School of Public Health and Community Medicine

Getting a true picture of an influenza outbreak
Seasonal and pandemic influenza, and now COVID-19, are persistent and unpredictable global threats.While more and more data are routinely and administratively recorded from all levels of healthcare, many of these data sources remain unused or under-used for identifying and controlling influenza outbreaks and epidemics. Dr Muscatello aims to change this with his research by looking at new ways to use healthcare and death databases to monitor and assess influenza risk, severity, and health and healthcare burden in real time. <Read News Item>

Research into health benefits of green space receives funding
New research will look at the health impacts of quality green spaces, with a focus on reducing inequalities in mental health and cardiometabolic disease prevention. "Health in cities is influenced by access to nature, but green spaces vary for a variety of reasons. While evidence shows that green spaces perceived to be high quality are more important for our health, little research has been done on which qualities matter and for whom,” said A/Prof Feng. <Read News Item>

SPHCM Masters student is combating COVID-19 in Fiji
Masters of Infectious Diseases Intelligence student, Isireli Rabukawaq is applying his epidemiological and infectious disease expertise in Fiji. The COVID-19 pandemic has become his top priority in his job in for the Fiji Centre of Disease Control Centre where he's putting into practice the skills he learned from the Masters program. <Read News Item>

New research to help tackle the impact of COVID-19 on women's health and well-being
Dr Patricia Cullen is looking at the impact of COVID-19 on women’s health and well-being. "There are widespread concerns that COVID-19 social isolation measures may increase women’s risk of domestic and family violence; however routinely collected data are scarce," Dr Cullen says. <Read News Item>

We should aim for zero cases before lifting restrictions
As states slowly start to lift some restrictions on social distancing, Prof McLaws from UNSW SPHCM says that we should not become complacent, recommending a staggered approach to easing restrictions. She says that the phase where we see a tail – after we’ve gone from a flat curve to very low figures – is the most dangerous time to start assuming that life’s back to normal. <Read News Item>

Strengthening civil registration in Fiji for better health and social equity
Dr Christine Linhart is working with local collaborators to strengthen the civil registration and vital statistics (CRVS) system in Fiji. "Strengthening the CRVS system will enable Governments to better plan for and develop programs and policies important for child protection, education and social security, as well as identify and allocate appropriate resources for key health priorities," says Dr Linhart. <Read News Item>

Action needed to improve fracture care in low- and middle-income countries
New research published in The Lancet reveals a major lack in timely hospital care for fractures in low- and middle-income countries. For the first time, researchers have examined the frequency and risk of delays in essential fracture care in hospitals in low- and middle-income countries. The findings highlight a major gap in these countries' health systems that is putting lives at risk, but one that can be addressed. <Read News Item>

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