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Global Health & Disease Eradication

Introduction​

Global Health & Disease Eradication focuses on creating the conditions for all people to achieve their highest possible level of health and well-being. It addresses both the prevention and treatment of disease, with special attention to infectious diseases that could potentially be controlled, eliminated, or eradicated through coordinated global efforts.

This module explores the principles, strategies, and frameworks that can guide efforts to improve health outcomes worldwide, recognizing that health is influenced by a complex interplay of biological, environmental, social, economic, and political factors. It emphasizes both the moral imperative to reduce suffering and the practical benefits of a healthier global population.

Core Understanding​

The Global Health & Disease Eradication module is based on several key understandings:

  1. Health as a Foundation: Good health is both an outcome of and prerequisite for human flourishing across all dimensions.

  2. Social Determinants: Health is shaped largely by the conditions in which people are born, grow, live, work, and age, not just by medical care.

  3. Health Equity: Disparities in health outcomes between and within populations are largely preventable and therefore unjust.

  4. Prevention Power: Preventing disease is generally more effective and efficient than treating it after it occurs.

  5. Global Interdependence: In an interconnected world, health challenges transcend borders and require coordinated responses.

  6. Eradication Potential: Some infectious diseases can be permanently eliminated through coordinated global action, as demonstrated by the eradication of smallpox.

How to Use This Module​

The Global Health & Disease Eradication module is organized into three main sections:

1. Knowledge Base & Prevention​

The KnowledgeBase_Prevention directory contains foundational concepts about major diseases and public health approaches. These documents explain the "why" and "how" behind effective health interventions.

Key documents include:

2. Open Research & Links​

The OpenResearch_Links directory provides information about ongoing research efforts, open-source health technologies, and connections to key resources in global health.

Key documents include:

3. Community Health & Advocacy​

The CommunityHealth_Advocacy directory offers frameworks for community-based health initiatives and effective advocacy for health-promoting policies.

Key documents include:

4. Resources​

The Resources directory provides additional materials, including:

  • Recommended readings
  • Organizations working on global health
  • Tools for health assessment and planning
  • Links to complementary resources

5. Translations​

The Translations directory contains versions of the Global Health materials in different languages, making these frameworks accessible to a global audience.

Suggested Approach​

For those new to Global Health & Disease Eradication:

  1. Begin by exploring the foundational concepts in Understanding Common Diseases and Principles of Public Health.

  2. Review the community health approaches that might be most relevant to your context.

  3. Investigate specific disease areas or health challenges of particular interest or relevance.

  4. Consider how these approaches might be integrated with local knowledge, resources, and systems.

  5. Remember that health interventions must be culturally appropriate and address underlying social determinants to be effective.

Connection to Other Modules​

Global Health connects deeply with other modules in the Global Flourishing Initiative:

  • The awareness and emotional regulation developed in The Open Path supports mental health and well-being, which are integral to overall health.

  • The focus on early development in The Flourishing Start establishes the foundation for lifelong health and resilience.

  • The principles in Ecological Integrity recognize that human health depends on healthy ecosystems.

  • The systems that ensure Universal Basic Needs address the fundamental social determinants of health.

  • Reducing disease burden is essential for Global Peace and Cooperation, as health challenges can contribute to instability and conflict.

Contributing​

We welcome contributions to the Global Health & Disease Eradication module. If you have suggestions for additional knowledge, research links, community approaches, or resources, please see our Contributing Guidelines.

"The enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of health is one of the fundamental rights of every human being without distinction of race, religion, political belief, economic or social condition." — Constitution of the World Health Organization