Examine a global health issue and consider the approach to this issue by the United States and by one other country.

One of the most pressing global health issues is the COVID-19 pandemic, which has affected millions of people worldwide. The approach to this issue by the United States and another country, such as New Zealand, can be examined.

The United States initially struggled to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic due to a lack of coordinated federal leadership and a fragmented healthcare system. While some states and local governments implemented measures such as mask mandates and lockdowns, others did not, leading to a patchwork of responses across the country. The vaccine rollout has also been uneven, with some states making rapid progress while others lag behind.

In contrast, New Zealand’s approach to the COVID-19 pandemic has been widely praised for its effectiveness. The country implemented a strict lockdown early in the pandemic, which effectively eliminated community transmission of the virus. Since then, New Zealand has implemented a strategy of aggressive contact tracing and isolation to prevent outbreaks from occurring. The country has also prioritized vaccinating its population, with over 90% of eligible New Zealanders receiving at least one dose of the vaccine.

One key difference between the approaches of the United States and New Zealand is the level of centralization in their healthcare systems. The United States has a decentralized healthcare system, with individual states and local governments responsible for implementing public health measures. In contrast, New Zealand has a centralized healthcare system, which has enabled the government to implement a coordinated response to the pandemic.

Overall, while both the United States and New Zealand have faced significant challenges in responding to the COVID-19 pandemic, New Zealand’s centralized approach has allowed for a more coordinated and effective response.