Local to Global Human Development

  All of us have heard of an autopsy, more commonly known as a ‘post-mortem’—the examination of a dead body to determine the cause of death in cases where foul play is suspected. Medical examiners reach conclusions through thorough examination and dissection of the body. However, not many non-medical personnel have heard of a 'verbal autopsy.' During my MBBS studies, while reading the forensic medicine paper, I found the concept of verbal autopsy fascinating. I imagined what it would be like to determine the cause of death by analyzing the history gathered from close relatives. However, I had several questions: Why do we need to conduct a verbal autopsy? Why can't we simply perform a standard autopsy? Why is it not widely practiced in urban areas? Although I had read about it in books, I wanted to gain practical experience. Little did I know that the answers to my questions would come from my experience here in Kalahandi. Kalahandi is where I completed my tr...

Approximately 13% North Carolinians live in poverty, according to 2023 US Census Bureau statistics ( source ). However, the proportion of Black (18.7%), Hispanic/Latino (20.7%), and American Indian (22.4%) populations living in poverty is much higher. A significant number of immigrants and refugees also face persistent poverty. The US Census Bureau reveals that approximately 1/3rd of all immigrants ( 33% ) live in poverty. As a result, they face lack of food, denial of quality/affordable housing, denial of healthcare, lack of quality education, and denial of other basic rights.  North Carolina-based Local to Global Human Development has a mission to serve impacted people in North Carolina and many countries in South Asia and Middle East where our members have family connections. A significant number of people in our base are refugees from different countries, including Rohingya, Afghan, Syrian, Somali, Congolese, and other refugees. Many have escaped genocide and extreme violence (...

  By: Fizza Javed: Alumna of the National University of Medical Sciences (NUMS) with a Bachelor`s degree in Public health. Fizza Javed is a member of the Media Team for the NGO "We Make a Difference” (WMD) Noor-ul-Ain Shah: Graduated with a degree in BS in Public Health from National University of Medical Sciences (NUMS) Introduction: Did you know that stroke, despite its silent nature, ranks as the second-leading cause of death worldwide and the third-leading cause of death and disability combined? This insidious non-communicable disease wreaks havoc, particularly in populous nations like Pakistan. With an estimated population of 225 million and an annual stroke incidence rate of 250 per 100,000, the magnitude of this issue cannot be overstated. Yet, amidst the absence of comprehensive epidemiological studies, the true toll of stroke on Pakistani lives remains shrouded in mystery. In a country with a median age of 22.5 years, the implications for public health and well-being are ...

by Mazhar Hanif, Yaushva Rafaqat (Help Relay Foundation), Kiran Shahzadi (Help Relay Foundation), and Manzoor Cheema (Local to Global Human Development) Background: Human Rights Watch estimates that as much as 11% of Pakistanis (or 27 million people ) have some form of disability (or differently abled). Disabled community members in Pakistan face many challenges, ranging from lack of adequate infrastructure, facilities, and services that will allow them to live a fulfilling life. On top, working class disabled community members face challenges of poverty and marginalization from society. As a consequence, many people facing mobility impairments or even mental health crises are relegated to street begging for their survival. The movement for the rights for the disabled is nascent and not as developed in Pakistan as in many industrialized/OECD countries. The state spends minuscule resources for the basic rights (mobility access, livable jobs, equal opportunity legislation, etc.). On top,...

Nurturing Tomorrow: Exploring the Impact of Healthcare Systems and National Policies on Maternal and Child Health By Fizza Javed* Infant mortality is one of the indicators by which we can tell about the condition of the people of any country. The infant mortality rate in Pakistan is 55 per thousand live births (1). Ensuring the health and well-being of a mother is the cornerstone of securing a healthy start for her infant. It's a critical link that profoundly impacts the growth, development, and even mortality of the baby. Several key aspects underscore this crucial relationship. Maternal nutrition plays a pivotal role. A mother's well-balanced diet during pregnancy and breastfeeding is more than just sustenance for herself—it's the primary source of vital nutrients that fuel the infant's growth and bolster their immunity. Equally significant are maternal health conditions. Pre-existing ailments or infections in the mother, such as gestational diabetes, hypertension, HI...