Question

Defining international or global health is important and some consider global health synonymous with public health. Select one of the following two statements:

1. Global health is public health requiring similar training and research methods.

2. Global health is a separate discipline requiring specific training and research methods.

Identify at least two arguments that support the selected statement and provide sources to support those arguments. Identify and discuss one historical event that is important in how global health is understood today and how that event supports your argument. For one of your substantive responses, identify another classmate that selected the opposite statement and provide at least one point of agreement and one point of disagreement.

Answer 1

Global health is a separate discipline requiring specific training and research methods.

Public health was defined in 1933 as “the art and science of preventing disease, prolonging life and promoting health through the organized efforts of society” by physician and epidemiologist Sir Donald Acheson, who also served as chief medical officer of the United Kingdom in the late 1900s.

The overall goal of public health is to strengthen health services and reduce inequalities in order to improve and protect the well-being of individuals, communities and populations. To achieve this goal, public health professionals use education and research to promote healthy lifestyles. They also carry out research into diseases and develop treatment programs to counteract the spread of infectious diseases. Public health also promotes the equitable provision of quality health care to all citizens.

Global health focuses on health issues that transcend national borders. The best known of the global health agencies is the World Health Organization (WHO), which manages and coordinates health-related activities for countries around the world.

Today, almost no country exists in isolation. The world and its economies are becoming globalized, driving an increase in worldwide commerce and international travel. With these developments have come an increased risk of the spread of infectious diseases, and every country must take steps to protect its citizens.

While public health professionals get more involved at a grass-roots level nationally, those in global health focus more on health care problems and policy issues that cross national borders.