Introduction to Global Health Security

The World Health Organization (WHO) defines global health security as the activities required to minimize the risk that infectious diseases will emerge, spread, or have an impact on a given population. Recent outbreaks of infectious diseases such as COVID-19, Ebola, and SARS have highlighted the need for robust global health security measures.

Current Gaps in Global Health Security

Despite the importance of global health security, there are several gaps in the current system. These include:

Inadequate surveillance and detection systems

Insufficient public health infrastructure

Lack of trained healthcare professionals

Inadequate funding for global health security initiatives The following table highlights some of the key gaps in global health security: | Country | Surveillance System | Public Health Infrastructure | Trained Healthcare Professionals | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Kenya | Limited | Developing | 10% of required workforce | | Uganda | Basic | Underdeveloped | 5% of required workforce | | Tanzania | Limited | Developing | 15% of required workforce |

What this means in practice

The gaps in global health security have significant implications for clinical practice. For example:

Delayed detection and response: Inadequate surveillance systems can lead to delayed detection and response to outbreaks, resulting in increased morbidity and mortality.

Inadequate treatment and care: Insufficient public health infrastructure and lack of trained healthcare professionals can lead to inadequate treatment and care for patients, further exacerbating the outbreak.

Increased risk of antimicrobial resistance: Inadequate funding for global health security initiatives can lead to increased risk of antimicrobial resistance, making it harder to treat infectious diseases. To address these gaps, it is essential to invest in data-driven solutions such as Free Clinical Tools and AfyaPlate Planner that can help improve surveillance, detection, and response to outbreaks. I built AfyaPlate specifically because Kenyan RDNs deserve clinical tools that reflect what Kenyan patients actually eat. If you're spending hours on manual plans, there is a better way: afyaplate.com/signup Always consult a registered nutritionist for personalised dietary advice.

Global Health Security Gaps

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Introduction to Global Health Security

Current Gaps in Global Health Security

What this means in practice