Tevez 1

Desiree Tevez

Mr. Rivas

AP Language and Composition

Period 3

6/2/17

Depriving People in Need

Outbreaks of infectious diseases have raised hysteria on a global scale. This is especially

in regards to emerging and developing nations that are heavily impacted due to the absence of a

reliable health care system. Health care policies and programs vary around the world. Some of

course are more developed than others, but that is due to several components that are exclusive

to each nation. Challenges in healthcare include not only cost but social, cultural, political, and

economic standings. Health care must be provided to all individuals around the world to achieve

the prevention of infectious diseases such as AIDS, especially in developing countries. A

universal healthcare has continued to be of the utmost importance in terms of aiding individuals

in need.

Health care is necessary for all individuals, however it is not available or accessible to

everyone. The World Health Organization revealed that countries at various stages of economic

development and in different social and political contexts have diverse problems and require

tailored solutions. A wide range of factors contribute to a role in implementing a universal

health care system. A major factor that can unravel the establishment of this system includes

deficiencies in finance. This ultimately pertains to how well countries are able to accommodate

to its specific needs that are unique to each of their nations. If the essential finance is not
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available, then any hope of implementing a universal health care would diminish (Carrin et al.).

In emerging and developing countries, this is extremely prominent and an ongoing concern for

people seeking assistance.

When designing a health care system, countries must consider an efficient system that

provides the entire population with access to good quality services, health workers, medicines

and technologies (Health Systems). A successful system should also consider all individuals

on the spectrum of income (specifically people who are not wealthy). The need to create a health

system that is stable, systematic, and recognizes the priority for health needs through people

centered integrated care are the most salient components. A poorly maintained health system

inhibits and is detrimental to the success of what is needed for universal health care. Key factors

should be assessed and thoroughly analyzed in order to achieve this goal as well as what is to be

combatted. Figuring out the roots of these pressing issues would serve as a transition into the

correct course of action.

Developing countries in general struggle to allocate resources to the entirety of their

populations and rely on other countries to give aid. In 2014, 44 countries obtained either 75% or

more of their funding for HIV from external sources (Izazola). In Foreign aid: which countries

are the most generous?, Naomi Larsson reported that,

The country that donated the most to foreign aid in terms of percentage of

GNI was the United Arab Emirates (a non-DAC country), and it sent

1.17% of its national income to development aid, after providing

substantial assistance to Egypt. This is equivalent to $4bn, close to what

Australia put towards aid. But for Australia, the $4bn is only 0.27% of its

national income.

While part of the UKs aid budget goes to Bric countries Brazil, Russia,

India and China which have the worlds largest and fastest

emerging-market economies they also donate significant amounts in

foreign aid. According to Devex, foreign aid expenditure of the Bric

countries increased from about $1.5bn in 2005 to approximately $4.2bn in

2011.

However, there are still issues in allocating the proper funding to sufficiently maintain resources.

Unfortunately, these nations are still subjected to various forms of suffering because they do not

have the available resources. Some of which includes safe drinking water that is consumable,

education, and health care. Water quality is vital. Rapid urbanization has played an adverse role

by hindering the capability of countries to supply people with appropriate distribution and

sanitation (Water in Developing Countries). It is because of this incapability that any water

available is occupied for bathing, laundry, and cleaning. Underlying issues within these countries

emphasize the need for a universal healthcare to the entirety of the population, especially in

developing countries. Eliminating the struggle of healthcare would work as a step towards

achieving prevention of infectious diseases. In spite of, this is easier said than done.

Health care is principally one of the most challenging resources to secure. Providing

health care in developing countries has proven to be much more urgent and crucial due to

limitations and restrictions. A large majority of people in developing countries go without health

care, which they desperately need (ODonnell). The difference of having accessible health care
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can be drastic in comparison to those who do not have it. Common illnesses in countries like the

United States are easily treatable, but for poorer nations, the conditions are not the same.

Hospitals in these parts of the world are in serious need of assistance. The necessary tools are

often not available to sufficiently aid their patients. Melinda Beck expressed that many hospitals

in poor countries are awash in equipment they cannot use, donated in exchange for tax credits.

Many of the hospitals in developing countries cant even use the available tools that they have.

Developing countries often lack stable electricity sources or experience malfunctions in

equipment that is not easy to repair. Shortages of well trained medical professionals still remain

present in these hospitals. This only scratches the surface of the adversity that these countries

face on a daily basis. Beck was clear to assert that what is really needed is not a high tech

machine, but a simpler, more reliable version of an old [machine]. It would be wonderful for

these hospitals to obtain the same efficiency in healthcare through the most up to date equipment.

Nonetheless, it is not the ideal situation that these countries face. At this moment it is important

to focus on what can be done to improve these institutions before taking any further

advancements. It would be best for developing countries in the sense that they may not have the

luxury of constant electricity. However with the correct funding or budget cuts on trivial

equipment, better health care can be provided so long as patient are given the care they need to

return to health.

Countless of infectious diseases have the potential and power to ravage a village and

leave nothing behind. AIDS is an infectious disease that causes a severe loss of the body's

cellular immunity and decreases resistance to illness to an extreme extent. AIDS affects millions

of individuals because it impacts every aspect of their lives. The focal points of the millions
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affected ranging to a rather shocking percentage of More than 95% of HIV infections traced to

developing countries (HIV/AIDS). The lack of necessary resources in these countries make

caring for HIV and AIDS, as well as prevention efforts borderline impossible (Boyle). According

to the World Health Organization, the majority of cases of HIV which will eventually lead to

AIDS are in developing countries.

The impacts of this infectious disease has reached far more problematic circumstances

compared to first world countries. This draws much needed attention the heavy effects of

infectious disease in places that do not have the means to produce necessary treatment. There are

specific groups of people that are susceptible to being a victim of HIV or AIDS. For example,

individuals who inject drugs into themselves or sharing the same needle are at high risk of

transmitting and receiving this disease. In fact, it has been accountable for a large portion of the

continued spreading. Out of the estimated 11.7 million people who inject drugs into themselves,

about 14% are living with HIV. China, Russia, and the United States make up almost half of the

large scale of drug injections worldwide (People Who Inject Drugs, HIV and AIDS).

Women and children are heavily impacted by infectious diseases as well. Despite women

being faced with high rates of being infected, access to HIV testing and treatment remains low.

Children are extremely vulnerable to going without treatment because they solely rely on their

parents or guardians to have some form of health care. Therefore if they have no access to health

care, they will eventually stop returning for treatment. A study had been conducted with 13,611

children from low income countries in Asia and Africa (Children, HIV and AIDS). The study

found that at 18 months after beginning treatment, 5.7% had died and 12.3% did not return for

further treatment. These results can be connected to the fact that they often do not receive the
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correct caregiver information. These patients also go through ignominy, challenges with

counseling, and weak follow ups within their clinics.

The prevention of the further spreading of aids requires the inauguration and

implementation of efficient strategies to mitigate the effects of AIDS. It has been specified that

combination prevention advocates for a holistic approach that emphasizes HIV as a concurrent

use of complementary behavioral, biomedical and structural prevention strategies (HIV

Prevention Programmes Overview). This would be the opposite of viewing HIV as a single

intervention like the promotion of condom distribution. Taking this approach could very well

revive and improve global responses. Raising awareness of strategies to encourage preventing

the spread of infectious disease can arise at the same time.

Combination prevention approaches would work to consider factors that are special to

each scenario. This refers to components like infrastructure, different cultures, and populations

that are being overtaken by HIV. In order to prevent the further spreading of aid, it must be

looked at in all aspects. Understanding the epidemic as well as the appropriate response is

important in the process of designing a well supported intervention plan for epidemics such as

HIV. According to AVERT, an organization working towards raise awareness about HIV and

AIDS, there are several steps involved. Some of which include having an extensive

comprehension of not only the epidemic itself but those who are involved and affected greatly.

Identifying geographical components and securing the essential tools are also key in its success.

Multiple factors contribute to the increasing cases of infectious diseases like HIV and

AIDS. These factors largely hinder the possibility of making healthcare accessible to all

individuals. The CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) informs that many activities
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ultimately promote the emergence of infectious disease. For instance when microbial traffic is

involved, the damage can be drastic. Geographically isolated populations are also vulnerable to

pathogens that are waiting for the chance to disperse on a massive scale. Climate change can also

play a role in the spreading of these pathogens. Changes in climate can also affect how these

pathogens survive, thrive, and transmit. Increases in temperature are examples of environmental

disruption that can potentially create an opportunity for pathogens to grow deadly. This is

because viruses or bacteria for example, require certain heat temperatures to be produced and

continue surviving. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has also identified

that ecological changes caused by agricultural or economic development, are prominent

contributors to emergence. Once again, this is pertaining to disruptions in environment that give

rise to pathogens that are already present. Circumstances involving the constant threat of deadly

pathogens are vital to monitor in these areas. Such characteristics cater to the challenges of

cultural stability that serve as a pillar for healthcare in all regions of the world.

These particular factors set the stage for people to come into contact with infectious

diseases that are already lurking. Water has also been classified as a factor of emergence. Once

again, factors like hygiene play salient roles in the emergence of infectious disease. In regards to

water, not all individuals have access to clean water. The only source of water that is used is

either unsanitary or unsafe to consume, but they have no choice but to drink it anyways because

of their absence of securable resources. Another point to remember is the environment of these

areas that are often polluted, poorly kept, and not fit for healthy lifestyles.
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Several options are available to direct attention on these concerns. By integrating the

support of all countries, promoting health care in areas like developing countries can be

achieved.

Supporting emerging and developing country health challenges through science is

important. Just as important, though, is to support indigenous empowerment

through science. Based on our evaluation experience, we believe that it is

primarily through in-country research capacity development that emerging and

developing countries can attain long-term solutions to critical health needs

(Michael Csaszar and Bhavya Lal)

Implementing support through science (available technology, research, etc.) and indigenous

empowerment is critical to developing countries. It would directly address the need to ensure that

the necessary resources are available to produce the best results in providing health care

efficiently. It is critical that Empowering emerging and developing countries with indigenous

research capacity is achieved. Doing so will help to draw attention to this inequity

simultaneously. By supporting emerging and developing countries with funding and sufficient

planning, the overall situation would contribute to the lack of health care for those who really

need it. Now this is where well developed countries with established economies come into play.

Since emerging and developing countries often rely on aid from developed countries, they can

use this to slowly push their countries forward. Well developed nations can serve as models for

developing countries to follow to establish themselves and make steady progress.

Reforming healthcare in developing countries is another solution that can potentially

produce long term success and improvement. The debate for how healthcare should be tackled is
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most definitely a topic that requires the cooperation of all parties concerned. In Health Care

System Reforms In Developing Countries, Wei Han asserts that,

The 2000 World Health Report pointed out three fundamental objectives

of health systems, namely improving the health of the populations they

serve, responding to peoples expectations, and providing financial

protection against costs due to illness. In addition, it stressed the poors

need for financial protection being as great as or greater than well-off

peoples, since even small absolute risks may give birth to catastrophic

consequences for the poor.

In recent years, many lower- to middle-income countries, including China,

Vietnam, India, Colombia, Mexico, Thailand, Kenya, Ghana, and Zambia,

have been reforming their health systems to promote universal access to

health care, and improving equity of health, quality of health service, and

fairness of financing.

This particular strategy of reform caters to individuals on all levels of income. Reforms such as

these make it a point to ensure that people who are in poverty receive the healthcare they need.

This system isnt exactly perfect, but it works as a strong framework to continue seeking the best

possible response to promoting a universal healthcare for developing countries. The policies that

are created along with these reforms of healthcare will be disparate depending on a number of

details. Coming up with a balanced and supported systematic approach opens an opportunity to

continue tackling prevention with a new approach. In Universal Healthcare: the affordable

dream, Amartya Sen illuminates that

various studies have investigated the experiences of countries where

effective healthcare is provided at low cost to the bulk of the population.

The places that first received detailed attention included China, Sri Lanka,

Costa Rica, Cuba and the Indian state of Kerala. Since then examples of

successful UHC or something close to that have expanded, and have

been critically scrutinised by health experts and empirical economists.

Good results of universal care without bankrupting the economy in fact

quite the opposite can be seen in the experience of many other countries.

This includes the remarkable achievements of Thailand, which has had for

the last decade and a half a powerful political commitment to providing

inexpensive, reliable healthcare for all.

These studies reaffirm that a universal healthcare for everyone, even developing countries

is possible.

The procedures of prevention should be a combination of strategies that can tackle

various outcomes. It is because of constant risks of new infectious diseases emerging anywhere

that governments along with other multilateral institutions must aim to strengthen and create

interconnected systems to prepare for outbreak prevention, detection, and response. Anticipating

new diseases that will inevitably emerge anywhere will prove to be beneficial. Being able to

adapt and reevaluate any failed outcomes would be another beneficial attribute. By expecting the

emergence of new infectious disease, heavily affected areas will be easier to aid. Governments,

multilateral institutions, and other stakeholders recognize the need on placing health care

systems with the emergence of new diseases that can be harmful as a serious priority.
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Advocating basic health care and making connections between prevention, detection, and

response can be a stepping stone that will lead to improvement in mitigating infectious diseases.

The World Health Organization has determined that including activities ranging from disease

surveillance, drug and vaccine research and development, infectious disease research and

training, preparedness and response planning and execution, and public education, behavior

change, and disease prevention campaigns would also be prominent. Preventing new infectious

diseases from emerging and spreading will require extensive effort from organizations including

the United Nations Food and Agricultural Organization and the World Organization for Animal

Health.

The World Organization for Animal Health in particular because an abundant amount of

diseases are of zoonotic origin. In fact over 200 diseases caused by numerous sources such as

bacteria, parasites, fungi, and viruses have been categorized as transmittable between animals

and humans (Zoonoses). Furthermore, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have

identified that zoonotic diseases are transmitted through direct contact, indirect contact,

vectorborne occurrences, and lastly foodborne instances. Since these types of diseases are

common and can be deadly in some cases, governments must enforce or at least keep

surveillance of the population and conduct proper research and training within clinics or

hospitals. Overviewing any changes made within an environment that can prove to be a

biohazard is another task that must be considered for preventing infectious disease on a massive

scale.

Regardless of the already identified factors hindering the implementation of a universal

health care for all individuals, there is still much to be improved. The spread of infectious disease
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has continued to remain difficult to contain. Globally, the impacts of infectious disease are on

different levels of severity. The most impacted nations being emerging and developing nations

because of their lack of health care. Health care policies and programs vary around the world, the

quality of healthcare services often depending on several components that are exclusive to each

nation. Challenges in these healthcare institutions include social, cultural, political, and

economic standings. Despite these challenges, it must be made available to all individuals around

the world to decrease its influences through diseases like AIDS. Creating an accessible universal

healthcare has continued to be uphold its impact on the lives of individuals that are in desperate

need of these services. In order to properly address these challenges, all factors must be assessed

to successfully alleviate the spreading of infectious diseases.

Work Cited

The U.S. Government & Global Emerging Infectious Disease Preparedness And Response.

Kaiser Family Foundation - Health Policy Research, Analysis, Polling, Facts, Data and

Journalism, 8 Dec. 2014,

[Link]/global-health-policy/fact-sheet/the-u-s-government-global-emerging-infectious-di

sease-preparedness-and-response/. Accessed 14 Nov. 2016.

Preventing Emerging Infectious Diseases: A Strategy for the 21st Century Overview of the

Updated CDC Plan. CDC, 11 Sept. 1998,

[Link]/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/[Link]. Accessed 14 Nov. 2016.

Carrin, Guy, Evans B. David, Mathauer Inke, Xu Ke. Universal coverage of health services:

tailoring its implementation. WHO,

[Link]/bulletin/volumes/86/11/07-049387/en/. Accessed 14 Nov. 2016.

Questions and Answers on Universal Health Coverage. WHO,

[Link]/healthsystems/topics/financing/uhc_qa/en/. Accessed 14 Nov. 2016.

HIV/AIDS. WHO, 18 June 2008,

[Link]/immunization/topics/hiv/en/[Link]. Accessed 14 Nov. 2016.

Shah, Anup. AIDS around the world. Global Issues, 29 Nov. 2009,

[Link]/article/219/aids-around-the-world. Accessed 15 Nov. 2016.

[Link]

gs

Women and HIV/AIDS. AVERT,

[Link]/professionals/hiv-social-issues/key-affected-populations/women.
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Accessed 15 Nov. 2016.

Children and HIV/AIDS. AVERT,

[Link]/professionals/hiv-social-issues/key-affected-populations/children.

Accessed 15 Nov. 2016.

Funding for HIV and AIDS AVERT,

[Link]/professionals/hiv-around-world/global-response/funding. Accessed 15

Nov. 2016

HIV Prevention Programmes Overview. AVERT,

[Link]/professionals/hiv-programming/prevention/overview. Accessed 15 Nov.

2016

Kamali, Anatoli, Ndowa, Francis, Steen Richard, Wi, Elvira, Teodora. Control of sexually

transmitted infections and prevention of HIV transmission: mending a fractured paradigm.

WHO,

[Link]/bulletin/volumes/87/11/08-059212/en/. Accessed 16 Nov. 2016

Csaszar, Michael, Bhavya, Lal. "Improving Health in Developing Countries." Issues in Science

and Technology, vol. 21, no. 1, 2004,

[Link]/21-1/p_csaszar/.

Meeting the Challenge: The World Bank and HIV/AIDS. WorldBank, 3 Apr. 2013,

[Link]/en/results/2013/04/03/hivaids-sector-results-profile.

People who inject drugs, HIV and AIDS. AVERT,

[Link]/professionals/hiv-social-issues/key-affected-populations/people-inject-dru

gs.
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Boyle, A., Brian. HIV in Developing Countries: A Tragedy Only Starting to Unfold.

Medscape,

[Link]/viewarticle/410262.

Beck, Melinda. The Challenge of Health Care Innovation in Developing Nations - WSJ. The

Wall Street Journal,

[Link]/articles/the-challenge-of-health-care-innovation-in-developing-nations-14

74855561 . Accessed 1 June 2017.

Han, Wei. Healthcare System Reforms in Developing Countries. PMC,

Zoonotic Diseases. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,

[Link]/onehealth/basics/[Link] . Accessed 1 June 2017.

Zoonoses. World Health Organization,

[Link]/zoonoses/en/ . Accessed 1 June 2017.

Bryner, Jeanna. 13 Animal-to-Human Diseases Kill 2.2 Million People Each Year. 6 June

2012,

[Link]/[Link] . Accessed 1 June

2017.

Larsson, Naomi. Foreign aid: which countries are the most generous. 9 Sept. 2015,

[Link]/global-development-professionals-network/2015/sep/09/foreign-ai

d-which-countries-are-the-most-generous . Accessed 1 June 2017.

Water in Developing Countries. The Environmental Literacy Council,

[Link]/water/water-supply/water-in-developing-countries/. Accessed 1 June

2017
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Sen, Amartya. Universal healthcare: the affordable dream. theguardian, 6 Jan. 2015,

[Link]

-dream-amartya-sen . Accessed 1 June 2017.