International health
International health, also known as global health, is a field of health care that deals with health across national boundaries. It focuses on health issues that transcend national borders, such as infectious and non-infectious diseases, and health systems and policies.
Definition[edit | edit source]
The World Health Organization (WHO) defines international health as "the area of study, research and practice that places a priority on improving health and achieving equity in health for all people worldwide". It emphasizes transnational health issues, determinants, and solutions, and involves many disciplines within and beyond the health sciences, including anthropology, economics, law, and sociology.
History[edit | edit source]
The concept of international health has its roots in the 19th century, when many European countries established colonial health services. The League of Nations Health Organization, established in 1920, was the first international health organization, which was later replaced by the WHO in 1948.
Key Issues[edit | edit source]
International health focuses on several key issues, including:
- Infectious diseases: These are diseases that can spread from person to person, such as HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria. International health efforts aim to control and eliminate these diseases.
- Non-communicable diseases: These are diseases that cannot be spread from person to person, such as heart disease, cancer, and diabetes. They are a growing concern in international health.
- Health systems: These are the organizations, people, and actions whose primary intent is to promote, restore, or maintain health. International health works to strengthen health systems in low- and middle-income countries.
- Health policies: These are decisions, plans, and actions undertaken to achieve specific health care goals within a society. International health seeks to influence health policies to improve health outcomes.
See Also[edit | edit source]
References[edit | edit source]
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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD
