“This is a universal crisis and, for some children, the impact will be lifelong” warns a recent UNICEF report on the impact of COVID-19 on the well-being of children globally. In addition to discussing how the pandemic has exacerbated poverty and decreased learning, the report highlights the danger that progress in the fight against HIV will be reversed. […]
If we have learned anything from the pandemic it is that existing health problems do not magically disappear in a global health crisis; they get worse. Unsafe abortions and pregancy-related deaths increase due to restrictions and temporary bans on sexual and reproductive health care. Millions of workers suffer hunger, illness or homelessness due to the […]
While we try to stay safe and protect against COVID-19, our pre-pandemic medical needs and new health concerns often require a doctor’s attention. In the past several months, telemedicine has become a common way of sharing medical information and advice through electronic communication tools such as video conferencing and chat services. What was once an […]
With this pandemic, where we live is a major factor influencing health and well-being. While housing density and urban poverty shape the impact of the COVID-19 crisis in cities, rural communities face their own set of unique challenges. These include long-standing neglect of rural hospitals and clinics and scarcity of adequate supplies and trained personnel. […]
Earlier this month, Papua New Guinea (PNG) reported its first COVID-19 death. One death may not seem newsworthy in countries with a much higher death toll, but an outbreak of coronavirus could have a catastrophic impact on an island of densely populated communities with very limited access to public health care. I pay attention to […]
Many of you are probably familiar with the term “armchair activist”. This label describes someone who might take strong stands on social media, but rarely does anything more, especially if it involves leaving the comfort of their home. When ‘clicktivism’ has no connection to the actions we need to take in the real world, it […]