Top Global Health Challenges of the Decade

blankIt is no secret that many nations are in a continuous struggle to protect their region and its population from terrorism. Although security against terrorism is essential for governments, no country should overlook several health concerns. Doing so will negatively impact the nation’s political and economic stability.

Today, technological advancements, globalization, transformations in agricultural techniques, and much more have given rise to various global health issues. However, tackling public health issues is not the responsibility of health professionals alone. Instead, World Health Organization (WHO) emphasized the combined efforts of healthcare professionals, policymakers, government officials, and individuals to address and combat global health challenges. Moreover, each nation must play its role in dealing with these challenges to promote healthy living worldwide.

It is necessary to learn the top global health threats to address and control them. That is why WHO has published a list of urgent health challenges and the Sustainable Developmental Goals plan with the help of their experts worldwide. So, read below the list of the top six common global health challenges of this decade:

1. Prepare for Pandemic

There is no denying that epidemics are inevitable. Whether the reason for any pandemic situation may be an airborne viral infection or vaccine-restraint strain of influenza, all nations need to prepare for such a crisis beforehand. Pandemics usually spread very quickly among the population, leaving catastrophic impacts. Therefore, WHO suggests countries strengthen their healthcare infrastructure and take the necessary measures to fight the deadly outbreak.

There is a need to bring awareness regarding numerous healthcare issues among communities. For that, we need more health workers. Governments offer more incentives for health workers to convince more people to join healthcare as a career. Therefore, pursuing an online mph degree might be a perfect choice for aspirants who want to join the health sector to help the community deal with such issues. This degree helps them look at the bigger picture, thus focusing on mass population instead of individual-level care. Moreover, online education allows individuals to continue their current job with their studies.

2. Non-Communicable Diseases

According to WHO, approximately 41 million people die each year because of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). NCDs may include heart diseases, cancer, hypertension, stroke, chronic respiratory disease, etc. Any person can become a victim of these chronic diseases, irrespective of age, gender, and nationality. However, facts show that the age range (30 to 69) is more likely to experience death because of NCDs. Moreover, primarily low and middle-income states suffer from this health challenge. The unhealthy diet and absence of physical activity are two main driving forces that lead to premature death. Proper education, early detection, and regular screening are some best ways to prevent and control non-communicable diseases globally.

3. Protect Adolescent Safety

As per statistics shared by WHO, 1.5 million adolescents and young adults (10-24 years) died in 2019, nearly 5000 every day. The primary cause of their death involved domestic violence, traffic accident, alcohol, tobacco overdose, HIV/AIDS, malnutrition, etc. Since the young generation is the future of any nation, it is of utmost importance for every country to protect the health of their adolescents. Therefore, healthcare professionals, policymakers, and educators must work collaboratively to promote health among young adults. Furthermore, they must arrange various programs that help adolescents become aware of dealing with mental health disorders, unprotected sex, and much more.

4. Address Environmental and Climate Change

Climate change not only affects the environment we live in but also exposes human health to severe diseases. According to WHO, approximately 7 million people die each year because of air pollution. Apart from this, natural disasters and extreme weather conditions further aggravate the situation as these conditions give rise to malnutrition. Moreover, the climatic crisis also gives rise to the spread of infectious diseases. To address this challenge, World Health Organization has reportedly developed policies to reduce air pollution. These policies are also helpful to mitigate the risks associated with it. WHO further motivates both private and government sectors to work collaboratively to reduce climate risks on global health.

5. Access to Medication and Drugs

As unfortunate as it sounds, almost one-third of the total world population does not have access to medications. In addition, some impoverished regions have access to inadequate and substandard quality medicines and vaccines. These medications pose severe risks to people’s lives as well as sabotage the trust in healthcare providers. Since people living in poor areas and vulnerable conditions are more susceptible to life-threatening diseases, (WHO) aims to combat these false medical products and diagnostic tools. WHO will also focus on increasing the capacity of impoverished countries to ensure the quality of drugs and medications.

Conclusion

The increasing impacts of globalization, new agricultural practices, and the changes in transportation have caused global health issues cut across international borders. Already the pressing challenges issued by WHO show how healthcare leaders fail to utilize resources on health systems effectively. Undoubtedly, the constantly growing list of health challenges can get a bit too much. Yet, there is so much that healthcare leaders can do to fight these issues. Therefore, healthcare professionals should remain alert of problems that can threaten global health and take necessary measures to protect the communities.