Journal Entry Assignment 1 Stephen Butler

21/03/2017

I have always assumed that there was inequality in the world. Coming from a First-
World country, I, like so many others have been guilty of, not necessarily turning a blind
eye, but being unaware of the circumstances in some Third-World countries (Broom &
Germov, 2014). As I read the section about Global Health Inequality, I found myself in
disbelief (Broom & Germov, 2014). Why, if it is so inexpensive to not only prevent but to
eradicate many treatable infectious disease, arent we already doing it?

We have allowed politics to maintain the divide in the economic status between
nations. The United Nations (UN) and World Health Organisation (WHO) have been in the
forefront of making plans to assist lower economical countries (Broom & Germov, 2014).
Though many advancements have been made, I feel the plan is lacking in legislation and
transparency. Historically, first-world countries have assisted when and how they deemed
appropriate, regardless of monetary agreements made. Mathematically, it doesnt make sense
to me, given that labour in these undeveloped countries is very inexpensive or free. Why
then cant a local labour force be used to benefit their own people (Broom & Germov, 2014).
With my real-world experience, I understand most money collected for charities never arrives
to the intended recipients due to administrative costs. This needs to change. I believe that
with the amount of money that is given annually by the world, we should be able wipe out
many of these issues in a single year.

I have learned that the cultural impact on many of these under-developed countries
is the cause of many of the problems in this global discrepancy in standards of health (Broom
& Germov, 2014). Whether it be the lack of health education, religious belief, or improper
hygienic practices that effect these countries, we should be able to combat some of these
factors relatively easily and quickly by removing outlandish administrative costs and price
gouging (Broom & Germov, 2014).

I do not believe that there are any magical bullets that will miraculously combat these
problems. Educating the world, adapting beliefs, and adjusting unhelpful practices is no easy
task. However, I feel very strongly that we should be able to have clean water wells in most
parts of the world without difficulty. That we should be aiding and educating on basic
farming practices to teach and provide resources for these nations to feed themselves. In
doing so, these counties will lead their own people toward ending malnutrition. Set up
vaccination programs for everyone through legislation that will stop big pharma from
making large profits on vaccinations anywhere. These few things alone have the potential to
drastically reduce illness and increase life expectancy. Many of the other issues will take
much longer and more careful planning to accomplish which has raised more questions than
answers. My understanding of world economies and global health issues has increased
greatly, and I feel that we, as members of this world, need to do more. I personally will
continue donating to my churchs relief programs to reach, teach, and nurture. Next, I will
inquire on going to Africa to help build wells and teach children during my summer school
breaks, as well as writing to my local politicians to direct their attention to these issues at a
higher level. The initiative starts here, and we all need to be involved.
 References

Broom, A., & Germov, J., (2014). Global Public Health. In Germov, J. (Ed.) Second
opinions: an introduction to health sociology (pp 53-76). 5th Edition. South Melbourne:
Oxford University Press.