Uganda’s Fight to Turn the Tide Against the Hidden Crisis of Drowning

Fishermen on Lake Victoria.

In Uganda, drowning remains a significant yet under-recognized public health disaster that claims nearly 3,000 lives annually. Lake Victoria, the world’s second-largest freshwater body, is the focal location that’s attributed to the severity of the crisis. The lake is becoming increasingly notorious for the danger posed by waterborne diseases, weather conditions, and high drowning rates. Meanwhile, the Parliament of Uganda and the Ministry of Health are currently employing solutions to address the crisis of drowning. These efforts place Uganda on track to become one of the first countries to implement a national drowning prevention strategy while educating the public.

Continue reading “Uganda’s Fight to Turn the Tide Against the Hidden Crisis of Drowning”

Natalia Ramon, Saba Changizi, and Deshara Thomas’ Community Adherence and COVID-19 Qualtrics Report 

Child with a mask.

This report aims to examine the relationship between the demographics and defining characteristics of the participants, along with their experience with the COVID-19 pandemic, their attitudes towards vaccination, and their perception of individual and governmental responses to the pandemic. The findings from this study could provide helpful insight for building future public health campaigns and policies.

Continue reading “Natalia Ramon, Saba Changizi, and Deshara Thomas’ Community Adherence and COVID-19 Qualtrics Report “

Kristin Memoli, Ishita Nair, and Dagoberto Jameson Qualtrics Report on COVID-19 and Community Adherence 

COVID-19 testing center.

This Qualtrics report aims to assess public attitudes, behaviors, and perceptions related to COVID-19 vaccine recommendations and exposure prevention. Using a cross-sectional survey method, this team analyzed COVID-19 vaccination status, infection history, compliance with public health measures, risk perception, and trust in information sources to understand willingness to follow public health mandates and perceived levels of concern for future pandemics.

Continue reading “Kristin Memoli, Ishita Nair, and Dagoberto Jameson Qualtrics Report on COVID-19 and Community Adherence “

Justin T. Andries’ Case Study on Middle Tennessee Flooding

In August 2021, Middle Tennessee experienced a catastrophic flood stemming from the impacts of climate change. The event devastated the community, ruining homes, businesses, and infrastructure and resulting in 20 deaths. The flood water caused widespread injuries and illnesses, from fractures, hypothermia, vector-borne diseases, and more. 

Continue reading “Justin T. Andries’ Case Study on Middle Tennessee Flooding”

PAHO States Introduce Way to Enhance Early Detection of Health Threats

PAHO member meeting.

In October 2024, member states of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) gathered to adopt a thorough strategy that strengthens early detection and response to health threats across the Americas. This initiative tackles the vulnerabilities revealed by recent global health crises like the COVID-19 pandemic, drawing attention to the necessity for strong systems that can monitor and respond effectively to new diseases as they arise. Countries without these measures may risk common outbreaks and significant loss of life, with underserved regions being especially affected.

Continue reading “PAHO States Introduce Way to Enhance Early Detection of Health Threats”

Olivia Morris, Neha Shyamkul, and Luis Gomez-Escobar’s Qualtrics Report on COVID-19 and Community Adherence 

COVID testing.

This Qualtrics report aims to assess public attitudes, behaviors, and perceptions related to COVID-19. Using a cross-sectional survey method, this team analyzed COVID-19 vaccination status, infection history, compliance with public health measures, risk perception, and trust in information sources to understand willingness to follow public health mandates and perceived levels of concern for future pandemics.

Continue reading “Olivia Morris, Neha Shyamkul, and Luis Gomez-Escobar’s Qualtrics Report on COVID-19 and Community Adherence “

Felipe Garcia Jr, Catherine Reye, and Jose Flores Hernandez’s COVID-19 Community Adherence Report 

Vaccination

This Qualtrics report assesses the adherence to public health guidance and mandates during the COVID-19 pandemic. The team analyzed key variables, including vaccination status, trusted sources of information, and confidence levels in future pandemic preparedness. The report examines public education on COVID-19, the perceived importance of following public health guidelines, the role played by misinformation, and more. 

Continue reading “Felipe Garcia Jr, Catherine Reye, and Jose Flores Hernandez’s COVID-19 Community Adherence Report “

Luis Guillermo Gómez Escobar’s Precis on Salmonella Outbreak

Salad at a restaurant.

Escobar’s analysis focuses on an outbreak of salmonella that occurred in Dallas, Oregon, in the fall of 1984—a notable outbreak that was intentionally caused by members of a religious cult. Escobar evaluates the event, highlighting the need for an emergency response plan, fostering effective communication and cooperation, and ensuring the safety of the community in such instances.

Continue reading “Luis Guillermo Gómez Escobar’s Precis on Salmonella Outbreak”

Rao Fu’s Precis on Outbreak of Salmonella at Salad Bar

Salad bar.

Fu reports on the intentional outbreak of salmonella at a salad bar, highlighting the different approaches taken by public health agencies and law enforcement for intentional versus non-intentional contamination. The analysis touches on the psychological impact that an outbreak can have on a community, and emphasizes the need for building trust and effective communication from public health leaders to decrease fear and distress. 

Continue reading “Rao Fu’s Precis on Outbreak of Salmonella at Salad Bar”

The Growing Global Threat of Antibiotic Resistance

Pills

In September 2024, 193 delegations gathered during the 79th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) to address the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). AMR occurs when bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites evolve to withstand the effects of treatments, such as antibiotics. This makes common infections more difficult to treat, potentially reversing decades of medical advancements. The UN emphasized that without immediate action, AMR could cause millions of additional deaths each year, disproportionately affecting low- and middle-income countries. The high-level meeting on AMR called for coordinated global efforts to reduce the projected 10 million annual deaths by 2050 due to drug-resistant infections.

Continue reading “The Growing Global Threat of Antibiotic Resistance”