Biomaterials to Treat Pediatric Medical Conditions

Abstract

Given the growing global burden of disease, novel treatment strategies are needed to address a multitude of health maladies and conditions. In acknowledging this, we use Nigeria as case study where feasible, functional interventions that utilize bio-based materials can be deployed infield at healthcare facilities to improve healthcare access, delivery, and most importantly, the quality of life for people. As previously mentioned, pneumonia, diarrheal disease, and traumatic injuries are among the top causes of morbidity and mortality for children under the age of 5 in countries such as Nigeria. In this chapter, each condition is discussed in terms of the clinical prognosis, current shortfalls in mechanisms for treatment, and the role-specific biomaterials could play in improving outcomes. The primary agricultural crops considered are soybeans, corn, and kenaf, for the introduction of biomaterials to manage these complex diseases, pathologies, and traumatic injuries.