Health consequences of contraceptive use and reproductive patterns: summary of a report from the US National Research Council

Article Abstract:

Governments and international agencies support family planning efforts in order to slow population growth, increase economic growth, and improve the health of women and children. The safety of contraceptive methods has been questioned, but safety of contraception must be balanced against a maternal mortality of 100 to 700 per 100,000 live births, with the highest rates occurring in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia (all complications of pregnancy and birth are more frequent in these countries). In addition, almost one out of 10 infants born in developing countries dies before reaching one year of age. Risk factors for mothers and infants are discussed. There are few studies of contraceptive risk in developing countries, and many health officials do not stress fertility control because of fears of adverse health effects. The risks, benefits and effectiveness of oral contraceptives, intrauterine devices (IUDs), diaphragms, long-acting contraceptives (injectables and implants) and sterilization are examined. No method of birth control is free of health consequences, whether good, bad, or both. But it is clear that the health risks of any form of contraception are lower than the risks of pregnancy and childbirth. Illegal abortions are a major cause of maternal deaths in developing countries. Countries in which safe abortions are not available have an obligation to provide contraceptive services in order to reduce unwanted pregnancies. They also need to provide medical services including information on breast-feeding and spacing of births, and to treat the complications caused by unsafe abortions. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Reports, Complications and side effects, Contraception, National Research Council, Maternal health services, Child health services

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Effective humanitarian aid: our only hope for intervention in civil war

Article Abstract:

Humanitarian aid should be offered to all victims of war without waiting for international consensus to be reached. There are more than 43 million displaced people and refugees in the world, mostly as a result of civil war. Relief agencies may be able to hasten a peace process by attending to the health needs of people affected by war. Cease-fires were negotiated in Lebanon and El Salvador to allow relief agencies to immunize children. These interruptions in fighting may allow negotiations for a permanent cease-fire to begin. Aid organizations may remain neutral in a conflict, such as the International Committee of the Red Cross, or they may be partisan, such as Physicians for Human Rights or Amnesty International. Both approaches have limitations and benefits. The partisan groups can document human rights abuses and the groups that remain neutral can continue to deliver aid and provide care to those affected by conflicts.

Editorial, Management, International relief

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Global Public Health: Targeting Inequities

Article Abstract:

Increased funding and leadership of global public health programs are important to address inequities in health and medical care worldwide. World health efforts have substantially increased lifespans and reduced infant mortality rates in the developing world since 1950. Research of disease mechanisms and government, corporate, and university cooperation have improved health, but children in Africa remain significantly burdened with disease. Improved World Health Organization leadership, more resources, and population control measures will continue to enhance world health.

Planning, Finance, Public health, World health, World Health Organization

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