NYU GPH Journal of Public Health Disasters
A student-led journal driven by the latest research in public health disaster preparedness and management.
Introduction: In an era of unprecedented challenges to public safety, the importance of preparing for and responding to the threat of an active shooter has become paramount. The urgency to safeguard the lives of New Yorkers in the event of such a tragedy requires a meticulously structured disaster plan that addresses both immediate action and long-term resilience.
Continue reading “Justin Andries, Aryeh Korman, and Patrick Agins Active Shooter Disaster Response Plan in New York City”
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.
Continue reading “Tuberculosis Re-Emerges as Leading Infectious Disease Killer”
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.
Continue reading “Uganda’s Fight to Turn the Tide Against the Hidden Crisis of Drowning”
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.
Continue reading “Report Offers a Guide to Attract and Retain a ‘Robust and Representative’ Wildland Fire Workforce”
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.
Continue reading “History and Controversy of Fluoride in Drinking Water”
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.
Continue reading “The Hidden Price of Air Pollution Inaction”
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.
Continue reading “PAHO States Introduce Way to Enhance Early Detection of Health Threats”
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.
Continue reading “Student Spotlight: Pratyusha Settipalli”
In October 2022, approximately 159 people lost their lives in South Korea during Halloween festivities due to a crowd surge, with thousands more injured. Disaster experts have been analyzing the factors that contributed to this tragic incident to ensure the public stays safe during such settings, and to understand how South Korea plans to protect citizens during such busy events in the future.
Continue reading “South Korean Halloween Disaster – What Will the Government Do in the Future?”
With the mpox outbreak continuing to affect the lives of millions living in African countries, the World Health Organization (WHO) has activated its new Global Health Emergency Corp, or GHEC, for the first time to offer support to local healthcare and emergency services with the goal of containing and stemming the spread of the disease.
Continue reading “WHO Activates the Global Health Emergency Corp to Respond to Africa’s Mpox Outbreak”