2023 Global Health End of Unit Summary PDF

UNIT 4 GLOBAL HEALTH 1. State of Global Health 1.1 What are some of the current health issues that are of global concern? Some recent examples have included the ongoing war and conflict in middle eastern countries , climate change, child t...

UNIT 4 GLOBAL HEALTH 1. State of Global Health 1.1 What are some of the current health issues that are of global concern? Some recent examples have included the ongoing war and conflict in middle eastern countries , climate change, child trafficking, the Ebola outbreak and Covid-19. Globally, the number of deaths from infectious diseases, such as HIV, measles, malaria, tuberculosis and neglected tropical diseases eg. Dengue Fever is still of great concern in some areas of the world, but on the other hand some countries have noticed large decreases in the amount of deaths from these and other infectious diseases. The rate of deaths from non-communicable causes globally, such as cardiovascular disease, stroke, obesity and overweight, is increasing. 1.2 How has the past impacted on Least Developed Countries? A brief overview of historical causes of poverty. Colonisation (Taken over & controlled) Trade agreements (Exchange of goods or services for $ or gold) Debt (Lack of or $0 income, Owing money) War Natural Disasters 1.3 What has changed over time? New technology Natural disasters War and civil unrest Economic issues Politics Actions of peace There is a greater worldwide awareness of those suffering poverty There is a greater increase in the number of people displaced due to conflict Population growth across the world is also a contributing factor of concern Sustainability is important as well as climate change 1.4 Recommended resource - Professor Hans Rosling’s “200 countries, 200 years, 4 minutes” statistics in this video clip. 2. Health Indicators of Least Developed Countries (LDC) and More Developed Countries (MDC) Less developed countries (LDCs) are low-income countries confronting severe structural impediments to sustainable development. They are highly vulnerable to economic and environmental shocks and have low levels of human assets. There are currently 46 countries on the list of LDCs which are reviewed every three years by the Committee for Development (CDP). More developed countries (MDCs) have mature and sophisticated economies, usually measured by GNI. MDCs have advanced infrastructure and have a diverse range of industries. Their citizens typically enjoy access to quality health care and higher education. 2.1 What are the key differences and similarities in health status between LDCs and MDCs? Health indicators to express the differences: Some examples (but not limited to: Life Expectancy: average number of years a person is expected to live in the conditions they were born into Infant Mortality Rate: number of deaths in children under 1 per 1000 live births Under 5 Infant Mortality Rate: number of deaths in children under 5 per 1000 live births % access to safe water: this is measured by the percentage of the population having access to and using improved drinking water sources such as piped household connection, borehole, protected dug well, protected spring, rainwater collection Maternal mortality rate: the annual number of female deaths from any cause during pregnancy and childbirth or within 42 days of termination of pregnancy, expressed per 100,000 live births, Total fertility rate: the number of children that a woman of childbearing age is expected to have in a particular country GNI: Gross National Income PP total income earned by a country divided by the population  HIV/AIDs rate: percentage of population with HIV/AIDS 2.2 What data highlights these points? You need to know stats for your MDC and your LDC - refer back to your assignment  3. Causes of morbidity and mortality 3.1 What are the major causes of morbidity and mortality in LDCs? Diseases that account for 50-90% of morbidity and mortality in LDCs fall into two major categories: nutritional deficiencies and communicable / infectious diseases. 1. Nutritional Deficiencies Marasmus - starvation of children under 2 Kwashiorkor - starvation of children under 5 Lack of Vitamin A - leads to blindness and affects immune system 2. Communicable Diseases Communicated via air - Pneumonia, Measles, Tuberculosis Communicated via unsafe water - Cholera, Diarrhoea, Malaria As the world’s poorest countries continue to improve, the burden of health problems is shifting from infectious diseases, like HIV and malaria, to chronic diseases, like CVD, Cancer & Diabetes. Other issues such as: ○ Pregnancy / childbirth complications are also contributing causes. ○ As infrastructure is improved in LDCs, road accidents are starting to also increase MAKE sure you know at least 2 causes (e.g. malnutrition, diarrheal diseases, cholera, malaria, guinea worm) Definition / Description Signs / symptoms Contributing factors Preventative strategies Treatment available 3.2 What physical, socio-cultural and political factors impact on the health of populations living in LDC’s? Physical factors: Living conditions, geographical location, natural disasters, sanitation, access to safe water, war, access to health care Socio-cultural factors: Education, income/unemployment, discsimmination, gender inequality, media Political factors: Health care, low country income (GNI PPP), laws/government, no financial support from the government (pensions, etc), trade agreements, conflict/war  4. Sustainable Development Goals (2015-2030) You need to be able to name the first six goals and know at least 2 in detail (those you studied in your assignment). You need to be able to explain the aim of the goal and know 1-2 of the targets. * READ YOUR A3 page on each of these components * 4.1 What are the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)? 4.2 Who developed the SDGs? In September 2015, world leaders had the opportunity to adopt a set of goals called the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). They were developed collaboratively by all UN member states, non government organisations and people around the world. The objectives of the SDG’s are to end extreme poverty, fight inequality and injustice, and tackle climate change. Each goal has specific targets to be achieved over the next 15 years, expiring in 2030.  The 17 goals and 169 targets were adopted in September 2015 at the UN Sustainable Goals Development Summit. The goals are interconnected – often the key to success on one will involve tackling issues more commonly associated with another. The SDGs: work in the spirit of partnership and pragmatism to make the right choices now to improve life, in a sustainable way, for future generations they provide clear guidelines and targets for all countries to adopt in accordance with their own priorities and the environmental challenges of the world at large the SDGs are an inclusive agenda they tackle the root causes of poverty and unite us together to make a positive change for both people and planet. According to the United Nations Development Programme (2017) "Poverty eradication is at the heart of the 2030 Agenda, and so is the commitment to leave no-one behind". 4.3 What similar global initiatives have preceded the SDGs? In 2000, 189 United Nations member states, including Australia came up with a set of 8 goals aimed at halving world poverty by 2015 known as the Millennium Development Goals (MGDs 2008-2015). The target of halving the proportion of people living on less than $1 a day by 2015. This goal was achieved. However, extreme poverty and hunger have not been eradicated. There are still 800 million people in our world living in extreme poverty. Due to the lack of progress, the SDGs were developed and implemented. 4.4 What is the purpose of the SDGs? A universal call to action to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure that all people enjoy peace and prosperity. They recognize that ending poverty and other deprivations must go hand-in-hand with strategies that improve health and education, reduce inequality, and spur economic growth – all while tackling climate change and working to preserve our oceans and forests. 4.5 What strategies are being used to achieve these goals? Know the strategies you discussed in your investigative study. You need to have a full understanding of 2-3 strategies occurring to achieve set targets within the 2 goals you studied in your investigation. Usually a large-scale organisation e.g. WFP (World Food Program) is conducting programs or on a smaller scale NGO’s (Water Aid) operating in LDCs. Some examples include: The shoe that grows The lucky iron fish Life saving dot Nifty cup The hippo roller Safari seat Embrace warmer Jet injections Peepoo toilet LifeStraw Flo Camfed The Borgen Project Lifesaver filtration 4.6 What evidence is used to indicate that these goals are being met? A report is published each year on the progress of the goals. Current progress indicates that targets will not be met in many areas by 2030. Some gains were visible: the share of children and youth out of school had fallen; the incidence of many communicable diseases was in decline; access to safely managed drinking water had improved; and women’s representation in leadership roles was increasing. At the same time, the number of people suffering from food insecurity was on the rise, the natural environment continued to deteriorate at an alarming rate, and dramatic levels of inequality persisted in all regions. Change was still not happening at the speed or scale required. Now, due to COVID-19, an unprecedented health, economic and and social crisis is threatening lives and livelihoods, making the achievement of Goals even more challenging. COVID has had a negative impact on many goals. 4.7 What challenges are faced in gathering evidence? Instability such as conflict between nations Linked with Aid availability Corrupt governments What countries require and how they provide it Lack of access to data to check progress Learners will focus specifically on Goals 1 – 6 inclusive while developing a general awareness of all 17 SDGs. It is recommended that at least 2 of Goals 1 – 6 be discussed in relation to the topic chosen for the Learner Investigation for this Unit (see number 7 below). 5. Primary Health Care In 1978, the World Health Organisation (WHO) adopted the Declaration of Alma-Ata. The declaration outlined the organisation's stance towards health care made available for everyone around the world. It linked the basic human right of access to healthcare with a viable strategy for attaining it. PHC is essential health care that is practical, safe and universally accessible. It should be: cheap, community based and utilise local workers All people, everywhere, deserve the right care, right in their community. Primary health Care programs teach people new skills so they can: Become productive Gain better understanding about their health Share knowledge Become independent 5.1 What are the eight components of primary health care? 1. CLEAN WATER & SANITATION - A supply of clean, safe drinking water and basic sanitation measures regarding rubbish, sewage and water cleanliness can significantly improve the health of a population, reducing and even eliminating many preventable diseases. 2. PROPER FOOD & NUTRITION - Nutrition is another essential component of healthcare. Ensuring that everyone has access to an adequate and nutritious food supply at an affordable cost will assist in preventing malnutrition, starvation and to prevent many diseases and afflictions. 3. IMMUNISATION - Administering immunisations to all children globally aids in preventing the spread of major infectious diseases, greatly improving overall health. 4. MATERNAL & CHILD HEALTH CARE - Providing comprehensive and adequate health care to children and mothers (expecting and otherwise), is an essential element of primary health care. This type of care can involve family planning, education and monitoring child health and development. It also includes having trained birth attendants in order to reduce maternal and infant mortality. 5. LOCAL DISEASE CONTROL - Prevention and control of local diseases is critical to promoting primary health care in a population. Many diseases vary based on location. Taking these diseases into account and initiating measures to prevent them are key factors in efforts to reduce infection rates. 6. HEALTH EDUCATION - This is one of the most essential components of primary health care. Educating the public on the causes of ill health and the factors that promote good health, aids in the prevention and control of illness and disease. 7. DRUG PROVISION - Providing everyone with access to essential drugs (such as antibiotics to those with infections), allows the escalation of disease to be prevented. This makes the community safer, as there is less change for diseases to be spread. 8. CURATIVE CARE - Providing healthcare to treat common illness’ and injury. By treating disease and injury swiftly, complications can be avoided as well as the need for more extensive and costly medical treatment later on. 5.2 How are they implemented in LDCs? Each component of PHC needs to be operating to be effective. In LDCs, Foreigh Aid usually assists to ensure PHC exists. Large-scale projects or NGOs provide money or personnel to help create resources, train community members etc. 1. CLEAN WATER & SANITATION - Life straw, Water Aid 2. PROPER FOOD & NUTRITION - World Food Programme, Wonderbag 3. IMMUNISATION - Jet injections 4. MATERNAL & CHILD HEALTH CARE - Embrace warmer, Dr Dim Dim, Nifty cup 5. LOCAL DISEASE CONTROL - Pee Poo, Nothing but bed nets 6. HEALTH EDUCATION - XO Laptop, Camfed 7. DRUG PROVISION - 8. CURATIVE CARE - Oral rehydration therapy 5.3 Why are women important in the delivery of primary health care? Women are the main caregivers in the household. They are the frontline and can ensure the health of their family is their utmost concern. Women can be educated on how to feed family, family planning and raising children, how to recognise signs and symptoms of illnesses, value of immunisations, hygienic practices, when to access care or visit a clinic. Women can also be trained to spread education amongst other women in their community. 6. Foreign Aid 6.1 What are the types of foreign aid available to population groups? Emergency aid: Rapid assistance given to people or countries in immediate distress to relieve suffering after natural disasters such as floods or droughts, or in times of war. It provides food, shelter and medical supplies to the affected people. It also can be called Humanitarian aid. Emergency aid should cease once the emergency is over and people’s lives are no longer in danger. Continuing to provide aid after this time can lead to communities becoming dependent on the aid. EG: Australia’s humanitarian support to Fiji after Tropical Cyclone Winston  Bilateral aid: Bilateral means 2 sides and is where aid is given by one country directly to another. This type of aid is often given for political or strategic reasons and frequently it is spent on infrastructure, which means that those living in cities benefit rather than the people who need it most. It is the most common type of aid and examples include specific projects like improving water supplies. Bilateral aid attracts some criticism due to it being provided to countries that suit the donor country rather than those most in need. Most of the development occurs in urban areas where it is least needed and neglects the poorest people who tend to live in remote rural villages. Bilateral aid is often provided for economic and political reasons rather than on humanitarian grounds. Bi-lateral aid is also called “boomerang” aid as it is given because of the benefits the donor country expects to receive. EG: Australia’s aid program to Papua New Guinea Multilateral aid: Has ‘many sides’. This type of aid is provided through an international organization, such as World bank, the United Nations (UN) or The World Health Organisation (WHO). It combines donations from a number of countries and then distributes them to the recipients. Multilateral aid has the advantage of of being less tied to the political interests of individual donor countries and allows for the efficient pooling of resources to address global issues that require a global approach. This aid is generally for large scale projects aimed at addressing health issues at a global level. Global Fund, WFP, GAVI, UNICEF Non-government organization aid (NGO): This type of aid often focuses on communities. It is provided by organisations, often for specific projects or programs, emergency aid, volunteering, education and development. Examples include Oxfam, UNICEF, Red Cross, World Vision and Caritas. Official government projects tend to be often large-scale projects like dams, roads, or new educational institutions. NGO projects tend to be small scale primary health care projects that involve community development. EG: Project compassion 6.2 What are the roles, focus areas and priorities of the current Australian Federal Government’s aid programs? The Australian government, through the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), acts to promote human development by working to reduce poverty in low and middle income countries. The Australian Aid Program reduces poverty, promotes sustainable economic growth, and advances Australia’s national interest. The Government works in partnership with other Government departments and agencies, NGOs, businesses and community groups in Australia and overseas to deliver aid programs. Australis spends roughly $4billion dollars annual on aid which equates to to 0.22% GNI. Focus areas Due to the impact of COVID-19 the Australian Government’s aid has moved towards a focus towards supporting those in our region severely impacted. ​The Australian Government's development policy Partnerships for Recovery — Australia’s COVID-19 Development Response and performance framework, outline Australia’s approach to tackling COVID-19 in our region, pivoting our development program to focus on the virus, together with our partners. Priorities 6.3 How can aid influence the health of populations? Need to be specific on how the actual example of AID you use will improve the health of those it is aimed at. Developing countries often lack the resources needed to improve the health status of their citizens. Aid plays an important role in addressing these counties’ health concerns with the goal of achieving sustainable human development. 6.4 Are there negative impacts from foreign aid? Emergency aid is not sustainable LDCs can become dependant on it Cannot/may not reach areas that need it most (rural) Corruption (governments using aid for political gain - people who need it have not benefited) Can involve equipment/technology which is inappropriate (eg - a tractor is not of great use if there are not spare parts or fuel available locally) Projects can be of a larger scale and not benefit the community (only benefits urban/rich) 7. Learner investigation (also see general section on investigations below) Know information from your major investigation.