What is the definition of the term 'global health' and what are some key challenges and initiatives in the field?

Global health refers to the health of populations in a worldwide context, with an emphasis on the health of people in developing countries. It is a field that seeks to improve health outcomes and achieve health equity for all people worldwide. Global health is concerned with a range of issues, from infectious diseases like HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria, to chronic diseases like cancer and diabetes, to health systems and policy.

One of the key challenges in global health is achieving health equity, which means that everyone has the same opportunities to achieve good health. There are many factors that contribute to health inequities, including poverty, social inequality, and inadequate access to healthcare. Other challenges in global health include emerging infectious diseases, the rise of non-communicable diseases, and the impact of climate change on health.

Despite these challenges, there are many initiatives and programs aimed at improving global health. For example, the World Health Organization (WHO) works to improve health outcomes worldwide through research, policy development, and health system strengthening. The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals include a target to achieve universal health coverage by 2030. There are also many non-governmental organizations and private sector partnerships working to improve global health outcomes.