Article 1: Africa should Screen Americans for Measles

   It seems counterintuitive that a Nigerian writer would mock the United States’ concern over the Ebola outbreak, suggesting that Africa should screen Americans. Nevertheless, this is exactly what Elnathan John does in his article, “Nigerian writer mocks US disease concern, saying Africa should screen Americans.” John’s piece highlights the double standards and hypocrisy that often accompany discussions about global health crises. John begins by pointing out the irony of the situation.. while Africa has been dealing with various diseases for centuries, it is only when these diseases reach the Western world that they become a cause for global panic. He argues that this selective sense of concern is rooted in a careless attitude towards Africa, where the continent is seen as a victim in need of Western intervention. John criticizes the Western media for perpetuating stereotypes and misinformation about Africa. He highlights how the media often portrays Africa as a monolithic entity, ignoring the vast diversity within the continent. This oversimplification not only preserves stereotypes but also hinders efforts to address health crises effectively. In his sarcastic tone, the author suggests that Africa should start screening Americans for diseases such as obesity and diabetes, which are prevalent in the Western world. This mocking remark serves as a reminder that health issues are not exclusive to any particular region and that a global approach is necessary. John’s article serves as a thought-provoking critique of the Western world’s response to global health crises. It challenges the double standards and stereotypes that often accompany discussions about Africa and highlights the need for a more nuanced and inclusive approach to addressing these issues.

Article 2: Free Heroin to Battle Addiction

It seems counterintuitive that a city would combat heroin addiction by providing addicts with free heroin. However, that is exactly what Vancouver, Canada has been doing since 2003. The city’s controversial program, known as Insite, aims to reduce the harms associated with drug addiction by providing a safe and supervised environment for addicts to inject heroin. Supporters argue that Insite saves lives by preventing overdose deaths and reducing the spread of diseases like HIV and hepatitis C. They also believe that the program helps to connect addicts with healthcare and social services, ultimately leading to their recovery. Critics, on the other hand, argue that Insite enables drug addiction and sends the wrong message to society. They believe that providing free heroin only perpetuates the cycle of addiction and does not address the underlying issues that lead to drug abuse. Insite has been successful in many ways. Studies have shown that the program has reduced overdose deaths and increased the use of addiction treatment services. It has also been credited with reducing crime rates in surrounding areas. While the program may seem unconventional, Vancouver’s approach to combating heroin addiction has proven to be effective. By providing addicts with a safe and closely supervised environment, the city is able to address the immediate health risks associated with drug use while also connecting addicts with the resources they need to recover.

Topic 3: Mammogram Team Learns from it’s Errors

It seems counterintuitive that a team of mammogram experts would learn from their mistakes, but that is exactly what happened at the University of California, San Francisco. In an article published in The New York Times, the author discusses how this team of radiologists used their errors as an opportunity for growth and improvement. The team, led by Dr. Bonnie Joe, recognized that mistakes were inevitable in the field of mammography. Instead of ignoring or hiding these errors, they decided to confront them head-on. They created a system where radiologists could openly discuss their mistakes and learn from each other’s experiences. The article highlights the importance of a culture of learning and improvement in the medical field. It emphasizes the need for healthcare professionals to be open and honest about their mistakes, as this is the only way to truly learn from them. By openly acknowledging and discussing their mistakes, they were able to identify areas for improvement and implement changes that resulted in a significant reduction in errors. This serves as a valuable lesson for all healthcare professionals, highlighting the importance of a community of learning and improvement in the medical field.