Crouched on the worm dirt floor of the cursory shack that he called his home and shared with a dozen other friends and relatives, Joseph looked on with bewilderment as his younger brother Alex drifted away, to weak to drink, move, or even talk. Alex was not a victim of some terminal illness such as cancer; rather, he had fallen prey to dysentery, one of the most quickly-spreading and serious diseases facing the world today. As the global population continues to increase into the next millennium, communicable diseases are becoming more widespread and dangerous. While research by countless members of the medical community is successfully advancing knowledge of these illnesses, the world is continually becoming a smaller place. In confronting the communicable disease dilemma, the three goals of assistance, prevention, and education should be achieved.

Of short-term concern is assisting those who have already been so diagnosed with a communicable disease. To make the quality of life better for those individuals in areas where medical care is not readily available or where current techniques are not being practiced is essential in conquering this battle. Relief organizations such as American Red Cross are helpful, but unfortunately cannot currently reach all of the people of third world countries where shared water sources and increased contact make communicable diseases especially threatening. Members of the health care field can continue to volunteer their skills and services in alleviating the pains of such victims. Moreover, even organizations such as HOSA can assist with a membership of over sixty thousand, the potential for raising funds is huge! Once treatment is given to those who already have communicable diseases, attention may be focused on other goals.

Prevention is an integral step in overcoming the rapid increases in communicable diseases. In underdeveloped nations, organizations such as OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) do not exist to regulate the treatment of patients with communicable diseases with such means as standard or universal precautions. In many cases, the solution to stopping the spread of these diseases in such areas is as simple as boiling water to kill diseases before it is drinken. Furthermore, in developed nations communicable diseases are still a threat and can also be prevented. Instead of pushing themselves to go to work or attend school while they are sick, employees and students should respect their coworkers and peers by staying home until they are well again. Too often people are so concerned with their work that they forget that their most valued possession is their health.

Finally, in order to increase awareness of the dangers of communicable disease and help further preventative measures, education is necessary. Interpreters and health professionals can be very useful in spreading information about communicable disease throughout underdeveloped nations. Health professionals and students can also help educate the public on the advantage of hand-washing, the most effective way to prevent the spread of communicable disease. Again, HOSA can use its large membership and network of healthcare professionals to its advantage in educating others. People must have knowledge of the spread of disease in order for prevention to take place on a wide scale.

While Joseph and Alex exemplify the problems facing society brought on by communicable disease, hopefully Joseph s children can grow up in a world where an easily prevented disease is not able to end so many lives. Through medical assistance, prevention, and education, the communicable diseases of today will only be faint memories tomorrow.

Congratulations to:

Marjan Bolouri
Texas HOSA
Secondary - 1st Place Winner