Stigma Associated With Disease
Vulnerable populations in modern society can be described as the fraction in our communities that is economically and socially disadvantaged. The individuals include those with extremely low sources of income and also those that are disadvantaged either by race or ethnic affiliation. The stigma associated with disease revolves around barriers that prevent individuals from accessing treatment across the globe (Stangl, Earnshaw, & Logie, 2019). Vulnerable communities suffer from adverse health conditions that demand advanced medical care. Advocating for vulnerable communities in their pursuit of health care is necessary for ensuring health and wellness in modern society.
Being knowledgeable on issues about the vulnerable communities is critical in functioning as an advocate for these populations. As an advocate, I would pursue a change in policies revolving around the entire health sector. These policy changes would be geared towards equality and equity in the provision of health care services. I would also advocate for an increase in the number of health workers serving the minority groups in modern societies. Health practitioners end the vice of discrimination when serving the vulnerable groups in our societies. Low-income earners across the globe are unable to access crucial health services (Stangl, Earnshaw, & Logie, 2019). Universal health care would be significant in ensuring health care access to vulnerable groups across the globe.
A 24-year-old, homeless and unmarried pregnant woman is an individual who belongs to the faction of vulnerable groups. The woman is one who has many needs but the crucial one being access to health care for her expectancy. As an individual advocating for vulnerable groups, I would focus on getting the woman to a public hospital that can offer her the health services she needs for free. That would be a hospital that offers universal health care services. I would, later on, find her a convenient homeless shelter where she can live comfortably while expecting her unborn child. I would assist the girl suffering from an IV drug habit by booking her into a rehabilitation centre. Finding out reasons behind her escape from her foster home would be vital in ensuring the 16-year-old lives a comfortable life. An immigrant worker is one who could face discrimination when seeking health services. Working in collaboration with the immigration office would be significant when assisting the individual. The collaboration would assist in assisting the immigrant worker to seek health services for the disease. Contracting a disease through blood transfusion shows negligence among health workers. Pursuing justice for the employed married man who contracted hepatitis B through blood transfusion. Through the office of public prosecution, justice for the married man would be guaranteed. The action will also assist the man in seeking health services for the suffering married man.
A large fraction of the world’s population is among the vulnerable communities. Serving these communities would be key to ensuring the health and wellness of modern society.
References
Stangl, A. L., Earnshaw, V. A., & Logie, C. H. (2019). The Health Stigma and Discrimination Framework: a global, crosscutting framework to inform research, intervention development, and policy on health-related stigmas. Biomed central 17(31).