Final paper

5

5-2 Project Preparation: Other Health Challenges

Deanna Buchanan

Southern New Hampshire University

IHP 501: Global Health and Diversity

Dr. Esther Johnstone

5-2 Project Preparation: Other Health Challenges

For the chosen humanitarian trip to Zambia, the specific health challenge under focus is malaria. However, the country experiences other diverse health challenges. In order for the humanitarian trip to be effective and efficient, it is vital to understand various health challenges and how they impact the population and connect with malaria. In this context, this paper discusses three major health challenges.

Other Health Challenge Number One

Analysis

The first health challenge is HIV/AIDS. The incidence of the disease was 0.31% or 28, 000 new cases in 2021 for people aged 15 years and above (Mweemba et al., 2022). The prevalence of the disease was 11% of the entire population in 2021 (Mweemba et al., 2022). The major clinical symptoms of the disease include fever, fatigue, pneumonia, swollen lymph nodes, and weight loss, among others. Social determinants significantly influence this health challenge. Things like sexual violence, stigma related to HIV/AIDS, gender inequality, and poverty increase the prevalence and incidence of the disease. The inequities related to Zambia that impact the dynamic of the disease are largely tied to gender. Women are at a higher risk of getting the disease compared to men (Mweemba et al., 2022). A program related to this challenge is the USAID Zambia Community HIV Prevention Project.

Connections

This disease impacts the population and malaria. It reduces household incomes and the sectoral outputs for labor-intensive sectors. The disease also exacerbates the symptoms and effects of malaria. In relation to this challenge, the team should be ready to address the issue of misinformation regarding the spread and transmission of each disease, in addition to providing extra care for people with both diseases.

Other Health Challenge Number Two

Analysis

The second health challenge is tuberculosis. The incidence of the disease was 333 per 100 000 individuals in 2021 (Stuck et al., 2022). The prevalence of the disease was 319 per 100 000 individuals in 2021 (Stuck et al., 2022). The major clinical symptoms of the disease include chronic cough, fatigue, fever, night sweats, shortness of breath, and weight loss. Social determinants significantly influence this health challenge. Typically, poverty is a major risk factor for the disease due to overcrowding, poor housing ventilation, and lack of health access among the poor. The inequities related to Zambia that impact the dynamic of the disease poverty is the main inequity factor since people from low socioeconomic areas have minimal access to living conditions that may help prevent the spread and transmission of the disease. A program related to this challenge is USAID Eradicate TB.

Connections

This disease impacts the population and malaria. It is a leading cause of death. Malaria impairs the containment of the disease and increases its mortality. In relation to this challenge, the team should be ready to address the issue of having to provide resources to tackle infectious diseases like tuberculosis in the quest to eradicate malaria since both diseases affect a huge portion of Zambia/s population.

Other Health Challenge Number Three

Analysis

The third health challenge comprises is neonatal mortality. The incidence of the health challenge was 24.6% in 2021 (Sserwanja et al., 2021). The prevalence of the health challenge was 24 deaths per 1000 live births in 2021 (Sserwanja et al., 2021). The major clinical symptoms that lead to the health challenge include birth defects, diarrhea, and pneumonia. Social determinants significantly influence this health challenge. Things like limited prenatal care and smoking during pregnancy may influence the challenge. The inequities related to Zambia that impact the dynamic of the disease are tied to poverty and health literacy. These inequalities affect how new mothers care for their unborn children. A program related to this challenge is called the “Sexual, Reproductive, Maternal, and Newborn Health (SRMNH)” program.

Connections

This health challenge impacts the population and malaria. It reduces population growth. Malaria infection during pregnancy also contributes to the health problem. In relation to this challenge, the team should be ready to address the issue of dealing with pregnant women who are at risk of contracting malaria.

Conclusion

This paper has discussed three major health challenges in Zambia, namely HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and neonatal mortality. Although the specific health challenge under focus for the chosen humanitarian trip to Zambia is malaria, it is vital to understand various health challenges and how they impact the population and connect with malaria. This will help to ensure that the humanitarian trip is effective and efficient.

References

Mweemba, C., Hangoma, P., Fwemba, I., Mutale, W., & Masiye, F. (2022). Estimating district HIV prevalence in Zambia using small-area estimation methods (SAE).  Population Health Metrics,  20(1), 8.

Sserwanja, Q., Musaba, M. W., Mutisya, L. M., Olal, E., & Mukunya, D. (2021). Continuum of maternity care in Zambia: A national representative survey.  BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth,  21, 1-10.

Stuck, L., van Haaster, A. C., Kapata-Chanda, P., Klinkenberg, E., Kapata, N., & Cobelens, F. (2022). How “subclinical” is subclinical tuberculosis? An analysis of national prevalence survey data from Zambia.  Clinical Infectious Diseases,  75(5), 842-848.