What are some of the most critical health concerns we face in the 21 st century and why?
In the 21st century, healthcare systems are advancing by leaps and bounds, owing to the ever-
increasing plethora of diseases and viruses. The number of public and private hospitals, laboratories,
and research centers has grown manifolds to combat these challenges. However, basic health concerns
still prevail worldwide.
According to World Health Organization, health is defined as:
“A state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely an absence of disease.”
With the rapid increase in population, adverse climatic conditions, and hesitance to vaccination
and immunization, infection and disease control have become a serious healthcare challenge even for
developed countries. But for those living in developing regions, the situation is more grave. As seen
during the COVID-19 pandemic, a dysfunctional healthcare system, and inequitable distribution of
resources among other factors have led to a high mortality ratio.
In addition to the physical effects, mental health is another issue that has not been fully
addressed in such places. Poor socio-economic conditions add insult to the injury for people already
grappling with the disease. As a result, mental disorders have wrecked havoc with almost no access to
therapy or rehabilitation. An increase in stress rates leads to chronic diseases such as obesity,
atherosclerosis, and heart failure. Physical health is the foremost condition for happiness (Pilates, 1945).
As a result, death and disability graph rates soar in these countries.
Immunization hesitancy adds to the pile of health concerns. lack of awareness prevents people
from getting vaccinated against diseases like polio, measles, covid, and hepatitis. This further worsens
the situation as it causes an increased morbidity rate and disease specific mortality rate.
“An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure”
– Benjamin Franklin
This century has brought innumerable opportunities for the healthcare sector to advance
however the challenges also continue to increase. It is imperative that governments around the world in
conjunction with the private sector work together to not only increase awareness about healthcare
concerns but also improve accessibility and provide equal and quality healthcare for All. What affects
one part of the world will inevitably make an impact on the whole globe as seen by the recent
pandemic.
Reference for the in-text citation:
“Physical fitness is the first requisite of happiness” Pilates, J (1945). Return to Life through Contrology.
In the 21st century, healthcare systems are advancing by leaps and bounds, owing to the ever-
increasing plethora of diseases and viruses. The number of public and private hospitals, laboratories,
and research centers has grown manifolds to combat these challenges. However, basic health concerns
still prevail worldwide.
According to World Health Organization, health is defined as:
“A state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely an absence of disease.”
With the rapid increase in population, adverse climatic conditions, and hesitance to vaccination
and immunization, infection and disease control have become a serious healthcare challenge even for
developed countries. But for those living in developing regions, the situation is more grave. As seen
during the COVID-19 pandemic, a dysfunctional healthcare system, and inequitable distribution of
resources among other factors have led to a high mortality ratio.
In addition to the physical effects, mental health is another issue that has not been fully
addressed in such places. Poor socio-economic conditions add insult to the injury for people already
grappling with the disease. As a result, mental disorders have wrecked havoc with almost no access to
therapy or rehabilitation. An increase in stress rates leads to chronic diseases such as obesity,
atherosclerosis, and heart failure. Physical health is the foremost condition for happiness (Pilates, 1945).
As a result, death and disability graph rates soar in these countries.
Immunization hesitancy adds to the pile of health concerns. lack of awareness prevents people
from getting vaccinated against diseases like polio, measles, covid, and hepatitis. This further worsens
the situation as it causes an increased morbidity rate and disease specific mortality rate.
“An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure”
– Benjamin Franklin
This century has brought innumerable opportunities for the healthcare sector to advance
however the challenges also continue to increase. It is imperative that governments around the world in
conjunction with the private sector work together to not only increase awareness about healthcare
concerns but also improve accessibility and provide equal and quality healthcare for All. What affects
one part of the world will inevitably make an impact on the whole globe as seen by the recent
pandemic.
Reference for the in-text citation:
“Physical fitness is the first requisite of happiness” Pilates, J (1945). Return to Life through Contrology.
