NURS FPX 8014 Assessment 2 Global Issue Problem
NURS FPX 8014 Assessment 2 Global Issue Problem Name Capella university NURS FPX 8014 Global Population Health Prof. Name Date Global Issue Problem Description Malaria is a life-threatening public health issue transmitted by infected mosquitoes. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), millions of individuals are impacted by the disease globally, and the African region is substantially influenced (WHO, 2023a). This assessment recognizes the prevalence, affected population, and strategies that are traditionally used to mitigate the global burden, followed by an educational resource/project proposal for a community health officer in the sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) region. Description of the Problem Global Public Health Issue and Epidemiological Data Analyzing the data from reputable sources, it is recognized that malaria is a significantly pervasive problem worldwide and in the sub-Saharan Africa region. Universally, in the year 2022, approximately 249 million individuals reported malaria encounters, resulting in 608,000 deaths (WHO, 2023a). This high prevalence underscores the persistent burden of malaria worldwide despite ongoing global efforts to combat the disease. The disease also imposes a substantial economic burden; $ 4.3 billion has been spent by governments and individuals worldwide (Andrade et al., 2022). The scope of the disease in SSA is vast, affecting various dimensions of health and socioeconomic development. Malaria leads to severe morbidity and deaths, particularly among children (less than 5 years old). In 2022, Africa had approximately 94% of all malaria cases, and the disease-related mortality rate was 95%. There were 78% malaria deaths among children below five years in SSA (WHO, 2023a). Nations and populations disproportionately affected include Nigeria (26.8%), the Democratic Republic of the Congo (12.3%), Uganda (5.1%), and Mozambique (4.2%) (WHO, 2023a). NURS FPX 8014 Assessment 2 Global Issue Problem Within these areas, vulnerable populations include children under five, pregnant women, and people living in rural and impoverished regions (WHO, n.d.). These groups are at a higher risk due to limited access to healthcare, inadequate housing conditions that favor mosquito breeding, and lower immunity levels. Significant inequities in malaria incidence and outcomes exist across different countries and regions. SSA, despite bearing the significant malaria burden, often has the least resources to combat the disease effectively. These nations face substantial challenges in malaria control and elimination due to factors such as political instability, limited healthcare facilities, and minimal financial resources for vaccine production and distribution in the region (Oladipo et al., 2022). Thus, research prioritizes political and economic investments by the region’s government and policymakers to control disease burden and prevent individual lives. Continued efforts are essential to address the impact of disease on population health. Analysis of the Global Health Issue Malaria, as a public health issue, has multifaced impacts on individuals, communities, and populations around the world, particularly in sub-Saharan African regions. Impact on Individuals Malaria has a profound effect on individuals, particularly in high-burden areas such as Sub-Saharan Africa. For infected individuals, malaria causes a range of signs and symptoms, including high-graded temperature, chills, and head and musculoskeletal pain (Bamikole, 2024). Children below five years old and expecting women are especially at high risk, with children experiencing augmented mortality rates and pregnant women facing pregnancy-related complications. They may transmit the disease to the fetus, risking maternal and neonatal lives (Bamikole, 2024). Therefore, poor physical outcomes, the financial burden of treatment, and lost productivity due to illness significantly affect individuals’ quality of life. Impact on Communities At the community level, the high prevalence of malaria strains local healthcare systems, leading to poor healthcare services within the communities. Additionally, the economic impact of the disease is substantial, where communities face direct costs for medical care and indirect costs due to poverty (Andrade et al., 2022). Among children, school absenteeism due to malaria is common, affecting educational outcomes and future economic prospects. Halliday et al. (2020) mention that malaria is estimated to result in 5% and 8% of preventable school absenteeism among African children. Lastly, communities also experience social disruption, as frequent illnesses and deaths weaken social bonds and disrupt community cohesion. Impact on Populations Populations in malaria-endemic regions experience widespread and persistent health challenges that impede broader socioeconomic development. According to Andrade et al. (2022), countries with high malaria prevalence can see reductions in their GDP growth rates by up to 1.3% annually. This economic strain perpetuates cycles of poverty as affected populations struggle to break free from the financial constraints imposed by frequent malaria outbreaks. It hinders economic growth by reducing the workforce’s productivity and increasing healthcare costs. Additionally, high morbidity and mortality rates strain national resources and international aid, requiring significant investment in public health infrastructure and preventive measures to control the disease. Social and Political Ramifications If malaria remains unaddressed, it could have severe social and political consequences, particularly in high-burden areas like Sub-Saharan Africa. Socially, the persistent high morbidity and mortality rates will strain individuals and communities, aggravating economic challenges and reducing overall quality of life (Andrade et al., 2022). Academic disruptions for children due to illness will hinder human capital development, limiting future economic growth. On the other hand, politically, governments may face increased pressure to address the health crisis, potentially leading to social unrest if they fail to deliver effective solutions (Oladipo et al., 2022). The financial implications of malaria could divert resources from other critical areas, further destabilizing already fragile economies. Additionally, ongoing health crises could undermine public trust in government institutions and international organizations, potentially leading to political instability and weakened governance. Addressing malaria is thus crucial not only for health outcomes but also for maintaining social cohesion and political stability. Social Determinants That Impact the Problem The population most affected by malaria primarily resides in SSA (94%) ((WHO, 2023a). Rural populations are particularly affected due to poor living conditions and higher exposure to mosquito vectors. Several Social Determinants of Health (SDOH), such as poverty, lack of education, and limited healthcare accessibility, exacerbate the risk, trapping these communities in a cycle of disease and deprivation. Poverty limits access to preventive solutions like insecticide-treated nets (ITNs) and timely medical treatment. According