Current Global Health Problem - Free Paper Sample

Introduction

Global health crucially contributes to both national and international security. There are many disorders of global health concern and whose management requires an organized effort. Amid globalization, it is essential to plan for health promotion in a global context. Infectious diseases are increasing through emergence and re-emergence (Healthypeople.gov, 2020). Global health problems overwhelm the health systems and therefore calling for action. This paper discusses Hepatitis A as the case scenario concerning global health systems.

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Case Scenario – Hepatitis A

Hepatitis A is a viral infection that affects the liver and can cause mild to severe complications. The disease is contracted through the ingestion of water or food that is contaminated. It can also be transmitted by direct contact with an infected person. In 2016, Hepatitis A contributed to 0.5% of the global mortality (WHO, 2020). The risk of contracting Hepatitis A is linked to several factors: lack of access to clean water and dwelling in low sanitation environments (Tosun et al., 2018).

People with a high income, health insurance, and a regular health provider are likely to have access to Hepatitis A treatment (Tosun et al., 2018). On the other hand, those with low- or no-income sources, no insurance coverage, and no access to specialized care or regular health services are likely to have no treatment access. People who are informed are likely to seek medical care services or practice preventive behaviors. Men of same-sex relationships may fail to seek Hepatitis A due to high chances of discrimination.

Disparities

Healthcare education is the most crucial element in the fight to reduce healthcare disparities. Outreach treatment is another effort used to offer interventions of treatment and management of the disease. Mobile health clinics are used to deliver services to patients suffering from chronic conditions of the viral infection and those who are economically disadvantaged (Jefferies et al., 2018). Other measures include vaccinations to prevent infections, improvement of the socio-economic conditions such as providing access to clean water, hygienic food, and safe practices. Implementation of the World Health Organization’s model to eradicate viral hepatitis globally is also helpful in reducing the disparities. This model includes critical interventions such as vaccination plans, vertical transmission prevention, blood products, and injection safety, and approaches to reducing harm and treatment (Jefferies et al., 2018).

Conclusion

Outreach treatment interventions help in increasing access to healthcare services through the use of mobile clinics. Members of the community who do not have access to regular service providers can benefit from such programs (Jefferies et al., 2018). The program also serves those without insurance coverage and the indigent. Healthcare education may help raise awareness of the importance of early screening and treatment of viral infection. Other measures include subsidizing healthcare costs and increasing healthcare coverage through the policy of universal healthcare insurance.

References

Healthypeople.gov. (2020). Global Health | Healthy People 2020. Healthypeople.gov. Retrieved 6 September 2020, from https://www.healthypeople.gov/2020/topics-objectives/topic/global-health.

Jefferies, M., Rauff, B., Rashid, H., Lam, T., & Rafiq, S. (2018). Update on global epidemiology of viral hepatitis and preventive strategies. World journal of clinical cases, 6(13), 589. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6232563/

Tosun, S., Aygün, O., Özdemir, H. Ö., Korkmaz, E., & Özdemir, D. (2018). The impact of economic and social factors on the prevalence of hepatitis B in Turkey. BMC public health, 18(1), 649.
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-018-5575-6

WHO. (2020). Hepatitis A. Who.int.
https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/hepatitis-a.