Health for All

Prior to my visit to CIEE, I had no grasp on what Global Health was. Using basic context clues, I just assumed it had to do with the health of the world, but now I know it is so much more than that. Global health is "the area of study, research and practice that places a priority on improving health and achieving equity in health for all people worldwide", or in other words, the study of global health seeks methods to find equity in health for people around the globe. Even after learning the definition, the meaning of global health did not really make sense to me until I read about Global Health in action, in this case, we read an article about volunteers administering polio vaccines to children in foreign countries.

Before I read this article, I never really took the time to think about how children in less developed countries were able to access vaccines, and I definitely did not think about the people who were tasked with delivering these vaccines to children. After reading how vaccinators face harsh obstacles while trying to vaccinate children, I am absolutely amazed by the things people do in order to promote global health. The vaccinators have to deal with violence, hatred and resistance, but they continue to do their hardest to promote equity in health for people all around the globe.

Reading this article was inspiring and gave me a huge appreciate for people who put their lives on the line in order to promote Global Health, but it also uncovered a deeper issue. This article made me ask myself why I never take time out of my day to learn about the condition of medical care- or the lack there of-in countries outside of the United States, especially in less developed countries. I realized it was because the classes I took in high school did not focus on specific issues outside of the United States, besides major wars and old european history. This is upsetting, but now that I am aware of pressing issues around the globe, I know I can research and potentially help solve problems outside of the United States.

In conclusion, the last two weeks taught me the true definition of Global Health, and I am so glad I am aware of what it is. Now I will make a greater effort to inform myself of world issues in hopes of one day being able to make an impact on the world and provide equity in health for all.