A Comparative Analysis of Global Health Approaches: Nigeria vs. the United States

QUESTION

To prepare:

• Comparing Nigeria to the U.S. -Review the World Health Organization’s (WHO) global health agenda and select one global health issue to focus on for this Assignment.
• Reflect on how the global health issue selected is approached in the U.S. and in Nigeria.

Part 1: Global Health Comparison

• Consider the U.S. national/federal health policies that have been adapted for the global health issue selected from the WHO global health agenda. Compare these policies to Nigeria.
• What are the strengths and weaknesses of each policy?
• How are the social determinants of health impacting the global health issue selected? Be specific and provide examples.
• Using the WHO’s Organization’s global health agenda as well as the results of your own research, analyze how NIgeria and the U.S’ government addresses cost, quality, and access to the global health issue selected.
• How  does the health policy selected impact the health of the global population? Be specific and provide examples.
• How does the health policy selected impact the role of the nurse in Nigeria and the U.S.?
• How does global health issues impact local healthcare organizations and policies in both countries? Be specific and provide examples.

Part 2: A Plan for Social Change

How can social change be incorporated on a global perspective or lens into your local practice and role as a nurse leader?

• Explain how you would advocate for the incorporation of a global perspective or lens into your local practice and role as a nurse leader.
• Explain how the incorporation of a global perspective or lens might impact your local practice and role as a nurse leader.
• Explain how the incorporation of a global perspective or lens into your local practice as a nurse leader represents and contributes to social change. Be specific and provide examples

ANSWER

A Comparative Analysis of Global Health Approaches: Nigeria vs. the United States

Introduction

Global health issues transcend geographical boundaries and necessitate a comprehensive understanding of policies, strategies, and healthcare delivery systems. This essay delves into a comparative analysis of how Nigeria and the United States approach a specific global health issue identified in the World Health Organization’s (WHO) global health agenda. The chosen global health issue is malaria, a disease with a significant impact on both countries.

Part 1: Global Health Comparison

Comparative Analysis of Health Policies

In the United States, the President’s Malaria Initiative (PMI) aims to reduce malaria-related morbidity and mortality through a combination of prevention and treatment strategies. In Nigeria, the National Malaria Elimination Program (NMEP) focuses on similar goals. While both policies underscore the importance of vector control, diagnosis, and treatment, challenges such as limited funding and access to healthcare facilities hinder effective implementation in Nigeria. In the U.S., coordinated efforts and funding allocation support successful policy execution.

Strengths and Weaknesses of Policies

Strengths of PMI and NMEP include their emphasis on evidence-based interventions, such as insecticide-treated bed nets and artemisinin-based combination therapies. Weaknesses in Nigeria include inconsistent implementation due to infrastructure constraints, whereas the U.S. faces challenges in reaching high-risk populations, such as migrant workers.

 Impact of Social Determinants of Health

In Nigeria, socio-economic factors like poverty, inadequate sanitation, and limited access to healthcare exacerbate malaria’s impact. In the U.S., socio-economic disparities and inadequate health literacy affect vulnerable populations, contributing to disparities in malaria prevention and treatment.

Cost, Quality, and Access

Both Nigeria and the U.S. grapple with cost barriers and quality issues in malaria management. While the U.S. provides comprehensive health coverage, uninsured populations may face limited access to malaria interventions. In Nigeria, accessibility to healthcare facilities remains a challenge, particularly in remote areas.

Impact on Global Population Health

Malaria’s prevalence affects the global population, contributing to mortality and hampering socio-economic development. Effective health policies and interventions can lead to decreased malaria-related morbidity and mortality, positively influencing global health.

Impact on Nursing Role

In Nigeria, nurses play a pivotal role in community health education, facilitating prevention strategies, and ensuring timely treatment. In the U.S., nurses provide patient education, advocate for vulnerable populations, and collaborate with healthcare teams to improve malaria outcomes.

Local Healthcare Organizations and Policies

In Nigeria, malaria prevention and management impact local healthcare facilities’ workloads, emphasizing the importance of robust infrastructure. In the U.S., healthcare organizations focus on prevention, diagnosis, and treatment, requiring coordination between facilities and public health departments.

Part 2: A Plan for Social Change

Incorporating a Global Perspective into Local Practice

Advocating for a global perspective involves integrating evidence-based interventions learned from the global context into local practice. As a nurse leader, I would initiate workshops, seminars, and training sessions to raise awareness about global health issues, fostering a holistic approach to healthcare.

Impact on Local Practice:**

Incorporating a global perspective enhances nurses’ cultural competence and knowledge of diverse health challenges. It enables nurses to identify disparities and tailor interventions, ultimately improving patient outcomes and population health.

Contributing to Social Change

Incorporating a global perspective aligns with the broader goal of addressing health disparities and promoting social change. By equipping nurses with a global lens, we empower them to advocate for equitable healthcare, engage in policy discussions, and drive systemic improvements.

Conclusion

A comparative analysis of how Nigeria and the United States approach the global health issue of malaria reveals both similarities and disparities. Effective policies, addressing social determinants, and integrating a global perspective into local nursing practice are essential steps toward improving global population health and fostering social change.