Eliminating Preventable Morbidity and Escapable Mortality - Essay Example

ELIMINATING PREVENTABLE MORBIDITY AND ESCAPABLE MORTALITY By Eliminating Preventable Morbidity and Escapable Mortality Introduction High rates of morbidity and mortality are some of the challenges that continue to affect many parts of the world. Generally, the high rates of morbidity and mortality have been studied together with the multiple causative factors and the various strategies that institutions, governments, and other players have put in place in an effort to reduce the prevalence and incidence. High death rates occur in nearly all parts of the world. However, these deaths occur due to different factors that connect to environmental, societal, or natural causes. Discussion Critics have pointed out the lack of coordination, poor structures, and weak policies for the failures in some of the interventions that have been put in place to address the problem. Over the years, global responses on world epidemics have reduced significantly due to the approaches adopted by the World Health Organization (WHO). The approaches taken by the WHO and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) managed to cut cases of measles between the years 2000 and 2008 (World Health Organization 2013, Web). According to available statistics the cases of measles dropped from over 700000 in the year 2000 to slightly more then 150, 000 in the year 2008. The success of the initiative was attributed to a sustained campaign strategy the widened the scope of the process to include more numbers of children across the world. Measles has been identified as one of the leading contributors to infant mortality rates. However, with the kind of interventions developed by the WHO and UNICEF, many countries continue to report drastic reductions of the number of cases worldwide. In recent times, governments have collaborated with various agencies for the purpose of developing a combined system that guides the process of immunization and the improving the rate of infant mortality. In this regard, it becomes important to consider the fact that combined strategies usually produce higher levels of efficiencies as compared to exclusive and single party approaches. The strategies adopted by WHO and UNICEF were largely meant to increase the number of people reached under the program. Lobbyists and other intervention groups regarding the efficiency of some of the traditional methods of handling the rising cases of measles have raised concerns. Some of the challenges that affected the earlier processes of governance were tied to the essence of governance as understood within the concept of healthcare provision. In essence, it might be argued that weak structural systems hampered the global strategies for combating the prevalence of measles in many parts of the world. Poverty remains one of the constants that affect the manner in which healthcare systems reach the populations. Impoverished families in the marginalized parts of the world have suffered due to the inability of the existing structures to sufficiently cater for their growing health needs. Food insecurity and general poverty in parts of Britain have often affected issues of priority in such a manner that food is prioritized at a higher level as compared to medical care (Darton, Hirsch & Strelitz, 2003, p. 14). Usually, impoverished populations tend to suffer more from controllable epidemics as compared to families within the middle income and the upper class categories. Poor and polarized regions do not have sufficient disposable income with which to seek proper medical interventions in cases of controllable epidemics (Dorling, 2011, p. 171). Some tropical diseases continue to afflict populations despite the fact that advances in technology and medical practice have developed cures for such diseases (Farmer, 2001, p.373). As such global players should consider developing strategies that effectively deal with the environmental and logistical factors of the problems. This would help in the attainment of long-term strategies as opposed to the unsustainable practices that have informed previous efforts to address the challenges. Matters of governance have also been cited as part of the important considerations in the development of the most efficient processes of addressing the challenge of morbidity and mortality. Governance enables the development of workable structures and policies that aid in addressing some of the preventable diseases and deaths around the country (Farmer, 2005, p. 144). It is important to consider the fact that some of the matters that connect with the issues of governance relate to empowering of vulnerable groups to achieve levels that would help them to overcome challenges of health and early death (Pogge, 2008, p.31). The prevalence of high mortality rates and the high rates of disease within communities is often considered as a sign of poor governance. The emergence of inclusive governments and the nurturing of democratic processes has helped to foster values that uphold the sanctity of human life and the development of systems that uphold democratic values and governance within various discourses that connect with matters of public health. According to some analysts, the development of sound public health structures would aid in the reduction of disease and death through the application of preventable services (Felice, 2002, p. 60). Much of the cases of morbidity and mortality is often attributed to the reliance on curative services in many societies. Public health practices usually aid in the development of necessary structures for the sustenance of community health. Through community focus, public health administrators engage in systems and processes that effectively control the spread of diseases within populations (Hills, Sefton, & Stewart, 2009, p. 149). Such processes are usually effective in determining the kind of challenges that affect the rate of processes within various discourses. Global strategies for the controlling of morbidity and mortality within different populations across the globe have often involved the revamping of weak public health systems with the intention of making them more appropriate to respond to modern challenges (Felice, 2002, p. 181). Controlling of pollution and environmental conservation are important factors in the fight against the high prevalence of morbidity and pollution-related deaths (Knapp, Madden & Fowler-Kerry, 2011, p. 187). The emission of green gasses into the atmosphere remains a significant threat to global health. Many lifestyle diseases are attributed to the increase in lifestyle diseases such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and cancer. The control of pollution must involve the cooperation between the governments, businesses, industrialists, and other stakeholders in the health industry must participate in collective processes meant to foster the spirit of responsibility in different sectors of the society. One might argue that past failings were largely caused by the inability of the multiple players to link up their different efforts for the purpose of enhancing the health of populations. To some significant degree, the level of effectiveness in the processes of controlling the environmental degradation requires establishment of legal structures and processes that would enable the establishment of sound systems and processes. Increasing pace of industrialization and technological advancements have resulted in various positive outcomes as well as some negative impacts on human health (Kwok & Wallis, 2008, p. 279). Societies and individuals around the globe require to develop sound working structures that will make it possible for the control of the pace of technological developments and industrialization in ways that are sustainable and positive with the long term intention of sustaining growth and the standards of living. According to community health practitioners, eliminating preventable morbidity and escapable mortality should begin with the provision of clean water to populations (Madhava 2007, p. 50). Many of the ailments that afflict populations in the developed and the developing world are associated with the consumption of contaminated water. Cases of diarrhea, dysentery, amoeba, and poisoning are traceable from the consumption of unsafe water. This diseases feature prominently among the many causes of early death in children and general illness across all the segments of the society. The availability of clean water remains a challenge because of the rising cases of pollution brought about by human activities such as the disposal of factory effluence into water bodies and dumping. Poor management of garbage is linked to some of the common ailments that afflict populations especially in urban areas. Governments around the globe have an obligation of ensuring the supply of clean water to the citizenry. Waterborne diseases have continued to be on the rise in many parts of the developing world. The challenge in the provision of safe water to populations is characterized by the shortage in the supply of the commodity. In many parts of the world, there are no readily available sources of clean water to the populations. Effects of desertification and other human activities have occasioned the drying up of the natural sources of clean water. As a result it has become difficult for governments to ensure a steady supply of water leading to populations to survive on unhealthy water. The reduction in the life expectancy in many parts of the world has often been attributed, in some cases, to the rise in waterborne diseases. Strategies that aim at the supply in clean water have often been cited in the developmental plans of many countries. The priority given to the provision of clean water for drinking is usually linked to the awareness of the contribution of water to the health of populations. The problem is more rampant in the arid and marginalized areas in the third world countries. Communities in such areas consume water sourced from ponds, dams, rivers, and other natural sources. Some of the humanitarian organizations that assist third world governments in the provision of safe drinking water include USAID, IMO, Japan Development Agency, and the Red Cross. These organizations usually give priority to communities that inhabit dry and remote areas, which cannot access water easily. Sustained efforts meant for supplying communities with clean water have had significant impact on the lives of populations particularly with regard to reducing illness, infant mortality rates, and the reduction of life expectancy in many parts of the world. However, studies have established that many households and individuals still cannot access safe water. Only some parts of the urban centers in the developing world receive clean and treated water. Therefore, the need to supply societies with clean water for drinking still needs the development of joint approaches that bring together governments, community-based organizations, non-governmental organizations, institutions, and individuals. Corporations and businesses have often supported initiatives meant for providing clean water by funding projects meant to provide clean and safe water for drinking. Most of these efforts are usually conducted within the framework of corporate social responsibility. The creation of structures that harness the different resources from different sectors would enhance the effectiveness of providing clean and safe drinking water for populations around the world. Lifestyle determines the rate of mortality and morbidity since it connects to the aspect of living standards and living practices. Medical reports indicate that the some lifestyle habits such as drinking, smoking, and physical activities determine the status of health for communities and individuals. Other lifestyle activities that determine the status of health of an individual include drug and substance abuse. Comparably, the effects of lifestyle on populations and individuals are more manifest in urban societies than in rural societies. Studies indicate that more young people get inducted into the habits of binge drinking and substance abuse as a form of lifestyle. Other studies indicate the existence of some association between the rate of smoking and substance abuse and the rising prevalence of diseases such as liver disease, hypertension, and other conditions that are normally associated with negative lifestyle practices. Lifestyle factors have contributed significantly to the growth of negative practices, which eventually lead to ill health and higher rates of death. Global approaches that seek to control lifestyle often include the creation of information services that aim at educating young people and populations about the adverse effects of negative lifestyle practices. Global approaches have included the adaptation of lessons on good living practices to individuals and societies through formal and informal instructional practices. Regulatory measures can be developed to control the ways that impact on the lifestyles of individuals with regard to lifestyle. Countries around the globe could create laws that regulate the production and consumption of the alcoholic beverages. Such controls and regulations could entail the determination of the age limit of consuming alcohol and the regulation of time allowed under the law for individuals to drink in social places. Countries that have strict policies on drinking and the consumption of alcohol are more likely to report less cases of alcohol-related health conditions as compared to unregulated and permissive countries. However, critical perspectives would oppose such policies basing on the fact that the liberal nature of modern societies allows individuals to make their own judgments on matters that affect personal lives. The incidence and prevalence of diseases such as HIV Aids and Malaria have significant correlations to the rise of mortality and morbidity. Both cases are manageable through appropriate methods and strategies that entail both local and global strategies. In essence, the management of conditions such as Malaria and HIV Aids would work well under a global framework that incorporates multiple sectors that work together towards the improvement of the lives of the victims and protecting vulnerable groups. Many researches have shown that the prevalence and cases of death relating to these diseases is more in the developing world as compared to the developed world. As such, it follows that the approaches adopted by the developed world towards containing the disease have been more effective as compared to those embraced by the developing world. One of the ways in which the world could respond better to the management and control of the devastating effects of HIV and Malaria could be through the application of integrated processes in the aspect of funding. Collaborative approaches have proved useful for many societies as they impact positively on the management and treatment of the diseases (United Nations, 2010; Wilkinson & Pickett, 2010). Most of the mortality cases have affected the less developed societies, which lack the capacity to fund the management and treatment of the conditions (Townsend, 2009). The intervention of western countries in the plight of the developing nations has helped to alleviate some of the challenges connected with reduction of the prevalence of the disease and death caused by the two diseases. The United States remains one of the leading financiers for intervention programs meant to reduce the high rates of death and suffering occasioned by the two diseases. Budgetary constraints of many developing countries limit their capacity to ameliorate the effects of Malaria and Aids from many of the vulnerable places around the world. Much of the funding is directed towards the Sub-Saharan Africa (Townsend & Gordon, 2002, p. 54). The understanding of the global strategies often connects to the matter of global citizenships, which enjoins greater powers and corporate citizens to act in good will. The funding programs provides by the United States have helped many poor countries to strengthen their budgets in order to deal with health-related challenges. Certain changes in the world order will impact on the health of populations and communities around the world (Craig, Burchardt & Gordon, 2008, p. 11). Inequality and underdevelopment are realities that continue to afflict many parts of the globe. Inequality manifests itself through differences in healthcare among groups, communities, and nations. Access to quality and affordable healthcare services remains unachievable because of harsh economic climate and poor structures that make it difficult for communities to thrive in accordance with universally acceptable standards (Stiglitz, 2012, p. 69). Some intervention strategies have been misdirected in ways that connect them to the different issues and challenges related to matters of healthcare and other determinants of good living standards (Stewart, 2003, p. 51). Projections from various indicators show that the cost of healthcare will continue to rise due to the unpredictable conditions on the global market, and a combination of other adverse factors. Despite the harsh economic conditions that continue to afflict many parts of the world, the population of the world continues to grow at high rates. On the other hand, the resources necessary to sustain livelihoods have continued to reduce due to the pressure impacted on them. Some of the long-term effects of these challenges include a reduction in the number of healthcare personnel since many of them switch to private ventures in order to avoid the risk of connecting with the issues of healthcare and healthcare related issues (Smallman-Raynor & Cliff, 2012, p. 102). As such, it is projected that the world will continue to meet health-related challenges unless structures are developed to coordinate the provision of healthcare to the large populations that are deprived of sustainable income. In this regard, it becomes appropriate to consider the fact that some of the issues that attend to the subject of reducing mortality rates and the prevalence of diseases have to be corrected from the dimension of staffing. Staffing remains a challenge that connects with the ability of governments to provide incentives to medical personnel to arrest the trend of staff turnover and other factors (Pearce & Paxton, 2005, p. 65). In this regard, it becomes important to consider the fact that the determination of the various issues that connect with the issues the deficiencies in supply of medical equipment in the vulnerable parts of the world (Percy-Smith, 2000, p. 108). Budgetary constraints usually impose challenges on the governments in ways that make it difficult for countries and communities to dispense medical care to needy cases (Pantazis, 2006, p. 40). Governments in many parts of the world spend much of their budgetary resources on food and cost of running governments. This leaves them with less money to invest in the sensitive healthcare sector (Sosa, 2010, p. 83). As a result, there are no research activities on the development of the most efficient medicine and medical technology. Such technology is supposed to address the different challenges related to high prevalence of manageable diseases. Many poor countries still use obsolete medical technology in treating patients (Sen, 1999, p. 334). Others still use outdated drugs that have lost effect due to mutations and other changes. Therefore, the donor community should devise strategies of directing funding towards the development of medical technology and researching on some of the common diseases that afflict populations around the globe. Moreover, arresting the high trends of morbidity and mortality in the world should involve more funding in training of medical personnel. Studies have pointed towards the need to train more medical personnel on the changing nature of infant morbidity in order to empower them with sufficient skills and knowledge of engaging the challenges (Ridge, 2004, p. 32). Connected with this is the need to develop policies that enjoin publicly trained medical personnel in the tasks and duties within public institutions. Public healthcare institutions often provide affordable services as compared to privately owned institutions (Rowlingson & McKay, 2011, p. 72). However, the challenge lies in the fact that privately owned institutions pay doctors and nurses higher salaries as compared to public institutions. As such, incentives should be provided to retain doctors and nurses in public institutions in order to retain and motivate them. The long term objective of such strategies should include the increasing of the ratio between the medical personnel and the patients to international standards. This would add value and quality to the medical services in many parts of the world and deal with the rising rates of morbidity and mortality. The American system of medical insurance should provide a model for other countries in order to shield populations from the rising costs of medication. In short, the medical reforms in the United States have brought the majority of Americans under the insurance umbrella. Strategies within the bill include the determination of insurance terms with regard to the levels of income of the individuals. As such, it becomes necessary to consider the fact that some of the insurance for the poor would eliminate or reduce the impact of poverty on the kind of inequalities that are normally determined by morbidity and mortality (Pantazis & Gordon, 2000, p. 31). On this score, the creation of strategies meant curb the high rates of morbidity and mortality should incorporate various factors that connect with the changing realities around the world. Such changes occur from the social, economic, political, and environmental forces. Conclusion Morbidity and mortality have increased as world societies increasingly get sophisticated. Governments and non-state actors have attempted various strategies that are meant to address the question. Some of the strategies have produced remarkable outcomes while others appear less sustainable. Generally, the development of sound strategies for addressing this challenge has involved structural changes, training, empowering of the vulnerable groups, insurance, technological advancement, and a range of other strategies that are meant to shield populations from the causative factors of mortality and morbidity. However, the challenge that faces the chosen approaches often involve the lack of sustainable mechanisms that can be relied upon to manage the processes of treatment and dispensing other services and strategies that are meant to protect the populations of the world. The different strategies and players should coordinate their services in ways that would ensure some form of balance and effectiveness in the services. Vulnerable groups should be identified in accordance with the demographics of place, gender, socio-economic status and other factors. Equally, some of the most common diseases and conditions should be identified in order to make it possible for the right intervention measures to be used. Essentially, the long terms strategy should be the reversing of trends and influences. Works Cited Craig G, Burchardt T, & Gordon D, 2008, Social Justice and Public Policy: Seeking fairness in diverse societies. Policy Press, Bristol.  Darton D, Hirsch D, & Strelitz J, 2003, Tackling Poverty and Disadvantage in the 21st Century, York: Joseph Rowntree, available from http://www.jrf.org.uk/sites/files/jrf/1859350909.pdf> [3 March 2013]. Dorling D 2011, Injustice: Why Social Inequality Persists. 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