In the world today, science matters because science serves and saves lives. The impact of science and technology in healthcare and global health in general cannot be overemphasized. Science and technology, by expanding human understanding, is at the forefront of innovations and inventions in healthcare. It creates a foundation for improvements in global health, unravels ideas, fuels discoveries, informs policies and programs as well as promotes better, healthier lives for all people. Science drives and transforms global health through discoveries and technologies as described below:
• Science and technology generates treatments, cures, and vaccines to manage global health challenges
Since the last few decades, science has created new health technologies that have driven incredible progress in global health. The many investments in science and research have produced over 100 vaccines, drugs, diagnostics, and other lifesaving global health tools have been developed and introduced. Some life-saving inventions include polio vaccine that eradicated the virus and antiretroviral treatments that have histrionically extended the lives of people living with HIV/AIDS. Furthermore, the meningitis A vaccine has saved 378,000 lives and prevented 673,000 new infections since 2010 while the child-friendly malaria drugs have reduced childhood malaria deaths by 65 percent since 2000.
• Science sheds light on population needs and aids the design of relevant research tools
Scientific research promotes progress in global health by developing tools that create positive health impacts for the populations and settings in which they’re applied. Research ensures that health care services are provided in a culturally sensitive way and that medications are available, affordable and user-friendly. Through research components and instruments such as surveys, surveillance, data analysis and reviews, science aids the comprehension of population dynamics and complexity as well as proffers reliable and effective solutions.
• Science and technology supports emergency preparedness through the understanding, prediction and tracking of potential health risks
The early detection of an outbreak is important for effective response and the prevention of epidemics or pandemics. Science and technology is employed in the surveillance of infectious diseases through the use of weather patterns to project the possibility of insect-borne disease outbreaks and the use of genomics or evolutionary theory to predict anti-microbial resistance. Biotechnology, molecular biology and genetic engineering are also scientific advancements employed in the diagnosis of many infections, disease control and development of antibiotics.
• Technology provides information and data at our fingertips
The revolution of mobile technology and digital health has transformed the access and use of health information as well as how global diseases and health challenges are combated. Patients and health service providers now use mobile devices to access health information and track immunization coverage or monitor health services and supplies respectively. Doctors, nurses and other healthcare workers use short message service (SMS) to remind patients of their appointments and to adhere to their treatment regime. Finally, the government, through the ministry of health, can now deploy new data visualization tools in order condense data into accessible, comprehensible and easy-to-use information guide… thanks to science and technology.

Ethnic cleansing is defined as the organized, strategic and systematic elimination of other ethnic, tribal or racial groups from a region by a more powerful group, usually with the intention of creating ethnic homogeneity. Various kinds of forced migration are used to achieve this removal including deportation, population transfer, discrimination, inequity, deprivation, intimidation, genocide and genocidal rape. Ethnic cleansing is often accompanied by additional efforts to destroy and remove all physical, structural, religious and cultural traces of the cleansed group in the region. This attempt to create extinction is achieved through the demolition and destruction of houses, social centers, farms and infrastructure, as well as the desecration of monuments, cemeteries, spiritual symbols and religious houses.

Countries such as Sudan and Bosnia experience widespread ethnic cleansing, burning of villages, looming starvation, massive killings and gang rape. Ethnic cleansing was particularly observed in Sudan by the UN experts who took a 10-day trip to visit the country. Following the civil war in December 2013, over 50,000 people have been killed, approximately 2.3 million people have been internally displaced and about 6 million Sudanese are currently at risk of hunger. More so, up to 70 percent of schools in the country have been closed due to the current situation of the country.

Given the unethical and clearly inhumane nature of ethnic cleansing, several health impacts and consequences are predictable. In a study titled “Psychiatric consequences of ethnic cleansing: clinical assessments and trauma testimonies of newly resettled Bosnian refugees” by Weine et al, the authors interviewed Bosnian refugees referred from agencies managing refugee resettlement. The interviews were systematic, trauma-focused and clinical interviews which included standardized assessment scales. Their findings showed that the traumatic experiences of ethnic cleansing in these refugees were genocidal and correlated positively with age. In addition, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depressive disorders were diagnosed in 65% and 35% of these refugees respectively. Conclusively, this study showed that ethnic cleansing resulted in high rates of PTSD, depression, as well as other forms of psychological morbidity, in the studied group. Another study on the “Long-term effects of ethnic cleansing in the former Polish-German borderland” showed that removing portions of the population forcefully wrecks social networks and discards specific skills and knowledge. Further, ethnically cleansed regions tend to remain different, with higher crime rates, lower civic engagement, and less efficient public services.

The most efficient and effective means to preserve global health is to prevent diseases or stop them before they spread across the world. World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF, World Food Program and CDC’s activities protect populations from major global health diseases and pandemics. These international organizations, in collaboration with other organizations and individuals, prevent, detect, contain and control outbreaks at their source, saving lives and reducing healthcare costs. They also help different countries to build capacity to handle and respond accordingly to their respective health challenges. The major aim of global health security is to stop diseases where they start, as soon as possible.

Global health refers to the understanding of health systems and population health in a collaborative, international and global context. It is a multidisciplinary area of study, research and practice that focuses on prioritizing, improving and attaining health and equity for all people worldwide. This is done by highlighting and tackling health problems that transcend national borders or have a social, political and economic impact. Simply, global health is all about improving physical, social and mental health and wellbeing by influencing health determinants, reducing disparities and protecting against diseases, it can be measured by the prevalence of pandemics, emergency preparedness and life expectancy.

The major threat to global health is that diseases know no borders. In the interconnectedness of today’s world, a disease threat anywhere is a threat everywhere. This is because diseases- specifically communicable diseases, exploit any gap to spread and multiply especially given the ease, rate and speed of international travel. Other threats and challenges facing global health include:

1. New and recurring pandemics: These are global disease outbreaks such as HIV, influenza, Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), Ebola, Zika and other viral infections.
2. Human and natural disasters: Climate change, air pollution, water pollution, poor sanitation and hygiene, flooding, droughts and other environmental conditions expedite the spread of diseases.
3. Health inequity due to politics, social and economic disparities: Lack of access to basic health information and health care may result in unhealthy choices, STDs, high child mortality rates, and poor nutrition. These issues can be eliminated by healthy public policies, poverty alleviation and health education.
4. Chronic diseases: Heart disease, stroke, cancer, diabetes and other chronic disease remain a burden for global health as they account for 70 percent of all deaths worldwide.
5. Animal health and products: Animal health is naturally intertwined with humans- having connections to humans as pets or food sources. Hence it is easy to contact infections as many diseases originate from animals, which are often asymptomatic hosts.

In 2014, over 140,000 people died from armed conflicts. This figure only accounts for direct combat-related deaths. Consequently, the figures would be much higher (probably millions) if deaths from all forms of conflicts and wars were accounted for. The health implications of war extend beyond battlefields, into communities, usually with devastating results. Although men are more likely to be killed during wars, women and children often suffer lasting impacts and trauma. Rape and other forms of sexual violence are accompanied by wars, and are frequently used as weapons of war. Sexual violence results in deep psychological trauma, sexually transmitted diseases, unwanted pregnancies, and long-term physical damage.

The health effects of conflicts and wars seem pretty obvious and are well documented in research studies. In Nigeria, conflict groups have continued to clash, killing innocent citizens in various communities- the most recent incident being the unfortunate massacre in Plateau State in June, 2018. This creates fear, trauma and poor mental health across the country. In South Sudan, a country ruined by decades of conflict, girls are more likely to die in childbirth than they are to finish primary school. In Syria, rates of caesarean section – which increases many risks for both mother and baby – have risen as women refuse to have normal delivery in conflict-prone areas. During these conflicts, there have been occasions where premature babies die in incubators due to hospital power outage. Lack of power and the degradation of health services also imply disruptions in vaccinations programs, exposing susceptible individuals to previously rare diseases. For instance, the first case of polio in Syria for 15 years was confirmed in October 2013 following a decline in immunizations due to civil war. In Pakistan, health officials report insecurity as a major barrier to ending polio as 80% of new cases occurring in the war torn regions.

War and conflict are sure to result in tragedies including loss of lives, injuries, anxiety, mental distress, famine, mal-nutrition, damage to the environment, drainage of human and financial resources, fostering of a culture of violence, internal displacement and disease outbreaks. In the face of war, normally unthreatening and preventable diseases such as diarrhea and cholera become a big threat to health and life; chronic illnesses that can usually be managed and treated without pain aggravate to severe suffering; while pregnancy and childbirth become incredibly dangerous. As health systems fail during wars, maternal and newborn health indicators- which reflect a country’ overall health system performance- deteriorate significantly. This means increase in infant and maternal mortality rates. In general, peace begets good health. Conflict and war are overwhelming and may reduce people’s coping capacity, safety and access to food, medicines, medical supplies, safe and clean drinking water, sanitation, shelter and health services.

The mental health impacts of war are also challenging, traumas form near death experiences and loss of loved ones can have significant health impacts on survivors. Crowding in temporary shelters and poor hygienic situations increase the risk of waterborne disease outbreaks such as cholera, typhoid and dysentery. To reduce the negative health impacts of wars and minimize the risks of disease and death, priority must be given to ensuring that civilians can access their basic needs in the midst of war. Such needs include:

• Adequate and safe drinking water
• Hygiene and sanitation
• medical supplies and treatment
• Access to basic continuing health care for persons with special needs and vulnerable populations including pregnant women, children, the elderly, and chronically ill or disabled persons.

Today, our discussion is about mental health- a very important topic in every society, yet often shied away from due to stigma. According to Centers for Disease Control and prevention (CDC), mental health is a significant part of our overall health and includes our emotional, psychological and social well-being. It influences how we think, feel, act, handle stressful situations, relate to others, and make decisions.

Mental health is important at every stage of life, from childhood through adolescence to adulthood. Here are some facts and statistics from World Health Organization that emphasize the impacts and implications of mental health:

• About 20% of adolescents worldwide suffer mental health disorders or problems, usually beginning at the age of 14
• Mental illnesses such as alcohol and substance use disorders are the leading cause of disability worldwide
• Approximately 800,000 people die from suicide yearly, mostly due to mental disorders such as misuse of alcohol and drugs
• Disasters impact mental health and psychosocial well-being given that rates of mental disorders tend to increase afterwards
• Mental disorders are risk factors for other diseases and injuries
• Stigmatization, isolation and discrimination of people faced by mental illnesses and their families prevent them from seeking help
• Mentally ill people are sometimes violated and deprived their right as humans through physical restraint, seclusion and denial of basic needs and privacy
• Financial and human resources are insufficient to meet the growing needs of mental healthcare

Mental health disorder or illness is used to describe a wide range of disorders that affect and influence the mind including mood, thoughts, comprehension, attitude and actions. Some common examples of mental health disorders include depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), substance use disorder, panic attack, bipolar disorder, eating disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder, personality disorders, psychosis, self-harm, suicide ideation, gambling and addictions. Mental health disorders are associated with stress, and the symptoms vary from mild to severe. Globally, similar types of disorders are reported across countries and cultures with neuropsychiatric disorders being the leading cause of disability in young people.

Despite the availability of effective treatments for mental disorders, it is wrongly believed that they are untreatable. People with mental disorders are also perceived to be difficult and dumb. However, these assumptions are false, unfair and uninformed and consequently lead to abuse, rejection, shame, fear and isolation and prevent people from seeking the help and support they need.

Sadly, some regions of the world still lack the required resources for mental health. For instance; low-income countries have 0.05 psychiatrists and 0.42 nurses per 100 000 people which translate to 170 times and 70 times less than what is obtainable in high-income countries. Dearth of qualified and adequate human resources for mental health such as psychiatrists, psychiatric nurses, psychologists and social workers constitute major barriers to the availability and provision of treatment and care in low- and middle-income countries. Other barriers include non-prioritization of mental health in the public health agenda, lack of funding, decentralization of mental health services, lack of integration within primary care and lack of public mental health leadership.

In conclusion, mental illnesses like most illnesses are preventable and treatable. Depending on your location or region, resources, help and support are available and accessible online and onsite, so, don’t shy away from getting help.

The World Health Organization identifies and recognizes suicide as a major public health problem to which about 800,000 deaths is attributed worldwide, annually. For each of these individuals who take their lives, there are much more people who attempt suicide. Among adolescents and young adults aged 15-29 years, suicide was the second leading cause of death in 2015. Suicide is a global phenomenon which occurs in every country and region of the world with its most significant predisposing factor being a previous failed attempt. Despite being mostly associated with high-income countries, approximately 78% of global suicides in 2015 occurred in low- and middle-income countries. The most common methods of suicide around the world are ingestion of pesticides, hanging and use of firearms. In fact, up to 30% of global suicides happen by the use of pesticide to poison oneself, especially in rural agricultural areas where these chemicals are easily accessible.

Suicide, like every loss and death, is a tragedy that affects families, friends, communities and countries at large. It leaves many questions and long-lasting effects on the people left behind. People commit suicide for many different reasons. There is a well-established link between suicide and mental health disorders such as depression and drug or alcohol misuse. In addition, many suicides happen in moments of crisis, pain and thoughtlessness when people feel overwhelmed, swamped and unable to carry on with life. Loss of loved one, failure in the ability to deal with life stresses, financial problems, relationship break-up or chronic pain and illness are some of the many reasons why people have taken their own lives, with hopes to leave it all behind. Furthermore, factors such as war, conflict, disaster, violence, abuse, meltdown, failure, loss, discrimination, loneliness and isolation are strongly associated with suicidal behavior. Rates of suicide are highest amongst vulnerable groups who are more likely to experience the above situations such as refugees and migrants; persons who are perceived as different for any reason and prisoners.

It is important to note that suicides can be prevented using well-timed, evidence-based and effective interventions. To ensure the reduction of suicide rates globally, national suicide prevention strategies must be comprehensive, multi-dimensional, efficient and sustainable. Being a complex problem, understanding the most common reasons for suicide as well as the common suicide methods are important for developing effective prevention strategies. The following are measures that can be taken at population and individual levels to prevent suicide and suicide attempts:

• Regulating access to suicide aids such as pesticides and firearms
• Establishing drug and alcohol policies to reduce misuse
• Support, follow-up and care for people who have attempted suicide
• Training health workers to effectively assess and manage suicidal behavior
• Promoting awareness to erase stigma surrounding depression, mental illness and suicide so as to enable people seek help without shame and prejudice
• Identifying, treating and caring for people with mental health problems, substance use disorders, chronic pain and emotional distress

Currently, over one billion people around the world are unable to access the basic primary healthcare they need. Common reasons for this inability to access healthcare include unavailability of care, poor quality of care, limited number of healthcare providers and high cost of healthcare. The high cost of healthcare particularly presents a significant barrier because an estimated 100 million people are forced into poverty yearly when they pay out-of-pocket for health services.  When more people become poor, income inequality and other inequities across the world increase- the very problems that public and global health are trying to solve. To avoid these systemic problems, which are social determinants of health, an all-encompassing global vigorous health financing systems must be created to achieve universal health coverage (UHC).

Healthcare financing is a system of providing prepaid collective funds for the delivery of vital health services to prevent placing unnecessary financial burdens on families. The importance of health financing systems cannot be over emphasized. It is essential for achieving universal health coverage (UHC), a World Health Organization’s sustainable development initiative that aims to ensure everyone everywhere has the ability to access essential quality health services without any financial barriers. The successful attainment of UHC is dependent on the understanding of past and present trends of health financing, and using this information to predict and implement better financial methods for the future.

World Health Organization continues to promote UHC in various countries by:

• Supporting the development, implementation and monitoring of national health policies, strategies and plans
• Supporting the provision and availability of equitable and affordable patient-oriented health services
• Facilitating access to affordable, safe and effective medicines and health technologies through health plans, accreditation and subsidies
• Strengthening the health information systems and evidence based policies in order to provide information and facts on health-related matters
• Ensuring the existence of resilient and comprehensive health systems in place including having motivated healthcare workers, appropriate funding, safe medicines, research, and information systems

Thanks to globalization and technology, mobility around the world has become very rampant and can happen in a matter of hours. Travelling internationally has the capacity to pose various risks to people’s health, depending on the health status of the traveler, the health conditions of people encountered in the course of the journey and that of the people in the country being traveled to. Some travelers may experience unexpected and substantial fluctuations in altitude, humidity, microbial biome, and temperature, which can result in changes in their health status. Furthermore, detrimental changes such as poor ventilation, hygiene, accommodation, water supply, sanitation and medical services encountered during travel can result in serious health risks. For these reasons, international travelers should always be careful and concerned about their health and safety especially because of the increased likelihood to contract infections or diseases that may be uncommon in their home country.

Most countries have resources for travelers which gives important information on current endemics, epidemics and pandemics in other countries as well as how to access international health facilities and remain safe and healthy during the travel period. In the US and Canada, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) provide lots of information and resources for travelers. These resources are important to review and seriously consider before embarking on any journey internationally. Some of the resources that may be available in various countries include:

1. Notices

Health notices outline potential health risks in different countries to travelers and recommend ways to avoid or reduce them. Notices may also provide country-specific information on safety and security, local laws, customs, entry requirements, health conditions and other important travel issues.

2. Vaccinations and travel health kit

A health care provider may recommend vaccination against one or more diseases before travel, depending on the destination. Travelers are encouraged to visit their doctors before travel and to carry a basic travel health kit in case of emergencies, irrespective of the travel destination.

3. Clinic and medical care in other countries

Medical practices, health insurance, access to healthcare and services, health standards and infection control measures are usually different for various countries. Travellers should be well informed about how these factors differ in the countries they’re travelling to, and what to do to remain healthy and safe.

4. Foods and drinks

Food poisoning, flu and travelers’ diarrhea are some of the most common forms of illness in travelers. These can be prevented by avoiding unfamiliar foods or trying them with caution and ensuring meals are cooked and eaten following proper hygiene

5. Travelling with special needs

Pregnant women, children, older people and persons with disabilities may require special care, different travel needs and medication during travel. When applicable, travelers are encouraged to read up on the information necessary to minimize risks and stay healthy while travelling.

Globally, cancer remains one of the major causes of morbidity and mortality. It is projected that by 2020, cancer incidence may substantially increase by about 15 million new cases. Although cancer affects many communities worldwide, the prevalence, causes and types differ significantly among communities.

Cancer used to be associated with countries with advanced economies until recently- developing countries have succeeded in attaining lifestyles closely related to those in advanced economies. Now, the disease once associated with affluence has its highest burden on developing countries. The incidence, death and health burden of cancer is projected to rise in the developing world, whereas, these stats are expected to remain fairly stable in the developed world. Even though the total cancer burden may remain highest in advanced societies, less developed economies are closing the burden gap quickly.

This increase in cancer incidence in developing countries reflects a much broader evolution in the global burden of disease from infectious diseases to chronic diseases. Being acute and easily detected, infectious diseases such as HIV, malaria and tuberculosis are more preventable and at such have become less fatal when compared to the progressive long-term chronic diseases such as cancer and diabetes. Globalization of chronic diseases is evident in the fact that for years now, deaths due to chronic diseases have surpassed those from acute and infectious diseases.

The complexity of cancer control has changed and increased significantly given the shift of the disease burden. According to World Health Organization, 70% (about 5.5million) of all deaths resulting from cancer occur in the developing world. If nothing is done, cancer deaths in the developing world are projected to rise to 6.7 million in 2015 and 8.9 million in 2030. These values are more than the projected deaths for HIV, malaria, and tuberculosis combined.

The evolution of cancer globally, and  the increased incidence in developing countries can be attributed to several factors including globalization, aging population, diet, urbanization, lifestyle, tobacco and other substance use and infectious agents. Specific types of cancer, such as breast, colon, and prostate cancers, have remained common in the developed world while developing countries are plagued with mostly preventable cancers caused by infectious diseases. Cancer is particularly fatal in developing countries due to late detection, and lack of access to advanced diagnostic technologies and cancer therapies. Additionally, the financial resources, facilities, equipment, infrastructure, staff and training required to cope with chronic care for cancers can be crippling for developing countries. There is also lack of response capacity regarding prevention, health education and promotion, screening and early detection, diagnosis and treatment of cancer. Even when available, the cost of treatment such as surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy is often too high. This further contributes to poverty because in these countries, healthcare is paid for out-of-pocket. Epidemiological data, which is not often available in developing countries, are useful to identify trends in cancer burden, morbidity, mortality, detection and prevention, as well as treatment outcomes such as survival. These epidemiological trends showing cancer burden can also show associated economic and policy factors and eventually help in the reduction of cancer cases in these countries.

The preceding paragraphs emphasize the menace of cancer in low and middle income countries especially the fact that it kills more people worldwide than HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria combined. Despite this fact, cancer care and control in these countries is lacking in global health programs, including the United Nations Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). It is important to tackle cancer as a public health priority that it is starting by establishing functional primary care health infrastructures, particularly for cancers that are preventable, creating awareness and promoting early detection as well as investing in cost–effective generic drugs.

There is compelling evidence that our planet- Earth is changing in many different ways that affect human existence. The various forms and range of human activities continue to alter the physical and chemical characteristics and composition of the Earth’s land, water and air. These changes, which negatively affect global health, include weather variations, heat waves, heavy precipitation, flooding, droughts, storms, rise in sea levels and air pollution. Although the effects of a changing planet are global issues, their specific incidence and impact vary across geographic regions and populations. Given the projected world population of 10 billion people by 2050, it is crucial to ask and comprehend the “what, why, how and where” questions about the Earth’s alterations so as to reduce the impacts and the potential population burden on the planet. To save, sustain and efficiently manage Earth, there must be an understanding of these changes and how they influence our (all) lives, particularly, in relation healthcare and global health.

The major and most common terms used to describe our changing planet are climate change and global warming. Climate change refers to the changes in the global climate, resulting from increasing average global temperature while Global warming describes the long-term patterns of rising global temperature- sometimes, these terms are used interchangeably. How exactly does a changing climate affect global health? Technically, the increase in human-made carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere creates a “greenhouse effect,” causing the world to become warmer. This warmth results in the melting of the arctic ice sheets and rise in sea levels which can cause flooding.  Flooding in-turn leads to major public and global health emergencies such as homelessness, infectious diseases outbreak, poverty, and psychological trauma. Additionally, the warmer the earth becomes, the more unstable weather patterns become and the more regular violent storms, droughts, heat waves, and wild fires become. For instance, wild fires across Canada consume an average of 2.5 million hectares yearly; destroy thousands of properties and render hundreds people homeless. Higher CO₂ in the atmosphere increases ocean acidity, causing harm to marine life. Droughts damage farmlands and hinder food production, leading to poverty, malnutrition, and starvation.

The fields of global health, as well as geological and geographical sciences have been instrumental in the advancement of knowledge in climate change, environmental pollution, sustainability, and the impacts of our rapidly changing planet, economy and society. The consequences of our changing planet increase conflict and create political, economic and social instability- all of which are detrimental to human health. The scientific evidence of the impacts of climate change abounds and so much is happening on a global level to counter these impacts. About 196 countries have signed the Paris Agreement, committing signatories to work toward keeping temperatures from rising above 2 degrees Celsius (3.6 degrees Fahrenheit). As individuals, choosing options that reduce carbon footprint are beneficial to our health and that of our planet. For example, walking or biking rather than driving prevents burning fossil fuels, provides exercise, and helps maintain a healthy weight. Also, opting for renewable energy prevents air pollution and results in fewer cases of asthma and lung cancer.

Fact is, it is impossible to live in an unhealthy planet and live a healthy life because a changing planet is a changing health. Therefore, it is our responsibility to do our part to take care of our planet home, Mother Earth.