Blogs - This Week In Public Health

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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News

From Crisis to Care: Tackling Malnutrition, Mental Health, and Environmental Equity in Global Public Health Systems

Malnutrition Among Rohingya Children: A Stark Call for Adaptive Policy A new comprehensive seven-year analysis published in BMJ Global Health reveals that malnutrition among Rohingya refugee children in Bangladesh’s Cox’s Bazar camps has worsened, with global acute malnutrition (GAM) rates exceeding 38% in 2021—well above the WHO emergency threshold of 15%. This upward trend, worsening […]

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Wellbeing

The Hidden Victims of the Overdose Crisis: Families Left Behind

Every overdose death leaves more than a vacant chair at the dinner table. It leaves behind grieving parents, siblings, spouses, partners, and children whose lives may be permanently altered. Public health discussions about the overdose crisis often focus on mortality statistics, treatment access, naloxone distribution, and prevention efforts. While these interventions remain essential, emerging research […]

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Resources

A Cultural Celebration with a Cost to Air Quality

The US isn’t the only country with firework-themed holidays. As the sound of firecrackers fills the air during Diwali, the festive atmosphere in cities throughout the Indo-Gangetic Basin nods to vibrant cultural traditions. However, behind this celebratory façade, a more sobering tale unfolds as public health professionals brace for a significant environmental impact. During Diwali, […]

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