Reflecting on Global Health Stories of 2022

As 2022 comes to an end, let's take a moment to reflect on some significant global health stories from the past year. While COVID-19 remains a prominent part of our lives, this year's narrative includes encouraging signs of returning to normalcy: in-person classes resumed, researchers revitalized their fieldwork, and many people returned to their workplaces. Yet, we must remember that COVID-19 and other public health challenges still pose threats. In fact, the pandemic has had a profound impact on mental health, with increases in anxiety and depression reported globally, highlighting the need for continued attention in this area ^[1]. These success stories highlight our ability to overcome even the toughest health hurdles through collaboration and shared goals. So, here are a few key points...

1. The Rise and Fall of Monkeypox

A total of 80,000 cases of monkeypox were reported across 109 countries in 2022, resulting in 36 deaths. Interestingly, this year's outbreaks marked the first instances recorded in many of these nations. By the end of August, the number of new infections began to decline, and that trend continues today. This decline can largely be attributed to vaccination efforts and shifts in the behavior of at-risk populations. Researchers believe the vaccine has a long shelf life, meaning future outbreaks are likely to be less severe than what we experienced this year. It is crucial to remain vigilant, however, as sporadic cases may still occur, but we can expect a decrease in major peaks for a few years at least.

2. Mental Health Challenges Post-Pandemic

The prevalence of anxiety and depression surged during the pandemic, with rates even doubling in some regions by March 2020. The spikes in reported mental distress closely correlated with periods of high COVID-19 mortality and strict lockdown measures ^[2]. Fortunately, as people began to step outside their homes again by 2022, improvements started to emerge. Access to evidence-based mental health promotion programs and existing services have contributed to this positive change. Furthermore, the need for continued mental health support is underscored by ongoing studies that show a high incidence of mental health disorders among COVID-19 survivors ^[5].

3. The Resurgence of Polio

The introduction of polio vaccines in the 1950s and 1960s significantly reduced the disease's spread, eradicating it in many parts of the world. However, the poliovirus remains persistent, finding pockets of unvaccinated individuals to infect. This resilience has allowed the virus to circulate in areas with low vaccination rates. Moreover, the COVID-19 pandemic has adversely affected child vaccination rates globally over the past two years, with some reports indicating that routine immunization programs were disrupted ^[4]. Better vaccination strategies are essential to prevent new cases. We can't afford to lose our progress toward eradicating polio worldwide, can we?

4. Strained Healthcare Systems

Healthcare services were already stretched thin pre-pandemic, but the ongoing epidemic has placed additional strain on these systems. Access to COVID-19 vaccines and containment measures remains vital. Strengthening health systems and making smart investments in primary care and disease prevention are critical. The pandemic has highlighted the importance of resilient healthcare infrastructure, as well as the potential for digital health solutions to enhance care delivery ^[3]. Nonetheless, the pandemic has brought about some hopeful signs of systemic change, thanks to improvements in digital healthcare delivery and better-integrated care.

5. Growing Focus on Oral Health

For a long time, oral health was overlooked in global health initiatives, but that trend appears to be shifting. Reports indicate that in 2022, most Americans planned to visit the dentist and were paying more attention to their oral hygiene practices at home. This shift shows an increasing concern for oral health and its significance for overall well-being. Emerging evidence suggests that oral health is closely linked to systemic health, further emphasizing the need for this newfound enthusiasm to lead to positive changes in the future ^[4].

While this list doesn't encompass all the success stories, it certainly gives us hope for a brighter future. As we move into 2023, let's celebrate our achievements and look forward to even more victories in the years to come. Stay healthy, stay happy. Happy New Year to you and your loved ones!