Global Health Goals and Health Disparities Essay

Global Health Goals and Health Disparities Essay

The World Health Organization (WHO) is a United Nations (UN) specialized agency promoting global health and well-being. The WHO is vital in establishing health priorities, providing technical assistance and guidance to member countries, and coordinating international efforts to prevent and control disease (World Health Organization, 2020). The WHO has been critical in addressing some of the most pressing global health issues, including smallpox eradication, polio control, and the response to the Ebola and Zika outbreaks. It has also contributed significantly to the advancement of health research and development, the promotion of universal health coverage, and the reduction of health disparities.

The UN General Assembly adopted the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) in 2000 to address some of the world’s most pressing social and economic issues, such as poverty, hunger, disease, and inequality (United Nations, 2015). Three of the eight MDGs related to health, including a goal to reduce under-five mortality by two-thirds between 1990 and 2015, which was met. The MDGs also set a goal of reducing maternal mortality by 75% by 2015. While progress has been made, an estimated 295,000 women die each year due to pregnancy and childbirth complications. Finally, the MDGs sought to combat the spread of major diseases such as HIV/AIDS and malaria, with significant success, with a 60% reduction in malaria deaths and a 40% reduction in new HIV infections over the last two decades.

The MDGs significantly impacted global health, saving millions of lives and lifting millions out of poverty. While progress has been made, much work remains to be done, and the United Nations has adopted a new set of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to build on the MDGs’ achievements while addressing new challenges. The WHO will continue to play an essential role in achieving these objectives and improving global health outcomes.

The Importance of the Millennium Development Goal on Improving Maternal Health for Global Health

One of the eight MDGs focuses on improving maternal health and has played a critical role in improving women’s and children’s health outcomes worldwide. Improving maternal health is essential for sustainable development, poverty reduction, and global health.

The MDG for maternal health aims to reduce maternal mortality rates by three-quarters between 1990 and 2015. This goal has helped to draw attention to the issue of maternal mortality, resulting in many countries implementing policies and programs to reduce maternal deaths (Kurjak et al., 2022). Strategies for achieving this goal include increasing access to family planning, providing skilled birth attendants, improving emergency obstetric care, and promoting women’s empowerment. As a result of these efforts, maternal mortality decreased globally, and the goal has been met in many countries.

Improving maternal health is essential for improving child health. Women who receive high-quality maternal health care are more likely to have healthy babies and survive childbirth (United Nations, 2015). The MDG on improving maternal health has also focused on increasing access to family planning, contributing to fewer unintended pregnancies and better child health outcomes. Children born to mothers who receive quality maternal health care have better health outcomes, including a lower risk of malnutrition and infant mortality.

Brazil’s Progress towards Achieving the Improve Maternal Health MDG

Brazil has made significant progress towards achieving this MDG, particularly in reducing maternal mortality rates. Brazil’s current outcome measurement indicator for the Improve Maternal Health MDG is the maternal mortality ratio (MMR), which is the number of maternal deaths per 100,000 live births (Leal et al., 2022). In 2015, Brazil’s MMR was 62.4, down from 141.5 in 1990, which represents a reduction of 56.0%. This significant decrease in the MMR suggests that Brazil is on track to meet the MDG.

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The Brazilian government has implemented several policies and programs to improve maternal health, such as the Family Health Strategy, which provides access to primary health care services for pregnant women and children, and the Rede Cegonha (Stork Network), which aims to improve access to maternal and neonatal care (Souza et al., 2021). These efforts have helped to reduce maternal mortality rates and improve maternal and child health outcomes.

Nursing Roles in Achieving the MDG of Improving Maternal Health

Maternal and Child Health Nurses (MCHN) are specialized nurses who provide healthcare services to mothers and their children from birth to five years of age. They are essential in improving maternal and child health outcomes by providing early intervention, health education, and support to pregnant women, mothers, and young children (Rabiablert et al., 2021). By providing education and support on prenatal care, nutrition, and physical activity, identifying high-risk pregnancies and referring mothers to appropriate healthcare services, offering postpartum care and support, and providing information and support on breastfeeding and infant feeding practices, MCHNs can help achieve the MDG of improving maternal health.

            Obstetric nurses specialize in caring for women during labor and delivery and work closely with obstetricians and midwives to ensure safe and appropriate care (Montaño et al., 2022). Their role in improving maternal health is to monitor and assess maternal and fetal well-being during labor and delivery, provide emotional support, administer medications and interventions as needed, respond to obstetric emergencies, and educate women on postpartum care and self-care therefore contributing to the achievement of MDG of improving maternal health.

Exploring Health Disparities and the Impact on Vulnerable Populations: A Case Study of Diabetes in Indigenous Communities

Health disparities are differences in health outcomes among different groups of people. They can be caused by socioeconomic status, race, ethnicity, gender, geographic location, and access to healthcare (Ndugga & Artiga, 2021). These variations can impact many aspects of health, including morbidity, mortality, disease prevalence, and quality of life. Such disparities can significantly impact vulnerable or underserved populations, such as low-income people, people with disabilities, the elderly, and racial and ethnic minorities. These populations frequently face barriers to healthcare access, such as a lack of insurance, culturally appropriate care, and transportation.

Vulnerable and underserved populations are disproportionately affected by poor health outcomes, including chronic diseases, mental health conditions, and other health issues, as well as complications and adverse effects from medical treatments (Diaz et al., 2021). In particular, racial and ethnic minorities, as well as people with disabilities, are more likely to suffer from conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease, with higher rates of infant mortality and premature death, due to higher levels of obesity, smoking, and physical inactivity.

One vulnerable group that experiences significant health disparities is Indigenous people in many countries worldwide, including the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. One particular health disparity experienced by Indigenous people is a higher prevalence of diabetes compared to the general population. In the United States, diabetes is nearly twice as high among Indigenous adults as non-Hispanic white adults (CDC, 2020). In Canada, Indigenous people are three to five times more likely to develop type 2 diabetes compared to the general population.

Indigenous people have higher diabetes rates due to various factors, including historical trauma, ongoing social and economic inequities, poverty, food insecurity, lack of access to physical activity, and healthcare access and delivery issues. This includes forced displacement, colonization, and the loss of traditional lands and cultures, as well as geographic isolation, a lack of transportation, and a lack of healthcare infrastructure. These factors can contribute to a poor diet and a lack of culturally competent healthcare.

Nursing Strategies for Addressing Health Disparities

Health education and promotion programs can effectively improve health outcomes and reduce health disparities among vulnerable or underserved populations. Studies have shown that health education, promotion, and screening services in rural areas of South Carolina, as well as culturally appropriate diabetes education programs in low-income, predominantly Hispanic communities in Arizona, have had a positive impact on diabetes control, blood pressure management, diabetes knowledge, self-care behaviors, and glycemic control (Gómez et al., 2019). These interventions demonstrate the potential for health education and promotion programs to improve health outcomes for vulnerable populations.

Improving access to healthcare services is a crucial strategy for addressing health disparities and improving health outcomes. This may involve increasing the availability of healthcare services in underserved areas, expanding insurance coverage, and reducing financial barriers to healthcare. For example, expanding Medicaid coverage has led to significant improvements in access to care, utilization of preventive services, and overall health outcomes among low-income adults.

Conclusion

In conclusion, health disparities can significantly impact vulnerable and underserved populations, resulting in poorer health outcomes and higher mortality rates. The MDG of improving maternal health has successfully lowered global maternal mortality rates, but much work still needs to be done. Nurses play an essential role in improving maternal health and reducing health disparities. Strategies such as health education and promotion programs, culturally appropriate care, and improved access to healthcare can all help improve health outcomes and reduce health disparities.

References

CDC. (2020). National Diabetes Statistics Report, 2017 Estimates of Diabetes and Its Burden in the United States Background. In CDC. https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/pdfs/data/statistics/national-diabetes-statistics-report.pdf

Diaz, A., Baweja, R., Bonatakis, J. K., & Baweja, R. (2021). Global health disparities in vulnerable populations of psychiatric patients during the COVID-19 pandemic. World journal of psychiatry, 11(4), 94–108. https://doi.org/10.5498/wjp.v11.i4.94

Kurjak, A., Stanojević, M., & Dudenhausen, J. (2022). Why maternal mortality in the world remains a tragedy in low-income countries and shame for high-income ones: will sustainable development goals (SDG) help? Journal of Perinatal Medicine, 0(0). https://doi.org/10.1515/jpm-2022-0061

Leal, L. F., Malta, D. C., Souza, M. de F. M., Vasconcelos, A. M. N., Teixeira, R. A., Veloso, G. A., Lansky, S., Ribeiro, A. L. P., França, G. V. A. de, & Naghavi, M. (2022). Maternal Mortality in Brazil, 1990 to 2019: a systematic analysis of the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019. Revista Da Sociedade Brasileira de Medicina Tropical, 55(suppl 1). https://doi.org/10.1590/0037-8682-0279-2021

Montaño, M., Macías, V., Molina, R., Aristizabal, P., & Nigenda, G. (2022). The experience of obstetric nursing students in an innovative maternal care program in Chiapas, Mexico: a qualitative study. Sexual and Reproductive Health Matters, 30(1). https://doi.org/10.1080/26410397.2022.2095708

Ndugga, N., & Artiga, S. (2021, May 11). Disparities in health and health care: 5 key questions and answers. Kaiser Family Foundation; Kaiser Family Foundation. https://www.kff.org/racial-equity-and-health-policy/issue-brief/disparities-in-health-and-health-care-5-key-question-and-answers/

Rabiablert, P., Noonil, N. & Petsirasan, R. (2021). Nursing roles and outcome of maternal and child health services in the primary care unit of health region 11. Princess of Naradhiwas University Journal, 13(3), 1–23. https://li01.tci-thaijo.org/index.php/pnujr/article/view/243279

Gómez, R. M. G., Jaramillo, L. A. M., Svarch, A., Tonda, J., Lara, J., Anderson, E. J., & Rosales, C. (2019). Together for health: An initiative to access health services for the Hispanic/Mexican population in the United States. Frontiers in Public Health, 7. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2019.00273

Souza, D. R. S., de Morais, T. N. B., Costa, K. T. da S., & de Andrade, F. B. (2021). Maternal health indicators in Brazil. Medicine, 100(44), e27118. https://doi.org/10.1097/md.0000000000027118

United Nations. (2015). United Nations Millennium Development Goals. United Nations; United Nations. https://www.un.org/millenniumgoals/

World Health Organization. (2020). From MDGs to SDGs, WHO launches new report. Www.who.int. https://www.who.int/en/news-room/detail/08-12-2015-from-mdgs-to-sdgs-who-launches-new-report

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Activity 2
Global Health Goals and Health Disparities
Baccalaureate education provides learning of globalization, diversity, and sensitivity to vulnerable populations’ healthcare (AACN, 2008).
This activity is designed for you to examine global health goals and health disparities among vulnerable groups. Start by selecting one of the eight Millennium Developmental Goals (MDGs) from the World Health Organization (WHO). After choosing one of the MDGs, explore a specific outcome measurement (indicator) for a country of your choosing, from the list below, to determine the progress towards achieving the MDG. In addition, you will explore nursing roles that would be helpful in achieving the MDG.
Countries
France Italy Singapore Spain Japan Greece Iceland United Kingdom Ireland Sweden

Germany Israel Switzerland UAE China Rwanda USA Cuba Iran Iraq
Venezuela Syria Ethiopia Brazil Sudan Kenya North Korea India South Africa Saudi Arabia
Nicaragua Ecuador Australia Chad Haiti Canada South Korea Russia Central African Republic Republic of the Congo
Also, you will explore health disparities among vulnerable population groups. The term “health disparities” describes the phenomenon of different health outcomes of varied vulnerable groups of citizens. Access the Virtual Library and search in the CINAHL full text database the term “health disparity.” Choose at least two articles that describe health disparities of a particular vulnerable population or group of people (gender or sexuality identity-based groups, children, elderly, disabled, ethnic, or cultural minority).
Resources:
• From MDGs to SDGs, WHO launches new report
• Millennium Development Goals (MDG)
• World Life Expectancy
• Kaiser Family Foundation
• World Health Organization
Additional Instructions:
1. All submissions should have a title page and reference page.
2. Utilize a minimum of two scholarly resources.
3. Adhere to grammar, spelling and punctuation criteria.
4. Adhere to APA compliance guidelines.
5. Adhere to the chosen Submission Option for Delivery of Activity guidelines.
Submission Options
Choose One: Instructions:
Paper • 5 page paper. Include title and reference pages.

Healthcare Policy and Regulation – Global Health Goals and Health Disparities
Description: The baccalaureate-graduate nurse will demonstrate knowledge of healthcare globalization and advocate for social justice, including a commitment to the health of vulnerable, diverse populations and the elimination of health disparities.
Course Competencies: 1) Critique key health priorities and goals from a national and global perspective. 2) Illustrate how healthcare delivery systems are organized and financed. 4) Compare and contrast quality health indicators and outcomes.
QSEN Competencies: 2) Teamwork and Collaboration 3) Evidence-Based Practice 4) Quality Improvement
BSN Essential VII
Area	Gold Mastery	Silver Proficient	Bronze Acceptable	Acceptable Mastery not Demonstrated
Explains the importance of the World Health Organization (WHO) and the importance of the Millennium Developmental Goals (MDGs). Provides details or statistics	Fully discusses all areas of importance of the World Health Organization, the importance of the MCGs and provides details or statistics	Fully explains all areas of importance of the World Health Organization, the importance of the MCGs and provides details or statistics	Superficially discusses all areas of importance of the World Health Organization, the importance of the MCGs and provides details or statistics	All areas are missing.
Selects one Millennium Developmental Goal (MDG) and describes the MDG. Explains two ways the MDG is important for improving global health.	Selects and describes one MDG. Explains three ways the MDG is important for improving global health.	Selects and describes one MDG. Explains two ways the MDG is important for improving global health.	Selects and describes one MDG. Explains one way the MDG is important for improving global health.	Selects and describes one MDG but does not explain the ways the MDG is important for improving global health.
Selects one country from the list above. Explains the country’s current outcome measurement indicator being used to represent progress of the chosen MDG. Describes how the	Selects one country from the list above. Explains the country’s current outcome measurement indicator being used to represent progress of the chosen MDG. Describes how the	Selects one country from the list above. Explains the country’s current outcome measurement indicator being used to represent progress of the chosen MDG. Minimally	Selects one country from the list above. Explains the country’s current outcome measurement indicator being used to represent progress of the chosen MDG. Does not describe	Selects one country from the list above but does not explain the country’s current outcome or describes how the country is on track to meet this MDG

 

country is on track to meet this MDG or not.	country is on track to meet this MDG or not.	describes how the country is on track to meet this MDG or not.	how the country is on track to meet this MDG or not.
Selects two nursing roles and explain how each role can help the country achieve the chosen MDG. Provides details or evidence of support	Selects two nursing roles and explain how each role can help the country achieve the chosen MDG. Provides details or evidence of support	Selects two nursing roles and explain how each role can help the country achieve the chosen MDG. Does not provide details or evidence of support	Selects one nursing role and explain how each role can help the country achieve the chosen MDG. Provides details or evidence of support	Selects one or two nursing roles but does not explain how each role can help the country achieve the chosen MDG.
Explain the term health disparity and discuss how health disparities can impact the vulnerable or underserved populations. Choose one population or particular group (ethnic or cultural, underserved, vulnerable group) and describe a health disparity occurring among this group. Discuss the cause of the particular disparity in the chosen vulnerable group.	Explain the term health disparity and discuss how health disparities can impact the vulnerable or underserved populations. Choose one population or particular group (ethnic or cultural, underserved, vulnerable group) and describe a health disparity occurring among this group. Discuss the cause of the particular disparity in the chosen vulnerable group.	Includes two of the three elements- 1)     Explain the term health disparity and discuss how health disparities can impact the vulnerable or underserved populations. 2)     Choose one population or particular group (ethnic or cultural, underserved, vulnerable group) and describe a health disparity occurring among this group. 3)     Discuss the cause of the particular disparity in the chosen vulnerable group.	Includes one of the three elements- 1)     Explain the term health disparity and discuss how health disparities can impact the vulnerable or underserved populations. 2)     Choose one population or particular group (ethnic or cultural, underserved, vulnerable group) and describe a health disparity occurring among this group. 3)     Discuss the cause of the particular disparity in the chosen vulnerable group.	Explains the term health disparity but does not address other elements
Discusses two nursing strategies for improving the health disparity (such as access to care, health education, health promotion,	Discusses two nursing strategies for improving the health disparity (such as access to care, health education, health promotion,	Discusses two nursing strategies for improving the health disparity (such as access to care, health education, health promotion,	Discusses one nursing strategy for improving the health disparity (such as access to care, health education, health promotion,	Does not discuss nursing strategies for improving the health disparity (such as access to care, health education, health promotion,

 

prevention, earlier screenings). Includes and discusses evidence to support both strategies.	prevention, earlier screenings). Includes and discusses evidence to support both strategies.	prevention, earlier screenings). Does not include and discuss evidence to support both strategies.	prevention, earlier screenings). Includes and discusses evidence to support both strategies.	prevention, earlier screenings). Or does not include and discuss evidence to support both strategies.
APA, Grammar, Spelling, and Punctuation	No errors in APA, Spelling, and Punctuation.	One to three errors in APA, Spelling, and Punctuation.	Four to six errors in APA, Spelling, and Punctuation.	Seven or more errors in APA, Spelling, and Punctuation.
References	Provides two or more references.	Provides two references.	Provides one references.	Provides no references.