In the 1980s, the HIV/AIDS epidemic unleashed not just a medical crisis, but a wave of racism and xenophobia that targeted Haitian immigrants, casting them as scapegoats for a virus no one fully understood. Fast forward to 2024, and echoes of this dark chapter in public health still reverberate. Recent political rhetoric, particularly in the latest U.S. presidential debate, shows just how easily fear and misinformation can be weaponized against marginalized communities. But what happens when history repeats itself, and how can we learn from the failures of the past?

Tropical medicine, once a tool of empire, stands at a critical juncture. As we confront the stark health inequities laid bare by the COVID-19 pandemic and the looming threat of climate change-induced disease patterns, the need to decolonize this discipline has never been more urgent. But what does decolonization mean in the context of global health, and how can we transform a field rooted in colonial exploitation into a force for health equity?

Imagine crystal-clear waters and pristine beaches transformed into a maelstrom of 145 mph winds and towering waves. This isn't a Hollywood disaster movie – it's the stark reality facing Caribbean islands as Hurricane Beryl tears through the region. As the earliest Category 5 storm ever recorded in the Atlantic, Beryl isn't just making history – it's offering a glimpse into a future where extreme weather becomes the new normal for small island developing states (SIDS).

Imagine waking up one morning to find your asthma inhaler costs have tripled overnight. Or picture your elderly neighbor struggling to afford her life-saving medication. Now, consider a world where your child's school lunch is packed with fresh, nutritious options, and your community has ample green spaces for exercise and relaxation.

What do these scenarios have in common? They're all potential outcomes of political decisions.

At Asé Analytics, we're committed to unraveling the complex connections between politics and health. Let's explore why your ballot carries more weight than you might think when it comes to shaping public health, and how you can become a more informed, health-conscious voter.

Epidemiology, the scientific backbone of public health, has traditionally focused on studying the distribution and determinants of health and disease in populations. However, a paradigm shift is occurring: the recognition that all epidemiology is, inherently, social epidemiology. This perspective acknowledges that health outcomes are not merely the result of individual choices or biological factors, but are deeply embedded in the complexity of social, economic, and political contexts that shape our lives.

Every day, dedicated organizations around the world wage war on poverty through various economic development programs. But how can we really know which strategies are effective and which are spinning their wheels? That's where a research approach called randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comes in. However, these "gold standard" studies also have some stark limitations we need to understand.

As we honor Pride Month, it's essential to shine a light on the often overlooked contributions of Black queer individuals who have made significant impacts on health and well-being within their communities. One such figure is Ruth Ellis, whose life and work provide a powerful example of resilience, activism, and dedication to queer health.

As we navigate the complex landscape of global health, it becomes increasingly clear that achieving true health equity requires a fundamental shift in our approach. Central to this shift is the recognition and elevation of indigenous knowledge systems, which have long been marginalized in mainstream health discourse. At Ase Analytics, we firmly believe that by embracing the wisdom of indigenous communities, we can forge a path towards a more inclusive, holistic, and equitable health future for all.

In today's socially conscious and environmentally aware marketplace, investing in sustainability is not just a moral imperative—it is a strategic business decision. Companies that prioritize sustainability position themselves to meet evolving regulatory requirements, reduce operational costs, and enhance their brand reputation. Moreover, there is a growing demand among consumers for businesses that take environmental responsibility seriously. By aligning your practices with sustainable principles, you can tap into this emerging market and establish your company as a leader in the green economy.

Climate change is one of the most pressing issues of our time, and its impacts on human health are becoming increasingly evident. From extreme weather events to the spread of infectious diseases, the consequences of a changing climate are far-reaching and disproportionately affect vulnerable populations, including children and youth. As the next generation inherits a planet in crisis, it is crucial that their voices, experiences, and ideas are at the forefront of shaping solutions to this global challenge. Youth Participatory Action Research (YPAR) is a powerful approach to engaging youth in the fight against climate change.

In an era where consumers are increasingly conscious of the social and environmental impact of their purchases, businesses face the challenge of ensuring that their products not only meet functional and economic requirements but also contribute to a more sustainable and equitable world. Enter Social Life Cycle Assessment (S-LCA), a powerful tool that helps organizations evaluate and communicate the social implications of their products throughout their entire life cycle.

As nations grapple with issues of privacy, security, and jurisdiction over data, conversations around data sovereignty spark debates about the control and protection of information that is vital to individuals, businesses, and governments.

Our methodology at Asé Analytics is thoroughly intersectional, acknowledging the intricate factors influencing health outcomes, such as race, ethnicity, gender, and socioeconomic status. We implement data-driven, community-centered research methods that ensure our solutions are not only effective but also culturally relevant and sustainable. Our commitment is to convert these insights into actionable strategies that foster substantial and enduring change.

The COVID-19 pandemic has laid bare the deep-rooted health inequities that have long persisted in our society. Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) communities have borne the brunt of the virus, experiencing higher rates of infection, hospitalization, and death. These disparities are not new; they are the result of centuries of systemic racism, discrimination, and disinvestment that have created barriers to health and well-being for marginalized communities.

While there has been growing recognition of the need to address these inequities, progress has been slow. Many organizations lack the expertise, tools, and strategies needed to effectively tackle complex health justice challenges. This is where Asé Analytics comes in.

During a recent meeting at The Carter Center with the Georgia Mental Health Parity Collaborative, I gathered critical insights into how crucial data collection is for insurance compliance. Here’s what I learned and what can be done to improve the situation.