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Globalization and international health are complex concepts that include an understanding of the health of the planet and all countries. Health is interconnected with politics, ecology, and socio-economic systems. Inequalities in wealth level and status cause negligence to the needs and voices of low-income communities. Unrecognized needs of any of the communities may harm global health. Political policies could have a serious impact on the health and well-being of people from different regions and countries (Mason & et al., 2021). In 2000, the Millennium Declaration was signed by the leaders of 189 countries, and 8 global goals were set to create a global partnership to eradicate hunger and poverty, combat diseases such as HIV, malaria, and others, reduce the mortality of children, improve women’s health, and promote gender equality. In 2012 a new set of goals was developed, which focused on building a sustainable world with valued social inclusion, justice, protection of ecosystem, and economic development. Some of the goals are to make cities and human settlements safe and sustainable (Sustainable Development Goals Fund, n.d.).
I live in San Diego, on the border with Mexico. Every day, untreated sewage and toxic materials flow through the Tijuana River to the Pacific Ocean and pollute the environment, water, and beaches of San Diego. Wastewater treatment plants and pump stations on the border were not maintained and controlled properly by the Mexican government, which has resulted in about 40 million gallons per day of raw sewage spill for several years. This is causing a national crisis that affects public health and requires collaborative actions (Musegaas, 2024). This is a vivid example of how the health of people in one country is affected by the policies and systems of another country. One of the things the advanced practice nurses can do is to advocate by reporting to government officials the increased cases of asthma, headache, and other respiratory and gastrointestinal symptoms in the population. The increased symptoms can indicate the worsening water or air quality of the city. Advanced practice nurses can educate patients about the danger of increased levels of bacteria in the ocean and the beaches, and alert officials to take action to protect public health (City News Service, 2024).