Blogs - This Week In Public Health

Epi

Navigating NCDs and Inequality

As the sun sets over a bustling community clinic in Nairobi, a public health worker locks up yet another round of vaccinations. Her battle is no longer only against traditional communicable diseases but also against emerging non-communicable diseases (NCDs), all amidst grappling with entrenched health inequities. This scenario is becoming increasingly common across the globe, […]

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Policy

Gas Station Drugs

Why Public Health Experts Are Worried About Tianeptine, Kratom, and Other Unregulated Substances For decades, public health professionals have tracked the rise of illicit drugs, prescription opioid misuse, and emerging synthetic substances. Increasingly, however, some of the most concerning psychoactive products are being sold openly in gas stations, convenience stores, smoke shops, and online marketplaces. […]

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News

Unequal Burdens, Unequal Access: What New Global Studies Reveal About Health Disparities

In today’s interconnected world, evidence from diverse regions charts a clear message: disparities in health outcomes and access remain pressing challenges that demand equity-driven policies and systemic reforms. Recent research from Japan to Brazil, Mozambique to South Korea, and across low- and middle-income countries exposes the nuanced layers of health inequality—from cancer mortality linked to […]

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Society

Building Trust to Tackle Gun Violence: Durham’s Multifaceted Approach

It was a bright morning in Durham, North Carolina, as local community health workers gathered at a neighborhood center. Among them was Janelle, a seasoned outreach worker who listened intently as residents shared their safety concerns in a small, crowded room. The meeting, part of Together for Resilient Youth’s (TRY) initiative, sought to address the […]

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Nutrition

Insect-Fortified Snacks for Madagascar Kids: A Recipe for Better Health

In the sun-drenched schoolyards of Madagascar, children line up eagerly as teachers offer them a novel snack: crackers fortified with crickets and black soldier fly larvae. In this corner of the world, where malnutrition and food insecurity are high, the introduction of this unusual yet nutritious treat holds promise for addressing critical dietary gaps. Yes, […]

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Resources

Urban Density and Health in Doha: Rethinking the Built Environment

Amidst the bustling streets of Doha, Qatar’s capital, a place where we spent a wonderful time last December, a unique scene unfolds. Residents hurry along shaded walks, braving the scorching heat as they navigate the complex dance of urban life. These are images of necessity-driven walking—motivated less by choice than by the constraints of Doha’s […]

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Research

Youth Engagement Is Prevention: What the Evidence Says About Building Effective Youth-Led Public Health Programs

For decades, public health prevention efforts have been designed for young people. Increasingly, the evidence suggests they should be designed with them. Whether the goal is to prevent substance use, reduce violence, improve mental health, or promote healthy behaviors, a growing body of research shows that youth are not simply recipients of prevention programs—they can […]

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Analytics

The Next Public Health Revolution Won’t Be a Vaccine—It Will Be Demographics

New UN population projections suggest that many of the biggest public health challenges of the next century are already unfolding. When most people hear the phrase population projections, they imagine one number: how many people will live on Earth by the end of the century. Public health professionals know the more important questions are different. […]

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Environment

Firecracker Pollution Worsens Air Quality in Indo-Gangetic Basin During Diwali

Is there any dust still hanging around your community? In the heart of the Indo-Gangetic Basin, a healthcare worker braces against the biting air as she makes her rounds through a thick smog that resembles more of a burden than breathable air. With every breath, her lungs fill with pollutants that have surged beyond safe […]

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