Radiotherapy in small countries

AimTo examine the availability of radiotherapy in small countries.MethodsA small country was defined as a country with a population less than one million persons. The economic status of each country was defined using the World Bank Classification. The number of cancers in each country was obtained from GLOBOCAN 2012. The number of cancer cases with an indication or radiotherapy was calculated using the CCORE model.ResultsThere were 41 countries with a population of under 1 million; 15 were classified as High Income, 15 Upper Middle Income, 10 Lower Middle Income and one Low Income. 28 countries were islands. Populations ranged from 799 (Holy See) to 886450 (Fiji) and the total number of cancer cases occurring in small countries was 21,043 (range by country from 4 to 2476). Overall the total number of radiotherapy cases in small countries was 10982 (range by country from 2 to 1239). Radiotherapy was available in all HIC islands with 80 or more new cases of cancer in 2012 but was not available in any LMIC island. Fiji was the only LMIC island with a large radiotherapy caseload. Similar caseloads in non-island LMIC all had radiotherapy services. Most non-island HIC did not have radiotherapy services presumably because of the easy access to radiotherapy in neighbouring countries.ConclusionThere are no radiotherapy services in any LMIC islands.     

Hemovigilance in developing countries

Hemovigilance like quality systems and audits has become an integral part of the Blood Transfusion Service (BTS) in the developed world and has contributed greatly to the development of the blood service. However developing countries are still grappling with donor recruitment and efforts towards sufficiency and safety of the blood supply. In these countries the BTS is generally fragmented and a national hemovigilance program would be difficult to implement. However a few developing countries have an effective and sustainable blood program that can deliver equitable, safe and sufficient blood supply to the nation. Different models of hemovigilance program have been introduced with variable success. There are deficiencies but the data collected provided important information that can be presented to the health authorities for effective interventions.Hemovigilance program modeled from developed countries require expertise and resources that are not available in many developing countries. Whatever resources that are available should be utilized to correct deficiencies that are already apparent and obvious. Besides there are other tools that can be used to monitor the blood program in the developing countries depending on the need and the resources available. More importantly the data collected should be accurate and are used and taken into consideration in formulating guidelines, standards and policies and to affect appropriate interventions. Any surveillance program should be introduced in a stepwise manner as the blood transfusion service develops.     

Four countries for science

A personal retrospect is given on four decades in science in four countries - the UK, France, Germany and the USA. Some historical observations are made together with a time transect through scientific systems and institutions in the four countries.     

Fungal research in ASEAN countries

A preliminary survey on the mycological activities and areas of research in ASEAN countries was conducted. This survey was carried out through a literature search and correspondence with some ASEAN mycologists. The results of the survey showed that there is a high level and standard of mycological research in various ASEAN countries. These include research on fungal flora and taxonomy, physiology and development, biochemistry, molecular biology, genetics, fungal-plant interactions, bioconversion, biodeterioration, and edible mushrooms. Compilation and publication of works of ASEAN mycologists is important for the promotion of contacts and collaborative research. This short paper is a preliminary step towards this objective.