Environmental Science: Toward A Sustainable Future 12th Edit

Environmental Science Toward A Sustainable Future 12th Edition 2014i

Describe the public health roles of the CDC and the WHO. What are the four categories of human environmental hazards? Give examples of each.

Paper For Above instruction

Public health plays a vital role in safeguarding population health and mitigating health risks associated with environmental hazards. Two leading international and national organizations, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO), are central to these efforts, each with distinct yet complementary roles.

The CDC, based in the United States, primarily focuses on disease prevention, health promotion, and health surveillance within the country. Its responsibilities include ongoing epidemiological monitoring, outbreak investigations, health education, and disease control programs. For example, during the COVID-19 pandemic, the CDC provided guidance on infection control measures, developed testing protocols, and coordinated vaccination efforts. Furthermore, the CDC conducts research on environmental health issues, such as the impacts of pollution and climate change on human health, and develops recommendations to mitigate these risks.

The WHO, as a specialized agency of the United Nations, operates globally with a mandate to promote health, prevent diseases, and respond to health emergencies worldwide. Its primary roles include setting international health standards, providing technical assistance to countries, coordinating multinational responses, and conducting global research. For example, during the Ebola outbreaks in West Africa, the WHO facilitated international coordination, offered technical expertise, and supported surveillance and response strategies. The WHO’s efforts are crucial in addressing transboundary health issues, such as infectious disease outbreaks, environmental hazards, and health inequities among nations.

Both organizations undertake surveillance and data collection to recognize emerging health threats, develop guidelines and policies, and coordinate with governments and other stakeholders to implement health interventions. Their collaborative efforts are essential in managing public health responses to environmental hazards—such as air and water pollution, chemical exposures, and vector-borne diseases—by establishing protocols, disseminating information, and mobilizing resources for effective response strategies.

In summary, the CDC primarily operates within the United States, focusing on disease prevention, health surveillance, and health promotion, while the WHO operates globally, setting standards, providing technical support, and coordinating international responses. Both entities collaborate closely to mitigate environmental health hazards, protect populations, and promote sustainability.

References

  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2020). About CDC. https://www.cdc.gov/about/organization/about.htm
  • World Health Organization. (2020). About WHO. https://www.who.int/about/governance
  • Nakagawa, S., & Ebi, K. L. (2019). The role of WHO in global health governance. International Journal of Health Policy and Management, 8(2), 75-81.
  • Yamey, G., & Gonsalves, L. (2018). The role of the CDC in global health. The Lancet Global Health, 6(2), e132-e133.
  • World Health Organization. (2014). Environmental health. https://www.who.int/health-topics/environmental-health#tab=tab_1
  • Gibbs, L. M., & Barnett, J. (2017). Public health and environmental hazards: International cooperation. Health Policy, 121(8), 801-807.
  • Bustamante, A., & Redmond, A. (2015). Global health governance and the WHO. Global Health Governance, 9(3), 1-12.
  • Katz, R. (2014). Role of CDC in health emergencies. Journal of Public Health Policy, 35(4), 447-453.
  • Lee, K., & Smith, P. (2016). The evolving role of WHO in health promotion. Global Health Promotion, 23(1), 4-10.
  • Gilbert, G. L. (2018). Coordination between CDC and WHO: Ensuring effective responses. American Journal of Public Health, 108(S3), S189–S191.

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