The Lack of Speech Pathology Abroad
Goal 3: good health and well-being
Definition
speech pathology: the study and treatment of speech and language problems
Issue: Major developed countries, such as China, don't have available access to speech therapy services. Because speech is essential to cognitive learning and social skills, it is imperative that everyone have access to these health services.
Goal 3 Targets That Apply To My Topic
- Substantially increase health financing and the recruitment, development, training and retention of the health workforce in developing countries, especially in least developed countries and small island developing States
- Achieve universal health coverage, including financial risk protection, access to quality essential health-care services and access to safe, effective, quality and affordable essential medicines and vaccines for all
How Do These Targets Tie In?
Increase Health Financing, Recruitment, and Training in the Health Workforce
A major reason that China doesn't have adequate access to speech and language services is because there a few training programs that specialize in speech therapy. There are only about 1,200 practicing speech therapists for China's 1.3 billion population.
Sustainability Theme
The lack of access to speech services falls under the social theme.
Achieve Univeral Health Coverage and Access to Quality Healthcare Services
Having access to quality healthcare is also an issue in China because the number of practicing speech therapists is so low. Speech therapists are spread thin and often citizens have a difficult time even getting on a waiting list. Usually those of high status or a lot of money are seen over those with a middle/lower class income.
How My Service Project Aligns with UN Targets
Service Project: Art Gallery
- An art gallery that focuses on the importance of speech and communication in order to spark community awareness about the services that are available to US citizens.
- While the UN is focusing on making policies, my project is an indirect service because it encourages the audience to think about the topic being presented