GLOBAL HEALTHCARE COMPARISON MATRIX AND NARRATIVE STATEMENT

Global Healthcare Issue	HIV/AIDS
Description	HIV/AIDS is a global infectious disease affecting millions, transmitted through various means, requiring lifelong treatment and prevention efforts.
Country	United States	Sweden
Describe the policy in each country related to the identified healthcare issue	The United States has adopted the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program as a key policy to address the HIV/AIDS epidemic. This program provides essential monetary assistance for uninsured and underinsured individuals in need of HIV medical care and support services. It improves access to medical services, medication, and support services, ensuring comprehensive care for those affected by HIV/AIDS. However, despite these efforts, disparities in access to healthcare services persist, particularly among marginalized populations such as racial and ethnic minorities, LGBTQ+ individuals, and the homeless (Ginossar et al., 2019)	Sweden’s National Strategy for HIV Prevention and Control is a cornerstone of the country’s efforts to combat HIV/AIDS and ensure equitable access to care and support. This comprehensive policy is integrated into Sweden’s universal healthcare system, emphasizing early testing, timely diagnosis, and prompt initiation of antiretroviral therapy (ART) for individuals living with HIV/AIDS. By prioritizing prevention and timely treatment, Sweden aims to reduce HIV transmission rates and improve health outcomes for affected individuals. Additionally, the strategy encompasses harm reduction measures, such as needle exchange programs, to prevent HIV transmission among injecting drug users. The government’s commitment to funding HIV/AIDS prevention, treatment, and support services through the healthcare system underscores a patient-centered approach to care. Despite these efforts, challenges such as stigma and discrimination persist, highlighting the need for ongoing initiatives to address societal attitudes and promote inclusivity in HIV/AIDS care. Overall, Sweden’s National Strategy for HIV Prevention and Control reflects a commitment to promoting health equity and ensuring comprehensive and accessible HIV/AIDS care for all residents.
What are the strengths of this policy?	The Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program in the United States prioritizes comprehensive care and support for individuals affected by HIV/AIDS. One of the key strengths of this policy is its focus on providing monetary assistance for uninsured and underinsured individuals in need of HIV medical care and support services. This ensures that all individuals, regardless of their insurance status, have access to essential HIV/AIDS care, including prevention, testing, and treatment. By targeting resources to those most in need, the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program helps to address healthcare disparities and improve health outcomes for marginalized populations affected by HIV/AIDS. Additionally, the program’s emphasis on support services, such as medication assistance and mental health counselling, enhances the quality of care and promotes holistic well-being for individuals living with HIV/AIDS. Overall, the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program demonstrates a commitment to comprehensive care and support, making it a crucial policy in the fight against the HIV/AIDS epidemic in the United States.	Sweden’s National Strategy for HIV Prevention and Control demonstrates several strengths in its comprehensive approach to addressing HIV/AIDS. Firstly, the policy emphasizes early testing, timely diagnosis, and prompt initiation of antiretroviral therapy (ART), ensuring individuals living with HIV/AIDS receive necessary treatment promptly, thus reducing transmission rates and improving health outcomes. Additionally, the strategy integrates harm reduction measures, such as needle exchange programs, to prevent HIV transmission among injecting drug users, further contributing to prevention efforts. Furthermore, the government’s commitment to funding HIV/AIDS prevention, treatment, and support services through the healthcare system underscores a dedication to ensuring equitable access to care for all residents.
What are the weaknesses of this policy?	Disparities in access to healthcare services persist, particularly among marginalized populations such as racial and ethnic minorities, LGBTQ+ individuals, and people experiencing homelessness.	Stigma and discrimination may still hinder access to services for certain populations despite efforts to address them.
Explain how the social determinants of health may impact the specified global health issue. (Be specific and provide examples)	Socioeconomic issues, including income, education, housing, and access to healthcare, play a major role when it comes to HIV/AIDS outcomes. For instance, individuals with a lower socioeconomic status may face barriers to access to HIV tests, treatment, and prevention services, leading to the respective outcomes of the HIV spread and global health. Moreover, stigma and discrimination are also associated with HIV/AIDS care and support indifferences.	In Sweden, socioeconomic factors, including income and education, stigma, and discrimination, have a direct impact on HIV/AIDS results. Limited resources and discrimination obstruct HIV testing and treatment services. Marginalized groups like racial minorities and the LGBTQ are hit twice as they are faced with discrimination on two fronts. Eliminating these social determinants will be essential in fighting the situation of health disparity and improving access to care for HIV/AIDS (Nkulu-Kalengayi et al., 2022).
How has each country’s government addressed cost, quality, and access to the selected global health issue?	The US government finances the national HIV/AIDS Program using various channels such as the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program and President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) for the global efforts that emerged against HIV/AIDS. Nevertheless, limited healthcare coverage and a lack of affordable health insurance persist as major hurdles for many Americans to reach HIV/AIDS care. There are more opportunities for variation of care because of the fragmented healthcare models.	Sweden’s universal healthcare system ensures equitable access to high-quality HIV/AIDS care and treatment for all residents, regardless of socioeconomic status. The government prioritizes public health initiatives, such as comprehensive sexual education and harm reduction programs, to prevent HIV transmission and promote health equity.
How has the identified health policy impacted the health of the global population? (Be specific and provide examples)	The Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program has had a positive impact on the health of the global population by serving as a model for comprehensive HIV/AIDS care and support services. Its provision of access to testing, treatment, and support services has not only benefited individuals in the US but has also influenced global efforts to combat HIV/AIDS. For example, other countries have adopted similar programs or adapted aspects of the Ryan White Program to their own healthcare systems to improve access to care for individuals affected by HIV/AIDS. Additionally, the program’s emphasis on reducing healthcare disparities and promoting holistic well-being has contributed to improved health outcomes globally by addressing the social and economic factors that influence HIV/AIDS transmission and treatment. Overall, the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program has played a significant role in advancing global efforts to combat HIV/AIDS and improve health outcomes for individuals worldwide (Kumah et al., 2023).	Implementation of Sweden’s National Strategy for HIV Prevention and Control demonstrates the potential for achieving significant reductions in HIV transmission and improving health outcomes on a global scale. By emphasizing early testing, timely diagnosis, and prompt initiation of ART, Sweden’s policy contributes to reducing transmission rates and improving health outcomes for individuals living with HIV/AIDS, both domestically and globally. Additionally, the integration of harm reduction measures, such as needle exchange programs, helps prevent HIV transmission among injecting drug users, further supporting global efforts to combat the disease. Furthermore, Sweden’s commitment to addressing social determinants of health and promoting health equity ensures that all individuals have access to comprehensive HIV/AIDS care and support. Overall, Sweden’s National Strategy for HIV Prevention and Control exemplifies the potential for evidence-based policies and practices to positively impact global population health goals related to HIV/AIDS.
Describe the potential impact of the identified health policy on the role of nurse in each country.	The Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program significantly impacts the role of nurses in the US by positioning them as key personnel in HIV/AIDS care and prevention. Nurses within this program are integral in delivering a wide range of services, including HIV testing, counseling, and adherence support for antiretroviral therapy. They collaborate within multidisciplinary teams to provide holistic care, addressing both the medical and psychosocial needs of patients. Through patient education, advocacy, and support, nurses empower individuals living with HIV/AIDS to manage their condition effectively and advocate for their rights. The program enhances the role of nurses by providing resources and support, enabling them to deliver high-quality care to individuals affected by HIV/AIDS, thereby contributing significantly to the overall success of HIV/AIDS care in the US.	Sweden’s National Strategy for HIV Prevention and Control has the potential to significantly impact the role of nurses within the country. Nurses play a crucial role in implementing this policy by conducting early testing, facilitating timely diagnoses, and ensuring prompt initiation of antiretroviral therapy for individuals with HIV/AIDS. They collaborate within multidisciplinary teams to provide holistic care and support, lead efforts to implement harm reduction strategies like needle exchange programs, and advocate for patient-centered care. By addressing social determinants of health and promoting health equity, nurses contribute to comprehensive HIV/AIDS care for all residents in Sweden.
Explain how global health issues impact local healthcare organizations and policies in both countries. (Be specific and provide examples)	Local healthcare organizations in the United States collaborate closely with federal programs like the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program to offer comprehensive care and support to individuals affected by HIV/AIDS. This collaboration extends to state and local policies, which often align with federal initiatives, including the implementation of needle exchange programs and the expansion of Medicaid coverage to enhance access to HIV/AIDS treatment and prevention services. For instance, the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program provides crucial funding to local health departments and community-based organizations, enabling them to deliver tailored HIV/AIDS care and support services that address the unique needs of their respective communities.	In Sweden, local healthcare organizations seamlessly integrate HIV/AIDS policies into their service delivery models, operating within the framework of the country’s universal healthcare system to guarantee equitable access to testing, treatment, and support services for all residents. Harm reduction strategies, like needle exchange programs, are executed locally through partnerships between healthcare providers and community organizations to diminish HIV transmission among injecting drug users. For example, healthcare organizations collaborate with social welfare agencies and community-based organizations to deliver holistic care for individuals living with HIV/AIDS, ensuring comprehensive support that addresses both medical and social needs (Ooms & Kruja, 2019).
General Notes/Comments	Overall, the US cooperates with federal departments and programs such as the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program to resolve the issue of HIV/AIDS on a global scale. State and local plans are in accordance with federal initiatives and are aimed towards offering a range of care services through various programs such as needle exchange as well as the Medicaid expansion. This indicates that the country considers these individuals’ needs and provides models of comprehensive care, demonstrating the national government’s imperative commitment to fighting the pandemic.	In Sweden, the approach to addressing HIV/AIDS reflects integration within the universal healthcare system and a commitment to harm reduction strategies. Through initiatives like needle exchange programs and collaborative efforts with social welfare agencies, Sweden ensures equitable access to testing, treatment, and support services for all residents. This underscores the country’s dedication to providing holistic care and promoting health equity in the fight against HIV/AIDS.

Part 2: A Plan for Social Change

Advocating for the Incorporation of a Global Perspective

As a nurse leader, I would aspire to establish a global outlook in my local practice through cultural competence training for medical personnel. This training would encompass education on different cultural beliefs and practices as well as health and illness, which will enable healthcare providers to understand and cater to the needs of individuals from different cultures. On the other hand, I would also recommend including the utilization of evidence-based global health practices in local healthcare policies and regulations to ensure that the implementation of our practice meets global standards and takes into consideration the interlinkage of health issues on the international level (Kaihlanen et al., 2019).

Impact of Incorporating a Global Perspective

The incorporation of a global perspective into my local practice and role as a nurse leader would have several impacts. Firstly, it would enhance cultural competence among healthcare providers, leading to improved patient-provider communication and trust. This, in turn, could result in better health outcomes and patient satisfaction. Secondly, integrating global health perspectives would broaden the understanding of health issues beyond local contexts, fostering innovation and creativity in addressing healthcare challenges. Finally, embracing a global lens would promote collaboration and partnership with international healthcare organizations, allowing nurses to leverage resources and expertise to improve healthcare delivery locally.

How Incorporating a Global Perspective Represents and Contributes to Social Change

The integration of a global outlook into my local nursing practice as a leader of nurses constitutes and affects social transformation through varied routes. To begin with, it leads to diversity and inclusivity in healthcare, a phenomenon that may challenge stereotypes and biases existing in healthcare settings (USAID, 2019). Instilling respect for cultural distinctions among the healthcare personnel will lead to more inclusive and easily accessible healthcare offices for any individual. In addition, a global outlook unites nurses with other nations and helps them speak for marginalized communities and take action against global health disorders. In summary, through the nursing practice and supporting global health in local areas, nurses are part of constructing a just and generous society where everyone has equal opportunities to enjoy good health and wholeness.

References

Ginossar, T., Oetzel, J., Van Meter, L., Gans, A. A., & Gallant, J. E. (2019). The Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program after the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act full implementation: A critical review of Predictions, evidence, and Future Directions. Topics in Antiviral Medicine, 27(3), 91–100. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6892620/

Kaihlanen, A.-M., Hietapakka, L., & Heponiemi, T. (2019). Increasing cultural awareness: Qualitative study of nurses’ perceptions about cultural competence training. BMC Nursing, 18(1), 1–9. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12912-019-0363-x

Kumah, E., Dorothy Serwaa Boakye, Boateng, R., & Agyei, E. (2023). Advancing the global fight against HIV/Aids: Strategies, barriers, and the road to eradication. Annals of Global Health, 89(1). https://doi.org/10.5334/aogh.4277

Nkulu-Kalengayi, F. K., Ouma, A. A., & Hurtig, A.-K. (2022). “HIV ended up in second place” − prioritizing social integration in the shadow of social exclusion: An interview study with migrants living with HIV in Sweden. International Journal for Equity in Health, 21(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12939-022-01783-5

Ooms, G., & Kruja, K. (2019). The integration of the global HIV/AIDS response into universal health coverage: Desirable, perhaps possible, but far from easy. Globalization and Health, 15(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12992-019-0487-5

USAID. (2019, September 18). Key populations: Targeted approaches toward an AIDS-free generation. Www.usaid.gov. https://www.usaid.gov/global-health/health-areas/hiv-and-aids/technical-areas/key-populations

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Question

Focusing on the country you selected and the U.S., complete the Global Health Comparison Matrix. Be sure to address the following:

Consider the U.S. national/federal health policies that have been adapted for the global health issue you selected from the WHO global health agenda. Compare these policies to the additional country you selected for study.

GLOBAL HEALTHCARE COMPARISON MATRIX AND NARRATIVE STATEMENT

Explain the strengths and weaknesses of each policy.
Explain how the social determinants of health may impact the global health issue you selected. Be specific and provide examples.
Using the WHO’s Organization’s global health agenda as well as the results of your own research, analyze how each country’s government addresses cost, quality, and access to the global health issue selected.
Explain how the health policy you selected might impact the health of the global population. Be specific and provide examples.
Explain how the health policy you selected might impact the role of the nurse in each country.
Explain how global health issues impact local healthcare organizations and policies in both countries. Be specific and provide examples.

GLOBAL HEALTHCARE COMPARISON MATRIX AND NARRATIVE STATEMENT