Part 1: Global Health Comparison Matrix

Global Health Issue: HIV/AIDS

	United States	Canada
National/Federal Health Policies	National HIV/AIDS Strategy, Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program, President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR)	Canadian HIV/AIDS Strategy, Federal Initiative to Address HIV/AIDS in Canada, Aboriginal HIV/AIDS Strategy
Strengths	– The National HIV/AIDS Strategy aims to reduce new infections, increase access to care, and reduce health disparities.	– The Canadian HIV/AIDS Strategy focuses on prevention, support, and treatment for people living with HIV/AIDS, including specific strategies for indigenous communities.
Weaknesses	– Limited access to affordable HIV medications and preventive measures for certain populations. – Stigma and discrimination continue to hinder prevention efforts.	– Challenges in addressing the unique needs of diverse populations, including indigenous communities. – Limited resources may impact access to care and support services.
Social Determinants of Health	– Socioeconomic factors such as poverty and income inequality can impact access to healthcare and preventive services. – Stigma and discrimination can lead to barriers in testing, treatment, and support.	– Socioeconomic factors such as housing, employment, and education can influence vulnerability to HIV/AIDS. – Discrimination and stigma can affect access to healthcare and support services.
Cost, Quality, and Access	– Cost of HIV medications can be a barrier for some individuals without adequate insurance coverage. – Quality of care varies across different healthcare settings. – Access to healthcare can be limited for marginalized populations.	– Canada’s universal healthcare system provides access to HIV medications and healthcare services for all citizens. – Quality of care may vary across different provinces/territories. – Access to healthcare can be challenging for remote or marginalized communities.
Impact on Global Population	– U.S. policies and funding contribute to global efforts in preventing new HIV infections and supporting treatment programs in other countries. – Sharing research and best practices can benefit global initiatives.	– Canada’s efforts contribute to global prevention and treatment programs through funding and collaboration. – Sharing knowledge and resources can have a positive impact on global health outcomes.
Impact on Role of Nurse	– Nurses play a crucial role in providing HIV testing, counseling, education, and care coordination. – Advocacy for policy changes to improve access to care and reduce stigma is essential.	– Nurses provide HIV testing, counseling, treatment administration, and support services. – Advocacy for culturally sensitive care and addressing health disparities is important.
Impact on Local Healthcare Organizations & Policies	– Local healthcare organizations implement strategies guided by national policies, such as offering HIV testing, providing PrEP medications, and ensuring access to care for vulnerable populations. – Policies influence funding allocations for local HIV prevention and treatment programs.	– Local healthcare organizations implement strategies aligned with national policies, including community-based testing programs, harm reduction initiatives, and culturally appropriate care for indigenous communities. – Policies influence funding allocation for local prevention programs and support services.

Part 2: A Plan for Social Change

As a nurse leader, it is crucial to incorporate a global perspective into local practice to address the impact of global health issues effectively. Here is a plan for social change:

1. Advocate for Global Health Education: Promote awareness and understanding of global health issues among healthcare professionals through training programs, workshops, and continuing education opportunities. This will enhance cultural competence and the ability to provide effective care to diverse populations.
2. Foster Collaborative Partnerships: Establish partnerships with international organizations, healthcare providers, and researchers to exchange knowledge, share best practices, and collaborate on global health initiatives. This will facilitate the adoption of evidence-based approaches in local practice.
3. Influence Policy Development: Engage in policy advocacy at local, regional, and national levels to prioritize global health issues. Advocate for resource allocation, funding support, and policy changes that address the social determinants of health both locally and globally.
4. Implement Culturally Competent Care: Integrate cultural sensitivity into nursing practice by considering the unique needs and values of diverse populations. Incorporate culturally appropriate interventions in care plans, ensuring equitable access to quality healthcare services.
5. Engage in Community Outreach: Collaborate with community organizations and leaders to raise awareness about global health issues and promote preventive measures. Organize educational campaigns, health screenings, and vaccination drives to address specific global health concerns locally.

Incorporating a global perspective into local practice as a nurse leader will have several impacts:

• Improved Healthcare Delivery: Integrating global perspectives will enhance understanding of diverse patient populations, resulting in more effective care delivery tailored to cultural beliefs, practices, and social determinants of health.
• Enhanced Collaboration: Engaging in global partnerships fosters collaboration among healthcare professionals worldwide, leading to the exchange of knowledge, sharing of innovative practices, and improved health outcomes for all.
• Culturally Sensitive Care: By incorporating a global perspective into local practice, nurses can provide culturally sensitive care that respects patients’ beliefs, values, and backgrounds.
• Addressing Health Disparities: A global perspective helps identify disparities present within local communities and implement targeted interventions that address social determinants of health, reducing inequities.

In conclusion, embracing a global perspective allows nurse leaders to advocate for change at both local and global levels. By incorporating global perspectives into local practice, nurse leaders can contribute to social change by promoting culturally competent care, influencing policies, fostering collaboration, addressing health disparities, and advocating for global health education.