Unfortunately, Little Has Changed For Many Individuals Since

Unfortunately Since 1998 Little Has Changed For Many Individuals Li

What can nurses do to support their international colleagues and advocate for the poor and underserved of the world? In this Discussion, you will consider the challenges of providing health care for the world’s neediest citizens, as well as how nurses can advocate for these citizens. Consider the challenges of providing health care in underdeveloped countries. Conduct research in the Walden Library and other reliable resources to determine strategies being used to address these challenges. Using this week’s Learning Resources, note the factors that impact the ability of individuals in underdeveloped nations to obtain adequate health care.

Consider strategies nurses can use to advocate for health care at the global level. What can one nurse do to make a difference? Post a description of at least two challenges related to providing adequate health care in underdeveloped countries. Then, describe two strategies you might use to address those challenges, and explain why. Finally, describe one strategy nurses might use in advocating for health care at the global level, and explain why this would be an effective strategy.

Paper For Above instruction

Providing adequate healthcare in underdeveloped countries remains a significant global challenge, deeply rooted in systemic, economic, and infrastructural issues. Nurses, as frontline healthcare providers and advocates, play a crucial role in addressing these challenges both locally and internationally. This paper discusses two primary challenges faced in these environments, proposes strategies to mitigate these issues, and explores a particular advocacy strategy nurses can adopt to improve global health outcomes.

One of the foremost challenges in delivering healthcare in underdeveloped nations is the lack of infrastructural resources. Many areas suffer from inadequate healthcare facilities, insufficient medical supplies, and limited access to clean water and sanitation. These infrastructural deficiencies hinder the delivery of essential services, contribute to the spread of infectious diseases, and impede appropriate treatment. For instance, hospitals and clinics may be scarce, underfunded, or poorly equipped, making it difficult for healthcare workers to provide effective care (World Health Organization [WHO], 2020). This deficiency often results from limited government budgets, economic instability, and the absence of robust healthcare systems infrastructure.

A second challenge is the shortage of trained healthcare personnel. Many underdeveloped countries face a significant deficit of qualified nurses, doctors, and public health workers. This shortage is exacerbated by "brain drain," where health professionals migrate to developed countries seeking better pay and working conditions (Dovlo, 2018). The lack of skilled healthcare providers limits access to quality care, hampers disease prevention efforts, and diminishes health education initiatives essential for improving community health. Consequently, populations in these regions remain vulnerable to preventable diseases and poor health outcomes.

To address infrastructural deficiencies, one effective strategy is to promote innovative, low-cost solutions like mobile health (mHealth) technologies. These technologies leverage mobile phones and other low-resource devices to disseminate health information, facilitate remote consultations, and monitor health indicators (Tomlinson et al., 2013). For example, mHealth interventions can enable healthcare workers in rural areas to connect with specialists, access health data, and provide timely interventions, improving healthcare access despite infrastructural barriers. This approach is sustainable, scalable, and adaptable to various contexts, making it a valuable strategy in resource-limited settings.

Regarding the shortage of trained healthcare workers, capacity-building initiatives are vital. This includes training community health workers, nurses, and midwives to perform basic health services and serve as health educators within their communities (Fritzen et al., 2021). Implementing task-shifting strategies—where tasks traditionally performed by physicians are delegated to trained nurses or community health workers—can expand service delivery coverage. Such models enable the healthcare system to maximize limited human resources, improve health outcomes, and foster local capacity to sustain health programs.

At the global level, nurses can advocate effectively by participating in international health organizations and policy-making bodies. One impactful strategy is engaging in global health advocacy campaigns that raise awareness about health disparities and mobilize resources. For instance, nurses can collaborate with organizations such as the WHO or UNICEF to amplify issues like maternal health, infectious diseases, and access to clean water (Howard et al., 2018). By leveraging their collective voice, nurses can influence health policies, secure funding, and prioritize underserved populations in global health agendas.

Participating in international volunteer programs and partnerships also offers a direct means for nurses to contribute their expertise, share best practices, and build local healthcare capacity. Such endeavors foster cross-cultural understanding, support local healthcare initiatives, and empower communities to develop sustainable health interventions. Engaging in advocacy at this level is effective because it amplifies the impact of individual efforts, creates international awareness, and influences policy development that benefits vulnerable populations worldwide.

In conclusion, addressing the persistent health disparities in underdeveloped countries requires multifaceted strategies. Overcoming infrastructural limitations and healthcare workforce shortages through innovative technology and capacity-building initiatives can significantly improve service delivery. Additionally, nurses' active participation in global advocacy efforts can catalyze policy changes and resource allocation needed to elevate healthcare standards globally. As frontline healthcare providers, nurses possess the unique potential to be powerful agents of change in advancing health equity across the world.

References

• Dovlo, D. (2018). Brain drain and health workforce shortages in Africa: Contradictions and opportunities. African Journal of Medicine and Medical Sciences, 47(2), 83-91.
• Fritzen, S., Ntuli, A., & Makiwane, M. (2021). Strategies for strengthening health workforce capacity in low-income countries. Global Health Action, 14(1), 193-204.
• Howard, J., Kaambwa, B., & Roper, C. (2018). Global nurse advocacy for health: A review of nursing involvement in international health initiatives. Journal of Nursing Scholarship, 50(4), 434-442.
• Tomlinson, M., Rotheram-Borus, M. J., Swartz, L., & Tsai, A. C. (2013). Scaling up mHealth: Mentoring the next generation of global health leaders. Global Health: Science and Practice, 1(2), 149-162.
• World Health Organization. (2020). Global strategy on human resources for health: Workforce 2030. WHO Press.