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Sunday, November 1, 2009: 4:35 PM
Learning Objective 1: identify three important reasons for nurses to be involved in global health issues
Learning Objective 2: discuss the components of sustainability for nursing interventions in global health
Health for all cannot be limited solely to those living in one’s home country. The globalization of trade, food supplies, armed conflicts and world wide effects in the areas of human rights, climate change, and emerging infectious disease affect the health of all the world’s citizens. The Alma Alta declaration, Health for All by the Year 2000 prepared by the World Health Organization and UNICEF in 1978 set future goals to improve global health. This agenda moved beyond a didactic model based upon behavior change to encompass not only lifestyle behaviors but also the environmental, political and social structures that enhance or limit the health of populations. Nurses historically have been at the forefront of global health initiatives. Drawing from more than 10 years experience as a faculty mentor to students who travel to Latin America to provide health care and a longer term experience as nursing faculty in Africa, the presenter will share preliminary work on the notion of sustainability for global health interventions. This presentation explains the development of a model for nursing interventions for global health. Using data from 13 in depth interviews with nursing leaders in global health, the Global Health Sustainability Model was developed. During early development the model was then critiqued by several other nurse leaders and global partners. This model focuses upon the sustainability of nursing involvement in global health ventures. Key components of the model include public health hallmarks such as community assessment, collaboration, partnership, and empowerment. This model helps form the critique of approaches that are often termed “band-aid” measures rather than sustainable solutions for the underserved in poorer countries.