Review The World Health Organization's WHO Global Health Age

Review The World Health Organizations Who Global Health Agenda A

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.

Paper For Above instruction

The World Health Organization's (WHO) global health agenda aims to address myriad health issues affecting populations worldwide, emphasizing health equity, disease prevention, and health promotion. For this analysis, I have selected the global health issue of infectious disease control, specifically focusing on HIV/AIDS. This issue remains a significant concern globally, affecting millions and posing challenges related to prevention, treatment, and social determinants of health.

Global Health Issue: HIV/AIDS

HIV/AIDS continues to be a widespread global health challenge, with particular prevalence in low- and middle-income countries. The WHO's agenda emphasizes integrated strategies for prevention, testing, treatment, and reducing stigma. The approach varies among countries, influenced by socioeconomic factors, healthcare infrastructure, and political will. In the United States, HIV/AIDS policies focus heavily on prevention through education, condom distribution, and antiretroviral treatment (ART). The U.S. has advanced healthcare technology and extensive resource allocation, though disparities in access remain, especially among marginalized populations.

In Kenya, an East African country with high HIV prevalence, the approach involves government-led campaigns, community-based interventions, and international aid efforts. The Kenyan government collaborates with NGOs to expand testing and treatment, emphasizing community involvement and tackling stigma. The policy strengths include widespread outreach and community engagement; weaknesses involve financial constraints, healthcare workforce shortages, and persistent social stigma. Both countries' policies are shaped by social determinants, such as poverty, education level, and social norms—factors influencing transmission rates and healthcare access.

Comparison of Policies and Social Determinants

In the U.S., policies address cost, quality, and access by providing Medicaid coverage, prioritizing high-quality treatment centers, and implementing national testing initiatives. However, disparities exist, particularly among minority populations, rural residents, and undocumented immigrants. Social determinants like housing instability and poverty contribute to higher infection rates in these groups. The U.S. government’s strategies involve legislation like the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program, which aims to improve access and quality of care.

Kenya’s policies focus primarily on public health campaigns and subsidized ART programs to improve access. The Kenyan government has made significant progress, with increased treatment coverage; yet, challenges such as poverty, limited healthcare infrastructure, and social stigma persist. Social determinants such as limited education and economic deprivation hinder effective prevention and care. Both countries demonstrate that addressing social determinants is vital for controlling HIV/AIDS effectively.

Impact on Global Population Health

The policies implemented by both the U.S. and Kenya have contributed positively to reducing HIV transmission and improving treatment outcomes, but gaps remain. In the U.S., advancements in antiretroviral therapy have transformed HIV into a manageable chronic disease, reducing mortality rates. In Kenya, expanded testing and treatment have decreased new infections in recent years. These policies exemplify how targeted health initiatives can impact population health at a global level, especially when coordinated with international efforts.

However, the global health community continues to face challenges aligning strategies across diverse health systems, cultural contexts, and economic capabilities. For example, resource-limited countries require international aid and supportive policies to achieve similar outcomes as high-income nations.

Implications for the Nursing Profession

The health policies surrounding HIV/AIDS influence the scope of nursing practice in both countries. In the U.S., nurses play critical roles in testing, counseling, medication management, and community outreach. They advocate for high-quality, equitable care and serve as cultural mediators, especially among vulnerable populations. In Kenya, nurses are often the frontline providers, delivering testing, education, and treatment in community settings, often functioning within limited resource environments.

Both contexts emphasize the need for culturally competent, community-oriented nursing care to combat social stigma and enhance health literacy. Nurses' roles are expanding to include policy advocacy, health education, and leadership in global health initiatives. Recognizing the link between social determinants and health outcomes, nurses can engage in policy advocacy to influence health reforms and social change.

Global Health Issues and Local Healthcare Organizations

Global health issues like HIV/AIDS profoundly impact local healthcare organizations. In the U.S., healthcare facilities must incorporate culturally competent care and address disparities in access among marginalized communities. Policymakers and healthcare leaders focus on integrating services, expanding screening programs, and reducing stigma. Similarly, in Kenya, local organizations collaborate with international agencies to extend outreach, improve healthcare infrastructure, and promote social acceptance.

These global issues necessitate adaptable policies that address cultural, social, and economic factors influencing health behaviors locally. For example, integrating HIV services into primary healthcare settings can streamline treatment, improve adherence, and reduce stigma, thereby strengthening healthcare systems worldwide.

Part 2: A Plan for Social Change

Reflecting on the comparative analysis of HIV/AIDS policies globally highlights the importance of integrating a global health perspective into local nursing practice. As a future nurse leader, I would advocate for incorporating international best practices and cultural competence into my practice, emphasizing community engagement, health education, and policy advocacy to address social determinants of health.

To incorporate a global perspective, I would promote culturally sensitive health initiatives that consider the social, economic, and cultural contexts affecting health behaviors. For example, partnering with community organizations to develop tailored HIV prevention programs can improve outreach effectiveness. Furthermore, integrating global health principles into nursing education allows future nurses to understand and address complex health disparities rooted in social determinants.

The impact of adopting a global perspective into local practice includes improved health outcomes, reduced disparities, and increased cultural competence among nurses. Understanding the social and cultural contexts influencing health behaviors can lead to more effective interventions, fostering trust and community participation. As a nurse leader, advocating for policies that address social determinants—such as housing, education, and economic stability—can catalyze social change, contributing to global health equity.

In conclusion, embedding a global health perspective into local nursing practice empowers nurses to address root causes of health disparities, ultimately promoting social justice and health equity. This approach aligns with the core mission of nursing to serve vulnerable populations and advocate for equitable health policies, thereby fostering sustainable social change within communities.

References

• World Health Organization. (2021). HIV/AIDS. https://www.who.int/health-topics/hiv-aids
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022). HIV Surveillance Report. https://www.cdc.gov/hiv/library/reports/hiv-surveillance.html
• Kenya National AIDS Control Council. (2020). Kenya HIV Prevention and Treatment Strategies. https://www.nacc.or.ke
• UNAIDS. (2021). Global HIV & AIDS statistics — 2021 fact sheet. https://www.unaids.org/en/resources/fact-sheet
• Frau, T., & Heymann, D. (2020). Global health leadership and the role of nurses. Journal of Global Health, 10(1), 010305.
• International Council of Nurses. (2019). The role of nurses in global health. https://www.icn.ch
• Smith, J., & Lee, K. (2018). Social determinants of health and their impact on HIV/AIDS outcomes. Public Health Nursing, 35(4), 319-327.
• Marmot, M. (2015). The health gap: The challenge of an unequal world. lancet, 386(10011), 2442-2444.
• World Bank. (2020). Health Systems in Low- and Middle-Income Countries. https://www.worldbank.org
• Brady, E. (2022). Cultural competence in nursing practice: addressing social determinants of health. Journal of Nursing Scholarship, 54(2), 195-201.