Providing for students with Severe Disabilities in Uncertain Times

 

The outbreak of the covid-19 virus across the world has created an environment within which it has become quite difficult for students with severe disabilities to be provided with the best quality of education possible. This situation has come about mainly because of the closure of most schools catering to them, with the result being that these individuals, who already have to receive considerable attention, have ended up not being able to do so. The response by the government has essentially ignored this very vulnerable group and has instead prioritized the education of students without disabilities. The disruption that disabled students have come to have in their education has caused many to be left behind, with the result being that they have not only become more disadvantaged, but also marginalized and invisible to the public. Therefore, it has become pertinent for the government and its partners in the private sector to ensure that students with disabilities are provided with the same opportunities to learn as their abled counterparts. This process is one that should involve a consideration of the needs of these individuals and how they can be implemented. This paper considers the manner through which students with severe disabilities can be provided with the facilities they need during the uncertain times under covid-19.

One of the most important factors that should be considered is the assessment of accommodations. This is a process that involves educators, as well as parents, making assessments concerning the living and learning conditions of students in order for there to be an effective means to enhance their learning (Soria et al., 2020). One of the examples of the way that accommodations can be improved is through the use of alternatives to print media and the introduction of other formats that can be used for the teaching process. The latter could involve the use of audio or visual formats as well as pictures for instruction, which allow for the attainment of the goal of promoting an enhancement of the learning experience for students. It is also noteworthy that there should be a process within which there is the development of flexible scheduling and deadlines, which not only ensure that the students feel comfortable within the learning environment, but are also more willing to work hand in hand with their tutors. Also, the introduction and extensive use of assistive technology could ensure that the various disabilities of the students are overcome to an extent so that they can be provided with the means through which to enjoy their learning in addition to getting more out of it.

Moreover, there is the need to ensure that students with severe disabilities are provided with curricula and instructions that have been modified. The modification of learning instructions is pertinent during these uncertain times because there is a world of difference when it comes to the way that students interact with their material when considered in relation to the way that the learning experience was provided prior to the pandemic (Baber, 2020). Under such circumstances, it is necessary for tutors and parents to work hand in hand in order to make sure that there is the adjustment of curricula in order to reflect the adjustment of expectations. In this way, there should be a process within which the homework that is given to the students is simplified, while at the same time creating an environment within which students are allowed to dictate rather than type their work. Also, there is the need for there to be the use of audio materials so that the students involved can be allowed to more effectively undertake reading assignments. This goal is one that is designed to make life easier for students while at the same time making sure that there is the creation of an environment where more effective learning can be attained.

Furthermore, there should be a process that allows for the utilization of the universal design for learning. The latter is extremely pertinent because it allows teachers to reach a diversity of students. In this case, severely disabled students can be handled at a more personalized level, with the result being that their confidence in themselves and their capabilities is greatly strengthened (Toquero, 2020). In addition, it becomes possible for there to be a monitoring process of how students are able to demonstrate knowledge as well as learn. This ensures that they are not only critical to the enhancement of the learning process, but it also provides the students involved an opportunity to show the extent of their knowledge, which can be used for practical purposes. Tutors, on the other hand, are provided with an opportunity to enhance their knowledge of each of the students in their care and what works best for them. It makes it possible for there to be the creation of a comfortable learning environment within which each of the students is provided with a personalized learning experience that helps them to enhance their learning experience. Thus, the use of the universal design of learning makes students more active within the learning environment.

In addition, there should be the implementation of learning that is project-based. This is a recommendation based on studies that show that students with disabilities are more likely to learn more through the use of research and analysis that leads to the completion of projects (Dinnel, 2020). This type of learning is also critical because it allows for the enhancement of engagement between students and tutors as well as the improvement of self-esteem. A consequence of this scenario is that students can be given an opportunity to not only feel that they have the attention of tutors, but also learn more through greater interaction with the material that they have been provided to complete projects. Tutors are a critical part of this type of learning because it is they who provide the leadership for the entire process, and identify the unique abilities and needs of their students. In this way, it becomes possible to make sure that there is the enhancement of the learning process through tutors’ designing and introducing assignments, while also ensuring that all the students in the class understand how to complete the said assignments. The learning process is therefore not only enhanced by the presence of tutors, but it also allows students to work for themselves towards the attainment of knowledge.

The implementation of an individualized education program is another means through which students with disabilities can be provided for. This process is one that requires and encourages families, parents, students, and educators to work hand in hand towards ensuring that the students are provided with the best learning environment possible (Rodriguez & Murawski, 2020). This is especially the case when one considers that the prevalent conditions in the pandemic have, in some cases, made remote learning a necessity. Therefore, the remote learning setting is one that has essentially become the new normal for some students with severe disabilities, meaning that it has become necessary for them to be provided with the best possible environment to study. The cooperation between all the stakeholders in the education of the students is a critical way of making sure that the best possible way to proceed with the learning process is attained. A highly individualized learning process ensures that there is the consideration of the learning needs of the student and works towards enhancing their experience through the involvement of all the individuals that have a stake in their education. Through the implementation of this program, students are able to continue with their education without the constant worry of the potential of their learning process being significantly hampered by the pandemic.

In conclusion, the provision of necessary facilities for students with severe disabilities during these uncertain times living with the covid-19 pandemic is a critical process. This is because it ensures that these students have the resources, comfort, and confidence to continue learning within the prevailing circumstances. Students are provided with the resources and means to interact more closely with their tutors to such an extent that they are able to not only learn more, but also build their self-esteem. Therefore, the provision of needed resources to enhance the learning of students with severe disabilities should be a prominent goal among policy makers in government.

A non-medical prescription for an insect bite

 Non-medical prescribing has become an important aspect of the manner through which individuals are better able to ensure that they receive healthcare more effectively. It is an effective way of making sure that nurses play a more prominent role in patient care because they are able to handle a diversity of problems without necessarily having to consult medical practitioners, a process that can be extremely time consuming (Black, 2013). The patient that is to be seen is one that received an insect bite some four days ago and since that time, she has had the skin surrounding swollen and it has not only become painful and hot to the touch, but it has also become red. The pain has continued to be worse and it has spread throughout her leg; a situation that needs to be taken very seriously. The prescription for the condition was written by a very qualified prescriber and this was because it involved a situation where there was need to ensure that the best interests of the patient were considered. Furthermore, the extent of the consequences of the bite promoted a situation where there was need for the most qualified individual to prescribe the medication because through such an initiative, it was possible to cater for the needs of the patient. However, there was also need to ensure that there was the involvement of the non-medical prescriber in the prescription process because it would not only have provided them with the experience necessary to ensure that they handled similar situations in future, but it would also have enhance efficiency in healthcare provision in such a way that only the most serious cases were referred to the general practitioner.

The names of the patient, clinician, and healthcare institution in this study have been changed in order to maintain the privacy of all the individuals involved. This is based on the guidelines provided by the NMC to ensure that there is the professional handling of cases (NMC, 2015; Pearce & Winter, 2014). The case of the patient is one that needs to be handled in as confidential a manner as possible because it allows the individual to have greater confidence in the caregiver. Furthermore, it is essential to make sure that the care process of the patient is conducted in such a way that there is the advancement of their interests at all times because it is through this process that it becomes possible to ensure the creation of an environment where the patient is able to become more forthcoming concerning the issues that are plaguing them. Moreover, confidentiality in the treatment process allows for better patient outcomes since the nurse is able to better handle the patient under their care with more attention that is essential in making sure that the treatment process is conducted effectively. The achievement of this goal cannot be underestimated because it makes it possible for the nurse to develop a closer relationship with the patient which is critical in ensuring that the treatment is conducted effectively enough. This paper will be structured in such a way that a diversity of issues concerning non-medical prescribing for an insect bite will be addressed. Among these will be the following: the assessment approach selected, a justification for the therapeutic intervention, a critical discussion of the evidence, a discussion of the non-pharmaceutical interventions, and legal and ethical issues.

Assessment of the Patient

The patient, Mrs. S stated that she was concerned that her condition was not getting better and had become very worried three days after the insect bite that the affected area was actually getting worse. Upon being questioned, the patient complained that she had been suffering from malaise and that she had instances where she either felt very hot or very cold. Furthermore, despite the considerable discomfort that she was feeling, she reported that she managed to consume food and drinks normally. She was an individual that lived with a husband that did not smoke, and she personally only took alcohol occasionally. Moreover, she was an individual that did not have any medical history that was relevant, and never consumed any drugs that were not prescribed. She also stated that she did not have an adverse of allergic reaction to any drugs that had previously been prescribed for her. It is essential to make sure that the social, medication, medical, and allergy history of the individual is undertaken because it ensures that there is an avenue through which to address a variety of complaints. Furthermore, it ensures that there is the development of key information that can be made use of to effectively bring about the prevention of errors in prescriptions. It also prevents instances where non-medical practitioners end up overlooking key information that is necessary to help in the maintenance of patient safety. Helping the patient to get the best outcomes involves getting as much of their history as possible for that a clearer picture of their condition can be established in the process of prescribing.

It is pertinent that there is the establishment of trust between the patient and the practitioner from the outset in order to help in the faster giving and reception of information between them. In the case of Mrs. S, the practitioner maintained eye contact, while at the same time making use of open questions to ensure that as much information as possible was given (Latter, Maben, Myall, & Young, 2007). Furthermore, there was a process where there was the summarizing of the history that had been provided by the patient through the use of clarification points, which helped in making sure that nothing of importance was missed. The latter process also provided the patient with an opportunity to add any information that she felt pertinent or that she had not yet disclosed; helping in the development of a clearer portrait of her medical history and how it could have an effect on her prescription. Moreover, the practitioner also made use of closed questions on occasion, especially when there was need to obtain more specific information that was related to the information that had already been provided. This is advisable because it ensures that the practitioner is able to obtain more specific information following the patient becoming relaxed in their presence; resulting in their being more open. It is essential that an effective communication strategy is developed because it helps to enhance the information that the patient supplies and allows for a more effective diagnosis of the medical condition. The achievement of this goal helps in the development of prescriptions in a more efficient way.

Justification for Therapeutic Intervention

Prior to the development of a final diagnosis, it was essential to ensure that there was the exclusion of differential diagnoses. The latter were deep vein thrombosis (DVT) (Thompson, 2015) or venous eczema but these were not considered because the case of Mrs. S was one that involved an insect bite. Such a straightforward history, in addition to the examination findings as well as her observations showed that an alternative diagnosis had to be reached. The working diagnosis that was arrived at was cellulitis, which was considered to be the most likely condition that the patient was suffering from. The entire process of examination and determining the condition was one that had to be handled carefully because there are instances where wrong diagnoses tend to end up leading to the provision of wrong prescriptions. Therefore, it was necessary to make sure that there was the development of a situation where the diagnosis was conducted in such a way that kept the patient’s interests at heart at all times. Moreover, the diagnosis of cellulitis to the exclusion of all others was an important step because it allowed the practitioner to begin the process that would bring about an effective therapeutic intervention. Under such circumstances, it became necessary to make an analysis of cellulitis, especially its origins, so that it could be possible to bring about a situation where there was an effective prescribing process.

Cellulitis is the infection of the skin and the subcutaneous tissue which is brought about by bacteria and can have some serious consequence on the individual affected (Pasternack & Swartz, 2015). It is brought about by a diversity of bacteria, the most common among which is streptococci and staphylococcus (Karppelin et al., 2015). Moreover, this condition tends to affect a specific number of areas in the body including the face, the arms, and legs, but there is often a potential that it might come about at any part of the body. While a definitive antibiotic regime for the curing of cellulitis has yet to be found, it is essential to note that studies have shown that most antibiotics cure between 50% and 100% of bacterial infections. The selection of the correct antibiotic was aided by the antibiotic guidelines that are updated annually because they include a classification system which ensures that there is the advancement of a situation where there is the advancement of a situation where there is effective prescription. Furthermore, the correct dose, duration, and route are also provided for in the guidelines, which ensure that the treatment of cellulitis is conducted in such a way that there is the promotion of the interests of the patient. The achievement of this goal ensures that there is the creation of effective prescription in such a way that the patient will achieve full recovery in the fastest time possible. In the case of Mrs. S, the guidelines of the treatment of cellulitis advised oral flucloxacillin as a first line of treatment (Brindle et al., 2017). This drug was to be taken thrice a day and it was expected to be effective because it is a moderately narrow spectrum antibiotic that is means specifically for the treatment of cellulitis.

Discussion of Evidence

The evidence shows that the therapeutic intervention was one that would be extremely effective because the prescribed antibiotic is made specifically for the condition diagnosed. However, despite the prescription, the option of not having any medication was discussed with Mrs. S because it was essential to consider the potential side effects that flucloxacillin might have on her. A result of this situation was that she did not want to stay without any medication and instead stated that it would be better if she had some medication to cater for the various problems that she was having as a result of her infection. Involving Mrs. S in considering her treatment option ensured that she was able to gain the confidence of the practitioner because it allowed for her ready acceptance of the recommended treatment. Therefore, the flucloxacillin was prescribed and there was the clarification of the dose and duration before the patient was discharged (Quirke, O’sullivan, Mccabe, Ahmed, & Wakai, 2014). The last action was undertaken with the hope that the patient would, because of being involved in the decision making process concerning treatment, undertake to make use of the prescribed antibiotics in concordance with the requirements. The negotiation and agreeing with patients concerning their management plan is an essential aspect of patient-centered care because it ensures that there is the advancement of their interests while at the same time improving the care of the said patient. Having received training in non-medical prescribing, the practitioner was able to further recommend the use of paracetamol tablets because it had both analgesic and anti-pyretic properties that were essential for helping the patient attain a level of comfort. The patient was also given the responsibility of getting the prescription on her own because it allowed her to realize the responsibility that she had towards herself while at the same time enabling her to get a better understanding of the use of the prescribed drugs following her taking the prescription to the chemist. There patient was required to return to in case she saw that her situation had not improved after several days for follow up and further assessment of her condition.

The ability of the non-medical prescriber to undertake the task of making prescriptions can be considered pertinent to the enhancement of patient care. This is because it involves a situation where there is need to ensure that there is not only patient consent, but also the creation of strong initiatives aimed at bringing about the swift treatment of the patient (Cope, Abuzour, & Tully, 2016). The case of Mrs. S can be considered essential in showing the manner through which the practitioner can be able to not only make an effective diagnosis, but also undertake prescribing to bring about an end to such symptoms. The achievement of this goal ensures that there is the patient does not end up spending too much time waiting for the presence of a medical practitioner while at the same time promoting a situation where the patient is able to receive the best care possible. A diagnosis of cellulitis and recommendations made for its treatment through the use of antibiotics have made it possible for the non-medical prescriber to show the considerable role that they can play in prescribing. This is because the practitioner was able to question and receive answers from the patient concerning their condition and medical history, and make use of the information received to provide a prescription. Such an undertaking is pertinent to the creation of a more effective non-medical prescribing environment because it allows the practitioner to empower the patient through the provision of advice and information to the patient. It was also essential to ensure that there was the development of concise documentation of the consultation process in addition to the decision to make the prescription because it can be used for further reference in case Mrs. S’s condition does not improve. It was also important that Mrs. S’s stay in the hospital was made as short as possible and this was to such an extent that once her prescription was ready, she was immediately discharged. This decision was also based on the fact that Mrs. S’s condition could be easily treated from home because the insect bite had not hindered her mobility, and had instead only developed a bacterial infection that could be treated using an antibiotic.

Conclusion

The case of Mrs. S above has shown the importance of making sure that there is effective communication during the consultation process with patients. This is because it provides structure to the consultation and allows the non-medical prescriber to develop an idea concerning the best way through which to handle a diversity of situations in both the current and future practice. The practitioner is also able to gain a better understanding of how to handle such cases that are rarely reported as insect bites. Insect bites tend to be rarely reported unless the condition involved becomes serious or the individual involved suffers from an allergic reaction or an infection. Therefore, it becomes possible to learn more about insect bites and the possible infections that might come about as a result, such as cellulitis, which ensures that there is the gaining of useful experience that can be used in handling similar cases in future. Thus, there is the development of more effective means of administering appropriate treatment by the non-medical prescriber while at the same time reducing incidents of the incorrect prescription of antibiotics and other drugs.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

References

Black, A. (2013). Non‐medical prescribing by nurse practitioners in accident & emergency and sexual health: a comparative study. Journal of advanced nursing, 69(3), 535-545.

Brindle, R., Williams, O. M., Davies, P., Harris, T., Jarman, H., Hay, A. D., & Featherstone, P. (2017). Adjunctive clindamycin for cellulitis: a clinical trial comparing flucloxacillin with or without clindamycin for the treatment of limb cellulitis. BMJ open, 7(3), e013260.

Cope, L. C., Abuzour, A. S., & Tully, M. P. (2016). Nonmedical prescribing: where are we now? Therapeutic advances in drug safety, 7(4), 165-172.

Karppelin, M., Siljander, T., Haapala, A.-M., Aittoniemi, J., Huttunen, R., Kere, J., . . . Syrjänen, J. (2015). Evidence of streptococcal origin of acute non-necrotising cellulitis: a serological study. European Journal of Clinical Microbiology & Infectious Diseases, 34(4), 669-672.

Latter, S., Maben, J., Myall, M., & Young, A. (2007). Evaluating nurse prescribers’ education and continuing professional development for independent prescribing practice: Findings from a national survey in England. Nurse education today, 27(7), 685-696.

NMC. (2015). The code: professional standards of practice and behaviour for nurses and midwives. London: NMC.

Pasternack, M. S., & Swartz, M. N. (2015). Cellulitis, necrotizing fasciitis, and subcutaneous tissue infections Mandell, Douglas, and Bennett's Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases (Eighth Edition) (pp. 1194-1215. e1193): Elsevier.

Pearce, C., & Winter, H. (2014). Review of non-medical prescribing among acute and community staff: Chris Pearce and Helen Winter describe a survey that highlights a need for greater support of non-medical prescribers. Nursing management, 20(10), 22-26.

Quirke, M., O’sullivan, R., Mccabe, A., Ahmed, J., & Wakai, A. (2014). Are two penicillins better than one? A systematic review of oral flucloxacillin and penicillin V versus oral flucloxacillin alone for the emergency department treatment of cellulitis. European Journal of Emergency Medicine, 21(3), 170-174.

Thompson, A. E. (2015). Deep vein thrombosis. Jama, 313(20), 2090-2090. 

Transplant Tourism and the Organ Trade

 

The global trade in human organs has become prevalent in recent years because of the massive demand for organs. It has also come to show the manner through which there are existing inequalities between the developed and developing countries. One of the most significant factors concerning the organ trade is that it has become highly exploitative to such an extent that it has encouraged the rise of a situation where it is extremely difficult for individuals in developing countries not to say no whenever they are offered money for their organs. The commoditization of human organs has grown to such an extent that individuals from the developed countries tend to travel to developing countries such as India in order to acquire new organs. India has become the top destination for transplant tourism, which has been fueled by wealthy individuals and has encouraged poor people to give up their organs in exchange for a small financial compensation. This paper seeks to make an analysis of the causes and effects of transplant tourism in relation to the organ trade. It shows that with the commercialization of organ donation, transplant tourism has taken root and had led to the exploitation of poor people in developing countries.

The process of organ transplantation takes place through the removal of a healthy organ from an individual and transferring it to another person. This transfer is made to ensure that there is the replacement of deteriorating or failed organs. Organ transplants have, in recent years, come to revolutionize healthcare to such an extent that there has been an increase in hope for those individuals that are suffering from organ failure or similar conditions because they can acquire organs to replace their own. The process of organ transplantation is practiced all over the world with the result that more individuals are being saved than ever before. However, it is noteworthy that with the increase in the number of individuals demanding organ transplantation, there has been the rise of the organ trade and trafficking (Budiani‐Saberi & Delmonico, 2008). The organ trade has become a significant industry, especially in developing countries where individuals from poor backgrounds are often willing to sell one of their organs as a means of either making ends meet or to escape their poverty. The latter situation has in turn led to transplant tourism as individuals from the developed countries travel to developing countries in a bid to pay for organs and undergo organ transplantation that can save their lives.

Transplant tourism is a significant factor within the human organ trade. The development of new drugs and healthcare methods has resulted in the increase in the number of individuals that can receive organ transplants. The increasing demand for organs across the world has come about because of a diversity of reasons including the rise in the number of cases of heart disease and diabetes among others (Hopkins, Labonté, Runnels, & Packer, 2010). Moreover, because of the technological advancements that have been made in the world in recent decades, it has become possible for the human lifespan to be extended. Also, because of the rise of the liberal world order, it has become possible for cultural understanding to come about. This is to such an extent that those groups of people that were previously marginalized because of their ethnicity or race are now accepted. Because of this acceptance, their organs are also less likely to be rejected by receivers and the new drugs that are available ensure that these organs are accepted by the receiving bodies. The shortage of organs in the developed world that has come about because of the latter has created an environment within which the organ trade has grown significantly in the Global South.

Individuals from the developed world as well as the rich are traveling to developing countries because the latter have multiple organs available for commercial sale. These organs are sold in considerable quantities in countries such as India, where organs tend to be readily available in markets (Shimazono, 2007). The latter situation has created an environment where anyone can become an organ tourist as long as they have the ability to do so. This means that as long as they have the capital, they can travel to developing countries and purchase the organs that they need for their own survival. Under such circumstances, it is the rich who, regardless of their country of origin, are most often able to acquire the organs that they need. A consequence is that they are often willing to pay considerable amounts of money to acquire organs, and this has resulted in the rapid growth in the organ trade and transplantation tourism as more individuals seek to sell their organs for the sake of the financial incentives that they are likely to receive from those willing to purchase them.

The consumer demand from the rich as well as individuals from the developed countries often leads to the exploitation of the poor in the Global South. The fact that many of the poor tend to have little other choice in addition to being desperate leads them to make the decision to sacrifice their organs (Budiani & Karim, 2008). These individuals end up giving up their organs for a small fee despite the fact that their richer counterparts, who have the ability to pay more, become the ultimate beneficiaries. It can therefore be said that the flow of organs has come to follow the route of modern capitalism because they have essentially become a commodity. The commodification of human organs has led to a scenario where it has become difficult for it to be regulated because while most of the individuals that provide the organs tend to be from poor, brown countries, the recipients are often rich, white people. Also, it is individuals from North America, Europe, and Japan that travel to countries in Southeast and South Asia to make organ purchases. The latter shows the disparities that have come about as a result of the organ trade and the resulting tourism.

Despite the vast majority of transplant tourists coming from the developed world, it is pertinent to note that a significant number also come from the Middle East and other Asian countries (Shimazono, 2007). Many of the latter individuals tend to be quite wealthy or have the means of purchasing the organs that they need. The transplantations tend to take place in countries such as India and China, which have essentially become hubs for the organ trade and the accompanying organ tourism. These countries have few restrictions when it comes to organ transplants meaning that a considerable number of people, mostly the poor, find the organ trade a means of helping them escape poverty or in some cases, they use the money to ensure a better future for their children through education. Therefore, the incentive to sell their organs, especially their kidneys or livers, is often based on the poverty they are experiencing and the belief that this transaction is the easy way out of their condition. A consequence of the latter is that the transplant tourism tends to take place in countries where there are significant populations of poor people, as is the case with India, which is the world’s top destination.

The circumstances surrounding organ transplants that are found in developing countries is not the same as that in developed countries. This is because in the developed countries, organ donations tend to be done willingly and without any incentive other than the wish to save another life (Ambagtsheer, Zaitch, & Weimar, 2013). Furthermore, it is noteworthy that in such societies, it is common for relatives to be the donors. It is also essential to note that organ donor programs tend to be run by the healthcare authorities, meaning that the donors are provided with information concerning the harvesting process and the treatment procedure as well as the risks involved at a higher standard than is the case in places such as India and China, where the money is the main incentive. Thus, individuals have the option of either giving their consent or opting out. In developed countries, the ethical and medical regulation in place are followed strictly to such an extent that the people that are eligible for organ transplants are placed on a waiting list until such a time as organs matching their own is available. However, the lack of readily available organs in developed countries has resulted in individuals looking towards the Global South, where there are fewer regulations and greater availability because of the organ trade encouraged by the considerable poverty found within it.

In the Global South, the situation is quite different because of the high costs of healthcare. Under such circumstances, organ transplantations tend to be the preserve of the rich because most of these are done privately. In South Asia, for example, organs tend to be acquired from the poor, who are willing to give up one of their organs for an opportunity to improve their living conditions (Moniruzzaman, 2012). Because of the organ trade and transplantation tourism, it is common for poor people in this region to die without receiving organ transplants. They are often at a higher risk of organ failure due to their living conditions and for those in need of kidney transplants; there are few opportunities to receive dialysis because they cannot afford it. Instead, the poor have become the main source of organs for the affluent few in the global society.

In conclusion, it is essential to consider that the organ trade has led to the development of transplant tourism and the resulting exploitation of the poor in developing countries. The poor have become the source of body parts for their affluent counterparts from across the world and it is common for individuals from wealthy countries to travel to developing ones such as India and China to receive organ transplants. It is pertinent to note that because of the considerable demand for organs in the developed world, the organ trade has been exacerbated to such an extent that it is mainly the poor in developing countries that are being exploited for their organs for little compensation relative to their sacrifice.