Testing is an essential step in fighting the HIV health epidemic, writes Lyn-Marie Blackman, 28, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Barbados, but it is a step she says too many in Barbados avoid out of fear or false security. The HIV epidemic has been with us for the past three decades with still no known cure. HIV …

"Why so late to take this vital test, Barbados?" Read More »

Dennis Ekwere, 34, of Kaduna, Nigeria, is a ‘Youth Practitioner’ who is making a difference by role modelling and teaching social change aimed at peace. Here, he describes the results of lack of information about Ebola virus. The world woke up one day and discovered the resurgence of the Ebola virus disease, which was first known in …

"Communication and the Ebola virus pandemonium" Read More »

Over the past century public health has led to improved life expectancies, global reduction in infant and child deaths, and the elimination or mitigation of many communicable diseases. Its chief intent is to promote a healthier society, but the provision of these services is an increasingly difficult challenge. Oluwafemi Ogunjobi, 22, a Commonwealth Correspondent from …

"Young health advocates: advancing public health" Read More »

Health impacts of climate change now being felt in the Caribbean, writes Advira Shand, 26, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Manchester in Jamaica, underline the need for policies and public education to protect the environment and fight outbreaks. I still cringe when I remember the agony of being brought down on my knees by the chikungunya virus in …

“Is climate change creating a health crisis?” Read More »

Universal vaccination is essential for public health, writes Jake Elson, 21, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Bunbury in Australia, as he dissects the arguments of those opposed to immunisation. Safety and protection from serious illness and disease seems to be a given in the Western world these days. It therefore evokes concern to read that long-dormant illnesses …

“Why you shouldn’t boycott your child’s jab” Read More »

Hepatitis is a growing public health issue in Cameroon, writes Eyoh Fidel, 24, a Correspondent from Cameroon. Low rates of public awareness and drug availability are challenges in the fight against the virus. According to the World Health Organization, hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver which can be self-limiting or can progress to a more …

“A public health concern in Cameroon” Read More »

Promoting public health requires action as well as words, writes Olurogba John Badewo, 27, a Correspondent from Ile-Ife in Nigeria, who describes programs designed to reach vulnerable rural populations. Action definitely speaks louder than voice. When it comes to the health of the public, action is the watchword. The act of making our society better must …

“From concerns to actions in public health” Read More »

An infectious outbreak raises questions about personal choice and public health, writes Santhiya Ramadas, 26, a Correspondent from Malaysia, as she looks at the issue of vaccinations. There is a current fear among Malaysian parents over the outbreak of the Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease (HFMD) which the nation’s authorities are taking urgent and crucial …

“Diseases, vaccinations and religious beliefs” Read More »

Science and technology have done much to improve health in recent generations, but Omer Fayshal Pavel, 22, a Correspondent from Dhaka in Bangladesh, argues that new threats to public health have risen and need to be addressed. It is the 21th century, the era of science. Technology has made our lives more easy and meaningful, with …

“Public health faces new threats in the future” Read More »

The virus behind an outbreak now affecting Pakistan was first classified in Africa more than 60 years ago, writes Omer Fayshal Pavel, 23, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Dhaka in Bangladesh, who describes the mosquito-borne illness. It was 1952 when an unknown disease emerged in Makonde Plateau, the border between Mozambique and Tanzania. In that time …

“Chikungunya mystery unsolved since 1952” Read More »