Select a global health issue impacting the international health community. Briefly describe the global health issue and its impact on the larger health care system (i.e., continents, regions, countries, states, and health departments). How can health care delivery systems work collaboratively to address global health concerns? Readings within your text covering international/global health and the following websites will assist you in answering these questions:
Introduction:
Global health issues have a profound impact on the international health community, affecting continents, regions, countries, states, and health departments. These issues require collaborative efforts from health care delivery systems to effectively address the challenges they pose. One such global health issue that has gained significant attention in recent years is antimicrobial resistance (AMR). This paper will briefly describe the global health issue of AMR and discuss its impact on the larger health care system. Additionally, it will explore how health care delivery systems can work collaboratively to address this pressing concern.
Description of the Global Health Issue – Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR):
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) refers to the phenomenon where microorganisms, such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites, become resistant to the drugs used to treat them. AMR has emerged as a global health crisis, impeding the effective prevention and treatment of infectious diseases and resulting in increased morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs worldwide (World Health Organization [WHO], 2019). The development of resistance occurs naturally over time; however, misuse and overuse of antimicrobial drugs have accelerated this process, rendering many commonly used antibiotics ineffective.
Impact on the Larger Health Care System:
AMR has significant implications for the larger health care system, spanning continents, regions, countries, states, and health departments. From a global perspective, AMR threatens progress made in achieving several Sustainable Development Goals, including those related to health and well-being (Goal 3), poverty reduction (Goal 1), and food security (Goal 2). The spread of drug-resistant infections can undermine efforts to reduce poverty, increase economic inequality, and exacerbate global inequalities in health outcomes (WHO, 2019).
At the regional level, AMR poses challenges to health care systems in terms of provision of quality care, resource allocation, and public health surveillance. In some areas, patients have limited access to effective antibiotics, leading to increased morbidity and mortality from otherwise treatable infections. Furthermore, the costs associated with the development and implementation of new antimicrobials, infection prevention, and control initiatives, and surveillance systems strain the financial resources of health care systems.
At the national level, AMR has implications for policy makers, public health agencies, and health care providers. The emergence of drug-resistant infections necessitates the development of national action plans, guidelines, and policies to address the issue comprehensively. These plans may include strategies to promote appropriate antimicrobial use, enhance infection prevention and control practices, and strengthen surveillance systems to monitor resistance trends. Health departments play a crucial role in coordinating these efforts, working closely with health care providers and other stakeholders to implement and evaluate interventions.
How Health Care Delivery Systems Can Collaboratively Address AMR:
Addressing the challenges posed by AMR requires a collaborative approach from health care delivery systems at various levels. To begin with, health care providers must play a vital role in promoting appropriate antimicrobial use by prescribing antibiotics judiciously, adhering to guidelines, and educating patients about the importance of completing the full course of treatment. This includes discouraging the use of antibiotics for viral infections, which do not respond to antimicrobial therapy.
Health care delivery systems can also work collaboratively with public health agencies to enhance infection prevention and control practices. This involves implementing strict hygiene measures, such as hand hygiene, proper disinfection and sterilization of equipment, and appropriate waste management. Furthermore, vaccination programs can play a crucial role in reducing the burden of infectious diseases and thereby lowering the need for antimicrobial treatment.
In order to effectively address AMR, health care delivery systems must also engage in robust surveillance and monitoring of resistance patterns. This involves collecting, analyzing, and reporting data on resistance trends, treatment outcomes, and antimicrobial usage. Such information is essential for developing evidence-based interventions, tracking the impact of interventions, and detecting emerging resistant strains.
Conclusion:
Antimicrobial resistance is a global health issue with far-reaching implications for the international health community. It strains health care systems at various levels and threatens to undermine global health priorities. Addressing this issue necessitates collaborative efforts from health care delivery systems, including appropriate antimicrobial prescribing, infection prevention and control practices, and surveillance and monitoring of resistance patterns. By working together, health care systems can mitigate the impact of AMR and ensure the continued effectiveness of antimicrobial drugs in treating infectious diseases.