Healthy People 2020 is an initiative program created by the United States Department of Health and Human Services. It establishes guidelines and goals, which are necessary to achieving national wellness priorities and addressing critical issues in population health. States and local governments are encouraged to follow the recommendations and focus on disease prevention, which is one of the primary goals of the program. This report analyses the Miami-Dade County with the zip code 33125 for communicable diseases of Hepatitis A, Syphilis, and AIDS, which affect its population.
Hepatitis A
Hepatitis A is an infectious disease, which impacts the liver. It is commonly acquired through the fecal-oral route by interpersonal contact or ingestion of contaminated products. The infection of hepatitis A was recorded in 111 cases in 2017 (Florida Department of Health, 2017). The rate is significant for the disease, and it is considered an important health issue for the Miami area. It is critical to maintaining control of the infection since hepatitis A can be vital which could lead to potentially dangerous outbreaks. Miami also has several target populations, which are considered high-risk for this disease.
In accordance with Healthy People 2020, there is a goal to decrease occurrences preventable infectious diseases through increased rates of immunization. Health systems should focus on prevention of viral hepatitis through the increase of resources dedicated to evidence-based prevention and interventions targeting vulnerable populations. An objective is established of reducing Hepatitis A as well as achieving and maintaining coverage level of 2 vaccination doses amongst children aged 19-35 months (Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, n.d.b). Miami-Dade is offering a general hepatitis program, which focuses on education and vaccination as prevention measures. This includes working with populations that are at risk, such as travelers or men who have sex with other men. The Florida Department of Health maintains a constant level of surveillance to identify any cases of Hepatitis A so that the origin of the disease can be established, and the patient can be treated to prevent the spread of the virus. Clinic services are offered to work with residents, including specific locations, which provide outreach to high-risk patients and maintain vaccination rates in the population (Florida Department of Health, n.d.a).
Syphilis
Syphilis is a highly contagious infection, which is transmitted via sexual contact. The rate of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) in Miami-Dade County is extremely alarming. There is a myriad of issues, which may arise due to untreated STDs, including cancer and infertility. Miami has continued to struggle with high rates of STDs for more than a decade. Despite some success, recent statistics suggest a rising amount of cases, particularly syphilis. The reported infectious syphilis rate in Miami is more than double than in Florida as a state and one of the leading statistics nationwide at approximately 16.5 cases per 100,000 population in 2014 (Florida Department of Health, 2016). There were 346 registered cases in 2017 (Florida Department of Health, 2017).
Healthy People 2020 establishes a goal to prevent STDs through the promotion of healthy sexual behavior and access to quality services. STDs is a tremendous public health hazard with significant costs to the population. However, the issue is largely ignored on a practical level of policymakers and health professionals. Objectives include the reduction of transmission rates for primary and secondary syphilis amongst both sexes (Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, n.d.c). Miami-Dade County is attempting to implement a 3-tier strategy based on CDC recommendations, which include education and communication, active testing, and availability of treatment options. There is a focus on establishing collaboration between public health infection control offices and primary care providers, which have direct access to the population (Florida Department of Health, 2016).
AIDS
The acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) is a complication, which results due to untreated HIV. In combination, HIV/AIDS is considered a pandemic and is most often acquired through contact of bodily fluids. Once HIV progresses into AIDS, it becomes incredibly fatal and difficult to manage since there is no known cure. Miami-Dade has had 372 cases of AIDS in 2017, which is lower than in previous years. However, the rate of HIV has remained relatively similar at 1184 reported cases, which presents a risk-factor for more AIDS infections (Florida Department of Health, 2017).
Healthy People 2020 has set a goal of preventing HIV and related illnesses, which AIDS is a part of. Similar to STDs, the disease is preventable with proper measures to reduce methods of transmission. Objectives include reducing new AIDS cases in both adolescents and adults of any sexual orientation as well as vulnerable populations such as injection drug users (Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, n.d.a). Miami-Dade County has implemented a public health program in collaboration with the Florida Department of Health called “Getting 2 Zero.” It seeks to create a strategy for combating the epidemic, which is increasingly common in Miami, making it one of the top metropolitan areas for HIV/AIDS infection rates. The program focuses on public education as well as establishing a continuum of care for HIV patients since early diagnosis and treatment can ensure a relatively healthy life if the disease is not allowed to progress to AIDS (Florida Department of Health, n.d.b).
References
Florida Department of Health. (2016). Epi monthly report – April 2016.
Florida Department of Health. (2017). Epi monthly report – December 2017.
Florida Department of Health. (n.d.a). Hepatitis program.
Florida Department of Health. (n.d.b). National HIV/AIDS strategy.
Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion. (n.d.a). HIV.
Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion. (n.d.b). Immunization and infectious diseases.
Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion. (n.d.c). Sexually transmitted diseases.