Global warming. An ageing population. New viral threats. The global challenges of the future require bold solutions – and health professionals and scientists will be leading the way. Here’s how.
Big challenges, bold solutions from health and science
1. Managing the burden of chronic disease
Chronic diseases – long-lasting conditions that require ongoing treatment such as arthritis, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease – are on the rise: in 2017-2018, one in two Australians suffered from a chronic condition, and global rates are rising rapidly. Health and science professionals from across the spectrum will be required to tackle what has been called the ‘emerging health burden of our time’.
Who will respond?
Clinicians in almost every health profession will support and educate patients living with a range of chronic diseases.
- Specialists like orthoptists will likely see an increase in conditions like diabetic eye disease that have strong links to chronic illness.
- Speech pathologists will increasingly work with patients recovering from traumatic events like strokes.
- While most chronic diseases are caused by lifestyle factors, genetic counsellors will also support patients who are at genetic risk for a range of conditions.
- Lab-based scientists, such as biologists, medical biotechnologists and biotechnology engineers, will develop new diagnostic methods and more personalised, less invasive treatments for a range of chronic diseases.
- Health policymakers will produce new policies to maximise existing health resources, while public health professionals will diagnose, investigate and solve health problems in the community.
2. Caring for an ageing population
Around the world, the global population is ageing faster than ever before – by 2050, 22 per cent of the world’s population – more than 2 billion people – will be more than 60 years old. Humans are living for longer, which is a positive outcome from improvements in fertility and mortality – a longer life brings opportunities for older people, families and communities. But healthy ageing is required to realise these opportunities and health systems need to be able to support the unique health care needs of older people, many of whom suffer from a range of co-morbidities that require complex treatment and care.
Who will respond?
As a whole, the health system will need to adjust in order to respond effectively and compassionately to the needs and preferences of older people.
- Mathematicians and statisticians will be called on to deliver ‘new metrics and analytical methods for a wide range of ageing issues.’
- Clinicians, such as aged care nurses, will be increasingly in demand as the population grows older.
- Social workers and counsellors will support older people suffering from poor mental health, including the impacts of social isolation and loneliness.
- Health educators will help this demographic make life choices that will keep them well into the future.
3. Responding to the health impacts of climate change
Climate change is no longer a theory – it’s here, and it’s having a devastating impact on global health. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), it affects everything from clean air and safe drinking water to access to sufficient food and secure shelter for millions of people around the world, with an estimated toll of 150,000 deaths every year.
Who will respond?
Extreme heat and changes to infection patterns are just some of the devastating outcomes of rising temperatures.
- Epidemiologists will play a key role in understanding how, when and where disease outbreaks are likely to occur.
- Mathematicians and statisticians will use a range of climate and health modelling tools to provide insights into potential future impacts.
- Clinicians will treat an increasing number of climate-linked physical and mental health conditions.
- Environmental scientists in a range of disciplines, such as biology, marine biology, ecology and environmental chemistry, will continue working to mitigate global warming and its impacts on human health.
4. Overcoming antibiotic resistance
Antibiotic resistance is one of the biggest threats facing global health today, according to the WHO. The overuse and misuse of antibiotics in agricultural practices and human and animal health, coupled with poor infection management and prevention, is contributing to a rise in bacteria that are resistant to the treatments we’ve long taken for granted. Antibiotic-resistant bacteria are emerging faster than new drugs can be produced, leading to fears of widespread failures in responding to common health challenges.
Who will respond?
This global threat requires a sector-wide response.
- Skilled public health professionals will educate local, national and global communities on the risks of microbial resistance.
- Health policymakers will develop action plans to manage antibiotic resistance and to regulate the use of medicines.
- Pharmacists will lead antimicrobial stewardship programs that inform and educate other health professionals and patients about the safe use of antibiotics.
- Lab-based pharmacy experts and scientists, such as biologists, medical biotechnologists and biomedical engineers, will drive the development of alternatives to traditional antibiotics, including new medicines, vaccines and devices.
5. Predicting the next pandemic
If 2020 has taught us anything, it’s that the world is smaller than we think. After the first reported outbreak of COVID-19 in China, it took only three weeks for the virus to spread to Japan, South Korea and the United States, followed quickly by the rest of the world. But COVID-19 won’t be the last pandemic we face. Taking the lessons we’ve learnt and applying them to future viral threats will be key to getting – and staying – ahead of the curve.
Who will respond?
Data-driven early warning systems will be key to responding to this threat – these will combine the power of epidemiology with data science and analysis, among others, to predict and prevent disease outbreaks.
- Scientists working in fields like ecology, biology and environmental science will provide insights into the environmental conditions that increase pandemic risk.
- In the event of another pandemic, virologists, medical scientists and researchers will join the race to find new vaccines and treatments.
- Clinical psychologists and physiotherapists will deliver critically important services and resources to keep people physically and mentally well in the face of social isolation, financial hardship and anxiety – challenges experienced by millions around the world as a result of COVID-19.
