Articles and Publications

Articles and Publications

Zika Epidemic Policy Report

The Zika epidemic triggered widespread panic in the Americas, primarily due to its association with severe birth defects like microcephaly. This outbreak was not only a medical emergency but also a social crisis, deeply impacting public perception and policy. The virus’s ability to be transmitted through multiple routes, including mosquito bites, sexual contact, and from mother to child, made containment exceptionally challenging. The 2016 Summer Olympics in Brazil brought global attention to the crisis when several athletes chose not to participate due to fear of infection.

In response to the epidemic, the AHF Institute and the University of Miami collaborated to review and analyze the policies and actions taken to control the Zika virus. Their joint policy report aims to extract valuable lessons from the outbreak to better prepare for future public health crises. This comprehensive analysis includes scientific research, media coverage, and anecdotal evidence from key stakeholders. The report serves as a crucial resource for decision-makers, highlighting both the successes and shortcomings in handling the Zika epidemic to inform better strategies for managing similar threats in the future.

The Global Public Health Convention for the 21st Century Report

A Global Public Health Convention for the 21st Century Report provides a comprehensive analysis of the global health governance landscape, focusing on the economic and societal impacts of pandemics, the challenges to effective international health governance, and the necessity for a new global framework. It emphasizes the disproportionate burden of pandemics on low- and middle-income countries and the intergenerational impacts on health and education.
The study methodology involved interviews with 29 global experts across various fields, resulting in ten key recommendations aimed at improving global health security. These recommendations highlight the need for a global governing body with the authority, resources, and capabilities to enforce pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response measures, supported by sustainable funding and transparent, accountable governance structures. The report also discusses the critical role of primary prevention and the importance of overcoming barriers such as political will and resource scarcity to implement an effective global public health framework.

Annex to Report on Legal Tools for Pandemic Preparedness and Response

This annex document is an addition to the report drafted by the O’Neill Institute and the Foundation for the National Institutes of Health (FNIH), focusing on perspectives from NGO and civil society representatives on a potential international agreement for pandemic preparedness and response.
The consultation, facilitated by the Panel for a Global Public Health Convention, gathered insights from various regions, including the Americas, Africa, and Europe, highlighting the critical role of NGOs in advocating, mobilizing, and implementing public health changes. The discussions emphasized the need for a binding international agreement that addresses gaps in global governance and oversight revealed by the COVID-19 pandemic, with a focus on equity, transparency, and accountability.

African Consultation Report 

The AHF Global Public Health Institute, in partnership with the University of Miami Public Health Policy Lab and the AHF Africa Bureau, convened African public health thought leaders and experts for a series of discussions on September 11 and 12, 2023. These sessions aimed to gather diverse viewpoints on significant global health issues, particularly the WHO Pandemic Agreement, the Pandemic Fund, and regional concerns related to pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response.
Drawing on insights from these discussions, and in collaboration with consultation participants, the AHF Global Public Health Institute formulated a set of recommendations. These recommendations address key aspects of global health, emphasizing the need for practical, inclusive, and sustainable strategies to reshape global health policy and governance. They have been advanced to enrich discussions and shape dialogues in the lead-up to critical negotiations at the WHO Intergovernmental Negotiating Body, within the Pandemic Fund, and at various regional forums.

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