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Think Global Health

Crisis in Haiti, Potential Biological Attacks and Ukraine, Ebola in Uganda

October 21, 2022

 

Editors' Note

A crisis in Haiti has triggered calls for democracies and international institutions to address problems in that country—government instability, violence, and poverty—that their past interventions have failed to mitigate and prevent. This week, David P. Fidler takes a hard look at the situation in Haiti and the lessons it offers for global health.

As rumors of potential "false flag" attacks in Ukraine continue to swirl, Jennifer Nuzzo and colleagues examine the rapid public health response and investigation needed for a potential biological attack, and why the world—and specifically North America and Europe—is not prepared to provide it. Keeping on the topic of the Ukraine war, Isabella Rolz reports on how the combined toll of that conflict and climate change affect farmers in Guatemala, who are now struggling to put food on tables in Central America's most populous country. 

Next, emergency physician and Ebola survivor Craig Spencer tells us about the current Ebola virus outbreak in Uganda and why health leaders keep repeating the same mistakes every time a new outbreak occurs. 

We end the week on a sweet note. A slideshow by Alejandra Martinez reveals the many purportedly "healthy" U.S. foods that contain more sugar than your and your children's favorite Halloween candies. So, trick or treat (in moderation, of course)! 

As always, thank you for reading, and be well. —Thomas J. Bollyky and Mary Brophy Marcus, Editors  

 

This Week's Highlights

GOVERNANCE

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Global Health Through the Haiti Looking Glass

by David P. Fidler

Another crisis in Haiti sharpens the imperative for new thinking among democracies  

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GOVERNANCE

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The World is Unprepared for the Unthinkable  

by Jennifer Nuzzo

A biological attack anywhere would have profound and far-reaching political, military, and health consequences

 

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FOOD

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When Farmers Can't Put Food on the Table  

by Isabella Rolz

How the war in Ukraine and climate change are affecting poor farmers in Guatemala         

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Stat of the Week

80 Percent

Over 80 percent of the population of Chiquimula, Guatemala, lives in extreme poverty and earns less than one dollar per day

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Recommended Feature

POVERTY

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Ebola in Uganda

by Mary Brophy Marcus

An interview with Ebola physician and survivor Craig Spencer 

  

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More of the Latest

FOOD

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Foods That Are Worse for You Than Halloween Candy 

by Alejandra Martinez

Some "healthy" foods contain a surprising amount of sugar compared to your favorite Halloween treats 

  

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What We're Reading

Opinion: Don't Repeat COVID Mistakes as Uganda Ebola Outbreak Spreads (Devex) 

UN Official: Russia Using Rape as War Strategy in Ukraine (The Hill)

Turtlenecks and Warmish Showers: France Seeks to Weather an Energy Crisis (New York Times) 

Viral Spillover Risk Increases With Climate Change in High Arctic Lake Sediments (Proceedings of the Royal Society B)  

 

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