Essay On Global Health Challenges

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Death associated with communicable diseases such as tuberculosis, malaria and other vaccine preventable diseases are steadily declining (Norman). However, globally, death rates associated with non-communicable diseases is on the rise (World Health Organization). This includes diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, cancer injuries, and stroke among others. These diseases are as a result of our lifestyle. They are no longer associated with poor countries only. Therefore, diseases are becoming one of the biggest concerns of the day across the world. After reading Philip Hilts “Why We Must Rise to the Global Health Challenge” I am even more persuaded that the global health challenge is the most pressing issue that the world needs to come together to combat. Hilts argues that, for the last 150 years, human beings have made impressive steps towards eradicating disease and alleviating the degree of suffering that is experienced by the people who are sick (Hilts). However, the gains have been reversed by their resurgence of the disease in both developing and developed countries. This has posed a challenge to the development of nations the contemporary world. The cost of health care has gone higher. Resurgence of diseases has destabilized the operations between countries (Hilts). I think Hilts assertions are true. In recent times our country spends a lot on medical care due to the surge of both communicable and non-communicable diseases. The debate on healthcare is one of the hotly contested issues thus pointing to the gravity of health challenges. A case in point is the Affordable Care Act which occupied national debate for a long time. I believe the case is replicated in all countries across the world. The author rightly contends that... ... middle of paper ... ...ill. In July 2005, the G8 nations committed to double their aid to poor countries to fight poverty and diseases (Hilts). The author painted a gloomy picture that the author painted of a world ravaged with disease with no solution in sight. The author illustrated using various examples how globalization has made the disease outbreaks spread at lightning speed. The author also discussed new diseases as well as old familiar diseases that were eradicated and have made a comeback. However, the author has shown that there is light at the end of the tunnel. There is political goodwill among developed countries mitigating the global health challenge. The world is wealthier than before hence it can afford to fund health interventions. Scientists have also developed cheaper health intervention mechanisms while health economists have developed cheap health intervention plans.

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