Editorial
The Spillover Effect of Vaccine Hesitancy
As of July 2019, the Philippines reported over 39,000 measles cases, which is the country’s largest measles outbreak since 2014. The reason for the outbreak may be linked to a controversy surrounding the dengue vaccine…
The 2019 Canadian Election: What Federal Leaders have Promised on Pharmacare
A source of Canadian pride is the universal healthcare system. As citizens, many of us are proud that this country ensures the healthcare needs of all citizens, regardless of one’s income…
Public Health Policy Implications for the Legalization of Cannabis in Canada
On October 17th, 2018, marijuana was legalized in Canada. Despite its popularity amongst citizens, discussions surrounding marijuana and its public health policies are lacking…
The Trans-Pacific Partnership: Implications for Canadian Public Health
On October 5, 2015, twelve Pacific Rim countries, representing almost 40 percent of the global GDP, reached an agreement on the highly controversial Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP). Although proponents predict that the TPP will lead to economic growth in its member countries through the increased economic integration of markets in the Asia-Pacific region…
Combining Epidemiological and Market-based Approaches to Increase Access to Antifungals in Sub-Saharan Africa
Today’s capitalist global economy has perpetuated the serious disparities in healthcare delivery between the rich and poor. Within this economic system, market forces are a greater determinant of medical resource distribution than actual health needs. This imbalance represents a significant barrier to the provision of equitable access to medicines…
But is it Safe?
Deadly, dangerous, ineffective, unproven: four terms that no one wants to read on the back of their bottle of medication. Pharmaceutical manufacturing is the most profitable industry in the United States…
The Sick and Their Sponsors: Who Brings Patients’ Rights to the Policy Table?
Millions of people face steep barriers to receiving treatment for a wide range of diseases – from non-communicable diseases to AIDS. For many, the cost of treatment is an insurmountable obstacle that leads to preventable deaths…
Introducing Vaccines: Beyond the Rhetoric
Introducing vaccines in low and middle income countries (LMICs) is a significant challenge. Besides the obstacle posed by the costs of procuring new vaccines, there are the logistical challenges of prepping existing infrastructure and prioritizing interventions to make the best of limited resources…