HEALTH – A GLOBAL PERSPECTIVE

Often times when we think about health issues we think of those directly affecting our lives. Health issues in the towns and cities in which we live, and sometimes in the country where we reside. It is rare to think about health issues around the world, because our limited perception of health tells us that these issues are not really something that we need to be concerned about. Perhaps this is because the continents are separated by water, and somehow this allows us to feel that we are safe where we are as long as we are not traveling to places that have certain health issues and diseases.

ARE YOU REALLY SAFE?

Keep in mind that diseases can be spread worldwide and even if you don’t plan to travel abroad, you are still at risk even for diseases rarely seen in the country in which you live. Last year alone over 900 Million international journeys were taken, so there are many people traveling to and from countries that have potential health risks. Also, many of the goods that come into your country are imported from other regions of the world. Being aware of these facts can make you realize that global health issues can and do concern you. Significant health issues seen in any region of the world can have widespread effects and need to be addressed. This is why there are organizations like the World Health Organization in place to help keep records of diseases, outbreaks and illnesses from all seven continents. This is the best way for them to keep on eye out for illnesses that cross into other countries and regions of the world, to help reduce risks to all the citizens of the world.

CLEAN WATER – THE KEY TO GOOD HEALTH

It is important to note, that one of the most significant issues affecting the health in areas around the globe is good clean drinking water. It may be hard to believe, but many regions of the world are still struggling with this issue and many diseases are caused by the unsanitary water being consumed by the people in some regions of the world. Information supplied by the WHO indicates the following:

Almost 10% of the global diseases could be prevented by improving water supply, sanitation, hygiene and management of water resources. The estimated number of deaths that could be prevented:

• 1.4 million child deaths from diarrhea
• 500,000 deaths from malaria
• 860,000 child deaths from malnutrition
• 280,000 deaths from drowning

Looking at these statistics, you can surely realize the importance of a good water supply system to a nation’s health.

THE THREE DEADLIEST DISEASES IN THE WORLD

Obviously, the perfect world would contain no disease or suffering at all, that would be ideal. In our world, the three deadliest diseases effecting human beings are TB, AIDS, and Malaria. Although treatable, many countries can not afford the medications necessary to treat and cure these diseases in their own populations. And in areas like Sub-Saharan Africa, they are battling all three of these killers at once.

• MALARIA
• TB
• AIDS

COMMUNICABLE AND NON COMMUNICABLE DISEASES

Diseases are usually categorized by the way they spread, and therefore they are either considered communicable or non communicable.

Communicable diseases are those conditions that are spread through air, touch, or contact with contaminated body fluids. Some of the most common communicable diseases are Chlamydia, hepatitis, salmonella, pertussis, and campylobacter. It is not only important to be treated for an infection in these cases, but also for the health department to track these diseases in order to prevent disease outbreaks.

Non Communicable diseases are those diseases that do not spread, but are confined in the body that they are in such as mental health problems, cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes, and musculoskeletal conditions. Since diseases like this are not transferable, many of the issues that cause these diseases are within the control of the person with the illness. This is why the WHO has tried to make an impact in this particular area of health. It can be easily influenced by changes to diet and exercise and lifestyle changes that communicable diseases can not.