Diversity, Equity, Inclusion – NYU GPH Journal of Public Health Disasters

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 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.

November 28, 2024November 28, 2024

Student Spotlight: Pratyusha Settipalli

Pratyusha Settipalli is a second-year Master of Public Health (MPH) student at NYU’s School of Global Public Health, with a concentration in Global Health. With over four years of experience spanning healthcare management, disaster response, and public health initiatives, Pratyusha has worked with organizations like the American Red Cross and Encore Support Services, bringing equity and resilience to the forefront of her work. Her career is defined by a commitment to underserved communities, bridging gaps in access and resources to create lasting change. Read our Q&A with Pratyusha below!

Interviewed by Sara Merken.

November 24, 2024November 24, 2024

A Literature Review on Equity in Disaster Recovery

Researchers from Tulane University conducted a scoping literature review of the past 25 years to examine the barriers that historically marginalized populations in the United States experience in disaster recovery. The findings highlight a need for greater inclusion of these populations in disaster planning and recovery.

November 24, 2024

Recent Hurricanes Spotlight Climate Disaster Risk to Mobile and Manufactured Homes

Hurricanes Helene and Milton, which hit the Southeastern United States earlier this fall, put a renewed spotlight on the climate disaster risk facing people who live in mobile and manufactured homes. Recent articles in the New York Times and Grist highlight the personal stories of individuals in mobile homes in states including North Carolina and Florida, and demonstrate the increasing hazards.

November 7, 2024

Student Spotlight: Marsha Williams

Marsha Williams is a Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) student at New York University’s School of Global Public Health. She conducted her Advanced Applied Practice Experience (AAPE) at Americares, focusing on anticipatory action in humanitarian response to climate change. We spoke with Marsha to learn about her interests in public health, the Americares project and more. Read our Q&A with Marsha below!

Interviewed by Sara Merken.

October 28, 2024October 28, 2024

Tropical Cyclones Indirectly Trigger Deaths for Years, Study Says

Tropical cyclones indirectly cause long-term effects on mortality for years beyond the initial event, according to a new study published in the journal Nature. The study, published on October 2, is particularly relevant in the wake of Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton, which hit the Southeastern U.S. in September and October, respectively.

October 17, 2024October 27, 2024

Highlighting Inequities in Cancer Care Between Low and High Income Countries

The disparity between high-income countries (HICs) and low-middle-income countries (LMICs) continues to persist, with an increasing emphasis on the impact it has on children with cancer. The American Childhood Cancer Organization states that 400,000 children are diagnosed with cancer each year globally; however, thousands of children in LMICs remain undiagnosed, widening the gap between those who receive treatment and those who do not.