Watch this video before you start your week 5 assignment. This video will provide some perspective into health care in sub-Saharan Africa, and the potential challenges you may face.
PBS NewsHour. (2011). South Sudan’s health care system shows dire need [Video]. Retreived from
For weeks 5, 6, and 7, you will be acting as a relief worker for a new public health clinic opening in sub-Saharan Africa to help combat communicable and noncommunicable diseases.
Address the following in your paper:
- Determine the major communicable and noncommunicable diseases in sub-Saharan Africa.
- Analyze why these diseases are prevalent.
- Assess the challenges to prevention, transmission, and treatment of communicable diseases.
- Evaluate the risk factors for the burden of noncommunicable diseases.
- Investigate the costs to the population for both communicable and noncommunicable diseases.
- What is needed to prepare a public health employee for working in this kind of environment?
Your paper should be 3–4 pages in length, and include a minimum of 3 scholarly sources. Use current APA formatting to style your paper and to cite your sources. Integrate your sources into the paragraphs. Use internal citations pointing to evidence in the literature and supporting your ideas. You will need to include a reference page listing those sources.
See the rubric for specific grading criteria.
Expert Solution Preview
Question: What are the major communicable and noncommunicable diseases in sub-Saharan Africa and why are they prevalent?
Answer: Sub-Saharan Africa has a high prevalence of both communicable and noncommunicable diseases. The major communicable diseases include HIV/AIDS, malaria, tuberculosis, and cholera, while the major noncommunicable diseases include cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and cancer. The prevalence of these diseases is due to several factors, including poor living conditions, lack of access to clean water and sanitation, poverty, and inadequate healthcare infrastructure. Additionally, the increasing population growth and urbanization in the region have contributed to the spread of diseases. The lack of education and awareness about prevention and treatment methods also leads to the spread and persistence of these diseases.