The Importance of Improving Global Health

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints recently donated $55.8 million to 12 nonprofit organizations dedicated to strengthening health and nutrition systems in countries throughout the world. The money is expected to reach 12 million children and 2.7 million expectant mothers through programs focused on treating and preventing malnutrition, providing maternal mental healthcare, and strengthening food systems.

Relief Society General President Camille M. Johnson stated, “Whenever we do anything to bring relief to others — temporal or spiritual — we are bringing them to Jesus Christ and will be blessed to find our own relief in Him.” Improving global health is one of the greatest ways to bring relief to people.

The World Health Organization (WHO) defines health as a “state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.” The WHO’s constitution outlines several principles that emphasize health as a fundamental human right and a shared global responsibility. Among these principles are:

• The enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of health is one of the fundamental rights of every human being without distinction of race, religion, political belief, economic, or social condition.
• The health of all peoples is fundamental to the attainment of peace and security and is dependent on the fullest cooperation of individuals and states.
• Unequal development in different countries in the promotion of health and control of diseases, especially communicable disease, is a common danger.

These principles highlight that global health is not limited to developing nations but encompasses the well-being of all people, regardless of geographic or economic status. The United Nations suggests 17 sustainable development goals as a call for action by all countries to promote prosperity while protecting the planet. One such goal emphasizes the importance of health: “Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages.” This requires nations to work together to strengthen health systems and ensure equitable access to care.

Why global health matters in a globalized world

Although the U.S. faces pressing domestic issues, investing in global health is critical due to our interconnected world. Globalization facilitates the rapid movement of people and goods, which also accelerates the spread of diseases. The COVID-19 pandemic revealed how communicable diseases can transcend borders, affecting everyone regardless of location. Additionally, noncommunicable diseases, which include conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and obesity, are rising globally, requiring coordinated efforts to address shared risk factors.

Global health initiatives are essential for numerous interconnected reasons. Efforts in disease prevention and control, such as vaccination campaigns and treatment programs, have dramatically reduced the spread of deadly illnesses like malaria, tuberculosis, and HIV/AIDS. Similarly, maternal and child health programs that focus on prenatal care, nutrition, and safe delivery practices have contributed to significant reductions in maternal and child mortality rates, fostering healthier communities and future generations.

Investing in global health also strengthens health systems by improving infrastructure and resources, ensuring better access to primary care and enabling nations to respond effectively to health crises like pandemics. Flexible funding for emergency responses is another critical component, allowing for rapid action during disease outbreaks without diverting resources from ongoing initiatives like HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis programs.

Moreover, healthier populations drive economic development. They are more productive, require fewer healthcare interventions, and contribute to economic growth, with research highlighting the positive impact of improved health outcomes on gross domestic product.

Finally, global health efforts enhance global security. By preventing and controlling health threats worldwide, they safeguard everyone, recognizing that infectious diseases do not adhere to national borders. Together, these factors illustrate why prioritizing global health is a practical necessity for fostering stability and prosperity.

Addressing misconceptions about global health

Contrary to popular belief, foreign aid, including global health funding, constitutes less than 1% of the U.S. federal budget. Despite this modest allocation, the U.S. is the largest donor for global health initiatives, demonstrating its commitment to addressing critical health challenges worldwide. This investment, though relatively small, has an outsized impact on improving health systems and saving lives across the globe.

Global health efforts have also evolved beyond the traditional focus on infectious diseases. While combating communicable diseases such as malaria, tuberculosis, and HIV/AIDS remains a priority, there is now significant attention on noncommunicable conditions like heart disease and diabetes. These chronic illnesses, once considered predominantly issues of wealthier nations, increasingly affect populations in low- and middle-income countries as life expectancies rise and lifestyles change. Addressing this dual burden of disease requires a comprehensive approach that integrates prevention, treatment, and long-term care.

Health is not merely an individual concern — it is a community issue deeply influenced by social determinants. Access to clean water, quality education, and robust healthcare infrastructure all play pivotal roles in shaping health outcomes. When these foundational needs are unmet, entire communities face increased vulnerability to disease and poor health. Tackling these systemic issues underscores the need for collective action — both domestically and globally — to create environments where all individuals can achieve optimal health.

The impact of global health funding

Global health funding has had transformative effects worldwide, particularly through key initiatives like the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), the Global Fund, and maternal and child health programs under the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID).

Since its inception, PEPFAR has saved an estimated 25 million lives, underscoring its critical role in combating the HIV/AIDS epidemic. Through its prevention efforts, 5.5 million babies have been born HIV-free, and its facilitation of 64.7 million HIV tests has connected countless individuals to life-saving treatment. These achievements highlight the importance of sustained investment in the fight against HIV/AIDS and the broader benefits of improved health systems that serve affected communities.

The Global Fund has similarly had a remarkable impact, saving 59 million lives by targeting AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria. Its programs have reduced the combined death rates from these three diseases by 61%, demonstrating the power of global partnerships. By providing 25 million people with antiretroviral therapy for HIV/AIDS, treating 7.1 million individuals for tuberculosis, and distributing 227 million mosquito nets to combat malaria, the Global Fund exemplifies how international cooperation can address some of the world’s deadliest health challenges.

USAID’s maternal and child health initiatives have led to significant advancements in reducing mortality rates and improving overall well-being. Since their implementation, these programs have saved 7.4 million lives by decreasing under-5 child mortality by 44% and maternal mortality by 42%. Training 14.2 million healthcare workers in child health and nutrition has created a robust workforce capable of delivering lifesaving care to vulnerable populations. Furthermore, by expanding access to clean drinking water for 29 million people, these programs have tackled one of the most preventable causes of disease and death in low-resource settings.

The achievements of these initiatives showcase the profound impact of global health funding on improving lives and strengthening health systems worldwide. By addressing communicable and noncommunicable diseases, enhancing maternal and child health, and fostering economic and social development, global health programs contribute to a healthier, more secure future for all.

Understanding global health’s importance helps us recognize its far-reaching impact — not just on those abroad but on our communities as well. As members of Mormon Women for Ethical Government, we can support international cooperation, advocate for continued investments in global health, and educate others about how these programs build healthier, safer, and more prosperous communities worldwide.

This article was written by EJ Johnson, a global health researcher at Mormon Women for Ethical Government.