CSW

There are no great things, only small things with great love. Happy are those – Commonly attributed to Mother Teresa.

The world is healthier. Global efforts of collaboration are having an impact, and enormous progress has been made in improving health status. These changes in population health can be attributed to new health technologies (vaccines, new antibiotics, Social media, etc.), improved nutrition, increased education and economic growth. There have been significant reductions in death from tuberculosis, AIDS, malaria and meningitis. Additionally, child mortality has been reduced. Improvements have been noted with maternal health. However, this is only part of the story on global health. Today we stand at an important crossroad in confronting global forces that truly impact health. We need multidisciplinary endeavors with well-trained global health leaders, partnerships, policy makers and researchers. Public-private partnerships are needed to support multicultural collaboration and cooperation in designing better health systems. Addressing social determinants of health will have a pronounced impact on non-communicable diseases and the reduction of poverty. As a global society, we recognize the relationship between health and human development. Health is an entitlement due every person because of being human. Human rights are considered universal and something that cannot be taken away. The preamble to the Constitution of the World Health Organization (WHO) claims under health principles that “the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of health is one of the fundamental rights of every human being.” Health is linked with education, employment, infectious diseases, governments, community health, basic health care, health policy, vulnerable populations, poverty and peace. The global challenge is quite clear – global security and freedom requires leadership in working with the poor, sick and marginalized persons. Complex emergencies and natural disaster have a significant impact on global health, as well as wars, civil conflict and health disparities. Every country in the world is confronted with cost, quality and access issues that can only be addressed if leaders are properly trained and willing to commit the necessary resources to improve health. This special issue examines mental health, obesity, smoking, homelessness and the HIV epidemic. In the CEE region, there is a need to understand health issues related to IDPs, refugees, immigration and marginalized persons. These more complex global health issues require new knowledge, increased financing, use of interdisciplinary teams, and global partnerships. The World Health Organization (WHO) defined health as “a state of complete physical, mental and social well being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.” Future developments in population health necessitate that healthcare leaders recognize and address the social determinants of health, non-communicable diseases, and the social-behavior risk factors associated with health. Environmental health, nutrition and the importance of culture to health requires working together to improve global health through sustainable strategies and innovation.

                                Daniel J. West, Jr., Ph.D., FACHE
                                Professor and Chairman
                                Department of Health Administration & Human Resources
                                The University of Scranton