The global health challenge

As globalisation continues to bridge traditional boundaries and intertwine the world as never before, there are new challenges facing the health community and the world at large. In a recent article for the MJA entitled, “The need for leadership in global health”, Leeder et al, call on the health community to refocus towards a truly global outlook for health and development.

"This is a moment of great global challenge, and is recognised as such in relation to the environment, sustainability and peace."

One avenue that is explored is the rising challenges of chronic disease throughout the world. Where as in the past developing world health was focused on infectious disease, the time is approaching to ensure that we do not forget about the burden of chronic disease as well as the equity of addressing all health issues, not just those that are in vogue.

"But our compassion cannot sensibly stop at our shores. Discussions about equity in access to health care and to the things that make for good health in Australia should be set within the context of truly desperate global inequities, as the stimulus to go beyond national boundaries in the pursuit of fairness in health."

Just as the awareness of “global health” is increasing throughout the medical community, so the enthusiasm and interest in global health is spreading throughout the medical schools. As we continue to increase participation in global health throughout Australia, and as the leaders in these fields in the future, it is a call to action for us, to realise the possibilities, the new challenges and to be bold and creative in our response.

"A profound ethical challenge stares us in the face if we take global health seriously — to apply our energies in making the world, by any and every means, a healthier and more sustainable place for all people, not just for us. Those who wish to lead us in global health endeavour should point to ways in which this goal can be achieved, then push forward, and be prepared for many to follow."

For the full text of the article, goto: http://www.mja.com.au/public/issues/187_09_051107/lee10822_fm.html