News – NYU GPH Journal of Public Health Disasters

December 23, 2024December 23, 2024

The Hidden Price of Inaction

Air pollution is an urgent crisis that exacerbates health risks. Individuals are becoming increasingly prone to respiratory diseases, cardiovascular diseases, strokes, and more as a result of the changing environment. The Boston University School of Public Health (BUSPH) published an article discussing the progression of the new presidential administration leading towards weakening the Clean Air Act, which ultimately puts thousands of people at risk of death and exposes billions of dollars due to health costs.

December 23, 2024December 23, 2024

Powerful Southern California Wildfires Cause Thousands to Evacuate

Over 4,000 acres of land were caught in flames in the most recent California wildfire, which occurred in Malibu this past month. As of December 13, the Franklin Fire had burned 4,037 acres, with 35% containment achieved. The destructive fire forced nearly 20,000 people to evacuate their homes, and many others were placed on high alert. Authorities issued evacuation warnings and monitored the situation closely.

December 13, 2024December 13, 2024

CDC Warns about E.coli Outbreak Among Large Distributors

The United States Center for Disease Control (CDC) has issued multiple warnings since October regarding an E. coli contamination of multiple food products and produce. The CDC has sent out notices for specific farmers and corporations to stay clear of certain products. In addition, the largest fast food chain in the U.S., McDonalds, has been found to have E. coli contaminants in specific burgers. With the severity of the E. coli outbreak being at record levels in recent years, the CDC urges consumers to stay cautious until further notice.

December 13, 2024December 13, 2024

Tuberculosis Re-Emerges as Leading Infectious Disease Killer

Tuberculosis re-emerges as the leading infectious disease killer globally, with reports of approximately 8.2 million people diagnosed in 2024. The significant underfunding of vaccinations and prevention information raises disease prevalence in vulnerable regions. Low and middle-income countries bear the majority of the TB burden; up to 56% of the global TB burden comes from 5 countries: India (26%), Indonesia (10%), China (6.8%), the Philippines (6.8%), and Pakistan (6.3%). While the World Health Organization (WHO) is leading efforts to advance TB vaccines, its research remains underfunded, with only a fifth of the $5 billion goal reached in 2022.

December 12, 2024December 12, 2024

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

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.

December 12, 2024December 12, 2024

Report Offers a Guide to Attract and Retain a ‘Robust and Representative’ Wildland Fire Workforce

A recent report from Stanford University’s Climate & Energy Policy Program explores the barriers to attracting and retaining the United States federal wildland firefighter workforce. In the western U.S., wildfires are intensifying amid rising temperatures, droughts, and decreasing snowpack. As the frequency and intensity of extreme wildfires globally continue to grow, the Stanford report lays out a set of recommendations to address the workforce challenges.

December 9, 2024December 9, 2024

History and Controversy of Fluoride in Drinking Water

Water fluoridation, the controlled addition of fluoride to public water supplies, has been a cornerstone of public health initiatives aimed at reducing dental decay. Initiated in the United States in 1945, it has since been adopted in numerous countries, though not without controversy. In light of Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s nomination for the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services ahead of the second administration for incoming-President Donald Trump, both critics and supporters have pointed to Kennedy’s pronounced opposition to the fluoridation of water. Safety and health experts now share concerns about what this will mean for the future of public health.

December 6, 2024December 6, 2024

The Hidden Price of Air Pollution Inaction

December 5, 2024December 5, 2024

Wildfire Emergency Planning and Responding to Include People with Hearing Loss

Research has recently recognized that people with disabilities are particularly vulnerable to climate disasters. One study, which examined the challenges that individuals with hearing loss face in the context of wildfires, highlights actions for emergency planners, community members, rescue teams, and others when preparing for and responding to such disasters to better protect the population.

December 5, 2024December 5, 2024

PAHO States Introduce Way to Enhance Early Detection of Health Threats

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.