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how is development connected with health vulnerability ?

# How is Development Connected with Health Vulnerability?

Understanding the connection between development and health vulnerability is crucial for improving public health outcomes worldwide. Health vulnerability refers to the exposure of a person or community to health risks, and their diminished capacity to cope with those risks (World Health Organization, 2007). Development, on the other hand, typically involves improvements in various areas such as economic growth, infrastructure, education, and technology. However, the relationship between development and health vulnerability is complex and bidirectional.

## Vulnerability as a Health Issue

The experience of vulnerability creates significant stress and anxiety, which can adversely affect physiological, psychological, and social functioning (PubMed, 1997). In many cases, vulnerability results from a combination of personal factors, such as age, gender, and underlying health conditions, as well as contextual factors, such as poverty, lack of education, and discrimination. Socioeconomic inequalities contribute heavily to health vulnerability, leaving some groups more at risk of developing health problems (PubMed, 2010).

## Vulnerability and Development Policies

In recent years, development policies have increasingly recognized the importance of addressing vulnerability. The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) aim to ensure that development benefits everyone, even those in vulnerable situations. The SDGs emphasize tackling root causes of vulnerability, such as poverty, inequality, and climate change (United Nations, 2015). By improving living conditions and addressing the social determinants of health, development policies can reduce health vulnerability.

## Disaster Risk Index and Health Vulnerability Index

Research has shown that developing a Health Vulnerability Index (HVI) can help in addressing health risks and improving health outcomes (Springer, 2020). The HVI can be incorporated into a disaster risk index, enabling policymakers to identify vulnerable populations and tailor interventions accordingly. For example, in China, the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) has facilitated the advancement of scientific tools for disaster risk reduction (Springer, 2020).

## Case Study: Nigeria

A prime example of the connection between development and health vulnerability is Nigeria. The country faces significant health challenges, including high rates of maternal and child mortality, malnutrition, and communicable diseases. Economic development in Nigeria is marked by rapid urbanization and industrialization, which can have both positive and negative effects on health (Patsy Nwogu, 2022). Access to healthcare remains a challenge, with urban areas experiencing faster healthcare development compared to rural areas, exacerbating health inequalities.

## Vulnerability in Health Care: Ethical Considerations

The concept of vulnerability in healthcare is not without controversy. Critics argue that framing individuals as vulnerable can be paternalistic and stigmatizing, further disempowering marginalized groups. The Belmont Report (1978) designated certain populations, such as children and people with disabilities, as vulnerable and in need of special protection in research (National Commission for the Protection of Human Subjects of Biomedical and Behavioral Research, 1978). While this directive was intended to protect vulnerable populations, it can sometimes lead to exclusion from clinical trials and other opportunities.

## Climate Change and Health Vulnerability

Climate change poses a significant threat to global health, particularly for vulnerable populations (Wang et al., 2015). Rising temperatures, extreme weather events, and climate-induced migrations can exacerbate health vulnerabilities. Addressing climate change, therefore, is integral to development efforts aimed at reducing health vulnerability. Climate resilience strategies can be integrated into development plans to protect the health of vulnerable populations (Pulrett et al., 2017).

## Conclusion

Development and health vulnerability are intricately connected. Policies and programs aimed at reducing health vulnerability must take into account the social determinants of health and address inequalities. By developing tools such as the Health Vulnerability Index and incorporating them into disaster risk indexes, policymakers can identify and support vulnerable populations more effectively.

In addition, addressing the complexities of vulnerability in healthcare is essential for ensuring that everyone has equal access to quality care. As highlighted in Nigeria, urban-rural disparities and equitable access to healthcare services are critical issues that need to be addressed in development policies. Ultimately, a holistic approach to development that prioritizes health equity and resilience will help to reduce health vulnerability and improve health outcomes for all.

References:

– PubMed (1997). Vulnerability, health and health care. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9231279
– PubMed (2010). Vulnerability in health care: a concept analysis. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31796614
– Springer (2020). The development of health vulnerability index with open access data. https://link.springer.com › chapter › 10.1007 › 978-981-15-0924-7_20
– United Nations (2015). Sustainable Development Goals. https://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/sustainable-development-goals/
– Patsy Nwogu (2022). How Bad Is Nigeria’s Unemployment Rate In 2022?, TwentyTenDaily.
– World Health Organization (2007). Health vulnerability.
– National Commission for the Protection of Human Subjects of Biomedical and Behavioral Research (1978). The Belmont Report.
– Wang et al. (2015). Assessing health vulnerabilities and adaptation to climate change: A systematic review protocol. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov › pmc › articles › PMC5860890
– Pulrett et al. (2017). Exploring the concept of vulnerability in health care. CMAJ. https://www.cmaj.ca › content › 190 › 11 › E308

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By exploring these connections, we can create more effective development policies that not only improve overall living standards but also reduce health vulnerabilities. This approach aligns with the broader goal of achieving health equity through sustainable development.