Author: Taylor Resteghini

SEATTLE — The recent discovery of the Panama Papers has reignited a conversation about corporate greed, tax evasion and its effect on the global community. Since the revelation of the papers, Iceland’s prime minister has stepped down and Britain’s prime minister, David Cameron, has admitted to profiting from his father’s offshore account. Leaders in Russia, China and other parts of the world have come forward to deny any illicit financial actions. The fact that rich businessmen and politicians are profiting off tax evasion is concerning. Particularly since much of the money would have otherwise created tax revenue for the world’s…

SEATTLE — The poorest communities around the world continue to grapple with diseases that permanently alter their quality of life. World Immunization Week brings attention to the fact that many of these diseases, like polio and measles, are preventable with a simple vaccine. However, lack of education and access to health resources, often combined with political instability, are holding some countries back, leaving thousands of populations still at risk. In April, the World Health Organization (WHO) sponsored World Immunization Week. The WHO not only aims to increase awareness about the efficacy and necessity of vaccine programs, but also to highlight…

SEATTLE — “No one chooses to be a refugee” is the slogan that the United Nations is using to promote its simulation app, “My Life as a Refugee.” The app’s page on the U.N. website continues on to say “every minute eight people leave everything behind to escape war, persecution or terror.” Although the app is classified as a game by the U.N. and in the App Store, the cause is more educational than simply earning points. It’s an educational app, based off of experiences of real refugees according to BBC, and is meant to make users ask the question…

SEATTLE —  A study by The Lancet finds that “at least 4.8 billion of the world’s population do not have access to surgery.” Furthermore, the World Health Organization (WHO) reports that nine out of ten deaths from injuries take place in low- and middle-income countries. This data is not surprising, given that the “poorest third of the world’s population receives only 3.5 percent of the surgical operations undertaken worldwide.” A global health initiative is needed to address and reform the lack of access to surgery. The cost of lack of access. According to a U.S. News and World Report article, the global burden…

SEATTLE — A recent report by the Overseas Development Institute (ODI) claims that mothers are entering the workforce in increasing numbers—some by choice and others by necessity. In trying to meet the demands of caring for children and providing for them financially, women are being stretched to the limit. This pressure can have serious implications on health, well-being and earning potential. As such, the need for global childcare is a continuing concern. According to The World Bank, labor force participation rates exceed 60 percent globally, meaning a large number of the children need some form care during the day while…

SEATTLE — Strong efforts by the Moroccan monarchy over the past few decades have increased access to electricity to a full 100 percent in 2015, according to the World Bank. This increase is impressive considering that in 1990, only 49.2 percent of Morocco’s population had access to electricity. However, electricity access has come with a steep price. According to National Public Radio, Morocco imports 97 percent of its energy resources, which has lead to astronomical electricity prices. In addition, Moroccan policy-oriented think tank, OCP Policy Center notes that the state-owned operator ONEE (Office National de l’Electricité et de l’Eau Potable) oversees much…

SEATTLE — According to a report by the World Health Organization (WHO), an estimated 12.6 million people died worldwide as a result of unhealthy living and working environments. This number amounts to nearly one in four of total global deaths. The data from the report, “Preventing Disease Through Healthy Environments: A Global Assessment of the Burden of Disease from Environmental Risks,” is not new; it was originally released in 2012. However, the WHO recently reintroduced the study’s findings in order to shed light on the ongoing issue of pollution and environmental health hazards. According to the study, the largest share…

HAVANA, Cuba — Cuba’s renowned universal healthcare system has received attention and praise from the global community. Margaret Chan, Director General of the World Health Organization (WHO), praised the Cuban leadership for its efforts in making “health an essential pillar of development”. Cuba’s focus on preventative care, particularly via active screenings, sets it apart from many western countries. According to Dr. Cristina Luna, Cuba’s national director of ambulatory care, health clinics in the country go beyond providing basic services by responding to specific community needs. For example, one clinic may provide extra counseling in a community a large population of smokers while…

SEATTLE —While many humanitarian organizations focus on meeting the needs for food and shelter of the millions of people fleeing violence in the Middle East, others are recognizing the need for mental health services for refugees. Oftentimes the refugees coming out of Syria and Iraq have traumatic reasons for leaving their home countries. Many have witnessed or been subjected to violence, murder and social upheaval. Further trauma comes from having to make long and hazardous journeys to safety. Refugees also struggle with being uprooted from their homes and separated from family members. Once they have reached safer shores, refugees can…

AMMAN, Jordan — The kingdom of Jordan is one of the driest countries on Earth. According to the government-run website of King Hussein I, 75 percent of the country has a desert climate with less than 200mm of rain annually, making water scarcity in Jordan one of the largest issues in the nation. Due to fast paced population increases and widespread desertification, the entire region of the Middle East is facing the threat of drought. Water scarcity in Jordan is particularly troubling because it is a small country and therefore has limited water resources compared to the amount of people living…