Global Immunization-Sterling Paulson

My Globalization Issues Paper topic is global immunization. At this point I feel that it is a fairly comprehensible topic, and I think that the average person will likely consider it a worthwhile pursuit. Due to this, I think that I will be focusing much of my paper on more specific concerns. These will include topics such as what diseases we should focus our efforts on, what demographics and countries are most in need, and, most importantly, how to improve the current system of immunization. This is an issue that I am passionate about due to the fact that I am a Public Health major, and I have already learned about how effective immunization is, both in economic terms and in terms of quality of life/lifespan.

Global immunization is a simple concept, but the system is incredibly complex. It includes all levels of government, public and private funds, and both small and large non-governmental organizations (NGOs). Because there are vaccine-preventable diseases that exist not just as region-specific infections, but have an impact on a global basis, oftentimes these public and private entities must come together to coordinate these efforts. This requires that respect is paid to different cultures, economies, and governmental systems. This also requires that different countries communicate and interact with each other. This is applicable to globalization, and the fact that we have individuals and groups from different nations volunteering or working in various parts of the world is also applicable to globalization, as it fosters interaction and exchange of culture.

The most significant way in which immunization is related to globalization is the fact that there are many programs that pool together resources in implementing multinational programs. I found it interesting that the LDS Church has placed global immunization atop its list of humanitarian efforts, and in doing so they have sent resources and volunteers across the globe on a mission to prevent disease and death due to vaccine preventable diseases.