1
|
Halabi S, Gostin LO, Egbokhare O, Kavanagh MM. Global Health Law for a Safer and Fairer World. N Engl J Med 2024; 390:1925-1931. [PMID: 38718375 DOI: 10.1056/nejmms2403267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Sam Halabi
- From the O'Neill Institute for National and Global Health Law, Georgetown University Law Center and Georgetown University School of Health, Washington, DC
| | - Lawrence O Gostin
- From the O'Neill Institute for National and Global Health Law, Georgetown University Law Center and Georgetown University School of Health, Washington, DC
| | - Olohikhuae Egbokhare
- From the O'Neill Institute for National and Global Health Law, Georgetown University Law Center and Georgetown University School of Health, Washington, DC
| | - Matthew M Kavanagh
- From the O'Neill Institute for National and Global Health Law, Georgetown University Law Center and Georgetown University School of Health, Washington, DC
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Devendrapandi G, Liu X, Balu R, Ayyamperumal R, Valan Arasu M, Lavanya M, Minnam Reddy VR, Kim WK, Karthika PC. Innovative remediation strategies for persistent organic pollutants in soil and water: A comprehensive review. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 249:118404. [PMID: 38341071 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2024.118404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2023] [Revised: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) provide a serious threat to human health and the environment in soil and water ecosystems. This thorough analysis explores creative remediation techniques meant to address POP pollution. Persistent organic pollutants are harmful substances that may withstand natural degradation processes and remain in the environment for long periods of time. Examples of these pollutants include dioxins, insecticides, and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). Because of their extensive existence, cutting-edge and environmentally friendly eradication strategies must be investigated. The most recent advancements in POP clean-up technology for soil and water are evaluated critically in this article. It encompasses a wide range of techniques, such as nanotechnology, phytoremediation, enhanced oxidation processes, and bioremediation. The effectiveness, cost-effectiveness, and environmental sustainability of each method are assessed. Case studies from different parts of the world show the difficulties and effective uses of these novel techniques. The study also addresses new developments in POP regulation and monitoring, highlighting the need of all-encompassing approaches that include risk assessment and management. In order to combat POP pollution, the integration of diverse remediation strategies, hybrid approaches, and the function of natural attenuation are also examined. Researchers, legislators, and environmental professionals tackling the urgent problem of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in soil and water should benefit greatly from this study, which offers a complete overview of the many approaches available for remediating POPs in soil and water.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gautham Devendrapandi
- Department of Computational Biology, Institute of Bioinformatics, Saveetha School of Engineering, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Thandalam, Chennai 602105, Tamil Nadu, India.
| | - Xinghui Liu
- Key Laboratory of Western China's Environmental System, College of Science and Technology on Aerospace Chemical Power Laboratory, Hubei Institute of Aerospace Chemotechnology, Xiangyang, 441003, Hubei, China.
| | - Ranjith Balu
- Research and Development Cell, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, 144411, India.
| | | | - Mariadhas Valan Arasu
- Department of Botany and Microbiology, College of Science, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2455, Riyadh, 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mahimaluru Lavanya
- Institute of Research and Development, Duy Tan University, Da Nang, 550000, Viet Nam; Faculty of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Duy Tan University, Da Nang, 550000, Viet Nam.
| | | | - Woo Kyoung Kim
- School of Chemical Engineering, Yeungnam University, Gyeongsan, 38541, Republic of Korea
| | - P C Karthika
- Department of Physics and Nanotechnology, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulathur, Chennai, 603203, Tamil Nadu, India.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Chen L. Navigating resistance in global health governance: Certification of smallpox eradication in China. Glob Public Health 2024; 19:2326011. [PMID: 38471037 DOI: 10.1080/17441692.2024.2326011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024]
Abstract
Certification is an essential stage in disease eradication efforts, encompassing epidemiological, managerial, and political complexities. The certification of smallpox eradication in the People's Republic of China (PRC, or China) exemplifies the multifaceted nature of the certification. Despite eradicating smallpox in the early 1960s, before the Global Smallpox Eradication Programme (SEP) intensified in 1967, China was one of the last countries certified as smallpox-free by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 1979. The WHO encountered notable resistance during the certification of smallpox eradication in China. This article examines the underlying motivations propelling China's resistance, the factors that contributed to the shifts in its stance, the challenges navigated by the WHO, and the ultimate achievement of certification despite controversies surrounding its transparency and credibility. Through the case of the certification of smallpox eradication, the article provides a historical context of China's selective engagement in global health governance, emphasising the critical importance of building a trusting relationship between the WHO and its member states. It offers insights for fostering effective collaboration among diverse stakeholders driven by varied political agendas in addressing shared global health challenges such as the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lu Chen
- Wellcome Centre for Cultures and Environments of Health & Department of History, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Lehtimaki S, Hannon E, Hanbali L, Soltan DF, Peek K, Nassiri-Ansari T, Schwalbe N. Where there is a will, there is a way: independent assessment of member state compliance with the pandemic agreement. Lancet Glob Health 2024; 12:e18-e19. [PMID: 37984382 DOI: 10.1016/s2214-109x(23)00515-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Tiffany Nassiri-Ansari
- United Nations University International Institute for Global Health, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Nina Schwalbe
- United Nations University International Institute for Global Health, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; Spark Street Advisors, New York, NY 10013, USA; Heilbrunn Department of Population and Family Health, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Fryatt RJ, Blecher M. In with the good, out with the bad - Investment standards for external funding of health? HEALTH POLICY OPEN 2023; 5:100104. [PMID: 38059005 PMCID: PMC10696456 DOI: 10.1016/j.hpopen.2023.100104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2023] [Revised: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 10/28/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023] Open
Abstract
In recent decades, external financing of health systems in low- and middle-income countries has helped achieve remarkable improvements across the world. However, these successes have not come without problems. There are a growing number of areas where external assistance can cause harm and even undermine the development of national health systems. Recent decades have seen a surge of knowledge on investing in health systems. We propose the setting up of investment standards for external assistance that aim to incentivize a more efficient evidence-based investment in a country's health system, led by decision-makers in country. Using a more standardized process would lead to a better use of precious external assistance resources. The long-term goal would be fully functioning health systems with all the necessary essential public health functions in all countries.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Robert John Fryatt
- Position: Lead, International Health, Mott MacDonald, Address: 10 Fleet Place, London EC1M, UK
| | - Mark Blecher
- Chief Director, Health and Social Development, Address: National Treasury, Government of South Africa, Pretoria, South Africa
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Jiang S, Kumah E. Strategizing global health governance: unpacking opportunities and challenges for least developed nations within the WHO pandemic treaty framework. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1321125. [PMID: 38026386 PMCID: PMC10657804 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1321125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Exploring the intricacies of the proposed WHO pandemic treaty, this paper underscores its potential benefits and challenges for Least Developed Nations (LDNs) in the global health landscape. While the treaty could elevate LDNs' access to vital resources, fortify health systems, and amplify their voice in global health governance, tangible challenges in safeguarding equitable access, protecting sovereignty, and ensuring compliance are illuminated. Concluding with targeted recommendations, the paper advocates for treaty revisions that assure resource access, safeguard LDNs' autonomy, and foster capacity-building. In essence, the paper emphasizes the imperative of genuinely empowering LDNs, crafting a pandemic treaty that establishes a more equitable, resilient, and inclusive global health future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shisong Jiang
- School of Law, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Emmanuel Kumah
- Department of Health Administration and Education, Faculty of Science Education, University of Education, Winneba, Ghana
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Gostin LO. A Historic Moment in Global Health-"Futureproofing" the World Against Pandemics. JAMA HEALTH FORUM 2023; 4:e234804. [PMID: 37971774 DOI: 10.1001/jamahealthforum.2023.4804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2023] Open
Abstract
This JAMA Forum discusses the International Health Regulations of the World Health Organization, political declarations of the United Nations, and a pandemic agreement proposed by the World Health Assembly and suggests 5 reforms that could improve pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lawrence O Gostin
- O'Neill Institute for National and Global Health Law, Georgetown University, Washington, DC
| |
Collapse
|