GLOBAL HEALTH

Select a global health issue affecting the international health community. Briefly describe the global health issue and its impact on the larger public health care systems (i.e., continents, regions, countries, states, and health departments). Discuss how health care delivery systems work collaboratively to address global health concerns and some of the stakeholders that work on these issues.

Full Answer Section

      In severe cases, COVID-19 can lead to pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome, multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children, and death. Impact on Public Health Care Systems The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on public health care systems around the world. The pandemic has caused an overwhelming surge in patients, leading to shortages of hospital beds, ventilators, and other medical supplies. The pandemic has also disrupted routine health care services, such as cancer screenings and immunizations. This has led to a backlog of patients waiting for care and an increase in the risk of preventable diseases. The COVID-19 pandemic has also had a significant financial impact on public health care systems. The cost of treating COVID-19 patients and the disruption to routine health care services have put a strain on budgets. Collaborative Efforts to Address Global Health Concerns Health care delivery systems around the world are working collaboratively to address global health concerns. This collaboration includes sharing information, coordinating resources, and developing joint strategies. Some of the stakeholders that work on global health issues include:
  • Government agencies, such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
  • Non-governmental organizations (NGOs), such as Doctors Without Borders and Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF)
  • Academic institutions, such as the Harvard School of Public Health and the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health
  • Private companies, such as pharmaceutical companies and vaccine manufacturers
These stakeholders work together to develop and implement strategies to prevent, detect, and respond to global health threats. Example of Collaborative Efforts to Address COVID-19 One example of collaborative efforts to address COVID-19 is the COVAX initiative. COVAX is a global collaboration that aims to ensure equitable access to COVID-19 vaccines for all countries, regardless of income level. COVAX is led by the WHO, the Gavi vaccine alliance, and the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI). The initiative is supported by governments, donors, and private companies. COVAX has provided COVID-19 vaccines to over 140 countries and territories. The initiative has helped to reduce the global vaccine gap and to protect millions of people from COVID-19. Conclusion The COVID-19 pandemic has shown the importance of global collaboration in addressing global health concerns. Health care delivery systems around the world are working together to share information, coordinate resources, and develop joint strategies to prevent, detect, and respond to global health threats. This collaboration is essential to protecting people from global health threats and to ensuring that everyone has access to the health care they need.  

Sample Answer

   

Global Health Issue: COVID-19

Overview

COVID-19 is a respiratory illness caused by a virus called SARS-CoV-2. The virus can spread from person to person through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. COVID-19 can also spread through contact with contaminated surfaces or objects.

COVID-19 can cause a range of symptoms, from mild to severe. The most common symptoms include fever, cough, shortness of breath, and fatigue. Some people may also experience muscle aches, headache, sore throat, congestion or runny nose, nausea or vomiting, and diarrhea.