Legacy of implementing industrial health and safety in developing countries

Aiming to develop public attention to the hindrance of national and international efforts on industrial health and safety, this paper explores some important issues, such as the reasons for the lack of motivation to implement necessary measures in developing countries. Examples are likewise given to show why working people are significantly exposed to a number of occupational problems that are reflected in a deterioration of their health, safety and well being. In lieu thereof, an introduction of health and safety is not itself a solution, if certain changes are not rationalised according to the local need. While health and safety intervention is concerned, then local need is of prime importance. If individual situation is not clearly outlined, then preventive and control measures can be treated as a de facto measure. Hence immediate attention, collaboration and co-operation is needed from all the concerned parties such as local government authorities, semi-government or private organisations and international communities for proper implementation of work regulations as well as industrial acts and rules in various workplaces in each of the developing countries.     

Biotechnology to improve health in developing countries -- a review

The growing health disparities between the developing and the developed world call for urgent action from the scientific community. Science and technology have in the past played a vital role in improving public health. Today, with the tremendous potential of genomics and other advances in the life sciences, the contribution of science to improve public health and reduce global health disparities is more pertinent than ever before. Yet the benefits of modern medicine still have not reached millions of people in developing countries. It is crucial to recognize that science and technology can be used very effectively in partnership with public health practices in developing countries and can enhance their efficacy. The fight to improve global health needs, in addition to effective public health measures, requires rapid and efficient diagnostic tools; new vaccines and drugs, efficient delivery methods and novel approaches to therapeutics; and low-cost restoration of water, soil and other natural resources. In 2002, the University of Toronto published a report on the "Top 10 Biotechnologies for Improving Health in Developing Countries". Here we review these new and emerging biotechnologies and explore how they can be used to support the goals of developing countries in improving health.     

Biotechnology: developing countries and globalization

Biotechnology in a globalizing economy involves the participation of all countries–industrialized, developing and least developed, in the interconnected web of trade liberalization in closed and open-market economies. The various geopolitical or geocultural regions show striking approaches to the application of biotechnologies for development and the safeguarding of intellectual property rights. The generally held view that developing countries are doomed to being marginalized in a globalizing economy is, seemingly, in need of revision.     

Objective measures of health and well-being in laboratory rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta)

BACKGROUND: Non-human primates are an invaluable part of biomedical research. Strict regulations insure animals have a maximum likelihood of well-being and optimum health during the course of experimental procedures. Objective assessment of well-being is a critical component of these assurances. METHODS: Here we describe an objective and quantitative system we used to identify two well-being concerns in laboratory rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta). We provide a series of indicators for use by laboratory personnel to promote laboratory primate well-being. The indicators measure (1) potentially life threatening clinical concerns, (2) developing clinical issues, (3) atypical behaviors, and (4) laboratory performance. We include specific criteria to facilitate veterinary intervention. RESULTS: The assessment, applied to two case studies reported here, enabled swift veterinary intervention returning the animals to a healthy state. CONCLUSIONS: The measures described here provide a battery of observable and objective measures across multiple dimensions that can further ensure both excellent science and veterinary care.