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The distinction between developed and developing countries lies in their economic strength, infrastructure, educational attainment, and access to health services. Developed countries often have universal healthcare systems, high standards of living, and stronger governance structures, whereas developing countries face persistent issues like underfunded health systems, lower life expectancy, and disparities in access to care (Paprotny, 2021).

Canada, a developed country, operates under a publicly funded, universal healthcare system known as Medicare. Administered by provincial and territorial governments, this system ensures that all residents have access to medically necessary services without paying out of pocket at the point of care. While Canada's system is lauded for its equity and population health outcomes, it continues to face challenges such as wait times and access disparities for marginalized populations (Martin et al., 2018). The Commonwealth Fund (2024) further highlights that Canada spends less on healthcare per capita than the U.S. while achieving better health outcomes in many key areas, such as lower infant mortality and higher life expectancy.

In contrast, Nigeria, a developing country, faces significant structural challenges in its healthcare system. The country operates a mixed health system with public, private, and traditional providers. However, the majority of Nigerians pay out-of-pocket for care due to weak health insurance penetration. The system is fragmented, underfunded, and suffers from shortages in infrastructure and trained health workers, especially in rural areas (Abubakar et al., 2022). According to the Severe Malaria Observatory (n.d.), Nigeria's healthcare delivery is hindered by disparities in access, a high disease burden (especially from malaria), and logistical limitations that prevent consistent delivery of basic services.

Paprotny (2021) notes that although some convergence between developed and developing nations has occurred over the past century, deep disparities in healthcare infrastructure, access, and health outcomes persist. This global imbalance highlights the importance of international collaboration.

Regarding the United States' role, as a global leader with significant resources, the U.S. arguably has both a moral and strategic responsibility to support healthcare systems in developing countries. Investments in global health not only promote humanitarian goals but also protect global security by limiting the spread of disease and supporting global economic stability. Hobman (2006) highlights that global healthcare challenges, such as pandemics, require international cooperation, and the U.S. has historically played a vital role in funding global health initiatives through foreign aid and partnerships.

In conclusion, the comparison between Canada and Nigeria reveals vast differences in healthcare systems that reflect broader issues of global inequity. As the global community becomes increasingly interconnected, the U.S. and other developed countries have a shared interest in supporting health systems worldwide through strategic investment and policy collaboration.

References

Abubakar, I., Dalglish, S. L., Angell, B., Sanuade, O., Abimbola, S., Adamu, A. L., ... & Zanna, F. H. (2022). The Lancet Nigeria Commission: Investing in health and the future of the nation. The Lancet, 399(10330), 1155-1200. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(21)02488-0

Commonwealth Fund. (2024). Canada: International health care system profiles. https://www.commonwealthfund.org/international-health-policy-center/countries/canada

Hobman, J. (2006). International healthcare systems primer. American Medical Student Association. http://www.amsa.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/IHSprimer.pdf

Martin, D., Miller, A. P., Quesnel-Valle, A., Caron, N. R., Vissandje, B., & Marchildon, G. P. (2018). Canada's universal health-care system: Achieving its potential. The Lancet, 391(10131), 1718-1735. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(18)30181-8

Paprotny, D. (2021). Convergence between developed and developing countries: A centennial perspective. Social Indicators Research, 153(1), 193-225. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11205-020-02488-4

Severe Malaria Observatory. (n.d.). Nigeria: Health system. https://www.severemalaria.org/countries/nigeria/nigeria-health-system