Global Health 3250G: eLearning Portfolio

[globalhealth3250]

Title: Children's Aid Society (CSL)

Author:  The Star 

Date Published: June 20, 2011

Description:

  This artifact exhibits my experience at the Children’s Aid Society (CAS) this semester. CAS is a multidisciplinary non-profit organization under the legislative mandate of the Ontario Child and Family Services Act (Corporate Accountability, 2014). They provide services to vulnerable children and families across Canada. Accountable to the community as a whole, the CAS’s mission is to ensure that all children thrive in a safe, stable and loving family (Corporate Accountability, 2014). The organization’s mission is to foster the well being of children, families and endeavors to protect children who could be at risk of harm or neglect. Child neglect is a global problem that is deeply rooted in cultural, economic and social practices and can increase the likelihood of disease and illness in adulthood (World Health Organization, 2002).

  Reflection:

  This semester I had the opportunity to work with the Children’s Aid Society (CAS) for my community service learning (CSL) component. Prior to my involvement with this organization, my knowledge of CAS and child maltreatment was very limited. The issue of child maltreatment is one that is sadly common among children of all ages. WHO defines child maltreatment as “child abuse and neglect, includes all forms of physical and emotional ill-treatment, sexual abuse, neglect, and exploitation that results in actual or potential harm to the child’s health, development or dignity. Within this broad definition, five subtypes can be distinguished – physical abuse; sexual abuse; neglect and negligent treatment; emotional abuse; and exploitation” (2014). The matter of child neglect lies with the failure to provide adequate care and attention. A defining feature of neglect is the act of omission. This very nature of neglect makes it very hard to identify among children and contributes to the lack of attention received from professionals (Psychology Today, 2014).  Glaser, supports this assertion by stating that cases of neglect are often under reported and characterized by the lack of provision (2008). Furthermore, Psychology Today states that there are four types of neglect: physical, emotional, education and medical. I primarily focused on the issue of emotional, physical and medical neglect. Through this process, I came to realize how lucky I was to have parents that were able to dedicate time and love and make me the person I am today.

  According to DePanfilis, physical neglect is “one of the most widely recognized form of neglect” it encompasses the issue of abandonment, expulsion, shuttling, nutritional neglect, clothing neglect and more (2006). Physical neglect is recognized as the lack of basic necessities such as food, clothing and shelter (American Humane Association, 2014). Moreover, physical neglect is the most common form of maltreatment and includes: abandonment, rejection from family, malnutrition and physical harm (American Humane Association, 2014). The effects of physical neglect are detrimental to one’s self esteem and survival. On the other hand, Skuse mentions that emotional neglect can take the form of “lack of care for their physical needs, through a failure to provide consistent love and nurture to overt hostility and rejection” (1990). Emotional neglect can fall under five of these categories: emotional unavailability or unresponsiveness, negative attributions or misattributions to the child, developmentally inappropriate or inconsistent interactions, failure to recognize or acknowledge the child’s individuality, psychological boundary, and failing to promote the child’s social adaptation (Glaser, 2002).

  Preceding my research for the CAS, I was aware that in early childhood, emotional attention is key in nurturing the young one. My knowledge of proper emotional regulation in children rooted from the numerous health science and psychology course I partook in. However, I was appalled and surprised by the extent of the developmental effects. For instance: neurobiological changes were observed in children who have experienced neglect, “reductions in overall brain volume, and changes to specific physical structures (e.g. corpus collosum, hippocampus, amygdala) and the stress- response system” (Leeb, Lewis & Zolotor, 2011, p. 560). Such biological changes severely impact a child’s development and are manifested through maladaptive behavior.

  I personally, do not know where I would be if I did not have the emotional and social support I have from my parents. Coming from a very collective community, family is the most important and reliable support for me. I acknowledge that this positive relationship only exists because my parents did not have to face immense socio-economic hardships that are often common in cases of child neglect. Once again, financial stability plays an influential factor in the lack of information and resources neglectful parents may have access to, i.e. parenting classes. Keeping this in mind, practicing child neglect cannot be blamed entirely upon one’s socio-economic status. Carter & Myers investigated the relationship of poverty and physical neglect (2006). After controlling “parental characteristics, poverty did not play a big predictive factor of physical neglect” (Carter & Myers, 2006, p. 118). This goes to show that although neglect and child maltreatment increase in cases of poverty, parental characteristics play a bigger role.

  Overall, it is evident that child maltreatment has great negative ramifications in childhood development. The acts of physical and emotional negligence are associated with higher rates of maladaptive behavior like delinquency. Neglectful situations often arise from stressful parent situations such as impoverished socio-economic circumstances, which weaken the ability of the parent to devote their attention to their child. I am thankful for this position, as it allowed me to broaden my knowledge of a multi-disciplinary non-profit organization like the Children’s Aid Society. I have a grown respect for individuals working in the field of social work. 

  Please press the link below for references:

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ckHi9O7c8lT_vSiigcbay3OQxCJeTWro6IrFmJbFZvE/edit?usp=sharing

[globalhealth3250]

Title: Global Brigades London Ontario (My trip to Panama)

  Author: Tsering Kalden

  Date Published: April 4, 2014

  Description: This image represents my time in Peti Guna, Panama. I had the opportunity to recruit 27 Western undergraduate students and allocate all medical resources required to implement temporary medical clinics. We lived in a camp ground two hours away from the village and were required to wake up every morning at 5am to reach the village on time. This trip had two local Panamanian doctors and multiple nurses to ensure proper quality care. I had the chance to expand my medical knowledge and skills. This artifact represents my experience as a voluntourist and relates to our course material. This practice allowed me to relate to certain things the NGO speakers came in to talk about.

    Reflection

  Voluntourism is a hybridized term where international volunteerism and tourism intersect. It is a relatively new industry and this term was coined to describe atypical vacations where individuals chose to volunteer “ for a worthy and often a charitable cause” (Tomazos, p.42, 2010). In recent years, I myself have been attracted and motivated to participate as a volunteer tourist. Last year, I partook in one of the largest student led chapter known as Global Brigades. This organization strives to “empower volunteers and under-resourced communities to resolve global health and economic disparities and inspire all involved to collaboratively work towards an equal world” (Global Brigades, 2014). In my six-day trip to Peti Guna, Panama, I was given the opportunity to set up temporary medical clinics and practice hands on medical care. I understand that there are many ethical concerns regarding voluntourism and the aid provided by students and few professionals. Often, these apprehensions rise from the lack of qualification from the volunteers and the issue of sustainability with many of these programs.

A huge component of research in voluntourism continues to explore pre-departure motivation. For both parties, the volunteer and the organization, it is essential that they are both satisfied. As such, multiple conceptual frameworks have been created in the past to evaluate the motivation behind these projects. For instance, Wearing & McGeheee indicate that one of the determining framework includes “ three types (shallow, intermediate and deep volunteer tourists) based on six main criteria: destination, duration of project, focus of experience (self-interest versus altruistic), qualifications, active versus passive participation, and level of contribution to locals” (p. 123, 2013). I can understand how this structure would be useful for both the philanthropic and profitable aspect of voluntourism. Ascertaining volunteer incentives allow organizations to pick the best individuals for their mandate. If certain NGO’s were targeting for altruistic volunteers then according to the previous framework “deep volunteer” would be selected compared to “shallow volunteers” who are ideal for a more commercial organization (Wearing & McGehee, p. 123, 2013). I believe the establishment of such typology is practical and efficient for the growing sector of voluntourism. Being able to target certain types of individuals ensures maximum positive experience for both the organization and the volunteer.

 Voluntourism is a complex product of philanthropy and profit. Due to its growing success in the tourism industry, the lines between altruism and profit are often blurred. Tomazos raised this concern by stating, “ there is a real danger that if this issue is not robustly addressed the lines may become irretrievably blurred between private enterprise and the core values of volunteering in order to help others” (p.45, 2010). I personally believe that voluntourism is a positive trend, which allows individuals both an opportunity for global engagement and a chance to support nations that are in need of assistance. This being said, I agree with Tomazos that there is a need for clarification and a “parameter within which projects operate and the extent to which value is truly added for the communities in need” (Tomazos, p.45, 2010). I too, believe that parameters are needed to ensure that the destination country benefits from foreign volunteers coming into their communities.

From personal experience, I find that many voluntourists who participate in such “mission trips” fail to perceive how the locals feel about their presence. I think it’s a common misconception that all individuals living in such impoverished state appreciate and welcome foreign assistance. When jumping into these projects it is important to be culturally sensitive and consider underlying historical implications like colonization. What I mean by this is that developing nations that have been previously occupied could perceive Western or European volunteers as a new form of colonialism (Wearing & McGehee, p. 123, 2013). The notion that these volunteers embody superior knowledge and skills compared to those that are impoverished, reflect similar imperialistic influence. I understand that this is a very pessimistic view of voluntourism, but I think it is important to highlight that as outsiders of that culture, we must eradicate all assumptions and notion that the poor “need us”. We as a global community need to shift away from the impression that “we” are better than “them” and moves towards a more community-based approach to voluntourism. 

Please press the link below for references:

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ckHi9O7c8lT_vSiigcbay3OQxCJeTWro6IrFmJbFZvE/edit?usp=sharing

[globalhealth3250]

  Title:  1 Dollar Poverty, 4 Guys | 28 Days | 1 Dollar 

Author: Matthew Jones & Andrew Jones Founder of Poverty Resolutions 

Date Published: August 14, 2012

  Description: Two brothers and two friends travel to Haiti after the earthquake to learn more about the aftermath of the disaster and to experience the degree of impoverishment. These four individuals use the US $1 a day measure as a guiding principle during their time in Haiti. This correlates to the income analysis used to measure global poverty and how financial barriers prevent health equity. Due to their limited funds, these individuals had to live in tents and were only able to afford two meals a day, containing a small bowl of rice. This video demonstrates how poverty limits access to life sustaining resources and ultimately shapes health.

  Reflection #4

The concept of poverty is complex and multi-dimensional. Simply defined, poverty is “the state in which an individual or family has to spend more than 80% of their income on food” (Seear, 2012, p.90). However, this definition does not target the multifaceted nature of poverty. It is important to note that many forms of poverty currently subsist, such as: economic, instant and temporary, new poor, hidden and absolute (Seear, 2012, p.92). My understanding of poverty was very limited to the definition of absolute and relative poverty. I came to recognize that impoverishment goes beyond income inequity and could be expressed through numerous ways. What I mean by this is that poverty in Tanzania might not look the same as poverty in Canada. This does not mean that social and economical destitution does not exist in developed countries. It merely means that poverty has different faces. One example that really stuck with me was the prevalence of hidden poverty in seniors, who have “adequate shelter and food, but do not have enough income for other utilities” (Seear, 2012, p.92). I realized that defining and acknowledging various aspects of poverty is key in pursuing the cause of such disparity. The issue of global poverty is one that’s old and growing. The extremity and dominance of poverty was reported in the UN Millennium Project, where “ more than one billion people in the world live on less than one dollar and another 2.7 billion struggle to survive on less than two dollars per day” (2002, para. 3). It is apparent that an endemic of poverty is ongoing and continues to affect billions of lives.

  Stereotypical images and campaigns of poverty-stricken nations, often involve absolute poverty. According to Seear, absolute poverty is defined as individuals who are “deprived of all elements necessary to make an adequately healthy life. They lack access to safe water, shelter or security and are more likely to remain in that condition despite improvements” (p. 92, 2012). These barriers prevent equal opportunities for individuals to reach their potential and thrive in their communities. Even if an individual is born in poverty, everyone is entitled to have an equal right in being healthy. We need to move on with the impression that health is a right and not a privilege. It should not be predetermined by one’s socio-economic status and income. Studies have shown that “being wealthy translated into 11.4 more years of healthy living for men and 9.7 for women ” (Picard, 2005, p.2). This reveals how income disparities have impacted life expectancies drastically for individuals living with low income compared to high-income earners. Prior to this reading, I was aware of the correlation between health and socio-economic status, but I was appalled by the immense difference in life expectancy. Essentially, one’s financial status determines the quality and length of one’s life. Apart from the adverse health effects, poverty is aligned with: lack of education, marginalization, inequity, absence of power, as well as, social and cultural isolation.  (Seear, 2012, p.90). Ergo, those born in impoverishment continue to face social and health disadvantage. This endless cycle of poverty must be broken, for one to achieve an equal chance in life.

  As mentioned earlier, there are many characterizations of poverty and simply one definition does not cover the magnitude of this issue. Hence, multiple measurements are also needed to assess the degree of destitution. After reading up on the various methods of analysis, I realized that my definition of poverty was an oversimplified concept. I was aware of the US $1 a day measurement but not about the following: consumption analysis, multidimensional analysis (HDI), sense of wellbeing and relative poverty indicator. Seear highlights that “there is no single measure or definition that reliably tracks the magnitude and extend of poverty under all circumstances” (2012, p.93). I agree with Seear, that a single tool to measure various aspect of poverty seems unrealistic and impracticable. I understand that having one definitive measurement and one definitive classification of poverty might allow for simpler reduction strategies. But, poverty is not a black and white subject. If anything it is a very multifaceted and growing matter that needs to be addressed immediately. Without tackling the issue of poverty, global health equity is improbable if not impossible. The billions of individuals, who have to live with scarce resources, deserve a chance to live an equal life.

Please press the link below for references:

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ckHi9O7c8lT_vSiigcbay3OQxCJeTWro6IrFmJbFZvE/edit?usp=sharing

[globalhealth3250]

  Title: Saving Face

Author:Dr. Mohammad Jawad

Date Published: 2012

Date Accessed:March 24th, 2014

Description: This documentary explores the violence faced by women in Pakistan, who have been victims of brutal acid attacks. Zakia and Rukhsana share their experiences and their journey to justice. Dr. Mohammad Jawad allows these victims to pursue another chance in life by providing access to reconstructive surgery and a chance to fight for themselves. This artifact highlights the role of societal attitudes towards females in perpetuating the cycle of violence. Although, acid attacks against women are more common in countries like India and Pakistan, these acts of sex-based violence are reinforced by the lack of value placed on females.

Link:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eQscuAUIFnU

  Reflection

The issue of gender-based violence is one that is growing globally. According to Seear (2012, p.157), violence against women is defined as “any act of gender-based violence that will likely result in physical, sexual or psychological harm” . Historically, females have suffered more social disadvantages and inequalities than men. For instance. women were only eligible to vote in Canada in 1917. Currently, female infanticide continue to occur in countries like India, where “it has been estimated that there are 0.5 million missing female births, annually (Seear, 2012, p. 158). Furthermore, the presence of gender inequality between   males and females is exhibited by the intermittent violence against women. Ensuring fairness and preventing further disadvantages against women is essential in achieving gender equity. Implementing and enforcing stronger laws against female infanticide and violence against women is critical. Furthermore, educating females that assault and battery is unacceptable in a relationship is essential in addressing these disadvantages. The lack of gender equity in some countries endorses high rates of assault and battery against women. In recognition of such inequity the Millennium Developmental Goals (MDG) set in 2000, strived to “promote gender equality and empower women by eliminating gender disparity in primary and secondary education preferably by 2005, and in all levels of education no later than 2015” (United Nations, 2014, para. 1). Although, the world has achieved equality in primary level of education, discrimination against women continues to occur in many parts of the world. The recurrent gender-based violence is a primary factor hindering the achievement of gender equality and the MDG. Overall, in order to achieve global gender equity and equality, condoning factors such as violence against women must be addressed.

  The artifact “Saving Face” demonstrates one of the most brutal and popular manifestations of gender-based violence in countries like Pakistan and India. When discussed in class, I observed the horror and shock among my fellow classmates. Being born in Nepal, a country geographically and culturally close to India, this issue was ordinary. The act of acid attacks burn away more than one’s physical appearance, it takes away their identity and many of these women face stigma in communities that condone women as the lower tier gender. These victims are perceived as outcasts and dishonorable women among their communities. By growing up in a country that carries similar belief about women, there is a pervasive misconception that these women “deserved” these acts of violence. Acid violence is used as a measure of establishing a “patriarchal control over women, to maintain order” (AHRC, 2014)- great point! Please unpack what the patriarchal control over woman means, and reflect on it. This cruel practice is used to oppress any form of rebellion against men and spread fear among women who might. Moreover, in countries where acid attacks are prevalent, many judiciary and law authorities practice victim blaming. Such custom permits the abuser to continue and sanctions violence against women as a norm. Granted this, lobbying for justice is near impossible and unexpected by these women. Reported incidents of gender based violence from females are unvalued and disregarded. Being the second tier gender, females face greater social barriers and lack access to resources needed to obtain justice. I have lived in a developing country for 14 years, and the country had an analogous structure to Pakistan and India. I have seen, heard and read the corruption and unjust cases that occur everyday. I recognize that living in a democratic and free nation like Canada made me think that the lack of value placed on women is ridiculous; however,, when an individual lives and grows up in a society where women are devalued then that becomes their accepted social  norm. A social phenomenon like this is multidimensional and complex, and needs to be targeted with higher regulations and enforcement of vigorous laws prohibiting gender-based violence.

  The heinous maneuvers practiced against females have a permanent and long-term impact on the victim’s physical health, socio-economic, and psychological state. While, time is changing and feminism is prevailing in many cultures, being a female may still puts one at a disadvantage. Furthermore, according to Seear (2012), women in poverty, refugees, migrants, and minority groups are particularly vulnerable to violence.). We discussed the latter factors in class, and I understand how these factors can be dynamics and predispose women to violence. From my understanding, women that lack financial and social support have reduced levels of freedom or the knowledge to choose. Individuals facing poverty, regardless of gender, cannot afford to make a “healthier” choice. Similarly, the absence of freedom is frequently displayed in an abusive relationship. The lack of control and domination demonstrated by the other gender perpetuates submission and acceptance of such physical, emotional and psychological abuse. 

  In spite of my previous knowledge regarding acid violence in developing countries, I was surprised to learn about the pervasive gender-based violence present in South Africa. It was appalling to ascertain the normalization of physical and sexual abuse. Kim & Motsei (2002) pointed out the role of societal attitudes and norms that condone this normalization. Furthermore, I discovered an interesting similarity between the attitudes and beliefs regarding gender-based violence in South Africa and Pakistan. In both cases, violence was used as a measure for “discipline” and “punishment”. I found the resemblance between the two different cultures to be a general consensus and cause of partner-initiated assault. Certain cultural contexts promote and ensure the fallacy that violence against women can be justified by not accommodating to the partners’ need. Kim & Motsei, highlight the social attitudes from randomly selected men as “you just disfigure her once. Maybe when she looks ugly, then she will start doing some of this work’’ (2002, p. 1246). The latter beliefs are maintained by social approval of abusive men, as “he knows how to discipline he’s keeping order in his home, he is a right man’’ (Kim & Motsei, 2000, p. 1246). Efforts to promote gender equality must frame positive notion of women in a culturally sensitive manner and reduce the objectification of women. 

Please press the link below for references:

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ckHi9O7c8lT_vSiigcbay3OQxCJeTWro6IrFmJbFZvE/edit?usp=sharing

[globalhealth3250]

Malnutrition & Food Crisis

Artifact 2: This image displays the current food crisis in Northern Mali. A region in Africa that was previously affected by an armed conflict.

What is the current event?

            Oxfam International released an article on January 31st 2014, regarding the state of urgency in Northern Mali. In January 2012, an armed conflict broke out in northern Mali where the Tuareg rebels took over and declared it as a new state of Azawad by April of that year. Currently, “more than 800,000 people need immediate food assistance, and across the country three million people are at risk of not finding enough to eat” (Oxfam, 2014). Frank Vannetelle (Director of Action Against Hunger in Mali) states that northern Mali is on the verge of a new food crisis. This article identifies the impact of armed conflict and poor harvests as the main cause of this new food crisis. It is believed that the “lean” season will start much earlier this year (Oxfam, 2014). This period of time is when food stocks run low before the next harvest season. Increasing food security is essential and humanitarian organizations are calling for a response to this emergency (Oxfam, 2014). Last year only 55% of the UN’s emergency appeal was funded. In addition, more resources are required to tackle this time of need. The severity of this situation is stated by Vannetelle “The number of vulnerable people facing new food crisis is likely to double if the needs identified are not met quickly”(Oxfam, 2014).

How does this event relate to global health promotion?

            The issue of food security and hunger relates to global health promotion because of the widespread nature of this crisis. Access to food and nutrition is essential for a healthy lifestyle. Furthermore, food security is contributed by complex sociological, economical and political factors. It is important to note “nearly 870 million people in the world, or one in eight, were suffering from chronic undernourishment in 2010-2012," (World Hunger, 2013). Furthermore, the lack of nutritional resources is also portrayed by “the number of hungry grew in Africa to 239 million where one in four are hungry,” (World Hunger, 2013). These numbers capture the urgency and vital need for humanitarian aid. Coordinating international efforts and facilitating food security in regions like northern Mali can make a global change.

What can we learn from this topic?

            Through this topic, one can learn the significance of anticipating and preparing for future food crisis. Without proper resources and a collaborative international effort, major issues like food security and accessibility cannot be tackled. Furthermore, in populations affected by armed conflict and long-term harvest problems, more local efforts are also required. The article suggests that “investing in agricultural policies that place family farming at their heart,” (2014), is an essential solution towards the lack of harvest. Promoting, encouraging and integrating farming in societies like northern parts of Mali is essential for a continuous growth of crops (Oxfam, 2014). In addition, food reserves/banks and population interventions to be more resilient are essential to encourage morale and access in the community (Oxfam, 2014).

_________________________________________________________________

                   Like equity and equality, malnutrition and hunger are different terms with distinct features. According to the Oxford English Dictionary (2014) hunger can be defined in three different ways:

the uneasy or painful sensation caused by want of food; craving appetite. Also the exhausted condition caused by want of food

the want or scarcity of food in a country

a strong desire or craving

        However, malnutrition is defined as the “lack of proper nutrition, caused by not having enough to eat, not eating enough of the right things, or being unable to use the food that one does eat” (Oxford, 2014). The concept of malnourishment is often oversimplified and is caused by various interrelated factors. Seear supports this statement by expressing that “malnutrition is not simply due to lack of food any more than poverty is simply due to lack of money. Both are the end result of numerous interlocking economic and social factors such as poverty, lack of education, social inequity and chronic recurrent infections” (2007). Early in the 19th century a prominent theory by Malthus implied that  “malnutrition was an unavoidable feature of life in developing countries because there would always be too many people for the available food” (Seear, 2007). We now know that this theory is to many extent invalid and does not explain the cause of malnourishment. Recent research has shown that, malnourishment is often caused by the lack of appropriate distribution of food. Malnutrition is highly related with the issue of social and health inequity. It is due to the lack of equity that the many developing parts of the world are currently suffering from malnourishment. Often the absence of essential resources has detrimental effects on developing children. The “Moment of Zen” shows the imbalance in the distribution of food, where the current endemic of obesity triumphs the cases of malnourishment in Latin American and Caribbean preschool children (Seear, 2007). This phenomenon shows that although the quantity of food is an influencing factor of malnutrition, the same regions affected by the lack of nutrition, has a higher incidence of obesity. Establishing equity is necessary to address the issue of malnutrition and to combat new cases of food crisis.

         Artifact 2 is an image from the article “Northern Mali on the brink of a new food crisis”. I chose this article as a representation of the current plight of individuals at risk of malnourishment.  The increasing food insecurity in Northern Mali is attributed to the lack of foreign aid and population based programs for the resilient community. The issue of malnutrition was further discussed in week 6 where many agreed that: nutrition, sanitation and poverty were the top three health determining factors (Class Discussion, February 11, 2014). The issue of malnutrition is a clear global priority and aligns with the objective that global health is shaped by a complex of factors. The global effects of malnutrition are exhibited by the fact that “147 million preschoolers in developing countries are at risk to reduced physical and mental development during childhood” (World Food Programme, 2014). The stunting development in children and recurrent illness such as measles, gastroenteritis, whooping cough and more are easily avoidable if resources were distributed adequately and fairly. The principle of fairness or equity is significant in issues of food security. Although, malnutrition is a completely different global crisis compared to sanitary water; the root of the problem still remains to lie in health equity. Another overlapping subject between the matter of sanitation and malnutrition is of discrimination. The issue of discrimination is seen in the cause of inequity where resources are not allocated impartially among the population in need. In the case of malnutrition, women and girls receive unequal amount of food within a household (Seear, 2007). Furthermore, the lack of social support, violence and war present in nations like Northern Mali continues to perpetuate the never-ending cycle of food insecurity and malnutrition.

         It is important to recognize that nations afflicted by armed conflict and social chaos like the Northern regions of Mali, require a more comprehensive and population targeted approach. Although, food crisis among different nations share a commonality of food insecurity, it is vital that programs are created specifically to address the needs of a particular population. In the case of Northern Mali “interventions to support the capacities of population to be resilient” (Oxfam, 2014), are required to prevent upcoming food crisis. The cause of food insecurity roots from poor distribution of resources to the lack of maternal education. 

_________________________________________________________________

Academic Reference

Definition of hunger in English:. (n.d.). hunger: definition of hunger in Oxford dictionary (British & World English). Retrieved February 13, 2014, from http://www.oxforddictionaries.com/definition/english/hunger

Definition of malnutrition in English:. (n.d.). malnutrition: definition of malnutrition in Oxford dictionary (British & World English). Retrieved February 13, 2014, from http://www.oxforddictionaries.com/ definition/english/malnutrition?q=malnutrition

Northern Mali on the brink of a new food crisis. (2014, January 31). Oxfam International. Retrieved February 13, 2014, from http://www.oxfam.org/en/pressroom/pressrelease/2014-01-31/northern-mali-brink-new-food-crisis

Seear, M. (2007). An introduction to international health (2nd ed.). Toronto: Canadian Scholars' Press.

World Food Programme Fighting Hunger Worldwide. (n.d.). What is malnutrition?. Retrieved February 13, 2014, from http://www.wfp.org/hunger/malnutrition

2013 World Hunger and Poverty Facts and Statistics. (n.d.). World Hunger . Retrieved February 13, 2014, from http://www.worldhunger. org/articles/Learn/world%20hunger%20facts%202002.htm

_________________________________________________________________

Artifact 2:

http://www.oxfam.org/en/pressroom/pressrelease/2014-01-31/northern-mali-brink-new-food-crisis

[globalhealth3250]

Equity ≠ Equality

Artifact 1: “1 Litre for Life. Water is Life”'

The embedded artifact compares access to purified water between a developed nation and a developing country. This split screen video shows a girl name La in Cambodia using 1 litre of dirty water for her everyday needs and on the other side of the world an individual who has access to clean and purified water. This video is in support of providing access to purified clean water for those who lack equal opportunity.  This work illustrates the existing inequities in health and stresses the urgency of sanitary drinking water. 

Author: 한국기아대책

Date Published: April 16, 2013

Date Accessed: February 12, 2014 

_________________________________________________________

The term equity and equality is often used interchangeably, but it is important to stress that these terms are not synonymous. WHO defines equity as “the absence of avoidable or remediable differences among groups of people, whether those groups are defined socially, economically, demographically, or geographically,” (2014). Equity in health is associated with justice, fairness and an equal opportunity to access necessary health sustaining resources. In fact, it is a value based, ethical principle focused on the distribution of health resources (Braveman & Gruskin, 2003). Before moving any further, I think it is important to note that all health inequities can be health inequalities but all health inequalities are not always classified as health inequities. For instance, the life expectancy of Canadian women and men are 83 and 78 years respectively. The difference in years can be labeled as inequality and not inequity. However, if the cause of this variation were due to the effects of inappropriately distributing resources and opportunities against Canadian men then, it can be categorized as health inequity. On the other hand, equality is a term associated with the idea of “sameness”, distributing resources in equal amounts to everyone. For equality to persist it is required for everyone to start at the same level or place. The notion of equality was further supported in one of the many class discussion. Many agreed upon the common misconception of using equity and equality interchangeably and acknowledged the differences between the two (Class Discussion, January 28, 2014). I agreed with this consensus and I am guilty of using these terms synonymously as well. 

Figure 1.1 This graphic image displays the differences between equality and equity. 

Author: Adam Fletcher

Date Published: June 01, 2007

Date Accessed: February 12, 2014 

      When exploring the multidimensional nature of equity in health, accessibility to resources is key. The subject of accessibility and unequal opportunities are the defining features of inequity. Such inequity is displayed throughout the globe but is exacerbated among the developing countries. Examples of such disparity and lack of alternatives is depicted in the artifact 1. This artifact portrays one of the greatest challenges present in the world; the lack of access to sanitary drinking water. This video compares a world with equity to a world without one. The split screen layout of this work, accentuates the differences in lifestyle and the severity of health inequity. As the video progresses, the individual acknowledges the disadvantages faced by the girl and replaces the unsanitary bottle with a purified one. This scene signified a step closer to achieving global health equity, as it provides socially disadvantaged groups with an equal opportunity to be healthy. Before health equality can thrive in a population stricken with unjust access to resources, it is crucial for health equity to take precedence. Thus, I believe that we must secure health equity before we can ensure health equality.              

        Such imbalance in access, opportunity and resources puts socially disadvantaged groups ( i.e. women, religious groups, poor) at further disadvantage and prevents equal opportunity to be healthy (Braveman & Gruskin, 2003). The degree of inaccessibility to clean supply of water is further demonstrated in Figure 1.2 where access to clean water and sanitation is predominant in developing countries. Although, initiatives and efforts promoting sanitation and purification of water have been implemented in both urban and rural regions, the issue still remains at large. 

Figure 1.2 This illustration depicts the inequity in access to clean water and sanitation.

Author: United Nations Environment Programme 

Date Published: 2008

Date Accessed: February 12, 2014

        The matter of accessibility to safe water was also discussed in the week 5 forums. This news report highlights that “currently one billion of the worlds population does not have access to clean water”, (NRDC, 2014). Children are the targeted victims of waterborne diseases, as their immune systems are not well equipped to fight off the invaders (NRDC, 2014). This event is related to global health promotion as it addresses a large population and impacts a great percentage of the population. This worldwide crisis is caused by many interrelated factors such as: sociological, biological, political and environmental. Such health inequity can be solved and treated through prevention-based strategy, by promoting proper sanitation method and implementing “simple, cost-effective treatment with chlorine and filters” (NRDC, 2014). Executing such treatment options promises better access and can ultimately save millions of lives.

        Although equity and equality are often misinterpreted as the same meaning, it is important to distinguish the differences. One advocates for “fairness” and the other for “sameness”. By understanding the differences between these two terms, we can target world crisis in a more effective manner. If we continue to assume these terms as equal, we will fail to find a global solution. Therefore, in order to attain health equality, we must establish health equity. Without equity there cannot be equality.

   ________________________________________________________

Academic References:

Braveman, P., Gruskin, S. (2003). Defining equity in health. J EpidemiolCommunity Health, 57:254–258

Lecture Notes and Class Discussions (28-01-2014). Global Health Promotion. Health Science 3250G.

Resources Defense Council. (n.d.). Bringing Safe Water to the World. Safe Drinking Water Act -. Retrieved February 12, 2014,from http://www.nrdc.org/international/safewater.asp

Equity. (n.d.). WHO. Retrieved February 13, 2014, from http://www.who. int/healthsystems/topics/equity/en/

________________________________________________________

Video

한국기아대책 (2013, April 16). [한국기아대책] 1Liter for Life, Water is Life [Video file]. Retrieved from http://youtu.be/fS7rbkukanA

Figure 1.1.

http://commonaction.blogspot.ca/2007/06/equity-vs-equality-deep-speaks-to-deep.html

Figure 1.2

http://www.unep.org/dewa/vitalwater/article50.html