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Home » Why is Global Health Important and What Is the Role of Healthcare
Leadership?


WHY IS GLOBAL HEALTH IMPORTANT AND WHAT IS THE ROLE OF HEALTHCARE LEADERSHIP?

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Healthcare Leadership

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The topic of global health has come to the forefront of people’s minds as the
COVID-19 pandemic has seriously impacted every nation around the world. There
are widespread feelings of uncertainty about the future. How can the disease be
contained from further spread? What other types of widespread diseases or
threats will we face going forward? As the world becomes increasingly
globalized, these issues become more important and the demand for health care
leadership rises.


WHAT IS GLOBAL HEALTH?

What is “global health,” and why is global health important? Although there is
no single standard definition, global health refers to the health of populations
worldwide as opposed to the health of individuals, according to the Kaiser
Family Foundation. It is concerned with health issues that transcend national
borders or have the potential to impact the world’s economies and political
climates.

Global health as a concept looks ahead so that nations can work together to
prepare for possible problems.

In the case of COVID-19, the disease spread rapidly across the globe and many
nations reached the brink of recession. However, that pandemic is just one
example of numerous scenarios that, if not addressed, could threaten lives
around the world. Global health emphasizes prevention at the population level
and is vital to helping maintain global security. Global health is important
because it aims to improve worldwide health, access to health care services and
the quality of health care for all.

Global health considers several determinants, or factors, that influence health
status. The Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion lists several
examples, including diet and physical fitness, lack of health care access,
exposure to toxic substances and compliance with health and safety regulations.
Though disruptions to global health can affect any nation, developing nations
are more vulnerable because of their weaker socioeconomic infrastructures.

By analyzing a community’s personal, social, economic and environmental
determinants, health experts can then promote wellness in a targeted fashion as
well as help minimize the effects of diseases in that community. This in turn
leads to a stronger economy, as fewer illnesses occur and productivity is not
negatively impacted.


EXAMPLES OF GLOBAL HEALTH DISRUPTIONS

The world faces several global health challenges, ranging from the growing
obesity rate and environmental pollution, to various humanitarian crises and the
rise of antibiotic-resistant germs. According to the World Health Organization
(WHO), some of the most pressing threats to global health include the following.


HIGHLY CONTAGIOUS PATHOGENS

The world faces the ongoing threat of contagious pathogens, including Ebola and
severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS). As people move to more crowded urban
living areas, contagious diseases spread more easily. This spread is compounded
in severely depressed areas that lack basic sanitation and access to fresh
water.

The rise of antimicrobial resistance creates even more potential for the spread
of disease, as do conditions such as weaker health systems, wars and the
increase of pathogen-transmission between animal and human populations. National
governments, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and other entities have begun
to address these threats by supporting vaccine development, greater access to
health care and other measures.

GLOBAL INFLUENZA

Another contagious pathogen is influenza, which was the cause of the deadly
Spanish flu of 1918. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes that
the pandemic killed some 50 million people around the world over two years.
Influenza remains a serious global health threat, with up to 650,000
influenza-related deaths each year according to the WHO.

Health leaders work in collaboration to track influenza and develop vaccines and
treatments while also focusing on prevention and preparedness. As with other
highly contagious pathogens, a global strategy is important. One infected
passenger traveling internationally by plane can spread influenza germs around
the world in just a few hours.

HIV

HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, still remains one of the world’s most serious
health challenges. The Department of Health and Human Services’ HIV.gov reports
that some 38 million people around the world were infected with HIV in 2019. The
number of individuals who acquire HIV is declining however, thanks to a stronger
commitment to fighting the virus. To continue this downward infection trend,
access to HIV testing and treatments needs to improve, and research to develop a
cure needs to continue. Nations that are hardest hit by HIV also tend to be the
same nations that suffer from other infectious diseases, food shortages, and
other problems.


NONCOMMUNICABLE DISEASES

Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) including heart disease, stroke, cancer and
diabetes are the leading causes of death globally, according to the WHO. They
are commonly caused by risk factors such as the use of tobacco, unhealthy diets,
obesity, high blood pressure and high cholesterol. To overcome the threat of
NCDs, the international public health agency recommends national governments
take comprehensive and integrated action. For example, countries should strive
to make tests and treatments widely available to their populations.


CLIMATE CHANGE

Climate change is contributing to extreme weather, including dangerous heat
waves. Beyond being life-threatening, warmer temperatures can lead to a loss of
productivity, reduced crop yields and conditions that are optimal for the spread
of infectious diseases. Research institutions from around the world have
partnered to track the health impact and government responses to climate change.
They’ve learned that climate change affects all nations, and the response to
climate change will have a major impact on the world’s health.


A HEALTH CARE LEADER’S ROLE IN GLOBAL HEALTH

Whether a nation is stable or in crisis, global health issues should always
remain a priority. Health challenges, including illness and disease, do not
abide by borders. In an increasingly interconnected world, it is vital for
health care leaders to recognize the challenges and opportunities presented by
that interconnectivity. Effective leaders must be aware and prepared—aware of
the issues influencing global health and prepared for when and how those issues
will impact their communities.

Healthcare Executive magazine highlights some of the attributes of pandemic
leadership. Strong leaders, the publication says, will work to ensure a crisis
management plan has been prepared for handling pandemics or contagions and
provide the resources and training to medical staff to deal with such events.
The plan may also include building financial flexibility into an organization’s
business model so it can react quickly when necessary. Establishing a strong
telehealth service is also a worthy consideration for addressing the safety of
patients and health care providers in the event of a contagious pathogen or flu
outbreak.

Collaboration with government and public health agencies is another key
responsibility for health care leaders when dealing with an unexpected global
event or even the more common noncommunicable diseases. Those partners can
provide vital guidance, information and support during emergencies and help
develop prevention and control strategies for those chronic conditions seen
across the globe.

It is important to remember that collaboration is a two-way street; health care
leaders must ensure accurate, complete data is shared when appropriate. That
data—which may include number of cases, number of deaths and advancements in
treatment—can help determine the distribution of supplies, enable contact
tracing for contagious diseases and improve overall patient outcomes.

In addition to some of the qualities mentioned above, successful health care
leaders will exhibit integrity, empathy and a willingness to listen. Strong
technical skills are required as well to thrive in this fast-changing,
increasingly global field.


ENTERING A CAREER IN GLOBAL HEALTH LEADERSHIP

Global health is important to each and every one of us. Potential health risks
can impact everyone around the world, regardless of wealth, power or status.
Because there are so many possible global health disruptions, demand is high for
knowledgeable leaders who can help prevent or mitigate the damage and impact
experienced in health crises.

Advanced education is crucial for those who wish to deepen their leadership
skills and gain the knowledge to be a vital presence in global health.

Explore Wake Forest University’s online Master of Healthcare Leadership program,
featuring courses such as Crossroads: Population and Global Health; Leveraging
Big Data for Data-Driven Decision Making; and Healthcare Policy and Law that can
help prepare health care leaders to navigate health care decision-making whether
locally or globally. Learn more today.

Sources:

BBC News, “Coronavirus: A Visual Guide to the Economic Impact”

Healthcare Executive, “Pandemic Leadership”

HIV.gov, “Global HIV/AIDS Overview”

Kaiser Family Foundation, “The U.S. Government Engagement in Global Health: A
Primer”

Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, “Determinants of Health”

Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, “Global Health”

Scientific American, “Climate Change Is Having a Major Impact on Global Health”

STAT, “How HHS’s New Hospital Data Reporting System Will Actually Affect the
U.S. Covid-19 Response”

The National Center for Biotechnology Information, “Infectious Disease Threats
in the Twenty-First Century: Strengthening the Global Response”

U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, “A Global Response to a Global
Threat”

World Health Organization, “Global Influenza Strategy 2019-2030”

World Health Organization, “Noncommunicable Diseases”

World Health Organization, “Ten threats to global health in 2019”

 

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