In an effort to understand the evolution of disease, frameworks can be applied to assess a crisis in a systematized environment.
The framework is an overview of a multisystem environment that analyzes how humanity, environmental, and technological systems interact with one another. It is also imperative to acknowledge developing countries experience the greatest challenges from infectious diseases attributed to malnutrition, poor sanitation, poor water quality and inadequate health care. As civilization advances, sustainability and morbidity should be considered.
As civilization has progressed, disease outbreaks have been a common problem for humanity. Although times have changed, there are common problems that arise from disaster and outbreaks that continue to threaten many lives.
From the Indian Ocean Tsunami to the Spanish Flu in the early 1900s, there are common lessons that may be applied. Mass deaths are attributed to shortages of supplies and personnel and there has always been a generated demand for volunteers, globally. Economic problems and impact on vulnerable populations have affected the containment of disasters. Furthermore, historic mass deaths have resulted in planning and experience acquired that may be useful in planning for future pandemics.
A pandemic narrative may be described as a failure to contain attributed to lack of health care capacity, shortages of supplies, and coordination with multidisciplinary agencies.
With civilization, humanity has experienced the emergence of diseases that threaten populations globally. Human demographics and behavior as well as swift population growth and urbanization are attributes of morbid public health epidemics.
Spread of infectious diseases may be attributed to changes in human behavior, lifestyles, land use, trade and travel, and inappropriate use of health care.
Advances in infectious diseases occurred in the 1900s that resulted after World War 1 and after the Second World War. Malaria, smallpox, venereal disease, tuberculosis and polio rapidly spread during those times.
Lethal communicable diseases continued to arise through the 1980s that include cholera, HIV, Ebola, hepatitis C, Nipah virus, and influenza. Global epidemics continue to spread and involve mass deaths today. Common issues continue to be overlooked in public health crises ( 7 ).
Procedural decision-making, substantial prioritization of ethical, political, and logistical concerns, and affective human concerns should be incorporated in public health emergency protocols, guidelines, and training.
The laboratory forms an integral part of The Nairobi West Hospital healthcare offering a 24 hour service. It is run by a highly qualified and dedicated team of phlebotomists, technologists and support staff. The The Nairobi West Hospital laboratory services are provided in an ultra-modern facility equipped with modern automated equipment that are well maintained. The lab provides diagnostic services in phlebotomy, clinical chemistry, special chemistry, hematology, blood bank and transfusion, histopathology and cytopathology.
The Hospital’s main Laboratory is working towards achieving ISO 15189:2012 accreditation.
Accuracy and precision of tests are maintained by strict internal quality assurance programme which is reviewed daily. The lab is participating in external quality control programmes; RIQAS (Randox International Quality Assessment Scheme) – UK, and HUQAS (Human Quality Assessment Service) – Canada, with an aim of providing test results that meet international standards.