Lady da Vinci

We have entered a sad sad environment in which some science will be questioned more heavily by decision makers and the media, even if it is well-established. Science on the frontier may be over regulated if not properly understood. Scientist friends, especially those working in controversial or political fields, please please please consider engaging more with your representatives, social media, or the general public to make sure that science is best represented by those who understand it the most.

Some hopeful thinking, which is much needed to balance all the fear and doomsday predictions to which I find myself exposed (not discounting any of them; only noting the emotional toll they have on me). However, there are also some words of caution and issues we should carefully watch. Lancet's Richard Horton is typically fiercely outspoken and candid with his opinions, so his perspective here is worth reading. Bottom line from this article: a lot already has been put in place in global health that cannot be quickly undone by a Trump administration. However, policies or political, social, and economics stances from this administration (universal health, reproductive rights, xenophobia, isolationism, big business regulation like pharmaceuticals) may influence other countries similarly and significantly reverse the US as being a leader in global health.

"We invite the women in science and our colleagues to declare our support to each other and to all minorities, immigrants, people with disabilities, and LBGTQIA. Our scientific work may be global, yet we will take action in our own communities and we will work towards an inclusive society, where science and knowledge can be embraced and everyone has the opportunity to reach their potential."

“When men are considered babysitters or children instead of parents, it simultaneously disinvites us from the parenting conversation and keeps sexist views in place about their female partners,” he said. “It narrows our place and our contribution.”

God. Reading this is heartbreaking.  It vividly describes and puts into context the targeting of civilians, healthcare workers, and hospitals in Syria. My heart goes out to all of them, especially the brave and selfless healthcare workers putting their own lives in danger to help those unjustly being caught in this conflict.

Dr. Nott and the other doctors risking their lives to ensure that there is some emergency medical and surgical capacity in Syria, including through underground hospitals, Skype medical teaching sessions, and pioneering innovative surgical and trauma care techniques, are heroes.

As I was traveling when this came out, I've been slow on the sharing of it. In honor of International Obstetric Fistula Day, TWiGH covers the issue. Also, riding on the heels of the recent upsetting news of the Stanford student rape case, rape can also lead to fistulas and is common during conflict. Whether it's psychological or physical damage, the sense of sexual entitlement to women and use of sexual violence as a means of gender and societal oppression by men in some contexts severely affects the health of women.

Welcome to my life. I have what they are now calling a "portfolio career," which sounds a lot better than what I usually describe as "all over the place." 😜

"A woman should dress first and foremost for her own pleasure... there is nothing quite so divine as the feel of silk underwear, the touch of soft fox, the slither of a satin skirt. If these things happen to appeal to men, well… really that’s a side issue.”

What happens when two PhD scientists that love infectious diseases, global health, and red lipstick find each other? Basically they become global health besties and decide that THEY MUST collaborate on a project together.

In this regard, Dr. Sulzhan Bali and I are starting our own This Week in Global Health segment called Global Health Out Loud, where it's the two of us talking the biggest, most interesting, and current global health news stories. We'll tell you what you need to know and share some of our own perspectives on these topics.

Our first episode focuses on Zika virus, which is a hot topic in the news now.  We give you the basics on it and some thoughts on this increasingly growing and emerging epidemic in the Western Hemisphere.

Not to forgot my not too distant previous work in malaria... The World Malaria Day Report came out this week, with much to celebrate and much to be sober about.

This quote from the Director of the WHO Global Malaria Programme, Dr. Pedro Alfonso, captures EXACTLY my feelings on our global malaria response (also should point out its what has been pushed in the HIV field for many years now):

"How can we apply the lessons we are learning in individual countries to a unified plan to end malaria? We cannot -- and should not. When it comes to malaria, one size does not fit all. What may work in Jiangsu Province may not work in Kyrgyzstan or Congo.

When fighting malaria, we first need to understand the context, the biology, the ecological factors, the health systems and the responses of the parasites in each region of each country. Then, we need to tailor our response to the locale."

Dr. Pedro Alfonso, Director of WHO Global Malaria Programme http://www.huffingtonpost.com/pedro-l-alonso-md-phd/as-new-crises-emerge-lets_b_8751678.html

The Science of HIV and AIDS from @asapscience (via https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FDVNdn0CvKI)

(via https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LTXTeAt2mpg)