Health Book Report 3: Global Health

Health Book Report 3 global Health

Global health refers to the health of the people contained in the context of the globe. It is defined as the study that concentrates more on improving health for all people worldwide by research and ensuring equity (Koplan et al., 2009). It mainly focuses on the improvement of health, protection against health threats, and reduction of disparities among citizens. Global health differs from international health, which is a subsection of public health concerned primarily with developing and developed countries.

Global health encompasses diseases, their prevalence across the globe, and the risks that threaten to reduce life expectancy. The book titled “Where Am I Wearing” narrates the journey of a journalist who travels worldwide to trace the origin of his clothes. He visits various factories and cloth makers to gather information about where his apparel comes from. The exploration highlights issues related to manufacturing standards, worker safety, and the ethical concerns surrounding the production of everyday goods (Klein, 2011).

The author discusses Coca-Cola as an example of a product causing harm, noting that its consumption has led to fatalities. The focus is on assessing the hygiene standards of companies producing apparel and ensuring compliance with safety regulations. This includes verification of expiry and manufacturing dates to prevent consumption of expired products that could be harmful. The committee emphasizes that large companies should be able to avoid violating consumers' rights, highlighting the importance of safeguarding workers’ health and safety.

Additionally, the journal details how the production industries for items like underwear and flip-flops often fail to meet global health standards, especially when aimed at vulnerable populations. The presence of fake blood, sweat, and tears—used as metaphorical elements—also underscores the unregulated or unethical practices in some sectors. Consumers often remain unaware of the origin, distribution channels, and safety standards of the products they buy, which leaves their health vulnerable to exploitation and neglect. This gap calls for intervention by global health organizations to protect consumers' rights and ensure product safety.

In conclusion, global health organizations should collaborate closely with consumers to safeguard health rights and uphold standards. Industries that violate safety and quality laws should face severe penalties or shutdowns to prevent ongoing harm. Such measures would promote the overall well-being of populations, enhance economic productivity, and foster sustainable growth. Since global health issues are interconnected, coordinated efforts are essential for addressing these challenges effectively. The implementation of strict regulations and enforcement would help ensure that all stakeholders fulfill their responsibilities, ultimately benefiting global development and health.

References

  • Klein, N. (2011). Where Am I Wearing: A Global Tour to the Countries, Factories, and People That Make Our Clothes. Beacon Press.
  • Koplan, J. P., Bond, T. C., Merson, M. H., Reddy, K. S., Rodriguez, M. H., Sewankambo, N. K., & Wasserheit, J. N. (2009). Towards a standard definition of global health. The Lancet, 373(9679), 1773–1775.
  • World Health Organization. (2009). Global health risks: mortality and burden of disease attributable to selected significant risks. World Health Organization.
  • Further scholarly references would include peer-reviewed journal articles, WHO reports, and authoritative texts on global health standards, ethical manufacturing, and international health policy.