One significant global issue is HIV and AIDS that has affected 33.3 million adults and children who are living and infected with this disease worldwide. (Maurer & Smith, 2013). Unfortunately, many people do not wish to know the results of testing or share their HIV status with at-risk partners skewing the true numbers.

According to Maurer & Smith (2013), the United States has 1.7 million people alone living with this disease and over 617,000 who have died of AIDS with it being the third leading cause of death in African-Americans aged 25-45. However, there has been some decline due to prevention efforts and the large-scale use of antiretroviral therapies helping to give those with HIV more productive lives. But, as the number of people living with HIV increases, the need to push for national HIV prevention and health care programs is essential along with improving access to quality healthcare.

Health care delivery systems can work together to help fight HIV and AIDS by sharing information, resources, and funding to help make a difference and end health disparities. A great example is the World Health Organization (WHO). They provide health care services and technical support to mostly poor countries and works like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention does for the United States.

The WHO guides and organizes international health projects, collaborates with other organizations and agencies in healthcare programs, and watches the conditions worldwide on disease conditions while providing reports. (Maurer & Smith, 2013). Improving global health together can be achieved more effectively working as one versus in silos.

Maurer, F.A. & Smith, C.M. (2013). Community/public health nursing practice (5th ed.). St. Louis, MO: Elsevier Saunders.