Within public health, understanding the global health impact on a country outside of the United States can help us understand what is happening within our own communities.
As a public health professional, you may be working within a global health setting. For weeks 2, 3, and 4, you will be compiling a report on a country of your choice that is classified as either low income or lower-middle income. (Uganda)
For this assignment:
- General Discussion:
- Select a low-income or lower middle-income country. Why did you select this country?
- Discuss background information, such as the size of the population, education, economy, and poverty levels for the country.
- What is the country’s health system, and what percentage of the population is covered?
- Determine the major health issues in the country and why you think they have become health issues.
- Analysis:
- Evaluate the main causes of mortality and the contributing factors in the country.
- Assess how culture has played a role in the leading causes of death, and how health behavior is affected by culture.
Your paper should be 2–3 pages in length, excluding the title and reference page. Be sure to include a minimum of 2-3 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
Introduction:
In this assignment, students are tasked with compiling a report on a low-income or lower-middle-income country. The report should cover general background information and an analysis of the major health issues in the selected country. The analysis should include an evaluation of the main causes of mortality and an assessment of how culture has played a role in the leading causes of death and health behavior. Additionally, the paper should be 2-3 pages in length and include a minimum of 2-3 scholarly sources, in current APA formatting.
Q: Why is it important to understand the global health impact on a country outside of the United States?
A: Understanding the global health impact on a country outside of the United States can help public health professionals understand what is happening within our own communities. Public health issues are not limited by geographic boundaries, and factors such as climate change, infectious disease outbreaks, and international travel can all impact public health on a global scale. By understanding the global health impact on other countries, public health professionals can better identify and address potential threats within their own communities and work towards improving the health of populations worldwide.
Q: Discuss background information, such as the size of the population, education, economy, and poverty levels for the selected country (Uganda).
A: Uganda is a low-income country located in East Africa with a population of approximately 44 million people. The country has a literacy rate of 76%, with education expenditures accounting for approximately 2.93% of GDP. Agriculture is the mainstay of the Ugandan economy, accounting for over 70% of employment and 25% of GDP. However, poverty rates in Uganda are high, with approximately 20% of the population living below the poverty line.
Q: What is the health system in Uganda, and what percentage of the population is covered?
A: The healthcare system in Uganda is characterized by a dual system with both public and private providers. The public sector provides healthcare services through a tiered system of health centers, health sub-districts, and hospitals. The private sector includes both for-profit and nonprofit organizations. Despite progress made in recent years, health coverage in Uganda remains low, with only approximately 8% of the population covered by health insurance.
Q: What are the major health issues in Uganda, and why do you think they have become health issues?
A: The major health issues in Uganda include infectious diseases such as HIV/AIDS, malaria, and tuberculosis, as well as communicable diseases such as non-communicable diseases and injuries. The high prevalence of infectious diseases is largely due to factors such as poverty, poor sanitation, inadequate access to healthcare, and limited public health infrastructure. Non-communicable diseases and injuries are also becoming increasingly prevalent in Uganda, fueled by factors such as lifestyle changes, urbanization, and an aging population.