NYU GPH Journal of Public Health Disasters
A student-led journal driven by the latest research in public health disaster preparedness and management.
A life-saving HIV preventative drug with nearly 100% efficacy passed its latest round of trials, providing hope to millions worldwide, especially in sub-Saharan Africa, which has one of the highest HIV rates in the world. Although advocates celebrate the arrival of this new drug, many are skeptical that the twice-a-year injection will be made affordable to people in the low-income countries that need it most.
Continue reading “New Study Reveals HIV Preventative Drug With 99% Efficacy”
After over a decade of ignored warnings, a catastrophic landslide swept away much of the village of Mundakkai, India, in late July. Around 200 people were killed, with many more missing. As residents begin the recovery process, government officials seek to identify a cause for the extent of the disaster, with much evidence pointing to one culprit: overdevelopment.
Continue reading “Southwest India Landslide Kills Hundreds After Years of Ignored Warnings”
Heatwave frequency and intensity are increasing in India, with the current 2024 heatwave bringing temperatures of 126F (52C). Extreme heat has pushed many into “heat poverty,” a now-common term in India that describes the significant costs of making life safe and bearable during high temperatures. Impoverished citizens have been forced to purchase life-saving air conditioning units with sizable loans, which they are unsure of when or how they can pay back. With the effects of climate change increasing the heat annually, heat poverty is expected to get worse.
Continue reading “‘Heat Poverty’ Increasing in India Amidst Record-Breaking Temperatures”
The 2024 United Nations (UN) State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World (SOFI) report found that one in 11 people around the world, and one in five people in Africa, face hunger. The report warns that these numbers are not showing any signs of improvement. Currently, none of the nutrition improvement goals outlined by the World Health Organization for 2030 are on trend to be met.
Continue reading “World Far From Reaching “Zero Hunger” by 2030, According to UN Report”
Updated August 29, 2024: The World Health Organization (WHO) has formally declared a global health emergency of international concern for the mpox (formerly monkeypox) outbreak concentrated in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Over 14,000 cases and 524 deaths have been recorded in the DRC in 2024 so far, with the outbreak rapidly spreading to surrounding countries such as Kenya and Uganda. Vulnerable populations, and those the most at risk, include women, children, and the immunocompromised.
Dr. Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Regional Director for Africa, said, “Significant efforts are already underway in close collaboration with communities and governments, with our country teams working on the frontlines to help reinforce measures to curb mpox. With the growing spread of the virus, we’re scaling up further through coordinated international action to support countries bring the outbreaks to an end.”
Continue reading “WHO Declares Mpox Outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern”
As the world continues to prepare for the deleterious effects of climate change, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) is focusing its international efforts on assisting the highly at-risk region of Southeast Asia. The agency aims to increase the region’s resilience to climate change-induced disasters such as flooding, droughts, and heat waves by encouraging international cooperation.
Continue reading “USAID Aims to Strengthen Southeast Asia’s Climate Resilience”
A historic drought continues to affect millions in the greater Horn of Africa, which includes Ethiopia, Kenya, and Sudan. In light of the dire conditions, the World Health Organization (WHO) is preparing for the expected increase in healthcare demand as the lack of access to food and water takes a toll on the population.
Continue reading “WHO Responds to Dire Food and Water Insecurity in Greater Horn of Africa”
In a recent press release, the World Health Organization addressed the effects of air pollution on human health, as well as how to combat dangerous air pollutants. In mitigating these adverse impacts, the organization developed the “WHO Strategic Approach for Air Quality, Energy Access and Health,” which outlines the 2023-2030 plans to protect the global population from air pollution’s harmful effects.
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While the negative consequences of social media use have been well documented, researchers at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign discovered a surprising benefit in its ability to inform the public about climate change risks and disaster preparation. The research demonstrates how those more socially connected to regions impacted by natural disasters are more likely to be prepared for climate tragedies in the future.
Continue reading “Research Finds Benefits of Social Media in Disaster Preparedness”