Global Health
The World Health Organization defines health as a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity. As such, global health is influenced by many factors and has taken on an increased sense of urgency in the face of our shrinking planet and the impacts of global warming.
How Income Influences Our Health and Lives
It is “hard to think of a greater injustice than living over twenty-five years less because you are poor.”
Oxfam Report, 2019
Your ZIP Code May Be Hazardous to Your Health
How long you live may be determined by your zip code at birth …and a number of other social determinants.
Defense against Infectious Diseases
At least 21 million extra lives were saved due to the accelerated progress resulting from the efforts of the Millennium Development Goals between 2000 and 2015 in child mortality and malaria, maternal mortality, HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis.
Maternal and Child Health
About 830 women die from pregnancy or childbirth related complications around the world every day. Of the 130 million babies born worldwide each year, about 2.7 million do not survive the first four weeks of life. The simple act of better birth spacing by expanding availability of contraception can reduce maternal mortality by 30% and child mortality by 20%.
Current and Future Challenges
While countries have managed to decrease deaths from infectious diseases such as malaria and tuberculosis, non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as heart disease, stroke, mental illness and injuries are on the rise.