Resolve To Save Lives

A new trial published in BMJ's Heart Journal shows that the World Health Organization HEARTS technical package, developed and championed with support from our team, significantly improves high blood pressure treatment and control compared with current practice. https://lnkd.in/gMaT_kgU

We're building a new generation of health budget advocates in Africa! 💪🏥 In Nairobi today, the energy has been palpable at the in-person session of our CSO Budget Advocacy Academy, which our Prevent Epidemics program launched in early May in partnership with Resolve To Save Lives (RTSL). Fourteen advocates from across seven African countries aren't just learning about budgets—they're becoming a force for change. Approving budgets for public health isn't enough. Real impact comes from making sure funds are allocated and used effectively to strengthen health systems, prevent outbreaks and respond rapidly when they occur. The financial toll of epidemic unpreparedness has been staggering—COVID-19 cost the world $29.4 trillion, and the Ebola outbreak cost three small African economies $53 billion. But the cost of preparation is far less. Every dollar invested in preventing infectious disease outbreaks saves $16 in response costs. This is the critical mission our new advocates are embracing. Today, our own Vandana Shah spoke, and emphasized the need for sustainable and accountable implementation of government commitments to epidemic preparedness. And Marine Buissonniere from RTSL highlighted the importance of strong health systems and community involvement, reminding us that epidemics start in communities, not boardrooms. Through engaging panel discussions, we explored the vital role of national health insurance schemes, community surveillance and local health service capacity in epidemic preparedness and response. The consensus is clear: a whole-of-government approach and dedicated investment are essential to break the cycle of reactive responses to outbreaks. #CSOAcademyGHAI #PreventEpidemics #HealthSecurity #BudgetAdvocacy #AfricaRising

Our team recently supported the passage of Ethiopia’s first national infection prevention and control budget in partnership with the nation’s Ministries of Health and Finance. This strategic investment by national decision-makers will strengthen Ethiopia’s capacity to respond to future public health threats—and represents a milestone for global health security efforts. Read all about how the budget was secured in our latest feature story:

Great to meet with you! Working together, we can strengthen primary care and improve hypertension control.

Leptospirosis can be spread to humans through water contaminated by animal urine, a risk that’s heightened when extreme rainfall causes flooding. In Vanuatu, two cyclones created the perfect condition for an outbreak. Read how health agencies responded. https://lnkd.in/gZT_CEFs

When Neethling disease (Lumpy Skin Disease Virus) struck Cambodia in 2021, it posed a serious threat to cattle populations. Our quick and coordinated response with WWF-Cambodia, including a targeted vaccination campaign led by forest rangers and veterinarians, successfully prevented the spread to wild species like the endangered banteng and vulnerable gaur.   Learn more in Resolve To Save Lives' latest report: https://lnkd.in/eWkwna5X 

During the past five years, the world has made major progress toward elimination of trans fat—but we're not there yet. According to a new milestone report from the World Health Organization, best practice policies were in effect in 53 countries by the end of 2023, covering 3.7 billion people or 46% of the world's population. That's compared to just 6% when the #REPLACEtransfat initiative was launched in 2018. Achieving global elimination of this toxic food additive, and replacing it with healthier oils, is within reach. https://lnkd.in/gXxJB3Md

How did Ghana rapidly stop a Lassa fever outbreak? What strategies did Bangladesh use to contain cholera? Our new report dives deep into these and other stories of how public health efforts succeeded in preventing potential epidemics. https://lnkd.in/gF7Kg7Qn

Catherine Barker Cantelmo from our team participated in a discussion on domestic financing at the Global Health Security Conference in Sydney. In her remarks, Cathy championed domestic financing as a critical component of effective preparedness and response efforts and shared some of the innovative approaches to domestic financing we’ve been exploring with our in-country partners. Key takeaway? “Countries need to define their own domestic financing goals and tailor advocacy and implementation strategies to their context.” #GHS2024

Earlier today, our Director of Leadership, Governance and Financing, Jobin Abraham, delivered a talk at the Global Health Security Conference in Sydney exploring "Country Preparedness Architecture", in which he shared essential building blocks for creating robust country preparedness architecture to enhance long-term preparedness.