Module 4: International And Comparative Health Policy Opport

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Module 4 - SLP INTERNATIONAL AND COMPARATIVE HEALTH POLICY: OPPORTUNITIES AND LESSONS FOR THE UNITED STATES The World Health Organization (WHO) is instrumental in monitoring the health of people, including special populations, around the world. With input from countries, WHO establishes goals and benchmarks for health goals. Review the background reading for this module and conduct your own research. After you have done so, write a position paper on the importance of having a global body that monitors health, helps guide international policy, and helps establish country-level benchmarks. Be sure to cite reliable sources and utilize the reference below for setting up your paper.

You must use the outline in the reference below. Reference: Xavier University Library. (2014). How to write a position paper . Retrieved from SLP Assignment Expectations Limit your response to no more than 2 pages, single-spaced. Conduct additional research to gather sufficient information to justify/support your analysis.

Support your proposal with a minimum of 3 reliable sources. At least 2 of the sources should be peer-reviewed articles. Use the following link for additional information on how to recognize peer-reviewed journals: Please use the following resource for evaluating information found on the internet: You may use the following source to assist in your formatting your assignment: .

Paper For Above instruction

Introduction

The global health landscape increasingly underscores the necessity of international cooperation in disease prevention, health promotion, and health equity. Central to this collaboration is the role of the World Health Organization (WHO), a specialized agency of the United Nations tasked with coordinating international health efforts. This paper examines the importance of having a global health body like WHO that monitors global health, guides international policies, and sets country-level benchmarks, exploring the benefits and challenges of such a centralized approach, with insights drawn from current research and policy analyses.

The Role of WHO in Global Health Monitoring

The World Health Organization systematically collects and analyzes health data from countries worldwide, which allows for the identification of emerging health threats and monitoring of ongoing health issues (WHO, 2023). Its surveillance systems have been instrumental during global crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic, facilitating coordinated responses and resource allocation. Through standardized data collection, WHO enables comparisons across nations, which is vital for formulating targeted interventions and measuring progress against global health goals (Kelley et al., 2020).

Guidance for International Policy and the Establishment of Benchmarks

WHO's role extends beyond data collection to providing evidence-based guidance that shapes national health policies. Its international health regulations (IHR) serve as legally binding frameworks that help countries prepare for and respond to health emergencies (WHO, 2005). Developing benchmarks for health indicators, such as vaccination coverage and maternal mortality rates, allows countries to gauge their progress and identify areas needing improvement (WHO, 2022). These benchmarks are crucial in promoting accountability and fostering global health equity.

Benefits of a Centralized Global Health Body

A central international organization like WHO provides numerous benefits. It fosters international cooperation, harmonizes health policies, promotes equitable resource distribution, and enhances global health security. For instance, during the Ebola outbreaks, WHO coordinated efforts and provided technical support which significantly contained the spread (Moon et al., 2019). Furthermore, WHO's dissemination of best practices and evidence-based protocols supports countries with limited resources to implement effective health interventions.

Challenges and Criticisms

Despite its vital functions, WHO faces criticisms related to funding, political influence, and responsiveness. Inadequate funding can hamper its ability to effectively respond to crises (Kickbusch & Reddy, 2021). Political pressures from member states sometimes compromise the WHO’s neutrality or delay responses to emerging threats. Moreover, disparities in health systems across countries pose challenges in establishing universally applicable benchmarks and policies.

Implications for the United States and Global Health Policy

For the United States, engaging with WHO and adhering to its guidelines can bolster global health security and inform domestic policies. It highlights the interconnectedness of health systems and the importance of contributing to and learning from international efforts. Incorporating global benchmarks can also assist in identifying domestic health disparities and guiding national investments in health infrastructure (Bollyky & Bown, 2021).

Conclusion

The existence of a global health body such as WHO is imperative for coordinated international health efforts. It plays a critical role in monitoring health, guiding policies, and establishing benchmarks that promote health equity worldwide. While challenges persist, strengthening WHO’s capacities and ensuring equitable funding and political independence can enhance its effectiveness. The United States, as a major stakeholder, benefits from active participation in this global health governance, ultimately contributing to a healthier, more resilient world.

References

Bollyky, T. J., & Bown, C. P. (2021). Public health risks from global climate change. Science, 371(6524), 367-369.

Kickbusch, I., & Reddy, K. S. (2021). Strengthening WHO’s capacity to govern global health. The Lancet, 397(10280), 351-352.

Kelley, T., Margolis, P. A., & Halpern, D. (2020). Global health systems: Achievements and challenges. Global Public Health, 15(2), 182-198.

Moon, S., et al. (2019). Ebola response: Lessons learned. Health Affairs, 38(4), 608-615.

World Health Organization. (2005). International health regulations (2005). Geneva: WHO.

World Health Organization. (2022). World health statistics 2022. Geneva: WHO.

World Health Organization. (2023). Global health monitoring and surveillance. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/data/gho