HPH Weekly: As Sudan civil war raged, its health ministry kept hope alive

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As Sudan civil war raged, its health ministry kept hope alive

One year ago this week, a new civil war began in Sudan. Heitham Mohammed Ibrahim Awadalla, the director of the country’s Federal Ministry of Health, reflects on keeping hope—and public health—alive as hospitals, clinics, and supply lines crumbled. One key takeaway for public health officials: “If war does come to your country, trust yourself and the people you work with,” he writes.

Giving caregivers the tools to cope

Many older people are part of the “sandwich generation,” who are caregivers to both their parents and their children. This often leads to burnout, which in turn may lead to symptoms of depression. PEARLS (the Program to Encourage Active, Rewarding Lives) meets seniors where they are, both physically and mentally, to teach them problem-solving skills that help them cope with the challenges of full-time caregiving.

What we can learn from The Wisdom of Plagues

In his review of journalist Donald McNeil Jr.’s book on the COVID-19 pandemic, The Wisdom of Plagues, Richard Tofel sees lessons where others may only see flaws. Yes, Tofel admits, the book holds paradoxes and provocations aplenty—but it’s this singular view of the crisis that demonstrates precisely why a wider lens is needed for future pandemics.

What we’re reading this week

Rethinking insurance for an aging population →
Think Global Health

School lunch time is too short. Colorado lawmakers’ solution? A task force to make recommendations. →
Chalkbeat

After decades of imprisoning patients, Idaho approves secure mental health facility →
ProPublica

Washington, D.C. nonprofit launches “harm reduction vending machine” program →
The Washington Blade

While many Black women in US abandon hair relaxers linked to cancer, sales climb in African countries →
The Examination

• Related: Haircare products sold in neighborhoods with more people of color are more likely to be unsafe →
  Maryam Zafar