Global Determinants of Disease Flashcards
What is Global Health?
An area for study, research, and practice that places a priority on improving health and achieving equity in health for all people worldwide
What is the “10/90 Gap” referring to?
10% of worldwide resources devoted to health research were put towards health in Developing Countries, where over 90% of all preventable deaths worldwide occurred
What is Public Health mainly concerned with?
- Prevention
- Equity
- Population-based approaches
- Scientifically validated technical approaches
What is the difference between Global Health and International Health?
Global Health is the study and practice of health issues that transcend international borders
International Health is the study of health issues that affect people living in the developing world
What are some criticisms of International Health?
It relies of a recipient and donor relationship:
- Poor versus Sick
- Ignorant versus Skilful
- Passive versus Active
- Traditional versus Modern
There is an asymmetry, where problems flow from the developing country to the developed
As doctors, how are we expected to practice Global Health?
- Culturally determined medical practice
- Knowledge of tropical diseases / emerging global infections
- Travel clinic
- Wider determinants of health in a global sense
- Ability to address health inequalities
Why are existing arrangements failing in Global Health currently?
States are responsible for their nations health and international agencies rely on cooperation between nation states; which does not always occur
Give some examples of Global issues which affect all individuals on Earth
- Global warming
- Development, poverty, inequality
- Food and water security
- Wars and security threats
- Migration
What are some benefits to Understanding Global Health?
- Improved skill and confidence
- Broader exposure and experience
- Sensitivity to cost issues
- Less reliance on technology
- Cross-cultural communication
- Broadens career options, primary care, public health, medicine for the poor and minorities
What kinds of problems do International Health focus on in developing, LIC countries?
Infections
Water
Sanitation
What is “Directly Observed Treatment” (DOT) as seen in treatment for TB?
DOT involves healthcare workers observing patients taking each dose of TB medication
What are some pitfalls of Directly Observed Treatment (DOT)?
Creates a sense of mistrust and the donor may feel patronising.
Furthermore, does not encourage autonomy for patients to make their own choices.
Why is there a shift from International Health to Global Health?
The realisation we are all interconnected and interdependent
Give some global causes of Lung Cancer
- Smoking
- Smokeless tobacco i.e. betel nut
- Indoor pollution
