Global Health

Corruption in South Asia’s healthcare systems is more than a governance issue. From manipulated procurement and bribery to substandard medicines and fraudulent healthcare practices, corruption is putting public health and lives at risk.

Menstrual health remains deeply unequal across the world. While conversations around menstruation have become more visible in parts of the Global North, stigma, inadequate sanitation, limited education and lack of affordable menstrual products continue to affect millions across the Global South.

The growing volume of health messages and awareness days risks creating communication fatigue. Strategic health communication must prioritize relevance, clarity and action while aligning public messaging with healthcare infrastructure and local needs.

Comprehensive sex education is about more than sexual health. In South Asia, educating boys about consent, communication, reproductive health, gender equality and respectful relationships can help challenge harmful gender norms and contribute to healthier families and more equitable societies.

Public health communication played a vital role during COVID-19, but constant messaging may now risk creating communication fatigue. From endless health-day campaigns to social media overload, this article examines why public health organisations need to communicate more strategically and focus on messages that drive meaningful action.

Two years into COVID-19, Dr Sunoor Verma reflects on what the pandemic revealed about global health governance, health systems, leadership, WHO, regional cooperation and the unequal relationship between high- and low-income countries.

COVID-19 exposed critical weaknesses in health systems across low-income countries, raising difficult questions about privatisation, public-sector capacity, regulation, transparency and the future of universal health coverage.

The World Health Organization plays a critical role in generating health intelligence, technical guidance and global coordination, but it cannot act as the world’s health “nanny.” This article examines WHO’s role during COVID-19 and why governments, ministries and other organisations must take responsibility for adapting and implementing global health guidance.

Effective crisis communication requires more than government messaging. During COVID-19, governments, private-sector leaders, community organisations, influencers and the public all had a role to play in sharing reliable information and turning it into local action. This article explores how collective communication can strengthen crisis response.

Technology in healthcare is often associated with gadgets, remote diagnostics and digital tools. But its greater potential may lie in transforming access, power and equity. This article explores how information and communication technology can help make health more accessible and why technology and health experts must work together.