A Look Back at 2012: A Year of Transition

Abstract

The Journal Editors would like to wish all our contributors and readers a Happy and Prosperous 2013. We are grateful to the many authors who submit their manuscripts to World Medical & Health Policy. Last year witnessed the introduction of new therapies and technologies into medical practice. Improvements in cancer detection and survival, advances in natural body orifices surgery, and handheld devices continue to enhance the practioner's toolbox. Handheld diagnostic devices based on polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technology now offers the promise for diagnostic testing in remote regions of the globe. Tied to the global information network, public health and medical consultations can be accessible to millions of individuals, helping with rapid access to medical care and services. Infectious diseases, especially those resistant to antibiotics, can be more rapidly detected, resulting in earlier appropriate therapy which improves outcomes. In 2012, many governments and private organizations focused on improving population health, access to care, delivering preventive services and containing, or eradicating, infections. Preventing the spread of HIV/AIDS, malaria and tuberculosis, poliomyelitis eradication, improving sanitation and food services will remain a 2013 priority for many international funding organizations.The recent rapid rise in global longevity, especially in developing countries, has been met with both hope and concern; hope for improved health and concern for the increase in non-communicable diseases and the inability of the current medical infrastructure to meet the demand for services. Preventive care early in life is essential to reduce the burden of chronic debilitating diseases among older individuals and ensure “healthy aging” and the wellbeing of the global community. Health care reforms and fiscal interventions to contain the rising costs of health care are not sufficient tools to address the looming health challenges. Adequate resources in the fight against contributing factors such as poverty, poor nutrition, smoking, physical inactivity, socio-economic shifts and environmental exposures, and meeting communities' needs and expectations, should be priorities for the foreseeable future (Clements, Coady, & Gupta, 2012; World Bank (2012); World Health Organization (2012)). Programs addressing health literacy and the fight against poverty and health disparities require focus and support. Adding to the burden of medical costs are natural and human made disasters. The year 2012 ranked as the second worst year for disasters costing over one billion USD per event. While the loss of life was minimized by effective preparedness, damage to critical infrastructure and medical services has been staggering. Victims of disasters require long-term care for chronic diseases. The International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies estimate that over 73 million individuals were displaced in 2012 due to disasters. Access to good care and preventive services for all should be a global priority. Unfortunately, a global shortage of competent and adequate health care workforce continues to be a major roadblock to the successful implementation of urgent programs targeting population's health. In many countries, even the life of medical professionals and health care workers is at risk. WHO and the World Medical Association are actively involved in promoting Physicians' political neutrality and security, together with removing the global social inequalities in public health services and health care access. In 2013, the global health community should increase its attention, and funding, to solve the problem of growing health disparities and the rising burden of non-communicable diseases. We would welcome submissions on this important issue from our readership around the globe. Last year World Medical & Heath Policy began the transition to our new publisher, Wiley-Blackwell. We look forward to the opportunites this trasition will afford in expanding the readership and reach of the journal. Future issues of our Journal will continue to explore the global medical challenges facing the world community. Arnauld Nicogosssian is Senior Editor of World Medical & Health Policy and Distinguished Research Professor and Director of the Center for the Study of International Medical Policies and Practices at George Mason University's School of Public Policy. Bonnie Stabile is Deputy Editor of World Medical & Health Policy and an Adjucnt Professor in George Mason University's School of Public Policy, and Department of Public and International Affairs. Otmar Kloiber, Editor of World Medical & Health Policy, is Secretary General of the World Medical Association. Edward Septimus, Chair of the Editorial Board of World Medical & Health Policy, is Medical Director for Infection Prevention and Epidemiology at HCA. Thomas Zimmerman, Editor of World Medical & Health Policy, is Founding Dean of Palm Beach Medical College.