Global Health Higher Education Questions

Although progress is being made, what are the continuing challenges to improving global health? In your answer be sure to address the role of the World Health Organization and the challenges presented by funding structures. In particular, what key challenges exist related to the health of children? In what ways do addressing these threats provide a unique challenge?

• What positive trends indicate the fact that the world has become healthier than ever? 
• In what ways could the World Health Organization better respond to future health crises?  
• In what ways has the global health funding for treatment and prevention of diseases proven to be a challenge? In what ways has it been a success?

Why are noncommunicable diseases a bigger problem now than they have been in the past? What factors affect how prevalent noncommunicable diseases are in a country? How is tackling the problem of noncommunicable diseases different from addressing infectious diseases? Put forth policy recommendations that identify the factors connected with the rise of NCDs as well as steps that could be taken to mitigate the threats.

• What is the correlation between longer average life expectancy and the rise of noncommunicable diseases (NCD)? 
• What steps have been taken in Mexico to help stem the rising tide of diabetes?
• What role does access to health care play in addressing NCDs?
• What role do age and gender play in the noticeable rise in NCDs?

Why are infectious diseases so hard to address in an increasingly interconnected world? How well prepared for a major disease outbreak is the world? In what ways could preparedness be improved?

• Which factor or factors do you think were most important in attracting attention and resources to the AIDS crisis?  
• What has been the role of the United States in addressing global health crises?

Access to quality health care is the best way to improve health outcomes. What challenges exist in trying to deliver quality care? Compare and contrast the major types of health care coverage around the world. What are some of the advantages and disadvantages of each? What approaches do you think would be most effective in providing better health coverage in the United States? Around the world?

• Why is having the majority of global health funding come from the “two Washingtons” (the U.S. government and the Gates Foundation) potentially problematic?