Outline and explain two ways in which globalisation may affect health in developing countries.
AQA
A Level
2024
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Outline and Explain Two Ways in Which Globalisation May Affect Health in Developing Countries
This essay will explore two ways in which globalisation can affect health in developing countries. First, it will examine the positive impact of globalisation on access to healthcare and medical advancements. Second, it will focus on the negative implications of globalisation, particularly in relation to changing lifestyles and dietary habits that can lead to detrimental health outcomes.
1. Globalisation and Improved Healthcare Access
a. Increased Availability of Medicines and Technologies:Globalisation has led to increased trade and investment, making advanced medical technologies and pharmaceuticals more accessible to developing nations. This access to modern treatments can significantly improve health outcomes, particularly for diseases that were previously difficult to manage.
b. International Aid and Collaboration:Global health initiatives, often driven by international organisations and non-governmental organisations, have played a crucial role in improving healthcare in developing countries. These initiatives often provide funding, expertise, and training, enabling developing nations to strengthen their healthcare systems.
c. Medical Tourism:Globalisation has facilitated medical tourism, where individuals from developing countries seek advanced medical care in developed nations. While this can be beneficial for individuals seeking specialised treatments, it can also exacerbate existing inequalities in healthcare access, particularly for the poorest segments of society within developing countries.
2. Globalisation and Negative Health Impacts
a. Diet and Lifestyle Changes:Globalisation has led to the spread of Western lifestyles and diets, often characterized by high consumption of processed foods, sugary drinks, and saturated fats. These dietary shifts can lead to an increase in non-communicable diseases like heart disease, diabetes, and certain types of cancer, posing significant health challenges in developing countries.
b. Environmental Degradation:Globalisation can contribute to environmental degradation, including air and water pollution, which can have adverse health consequences. Industrial development and rapid urbanization often lead to environmental damage, potentially increasing the prevalence of respiratory illnesses and other health problems.
c. Increased Stress and Social Inequality:The rapid pace of globalisation can lead to increased stress and social inequalities within developing countries. Economic disparities, competition, and displacement can affect mental health and well-being, potentially contributing to increased rates of depression, anxiety, and other mental health problems.
Conclusion
Globalisation has a complex and multifaceted impact on health in developing countries. While it has undoubtedly led to improvements in access to healthcare and medical advancements, it has also contributed to changes in lifestyle, diet, and the environment, leading to potential negative health outcomes. The extent to which these factors influence health in developing countries varies depending on the specific context and the policies implemented to address these challenges. Further analysis is needed to fully understand the dynamic interplay between globalisation and health in these regions.
Globalisation and Health in Developing Countries
Globalisation, the increasing interconnectedness of societies worldwide, has profound implications for health, particularly in developing countries. This essay will examine two key ways in which globalisation impacts health in these nations: the increased availability of medicines and healthcare, and the changing patterns of lifestyle and diet.
Increased Availability of Medicines and Healthcare
Globalisation has facilitated the transfer of medical technology and knowledge across borders. Pharmaceutical companies, often based in developed countries, now have a wider reach, making essential medicines more available in developing nations. This increased access to medication can be life-saving, particularly for treating infectious diseases such as HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis, which are more prevalent in these regions. Furthermore, the spread of medical information and training through global networks allows healthcare professionals in developing countries to learn new techniques and improve their practices, potentially leading to better health outcomes.
However, this increased availability is not without its challenges. The high cost of patented drugs from multinational companies can be prohibitive, limiting their accessibility for many. Additionally, the focus on pharmaceutical interventions may overshadow the importance of preventative healthcare and addressing underlying social determinants of health, such as poverty and lack of access to clean water and sanitation.
Changing Lifestyles and Diets
Globalisation has also led to significant lifestyle changes in developing countries. The influx of Western culture, often through media and marketing, has promoted the adoption of unhealthy habits, including consuming processed foods high in sugar, salt, and fat. This shift away from traditional diets has contributed to a rise in non-communicable diseases such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease, previously less common in these regions.
Moreover, globalisation has driven urbanisation, leading to sedentary lifestyles and increased stress levels, further exacerbating these health issues. While economic growth associated with globalisation can improve living standards, it often comes at the cost of environmental degradation and pollution, impacting the health and well-being of populations.
Conclusion
Globalisation presents both opportunities and challenges for health in developing countries. While increased access to medicines and healthcare advancements can improve health outcomes, the influence of Western lifestyles and dietary habits has contributed to a rise in non-communicable diseases. To mitigate the negative consequences, it is crucial to address the social determinants of health, promote healthy lifestyle choices, and ensure equitable access to healthcare services and essential medicines.
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Globalisation and Health in Developing Countries
Answers in this band will show very good knowledge and understanding of two ways in which globalisation may affect health in developing countries.
There will be two applications of relevant material, eg globalisation makes medicines and health care more available to people in developing countries; globalisation changes lifestyle and diet which may affect health.
There will be appropriate analysis, eg the extent to which health is changing as a result of globalisation.