Médecine tropicale : revue du Corps de santé colonial
-
In this article, the author describes, in layman's terms, the legal framework for international humanitarian operations. He explains a number of complex and intricate principles used in these situations. He acknowledges the burden that legal considerations place on humanitarian organizations but also demonstrates that legal expertise is an indispensable tool in the provision of humanitarian services.
-
The implementation of essential drugs policies and widespread use of generic products in humanitarian programs has ensured access to medication for poverty-stricken populations. However rigorous drug selection according to origin is necessary to guarantee quality. ⋯ An obvious danger for drugs such as antibiotics is that use of poor quality products producing insufficient bioavailability will promote development of microbial resistance. This could become a worldwide public health problem with particularly dramatic consequences for the treatment of tuberculosis and retroviruses.
-
French Guiana is a French Overseas Department in South America. Ninety-five percent of the territory is a tropical rainforest. Its rich fauna includes seven families of snakes but only 3 are potentially venomous. ⋯ Crotalus durissus, a rattlesnake living in coastal savannah, or Micrurus sp cause neuromuscular poisoning. Coral snakes are encountered throughout French Guiana, but envenomation is very rare. Antivenom therapy must be administered by the intravenous route in association with symptomatic treatment and, if necessary, resuscitation in a specialized care unit.