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Title: THE POLITICAL ENVIRONMENT: EFFECTS ON GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT - WORKING GROUP REPORT OF THE FIRST WORLD CONGRESS OF PEDIATRIC GASTROENTEROLOGY, HEPATOLOGY, AND NUTRITION

Author
item FAGUNDES-NETO, ULYSSES - LATIN AM SOC PEDI GASTRO
item BAKER, SUSAN - NO AM SOC PEDI GAST, HEPA
item NELSON, EDMUND - COMMONWEALTH ASSOC PEDI G
item SHULMAN, ROBERT - BAYLOR COLLEGE MED

Submitted to: Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 8/1/2002
Publication Date: 8/1/2002
Citation: Neto, U.F., Baker, S., Nelson, E.A.S., Shulman, R. The political environment: effects on growth and development-working group report of the first world congress of pediatric gastroenterology, hepatology, and nutrition. Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition. 2002. v. 35. p. S224-S233.

Interpretive Summary: None required.

Technical Abstract: Mankind exists in the natural environment and necessarily effects changes in the environment. To maximally survive and maintain a reasonable quality of life, preservation of nature and rational use of natural resources is important. Ancient inhabitants of our planet had a closer relationship with nature. Advanced civilizations existed in ancient times, such as in the ruins of Tiauanaco in the highlands of Bolivia, nearby Titicaca Lake, where environmental contamination was avoided by a sophisticated sewage system. This system served approximately 100,000 people. In modern times, all cultures do not aim to provide a clean living environment and positively interact with the environment. Lack of potable water and adequate sewage systems leads to serious enteric infections. These infections can be devastating for infants and children, causing high rates of morbidity and mortality. Poverty has an enormous influence on childhood growth, development, morbidity, and mortality and often is associated with contaminated environment. Official developmental assistance, in a good policy environment, improves economic growth and social conditions, whereas in a poor policy environment it can actually retard progress, by reducing the need for change and by creating dependency. This Working Group document, Political Environment: Effects of Growth and Development, addresses: the political environment and its effects on growth and development; the hazardous effects on the intestinal tract caused by a contaminated environment; and issues concerning food safety.