Bulletin #116: The health fallout of US imperialism
This fortnight
Health workers in Palestine continue to be tortured while illegally imprisoned by Israeli authorities. Among them is Kamal Adwan Hospital director, Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya, who was kidnapped over a year ago: UN experts have once again reiterated demands for his immediate release, warning of systemic, strategic torture inflicted upon all Palestinian prisoners.
Meanwhile, as Israel wages an illegal war against Iran together with the United States, it has also started applying the devastating blueprint of attacks on healthcare in Lebanon. Just like in Gaza, Lebanese health centers, hospitals, and medics find themselves under attack, at risk of shortages and expulsion from their homes.
In Cuba, the effects of the blockade imposed by the US are taking a toll on the revolutionary health system, whose experts have provided medical support and cooperation all over the world. Health movements are calling for an equally internationalist, solidarity-based response from the people of the world to protect Cuba's sovereignty and right to health.
In the latest episode of Access Denied, Jyotsna Singh of the Working Group on Access to Medicines spoke to XDR-TB survivor Meera Yadav about the importance of securing timely access, systematic support, and lifelong care for TB patients.
Struggles to build and protect people-centered health systems persist in other regions as well. In Brazil, the health movement remembers the legacy of the 8th National Health Conference and its importance in ongoing struggles against commodification of health. In Britain, health workers and activists are still mobilizing against the possibility of tech-spy giant Palantir taking over NHS data.
In focus: Healthcare under attack
Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya subjected to torture and cruelties, UN rapporteurs warn
UN rapporteurs demand release of Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya amid reports of systemic, strategic torture of Palestinians.
Israeli attacks on Lebanon’s health system are a “health catastrophe,” health movement warns
Israeli attacks on Lebanon’s health system echo systematic destruction of healthcare in Gaza, health activists and experts warn.
People’s Health Movement condemns US imperialist aggression against Cuba
Health groups warn the US imperialist aggression against Cuba threatens decades of public health gains and international medical solidarity.
Video
Breathing again: an XDR-TB survivor’s journey
In the latest episode of Access Denied, Jyotsna Singh speaks with XDR-TB survivor Meera Yadav about the importance of securing timely access, systematic support, and lifelong care for TB patients.
Featured articles
Health groups reiterate warnings about Palantir involvement in NHS
Health and human rights groups recently reiterated warnings over Palantir’s involvement in the British NHS.
8th National Health Conference in Brazil: two opposing projects, 40 years later
On the anniversary of the event that set the stage for the SUS, the debate continues: the right to health vs. commodification of healthcare.
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