Thailand is regarded as a leader in health security for both Asia and the developing world at large. The Southeast Asian country sits on the permanent steering group of the Global Health Security Agenda (GHSA) and was selected as its Chair in 2021. The Global Health Security Index (GHSI) 2021 report ranked Thailand as 1st in Asia and 5th overall...

On October 30th 2015 the  Collective nightclub in Bucharest completely went up in flames  in a matter of seconds, as “the fireproof and emergency exit-equipped building” turned out only real in the project documentation. As if the 27 deaths from the fire tragedy weren’t enough, 37 more burn victims  died in hospital in the days and weeks aft...

“The reality on the ground” is an expression that refers to the state of things as they are or appear to be, rather than as one might wish them to be. Policies and principles are  guidelines and rules to help bring about a ‘wanted’ reality  – how things “ought” to be (at least from the point of view of decision makers). One of the ...

“I get up at 6 in the morning. I do 30 min of yoga and then have breakfast. I put on my make-up and head to work. I prefer the day shift because it has more of a chill vibe. My clients are office workers, students, and older clientele. They come, they shower, fun happens, maybe even a bit of kinky stuff for which I charge extra. The brothel ch...

In South Africa, we recently celebrated Human Rights Day where we reflect on how far we have come as a country in terms of our human rights since the Sharpeville Massacre during the Apartheid Era. This day prompted me to reflect on which human rights are close to my heart and whether these are being enacted and what work still needs to be done. ...

Hot off the press! The subject of substantial global collaboration, the 2023 UHC Action Agenda comprising 8 action areas has just been released by the UHC2030 movement. Developed through a global Task Force and a partnership between UHC2030 and Chatham House ahead of three health-focused UN High Level Meetings in 2023, this Action Agenda has foc...

Last week the new EU Global Health Strategy (EUGH) was released. This short piece, which ought to be followed by more in-depth analysis, provides some first reflections on what can be expected, and what the limitations are of the implementation of such a strategy. This blog touches upon 3 aspects: where is EUGH coming from and why is it presente...

If you’re currently attending HSR2022 in Bogota, Colombia, you’ve probably heard of the Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá. Maybe you already went or are considering going. It is one of the most popular sites to visit in the city. Including, apparently, for many of us. Do a quick google search and you can read all about the symbolic meaning in rel...

  “That’s so ridiculous” I mumbled under my breath. I was on a Zoom call with a multinational group of global health practitioners when my white, female colleague, in her North American accent began to berate another colleague from the West Indies for, well…having an accent! She lamented about how my colleague’s way of speech wa...