Tuvalu
Tuvalu
Tuvalu (pronunciation: /tuːˈvɑːluː/), formerly known as the Ellice Islands, is a Polynesian island country located in the Pacific Ocean. It is not a medical term, but it is relevant to the field of Tropical Medicine due to its geographical location and associated health issues.
Etymology
The name "Tuvalu" means "eight standing together" in Tuvaluan, referring to the country's eight traditionally inhabited islands.
Health in Tuvalu
Healthcare in Tuvalu is managed by the Ministry of Health, which operates a hospital on Funafuti and dispensaries on the outer islands. The most common health issues in Tuvalu are Non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and hypertension.
Non-communicable diseases
Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are medical conditions or diseases that are not infectious. They are also known as chronic diseases because they tend to be long-lasting and progress slowly. In Tuvalu, the prevalence of NCDs is high, with the country having one of the highest rates of diabetes in the world.
Tropical Medicine
Tropical Medicine is a branch of medicine that deals with health issues that occur uniquely, are more widespread, or are more difficult to control in tropical and subtropical regions. Tuvalu, being a tropical country, faces health challenges that fall under this category.
Related Terms
- Public Health: The science and art of preventing disease, prolonging life, and promoting health through the organized efforts and informed choices of society, organizations, public and private, communities and individuals.
- Epidemiology: The study and analysis of the distribution, patterns and determinants of health and disease conditions in defined populations.
- Climate Change: A long-term change in the average weather patterns that have come to define Earth's local, regional and global climates. It has significant effects on health issues in Tuvalu.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Tuvalu
- Wikipedia's article - Tuvalu
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