695 Results

  • Might a ‘Coasean’ social contract mitigate overall societal harm from COVID-19?

    … In this blog, we outline how a win-win social contract could be forged to address the … dimensions of response to the COVID-19 pandemic when using a mitigation strategy: the particular need to protect older … pandemic spread would be in the 60+ age group [3]. Figure: Infection fatality ratios for COVID-19 by age-group (data …
    Briefing

  • Improving ventilation in schools: a key protection against Covid-19 outbreaks and an enduring legacy for healthier learning

    … critical that ventilation is improved in schools; it is often as easy as opening windows, but ultimately new … and improved resourcing are required. Ventilation is a valuable protection that works well in combination with … (RSV) infection that returned to New Zealand during 2021 after being almost eliminated by the Covid-19 response in …
    Briefing

  • Science-informed policy: considerations in support of judicious, circumspect changes to Aotearoa/NZ alert levels during the COVID-19 pandemic

    … There are a number of characteristics of the novel SARS-CoV-2 virus and … case will typically infect more than two other people). A tight estimate of R 0 is difficult in the absence of a good … disease, diabetes, cancer, etc 3-6 . Silent transmission Infection with SARS-CoV-2 manifests across a very wide …
    Briefing

  • Highlights of the World Conference on Tobacco or Health

    … in New Zealand. In summary, New Zealand can still learn a lot from other countries as we move to the adoption of a full range of state-of-the-art tobacco control policies.   We start with a key highlight of this Conference for New Zealand being the …
    Briefing

  • Are we ready to eliminate invasive meningococcal disease in Aotearoa New Zealand?

    … Summary Invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) is a serious infection that has devastating impacts on families. … that typically presents as meningitis and/or septicaemia, often with a characteristic rash . Maiden and Frosch … limb amputation, hearing loss, mental distress, and cognitive difficulties. Unsurprisingly, caregivers also …
    Briefing

  • SARS-CoV-2: A modern Greek Tragedy?

    … Despite a  WHO-led investigation , compelling evidence on the origin … inconclusive. The WHO investigation concluded in favour of a natural origin, being satisfied that ‘asking whatever … the lose-lose square In global risk reduction there are often difficulties getting buy-in for prevention, safety and …
    Briefing

  • Sustained Resilience: the impact of nuclear war on New Zealand and how to mitigate catastrophe

    … must also consider what happens if prevention fails. NZ is often cited as somewhere most likely to preserve a thriving society through a nuclear aftermath. However, our … of the havens most likely to survive comparatively intact after a nuclear war, NZ must avoid tipping into pre-digital, …
    Briefing

  • What does art have to do with public health, and how can they work together?

    … this eclectic gathering? Contemporary public health faces a number of challenges. First, an array of emerging health … The solutions to these ‘ wicked problems ’ require a concerted effort beyond the scope of a single discipline or … sessions. Session One: Public Health & Art in dialogue After a welcome from UOW’s Rautaki Hononga Māori, Toa Waaka, …
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  • “Why not just ban it?” Is it time to consider ending tobacco sales?

    … why don’t you just ban it?’ Indeed, Hone Harawira drafted a Private Members Bill proposing exactly that back in 2006. … This blog considers some arguments for and against a ban on the production (other than tobacco grown for … ambitious measures and the fact that smokers themselves often suggest banning tobacco suggests we should no longer …
    Briefing

  • NZ should prepare for a potentially severe global coronavirus pandemic

    … new coronavirus threat. Given its potential to become a severe and prolonged global pandemic, a precautionary … uncertainties in both the numerator (fatalities from this infection) and denominator (those infected, including some … had visited Thailand [2]). For infectious diseases where mild or asymptomatic cases may be the majority, ‘silent …
    Briefing

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Public Health Expert Briefing (ISSN 2816-1203)