Examine A Global Health Issue And Consider The Approach

Examine A Global Health Issue And Consider The Approach To This Issue

Examine a global health issue and consider the approach to this issue by the United States and by one other country. Review the World Health Organization’s (WHO) global health agenda and select one global health issue to focus on for this assignment. Select at least one additional country to compare to the U.S. for this assignment. Reflect on how the global health issue you selected is approached in the U.S. and in the additional country you selected.

Paper For Above instruction

The global health landscape is increasingly interconnected, prompting nations to develop targeted policies to address pressing health issues. This paper examines the global health issue of infectious disease control, specifically focusing on tuberculosis (TB). We compare the approaches taken by the United States and India, two countries with contrasting health systems and socio-economic contexts, to understand how policies influence health outcomes and the roles nurses play in managing and implementing these policies.

According to the WHO’s global health agenda, combating communicable diseases, including TB, remains a priority due to its significant morbidity and mortality worldwide. The WHO emphasizes strengthening health systems, improving access to care, and addressing social determinants of health as crucial strategies (WHO, 2019). In the United States, TB control is primarily managed through a combination of federal agencies like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), state and local health departments, and community-based programs. The U.S. national policy emphasizes surveillance, early detection, treatment adherence, and addressing social factors such as poverty and housing instability that contribute to TB transmission (CDC, 2020).

In contrast, India, which accounts for a substantial portion of global TB cases, has adopted a national strategy aligned with the WHO’s End TB Strategy. The Indian government’s approach includes integrating TB services into the broader national health system, expanding infrastructure for diagnosis and treatment, and engaging community health workers to reach marginalized populations (Government of India, 2017). The strengths of India’s policy include large-scale outreach and integration efforts; however, weaknesses such as limited healthcare access in rural areas, inadequate funding, and social stigma hinder effective control (Sharma et al., 2020).

Social determinants of health, such as poverty, malnutrition, overcrowding, and lack of education, significantly influence TB prevalence in both countries. In the U.S., vulnerable populations such as homeless individuals and immigrants are disproportionately affected, highlighting disparities rooted in social determinants (Marx et al., 2018). In India, impoverished communities and rural populations experience higher infection rates due to limited healthcare access and poor living conditions. These social factors compound the difficulty of controlling TB and underscore the importance of policies that address social determinants alongside medical interventions.

In terms of cost, quality, and access, the U.S. invests heavily in TB control, with high-quality healthcare infrastructure that facilitates early diagnosis and complete treatment courses. However, socioeconomic barriers still prevent some populations from accessing services fully, leading to continued transmission. Conversely, India’s efforts face resource constraints, impacting the quality and reach of TB services, especially in rural and underserved areas. Both countries’ policies influence how nurses engage in TB prevention, diagnosis, and management; in the U.S., nurses often work in clinics and community outreach programs, emphasizing patient education and adherence. In India, nurses and community health workers are vital for outreach and early detection in remote or underserved regions.

Global health issues like TB significantly affect healthcare organizations at the local level by shaping policies, resource allocation, and service delivery models. In both countries, local clinics and health departments adapt to national strategies, but disparities in infrastructure and funding impact their capacity. For instance, U.S. clinics may offer more comprehensive services, but rural clinics may lack resources, while in India, resource limitations may restrict the scope of services provided at community levels.

Part 2: A Plan for Social Change

Building on the comparative insights, my plan as a nurse leader involves advocating for a global health perspective within local practice settings. I would promote collaborations with international health organizations and participate in community outreach initiatives that emphasize social determinants of health impacting TB control. Educational campaigns tailored to vulnerable populations can increase awareness and reduce stigma, fostering community engagement.

Incorporating a global perspective entails recognizing the interconnectedness of social determinants and health outcomes, which can lead to more comprehensive strategies. For example, partnering with local housing authorities to improve living conditions or working with schools to educate about TB transmission could mitigate social barriers. As a nurse leader, I can influence policies that allocate resources more equitably, emphasizing culturally sensitive care that addresses social inequities. This approach aligns with social change by reducing health disparities and empowering vulnerable communities through education, advocacy, and community involvement.

Ultimately, incorporating a global perspective into my practice would foster a more holistic, equity-oriented healthcare environment. It encourages multidisciplinary collaboration and innovation, contributing to the larger goal of reducing TB and other infectious diseases worldwide. By acting locally with an awareness of global health challenges, nurses can drive impactful and sustainable social change, aligning with the WHO’s agenda for universal health coverage and social determinants' improvement.

References

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2020). Tuberculosis (TB). https://www.cdc.gov/tb/topic/populations/default.htm
• Government of India. (2017). National Strategic Plan for Tuberculosis Elimination 2017–2025. https://tbcindia.gov.in
• Marx, R., et al. (2018). Social Determinants of Tuberculosis: Disentangling the Links. Journal of Public Health Policy, 39(3), 297–310.
• Sharma, S., et al. (2020). Challenges and Strategies for Tuberculosis Control in India. Indian Journal of Tuberculosis, 67(2), 144–152.
• World Health Organization (WHO). (2019). The End TB Strategy. https://www.who.int/teams/global-tuberculosis-programme/the-end-tb-strategy
• Additional scholarly references for support...