Bulletin #80: Health at the intersection of war, climate, and inequity

This fortnight

Since the onset of Israel’s war on the Gaza Strip, enough time has passed for babies conceived in October 2023 to be born. Due to relentless attacks and obstructions to aid delivery, these children are being born into dire conditions, with famine now affecting all regions of Gaza. Hospitals and health facilities remain under threat from evacuation orders issued by Israeli armed forces, exacerbating the already severe health crisis in the Strip.

Despite the dreadful situation, there is hope that justice will prevail, bolstered by the dedication of health workers in Gaza and supporters worldwide. In a discussion facilitated by the People’s Health Movement (PHM), UN Special Rapporteur on the Right to Health, Tlaleng Mofokeng, emphasized the critical role international solidarity will play in the global struggle for justice in Palestine.

Around the world, extreme weather and other climate-related events are increasing health risks. In India, pollution claims over 30,000 lives in just 10 major cities. In Brazil, the effects of devastating May floods in Rio Grande do Sul continue to strain the health system.

In Europe, health activists are developing an alternative vision for health workforce planning. At a June meeting in Belgium, they discussed steps to address the brain drain from the Global South encouraged by Europe and to improve working conditions within health systems.

In the United Kingdom, health workers are facing new pressures from police and counter-terrorism forces. A recent report by Medact reveals that the anti-terrorism agenda is attempting to co-opt the National Health Service, posing significant risks to patients, nurses, and doctors.

Advancing the right to health amid war, climate crises, and Global North extractivism is a priority highlighted by the People’s Health Movement in its Mar del Plata Call to Action. In a new podcast series, PHM founding member Fran Baum discusses the ongoing struggle for health rights in a time of systemic crises.


In focus: Health in Palestine

Justice for Gaza will come, assures UN Special Rapporteur

In a conversation with health rights organizations, UN Special Rapporteur on the Right to Health, Tlaleng Mofokeng, discussed the ongoing efforts of health workers and activists to ensure justice for the Gaza Strip

UN experts say, there is already famine in Gaza

Famine is spreading across all regions of the Gaza Strip, with devastating effects on children and breastfeeding women, according to a statement by UN experts

Nasser Hospital overwhelmed as Israel issues more evacuation orders

Patients and staff were forced to leave the European Gaza Hospital following new orders from Israel, increasing pressure on the few remaining medical centers in the south


New Lancet study shows air pollution kills 33,000 people every year in India’s major urban centers

Most of the victims of bad air in India’s major cities are working people who cannot access adequate healthcare facilities

Population of Rio Grande do Sul still faces major obstacles to healthcare access after devastating floods

A health administrator from Rio Grande do Sul analyzes the state’s situation and sees a lack of coordination and the risk of misusing public funds in the upcoming municipal elections

Health worker brain drain to global north is fueled by erosion of workers’ rights and health systems

Over a dozen organizations from across Europe met to develop a regional health workforce strategy rooted in respect and solidarity, rather than exploitation and commodification

Should health workers work with counter terrorism agencies?

NHS staff pulled into counter-terrorism programs, raising alarms over patient care and professional ethics


Podcast: Charter4Health

Mar del Plata Call to Action

PHM founding member Fran Baum, a health rights activist and public health scientist, delves into PHM's most recent Call to Action


In case you missed it

Lancet letter estimates there could be as many as 186,000 deaths in Gaza : Peoples Dispatch
A letter published in one of the world’s most prestigious medical journal renews accusations of genocide and claims that current death toll estimates of people have been killed in Gaza since October 7 are far below the real number
Unhealthy Liaisons: NHS Collaboration with the Counter Terrorism Clinical Consultancy Service - Medact
Unhealthy Liaisons uncovers deep concerns about the Counter Terrorism Clinical Consultancy Service (CT CCS) – a new police-led mental health project created to facilitate information sharing between NHS and counterterrorism […]
Wall Street Is Profiting From Deadly Asbestos Exposure
Private equity firms are scoring huge payouts from manufacturers to take on the financial risks of people getting sick from asbestos poisoning — and using ruthless legal maneuvers to delay and deny compensation to victims.
PHM 2023 Annual Report​​: The Post Covid Struggle For Health And The Road To Mar del Plata | People’s Health Movement