Summary
,DISEASE DILEMMAS (OCR A-Level
Geography)
1. What are the global patterns of disease?
1.a Distribution of communicable and non-communicable diseases
Communicable Diseases
● Spread by pathogens (bacteria, viruses, parasites)
● Examples: malaria, HIV/AIDS, cholera, tuberculosis
● Global pattern:
○ Concentrated in LICs and NEEs
○ Strong links to:
■ Poor sanitation
■ Limited healthcare access
■ Warm, humid climates
Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs)
● Not infectious; long-term conditions
● Examples: cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes
● Global pattern:
○ Higher prevalence in HICs
○ Linked to:
■ Ageing populations
■ Lifestyle factors (diet, smoking, inactivity)
1.b The role of environmental factors
Climate
● Temperature and rainfall affect disease vectors
● Warm, wet climates support mosquitoes → malaria, dengue
● Climate change is expanding disease ranges
Physical Environment
● Flooding increases water-borne disease
● Poor water quality spreads cholera and dysentery
,2. What factors influence the spread of disease?
2.a Social and economic factors
● Poverty limits access to:
○ Clean water
○ Nutrition
○ Healthcare
● Overcrowding increases transmission
● Education influences disease prevention behaviour
2.b Globalisation and mobility
● Increased air travel spreads disease rapidly
● Trade and migration introduce diseases to new regions
● Example: COVID-19 global spread
2.c Political factors
● Weak governance reduces disease control
● Conflict disrupts:
○ Vaccination programmes
○ Healthcare infrastructure
● Mistrust of governments affects compliance
3. What are the impacts of disease on people and
places?
3.a Social impacts
● High mortality and morbidity
● Reduced life expectancy
● Orphaned children and strain on families
3.b Economic impacts
, ● Loss of workforce productivity
● Increased healthcare spending
● Slower economic development
3.c Environmental impacts
● Medical waste
● Pressure on water and sanitation systems
● Land-use changes due to population decline or displacement
4. How can disease be mitigated, managed and
controlled?
4.a Prediction and monitoring
● Disease surveillance systems
● Early warning using climate and health data
● GIS mapping of outbreaks
4.b Prevention strategies
● Vaccination programmes
● Improved sanitation and clean water access
● Health education campaigns
4.c Treatment strategies
● Access to medicines and healthcare
● Antibiotics and antiviral drugs
● Community health workers
4.d Role of organisations
● WHO: global coordination and guidance
● NGOs: local healthcare delivery
● National governments: funding and policy
,DISEASE DILEMMAS (OCR A-Level
Geography)
1. What are the global patterns of disease?
1.a Distribution of communicable and non-communicable diseases
Communicable Diseases
● Spread by pathogens (bacteria, viruses, parasites)
● Examples: malaria, HIV/AIDS, cholera, tuberculosis
● Global pattern:
○ Concentrated in LICs and NEEs
○ Strong links to:
■ Poor sanitation
■ Limited healthcare access
■ Warm, humid climates
Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs)
● Not infectious; long-term conditions
● Examples: cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes
● Global pattern:
○ Higher prevalence in HICs
○ Linked to:
■ Ageing populations
■ Lifestyle factors (diet, smoking, inactivity)
1.b The role of environmental factors
Climate
● Temperature and rainfall affect disease vectors
● Warm, wet climates support mosquitoes → malaria, dengue
● Climate change is expanding disease ranges
Physical Environment
● Flooding increases water-borne disease
● Poor water quality spreads cholera and dysentery
,2. What factors influence the spread of disease?
2.a Social and economic factors
● Poverty limits access to:
○ Clean water
○ Nutrition
○ Healthcare
● Overcrowding increases transmission
● Education influences disease prevention behaviour
2.b Globalisation and mobility
● Increased air travel spreads disease rapidly
● Trade and migration introduce diseases to new regions
● Example: COVID-19 global spread
2.c Political factors
● Weak governance reduces disease control
● Conflict disrupts:
○ Vaccination programmes
○ Healthcare infrastructure
● Mistrust of governments affects compliance
3. What are the impacts of disease on people and
places?
3.a Social impacts
● High mortality and morbidity
● Reduced life expectancy
● Orphaned children and strain on families
3.b Economic impacts
, ● Loss of workforce productivity
● Increased healthcare spending
● Slower economic development
3.c Environmental impacts
● Medical waste
● Pressure on water and sanitation systems
● Land-use changes due to population decline or displacement
4. How can disease be mitigated, managed and
controlled?
4.a Prediction and monitoring
● Disease surveillance systems
● Early warning using climate and health data
● GIS mapping of outbreaks
4.b Prevention strategies
● Vaccination programmes
● Improved sanitation and clean water access
● Health education campaigns
4.c Treatment strategies
● Access to medicines and healthcare
● Antibiotics and antiviral drugs
● Community health workers
4.d Role of organisations
● WHO: global coordination and guidance
● NGOs: local healthcare delivery
● National governments: funding and policy
