In This Module You Will Continue Your Discussion In The Smal
In This Module You Will Continue Your Discussion In The Small Group Y
In this module, you will continue your discussion in the small group you were assigned to in Module Four. This time, in your initial post, you will explain why health promotion, community health, and prevention are important. You should also answer the following questions: How do national organizations like the CDC influence and support policymaking, and what is their role in health promotion? How is the CDC currently addressing the Millennium Development Goals (MDG)? How do organizations like the CDC and the WHO work together to influence health and healthcare delivery?
For the second part of this discussion, look into the MDG that has been assigned to you. What are the targets and indicators linked to the MDG assigned to you? What progress has been made toward the attainment of the MDG assigned to you? Identify policy that supports movement toward the MDG. MDG Assigned : Ensure Environmental Sustainability
Paper For Above instruction
Health promotion, community health, and prevention are foundational elements in the effort to improve population health outcomes and reduce the burden of disease globally. They serve as proactive strategies that aim to prevent illness, promote healthy behaviors, and create supportive environments conducive to well-being. The importance of these elements can be understood through the lens of the broader public health framework, which emphasizes prevention over treatment and recognizes the interconnectedness of social, economic, and environmental determinants of health (World Health Organization [WHO], 2020).
Health promotion involves initiatives designed to empower individuals and communities to take control of their health. It encompasses education, policy advocacy, and community-based programs that foster healthy choices (Green & Kreuter, 2014). Community health focuses on improving health outcomes in specific populations by addressing unique local needs, resources, and barriers. Prevention strategies, whether primary, secondary, or tertiary, aim to reduce the incidence, severity, and recurrence of diseases (Cassel et al., 2018). These components collectively contribute to sustainable health improvements and reduced healthcare costs.
National organizations such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) play a pivotal role in shaping health policy and promoting health initiatives. The CDC influences policymaking by providing evidence-based data, guidelines, and recommendations to policymakers, healthcare providers, and the public. Its role in health promotion is both strategic and operational, from conducting surveillance to launching awareness campaigns and implementing preventive programs (Bollyky & Bruell, 2021). The CDC supports health promotion efforts by establishing standards, funding initiatives, and partnering with local and international health agencies to maximize impact.
Currently, the CDC addresses the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), particularly those aligned with health, such as reducing child mortality, combating HIV/AIDS, malaria, and other diseases, and ensuring environmental sustainability. The agency has implemented various programs that focus on improving immunization coverage, enhancing disease surveillance, and strengthening healthcare infrastructure in low-resource settings (CDC, 2015). Besides, the CDC collaborates with the WHO and other global health entities to coordinate efforts toward achieving these broader global health objectives.
In working together, the CDC and WHO share critical responsibilities—sharing data, coordinating responses to health emergencies, developing guidelines, and supporting capacity-building in different regions (World Health Organization, 2019). Their collaboration enhances global health security, fosters resource sharing, and supports strategies that transcend national boundaries. For instance, during the COVID-19 pandemic, the CDC and WHO coordinated efforts for surveillance, reporting, and vaccine distribution, exemplifying the importance of international cooperation in health.
Focusing on the MDG of ensuring environmental sustainability, this goal emphasizes the importance of integrating environmental policies with health initiatives. The targets include reducing the loss of environmental resources, minimizing pollution, promoting sustainable development practices, and integrating the principles of sustainability into national policies (UN, 2015). Indicators such as the proportion of land area protected, access to clean water, and air quality metrics have been used to measure progress. Significant strides have been made in expanding access to safe drinking water and sanitation; however, challenges remain in addressing pollution and resource depletion (UNEP, 2019).
Progress toward this MDG is evidenced by global commitments to the Paris Agreement and increased initiatives on renewable energy and conservation. Policies such as national environmental laws, urban planning regulations, and incentives for sustainable practices support movement toward this goal. For example, many countries have adopted policies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, protect biodiversity, and promote clean energy, which indirectly benefits health by reducing exposure to hazardous pollutants and fostering healthier ecosystems (Ritchie & Roser, 2018).
Overall, health promotion, supported by organizations like the CDC and WHO, and policies aligned with environmental sustainability, are essential for advancing global health equity and resilience. Continued investment in health systems, environmental conservation, and cross-sector collaborations are necessary to meet current and future health challenges effectively.
References
- Bollyky, T. J., & Bruell, C. (2021). The role of CDC in global health: Past, present, and future. American Journal of Public Health, 111(3), 456–461.
- Cassel, C., et al. (2018). Prevention in public health. Annual Review of Public Health, 39, 203–217.
- Green, L. W., & Kreuter, M. W. (2014). Health promotion planning: An educational and ecological approach. McGraw-Hill Education.
- Ritchie, H., & Roser, M. (2018). Environmental sustainability. Our World in Data. https://ourworldindata.org/environmental-sustainability
- UN (2015). Transforming our world: The 2030 agenda for sustainable development. United Nations. https://sustainabledevelopment.un.org/post2015/transformingourworld
- UNEP (2019). Global environment outlook – GEO-6: Healthy planeta, healthy people. United Nations Environment Programme.
- World Health Organization. (2019). World health statistics 2019. WHO Press.
- World Health Organization. (2020). Social determinants of health. https://www.who.int/social_determinants/en/
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2015). Global health. https://www.cdc.gov/globalhealth
- Boseley, S. (2020). Drop in vaccination rates in England alarming, experts warn. The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/society/2020/mar/10/drop-in-vaccination-rates-in-england-alarming