Dr Héctor Javier Sánchez specializes in public health and research methodology and holds a master’s degree in epidemiology. He is a senior researcher in the Society, Culture and Health Department at El Colegio de la Frontera Sur, Mexico. The Colegio is a public research institution concentrating on environmental, economic and social issues related to a […]
Analyzing any bio-psycho-social paradigm is complex and requires a comprehensive, integrative approach. Parsing the health picture of individuals, as well as whole populations, is no exception. Considering masculinity as a factor may shed light on health status, especially since traditional ideas of ‘manhood’ work against health promotion and prevention, as revealed in studies worldwide. In […]
Gastroenterology, hepatology and liver transplant exchanges between the USA and Cuba have mainly consisted of scientific events and short visits. This has facilitated Cuba’s inclusion in recognized scientific organizations, familiarity with Cuba’s biotech products for treatment of liver disease, and access by Cuban professionals to the highest level of scientific information for clinical practice. It has also given health professionals in the US a more accurate picture of Cuba’s health sector. The results of the Global Alcoholic Liver Disease Survey, which included Cuba and was designed and coordinated in the USA, opened doors to joint research and scientific publications. Until now, there have been no protocols for ongoing cooperation to enable bilateral clinical trials or continuing professional development in diagnostic, therapeutic and surgical techniques for hepatology and liver transplantation. There are many mutually beneficial research prospects in these areas. What has been accomplished to date, described in this article, is encouraging and sets the stage for future collaboration.
KEYWORDS Hepatology, liver transplant, health, medicine, science, Cuba, USA
This roundtable began with world-renowned US and Cuban experts in arboviruses (particularly those transmitted by mosquitoes) but was quickly transformed with the participation of globally recognized scientists in other fields. All have contributed and continue to contribute to the often frustrating efforts to advance bilateral health cooperation, for the benefit of the USA, Cuba and the world. Each from their own vantage point argues why such cooperation can release potential to create scientific synergies capable of addressing some of the most perplexing and urgent global health problems.
WHO considers the effects of air pollution one of the most pressing global health priorities. Several years ago, scientists began noting a link between Saharan dust (a meteorological phenomenon that diminishes air quality as it spreads over the globe) and some diseases, but the few studies to date have been inconsistent. Cuba has the human and material resources to study the association between Saharan dust and health. It is important to encourage creation of multidisciplinary research teams to do so.
KEYWORDS Health, airborne particulate matter, dust, air pollutants, environmental health, climate, Cuba
Among environmental problems, climate change presents the greatest challenges to developing countries, especially island nations. Changes in climate and the resulting effects on human health call for examination of the interactions between environmental and social factors. Important in Cuba’s case are soil conditions, food availability, disease burden, ecological changes, extreme weather events, water quality and rising sea levels, all in conjunction with a range of social, cultural, economic and demographic conditions.
KEYWORDS Climate change, health, environment, social factors, Cuba
Leadership is the perception or acceptance by members of a group of their superior’s ability to inspire, influence and motivate them to meet their goals and contribute to the achievement of shared objectives.
This article analyzes the characteristics of bioethics and the profile of the bioethicist in relation to the comprehensive development required of health leaders. We address this relationship in the areas of research and clinical practice; intersectoral activity; health sciences education; bioethicist’s profile; and influence on organizational structures, functioning and decisionmaking, with particular reference to development and current situation of these aspects in Cuba.
KEYWORDS Bioethics, leadership, medical education, health professional education, health, values, workplace stress, Cuba
