St Kimani

Ebola Outbreak: Knowledge to Act

The persistence, spread and escalation of Ebola virus disease (EVD) ravaging West Africa is now a serious global threat. The epidemic has resulted in unprecedented number of deaths and cases including health care workers in countries with the poorest staffing patterns. This article provide a general background information on EVD and specifically address what is known and what need to be done at individual and society level to mitigate its effect. The epidemic appears to be attributed and sustained by negative socio-economic factors, notably extreme poverty, poor health infrastructure and disintegrated health care system. The extreme social-economic factors have created an atmosphere of fear, panic, helplessness, hopelessness further perpetuating the epidemic. There is need for the international community to scale up support for the affected countries to mitigate stress, restore supplies, economic activities and instill hope. Global concerted efforts, resource mobilization and support will contain and slow down the outbreak preventing international disaster and globalization of the outbreak.

Medicalized Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting: Contentious Practices and Persistent Debates

Purpose of ReviewFemale genital cutting/mutilation (FGM/C) performed by health care professionals (medicalization) and reduced severity of cutting have been advanced as strategies for minimizing health risks, sparking acrimonious ongoing debates. This study summarizes key debates and critically assesses supporting evidence.Recent FindingsWhile medicalization is concentrated in Africa, health professionals worldwide have faced requests to perform FGM/C. Whether medicalization is hindering the decline of FGM/C is unclear. Factors motivating medicalization include, but are not limited to, safety concerns. Involvement of health professionals in advocacy to end FGM/C can address both the supply and demand side of medicalization, but raises ethical concerns regarding dual loyalty. Ongoing debates need to address competing rights claims.SummaryPolarizing debates have brought little resolution. We call for a focus on common goals of protecting the health and welfare of girls living in communities where FGM/C is upheld and encourage more informed and open dialog.