Module 1 Background: Global Health At A Glance Required Read

Module 1 Backgroundglobal Health At A Glancerequired Readingchristia

Global health is a multidisciplinary field that addresses health issues that transcend national boundaries and require international cooperation. According to Christian et al. (2017), understanding the top infectious disease threats globally involves continuous surveillance, rapid response, and capacity building. These threats include emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases such as Ebola, Zika, and pandemic influenza, demanding vigilant monitoring by organizations like the CDC's Global Disease Detection Operations Center. Recognizing these threats is critical for timely intervention and mitigation efforts in both developed and developing countries.

Fried et al. (2010) emphasize that global health is fundamentally rooted in public health principles. They argue that addressing health disparities, improving healthcare infrastructure, and promoting health equity are central components of global health initiatives. The interconnectedness of health systems worldwide highlights that health improvements in one region can have positive ripple effects globally. Their perspective underscores that global health efforts should prioritize not only disease control but also strengthening health systems to achieve sustainable health improvements.

Recognizing the global burden of chronic diseases is vital in understanding the shifting landscape of health challenges. Kelly, Narula, and Fuster (2012) highlight that cardiovascular diseases and related chronic conditions contribute significantly to mortality worldwide. The rising prevalence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) poses a major challenge, especially in low- and middle-income countries where health systems may be inadequate to handle these chronic illnesses. Efforts to combat NCDs involve lifestyle interventions, early detection, and health policy reforms to reduce risk factors such as hypertension, obesity, and smoking.

Taylor (2018) explores the ambiguous nature of the term "global health," questioning its scope and application. He discusses how definitions vary depending on context—whether emphasizing health equity, disease burden, or international health diplomacy. Clarifying the meaning of global health is essential for aligning priorities, strategies, and resource allocation, ensuring that global health initiatives are effective and ethically grounded.

Historically, the concept of global health has evolved significantly. Markel (2014) traces its origins from a primarily biomedical focus in the 19th century to a broader integration of social, political, and economic determinants today. The expansion of global health thinking has been driven by increasing interconnectivity, globalization, and the recognition that health issues like infectious diseases and NCDs require coordinated international responses. This evolution highlights the importance of comprehensive approaches that consider social justice, equity, and human rights.

Benziger, Roth, and Moran (2016) analyze data from the Global Burden of Disease Study to quantify the preventable burden of NCDs worldwide. Their research indicates that many premature deaths from conditions such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and cancers are preventable through lifestyle modifications, early intervention, and health policy initiatives. Their findings underscore the need for global strategies that prioritize prevention and risk reduction, especially in settings where healthcare access and education are limited.

The Global Burden of Disease Study (2016) provides comprehensive data on causes of death worldwide, illustrating significant progress and persistent disparities. The study reveals that while infectious diseases remain a problem, NCDs are now the leading cause of death globally. Addressing this double burden requires tailored strategies that integrate infectious disease control with NCD prevention, emphasizing health promotion, early detection, and health system strengthening.

Paper For Above instruction

Global health serves as a vital interdisciplinary concept that emphasizes the importance of health transcending borders, requiring collective action and strategic interventions (Christian et al., 2017). The global landscape has been shaped by emerging infectious threats and the rising prevalence of non-communicable diseases, fundamentally transforming public health priorities. This paper explores the evolving nature of global health, its critical challenges, and the strategies necessary to address contemporary health issues effectively.

In recent years, infectious diseases have posed significant threats to global health security. Christian et al. (2017) highlight the importance of surveillance and rapid response mechanisms in identifying and mitigating outbreaks such as Ebola, Zika, and influenza pandemics. The globalization of travel and trade has accelerated the spread of infectious agents, making coordinated international efforts essential. The CDC’s Global Disease Detection Operations Center exemplifies the importance of real-time monitoring and data sharing in preventing widespread crises.

Conversely, Fried et al. (2010) argue that infectious disease control alone is insufficient. They advocate that global health must integrate efforts to address health disparities and strengthen health systems globally. Equity-oriented approaches are crucial because countries with weak healthcare infrastructures are more vulnerable to outbreaks and chronic health problems. Enhancing health systems can improve access to quality care, vaccination coverage, and disease management, reducing morbidity and mortality.

A significant shift in global health has been the increasing burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), which account for a large proportion of premature deaths worldwide (Kelly, Narula, & Fuster, 2012). The rise in cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, cancers, and chronic respiratory diseases highlights that health policy must adapt beyond infectious diseases. These chronic illnesses often stem from lifestyle factors such as poor diet, physical inactivity, tobacco use, and alcohol consumption. Addressing them requires multi-sectoral interventions, policy reforms, and community-based health promotion programs.

Furthermore, Taylor (2018) emphasizes that the concept of "global health" is complex, often defined variably depending on the context. Clarifying its scope is crucial for setting clear priorities and ensuring effective resource allocation. Whether emphasizing health equity, disease burden, or diplomacy, a shared understanding among stakeholders can facilitate targeted efforts and sustainable impacts. The ambiguity surrounding the term necessitates consistent framing to guide research, policy, and practice effectively.

Historically, the evolution of global health reflects a transition from a narrow biomedical focus to a comprehensive inclusion of social, economic, and political determinants (Markel, 2014). The expansion recognizes that health outcomes are influenced by broader societal factors, including income inequality, education, gender, and environmental conditions. This perspective fosters more holistic and sustainable solutions that address root causes rather than merely treating symptoms.

The Global Burden of Disease Study (2016) provides compelling evidence that the world’s health challenges are closely linked to preventable risks. Benziger, Roth, and Moran (2016) argue that substantial proportions of NCD-related deaths could be avoided through lifestyle changes, improved healthcare access, and public health policies. Their data positions prevention as a cornerstone of global health strategies, especially in resource-constrained settings where health promotion can yield significant benefits.

Analyzing the causes of death worldwide underscores the importance of dual strategies—combating infectious diseases and preventing NCDs. The 2016 Global Burden of Disease Study indicates that NCDs now surpass infectious diseases as leading causes of mortality globally. Addressing this shift requires integrated health programs that emphasize vaccination, hygiene, lifestyle modification, and health education. Such comprehensive approaches optimize resource utilization and promote health equity.

Ultimately, the future of global health depends on collaborative, multidisciplinary efforts that prioritize equity, prevention, and system strengthening. International organizations, governments, and communities must work together to implement evidence-based interventions informed by data and tailored to local contexts. By doing so, global health can effectively reduce disparities, control emerging threats, and promote sustainable health improvements worldwide.

References

• Christian, K. A., Iuliano, A. D., Uyeki, T. M., Mintz, E. D., Nichol, S. T., Rollin, P., & Arthur, R. R. (2017). What We Are Watching—Top Global Infectious Disease Threats: An Update from CDC's Global Disease Detection Operations Center. Health Security, 15(5).
• Fried, L. P., Bentley, M. E., Buekens, P., Burke, D. S., Frenk, J. J., Klag, M. J., & Spencer, H. C. (2010). Global health is public health. The Lancet, 376(9754), 535–537.
• Kelly, B. B., Narula, J., & Fuster, V. (2012). Recognizing global burden of cardiovascular disease and related chronic diseases. Mount Sinai Journal of Medicine: A Journal of Translational and Personalized Medicine, 79(6), 632–640.
• Taylor, S. (2018). 'Global health': meaning what? BMJ Global Health, 3(2), e000843. doi:10.1136/bmjgh-.
• Markel, H. (2014). Worldly approaches to global health: 1851 to the present. Public Health, 128(2).
• Benziger, C. P., Roth, G. A., & Moran, A. E. (2016). The global burden of disease study and the preventable burden of NCD. Global Heart, 11(4).
• The Lancet. (2016). Causes of death: Global Burden of Disease Study 2015 [Video file]. Retrieved from