Global Pathology Lesson 2:

The Need


Objectives

  • Understand the need for pathology and laboratory medicine services in low-and middle-income countries


To Do List:

  • Read all reading assignments

  • Answer study questions



Study Questions:

  • Fill in the blanks:  Cancer is predicted to increase by ___% by 2032, with more than ____% of these new cases arising in Africa, Asia, and Central and South America.

  • Why is Pathology essential to healthcare? What does the field contribute?

  • List as many differences as you can about laboratory services in high income vs low income countries.

  • In the article “An Essential Pathology Package for Low- and Middle-Income Countries”, a multi-level/tiered laboratory system is explained for the high-income country setting. Explain what this system is in your own words and think about how this might be a crucial missing piece for low and middle income countries. 

  • Discuss the example of Malaysia and describe how they were able to improve laboratory services in that country. What steps did they take?

  • In the article “Proceedings of the African Pathologists Summit; March 22–23, 2013; Dakar, Senegal” - Think about the section named “Challenges With Potential to Discourage the Growth and Sustenance of Pathology”. Why do you think these challenges are present in Sub-Saharan Africa as compared to the US?