Leveraging English to Spanish Translation for Global Health Communications

There are no isolated industries at present. Regardless of the branch to which they belong, all human interests are somehow linked worldwide. If they are not, they surely will be in no time. Global health communications are no exception to this.

Translation in Global Health

Today’s interconnected world demands the translation of health information from English into Spanish. As we know, Spanish is the second most spoken language by native speakers globally. This makes it essential for sharing health knowledge all around the world. Health outcomes, both in public and private health care companies, get improved by effective translation. This process ensures that critical medical information is both understandable and accessible to Spanish-speaking patients.  

In the medical environment, translation as well as interpretation, bridges communication gaps. Translating global health communications allows the deployment of health initiatives and a more culturally appropriate approach.

Challenges in Health Communication Translation

Whether newcomers or not knowledgeable people like or not, translation is really important. It can be performed by AI models but, regardless of the actual translator (human or AI), loyal and informed translations are relevant and necessary. Even more so in global health communication.

Frequently, health communication involves rather complex concepts. Accurate and culturally sensitive translations are crucial. This approach will avoid or prevent misunderstandings, misinformation, and even harm to patients. As we know, regional variations in Spanish need to be considered when translating medical contents, especially for global health applications. Medicine and health care related terms and expressions might be different from one Spanish-speaking country to the next one. This would require personalized translation strategies.

Effective Translation Put to the Test

Involving bilingual health professionals and native speakers during the translation process guarantees that the translated content is resonant and relevant with the target audience. Using translation technologies and industry specific software enhances accuracy, and helps prevent predictable errors.

Since we are dealing with sensitive contents, the need for human oversight remains active. There is much more cultural to barriers than meets the eye. And cultural distinctions need to be considered when producing target versions of the English original.

Influence on Global Health Initiatives

When Spanish-speaking communities receive clear, reliable health information, the chances of them participating in preventive measures, adhering to treatment regimens, and engaging with healthcare services increase exponentially. Would you follow an unknown doctor’s advice or instructions, if you had no idea of what she/he is saying? Chances are you won’t. Not in a million years. It is already difficult to diagnose certain health issues, and then inform patients about that, when they do speak the language. Let alone when they don’t.

In order to improve private health outcomes and support the broader goals of health equality, we need professional translation and interpretation in global health communications. The trust bond between health care providers and their patients gets stronger and tightens when they all share the same language, even if it is in translation. Worldwide and, especially in developing countries, this mutual trust is pivotal to the deployment of health programs and the advancement of healthier societies.

We have come a long way regarding technology, communications, and social media. Nevertheless, we have crawled backwards in other areas. It seems unbelievable that wars are still being fought, children killed, families torn apart, atrocities being committed all over the planet, on a daily basis. At least, let’s put in more effort into tending bridges and healing wounds in societies with the power of translation applied to global health communications.

Today, more than ever, translators (both human and AI powered, and combined) play a fundamental role in making health information accessible and actionable for Spanish-speaking populations. Hopefully, this commitment will contribute daily to better results, global health improved, and progress in global health equality.

Check out other Spanish-related articles about a wide range of topics. You can find them in our hub article below.

https://www.bureauworks.com/blog/spanish-to-english-translation-services‍