Although awareness and treatment of hypertension according to the data obtained during the late 1980s to the mid-1990s increased in several populations, the effectiveness of antihypertensive treatment showed the continuing need for improvements.

Although awareness and treatment of hypertension according to the data obtained during the late 1980s to the mid-1990s increased in several populations, the effectiveness of antihypertensive treatment showed the continuing need for improvements.

The most recent Confidential Enquiry into Maternal Deaths expressed concern that mortality in women from non-English-speaking ethnic groups was twice that of native-born women. There are very few published data on the obstetric performance of Kosovo Albanian refugees who have relocated to the United Kingdom and the aim of this study was to compare the obstetric performances of Kosovo Albanian women currently residing in the United Kingdom with their British-born Caucasian counterparts. Sixty-one index and 61 control cases were analysed; 63% of the Kosovo Albanian women spoke little or no English and 50% were on income support. Of the study group, 9.8% had caesarean sections, 8.2% had instrumental vaginal deliveries and 82% achieved normal deliveries. The Kosovo Albanian women were statistically younger and had shorter duration of labour compared to controls (P < 0.05, unpaired t-test). Epidural use was significantly lower in Kosovan women (P < 0.05, chi2 test). The rates of induction of labour (IOL), caesarean section, instrumental deliveries, premature delivery and low birth weight < 2.5 kg were not statistically different (P > 0.05 in all cases, chi2 test) between the two groups. This is the first study to examine the obstetric outcomes of Kosovo Albanian women who have resettled in a western European country. Most Kosovo Albanian refugees living in the United Kingdom are not socio-economic migrants but displaced due to civil unrest and many had reasonable socio-economic status prior to resettlement. The similarity in obstetric and fetal outcomes between the study and control groups could be attributed to the 'healthy immigrant effect', where immigrant groups appear to have better outcomes due to family support and relatively lower intake of alcohol and nicotine. It also suggests that obstetricians may be heeding the recommendations from recent Confidential Enquiry into Maternal Deaths, which highlight the need for increased vigilance in women from ethnic minorities.

No abstract

No abstract

Argues that a sound and efficient approach and policy for the protection of the environment and restoration of natural recources must include essential features which reflect the harmonization of national and global strategies expected for a sustainable society. The increasing awareness of governments and international organizations has culminated in several undertakings aimed at systematically facing the overwhelming problems encountered in the establishment of a global policy for environmental management and health for sustainable development. This takes account of environmental changes, patterns of economic development and sociocultural factors. A sustainable society supports the acquisition of basic needs with the extensive opportunity to aspire satisfactorily to a better life in the present and the future. Stresses that, for economic sustainability to occur, development action must be supported with available resources within society. The problem of the povertyridden population must be recognized. Suggests that the resource base in a sustainable society can be fortified through effective, efficient and equitable use of available resources and economic growth without the massive introduction of untoward environmental pollutants.

This paper attempts to present the dissemination and transmission dynamics of emerging and reemerging infectious diseases and the underlying features of gain-of-function research and geopolitics in the ambient within and across borders. Research and publication are relevant from perspectives in the management of local and global health because disease is perspicuously a geopolitical issue ostensibly linked to gain-of-function research where health diplomacy undergirds present and future global functionalities regarding the emergence and reemergence of infectious diseases. These have generated vehement reactions with propensity for extreme geopolitics and gain-of-function natural and anthropogenic activities. Geopolitical parameters and gain-of-function issues impact on the social determinants of health and vice versa. The convening and convergence of countries for unprecented epidemic or pandemic treaty settings or other formulations to confront emerging and reemerging infectious diseases will afford considerable opportunities concerning challenges in action, preparedness and response. Provisions are pertinent for legal instruments, effective and efficient systems to curb future threats and outbreaks of infectious diseases.

No abstract