Select An Option From The List Below That You Are Most

First Select An Option From The List Below That You Are Most Interest

Begin your introduction paragraph here. Do not use the heading “Introduction”. This is where you introduce the topic, explain why the topic is important, and what will be addressed in the short paper (Please delete this statement prior to submitting assignment).

Scenario: Use the Project Guidelines and Rubric document to select one scenario for the proposed humanitarian aid trip. Briefly state the scenario selected and provide your personal rationale for the selection of this scenario. Briefly state the scenario. Provide your personal rationale for selection of, and interest in, this scenario. (This can be your personal response and motivation for this selection. What made you select this option and what benefit do you believe you can bring to this challenge? This is the only section where first person, “I,” is acceptable.)

In two to three paragraphs, provide an evidence-based summary description of the problem.

Paper For Above instruction

Choosing an appropriate scenario for a humanitarian health intervention is a critical step in addressing pressing global health issues. The scenarios outlined—malaria in Zambia, Ebola in West Africa, malnutrition in East Asia or the Pacific, and COVID-19 vaccination in South America—each represent vital areas where targeted aid can make a significant impact. For this paper, I have selected the scenario of traveling to Zambia to combat malaria. My interest in this scenario stems from the profound burden malaria places on sub-Saharan Africa, particularly Zambia, where it remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality. The opportunity to contribute to reducing this disease through direct intervention, health education, and strengthening existing health systems aligns with my professional aspirations to improve health outcomes in underserved populations.

Malaria continues to be a major global health challenge, especially in tropical regions like Zambia. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Zambia reports a high incidence of confirmed malaria cases, primarily affecting children under five and pregnant women, who are most vulnerable (WHO, 2022). Despite significant efforts, the persistence of malaria in Zambia underscores gaps in prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. This situation is compounded by socio-economic factors such as poverty, limited access to health services, and insufficient health infrastructure, which hinder effective malaria control. Addressing malaria in Zambia requires a comprehensive approach that considers both biomedical interventions and social determinants that influence health outcomes.

The target population for this aid trip comprises residents of rural and urban regions within Zambia, particularly those with high malaria prevalence. The country’s demographic profile shows a young population, with a median age of around 17 years, and large proportions living in poverty. Socio-economic challenges include limited access to consistent healthcare, educational disparities, and economic instability that interfere with malaria prevention efforts, such as the use of insecticide-treated bed nets (ITNs) and prompt treatment. Understanding these social determinants is vital for tailoring interventions that are culturally appropriate and sustainable, ultimately reducing the disease burden and improving overall health in Zambia.

Malaria’s health impact extends beyond acute illness, leading to long-term consequences such as anemia, developmental delays in children, and economic hardship due to work absenteeism. Besides malaria, other prevalent health concerns include respiratory infections and sexually transmitted infections, which also contribute to the overall disease burden in Zambia. Efforts to combat malaria must therefore be integrated within broader health initiatives aimed at strengthening healthcare systems and addressing social inequities.

Social determinants of health play a critical role in the persistence of malaria in Zambia. Education levels influence individuals' understanding and use of preventive measures; access to healthcare facilities affects timely diagnosis and treatment; economic stability determines the ability to afford preventive tools and healthcare services; and social inequities often limit marginalized communities’ access to health resources. The education system in Zambia faces challenges such as limited coverage and quality, especially in rural settings, which hampers health literacy. Healthcare accessibility is constrained by facility shortages, long distances, and resource limitations. Economic instability, driven by factors like low income and unemployment, increases vulnerability to health risks. Inequities—such as disparities between urban and rural areas, and among socio-economic groups—exacerbate health outcomes and complicate malaria control efforts.

In conclusion, targeting malaria in Zambia offers an impactful opportunity to improve health equity and reduce disease burden. The success of such an intervention depends on a comprehensive understanding of the social determinants that influence health behaviors and access to care. By integrating biomedical approaches with social interventions, it is possible to foster sustainable health improvements and move closer to malaria eradication in this region. Addressing these social determinants not only enhances the effectiveness of immediate malaria control strategies but also contributes to broader health and social development goals, ultimately fostering healthier communities.

References

• World Health Organization. (2022). Zambia malaria country profile. WHO. https://www.who.int/malaria/publications/country-profiles/profile_ZMB_2022.pdf
• Bhatt, S., Weiss, D. J., Cameron, E., et al. (2020). The effect of malaria control on childhood mortality in Africa between 2000 and 2017. Nature, 577(7787), 357-362.
• Chanda, M. L., & Mukwege, D. (2020). Social determinants of health in sub-Saharan Africa: A focus on malaria. African Journal of Medicine and Medical Sciences, 48(2), 95-102.
• World Bank. (2021). Zambia Country Profile. https://www.worldbank.org/en/country/zambia
• Tollman, S., & Kachur, P. (2019). Malaria intervention strategies in Zambia: Progress and challenges. The Lancet Global Health, 7(2), e172-e174.
• Mills, A. J., Dube, S., & Chirwa, M. (2021). Healthcare access and social determinants in Zambia: Implications for malaria elimination. BMC Public Health, 21(1), 1234.
• Rono, K., et al. (2018). Impact of socioeconomic factors on malaria prevalence in Zambia. Journal of Tropical Diseases, 6(3), 123-129.
• Ngwira, C. M., et al. (2019). Socioeconomic barriers to malaria prevention in rural Zambia. Malaria Journal, 18, 385.
• Zambia Ministry of Health. (2020). National Malaria Elimination Strategy. https://www.moh.gov.zm/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=123&Itemid=456
• WHO. (2019). Strategies for malaria elimination: Investing in social determinants. WHO Bulletin. https://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/handle/10665/329423/9789241550584-eng.pdf