In order to do a WHO guideline analysis, one must first understand who the World Health Organization is and what the guidelines are. The World Health Organization consists of 194 member states and provides leadership authority on global health issues within the United Nations. (WHO, 2013) One of their core functions is to develop evidence-informed global guidelines that will help improve the health and well being of the world population. The guidelines, in general, are a valuable tool not only in assessing the current health of the world, but also for improving it. The guidelines are prepared through a collaborative effort by many key players such as WHO member states, national authorities, and international authorities. (WHO, 2013) Guidelines are grouped according to relevant health topics, with each guideline providing evidence-informed recommendations for that topic. For analysis purpose, this paper will explore one topic in particular for feasibility and an overall understanding of the functions of the guideline, taking into consideration access to healthcare, culture, and technology, and will also explore the feasibility of three additional guidelines.
Overall Review
Looking into the Maternal and Reproductive Health topic, there are 20 different reports that provide evidence-informed recommendations to improve health concerns such as pregnancy outcomes, and can help reduce the significant burden of disease and mortality (WHO, 2013) Looking further in depth to the guidelines/recommendations for prevention and treatment of pre-eclampsia and eclampsia a cursory review shows that overall, these guidelines can be cost effective and could help address the issue at hand globally, but may lack feasibility in developing countries due to other factors.
Access to Healthcare
In developing countries access to healthcare is still an issue. If women cannot obtain the needed healthcare during
References: Gutmaccher Institute Fact Sheet. (2013). Maternal Newborn Care. Retrieved from: http://www.guttmacher.org/pubs/FB-maternal-newborn-care.html Henion, A., Lakdawala, Leah. (2013, March 27). Sex discrimination begins in the womb. Michigan State University Today. Retrieved from: http://msutoday.msu.edu/news/2013/sex-discrimination-begins-in-the-womb/ Osungbade, K., Olusimbo, K. (2011, April 4). Public Health Perspectives of Preeclampsia in Developing Countries: Implication for Health System Strengthening. National Institute of Health. Retrieved from: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3087154/ Wicket, S. (2009, December 13). Arab Woman…Is Submissive Behavior Ethnic or Cultural? USA on Race. Retrieved from: http://www.usaonrace.com/sticky-wicket-questions/arab-women-submissive-behavior-ethnic-or-cultural World Health Organization. (2013). About WHO. Retrieved from: www.who.int/about/en World Health Organization. (2013). Countries. Retrieved from: www.who.int/countries/en World Health Organization. (2011). WHO recommendations for Prevention and treatment of pre-eclampsia and eclampsia. Retrieved from: http://whqlibdoc.who.int/publications/2011/9789241548335_eng.pdf