How To Prepare: Review The WHO Global Health Organization

To Prepare: Review the World Health Organizations Who Global Health

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. Review and download the Global Health Comparison Matrix provided in the Resources. The Assignment: (1- to 2-page Global Health Comparison Matrix; 1-page Plan for Social Change) Part 1: Global Health Comparison Matrix Focusing on the country you selected and the U.S., complete the Global Health Comparison Matrix.

Be sure to address the following: Consider the U.S. national/federal health policies that have been adapted for the global health issue you selected from the WHO global health agenda. Compare these policies to the additional country you selected for study. Explain the strengths and weaknesses of each policy. Explain how the social determinants of health may impact the global health issue you selected. Be specific and provide examples.

Using the WHO’s Organization’s global health agenda as well as the results of your own research, analyze how each country’s government addresses cost, quality, and access to the global health issue selected. Explain how the health policy you selected might impact the health of the global population. Be specific and provide examples. Explain how the health policy you selected might impact the role of the nurse in each country. Explain how global health issues impact local healthcare organizations and policies in both countries. Be specific and provide examples.

Part 2: A Plan for Social Change Reflect on the global health policy comparison and analysis you conducted in Part 1 of the Assignment and the impact that global health issues may have on the world, the U.S., your community, as well as your practice as a nurse leader. In a 1-page response, create a plan for social change that incorporates a global perspective or lens into your local practice and role as a nurse leader. Explain how you would advocate for the incorporation of a global perspective or lens into your local practice and role as a nurse leader. Explain how the incorporation of a global perspective or lens might impact your local practice and role as a nurse leader. Explain how the incorporation of a global perspective or lens into your local practice as a nurse leader represents and contributes to social change. Be specific and provide examples.

Paper For Above instruction

The global health landscape is intricately connected with policies, social determinants, and health systems shaped by individual nations. The World Health Organization (WHO) provides a comprehensive global health agenda that prioritizes addressing pressing health issues such as infectious diseases, non-communicable diseases, health inequities, and health systems strengthening. For this assignment, I selected the global health issue of HIV/AIDS, given its persistent impact worldwide, especially in low- and middle-income countries. I will compare the approach of the United States with that of South Africa, a country with a significant burden of HIV/AIDS to understand different policy frameworks, social determinants, and health system responses.

Global Health Issue Selection and Country Comparison

The HIV/AIDS epidemic remains a critical global health challenge. The WHO advocates for comprehensive strategies emphasizing prevention, treatment, and social support systems to curb the disease's spread. The United States has responded with policies like the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program and the National HIV/AIDS Strategy, which aim to reduce new infections, improve access to care, and eliminate disparities. Conversely, South Africa faces a more complex challenge due to resource limitations but has implemented large-scale programs such as the ART (antiretroviral therapy) rollout supported by government and international organizations.

Comparison of Policies: Strengths and Weaknesses

The U.S. policies demonstrate strong infrastructure, advanced healthcare technology, and significant funding, which contribute to high treatment success rates and better health outcomes. However, disparities persist among marginalized populations, reflecting weaknesses in equitable access and social determinants. South Africa, despite its ambitious ART programs, faces weaknesses such as inconsistent healthcare infrastructure, disparities between urban and rural regions, and social factors like stigma and poverty, which hinder effective intervention. Nonetheless, the country benefits from international support, political commitment, and community engagement efforts that have strengthened its response.

Impact of Social Determinants on HIV/AIDS

Social determinants such as poverty, education level, stigma, and access to healthcare significantly influence HIV/AIDS outcomes. For instance, in South Africa, poverty and social stigma contribute to late diagnoses and inconsistent treatment adherence. Similar challenges are observed among marginalized groups in the U.S., including homeless populations and racial minorities. Addressing these social determinants through community-based programs, education, and socioeconomic interventions is crucial for improving health outcomes across both countries.

Health System Approaches to Cost, Quality, and Access

The U.S. employs a healthcare system characterized by high costs but also high-quality services for those with insurance coverage. Programs like the Ryan White initiative mitigate costs for low-income individuals, but uninsured populations face barriers to access. In South Africa, the government provides free ART by integrating services into public health clinics, ensuring broader access despite resource constraints. The quality of care can vary, with urban centers offering better services than rural areas. Both countries' policies impact health equity and epidemiological outcomes, influencing the global effort to control HIV/AIDS.

Effects on the Global Population and the Role of Nurses

Effective policies in both countries can reduce HIV transmission rates, improve patient quality of life, and lower mortality, contributing positively to the global population health. Nurses play a central role in delivering care, counseling, and advocacy, adapting practices to local contexts. In the U.S., nurses frequently serve as educators and case managers, while in South Africa, nurses are often the primary healthcare providers in clinics managing ART and preventive services. The policies influence employees' scope of practice, training, and resource allocation, shaping their ability to deliver effective care.

Local Healthcare Impacts

Within both nations, the global health policy framework influences local healthcare organizations, guiding resource distribution, training priorities, and program funding. For example, in the U.S., local clinics aligned with federal initiatives improve HIV screening and linkage to care. In South Africa, community health workers play an expanding role, supported by government policies rooted in WHO’s guidelines, to extend reach into underserved rural areas. These policies foster integrated approaches addressing both medical treatment and social support systems needed to effectively manage HIV/AIDS.

Plan for Social Change

Based on the comparative analysis, integrating a global perspective into local nursing practice is essential for advancing health equity and social justice. As a nurse leader, I would advocate for policies that address social determinants, promote health education, and foster collaboration with international agencies to ensure resource sharing and best practices dissemination. Embedding global health principles into local practice involves training nurses in culturally competent care, emphasizing community engagement, and advocating for policies that reduce disparities.

Such actions could include establishing partnerships with global health organizations to bring innovative interventions to local communities, especially underserved populations. Implementing community-led programs that focus on education, stigma reduction, and social support aligns with WHO’s emphasis on holistic approaches. This not only enhances patient outcomes but also promotes social change by empowering communities and reducing health disparities.

Incorporating a global perspective enables nurse leaders to champion initiatives for health equity, influence policy changes, and foster a culture of continuous learning and advocacy. This approach ultimately enhances local health systems' resilience, improves patient care, and contributes to the broader global efforts to control HIV/AIDS and other health challenges.

References

• World Health Organization. (2020). Global health agenda and strategies. WHO Publications.
• United States Department of Health and Human Services. (2021). The National HIV/AIDS Strategy for the United States. HHS.gov.
• South African National Department of Health. (2019). HIV & AIDS and STI Strategic Plan. health.gov.za.
• Shisana, O., Rehle, T., Simbayi, L. C., et al. (2014). South African National HIV Prevalence, Incidence and Behaviour Survey, 2012. HSRC Press.
• Johnson, L. F., et al. (2018). Trends in antiretroviral treatment coverage in South Africa: A nationwide analysis. The Lancet HIV, 5(12), e684-e693.
• Fleming, P. J., et al. (2016). Social determinants of health and HIV in the United States. Journal of Community Health, 41(1), 138-148.
• Clinton, C., et al. (2017). The role of nurses in managing HIV/AIDS globally. Nursing Outlook, 65(2), 157-164.
• UNAIDS. (2021). Global AIDS Monitoring 2021. UNAIDS.org.
• Gill, K. A., et al. (2019). Addressing social determinants to improve HIV outcomes in low-resource settings. Global Health: Science and Practice, 7(3), 461-472.
• World Health Organization. (2019). Nurses and midwives: Leading health and care. WHO Publications.