News – Page 4 – NYU GPH Journal of Public Health Disasters

August 2, 2024September 27, 2024

WHO Declares Mpox Outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern

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.

July 17, 2024July 17, 2024

WHO Report Reveals Life Expectancy Decreases Since COVID-19 Pandemic

population concentration across the globe.

The World Health Organization (WHO) revealed its latest World Health Statistics through May 2024, showing that the COVID-19 pandemic led to a reversal in the upward trend in life expectancy. The organization’s data shows that the pandemic “wiped out nearly a decade of progress in improving life expectancy” within only two years—from 2019 to 2021. Global life expectancy is now at 71.4 years, a decrease of 1.8 years since the start of the pandemic.

July 15, 2024July 15, 2024

USAID Aims to Strengthen Southeast Asia’s Climate Resilience

A man working with USAID helps with a shipment of relief supplies.

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.

July 15, 2024July 15, 2024

Dengue Fever Cases Spike in the Americas

Earlier this year, federal health officials expressed concern about an increase in the number of individuals contracting dengue in 2024. Through just the first half of 2024, countries in the Americas reported more than twice the number of cases compared to the entirety of 2023. So far, over 10 million cases have been reported this year, with significant outbreaks in Brazil and Argentina. While the United States has experienced minimal cases, Puerto Rico recently declared a public health emergency following a reported 1,500 cases through March 2024.

July 10, 2024July 10, 2024

Hurricane Beryl Pummels the Caribbean and Texas, Experts Point to Climate Change

Hurricane Beryl over the Gulf of Mexico.

Hurricane and Tropical Storm Beryl have battered parts of the Caribbean and Texas, killing at least 13. As one of the first hurricanes to reach Category 5 status this early in hurricane season, experts are concerned about what this could mean in the time of climate change.

July 8, 2024July 8, 2024

WHO Responds to Dire Food and Water Insecurity in Greater Horn of Africa

Women in Africa harvest crops, fighting food insecurity.

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.

July 3, 2024July 3, 2024

World Health Organization Addresses Global Health Impacts of Air Pollution

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.

July 3, 2024July 3, 2024

Arsenic Contamination of Food and Water Growing Public Health Concern

Exposure to arsenic, a naturally occurring element, is linked to various adverse health effects, including many forms of cancer. People are commonly exposed to arsenic through contaminated food and water, which makes it a grave public health concern.

June 27, 2024June 27, 2024

Devastating Floods in Kenya: A Crisis Unfolds

Kenya has been overwhelmed by catastrophic floods resulting in significant loss and suffering since the early rains of March 2024. The severe downpour has unleashed a level of destruction unseen by Kenyans for decades. In rural regions, the full extent of the damages remains unknown. The floods have left 228 Kenyans dead and 23,000 families displaced.