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
Featured articles
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
Peoples Dispatch
Medact
Helen Santoro
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