Case study: Using social marketing to improve public health
Gabrielle Seneres
A health behavior change researcher outlines five practical steps that can help anyone create effective communications for behavior change and improving public health.
Vaccines
Singapore's COVID resurgence highlights need to protect vulnerable populations
Mohamad Ramli
In the fall of 2021, Singapore had one of the highest national vaccination rates around the globe. Despite this success, and vigilant COVID-19-related safety measures, the small nation has continued to struggle under the burden that the pandemic has put on its various care systems. One social worker reflects on the impact experienced by some of the country's vulnerable populations.
Reducing COVID-19 Disparities in Michigan with MICEAL
Haley Crimmins
The Michigan Community-Engaged Alliance (MICEAL) is working to address the gap of vaccine and health inequities in Latinx and Black populations in four Michigan counties. Health Behavior and Health Education master's student Haley Crimmins details MICEAL's work.
It's Time to Rethink Capacity Building in Global Health Work
K. Rivet Amico
Capacity building is a ubiquitous phrase in grant applications, communications, and guidelines for many global health initiatives. Too often the phrase connotes an assumption that “established” US partners build knowledge or practice in “less-resourced” communities. What language can we use to more honestly recognize the value and contributions of all collaborators?
Lessons from a Pandemic: Leading with Science
Joneigh Khaldun, BS ’02
Every day is different for Joneigh Khaldun, who leads the state of Michigan’s response to the pandemic and many other public health initiatives. Khaldun grew up in Michigan, received medical training on the east coast, and returned to her home state to do what she always wanted to do—support and improve the health of Michigan communities.
Is Africa Truly Free of Wild Polio?
Utibe Effiong, MPH ’14 and Uju Okeke
Without a case on the continent for several years, the World Health Organization declared Africa free of wild polio in 2020. But questions remain about the ability to reach remote areas for vaccination programs and for disease surveillance as well as questions around the security of infectious agents held in labs for research.