Understanding the Challenges of Achieving Global Health Equity: A Reading Practice for IELTS

The IELTS Reading section is designed to test your reading comprehension skills through a variety of question types based on different texts. Understanding different global issues, such as global health equity, is not only beneficial for your general knowledge but also prepares you for topic-specific questions in the exam. Topics related to global health often appear in IELTS Reading passages, given its importance in current global discourse.

This article will delve into the topic “What are the challenges of achieving global health equity?” and provide an IELTS Reading practice test based on this theme. This will help you become familiar with the topic and practice answering typical IELTS Reading questions.

The Challenges of Achieving Global Health Equity

Reading Passage (Medium Text)

Ensuring health equity across the globe remains an elusive goal despite progress in science and medicine. Several challenges contribute to this ongoing struggle:

1. Economic Disparities: One of the primary barriers to global health equity is the significant economic disparities between countries. Wealthier nations often have better healthcare systems and can afford advanced medical technologies and treatments, whereas poorer nations struggle to provide even basic healthcare services. This inequity is exacerbated by limited funding and resources allocated to health in less affluent regions.

2. Access to Healthcare Services: Another critical issue is the accessibility of healthcare services. In many low-income countries, there are insufficient healthcare facilities, a shortage of healthcare professionals, and inadequate medical supplies. This lack of access prevents many individuals from receiving the care they need, leading to poorer health outcomes and a lower quality of life.

3. Political Instability: Political instability and conflict can severely disrupt healthcare systems. War and political turmoil often result in the destruction of healthcare facilities and the displacement of healthcare workers, further exacerbating health inequities. Additionally, politically unstable regions may see reduced international aid and support for healthcare infrastructure.

4. Cultural Barriers: Cultural attitudes and beliefs about health and healthcare can also pose significant challenges. In some societies, traditional medicine is preferred over modern medical practices, which can hinder the adoption of necessary health interventions. Moreover, stigma associated with certain health conditions, such as mental health issues or infectious diseases like HIV/AIDS, can prevent individuals from seeking treatment.

5. Global Health Policies: Finally, global health policies and the allocation of international aid are often influenced by political and economic interests rather than purely health needs. This misalignment can result in unequal distribution of resources and support, thereby perpetuating health inequities.

These challenges are interconnected and complex, requiring coordinated global efforts to address and overcome them effectively.

Global Health Equity

Questions

Multiple Choice

1. Which of the following is NOT mentioned as a challenge to achieving global health equity?
   a. Economic disparities
   b. Access to healthcare services
   c. Technological advancements
   d. Political instability

2. What is a consequence of political instability on healthcare systems?
   a. Increased funding for healthcare
   b. Construction of new healthcare facilities
   c. Displacement of healthcare workers
   d. Enhanced international aid

True/False/Not Given

1. Economic disparities between countries have no impact on health equity. (False)
2. All cultures equally accept modern medical practices. (False)
3. Political instability might reduce international aid for healthcare. (True)

Matching Headings

1. Paragraph 1: Economic Disparities Impacting Health
2. Paragraph 2: Inadequate Access to Healthcare Services
3. Paragraph 3: Effects of Political Instability on Healthcare
4. Paragraph 4: Cultural Attitudes and Health Interventions
5. Paragraph 5: Global Health Policies and Resource Allocation

Answer Keys and Explanations

Multiple Choice

1. c. Technological advancements – The passage does not mention technological advancements as a challenge.
2. c. Displacement of healthcare workers – Political instability often displaces healthcare workers, as mentioned in the passage.

True/False/Not Given

1. False – The passage indicates that economic disparities do affect health equity.
2. False – It mentions that cultural barriers can prevent the adoption of modern medical practices.
3. True – Political instability may lead to reduced international aid and support.

Matching Headings

1. Paragraph 1 matches with Economic Disparities Impacting Health.
2. Paragraph 2 matches with Inadequate Access to Healthcare Services.
3. Paragraph 3 matches with Effects of Political Instability on Healthcare.
4. Paragraph 4 matches with Cultural Attitudes and Health Interventions.
5. Paragraph 5 matches with Global Health Policies and Resource Allocation.

Common Mistakes

• Misinterpreting Questions: Many candidates misinterpret True/False/Not Given questions. Always ensure you base your answer strictly on the text provided.
• Overlooked Details: Small details can change the meaning of a whole paragraph. Pay attention to adjectives, adverbs, and modifiers.
• Time Management: Spending too much time on one question can lead you to rush through others. Practice pacing yourself across different question types.

Vocabulary

• Equity (noun) /ˈɛkwɪti/: fairness or justice in the way people are treated
• Affluent (adjective) /ˈæfluənt/: having plenty of money, being wealthy
• Instability (noun) /ɪnstəˈbɪlɪti/: the state of being unstable; lack of stability
• Intervention (noun) /ɪntərˈvɛnʃən/: the action or process of intervening
• Stigma (noun) /ˈstɪɡmə/: a mark of disgrace associated with a particular circumstance, quality, or person

Grammar Points

• Complex Sentences: These sentences contain one main clause and one or more subordinate clauses. For example: Despite progress in science and medicine, ensuring health equity across the globe remains an elusive goal.
• Passive Voice: Used to focus on the action rather than who is performing it. For example: Political instability and conflict can severely disrupt healthcare systems.

Tips for Scoring High in IELTS Reading

• Practice Regularly: Consistent practice is the key. Use a variety of reading materials to improve your comprehension skills.
• Develop Skimming and Scanning Techniques: Skim for the main idea and scan for specific information. This way, you can answer questions more efficiently.
• Build Your Vocabulary: A robust vocabulary will help you understand passages better and answer questions accurately.
• Answer Every Question: Don’t leave any questions unanswered. Even if you’re unsure, make an educated guess.
• Review Your Answers: If time permits, review your answers to correct any mistakes.

By understanding the challenges of achieving global health equity, you not only gain valuable insight into an important global issue but also enhance your reading skills and prepare effectively for the IELTS exam.