News – Page 2 – NYU GPH Journal of Public Health Disasters

September 27, 2024September 27, 2024

560,000 Children Vaccinated Against Polio in Gaza

When Gaza reported its first case of polio in a quarter century in late August, there was a swift effort taken by health officials to provide polio vaccines to the region and prevent further spread. The effort was led by the Global Polio Eradication Initiative, a group of national governments and partners, including the World Health Organization (WHO), Rotary International, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), Gates Foundation, and Gavi, the vaccine alliance. So far, the effort has been successful, with nearly 560,000 children vaccinated.

September 21, 2024September 21, 2024

Mosquito-Borne Virus, EEE, Health Raising Concerns in Northeast

There have been growing concerns among health experts about the recent surge in Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) cases in the Northeast, a rare mosquito-borne virus with severe health risks. Health officials have reported infections in New York, Wisconsin, Vermont, and Massachusetts, and one death in New Hampshire, prompting warnings and curfews in certain areas.

September 21, 2024

Research Finds Stormwater System Ineffective, Even Deadly

An extreme flooding event in Detroit in 2014 exposed the outdated stormwater infrastructure in much of the United States. Since the event, various studies have shown that instead of mitigating flooding and its costly consequences, the antiquated sewer systems are actually worsening flooding events.

September 21, 2024September 21, 2024

Jamaica’s ‘Smart Health Centers’ Withstand Category 4 Beryl

The UK-led initiative, “Smart’ Health Care Facilities in the Caribbean Project,” aiming to improve critical healthcare facilities’ infrastructure and environmental impact in the Caribbean, has proven to be a resounding success in Jamaica as Category 4 Hurricane Beryl caused extensive damage to the island.

September 9, 2024September 9, 2024

Typhoon Shanshan Hits Japan, Millions Forced to Evacuate

On August 30, Japan was struck by Typhoon Shanshan, prompting emergency warnings across the nation. Japanese authorities reported that over one million individuals were advised to evacuate due to extensive damage caused by the typhoon. Japan was hit with record-breaking rainfall and flooding, which particularly damaged structures along the southern coastline.

September 7, 2024September 7, 2024

New Study Reveals HIV Preventative Drug With 99% Efficacy

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.

August 30, 2024August 30, 2024

Recent Report Finds ICE Detainees Suffer Preventable Deaths

ICE Contract Detention Facility in San Diego.

A recent study found critical issues within the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention facilities, particularly focusing on the inadequate medical care provided to detainees. The research references a report written by three advocacy groups, the American Civil Liberties Union, American Oversight, and Physicians for Human Rights, which highlights numerous systemic failures.

August 29, 2024August 29, 2024

A Preventable Tragedy: The Rise of Congenital Syphilis in Australia

Congenital syphilis, a preventable condition with severe outcomes, is rising in Australia due to gaps in prenatal care. Despite public health efforts, the incidence among women of reproductive age has surged, necessitating urgent action to prevent a continued increase in cases.

August 19, 2024August 19, 2024

Improving Coordination and Disaster Response in Uganda

Uganda faces an increasing number of natural and man-made disasters, impacting over 200,000 individuals annually. A recent study published in the Journal of Emergency Management and Disaster Coordination underscores the urgent need for improved coordination within humanitarian networks to bolster disaster response efforts.

August 19, 2024August 19, 2024

Southwest India Landslide Kills Hundreds After Years of Ignored Warnings

Landslide that hit Nepal’s Sunkoshi river.

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.