Indian Journal of pediatrics

The Need for Strengthening Pediatrics Education in Developing Countries

The need for strengthening the pediatrics education and training in developing countries is much more significant than from developed nations. In developing countries, the increase in population is rampant, and majority of the people belonging from the lower class are uneducated about the root cause of the mortality and morbidity rates of their children. Climate differences also affect most of the common diseases found in children.

Rural areas, which are humid and inaccessible to major cities, contribute to a lot of contagious diseases of the skin, such as impetigo, pediculosis, scabies, and other skin problems. Malnutrition, a leading cause of mortality in developing countries, is due to poor diet and nutrition, poverty and lack of education that leads to primary complex, leukemia, or meningitis.

Bacterial sepsis, pneumonia, and low birth weight are one of the top leading causes of infant mortality rates in developing countries such as the Philippines. Pediatric associations of all developing countries should plan and organize a strategy to give free vaccinations to both mother and child so as to prevent these life-threatening causes of mortality. Mothers should be taught how to have the proper nutrition their body needs to avoid low birth weight in their offspring. Proper screening and early tests can decrease infant mortality in most developing countries.

In addition to this, the primary health care workers should coordinate with the pediatricians in strengthening its role in educating the parents on the importance of hygiene, proper sanitation, and family planning.  Through education, parents can determine how to handle contagious diseases of their children, and even prevent them from occurring in the first place. Health care workers should involve children in how to take good care of their hygiene, and even encourage them to have the proper nutrition their body needs. Family planning is another important aspect to be aware of; contraceptive methods should be openly discussed between couples and their health care worker, so that the lesser children a family has, the more attention and care they can provide them.

Overall, Pediatric Associations in all developing countries can be strengthened through annual worldwide conventions. They should be made aware of each and every country’s top contributing factors for mortality and morbidity rates, and observe for the increase and decrease of these rates through time. Preventive and education tools should be made available through research and further education. Home visits should be regularly conducted to rural areas, and advanced training should be provided to all primary health care workers. These are one of the only ways to strengthen the pediatrics arena in each developing country that will hopefully succeed in decreasing the mortality and morbidity rates of infants and children worldwide.

In the early 19^th century, when pediatricians were never heard of, it was mothers and midwives who took care of their children. It wasn’t until much later that doctors thought of specializing in various fields.

Thus the field of pediatrics in this branch of medicine, and doctors called “pediatricians” were born. What would be the role of a pediatrician to your child’s welfare? Is it even vital to have a pediatrician for your child?

First and foremost, pediatricians conduct regular check ups on infants, children, and young adults. Assessing the overall physical, mental and social well being of a child from birth to 21 years of age such as their height, weight, habits, illness or disease is an important duty of a pediatrician. Furthermore, a pediatrician ensures that complete immunization and vaccines are administered at the appropriate age.

When a child starts to develop symptoms of common illnesses, a pediatrician is consulted for proper diagnosis and implements a care plan for the parents to follow. If it is a more serious or more life-threatening disease, they make sure to refer your child to doctors who specialize in those cases.

Injuries are common among children. From wounds, accidental poisoning, to breaks from a bad fall, a pediatrician is seen right away in the emergency ward for assessment and treatment.

A pediatrician also observes the motor skills of a child and their social interaction with other children as well. If they find a problem in speech or language, pediatricians refer them to a specialist.

Pediatricians are more knowledgeable about childhood disease and illness, so they know the proper medical measures and how to deal with it. They know what kind of medication and dosage are to be given depending on the age of the child.  This is important, as adult medical intervention is very different from that of a child’s.

Sometimes couples may debate as whether or not they still need a pediatrician for their child. Always remember that pediatricians know what’s best for your child’s proper growth and development. Moreover, they can easily ensure the well being of your child and prevent the onset of any disease or illness through regular screening. If there is a more serious case they cannot handle within their scope of practice, their referrals and contacts will help you ensure that your child’s medical issue will be properly addressed by a certified medical doctor of a particular field.