Paper Title Your Full Name Your UTEP ID Course Name Number ✓ Solved
Paper Title your Full Name your Utep Id Course Name Number
Discuss what you knew about global health before taking this class and summarize what you take away from the course. Now discuss the specific knowledge you had about your chosen topic; be explicit as to what you knew and what you learned by doing your research for this final paper. The whole reflection should be no more than 200 words or 1 page in length, maximum.
In words, introduce your chosen topic from the given list AND make sure to state why you consider it important. You will also need to state the central argument for your paper - what are you going to achieve through your analysis of this topic? Briefly state what key concept/s, sources, and examples you will be discussing to make your points clear and prove your argument.
This particular section, including the sub-sections you create with the use of relevant sub-headings, should be a minimum of 3-4 pages in length.
A closing statement where you highlight the key points made throughout your analysis, reinstate your argument and its importance, must be the final content piece of your paper.
All sources cited in-text MUST be listed here and formatted in the required APA 6th style. A minimum of 5 scholarly sources must be included.
Paper For Above Instructions
Learning Reflection
Before taking this class, my understanding of global health was primarily limited to general knowledge gained through media and political discourse. I recognized global health as a critical area affecting international relations and human well-being, but lacked a comprehensive framework for understanding its complexities. Throughout the course, I have gained a more nuanced understanding of health disparities, health systems, and the socio-economic factors driving health outcomes globally. Through my research particularly focusing on the impacts of infectious diseases in underserved communities, I learned that global health is not just about the absence of disease but encompasses a broader scope that includes access to healthcare, education, and socio-economic stability.
Introduction
My chosen topic for this paper is the impact of infectious diseases on global health equity. This issue is crucial because it underscores the disparities in health outcomes among different populations, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. My central argument is that understanding the epidemiology and socio-economic factors of infectious diseases is essential for developing effective public health strategies to improve global health equity. I will discuss key concepts such as the social determinants of health, the role of international health organizations, and the importance of community-based interventions, supported by a range of scholarly sources and real-world examples.
The Significance of Infectious Diseases
Infectious diseases remain a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, particularly in resource-limited settings. Conditions such as HIV/AIDS, malaria, and tuberculosis disproportionately affect marginalized populations. The World Health Organization (WHO) emphasizes that infectious diseases are not solely medical issues but are deeply intertwined with social, economic, and environmental factors (WHO, 2020). For instance, socioeconomic status often determines access to preventive measures and treatments, creating a cycle of poor health among economically disadvantaged populations. Understanding these intersections is vital for addressing the root causes of health inequity and creating targeted interventions.
Social Determinants of Health
The social determinants of health (SDH) encompass a range of factors including economic stability, education access, healthcare quality, and neighborhood environment. These determinants significantly influence health outcomes related to infectious diseases. For example, limited access to education can hinder individuals’ understanding of health practices, which in turn increases their vulnerability to disease (Marmot, 2015). Globally, initiatives aimed at improving education and economic conditions have proven effective in curbing the spread of infectious diseases. Evidence from various studies indicates that community empowerment and education significantly improve health literacy and health outcomes in vulnerable populations (Freudenberg, 2014).
The Role of Public Health Organizations
International health organizations play a pivotal role in controlling infectious diseases and promoting global health equity. The WHO’s Global Health Strategy outlines initiatives for tackling communicable diseases through collaborative efforts between governments, NGOs, and community stakeholders (WHO, 2016). For instance, the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria has worked to alleviate the burden of these diseases through funding and resource allocation, thereby enhancing healthcare systems in affected regions. Moreover, these organizations emphasize the importance of equitable access to vaccines and treatments as integral components of public health responses.
Community-Based Interventions
Community-based interventions have proven effective in mitigating the effects of infectious diseases, particularly by engaging local populations in health promotion and disease prevention. Programs that involve community health workers to educate and mobilize communities have shown significant success in areas like maternal and child health services, as well as vaccination campaigns (Parker, 2018). Evidence illustrates that such grassroots approaches not only enhance access to healthcare but also empower communities to advocate for their own health needs, creating sustainable improvements in health outcomes (Bennett et al., 2019).
Conclusion
In conclusion, understanding the impact of infectious diseases on global health equity is paramount in today’s interconnected world. My analysis highlights the importance of addressing the social determinants of health, leveraging the power of international organizations, and implementing community-based interventions as strategies for promoting health equity. The journey through this course has equipped me with both the theoretical knowledge and practical insights necessary to engage in meaningful discussion and action towards improving global health outcomes. As we move forward, it is imperative to continue advocating for policies that prioritize equitable access to healthcare, education, and resources for all.
References
- Bennett, E., Sinha, P. & Harris, R. (2019). Community Health Workers in Preventing Disease: A Systematic Review. Global Health Action, 12(1), 1582187.
- Freudenberg, N. (2014). The Community and Public Health: A New Perspective. American Journal of Public Health, 104(5), 839-844.
- Marmot, M. (2015). The Health Gap: The Challenge of an Unequal World. The Lancet, 386(10011), 2442-2444.
- Parker, R. (2018). Engaging Communities to Improve Health Outcomes: A Review of Community Participation Approaches. Health Policy and Planning, 33(2), 243-251.
- World Health Organization. (2016). Global Health Strategy: The Road to Universal Health Coverage. Retrieved from www.who.int.
- World Health Organization. (2020). Infectious Diseases: A Global Public Health Challenge. Retrieved from www.who.int.