Bulletin #83: Torture in Gaza, Mpox outbreaks, and the fight for global health justice

This fortnight

Palestinian health workers released after weeks or months of captivity in Israeli camps and jails have come forward with harrowing accounts of daily torture and abuse. A recent report details the horrific methods used by Israeli soldiers and interrogators to break Palestinian resistance.

Meanwhile, the relentless attacks and destruction in Gaza by the Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) have led to the resurgence of infectious diseases, including polio, which has reappeared in the Gaza Strip for the first time in over 20 years.

An explosive outbreak of Mpox in several African countries has raised alarm, with hundreds already dead. Health groups are urging high-income countries to step up support for the Mpox response, including increased pressure on vaccine producers.

In an interview with Third World Network’s KM Gopakumar and Lauren Paremoer from the People’s Health Movement, Jyotsna Singh recaps this year’s negotiations on the Pandemic Treaty and International Health Regulations, as discussions on a new pandemic instrument are set to resume in September.

In India, the rape and murder of a doctor have sparked protests now entering their third week. Health workers and left groups are leading the mobilizations, demanding justice, accountability, and improved workplace security.

In Sudan, women and girls are among the hardest hit by the civil war that has displaced millions since April 2023. Hundreds have reported sexual violence, and many more lack access to essential health care.

The Charter4Health podcast releases three new episodes, focusing on PHM’s global health activism, including mobilizations in Latin America and key initiatives like the Global Health Watch.

In focus: Health in Palestine

Palestinian health workers in Gaza describe torture and abuse in Israeli detention

A new report reveals harrowing accounts from Palestinian health workers who were imprisoned and tortured by Israel

Polio returns to Gaza after over two decades

The Palestinian Ministry of Health has confirmed the reemergence of polio in the Gaza Strip as Israel continues to decimate healthcare infrastructure

Featured articles

Scale up Mpox response, health groups urge

Health activists and organizations are urging an intensified response to the Mpox outbreak in Africa, where the virus has infected thousands and caused hundreds of deaths

Left-led anti-femicide demonstrations enter third week in India’s West Bengal

Protests against the rape and killing of a woman doctor have faced massive repression and attempts by the right-rwing to infiltrate it in orde to push regressive agenda

Sexual violence and child malnutrition in Sudan’s civil war place heavy burden on women

Sudanese women activists have reported that since the civil war which broke out in 2023, sexual violence has been used as a tool of war by both sides

Video: What lies ahead for global health?

KM Gopakumar and Lauren Paremoer join People’s Health Dispatch to discuss crucial developments from this year’s World Health Assembly.

Podcast: Charter4Health

Global Health Watch

In this episode of Charter for Health, introduced by Professor Ron Labonté, we explore the history and editing process behind Global Health Watch, the flagship publication of the People’s Health Movement. We discuss its significance for the movement and what to expect in the upcoming 7th edition

The origins of the People’s Health Movement

In this episode of Charter4Health, we explore the origins of the People’s Health Movement and its impact on health activism with Claudio Schuftan, physician, pediatrician, and co-founder of the movement

Health systems in Latin America

In this episode of Charter4Health, we dive into the state of health systems in Latin America and the inter-regional dialogue within the People’s Health Movement. Our special guest, Matheus Falcão, co-director of the Brazilian Center for Health Studies (Cebes) and regional coordinator of PHM in Brazil, shares his insights as a lawyer and activist for the right to health

In case you missed it

Webinar: Screen to Treat or Stigmatise?: Ethical Dilemmas, Reproductive Governance, and Genetic Blood ‘Disorders’ | People’s Health Movement

Home

Community Health Workers’ submit Charter of Demands to Nepal’s Prime Minister

In a significant move, Community Health Workers in Nepal met with Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli and submitted their Charter of Demands. The Prime Minister said he will initiate discussions on their demands within the government with various ministeries.

Public Services International The global union federation of workers in public servicesJeni Jain Thapa

To Fight Mpox, Release Vaccine Stockpiles [Guest Essay]

Newsletter Edition #227 [The Files In-Depth]

Geneva Health FilesPriti Patnaik

Israel: Palestinian Healthcare Workers Tortured

Israeli forces have arbitrarily detained Palestinian healthcare workers in Gaza since hostilities began in October 2023, deported them to detention facilities in Israel, and allegedly tortured and ill-treated them.

Human Rights Watch