Global Health

Introduction

Global health is an area of study, research, and practice that places a priority on improving health and achieving equity in health for all people worldwide. Global health emphasizes transnational health issues, determinants, and solutions; involves many disciplines within and beyond the health sciences and promotes interdisciplinary collaboration; and is a synthesis of population-based prevention with individual-level clinical care. The term 'global health' is connected but distinct from the term 'public health' which refers to the health of the population in a particular area or country.

History

The history of global health has its roots in the global eradication of smallpox and the discovery of the tuberculosis vaccine. The World Health Organization (WHO) was established in 1948 to handle issues related to global health. The organization's constitution came into force on the first World Health Day on 7 April 1948. The main responsibility of WHO is to direct and coordinate international health within the United Nations system.

Global Health Issues

Global health issues are numerous and can be broadly classified into two categories: Infectious diseases and Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs). Infectious diseases are caused by pathogenic microorganisms, such as bacteria, viruses, parasites or fungi. On the other hand, NCDs are not passed from person to person and are generally slow to progress.

Infectious Diseases

Infectious diseases remain among the leading causes of death and disability worldwide, with HIV, tuberculosis, and malaria, in particular, posing major challenges. The spread of new diseases and resurgence of old ones often relate to changes in environment, development and behavior, and other factors.

HIV/AIDS

HIV/AIDS is a major public health concern and cause of death in many parts of Africa. Although the continent is home to about 15.2 percent of the world's population, more than two-thirds of the total infected worldwide – some 35 million people – were Africans, of whom 15 million have already died. Sub-Saharan Africa alone accounted for an estimated 69 percent of all people living with HIV and 70 percent of all AIDS deaths in 2011.

Malaria

Malaria is widespread in tropical and subtropical regions, including parts of the Americas, Asia, and Africa. Each year, there are approximately 350–500 million cases of malaria. Drug resistance poses a growing problem in 21st-century global health and development.

Tuberculosis

Tuberculosis (TB) is now the leading infectious cause of death worldwide, surpassing HIV/AIDS. In 2015, 10.4 million people contracted TB and 1.4 million died from the disease. Over 95% of TB deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries, and it is among the top 5 causes of death for women aged 15 to 44.

Non-Communicable Diseases

Non-communicable diseases (NCDs), also known as chronic diseases, are not passed from person to person. They are of long duration and generally slow progression. The four main types of non-communicable diseases are cardiovascular diseases (like heart attacks and stroke), cancers, chronic respiratory diseases (such as chronic obstructed pulmonary disease and asthma) and diabetes.

Cardiovascular Diseases

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the number one group of conditions causing death globally. An estimated 17.9 million people died from CVDs in 2016, representing 31% of all global deaths. Of these deaths, an estimated 7.4 million were due to coronary heart disease and 6.7 million were due to stroke.

Cancer

Cancer is a group of diseases characterized by the uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells. It is a leading cause of death worldwide. In 2018, an estimated 9.6 million deaths, or one in six deaths, were due to cancer.

Chronic Respiratory Diseases

Chronic respiratory diseases are a group of chronic diseases affecting the airways and the other structures of the lungs. Common chronic respiratory diseases include asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Diabetes

Diabetes is a chronic, metabolic disease characterized by elevated levels of blood glucose which may over time lead to serious damage to the heart, blood vessels, eyes, kidneys, and nerves. The most common is type 2 diabetes, usually in adults, which occurs when the body becomes resistant to insulin or doesn't make enough insulin.

Global Health Initiatives

Global health initiatives (GHIs) are humanitarian initiatives that raise and disburse additional funds for infectious diseases such as AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria. Some of the most well-known and successful GHIs include The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, and the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR).

Conclusion

Global health is a field that reaches across disciplines and borders to improve the health of all people. It is an area that is constantly evolving as new health challenges emerge and as we develop better strategies to combat existing health threats. By understanding and addressing global health issues, we can better protect our own health and the health of our communities.