As the deputy director of the Office of Global Health at the University of Maryland School of Nursing, I read with delight Maureen Shawn Kennedy's Editorial ("Will the People of East Africa Survive?" November 2011). Thank you for addressing such a critical issue.
Gerry Martone, the director of humanitarian affairs for the International Rescue Committee, is quoted as saying nurses are making a difference in the refugee camp hospitals. This is especially true in sub-Saharan Africa, where nurses are the backbone of the health system. These nurses need our support, and those of us in key positions in the United States must help to elevate our colleagues in developing countries.
Kudos to Ms. Kennedy for raising awareness. I hope our nursing colleagues have read this article and are ready to act!
Yolanda Ogbolu, PhD, RN, CRNP-Neonatal
Baltimore, MD