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"Navigating Global Health Challenges: From Communicable

Diseases to Diabetes”

Samir Paudel

HSHS-1013: Global Health and Wellness

Dr. Sonja M. Calliste

02-23-24
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WHO Challenges

Communicable diseases, commonly referred to as infectious diseases, are illnesses

caused by microorganisms like bacteria, viruses, parasites, or fungus that may spread from

person to person. These readily spread illnesses have a significant impact, killing millions of

people each year. For instance, the COVID-19 pandemic demonstrates how infectious

illnesses may quickly become global hazards, impacting several countries and affecting

economies that is why Communicable disease is termed as “transnational threat”. The World

Health Organization (WHO), national health agencies, and multinational collaborations such

as the Global Outbreak Alert and Response Network (GOARN) are all major participants in

solving these concerns. WHO is responsible for worldwide monitoring, emergency response

coordination, and research and development of vaccines and treatments. (Skolnik, 2019, pp.

1053–1069)

Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), which are chronic disorders unrelated to

infectious organisms, make up a large portion of the worldwide disease burden.

Cardiovascular disease, cancer, respiratory disease, and diabetes are among the most

common noncommunicable illnesses. NCDs account for around 71% of worldwide fatalities

and impose a significant economic burden through healthcare expenses and lost

productivity. Risk factors for NCDs include unhealthy behaviors, such as tobacco use, and

poor diets. Addressing this burden requires coordinated efforts, with WHO spearheading

global policies, national governments implementing preventive measures, and civil society,

including companies and communities, encouraging healthy behaviors and supporting

preventative measures. The combined concerns of communicable and noncommunicable

illnesses emphasize the significance of coordinated worldwide efforts for a healthier future.

(Skolnik, 2019, pp. 1207–1212)

WHO CHALLENGE:

Diabetes:

Diabetes is a complicated metabolic illness that presents in numerous forms, the two

most common being type 1 and type 2. Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition that

affects pancreatic cells and causes insulin insufficiency. Type 2, the most prevalent, is

characterized by insufficient insulin synthesis or poor usage by the body. Furthermore,

gestational diabetes develops throughout pregnancy, offering dangers to both mother and

child. (World Health Organization, 2023)

Global Impact and Challenge

As of 2017, an estimated 425 million people aged 20 to 79 had diabetes, representing

an 8.8% prevalence worldwide. Despite its enormous influence on mortality, the

underdiagnosis rate is over 23%, adding to the substantial worldwide burden. The illness is

not distributed evenly, with greater incidence rates in the Western Pacific islands,

highlighting geographic variations. According to the Global Burden of Disease Study,

diabetes was the ninth largest cause of death worldwide in 2016. Alarmingly, about 80% of

diabetes-related fatalities occur in low- and middle-income nations, indicating healthcare

access and socioeconomic inequities. Diabetes causes serious and costly consequences, such
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as eye problems that lead to blindness, kidney difficulties, and circulation abnormalities that

result in amputations, strokes, and coronary heart disease. Approximately two-thirds of

persons with diabetes have some sort of impairment, greatly exceeding the disability

incidence among those without diabetes. Skolnik (2019, p. 1256)

Risk Factor:

While research into the risk factors for type 1 diabetes is ongoing, family history,

environmental variables, greater maternal age, and exposure to specific viral infections are

linked. Type 2 diabetes is associated with family history, diet, physical inactivity, obesity,

insulin resistance, ancestry, and advancing age.

WHO Initiative and strategies to Address the Challenge of Diabetes

1. Prevention and Early Diagnosis:

 Global Diabetes Compact: This effort, which began in 2021, aims to serve 100

million diabetics by 2023. It focuses on increasing prevention, enhancing diagnosis, and

assuring access to treatment. WHO actively collaborates with governments, non-

governmental organizations, and the corporate sector to achieve these aims

 Screening Program: WHO assists nations in creating cost-effective, focused screening

programs. For example, in India, WHO has worked with local health authorities to launch

large-scale screening programs in high-risk communities, discovering undiagnosed cases.

WHO (2021)

2. Treatment Access:
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 Insulin Access Initiative: WHO collaborates with partners to provide cheap and

sustainable insulin availability across the world. This program attempts to lower insulin

prices and make it more accessible in low- and middle-income nations. Negotiating with

pharmaceutical firms and campaigning for policy reforms to improve affordability are

among the efforts being made. (WHO Launches First-Ever Insulin Prequalification

Programme to Expand Access to Life-Saving Treatment for Diabetes, n.d.)

 WHO actively collaborates with renowned research institutions and organizations

to conduct comprehensive studies on diabetes risk factors and prevention strategies.

Simultaneously, it prioritizes the development of targeted educational resources tailored

for healthcare professionals, patients, and the general public. Recognizing the pivotal

role of education in combating diabetes, WHO works towards the seamless integration

of diabetes education into national health systems, fostering widespread awareness and

understanding. This multifaceted approach underscores WHO's commitment to

evidence-based research, education dissemination, and systemic integration for effective

diabetes management on a global scale. Skolnik (2019, p. 1281)

 WHO regularly contributes to the IDF's Diabetes Atlas, which is a comprehensive

resource for diabetes statistics at the global, regional, and national levels. This

partnership promotes a common knowledge of the diabetes burden, allowing nations to

coordinate their actions. For example, WHO and the IDF partner with the Chinese

government to design programs based on particular diabetes patterns found in the Atlas.

WHO works with worldwide funding groups to raise funds for diabetes projects. In

collaboration with the World Bank, WHO has acquired a $50 million grant for diabetes

prevention and treatment initiatives in low- and middle-income nations. This money
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helps execute diabetes preventive initiatives and enhance healthcare infrastructure.

(International Diabetes Federation (IDF) 3, n.d.)

Challenges and Future Directions

 Advocate for more funding for diabetes research, prevention, and treatment.

Collaboration with international financial institutions and donors to reduce economic

inequities in diabetes care. WHO conducts and supports global fundraising efforts to

raise money for diabetes. The organization's engagement with charitable organizations

and business partners led in projects like the "Diabetes-Free World Fund," which aims to

generate $1 billion over the next five years to promote diabetes research, prevention,

and treatment. The Federal Ministry of Health Nigeria in Collaboration with WHO

Launches “Stop Diabetes Initiative” on World Diabetes Day (n.d.)

 Assisting nations in creating effective diabetic healthcare systems. • Implementing

WHO's Essential Noncommunicable Disease Interventions to improve health services

 The emphasis is on lifestyle change programs, as well as the incorporation of physical

exercise and good food into community efforts. Interventions aimed at addressing

specific risk factors, such as obesity and poor nutrition. Skolnik (2019, p. 1281)

Conclusion

In the end, the World Health Organization (WHO) exhibits a thorough commitment to

addressing the complex difficulties of diabetes. Beyond policy advocacy, WHO implements

actual on-the-ground measures in collaboration with governments, the International

Diabetes Federation (IDF), and other international partners. The initiatives include focused

screening programs, attempts to improve insulin availability, significant contributions to

diabetes research, and a global collaborative strategy to mobilizing resources for prevention

and treatment. This multifaceted approach, aligned with the IDF and national efforts,

highlights a shared commitment to practical, impactful, and sustainable solutions on a global

scale, recognizing the need for ongoing research, education, and collaborative efforts to

address the economic and healthcare system challenges posed by diabetes.

References

Helping people with diabetes manage their health and lives in Brazil. (n.d.). Www.who.int.

https://www.who.int/news-room/feature-stories/detail/helping-people-with-diabetes-

manage-their-health-and-lives-in-brazil

International Diabetes Federation (IDF) 3. (n.d.). Www.who.int. Retrieved February 23,

2024, from https://www.who.int/europe/publications/m/item/international-diabetes-

federation-(idf)-3

Skolnik, R. L. (2019a). Global health 101 (p. 1256). Jones & Bartlett Learning.

Skolnik, R. L. (2019b). Global health 101 (pp. 1053–1069). Jones & Bartlett Learning.

The Federal Ministry of Health Nigeria in collaboration with WHO launches “Stop Diabetes

Initiative” on World Diabetes Day. (n.d.). WHO | Regional Office for Africa.
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https://www.afro.who.int/news/federal-ministry-health-nigeria-collaboration-who-

launches-stop-diabetes-initiative-world

WHO. (2021). The WHO Global Diabetes Compact. Www.who.int.

https://www.who.int/initiatives/the-who-global-diabetes-compact

WHO launches first-ever insulin prequalification programme to expand access to life-saving

treatment for diabetes. (n.d.). Www.who.int. https://www.who.int/news/item/13-11-

2019-who-launches-first-ever-insulin-prequalification-programme-to-expand-access-

to-life-saving-treatment-for-diabetes

World Health Organization. (2023). Diabetes. World Health Organization.

https://www.who.int/health-topics/diabetes#tab=tab
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