It's the norm to associate the Third World with poverty, hunger and disease, and this is not without reason. Third World nations, such as those in parts of Africa, Asia and Latin America, generally have higher death rates than most developing countries. This increase is likely to do with malnutrition, civil war and increasingly disease. So how can the spread of disease be reduced? Sabreen Ali explores...

These days we use the term ‘Third World’ to describe countries with the common characteristics of serious poverty, high birthrates, financial unstable and often economic dependence on other countries. It is not so straightforward, though, that all underdeveloped nations can be swept under this definition without the contributing factors being looked at individually. There are many reasons disease is a serious issue but it's likely at least some of the preventative suggestions I'm about to explain could help rid the so called, Third World, of a terrible reality. Firstly, let’s identify some of the reasons as to why disease spreads so rapidly in these poverty-stricken countries. One of the main causes is lack of awareness. Many people living in Third World countries have little or no awareness regarding the spread or action of a disease.  Let’s take, for example the spread of HIV (AIDS) in Africa. Here in the West most people old enough to have a sexual relationship are aware this disease spreads by sexual transmission. African men, who leave their families in search of work, and who are unaware of the risks of unprotected sex, may create a large sexual network, rapidly spreading HIV and AIDS. If infected, upon returning home, there is a large chance that they may infect their wives, who will pass it on to their children, creating an unhindered cycle. Of course, this is not limited to Africa – it occurs in many other parts of the world.  However, the crux of the problem – if a person does not recognize danger, he will not be afraid - is more common in third world countries, where health education is often limited or nonexistent. Thus awareness of the disease and its dangers are vital in controlling its spread. This consciousness can be communicated to the future generations via schools, and teaching. Governments can also take the initiative by distributing free condoms as a means of protection.

Another step that Governments should take is to screen all blood that is to be donated. As recent as 2002, in the United States, reports were received regarding the transmission of the West Nile virus through blood transfusion. If this is the case in the richest country in the world, – imagine the situation in an underdeveloped nation? It is absolutely imperative that all blood be screened before usage. With the problems of poorly staffed and equipped hospitals and unregulated systems – fatalities are not uncommon.

Another reason for the spread of disease is over crowdedness. In most Third World countries, the general population had barely any access to condoms or other forms of contraception. As a result the overall birth rate per annum in such areas is high, sparking overcrowding. Because of such a large number of people sharing the same space, diseases spread by air droplets, such as tuberculosis, are common. Governments must try to improve housing standards in these places, to prevent a disease becoming widespread. The provision of building materials and a few workers to rural areas is unlikely to absorb a large portion of a nation’s income. Poor people are people nonetheless. Do they not deserve to lead life under a roof at the very least?

Lack of proper food is yet another reason – and a paramount one. A worrying proportion of young children in these nations are malnourished as they grow. The lack of vitamins in their diet, such as vitamin A or C, can cause deficiency diseases such as night-blindness or scurvy. Thus, nutritious food must be supplied to regularly. In matters such as this, wealthier nations have to offer a helping hand. With financial aid, cloud seeding can be done over many Third world countries, thus increasing the volume of rainfall. This in turn increases harvest returns per annum and healthier crops. Livestock will also have greener pastures for grazing and may produce more milk, eventually yielding more meat.

Third world, First World - different reasons for illness...

Another way of reducing the spread of infection is by vaccination. There are numerous diseases which are easily prevented by means of inexpensive injections, and yet, countless people die from these diseases every year. Medical volunteers from the more fortunate countries, together with the World Health organization (WHO), should put in a greater effort to administer herd immunity to rural communities – especially to children, because of their weaker immune systems. This may prove to be a difficult task for smaller villages with limited access, but with enough funding and determination, it is achievable.

Improper sanitation is yet another cause for the rapid spread of disease. It may be that village folk, without enough knowledge of hygiene and sanitation – again because of lack of education – choose to defecate in open areas, or even in bodies of flowing water, such as rivers. Further down the river, little children may be taking a bath, or playing a game. Contact with fecal matter can cause serious, and if not treated, deadly diseases such as cholera and typhoid. Governments should not only ensure that good supplies of water are available where possible, without people having to walk for miles to obtain it, sewage systems should be build and enforced. Finally, a nation’s people most understand the need for proper sanitation and good hygiene standards. As stressed regarding the sexual transmission of disease, one of the most crucial needs in Third World countries is education and awareness.  With these seemly little things we often take for granted, a great deal can be achieved and many people can help themselves and each other.

It is not an easy journey to be able to achieve all the preventative measures I have outlined above, but with appropriate help from wealthier nations as well as a good attitude and awareness from a nation’s own people, perhaps we will find that it is not impossible.

***

Submitted by Sabreen Maryam Ali, 19

Comment in the Cube Fourm at www.cubeweb.org.uk/forum