Name
Chamberlain University
NR-553: Global Health
Prof. Name
Date
“Today’s real borders are not between nations, but between powerful and powerless, free and fettered, privileged and humiliated. Today, no walls can separate humanitarian or human rights crises in one part of the world from national security crisis in another” (Markle, Fisher, & Smego, 2007).
Kofi Annan’s statement underscores the profound relationship between social injustice, global inequalities, and health outcomes. Health disparities are not only caused by medical conditions but are also shaped by unequal distributions of resources due to political, social, and economic systems.
A significant global health inequality is limited access to maternal and child healthcare. Despite technological and medical advancements, preventable maternal and neonatal deaths persist in low-income countries. According to the World Health Organization (WHO, 2017), maternal mortality remains a critical indicator of global health inequality. It reflects disparities in healthcare infrastructure, trained professionals, and resource distribution across nations.
Power and privilege determine who can access healthcare and who cannot. Wealthier individuals and nations often have superior access to medical technology, qualified healthcare providers, and effective treatment options. In contrast, marginalized populations—whether due to poverty, race, geography, or systemic discrimination—struggle to obtain even basic medical services (Pickett & Wilkinson, 2015).
For instance, income inequality strongly influences access to hospitals, preventive healthcare, and quality treatments. Privileged groups benefit from comprehensive insurance and quality healthcare facilities, while disadvantaged communities face barriers that contribute to higher morbidity and mortality (Powel, 2016).
Health inequalities are rooted not only in medical access but also in social determinants such as education, income, gender, race, and geography. These determinants sustain systemic barriers that perpetuate poor health across generations.
Socioeconomic Determinants and Their Impact on Health
| Determinant | Impact on Health |
|---|---|
| Income Inequality | Limits access to hospitals, medication, and preventive care (Powel, 2016). |
| Education | Lower education correlates with reduced health literacy and healthcare utilization. |
| Geography | Rural areas face shortages of clinics and trained professionals. |
| Gender & Race | Discrimination restricts access to equitable healthcare. |
| Basic Needs Access | Lack of clean water, sanitation, and food causes malnutrition and diseases. |
According to Daley et al. (2015), approximately 200 million children in developing nations such as Bangladesh risk not achieving full developmental potential due to malnutrition. In contrast, populations with stable nutrition, education, and living conditions exhibit higher life expectancy and improved well-being.
Socioeconomic inequalities extend beyond immediate health problems. Williams, Priest, and Anderson (2016) emphasize that individuals with lower socioeconomic status are more susceptible to chronic conditions such as cardiovascular disease, substance use disorders, and mental health challenges. These persistent health issues create cycles of illness and poverty that reinforce inequality over time.
Naomi,
According to the WHO (2015), the neonatal period, which encompasses the first 28 days of life, is the most crucial for child survival. Sadly, many of these deaths are preventable through affordable interventions. Wardlaw, You, Hug, Amouzou, and Newby (2014) report that most under-five deaths occur in regions such as South Asia, East Asia, Latin America, and Africa.
A promising approach to address this issue is the integration of frontline health workers, including nurses, midwives, and community health workers (CHWs). Darmstadt et al. (2013) explain that linking CHWs with healthcare facilities enhances maternal and child health services. This collaboration ensures access to counseling, pregnancy care, skilled birth attendance, and postnatal services, effectively reducing preventable maternal and infant deaths.
The WHO (2017) identifies maternal mortality as a central indicator of global health inequality. Although maternal mortality declined by 44% worldwide between 1990 and 2015, the United States presents concerning trends where maternal deaths have not decreased (Maternal Health Task Force, n.d.).
Dr. Fildes and Gwendolyn,
Preventable maternal deaths are primarily driven by inequitable access to quality healthcare. In low-resource countries, limited infrastructure, inadequate emergency obstetric care, and insufficient medical supplies contribute to these outcomes. Khan et al. (2006) emphasize that complications such as postpartum hemorrhage and pre-eclampsia can be avoided with timely interventions.
The cases of Nepal and Rwanda illustrate how effective interventions can yield substantial improvements.
Examples of Successful Interventions Addressing Maternal Health Inequalities
| Country | Intervention | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Nepal | Partnered with UNICEF to upgrade birthing centers and train community volunteers | Reduced maternal mortality from 850 (1991) to 170 per 100,000 live births (2011) (WHO, 2015). |
| Rwanda | Implemented mobile health (mHealth) communication between CHWs and health units | Increased facility-based births by 27% and improved maternal healthcare (UNICEF, 2013). |
These examples demonstrate that government commitment, international collaboration, and community engagement are essential to addressing maternal and child health inequalities globally.
Daley, K., Castleden, H., Jamieson, R., Furgal, C., & Ell, L. (2015). Water systems, sanitation, and public health risks in remote communities: Inuit resident perspectives from the Canadian Arctic. Social Science & Medicine, 135, 124–132.
Darmstadt, G. L., Marchant, T., Claeson, M., Brown, W., Morris, S., Donnay, F., & Schellenberg, J. (2013). A strategy for reducing maternal and newborn deaths by 2015 and beyond. BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth, 13(216). https://doi.org/10.1186/1471-2393-13-216
Khan, K. S., Wojdyla, D., Say, L., Gülmezoglu, A. M., & Van Look, P. A. (2006). WHO analysis of causes of maternal death: A systematic review. Lancet, 367(9516), 1066–1074.
Markle, W., Fisher, M., & Smego, R. A. (2007). Understanding global health. McGraw-Hill.
Maternal Health Task Force. (n.d.). Maternal mortality. Retrieved from https://www.mhtf.org
Pickett, K. E., & Wilkinson, R. G. (2015). Income inequality and health: A causal review. Social Science & Medicine, 128, 316–326.
Powel, A. (2016). The costs of inequality: Money = quality health care = longer life. Harvard Gazette. Retrieved from https://news.harvard.edu/gazette/story/2016/02/money-quality-health-care-longer-life
United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF). (2013). Innovative approaches to maternal and newborn health: Case studies. Retrieved from https://www.unicef.org/health/files/Innovative_Approaches_MNH_CaseStudies-2013.pdf
Wardlaw, T., You, D., Hug, L., Amouzou, A., & Newby, H. (2014). UNICEF Report: Enormous progress in child survival but greater focus on newborns urgently needed. Reproductive Health, 11(82). https://doi.org/10.1186/1742-4755-11-82
Williams, D. R., Priest, N., & Anderson, N. B. (2016). Understanding associations among race, socioeconomic status, and health: Patterns and prospects. Health Psychology, 35(4), 407.
World Health Organization. (2015). MDG 4: Reduce child mortality. Retrieved from http://www.who.int/topics/millennium_development_goals/child_mortality/en/
World Health Organization. (2017). Trends in maternal mortality. Retrieved from https://www.who.int
