Pledge in Defeating Noncommunicable Diseases

Working with the World Health Organization, WHO, the UN General Assembly stated their goal to create a commitment in the fight against noncommunicable diseases.  Such diseases are non-infectious and are long lasting.  A top priority for the organizations to combat are diabetes, heart disease, strokes, and caner, all leading causes of death among people internationally.   Besides the genetics aspect of these diseases, there are determinants that individuals make to potentially heighten the risk of acquiring such an illness.  Smoking, nutrient lacking diets, and lack of exercise are all contributors to the communicable diseases that are taking the lives of people worldwide.  The World Health Organization and UN General Assembly plan to provide regions of the world in need with education on promoting a healthy lifestyle and precautions to take to ensure these fatal diseases do not impact their lives.  In addition to the educational programs, the two organizations plan to provide regions heavily affected with disease with proper agricultural products as well as access to the necessary medicines to help fight the illnesses.   A major obstacle people face throughout the world is obtaining access to vital drugs and treatments.   Through these programs, those affected by the noncommunicable diseases are able to gain the aid they need to promote a healthy life.  By recognizing the importance of defeating these fatal diseases, millions of live can potentially be saved worldwide.  Acknowledging the seriousness of these international issues is the first step in developing a plan to reduce its impact on the victims and families.

http://www.who.int/mediacentre/news/notes/2011/noncommunicable_diseases_20110919/en/index.html

China's Attempt to Reduce HIV/AIDS Spread

A growing epidemic throughout the world, HIV/AIDS is a top concern for health organizations internationally.  Efforts to reduce the spread of the disease can be attributed to preventative actions worldwide.   Specifically, regions in China have created pilot trials to help reduce the spread of HIV/AIDS from mother to child during birth.  As a way to promote the prenatal care, the programs in China offered free HIV testing and provided information on the disease for those infected.  This availability to resources allows those who typically are unable to access such health programs the opportunity to better their lives and their families.  Providing aid to prenatal children infected with the disease reduces the risk of infant mortality, compared to if the disease went undetected from mother to child.  Programs such as the one in China are a step in encouraging the necessity for prenatal care as well as the importance in preventing the spread of HIV/AIDS.  By starting with younger generations, it is possible to create a healthier future for the international world. 

http://news.xinhuanet.com/english2010/china/2011-09/09/c_131130799.htm

U.S. compared to Europe's Development Plan

In the lecture presentation by Steven Hill at the University of Illinois this past week, the development models between the United States and Europe were compared.  Looking at pros and cons of each model, Steven Hill discussed how Europe’s development model was best suited for the 21^st century and benefited the tax payers better than the United States’ model.  A major difference between the two development plans is that the taxes paid in Europe are redistributed into social spending programs such as healthcare, child care, and university educations where as in the United States is in invested primarily into the military and back into the pockets of the wealthy.  Paying half the amount of money and receiving better care, Europe has a healthcare system established to take care of the people, one that should be emphasized in countries throughout the world.  Prioritizing their needs, countries in Europe recognize the necessity to provide systems that better the lives of the people.  Through funding programs such as education and healthcare, it is possible to not only protect the citizens from harmful diseases but also educate them on how to live a healthy lifestyle and to prevent the spread of infectious illnesses.  Preventative ways such as investing in social programs is a way to stop the vicious cycles of poor health from generation to generation.  Utilizing taxes payers’ dollars, like countries in Europe do, people can benefit from the opportunities and resources given through social spending.

Kenya's Actions to Better Sanitation

Few things are required for basic health in the world such as clean air, food, and water.  For some developing nations, these simple amenities are not obtainable.  In areas such as Kenya, the issue of clean water and sanitation are being addressed, with the ultimate goal of improving health for those living in poverty.  Living on a minimum budget, many find it difficult to afford the necessities for their families and challenging decisions must be made to ensure the survival of one’s family.  Attempting to put a stop to the corruption surrounding water supply and cleanliness, according to The World Bank, Kenya’s new constitution states that is a right for the citizens to have access to clean water and sanitation.  Allowing the public, the poor included, to receive clean water is a major way in improving the health and lives of the indigenous.  This improvement guarantees a bacteria free water supply which has the potential to decrease the amount of bacteria and infectious diseases lurking around such environments.  Small steps such as amending a constitution to include simple health requirements for people can make a change in the overall health condition.
http://web.worldbank.org/WBSITE/EXTERNAL/NEWS/0,,contentMDK:22974525~menuPK:34457~pagePK:34370~piPK:34424~theSitePK:4607,00.html