Criterion : Explain how an organizations work impacts the health and/or safety needs of a local community.
Your Result:
1. I noticed that you did not explain how an organizations work impacts the health and/or safety needs of a local community.
Criterion : Assess the impact of funding sources, policy, and legislation on an organizations service delivery.
Your Result:
1. I noticed that you did not identify funding sources, policy, and legislation related to an organizations service delivery. I recommend always keeping your scoring guide rubric close by as you complete your assessments so that no criterion will be overlooked.
The Role of the WHO in Enhancing Global Health and Equity
Capella University
NURS – 4060
Introduction
The World Health Organization (WHO), as the leading authority on global health within the
United Nations system, plays a pivotal role in improving public health, ensuring safety,
promoting equal opportunities, and enhancing the quality of life worldwide. This report examines the WHO’s contributions through its initiatives, programs, and policies aimed at addressing health issues on a global scale.
The WHO’s Contributions to Public Health and Safety
The WHO has been instrumental in combating infectious diseases, improving health systems, and setting international health standards and guidelines. For instance, the WHO’s Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) has been a resounding success, with polio cases plummeting from an estimated 350,000 in 1988 to just 33 reported cases in 2018 (WHO, n.d.).
This 99.9% decrease showcases the WHO’s effectiveness in mobilizing international
resources and implementing vaccination programs.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the WHO played a central role by distributing over 2 billion vaccines to more than 130 countries through the COVAX initiative, aiming to ensure equitable access to life-saving vaccines (WHO, 2021). This effort has been critical in mitigating the impact of the pandemic, especially in low- and middle-income countries. The organization’s
rapid response to health emergencies, such as the Ebola outbreak in West Africa and the
COVID-19 pandemic, underscores its critical role in safeguarding global health security.
Promoting Equal Opportunity Through Health
Equitable access to health care is a cornerstone of the WHO’s mission to promote health as a fundamental human right. The WHO’s work in addressing social determinants of health is crucial in reducing health disparities and promoting equal opportunities for health and wellbeing. The WHO’s commitment to universal health coverage (UHC) is exemplified by the fact
that at least half of the world’s population still do not have full coverage of essential health services. In response, the WHO supports countries to implement UHC so that all individuals and communities receive the health services they need without suffering financial hardship (WHO, n.d.).
Social determinants of health, such as education, income, and living conditions, are central to the WHO’s efforts to promote health equity. The organization’s Commission on Social Determinants of Health has highlighted that improving daily living conditions and tackling the
inequitable distribution of power, money, and resources are key to reducing health inequities (WHO, 2008).
Enhancing the Quality of Life
Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are responsible for 71% of all deaths globally, with the WHO implementing the Global Action Plan for the Prevention and Control of NCDs 2013
2030 to reduce the number of premature deaths from NCDs by one-third (WHO, 2013). This 3 plan focuses on measures such as reducing tobacco and alcohol use, promoting healthy diets, and improving access to essential healthcare services.
In the realm of mental health, the WHO’s Mental Health Gap Action Program (mhGAP) aims at scaling up services for mental, neurological, and substance use disorders for countries especially with low and middle incomes. The program provides evidence-based guidelines for non-specialists to enable them to better identify and manage a range of mental health conditions (WHO, n.d.).
Challenges and Future Directions
Despite its achievements, the WHO faces challenges, including funding constraints, political pressures, and the need for stronger health systems worldwide. The organization’s future directions may include enhancing global health governance, increasing investment in health
systems, and leveraging technology and innovation to improve health outcomes.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the WHOs future directions will need to address both ongoing and emerging challenges with innovative solutions, effective advocacy, and strengthened international
cooperation. Its contributions to public health, safety, and equity are indispensable in the global effort to improve quality of life and ensure health for all. As the organization navigates future challenges, its role as a leader and coordinator in global health will remain more critical than ever.
References
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– World Health Organization. (n.d.). About WHO. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/about
– World Health Organization. (n.d.). Global Polio Eradication Initiative. Retrieved from
https://www.who.int/initiatives/the-global-polio-eradication-initiative
– World Health Organization. (n.d.). Universal health coverage. Retrieved from
https://www.who.int/news-room/facts-in-pictures/detail/universal-health-coverage
– World Health Organization. (2021). COVAX: Working for global equitable access to COVID19 vaccines. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/initiatives/act-accelerator/covax
– World Health Organization. (2008). Closing the gap in a generation: Health equity through action on the social determinants of health. Retrieved from
https://www.who.int/social_determinants/final_report/csdh_finalreport_2008.pdf
– World Health Organization. (2013). Global action plan for the prevention and control of NCDs
2013-2030. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789241506236
– World Health Organization. (n.d.). Mental Health Gap Action Programme (mhGAP).
Retrieved from https://www.who.int/teams/mental-health-and-substance-use/mental-healthgap-action-programme
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