A crisis in Haiti has triggered calls for democracies and international institutions to address problems in that country—government instability, violence, and poverty—that their past interventions have failed to mitigate and prevent. This week, David P. Fidler takes a hard look at the situation in Haiti and the lessons it offers for global health.
As rumors of potential “false flag” attacks in Ukraine continue to swirl, Jennifer Nuzzo and colleagues examine the rapid public health response and investigation needed for a potential biological attack, and why the world—and specifically North America and Europe—is not prepared to provide it. Keeping on the topic of the Ukraine war, Isabella Rolz reports on how the combined toll of that conflict and climate change affect farmers in Guatemala, who are now struggling to put food on tables in Central America’s most populous country.
Next, emergency physician and Ebola survivor Craig Spencer tells us about the current Ebola virus outbreak in Uganda and why health leaders keep repeating the same mistakes every time a new outbreak occurs.
We end the week on a sweet note. A slideshow by Alejandra Martinez reveals the many purportedly “healthy” U.S. foods that contain more sugar than your and your children’s favorite Halloween candies. So, trick or treat (in moderation, of course)!
As always, thank you for reading, and be well. —Thomas J. Bollyky and Mary Brophy Marcus, Editors
