Write a 5–6 page, APA-formatted report that explains the responses to a global event, how issues of race, class, and gender may have affected the response, and the role of international and altruistic organizations in providing health care services related to the event. 

Introduction

Global events such as natural disasters, epidemics, and pandemics often lead to significant healthcare challenges. The initial response to these events is critical in ensuring that the affected populations receive adequate healthcare services. However, social attitudes, issues of race, class, and gender may affect the response to global events, leading to barriers to healthcare services. International health organizations and altruistic organizations play a critical role in providing healthcare services during global events. Professional nurses also have a role in providing healthcare services, but they must work within the scope of their license. This report examines the response to the Ebola virus epidemic, focusing on the initial response, social attitudes, barriers to healthcare services, the role of international and altruistic organizations, and the role of professional nurses.

Response to the Ebola Virus Epidemic

The Ebola virus epidemic started in West Africa in 2014 and spread to other countries, causing significant healthcare challenges. The initial response to the epidemic was slow, and it took several months before the international community mobilized resources to support affected countries. The World Health Organization (WHO) declared the epidemic a public health emergency of international concern in August 2014, several months after the outbreak started. The initial response by the local and national communities was inadequate, and the healthcare systems in affected countries were overwhelmed. Many healthcare workers contracted the disease, and some lost their lives, leading to a shortage of healthcare personnel (CDC, 2021).

The response by international health organizations such as WHO, Doctors Without Borders, and the Red Cross was critical in containing the epidemic. These organizations provided technical support, logistics, and financial resources to support the affected countries. The role of these organizations in providing healthcare services related to the epidemic is discussed in detail in the next section.

Social Attitudes and Issues of Race, Class, and Gender

Social attitudes, issues of race, class, and gender, and other factors may affect the response to global events such as the Ebola virus epidemic. For example, in the early stages of the epidemic, some communities in affected countries resisted efforts by healthcare workers to provide healthcare services. This resistance was based on cultural beliefs, misinformation, and lack of trust in the healthcare system. In some cases, healthcare workers were stigmatized and ostracized, making it difficult to provide healthcare services (CDC, 2021).

Gender also played a significant role in the response to the epidemic. Women in affected communities were more likely to contract the disease than men due to their roles as caregivers. Moreover, women were also more likely to provide care to sick family members, exposing them to the virus. Gender-based violence also increased during the epidemic, leading to further healthcare challenges for women (Huffington Post, 2014).

Barriers to Healthcare Services

The Ebola virus epidemic presented several barriers to healthcare services. One of the most significant barriers was a shortage of healthcare workers. Many healthcare workers contracted the disease, and some lost their lives, leading to a shortage of personnel. In addition, the healthcare systems in affected countries were overwhelmed, making it difficult to provide adequate healthcare services. Another barrier was cultural beliefs and misinformation, which led to resistance to healthcare services by some communities. Lack of trust in the healthcare system also made it difficult to provide healthcare services. Furthermore, limited access to healthcare facilities and equipment also presented significant barriers to healthcare services (CDC, 2021).

Role of International and Altruistic Organizations

International health organizations and altruistic organizations played a critical role in providing healthcare services related to the Ebola virus epidemic. These organizations provided technical support, logistics, and financial resources to support the affected countries. For example, WHO provided technical support and guidance to the affected countries, while Doctors Without Borders provided medical personnel and logistics support. The Red Cross also provided logistics and financial support to the affected countries (WHO, 201