Select A Global Health Issue Affecting International 748121

Select A Global Health Issue Affecting The International Health Commun

Select a global health issue affecting the international health community. Briefly describe the global health issue and its impact on the larger public health care systems (i.e., continents, regions, countries, states, and health departments). Discuss how health care delivery systems work collaboratively to address global health concerns and some of the stakeholders that work on these issues. Resources within your text covering international/global health, and the websites in the topic materials, will assist you in answering this discussion question. (pls use any of the links provided. At least one of it and any others, also include in-text citation)

Paper For Above instruction

The global health issue selected for this discussion is the COVID-19 pandemic, which has profoundly impacted international health systems worldwide. Originating in Wuhan, China, in late 2019, COVID-19 quickly transitioned into a global health crisis, affecting nearly every country and territory. Its universal reach has underscored the interconnectedness of health systems and the importance of international collaboration in pandemic response efforts.

COVID-19’s impact on larger public health systems has been extensive. Countries around the globe faced overwhelming demands on healthcare infrastructure, including hospitals, intensive care units, and supply chains for essential medical equipment such as ventilators and personal protective equipment (PPE). The pandemic exposed existing vulnerabilities in health care delivery, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, where resources are more limited. Moreover, COVID-19 disrupted routine health services, including immunizations, maternal health, and chronic disease management, thereby exacerbating health disparities within and among nations (WHO, 2020).

The pandemic has also highlighted the interconnected nature of global health. The rapid spread of the virus demonstrated that health issues in one region can swiftly become international problems, emphasizing the need for coordinated response strategies. International health organizations, such as the World Health Organization (WHO), played a pivotal role in providing guidance, coordinating responses, and facilitating resource sharing among countries. Regional collaborations, such as the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), also contributed to surveillance and containment efforts.

Health care delivery systems work collaboratively through multiple mechanisms to address global health concerns like COVID-19. These include data sharing platforms, joint research initiatives, and coordinated distribution of vaccines and therapeutics. International partnerships enable countries to learn from each other’s experiences, improve protocols, and mobilize resources efficiently. For example, the COVAX initiative, co-led by WHO and other partners, aims to ensure equitable access to COVID-19 vaccines globally, especially in vulnerable populations (Gavi, 2021).

Various stakeholders are involved in tackling global health issues. Governments develop policies and allocate resources, while non-governmental organizations (NGOs) contribute on-the-ground support, community outreach, and vaccination campaigns. The private sector, including pharmaceutical companies, plays a critical role in vaccine development and distribution. Academic institutions contribute through research to understand the virus and develop new interventions. Importantly, the general public also plays a crucial role by adhering to preventive measures and participating in vaccination efforts.

In conclusion, COVID-19 has demonstrated that tackling global health issues requires a multifaceted and collaborative approach. Strengthening international and local health systems, fostering partnerships among various stakeholders, and maintaining adaptable response strategies are essential for managing current and future global health crises effectively. The pandemic has underscored the importance of resilient, coordinated health systems capable of addressing the complex challenges posed by global health threats (WHO, 2020).

References

• Gavi. (2021). COVAX AMC. https://www.gavi.org/covid19/covax-facility
• World Health Organization. (2020). Pulse survey on continuity of essential health services during the COVID-19 pandemic. WHO.
• World Health Organization. (2021). COVID-19 Strategic Directions, 2021-2025. WHO.
• Alkhamis, A. (2022). Global health systems’ responses to COVID-19: Coordination and collaboration. Journal of Global Health, 12, 05003.
• Kavanagh, M., & Johnson, B. (2021). International collaboration in pandemic preparedness and response. Global Health Governance, 15(2), 45-59.
• Sharma, S., & Kumar, R. (2021). Challenges in global health governance during COVID-19. International Journal of Public Health, 66, 160425.
• World Bank. (2022). Strengthening health systems in the context of pandemic response. World Bank Publications.
• United Nations. (2021). Global response to COVID-19 and future preparedness. UN Reports.
• Johns Hopkins University. (2023). COVID-19 Dashboard. https://coronavirus.jhu.edu/map.html
• Gutiérrez, G., & Klein, D. (2020). Lessons learned from the COVID-19 response: Strengthening global health collaborations. The Lancet Global Health, 8(7), e857-e858.