Write a 5–7 page paper comparing the best practices of handling a healthcare issue between two countries.
Introduction
Note: The assessments in this course build upon each other, so you are strongly encouraged to complete them in sequence.
Goals for improving global health policy have been defined by the World Health Organization's Millennium Development Goals. Other major worldwide organizations such as the United Nations, the International Monetary Fund, and others will continue to shape and mold global health policy.
As you prepare to complete this assessment, you may want to think about other related issues to deepen your understanding or broaden your viewpoint. You are encouraged to consider the questions below and discuss them with a fellow learner, a work associate, an interested friend, or a member of your professional community. Note that these questions are for your own development and exploration and do not need to be completed or submitted as part of your assessment.
Malnutrition is a world-wide problem and a direct contributor to many diseases:
What are the major benefits of providing adequate nutrition to its citizens?
What are the most important costs associated with addressing malnutrition: logistics, food, medicine, delivery, personnel, education?
Preparation
Conduct research in the Capella library and the Internet to identify a country that you feel employs effective practices to deal with the healthcare issue you chose in Assessment 1. (This country will be henceforth referred to as the model country.) Be sure that the model country is from a different economic stratum than the country you chose in Assessment 1.
Deliverable:
Compare your chosen country from Assessment 1 with the model country you identified during the preparation for this assessment.
In your paper:
Discuss your reasons for selecting the model country for its best practices. Assess the performance indicators that led to the selection.
Compare briefly the challenges each government faces when addressing the issue.
Compare briefly the approaches each government takes to address the issue. What might be reasons for the differences?
Choose one approach employed by your model country as a best practice to address the issue. Discuss ways that adoption of that best practice might improve healthcare services provided to customers in your chosen country.
Reflect on your critical thinking and personal bias/influence/experience by exploring the three main stages of the Paul-Elder framework to your work.
Performance Indicators:
Infant Mortality Rate (IMR): Sweden has one of the lowest IMRs in the world, consistently below 3 deaths per 1,000 live births. This indicator is a strong proxy for overall population health, maternal care, and nutritional status. Ethiopia's IMR, while improving, remains significantly higher, highlighting the disparity.
Stunting and Wasting Rates: Stunting (low height-for-age) and wasting (low weight-for-height) are key indicators of chronic and acute malnutrition, respectively. Sweden's rates for both are negligible, demonstrating a robust system that prevents childhood malnutrition. In contrast, Ethiopia faces high rates of stunting, reflecting a persistent challenge with long-term nutritional deprivation.
Life Expectancy: Sweden's life expectancy is among the highest globally, exceeding 82 years. This is a direct outcome of effective public health policies, including those that ensure adequate nutrition throughout the life cycle. Ethiopia's life expectancy is much lower, underscoring the impact of infectious diseases, poor sanitation, and persistent malnutrition.
The consistent achievement of these indicators demonstrates Sweden's effective policies and robust healthcare infrastructure, which have led to excellent nutritional outcomes across its population.
2. Challenges in Addressing Malnutrition
Both Ethiopia and Sweden face challenges in addressing malnutrition, but the nature of these challenges differs dramatically due to their economic and social contexts.
Ethiopia: The "Triple Burden" and Systemic Challenges
Ethiopia, as a low-income country, contends with the "triple burden" of malnutrition: undernutrition, micronutrient deficiencies, and a rising prevalence of overweight/obesity. The primary challenges are systemic and deeply rooted in socio-economic factors.
Poverty and Food Insecurity: A large portion of the population, particularly in rural areas, lives in poverty, making it difficult to access an adequate quantity and diversity of food. Drought, conflict, and economic shocks further exacerbate food insecurity.
Poor Sanitation and Access to Clean Water: A lack of clean water and sanitation facilities leads to a high incidence of infectious diseases like diarrhea, which directly impairs nutrient absorption and contributes to malnutrition.
Limited Healthcare Infrastructure: There is a significant shortage of trained healthcare professionals, clinics, and essential medical supplies, especially in remote areas. This hinders the ability to screen for, treat, and monitor malnutrition effectively.
Sample Answer
Malnutrition: A Comparison of Best Practices in Ethiopia and Sweden
This paper examines the healthcare issue of malnutrition, comparing the challenges and best practices in a low-income country, Ethiopia, with a high-income model country, Sweden. By analyzing the approaches of these two nations, we can identify a best practice from Sweden that, if adapted, could significantly improve healthcare services and outcomes in Ethiopia. The examination will conclude with a reflection on the critical thinking process, using the Paul-Elder framework.
1. Reasons for Selecting Sweden as the Model Country
Sweden serves as an exemplary model for addressing malnutrition, particularly for a comparative analysis with Ethiopia, due to its comprehensive, multi-sectoral approach and outstanding health outcomes. The country has virtually eliminated severe forms of undernutrition, and its public health system is a global leader in providing universal, high-quality care.