Addressing Global
Health Disparities
COMPLETED
2023/2024
, 1. What is health equity and why is it important for global health?
- Health equity is the absence of unfair, avoidable or remediable differences among groups of people,
whether those groups are defined socially, economically, demographically, or geographically or by other
dimensions of inequality (e.g. sex, gender, ethnicity, disability, or sexual orientation).
- Health equity is important for global health because it is a fundamental human right and a key determinant
of health outcomes. Health inequities can lead to increased morbidity, mortality, and reduced quality of life
for affected populations. Health inequities also pose a threat to global health security, social justice, and
economic development.
2. What are some of the main causes of health disparities in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs)?
- Some of the main causes of health disparities in LMICs are poverty, lack of access to quality health care
services, social and environmental determinants of health, infectious and chronic diseases, malnutrition,
maternal and child health issues, violence and conflict, climate change, and weak health systems .
3. What are some of the strategies that the CDC uses to address health disparities and advance health equity
globally?
- Some of the strategies that the CDC uses to address health disparities and advance health equity globally
are:
- Implementing evidence-based programs that prevent and control diseases, improve health outcomes, and
save lives.
- Strengthening public health capacities and systems to detect, respond to, and prevent public health
emergencies.
- Conducting research and surveillance to monitor health trends, identify gaps, and evaluate interventions.
- Providing technical assistance, training, and tools to support partner countries and organizations.
- Collaborating with other U.S. government agencies, multilateral organizations, civil society groups, and
private sector partners to leverage resources and expertise.
4. What are some of the challenges that nurses face when working in settings with high levels of health
disparities?
- Some of the challenges that nurses face when working in settings with high levels of health disparities are:
- Lack of adequate resources, equipment, supplies, and infrastructure.
- High workload, stress, burnout, and turnover.
- Exposure to infectious diseases and occupational hazards.
- Cultural and linguistic barriers with patients and communities.
- Ethical dilemmas and moral distress.