Ischemic heart disease (IHD) is a prominent cause of death worldwide. The World Health Organization(WHO) has indicated western countries have experienced declines in prevalence. In contrast, developing nations, like Jordan, have seen increases. In 2011, the United Nations publicly acknowledged non-communicable diseases as threats to global wellness. The SDG targets illustrate the UN’s commitment to down sizing the threats NCDS pose to the greater society.
The SDG’s indicate the UN hopes to reduce premature death due to NCD’s by 1/3, strengthen tobacco control, support research focused on reducing the burden of NCD’s, and more (Eshah, 2014). The Centers for Disease Control highlight that high blood pressure, high cholesterol, poor nutrition, tobacco use, diabetes, poor nutrition, genetic factors, and race are some dangers associated with developing IHD. It is also important to name that NCDs are a leading cause of death and disability overall (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2019)
Studies have illustrated that incurable illnesses and depression disorders are the leading contributors to the global burden of diseases. However, there is a need to deepen the inquiry regarding how habitual illness an mental health are related. The WHO has shared findings that mention, historically, LMICS lack evidence around the aforementioned relationship, because they tend to focus on communicable diseases. Jordan is one of the countries that has experienced a decline in the prevalence of infectious disease and a rise in chronic disease. Moreover, the WHO has found that Jordan lacks allocated funds and policies for mental health wellness services overall. Another symptom of this disparity is that medical personnel also lack a general awareness and capacity to respond and recognize mental illnesses (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2007).
Jordans commitments to work towards a more equitable future can moderate the influences of the perils associated with IHD. Success can only happen by working towards being in authentic relationship among different sectors and the communities being impacted. This involves elevating the root causes that contribute to disparity and finding innovative ways to move towards wise action. Jordan’s Ministry of Health has implemented some programs in an effort to move towards more equitable practices and outcomes. One program is the Field Epidemiology Training Program (FETP) which works to control and prevent disease by preparing field employees for leadership positions.
This program is unique because is is 75% experiential—providing students with real world experiences. Participants include medical personnel from neighboring communities. The work that was accomplished in the FETP network led to a new system for reporting mortality rates. A collaboration between Jordans Ministry of Health, the Centers for Disease Control, and the Jordian government also led to changes in policy that shifted how death was reported and documented (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2020).
