A couple months ago while stationed in Ghana, I was approached by colleagues and friends with questions on how to prevent contagion from the deadly Ebola virus. Their concern was stoked by reports…

Patricio V. Marquez |

Nowadays there is an awakening of interest in the international community to understand mental illness in its different manifestations and societal impact, and to identify ways to effectively deal…

Patricio V. Marquez |

Tobacco kills one-third to one-half of all people who use it, on average 15 years prematurely.  The World Health Organization (WHO) has a target of a 30% reduction in smokers by 2025; but this is…

Jim Brumby |

In recent days, the media in Ghana have been abuzz with news about the government’s decision to scale up the capitation system as another method for paying health care providers under the National…

Patricio V. Marquez |

Over the past two decades, infant mortality in the Philippines has dropped by more than half. The number of women dying in childbirth has declined, and mortality rates from diseases such as…

Aliza Marcus |

As a newcomer in my new post in Accra, I am starting to learn about Ghana’s achievements and challenges.  I have been impressed with some innovative policies and measures adopted to address…

Patricio V. Marquez |

image Wikimedia Commons You might have missed it over the winter, but Russia achieved an important public health milestone that deserves applause: It enacted a national law that bans smoking in…

Patricio V. Marquez |