Summary of the article
The CDC’s Malaria Program focuses on the US government’s initiatives to fight malaria within its territories and abroad (CDC, 2013). This article asserts that since the formation of The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), infectious diseases in the US have been contained while others have been defeated. For the last few decades, the organization has received financial support from the USAID for malaria-related initiatives in malaria-prevalent countries. In these countries, the organization has been at the forefront in the development of evidence-based strategies and projects and assessment of advancements towards the achievements of global malaria objectives. These initiatives have been accomplished with the help of partners from the ministries of health in specific countries. Through this, changes in policies and reported progress towards the fight against the disease have been shared among the parties.
The article emphasizes that from the organization’s research initiatives, several efforts meant to thwart the spread of malaria have been initiated. Its scientific knowledge has been shared with other health partners enhancing the global understanding and abilities to avert demise and illness from the disease. The center’s science has played a major role in the evaluation of the effects of anti-malarial drug resistance and means to thwart its spread. In partnership with the World Health Organization, the center has set up plans based on evidence to be adopted by state-run malaria control programs. In addition, the center has facilitated the development and assessment of the four main prevention and control involvements suggested by WHO to be used in the fight against the disease. In its final section, the article states that at the present the center is working to improve malaria interventions and come up with innovative tools to ensure that it is always at the forefront in the fight against the disease.
Its significance to the course content and global health
The article summarized above is significant to the course content and global health in a number of ways. In the course content, students are expected to demonstrate knowledge of diverse cultures, including global and historical perspectives, demonstrate knowledge of ethical thinking and its application to issues in society, and create strategies that can be used to fulfill personal, civic, and social responsibilities at the end of the course.
In the article, it is asserted that the CDC is an American organization working with other global health partners in the fight against infectious diseases. This implies that the organization works in numerous regions with diverse cultures. There are many challenges faced by organizations working in diverse cultures (Brannigan & Boss, 2001). In the field, the host community culture should be respected to avoid confrontations and enhance a positive working environment. Given that the CDC has been successful in working with diverse cultures, students can research the major factors that have enhanced its success.
In the past, there have been ethical issues concerning how the American health institutions have carried out their malaria research. The article asserts that CDC has been on the frontline in malaria control and prevention research. Therefore, there is a possibility that they have been involved in the alleged issues. With extensive studies, students can identify if the institution played a role in these unethical practices. During these studies, the article will come in handy as a guideline. Through the article, students can be motivated to work for the CDC in the future. By working with the CDC, they will be involved in the creation of strategies that can be used to fulfill personal, civic, and social responsibilities as stated in the course outline.
References
Brannigan, M. C., & Boss, J. A. (2001). Healthcare ethics in a diverse society. Mountain View, Calif.: Mayfield Pub. Co.
CDC. (2013). CDC’s Malaria Program. Web.