Competency
Evaluate the impact of global disease surveillance processes among global populations.
Scenario
During a global health volunteer trip, you identified the need for a disease surveillance program targeting a preventable disease within a global population. You would like to create awareness about this need and propose a solution.
Instructions
Select a preventable disease affecting a population, and write a persuasive essay for the USAID.gov blog proposing a disease surveillance program. The essay should:
- Introduce the topic and include a thesis statement that summarizes the main point of the essay and its importance. (1 paragraph)
- Describe the preventable disease and population affected by the disease (1-2 paragraphs)
- Propose methods for a disease surveillance program within the population and supported by evidence from at least two professional sources published within the past five years. (1 page)
- Suggest global health organizations that would be suited to launch the program with thorough rationale. (2 paragraphs)
- Explain how the program would be communicated to healthcare providers and communities (1-2 paragraphs)
The essay should be in APA format. Information should be supported by evidence from professional sources, published within the past five years.
Expert Solution Preview
Introduction:
Preventable diseases continue to be a significant challenge to global populations. Healthcare professionals play an essential role in identifying and preventing the spread of preventable diseases. The assignment aims to evaluate the impact of global disease surveillance processes among global populations. Specifically, we will propose a disease surveillance program aimed at preventing a specific preventable disease among a particular population. The proposal will be written in the form of a persuasive essay for the USAID.gov blog.
Answer:
Thesis Statement: The proposed disease surveillance program for the preventable disease will be essential in eliminating the spread of the disease and safeguarding the health of the affected population.
Preventable disease: Malaria
Population affected: Sub-Saharan Africa
Malaria is a preventable and treatable disease caused by Plasmodium parasites transmitted through the bites of infected mosquitoes. In 2019, the World Health Organization (WHO) reported about 229 million cases of malaria worldwide, with the majority of cases occurring in Sub-Saharan Africa. Specifically, pregnant women and young children under the age of five are at the highest risk of contracting the disease.
To prevent and control the spread of malaria, a disease surveillance program is necessary. The proposed program should incorporate the following surveillance methods:
– Regular testing of individuals at risk of contracting malaria
– Environmental surveillance that involves mapping high-risk geographical regions
– The use of low-cost innovative technologies such as rapid diagnostic tests to facilitate early diagnosis and treatment.
Evidence from professional sources indicates that the use of these surveillance methods has proven to be effective in reducing the occurrence and spread of malaria.
The proposed global health organizations that would be suited to launch the program include the WHO and the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF). The WHO has extensive experience in conducting malaria prevention and control programs, including the distribution of insecticide-treated nets and antimalarial drugs. On the other hand, UNICEF has been involved in fighting malaria in children under the age of five, one of the most vulnerable populations.
To communicate the program to healthcare providers and communities, proper dissemination channels such as community health workers and mass media should be incorporated. Community health workers can educate communities on preventive measures and offer early diagnosis and treatment. Mass media can disseminate information on the importance of the program and encourage public participation.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, the proposed disease surveillance program would be an effective strategy to combat malaria in Sub-Saharan Africa. By incorporating the proposed surveillance methods and engaging global health organizations such as WHO and UNICEF, we can accelerate the eradication of malaria. Effective communication to healthcare providers and communities will also enhance the success of the program in preventing the spread of malaria and safeguarding the health of the affected population.