From the Editor’s perspective …

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• Cindy Lewis, MSN, RN

This October, science journals throughout the world simultaneously published articles on the topic of “Poverty and Human Development” to raise awareness, stimulate interest, and stimulate research on this worldwide issue. Organized by the Council of Science Editors, this is truly an international collaboration with journals from developed and developing countries.

Poverty is a global issue. There are plenty of statistics and data about global poverty, including the following:

Poverty is not just about numbers and statistics, it is about men, women, and children enduring unimaginable obstacles that keep them from fulfilling their most basic human rights and achieving their individual potentials.

The United Nations created the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948, which proclaimed that all people have the right to education, work, health, and well-being. Yet today, millions around the world are too crippled by poverty to fulfill these basic human rights. Millions continue to go hungry. Scores of children never step inside a classroom. Families watch their loved ones die from largely preventable causes because they do not have access to adequate medical care.

The United Nations believes an end to poverty can be achieved through a multipronged approach. This approach will require governments working together and partnering to develop initiatives addressing children’s rights, women’s rights, control of epidemics such as human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immune deficiency syndrome, access to clean water and sanitation, and preservation of the world’s natural resources.²

In this issue, the personal story of a nurse/patient interaction after the Hurricane Katrina disaster is shared. The impact of this disaster adversely affected the patient’s immediate physical well-being and future medical health, and caused long-term disruption of her family nucleus. The role of the nurse as patient and health advocate is well depicted.

On a personal level, what can each of us do? As adults and health care professionals, we can take the responsibility to begin the process of change. We can provide the education to furnish our clients with the knowledge, skills, and attitudes that will enable them to see the issues of the world affecting them. We can educate on safe health care practices and disease prevention. We can speak up against injustices and discrimination. We can reduce waste and take care of our environment, reuse, and recycle. We can become activists for better access to health care for our clients. What has your role been on this issue? Share with us your patient stories. We look forward to hearing from you!

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References 

1. World Development Indicators. The World Bank. Available at: www.worldbank.org. Accessed July, 15 2007.
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2. Morsink J. The universal declaration of human rights: origins, drafting and intent. Philadelphia, PA: University of Pennsylvania Press; 1999;
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