians are not comforta- coming. The benighted cus- ten causing him to react vio- ble talking to strangers toms of the village are dispar- lently without thinking. You shouldn’t say hello aged. Cemal delays killing The story unfolds as to people on the street or shopkeepers. In Meryem, though he constant- a thriller, and Cemal has to general people don’t ly struggles with his perceived face a truth he has been re- make eye contact; they walk with their heads In an Anatolian vil- obligation and his sympathy jecting. With shock and dis- down and mind their lage in Turkey where ancient for her. turbance, but unbreakable own business. In a moment when elegance, the conclusion ties traditions overpower familial Don’t use first names love, Meryem is a teenage girl Cemal decides to set com- loose ends together graceful- until you are invited to who appears to have been a passion aside and carry out ly. Bliss represents a land- do so. Russians often introduce themselves victim of rape. Kept in a room the orders he was given, he mark of contemporary Turkish by stating their sur- isolated from the rest of her takes Meryem to a bridge and cinema. It also delicately name. family, Meryem is suffering the instructs her to jump. But touches on the topic of rape Russians love children, guilt of having brought shame when Meryem is about to let and how some societies con- so make a fuss over to her family and must face herself go, Cemal grabs her demn the victim and not the them. Showing a photo- graph of your own fami- her punishment: to die a sin- by the waist, pulls her over rapist. More than anything, ly is a great way to ner. As tradition requires, a the railing, and the two be- Meryem’s precious appear- break the ice. woman who is “tainted” must come fugitives together. The ance and rare naivety stirs the Russians can be very be killed in order to relieve her village will never welcome viewer’s heart and inspires critical of their own family of disgrace. The village them back. love and understanding for the country, but you should refrain from joining in. leader, also Meryem’s distant Bliss offers an en- repressed and the voiceless. uncle, orders his son Cemal to lightening look at the steady With striking images allegori- Russian hospitality is take her to Istanbul and get rid awakening of Meryem’s own cal of Turkish nationality, Bliss legendary, and they will take great care to enter- of her on the way there. The autonomy. Cemal, too, faces is well represented by beauti- tain you in style, even if village will think she was sent confusion when Istanbul in- ful acting and is most certainly it means making finan- cial sacrifices. off to an arranged marriage sists on challenging his incul- a story worth watching. and, since Meryem was never cated idea of gender roles. Drinking vodka is ines- registered when she was Irfan, a Turkish university pro- capable, and a refusal Answers to is unacceptable unless born, no one will mind her fessor they meet and be- Name That Flag: you give a really good disappearance. Meryem walks friend, is the main vehicle for excuse ( such as medi- 1. Zimbabwe cal or religious excuse). out and into the car that will that tender awakening. As 2. Russia take her away, with the sad- Cemal and Meryem discover 3. Suriname If you are a guest, the 4. Timor-Leste male host will usually ness and acceptance of the cosmopolitan world, 5. Kyrgyzstan pay, although it is polite someone who knows there where women wear bikinis 6. Malta to make a token offer to 7. Nicaragua settle the bill if you are are no open arms, only shut and drop by for a drink, Mer- 8. Ethiopia a man as well. A wom- 9. Bermuda en should never offer to pay the bill.
GLOBAL MATTERS TTUHSC Global Matters | 5
When in… Join the Office of Global Health for Russia Cont.
A Russian home is a the spring 2014 Cultural event. refuge, a place of sanc- tuary where the outside world is forgotten and people can be them- selves. Music of Zimbabwe Avoid Russian police. Many of them are cor- rupt and view tourists as mobile ATM machines. Wednesday, March 12, 2014 There is a dual price system at many public attractions such as mu- seums, so expect to pay up to 10 times more Noon—1:00 PM than a Russian citizen.
Don’t whistle indoors; it brings bad luck or finan- cial loss. ACB 110 You may have to stand in line for a long time for a train ticket because everyone has to present a passport, even for internal travel.
Country Close-up* *every issue OGH will select another country to feature Always remove your shoes when visiting a Russian home. Often you will be provided with Republic of Zimbabwe rigging the elections. In 2009, CIA World Factbook, the life guest slippers.
Morgan Tsvangirai was as- expectancy at birth for males Gift-giving is popular Zimbabwe is located signed the position of Prime is 53.79 years, while for wom- and appreciated. Alco- in southern Africa bordered by Minister to create a power- en it is 53.93 years. Zimba- hol (other than vodka) is the Zambezi and Limpopo sharing government. bwe is ranked number nine in welcome. Bring flowers for the woman of the rivers. Though the official lan- Mining along with the world for HIV/AIDS. In house when visiting a guage is agricultural 2009, there were an estimat- home. English, the crops such as ed 1.2 million people living majority of corn, with the dis- Tipping used to be ille- gal, but now a 10% the popula- cotton, ease. It ranks service charge is usually tion speaks and number five in added to the bill, and Shona. tobacco HIV/AIDS you may add another tip for excellent service. Slightly larger than the state of play a key role in deaths with Don’t scrutinize the Montana, Zimbabwe has a Zimbabwe’s econo- 83,000 reported bill—it indicates a lack population of 13,182,908. my. As of February in 2009. Other of trust.
Zimbabwe gained its 2, one U.S. Dollar is major infectious independence in 1980 and has equal to 361 Zimba- diseases in Zim- had only one ruler since 1987. bwean Dollars, alt- babwe include Taken from Behave Your- President Robert Mugabe has hough the U.S. Dollar is hepatitis A, typhoid, malaria, self! By Michael Powell continuously won the general widely accepted within Zim- dengue fever, rabies, and elections, but not without great babwe. bacterial diarrhea. scrutiny and accusations of According to the TTUHSC Global Matters | 6
International Flavor Recipe provided by Thea Murray, School of Medicine, Class of 2017
Cou-Cou Flying Fish Sauce
Ingredients Ingredients 6 okras, sliced thinly 8 flying fish (scaled, deboned, and butterflied) 2 cups cornmeal 3 tbsp. Bajan seasoning (also called green seasoning) 1 tbsp. butter, plus extra for buttering dish Lime juice, as needed 1 medium onion, chopped finely Salt, as needed 2 large cloves of garlic, minced 1 tbsp. butter 1 tbsp. thyme, minced finely 2 large onions 1 tbsp. oil 3 cloves garlic 1 tsp. salt 1 stalk celery, diced 4 cups boiling water 1 bay leaf 2 cups tap water 1/2 tsp. curry powder 1/2 tsp. mustard Instructions: 1 tsp. sugar Soak cornmeal in 2 cups tap water 5 minutes before you are 1 cup water or fish stock ready to start making the cou-cou. 1/4 green bell pepper, sliced Heat oil in pot and sauté onions, garlic, and thyme for 1-2 1/4 yellow bell pepper, sliced minutes. Add sliced okras and sauté for one minute. 1/4 red bell pepper, sliced Add 4 cups of boiling water, cover pot and let boil for 10-12 2 large tomatoes, chopped minutes. 2 tbsp. mixed chopped herbs (dill, chives, parsley, thyme) Using a slotted spoon, remove the okras, set aside, and keep 1/4 tsp. hot sauce warm. Pour out half of the liquid from the pot and set aside (reserve). Instructions: Turn the heat to very low, add the soaked cornmeal and salt. Rub the flesh side of the fish with Bajan seasoning and lime juice and salt, to taste. Stir constantly to avoid lumps and to avoid the cornmeal mixture from scorching. Roll fish up tightly and secure with a toothpick. As the cornmeal begins to dry out, add the reserved liquid in Heat butter in large skillet with a lid, over medium heat. stages until the cornmeal is cooked. Add the onion, garlic, celery, and bay leaf and cook, stirring As the mixture begins to break away clean from the sides of the until soft. pot, add back the okras. Add curry, mustard, sugar, and stir. Let the cou-cou continue to cook until firm. Add water (or fish stock if using), stir to combine, and bring to Pour the cou-cou into a generously buttered bowl and shake it a simmer. around to form a mold. Arrange the rolled fish in the skillet and cover with the bell Invert the bowl with cou-cou onto a platter. peppers, tomatoes, herbs, and hot sauce. To serve, create an indentation in the center of the cou-cou and Cover and simmer until the fish are cooked through, about 10 heap with frying fish sauce. minutes. Season with more salt if needed.
Thea’s family resides in Barbados. This recipe is Barbados’ national dish and one of Thea’s favorites.
GLOBAL MATTERS TTUHSC Global Matters | 7
Name That Flag Can you name the countries represented by the flags below? Answers on page 4
1. 4. 7.
2. 5. 8.
3. 6. 9.
In the News, Around the World
Some Health Programs Overseas Let Students Do Too Much, Too Soon A pre-med student at the University of Minnesota helped deliver a baby during a visit to a health clinic in South America as part of a trip sponsored by a student organization. Want to Move Abroad? This map shows the best and worst countries to be an expatriate. The International Student Economic Tool Use NAFSA’s International Student Economic Value Tool to view ten-year trends and access breakdowns of the analysis at the regional, state, and congressional district level. U.S. Universities Increasingly Enroll the World The United States remains the World’s top destination for international students. A record 819,644 studied at American colleges in 2012- 2013, an increase of 7.2%, according to new data from the Institute of International Education’s annual report. Translation Apps and Traveling Abroad Apps available to make the daily information processing while abroad a little easier. The Man, The Myth, The Reading List: Nelson Mandela Since Mandela’s release from prison in 1990 the myths and stories about him have grown, through many narratives constructed by journal- ists and the numerous films made about him and the many books written about his life. But these three provide a good introduction to this remarkable man, who always insisted that he was part of a larger struggle and movement. Getting Away with Murder: A Study of Benazir Bhutto’s Death In 2007, Benazir Bhutto—twice prime minister of Pakistan and then-leader of the Pakistan People’s Party– was killed in a suicide bombing attack that claimed 38 lives. The factors at play in her assassination, however, reached deeper than many imagined. Paula Johnson: His and hers...healthcare Every cell in the human body has a sex, which means that men and women are different right down to the cellular level. Yet too often, re- search and medicine ignore this insight—and the often startlingly different ways in which two sexes respond to disease or treatment. Treating The ‘Body and Soul’ In a Russian TB Prison Russia has struggled for decades to control deadly forms of tuberculosis among inmates. A clinic inside a Siberian prison is finally having some success against the disease by teaching inmates to care for themselves—and their families. December January February
01—World AIDS Day; South Sudan 01—New Year’s Day; International 01—Lunar New Year Holiday; 06—Quito Day; Ecuador 05—Armenian Christmas Eve; Mongolia 08—National Youth Day; Albania Armenia 04—Spring Festival; China 10—International Human Rights 06—Three Kings Day; Spain 08—Day of Slovenian Culture; Day; Namibia 14—Revolution and Youth Day; Slovenia 19—National Heroes and Heroines Tunisia 10—Family Day; Canada Day; Anguilla 20—National Day of Mourning; 11—National Sports Day; Qatar 22—National Unity Day; Zimbabwe Azerbaijan 17—President’s Day; United States 23— Emperor's Birthday; Japan 23—Bounty Day; Pitcairn Islands 21—International Mother’s Language 25—Christmas Day; International 26—Australia Day; Australia Day; Bangladesh 26—Boxing Day; Swaziland 28—National Army Day; Armenia 23—Motherland Defenders’ Day; 27—Anniversary of Benazir Bhutto’s 29—Tet Holiday; Vietnam Russia Death; Pakistan 30—Chinese New Year’s Eve; Taiwan 28—Andalusia Day; Spain 31—New Years Eve; International 31—Independence Day; Nauru
International Holidays and Celebrations
Language Lesson: I miss you
Afrikaans Ek mis jou Aragonese Me fas falta Basque Zure falta somatzen dut Corsican Mi manchi Dutch Ik mis je Estonian Ma igatsen sind French Tu me manques German Ich vermisse Sie Haitian Creole Mwen sonje w Indonesian Saya rindu kamu Italian Mi manchi Kinyarwanda Ndagukumbuye Malay Aku rindu pada mu Portuguese Tenho saudades tuas Scottish Gaelic Tha mi gad ionndrainn Somali Waayadan kuma arag Spanish Te echo de menos Swedish Jag saknar dig Tagalog Hanap-hanap kita Tswana Ke go gopotse Wolof Namm naa la