Lecture Notes: Technology, Globalization, and Disease

Key Themes

• Impact of globalization on the spread of diseases
• Inequality in access to medical technology
• Historical and modern pandemics
• Diseases associated with aging

Globalization and Disease

• Globalization has led to the spread of diseases across borders.
• Wealth disparity results in unequal access to medical interventions.
  • Wealthy nations have more resources to combat diseases.
  • Poorer nations continue to suffer from diseases despite available cures.

Diseases Associated with Poverty

Malaria

• Spread by infected mosquitoes, prevalent in tropical regions.
• Symptoms: flu-like, can lead to death.
• Despite medical interventions (e.g., mosquito nets), malaria deaths occur mainly in impoverished regions, especially Sub-Saharan Africa.

Tuberculosis (TB)

• Airborne disease affecting the lungs, potential to be fatal.
• Cure available since the 19th century but access is limited in poor regions.

Epidemics and Pandemics

1918 Influenza Pandemic (Spanish Flu)

• Deadliest pandemic of the 20th century.
• Occurred post-World War I, killing approximately 50 million people globally.
• Spread along global trade routes, disproportionately affected working-age individuals.

HIV/AIDS

• Emerged in the 1980s, initially associated with marginalized groups.
• Research funding was initially limited due to societal prejudices.
• By the 1990s, medical interventions improved but remained costly, impacting impoverished regions, especially in Sub-Saharan Africa.

COVID-19

• Emerged in 2020, spread rapidly due to global interconnectivity.
• Led to societal disruptions: closures of schools, businesses, and affected global economics.
• Vaccines were developed and distributed quickly worldwide.

Diseases Associated with Aging

Alzheimer's Disease

• A form of dementia affecting memory and bodily functions, may lead to death.

Heart Disease

• Increased life spans have led to lifestyle diseases such as heart disease.
• Factors include diet and genetics.

Next Steps

• Continue studying for Unit 9.
• Utilize AP World Heimler review guides for additional study support.