Global Aspirations for 2024: A Cross-Cultural Glimpse into New Year's Wishes
New Year's resolutions, a tradition that may find its roots in the ancient celebrations of the Babylonians some 4,000 years ago, continue to hold significance in the contemporary world. While our New Year's tradition at Goats and Soda may not stretch as far back, dating to around 2022, it remains a cherished one. Each year, we reach out to global health and development leaders worldwide, asking them to share their wishes for the coming year. Through their responses, we witness the diverse hopes, determination, and occasional frustrations of these activists, scientists, and thinkers. Here are their inspiring global wishes for 2024.
Thomas McDade, a professor of anthropology at Northwestern University, emphasizes a crucial need for change in the United States. As one of only seven countries globally, and the sole affluent nation, without a national paid family leave policy, McDade calls for a transformative shift. Recognizing the high rates of infant and maternal mortality in the U.S. despite significant healthcare spending, he advocates for paid family leave—a policy that has shown to improve birth outcomes, reduce rehospitalization risks, promote breastfeeding and vaccination adherence, and alleviate postpartum depression. McDade's hope for 2024 is a collective step forward to align with the global standard and provide families with the support they deserve.
Michael Onyango, a Skoll Foundation fellow and agenda setter at 4BM, directs his wish towards empowering young Black men. In a landscape where women's initiatives have seen substantial progress over the last three decades, Onyango highlights the overlooked challenges faced by young Black men. His vision for 2024 involves creating a concrete roadmap, setting specific goals to elevate young Black men into positions of leadership and enhance their quality of life—a call for meaningful change driven by numerical targets.
As we step into the new year, these global aspirations reflect a collective yearning for positive transformation, societal support, and inclusive progress. Through the voices of these leaders, we glimpse into the shared dreams that transcend borders and cultures, binding us together in our pursuit of a better future.
2024: A Vision for Impactful Transformation
Envision a future where educational investments surge by 15%, leaving an indelible mark on the lives of 75,000 individuals. This transformative journey involves tailored programs addressing unique challenges, symbolizing more than just numbers—a tangible impact on the trajectory of lives. In professional arenas, let's aspire to a 20% increase in leadership representation. This ambitious goal transcends mere statistics; it entails breaking barriers and propelling 200 young Black men into influential positions, reshaping the narrative of success. Through media, share the compelling stories of 150 individuals, creating a mosaic of inspiration that transcends boundaries.
In the eloquence of numbers, each digit represents a life empowered, a barrier dismantled, and a leader emerging. Dr. Sabrina Bakeera-Kitaka from the Department of Pediatrics at Makerere College of Health Sciences dreams of prioritizing the health and well-being of adolescents. In her vision for 2024, adolescent health becomes a global and local priority, especially in countries like Uganda, where a significant portion of the population comprises adolescents. Dr. Bakeera-Kitaka emphasizes that investing in adolescent health yields a triple dividend, benefiting adolescents now, shaping young people's future lives, and influencing the next generation.
Dr. Abraar Karan, an infectious disease fellow at Stanford University, echoes a call for attention to the links between climate change and infectious diseases. Recognizing the interplay between environmental factors and health, he urges a comprehensive understanding of these connections to foster resilience in the face of emerging challenges.
As we step into 2024, these visions for impactful transformation resonate as calls to action. Beyond numerical targets, they embody a commitment to empower, uplift, and create positive change in diverse spheres. The dreams of educational empowerment, leadership diversity, adolescent health prioritization, and climate-conscious healthcare exemplify a collective vision for a better, more inclusive future.
Navigating 2024: Urgent Calls for One Health and Global Cooperation
As we step into 2024, Dr. Abraar Karan, an infectious disease doctor with a global perspective, raises a poignant concern about the impending impact of climate change on the spread of infectious diseases. His primary apprehension revolves around the escalation of both known and unknown infectious diseases, and his fervent hope is pinned on the collaborative efforts within the "One Health" framework.
The "One Health" approach is a multifaceted strategy that unites physicians, epidemiologists, veterinarians, and climate scientists to collectively address the intricate web of factors influencing the spread of diseases. Dr. Karan, working both in California and internationally, observes a disconcerting trend—the increasing cases of the fatal Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, linked to higher temperatures facilitating ticks' propensity to bite humans.
In sub-Saharan Africa, where Dr. Karan is researching the Marburg virus, a relative of the Ebola virus, unexpected spillover events from animals to humans have been documented. Instances in Equatorial Guinea and Tanzania underscore the severity of the issue, with deforestation and heightened human-animal interfacing amplifying the risk of zoonotic spillover. Dr. Karan emphasizes that this climate-induced threat extends beyond known diseases, with the potential for other pathogens to make the jump.
Highlighting the mosquito as the most dangerous creature, Dr. Karan points out the predicted expansion of Aedes mosquitoes' range, carriers of Zika, Chikungunya, and Dengue viruses. Models suggest that populations previously unexposed to these vectors may face new threats, marking a new age of climate-related challenges to global health.
In the face of these pressing concerns, Dr. Wafaa El-Sadr, director of ICAP at Columbia University, adds her voice to the discourse by expressing a wish for the re-authorization of PEPFAR, a crucial global program addressing the HIV epidemic. As we navigate through the complexities of 2024, these calls for global cooperation, interdisciplinary research, and sustained initiatives underscore the imperative to confront the profound challenges at the intersection of climate change and infectious diseases.
Empowering Dreams in 2024: PEPFAR Renewal and Amplifying Rural Voices
As we usher in 2024, Dr. Wafaa El-Sadr, director of ICAP at Columbia University, extends a heartfelt wish: the reauthorization of the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) by the United States Congress. Founded in 2003 with bipartisan support, PEPFAR stands as one of the most triumphantly impactful global programs ever initiated by the U.S. Its remarkable journey has seen the expansion of access to lifesaving antiretroviral treatment from 50,000 to over 20 million people in sub-Saharan Africa. Beyond treatment, PEPFAR has played a pivotal role in transforming health systems worldwide, training healthcare workers, enhancing laboratories and pharmacies, and establishing robust data and surveillance systems to confront present and future health threats.
Despite these strides, Dr. El-Sadr underscores the urgency of continued action against the HIV epidemic, with millions still unable to access treatment and new infections persisting. The Biden administration advocates for a five-year extension of PEPFAR, and the fervent hope for 2024 is that Congress aligns with this vision, ensuring the program's ongoing support and full funding—a lifeline for millions.
In tandem with this health-focused dream, Rodrigo Paris Rojas, CEO of Barefoot College International, weaves a vision for amplifying the voices of the rural world in 2024. Rojas passionately advocates for hearing the voices of indigenous people, women, peasants, farmers, and environmental defenders, recognizing their wisdom and resilience in the face of the climate crisis. He implores world leaders and large corporations to open their ears, listen with respect, empathy, and humility, acknowledging that the transformative power lies in embracing and honoring these diverse voices.
As we navigate the complexities of the coming year, these dreams serve as beacons of hope, calling for global cooperation, renewed commitments to public health, and an amplified chorus of voices from the rural corners of the world.
Empowering Frontlines and Confronting Climate Health Challenges in 2024
As we embark on the journey through 2024, Dr. Sheila Davis, CEO of Partners In Health, extends a fervent wish for the world to recognize and invest in the invaluable role of Community Health Workers (CHWs). Positioned as frontline public health workers, CHWs possess an intimate understanding of the communities they serve. Decades of research affirm their effectiveness in addressing health needs, particularly in rural, impoverished, and underserved areas. The impact is profound—strengthened health systems, significant cost savings, and, most crucially, improved health outcomes. Despite increasing global recognition, disparities in access and a lack of sustained funding solutions persist. Dr. Davis's vision for 2024 is a comprehensive financial support system for CHW care, ensuring accessibility for those who need it most, both in the U.S. through Medicaid and insurance coverage and globally, fostering more equitable health systems.
In alignment with the call for comprehensive healthcare, Dr. Ifeanyi Nsofor, Senior New Voices Fellow at the Aspen Institute, advocates for heightened attention to the health impacts of climate change. His plea is straightforward—inform people about how climate change exacerbates health issues, fostering greater engagement in campaigns to mitigate its effects. Dr. Nsofor's wish for 2024 is a collective awakening to the intersectionality of climate and health, driving concerted efforts to address the pressing challenges posed by environmental changes.
As we navigate the intricacies of the new year, these wishes echo the importance of recognizing and empowering frontline health workers and confronting the health implications of a changing climate. In doing so, we lay the foundation for a healthier, more resilient global community.
Simplifying Climate Messaging and Safeguarding Public Health: Global Wishes for 2024
As we stride into 2024, the call for more climate change advocates resonates strongly. Dr. Ifeanyi Nsofor, a Senior New Voices Fellow at the Aspen Institute, underscores the need for simplified climate change messaging. By emphasizing the negative health consequences of climate change, such as childhood malnutrition resulting from droughts and floods in East Africa, the global community can foster a deeper understanding. Dr. Nsofor draws on personal experience, recounting the impact of severe gully erosion caused by floods in Nanka, southeast Nigeria, leading to food insecurity and rendering farming futile. His wish for the year is a collective awakening, urging informed action to mitigate the health-worsening effects of climate change.
Telma Nery, a Brazilian physician and public health expert, directs attention to Brazil's extensive pesticide use, making it one of the world's largest consumers. Expressing concern about substances banned elsewhere for their adverse health impacts, Nery's wish is for Brazil to rethink pesticide use. To achieve this, she advocates for data collection on pesticide use, establishing expert teams to monitor and inform the public about health effects, and implementing surveillance systems to protect vulnerable populations. Banning known carcinogens and preventing the weakening of regulations through the proposed Poison Package bill are crucial steps for safeguarding public health.
Dr. Renzo R. Guinto, director of the Planetary and Global Health Program at St. Luke's Medical Center in the Philippines, aligns with the call to prioritize public health. His wish for 2024 is a concerted effort to address the health impacts of climate change. By mobilizing support for the "One Health" framework, which brings together experts in medicine, epidemiology, veterinary science, and climate science, Dr. Guinto envisions a united front against emerging infectious diseases and climate-related health threats. As the world navigates the complexities of climate change and public health, these global wishes spotlight the urgency for informed action and collaborative solutions in the coming year.
Urgent Action Needed: Establishing Climate-Smart Health Systems in the Face of Global Climate Challenges
Dr. Renzo R. Guinto, a passionate advocate for addressing climate change and the director of the Planetary and Global Health Program at St. Luke's Medical Center in the Philippines, shares his insights and hopes for 2024. Reflecting on his participation in COP28, the first UN climate change conference with a dedicated "Health Day," Dr. Guinto emphasizes the pivotal role of health in the global climate agenda.
Globally, health systems must gear up to confront climate-sensitive diseases, extreme disasters, and escalating health inequalities. A concerning report reveals that 1 in 12 hospitals worldwide is ill-prepared for climate-related disasters. Notably, the health sector itself contributes approximately 5% of the world's greenhouse gas emissions, prompting a call for reducing its environmental footprint.
During COP28, over 120 countries pledged commitments to establish climate-resilient and low-carbon, or "climate-smart," national health systems. The World Health Organization, in collaboration with major funders, initiated the Alliance for Transformative Action on Climate and Health (ATACH). Dr. Guinto's home country, the Philippines, ranked among the top 10 nations at high climate risk, faces a barrage of climate change impacts from typhoons to sea level rise.
The Philippines, the 80th country to join ATACH, is navigating devastating climate hazards that not only affect physical health but also contribute to heightened "climate anxiety" among Filipino youth, as revealed by a study. Dr. Guinto expresses hope that the promises made to establish climate-smart health systems will be upheld in 2024. His prayer resonates with the urgency for governments, funders, and the global health community to honor these commitments, protecting and saving lives amidst the challenges of a warming planet.
2024 Wishes: Harnessing Technology for Climate Solutions and Advancements in Global Health
Jacqueline Muna Musiitwa, a legal expert, Aspen New Voices Fellow, and adjunct professor at Georgetown University, shares her aspirations for the coming year. She envisions innovators pushing technological boundaries to address climate challenges while maintaining a strong ethical foundation. In her wish for 2024, Musiitwa emphasizes the importance of using data to create innovative financial solutions, such as parametric insurance, to proactively manage risks during crises like floods or droughts.
Furthermore, she hopes for greater affordability, accessibility, and practicality of tech solutions for communities most vulnerable to climate change. Specifically, Musiitwa envisions smallholder farmers in Tanzania and Sri Lanka gaining access to weather data, empowering them to make informed decisions about crop planting.
Dr. Firdausi Qadri, from the International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research in Bangladesh, reflects on the year 2023 and the world's gradual return to normalcy. Expressing shared desires for health, prosperity, growth, and peace, Dr. Qadri highlights the collaborative efforts of public health scientists. In Bangladesh, they initiated plans to combat cholera and typhoid, making vaccines available for low- and middle-income countries. The use of oral cholera vaccines from GAVI, the international vaccine alliance, aims to reduce Bangladesh's vulnerability to epidemics.
Additionally, the introduction of the typhoid conjugate vaccine in urban slum settings and progress in administering the HPV vaccine for cervical cancer prevention among school-age girls mark successful public health initiatives in 2023. Dr. Qadri looks forward to continued advancements in addressing infectious diseases and enhancing overall global health in 2024.
Towards Peace and Global Understanding: Health Workers' Aspirations for 2024
As we step into 2024, health workers worldwide are poised to confront new challenges while renewing their commitment to ongoing initiatives. Dr. Sriram Shamasunder, a professor of medicine at the University of California, San Francisco, emphasizes the need for collaboration, unity, and empathy across institutions, borders, nationalities, races, and colors. Central to their aspirations is the call for peace, recognizing that effective measures hinge on approaching people with love, warmth, and kindness.
Dr. Shamasunder advocates for a significant shift in health worker training programs, urging comprehensive education on the health effects of war. Acknowledging the impact of violence on children, the enduring trauma, and lifelong mental health effects, he stresses the importance of incorporating these aspects into the curriculum of every health worker globally. Organizations like Physicians for Human Rights (PHR) play a crucial role, and their work should inform and shape a generation of health professionals.
The desire to study and understand the health effects of war is positioned as a priority for research institutions, global health bodies, and foundations. Dr. Shamasunder emphasizes the need for extensive resources to communicate these findings widely, using simple graphics to reach diverse audiences. This knowledge, he believes, has the potential to influence global perspectives on engaging in war and fostering a collective commitment to peace.
Highlighting the challenges faced by health workers during conflicts, Dr. Shamasunder advocates for the enforcement of U.N. Security Council Resolution 2286, emphasizing safe passage for sick, wounded, and medical personnel. He envisions the creation of an international body dedicated to protecting health workers and amplifying the stories of those targeted, emphasizing the importance of recognizing and safeguarding the well-being of health workers globally.
Dreaming Big for Global Well-Being: Unleashing the Power of 2024
As we embark on a new year of boundless possibilities, envisioning a world where resources are abundant, and leaders are eager to effect change, let's dream big and tackle pressing global health and development challenges. Money is no obstacle, and the unwavering commitment of leaders is assured. In this utopian scenario, I propose addressing the critical issue of global mental health.
Mental health is a cornerstone of overall well-being, influencing every facet of an individual's life. The global burden of mental health disorders is staggering, affecting millions across diverse demographics. The COVID-19 pandemic has only exacerbated this crisis, magnifying the prevalence of anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges.
Recognizing the urgency of prioritizing mental health is paramount. It is not just an individual concern; it resonates within communities, impacting productivity, relationships, and societal harmony. By focusing on mental health, we pave the way for a healthier, more resilient global population.
What I Wish the World Would Do:
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In this ideal world, where dreams materialize into reality, prioritizing global mental health would pave the way for a more compassionate, resilient, and interconnected planet. Let the collective efforts of nations propel us toward a future where mental well-being is a universal right, and no one is left behind in the pursuit of a healthier, happier world.
In conclusion, envisioning a world where global leaders unite to address the pressing issue of mental health sets the stage for transformative change in 2024 and beyond. By allocating resources without constraints and ensuring unwavering commitment, we can build a future where mental well-being is prioritized, stigma is dismantled, and comprehensive support is accessible to all. The dream of a world where mental health is seamlessly integrated into healthcare, education, and technology is not only ambitious but essential for fostering a more compassionate, resilient, and interconnected global society. As we embrace the potential of this utopian vision, let it inspire tangible actions and collaborations that bring us closer to a reality where mental health is universally recognized as a fundamental human right.
