Technology and Global Public Health

403 Pages·2020·7.856 MB·English

by  Padmini Murthy, Amy Ansehl

Padmini Murthy
Amy Ansehl  Editors
Technology
and Global
Public Health
Technology and Global Public Health
Padmini Murthy • Amy Ansehl
Editors
Technology and Global
Public Health
Editors
Padmini Murthy, MD, MPH, MS, Amy Ansehl, RN, BSN, MSN,
FAMWA, FRSPH FNP-BC, DNP
School of Health Sciences and Practice School of Health Sciences and Practice
New York Medical College New York Medical College
Valhalla, NY, USA Valhalla, NY, USA
ISBN 978-3-030-46354-0 ISBN 978-3-030-46355-7 (eBook)
https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-46355-7
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To M.K. Kashinath and Krishna Kashinath –
my beloved parents – for instilling in me
values of global citizenship. I miss you!
To Sir M. Vishweshwariah – my grand-uncle,
a renowned trailblazer engineer and
technology pioneer
–Padmini Murthy
To Lawrence F. Cohen – my beloved father
for teaching me to value and enjoy all people
–Amy Ansehl
Preface
Technology and health have been interconnected since ancient times, and as early as
the sixth century BC, there is evidence that an Indian physician named Sushruta –
who is considered as the father of surgery in India – was the author of one of the
earliest works in the world on medicine and surgery. This scientific treatise, known
as The Sushruta Samhita, described the etiology of more than 1100 diseases, the use
of plants in treating diseases and the use of technology, and detailed surgical proce-
dures including skin grafts and reconstructive procedures. This is an illustration of
the use of technology in the practice of health [1].
The ancient Egyptians were known for their inventions and construction of edi-
fices, as is evidenced in their pyramids and the burial chambers of the ancient kings
and the nobles of Egypt. The culture of this country and the knowledge the ancient
Egyptians had are fascinating, and there are several ancient monuments which were
built using technology, such as the pyramids and the burial grounds. These monu-
ments, especially the burial grounds, have provided us with a wealth of knowledge
about examples of how culture and technology were intertwined in ancient Egypt.
For example, one of the burial grounds where most probably a famous physician or
surgeon (or an ancient healer) was buried, there are hieroglyphics that give an
account of neurosurgical procedures. The Egyptians were well versed in preserva-
tion of dead bodies for centuries by a process known as mummification. It is amaz-
ing to learn about the link between health and technology since ancient times in
different civilizations. The Incas in ancient Peru were known to have pioneered a
surgical technique known as trepanation (trepanning), which involved removing
small portions of the skull with instruments, that they designed to treat head injuries
which were most probably sustained during armed conflict [2].
It is truly amazing and mind boggling to learn that our ancestors in so many civi-
lizations had the knowledge which led to the development of innovative technology
to improve the health of their fellow citizens.
Unfortunately, there were few or no means or ability to transfer this knowledge
in ancient times, which existed centuries ago, from one region to another, and so to
a great extent this knowledge and technology was more or less localized or
regionalized.
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viii Preface
At present when technology is advancing by leaps and bounds it is critical and
essential that ancient knowledge and the technologies of bygone eras are shared to
minimize their loss; and that current knowledge and technologies are shared to max-
imize their usage and effectiveness globally.
Some of the success stories in public health such as smallpox eradication, guinea
worm, and the control of infectious diseases such as polio, measles, rubella, malaria,
and neglected tropical diseases are the result of using technology. This knowledge
depends on the use of various channels of communication including media, com-
munications platforms, surveillance tools, optimal storage of vaccine, drugs, and
reagents, and the production of low-cost diagnostic kits for detection and
screening [3].
During outbreaks, the Global Outbreak Alert and Response Network (GOARN),
which is overseen by the World Health Organization, works to “ensure the right
technical expertise and skills are, on the ground where and when they are needed
most.” [4]
GOARN is an excellent undertaking built on the collaboration of various public
health institutions and networks worldwide. The network is vital as the partners
pool human and technical resources to confirm and respond to global outbreaks. In
the past two decades, the GOARN has been of immense value in addressing threats
such as SARS, Zika, Ebola, and the current COVID-19 crisis. Since 2000 The
Global Outbreak Alert and Response Network has contributed towards global health
security by “(1) Combating the international spread of outbreaks, (2) Ensuring that
appropriate technical assistance reaches affected states rapidly, [and] (3) Contributing
to long-term epidemic preparedness and capacity building.” [4]
Technology can help to improve the health status of communities, enhance
global security, and, when harnessed judiciously, can help the world achieve the
targets of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals as adopted by the Member states
of the United Nations in 2015.
During the past decade technology has been a driving force in disruptive innova-
tions that have impacted the diverse fields of commerce, health care, education,
pharmaceuticals, law, and social media across public and private sectors. Disruptive
innovation refers to new organizations that are changing technologies to promote
the evolution of that product or service over time [5].
This book aims to address the dynamic and pivotal role that the global com-
munity faces with unprecedented healthcare challenges and the impact that emerg-
ing technologies will have in the practice of global public health. These challenges
are fueled by an aging population, rising rates of chronic disease, and persistent
health disparities and inequities. New technologies have the potential to extend
the reach of health professionals while improving the quality and efficiency of
service delivery and reducing costs. The various technological advances that have
contributed to improve the healthcare status of communities which are disadvan-
taged are discussed in depth in this book. Advances in technology as the result of
new machines, treatments, and wearable devices, and applications for both smart-
phones and tablets have led to transformation across the sectors of commerce,
social media, and health care. Cutting-edge developments and emerging trends in
Preface ix
Artificial Intelligence (AI) for disease surveillance and nanotechnology are
disruptive innovators that have potential to produce equitable improvements in
healthcare access and delivery on the global stage.
At present the existing technologies certainly hold the promise of equalizing
health care throughout the world, but this will only happen if the global community
unites to fight the digital divide and the ugly criminal element that technology cur-
rently fosters. As editors of this book, we hope to take our readers through a journey
highlighting the tremendous role played by technology in improving health and
transforming lives globally.
We begin this journey with reflections from five prominent players in the arena
of global health and technology and empowerment of communities who have illus-
trated that technology on earth and in space has the power to strengthen the links
between health and human rights for all by equalizing the playing field irrespective
of the inequities caused by existing social determinants.
Valhalla, NY, USA Padmini Murthy
Amy Ansehl
References
1. Columbia University. History of medicine: ancient Indian Nose Jobs & the Origins of plastic
surgery. 1999–2019. https://columbiasurgery.org/news/2015/05/28/history-medicine-ancient-
indian-nose-jobs-origins-plastic-surgery. Accessed 11 July 2019.
2. Norris, S. Science and Innovation. Inca Skull surgeons were ‘Highly Skilled’, study finds.
2008. https://www.nationalgeographic.com/science/2008/05/news-trepanation-inca-medicine-
archaeology/. Accessed 9 July 2019.
3. Sabine institute Vaccine Institute. Smallpox Eradication continues to inspire innovations in
Global Health. 2019. https://www.sabin.org/updates/pressreleases/smallpox-eradication-con-
tinues-inspire-innovations-global-health. Accessed 11 July 2019.
4. World Health Organization. Global outbreak alert and response network (GOARN) 2019. 2019.
https://www.who.int/ihr/alert_and_response/outbreak-network/en/. Accessed 11 July 2019.
5. Hutt J. World Economic Forum. 2016. https://weforum.org/agenda/2016/what-is-disruptive-
innovation. Accessed 12 July 2017.
Acknowledgments
My family especially my daughter Aishu, sister Apu for your continued support and
encouragement throughout the years.
Thank you for friendship and support.
Amy (my partner in many adventures), Snehlata Champakalakshmi, Chantal Line
Carpentier, Eliza Lo Chin, Coumba Coulibaly, Swati Dave, Norah A. Elgebreen,
Cathey E. Falvo, Mamta Gautam, Falguni Gorti, Arun Gupta, Hawa M. Diallo, Ila
Gupta, Renu Gupta, Vina Hulamm, Chyong- Huey Lai, Khatuna Kaladze, Anita
Jindal, Satty Gill Keswani, Suhas Kirloskar, Nalini Krishnamoorthy, Sunita Marada,
Mandakini Megh, Gertrude Ramanand, Raghu Ramakrishnan, Rukmini
Ramakrishnan, Shelley Ross, Sonali Samarasinghe, Lalitha Sarabu, Mohan Sarabu,
Usha Saraiya, Shanta Sista, Ginger Stillman, Saroja Subbaraman, Hary Suseelan,
Meena Ugale, Gautami Veeragandham, Suba Vedula, Desiree Yap, and Winnie Yang
– Padmini Murthy
My family and Padmini (my co-conspirator)
– Amy Ansehl
We are grateful and highly appreciate our authors whose contributions have made
this project a reality! We apologize for the numerous emails we sent to you all.
We wish to thank our students Jonathan V. Ogulnick, Alexander Boyer, Namrata
Yadav, Chiamaka Agbasionwe, and Yaritzy Astudillo for their assistance in the
preparation of the manuscript.
– Padmini Murthy & Amy Ansehl
November 2019, New York, USA
xi
Endorsements
Technology and Global Public Health is a timely book addressing the health impact
of technological and scientific advances globally. In order to provide cost-e ffective
and quality healthcare services, innovations in AI, wearable devices, and early inter-
vention methods must be implemented equitably to best serve the intended recipi-
ents in building healthier communities.
– Rupam Sarmah, Computer scientist, musician, filmmaker, entrepreneur, and
voting member of Grammy Awards
With the advent of new technologies ranging from smartphones to mobile point-o f-
care diagnostic tools, the application and use of technology in the health sector has
shifted beyond the field of medicine to public health, especially in limited-r esource
settings. This book provides a critical perspective to the key technological advance-
ments in global health and the remaining challenges to achieve health equity glob-
ally. Edited by Dr. Murthy and Dr. Ansehl, this is an essential read for public health
and global health students and practitioners. Particularly exciting is the inclusion of
a range of global experts from space to youth to create a volume that provides new
insights for all in this growing field.
– Roopa Dhatt, Executive Director, Women in Global Health
xiii