Introduction
The World Health Report (WHR) (2013) and the Millennium Development Goals Report (MDGR) (2015) are two critical documents that examine global health trends and highlight public health goals and objectives. These reports focus on different aspects of health, with the WHR addressing the overall state of health worldwide and the MDGR focusing on how to reduce extreme poverty, promote gender equality, and improve access to healthcare. This paper will analyze, compare and contrast the high longevity rates for residents of Japan and Sweden to that of the U.S.
Question 1
One of the significant purposes of the WHR (2013) was to provide a comprehensive overview of global health. This report focused on the health of populations and the need for countries to create and implement effective health systems that are responsive to people’s needs. The report’s primary intent was to identify key areas of progress in global health and the challenges that remain (Herath, 2017). It also highlighted the importance of health systems and the need to ensure that they are well-functioning and provide equitable access to all individuals.
In order to properly assess the current state of global health, the report used data from countries around the world and looked at several indicators. These indicators included the prevalence of communicable and non-communicable diseases, mortality and morbidity rates, access to services, and quality of care (Herath, 2017). The report also highlighted the need for countries to strengthen their health systems and invest in health research and development.
The United Nations produced the MDGR (2015). This report provided an assessment of the progress made toward achieving the eight Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). These goals were set in 2000 and aimed to reduce poverty and improve the lives of people around the world by 2015 (Mahomed et al., 2017). The report focused on many critical areas, such as poverty, hunger, education, gender equality, child mortality, and access to clean water and sanitation. The report highlighted the progress that had been made and the challenges that remain in achieving the MDGs.
“The World Health Report” (2013) and the “MDGR” (2015) both had the same goal in mind: to assess and improve the health of people around the world. Both reports highlighted the need for countries to invest in health systems, research, and development and to ensure that everyone has equitable access to healthcare (WHO, 2019). They also both emphasized the importance of tackling poverty, hunger, and gender inequality in order to improve the lives of people around the world. By providing detailed data and assessments, these reports have been instrumental in helping countries identify areas in need of improvement and work towards creating a healthier and more equitable world.
Another purpose was to provide a comprehensive overview of the progress made towards achieving the eight “Millennium Development Goals” (MDGs). This report provided data and analysis that helped inform the policy decisions of governments and organizations worldwide (Herath, 2017). It also helped to highlight the importance of tackling the root causes of poverty and inequality and the need for global cooperation to help achieve the goals.
Finally, both reports provided a call to action for governments, international organizations, and individuals to continue working together to improve global health. They highlighted the need for increased investment in health research, development, and delivery, as well as greater collaboration between countries to ensure that everyone has access to healthcare (Herath, 2017). They also emphasized the need to tackle poverty and inequality to improve the lives of people worldwide. By providing detailed data and assessments, these reports have been instrumental in helping countries identify areas in need of improvement and work towards creating a healthier and more equitable world. For example, the WHR (2013) helped inform the policy decisions of governments and organizations to ensure that everyone has access to healthcare, while the MDGR (2015) helped highlight the importance of tackling the root causes of poverty and inequality.
Moreover, it was also essential in encouraging countries to strengthen their health systems, invest in health research and development, and ensure that all individuals have equitable access to healthcare. The WHR (2013) and the MDGR (2015) provided a comprehensive overview of global health and highlighted the need for countries to take necessary steps to improve the lives of people around the world. By providing detailed data and assessments, these reports have been instrumental in helping countries identify areas in need of improvement and work towards creating a healthier and more equitable world. For example, the WHR (2013) helped inform the policy decisions of governments and organizations to ensure that everyone has access to healthcare, while the MDGR (2015) helped highlight the importance of tackling the root causes of poverty and inequality.
Question 2
The citizens of Japan, Sweden, and the United States have vastly different life expectancies. Japan has the highest life expectancy rate of 84.2 years, Sweden has the second highest life expectancy rate of 82.6 years, and the United States has the third highest life expectancy rate of 78.9 years. Although these numbers show a significant difference, many factors contribute to why some countries have high life expectancy rates while others do not.
The primary factor contributing to a country’s life expectancy rate is access to health care. Japan and Sweden are two countries that have excellent public health care systems, while the United States has a patchwork of private and public health care systems. Japan offers universal coverage, which means all citizens have access to quality and affordable health care, regardless of income or age (Mahomed et al., 2017). Furthermore, Japan has a comprehensive preventative medicine system, which helps identify and address potential health problems before they become serious. In contrast, the United States does not have universal health care, and many people do not have access to quality health care. As a result, many Americans cannot get the medical care they need to stay healthy. For example, a person living in the United States may not be able to afford regular check-ups or screenings, which can lead to serious illnesses if left untreated.
Another factor that contributes to a country’s life expectancy rate is lifestyle choices. In Japan, people tend to eat a healthy, balanced diet and participate in regular physical activity. Additionally, smoking is not as expected, and mental health is strongly emphasized. In contrast, many Americans eat an unhealthy diet high in processed foods, and many do not get enough physical activity (Mahomed et al., 2017). Additionally, smoking is still common, and mental health is often not taken seriously. As a result, these lifestyle choices can significantly impact a person’s overall health and life expectancy. For example, a person living in the United States may be more likely to develop serious illnesses such as heart disease and cancer due to their lifestyle choices.
Finally, the environment in which people live can also affect their life expectancy. Japan and Sweden are two countries that have relatively clean air and water, while the United States has some of the worst air and water quality in the world. In addition, Japan and Sweden have excellent infrastructure and public transportation systems, while the United States has some of the worst infrastructure and public transportation systems (Herath et al., 2017). As a result, people in Japan and Sweden can live in healthier environments, contributing to their higher life expectancy rates. For example, according to the World Health Organization, air pollution is one of the leading causes of death in the United States. At the same time, Japan and Sweden have deficient levels of air pollution.
On the other hand, the United States has a strong economy and high living standards, contributing to the life expectancy rate. Even though the United States does not have universal health care or a robust infrastructure, the country still has the world’s third-highest life expectancy rate (Herath et al., 2017). This can be attributed to the country’s high standard of living allows people to have access to quality health care and healthy food. Additionally, the United States has a well-developed medical system, which allows people to receive the medical care they need.
Another reason the U.S. has higher life expectancy than other countries is the advanced technology available in the country. The United States has some of the most advanced medical technology in the world, which allows doctors to diagnose and treat illnesses quickly and effectively (Vaupel et al., 2011). Additionally, the United States has access to the latest treatments and medications, which can help to improve someone’s health and life expectancy.
Comparing the U.S to Sweden and Japan, it is clear that many factors contribute to a country’s life expectancy rate. Japan and Sweden both have excellent public health care systems, healthy lifestyles, and clean environments, which all contribute to their high life expectancy rates. On the other hand, the United States does not have universal health care, but the country still has a high life expectancy rate due to its advanced medical technology and high standard of living (Vaupel et al., 2011). For example, people in the United States have access to quality health care and the latest treatments and medications. These factors contribute to why Japan and Sweden have higher life expectancy rates than the United States.
In conclusion, Japan, Sweden, and the United States have vastly different life expectancy rates due to various factors. Japan and Sweden have excellent healthcare systems, healthy lifestyle choices, and clean environments. In contrast, the United States has a patchwork of healthcare systems, unhealthy lifestyle choices, and poor air and water quality. As a result, the citizens of Japan and Sweden can enjoy longer, healthier lives than those in the United States.
References
Herath, C., Zhou, Y., Gan, Y., Nakandawire, N., Gong, Y., & Lu, Z. (2017). A comparative study of interprofessional education in global health care: a systematic review. Medicine, 96(38).
Mahomed, N., Fancourt, N., De Campo, J., De Campo, M., Akano, A., Cherian, T., … & Mulholland, K. (2017). Preliminary report from the world health organisation chest radiography in epidemiological studies project. Pediatric radiology, 47(11), 1399-1404.
Vaupel, J. W., Zhang, Z., & van Raalte, A. A. (2011). Life expectancy and disparity: an international comparison of life table data. BMJ open, 1(1), e000128.
World Health Organization. (2019). World health statistics overview 2019: monitoring health for the SDGs, sustainable development goals (No. WHO/DAD/2019.1). World Health Organization.
write