Dear colleagues,
I’m honored to share with you some of the powerful and transformative work in which our students, faculty, and staff are engaged to address the most pressing public health challenges of our time. In this issue, we highlight research and initiatives that promote sexual and reproductive justice for all, address risks and opportunities to protect against the next pandemic, predict the health impacts of climate change, and more.
As we navigate this period of uncertainty and shrinking resources in public health research, education and practice, it can be useful to pause and reflect on our core values. As a public institution we are committed to serve the public and ensure that sound scientific evidence governs all that we do. It is time for us to re-emphasize the core skills and convictions of our public health profession; predicting future risk and facilitating rapid response, resilience, sustainability, fair and responsible allocation of resources, organized collaborative action, and access to all those who need our assistance.
We chose this field because we wanted to make a difference in advancing a healthy and just society that prioritizes better health outcomes for everyone. Public health is only as strong as the weakest link in our population’s health chain, and we remain dedicated to addressing vulnerabilities across age, gender, race, culture, national origin, or economic status—because when we protect and support the most at-risk, we create a healthier and stronger society for all.
These principles will never change. As we meet the next set of challenges our mission is more vital now than ever, and we will stay the course.
With my very best wishes,
Ayman El-Mohandes, MBBCh, MD, MPH
DEAN
