Chapter 1
Mobilizing Chemistry Expertise To Solve Humanitarian Problems: Introduction Downloaded by 80.82.77.83 on November 12, 2017 | http://pubs.acs.org Publication Date (Web): October 23, 2017 | doi: 10.1021/bk-2017-1268.ch001
Ronda Grosse* Chemists Without Borders
http://www.chemistswithoutborders.org/ *E-mail:
[email protected].
This chapter introduces the motivation for the American Chemical Society symposium held, and provides an overview of multiple humanitarian projects that require scientific expertise. The purpose of this book series is to expand on conference discussions and inform readers of ongoing work using chemistry to benefit underrepresented communities. Topics include clean water initiatives, access to quality medicines, science education, and advancements in inexpensive analytical methodologies that can be applied in developing countries. In most cases, utilization of local resources in country is key. Volume 2 reviews important work related to chemistry education and analysis, with focus on Africa and Central America.
World statistics on top humanitarian issues today include refugees of war, political instability, natural disasters resulting in famine and homelessness, lack of education, poor infrastructure, disease, and scarcity of medicines and clean water (1–4). Around 75% of people living in poverty are located in environmentally vulnerable or politically fragile countries (5). This human suffering has accelerated the search for new practices to allow finite resources to help people affected by various crises. In particular, shortage of clean water has far-reaching negative impact. Improving water quality and availability would bring about real change in the critical areas of hygiene and sanitation, reducing diseases and premature deaths. It would also decrease conflicts and pollution, and increase gender equality, healthy food production, and strengthen communities (6). © 2017 American Chemical Society Grosse; Mobilizing Chemistry Expertise To Solve Humanitarian Problems Volume 2 ACS Symposium Series; American Chemical Society: Washington, DC, 2017.
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Across the globe, a considerable number of humanitarian problems remain unresolved. Many non-profit and non-government organizations (NGOs) work diligently to contribute ideas and resources toward solving these problems. In addition to altruistic aid provided by such charities, as well as what is given by government and other social agencies, creative solutions from chemists are greatly needed. This book focuses on the humanitarian issues that may benefit from applying science, exploring ways in which chemists can uniquely contribute to providing potential solutions to these problems. Analytical chemistry can afford specific benefits in this type of international humanitarian work, as trace measurement of contaminants is often pivotal to confronting problems – whether they involve pure water, food or medicines. This volume (and preceding Volume 1) includes multiple examples from laboratories worldwide where chemistry is being utilized to address humanitarian problems such as water, food and pharmaceutical quality. Several of the authors also volunteer their time at Chemists Without Borders. Chemists Without Borders is a public benefit, non-profit, international humanitarian volunteer network designed to alleviate human suffering through the use of proven chemical technologies and related skills. Its primary goals include, but are not limited to, providing affordable medicines, vaccines and medical devices to those who need them most, suplying environmental solutions (e.g., water purification, green energy and chemistry) in developing countries, supporting self-reliance education, and providing disaster relief. Chemists Without Borders fosters collaborations with other organizations for the mutual benefit of their various missions (7). Chemists Without Borders seeks to mobilize the resources and expertise of the global chemistry community and its networks. Chemists and others have united to work toward solutions to longstanding humanitarian issues. An invited symposium at the 2016 Fall National American Chemical Society meeting, sponsored by the Analytical Chemistry Division, addressed this topic. Abstracts of the ten papers presented at the symposium were highlighted in Volume 1. The purpose of this book (Volumes 1 and 2) is to expand upon symposium discussions and inform readers of ongoing work applying chemistry to benefit underrepresented communities. Topics include clean water initiatives, expanding access to quality medicines, science education, and advancements in inexpensive analytical methodologies that can be readily applied in developing countries. Projects in progress or completed are summarized, and assessment of the comprehensive benefits of these efforts is provided. In addition, logistical, cultural and technical challenges are explained. Subjects beyond what was covered at the ACS meeting symposium include addressing the heavy metal contamination problem in Bangladesh through education, water testing and well remediation, and development of a test-kit method for the determination of inorganic arsenic in rice. Additionally, the history and mission of AIDSfreeAFRICA in Cameroon is explained, as is the Foundation for Analytical Science in Africa. Specific supply chain issues in Kenya related to availability, accountability, and adherence are discussed. Chapters covering projects in Latin America include science education in Guatemala and engineering 2 Grosse; Mobilizing Chemistry Expertise To Solve Humanitarian Problems Volume 2 ACS Symposium Series; American Chemical Society: Washington, DC, 2017.
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work in Bolivia. Topics vary from specific green chemistry using softwood lignon to a general overview of analytical chemists easing world poverty. In Volume 2, plans and preparation for establishing new chemistry and laboratory courses in Sierra Leone are covered in Chapter 2. With international grant funding from the ACS and other CWB donors, microchemistry education kits are being assembled by US professors and university students to transfer to high schools and colleges in Sierra Leone and other English-speaking countries. Chapter 3 provides an overview of cultural considerations to keep in mind when initiating and implementing technical work in developing countries. In the author’s experience, which includes projects in Zimbabwe, Uganda, Zambia and Kenya, it is essential that international chemists understand and collaborate with those local to the country they hope to benefit. In Chapter 4, the mission and progress of the nonprofit organization, AIDSfreeAfrica, is given. Through their work in Cameroon, access to medicines and vitamins has improved, and significant strides have been made in expanding local pharmaceutical production and quality testing toward achieving the country’s vision of producing drugs in-country to supply the needs of Cameroon citizens. In Chapter 5, a program to increase science education in Guatemala is described. Via valiant efforts of ACS and other volunteers, teacher workshops have been developed and conducted, demonstrating the utility of practical lessons and chemistry demonstrations for engaging educators and students alike. Chapter 6 discusses a readily available biopolymer, lignin, a potentially beneficial resource in developing countries. Sustainable technologies for using lignin are reviewed, which should be feasible globally, including in economically challenged areas. Chapter 7 highlights a number of recent symposia focusing on how analytical chemists can help address poverty. Scientists from around the world have come together to discuss safe and sufficient clean water and food production, safe manufacturing and reliable distribution of pharmaceuticals, effective waste management, and analytical methods training in developing countries, and to encourage each other in their endeavors. Finally, in Chapter 8, the Foundation for Analytical Science and Technology in Africa is described, including their work in funding and providing necessary instrumentation, training in analytical methods, and application to important environmental research in Africa. The objective of this symposium series volume is to share best practices to date in mobilizing chemistry expertise to solve humanitarian problems, and engage a broader audience of scientists who desire to apply their knowledge and skills to benefit others. The editor and authors hope many more chemists will be encouraged to utilize their time and talents toward humanitarian efforts as we work together to improve the quality of life for many across the globe.
References 1.
Mercy Corps. Nine Humanitarian Crises We Can’t Ignore this Year, 2015. https://www.mercycorps.org/articles/9-humanitarian-crises-we-cant-ignoreyear (accessed February 6, 2017). 3 Grosse; Mobilizing Chemistry Expertise To Solve Humanitarian Problems Volume 2 ACS Symposium Series; American Chemical Society: Washington, DC, 2017.
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The Water Project. Water Scarcity and the Importance of Water, 2017. https:/ /thewaterproject.org/water-scarcity/ (accessed February 6, 2017). Marshall, S. Poor Quality Medicines Pose a Danger to Patients. The Pharmaceutical Journal, September 26, 2014. http://www.pharmaceuticaljournal.com/news-and-analysis/event/poor-quality-medicines-pose-adanger-to-patients/20066604.article (accessed March 23, 2017). Newton, P.; Green, M.; Fernandez, F. Impact of Poor Quality Medicines on the Developing World. Trends Pharmacol. Sci. 2010, 31, 99–101. Global Humanitarian Assistance Report, 2016. http:// www.globalhumanitarianassistance.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/GHAreport-2016-full-report.pdf (accessed February 26, 2017). The Water Project, 2017. Ten Ways Clean Water Can Change the World. https://thewaterproject.org/why-water/10-ways-clean-water-changes-theworld (accessed February 26, 2017). Chemists Without Borders. https://www.chemistswithoutborders.org (accessed March 23, 2017).
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