Select a global health issue affecting the international health community. Briefly describe the global health issue and its impact on the larger public health care systems (i.e., continents, regions, countries, states, and health departments). Discuss how health care delivery systems work collaboratively to address global health concerns and some of the stakeholders that work on these issues. Resources within your text covering international/global health, and the websites in the topic materials, will assist you in answering this discussion question. Due Date: Thursday 24
The global health issue that I have chosen to discuss is the prevalence of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) and its impact on public health care systems. NCDs, such as cardiovascular diseases, cancer, chronic respiratory diseases, and diabetes, are responsible for the majority of deaths worldwide, accounting for around 71% of all deaths globally (World Health Organization [WHO], 2021a). While traditionally associated with high-income countries, NCDs are now increasingly prevalent in LMICs, posing a significant burden on their already strained public health care systems.
The impact of NCDs on public health care systems is multifaceted. Firstly, the high morbidity and mortality rates associated with these diseases place a tremendous strain on health care resources. Patients with NCDs often require long-term care, including medication, regular check-ups, and specialized treatments. These services can be expensive and are often not easily accessible in LMICs. As a result, individuals with NCDs in these countries may experience delayed or inadequate treatment, leading to poorer health outcomes and increased burden on health care systems.
Furthermore, the rising prevalence of NCDs also leads to increased demand for health care services. The burden of these diseases not only affects the direct care of NCD patients but also the overall capacity and functioning of health care systems. LMICs may struggle to meet the growing demand for NCD-related services, leading to longer waiting times, overcrowded health facilities, and overburdened health care professionals. This, in turn, may compromise the quality of care provided and further exacerbate health disparities within LMICs.
To address the global health issue of NCDs, health care delivery systems work collaboratively at multiple levels. At the international level, organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO) play a crucial role in setting global health priorities, providing technical guidance, and advocating for policy changes. The WHO’s Global Action Plan for the Prevention and Control of NCDs provides a roadmap for countries to tackle this issue by promoting healthy lifestyles, strengthening health systems, and improving access to essential health services (WHO, 2021b).
At the regional and country levels, governments work towards implementing the WHO’s recommendations and tailoring them to their specific contexts. This may involve developing national policies and strategies for NCD prevention and control, integrating NCD management into primary health care systems, and promoting multi-sectoral collaborations to address risk factors such as tobacco use, unhealthy diets, lack of physical activity, and harmful use of alcohol.
Numerous stakeholders are involved in addressing global NCD concerns. In addition to governments and international organizations, these include non-governmental organizations (NGOs), academia, health care professionals, civil society organizations, and the private sector. NGOs, such as the International Diabetes Federation and the American Cancer Society, work to raise awareness, mobilize resources, and provide support for individuals affected by NCDs. Academic institutions contribute through research and capacity-building initiatives, generating evidence to inform policies and implementing training programs for health care professionals. Health care professionals themselves play a vital role in NCD prevention, diagnosis, and management, providing essential care and education to their patients.
In conclusion, noncommunicable diseases pose a significant challenge to public health care systems, particularly in LMICs. The burden of NCDs imposes strain on resources, increases demand for health care services, and contributes to health disparities. However, health care delivery systems are working collaboratively to address this issue by implementing global strategies, tailoring interventions to local contexts, and engaging various stakeholders. Moving forward, continued efforts and investments are needed to strengthen health care systems, improve access to essential services, and mitigate the impact of NCDs on population health.