Tag: public health

Pandemics and Cross-Border Trade

Pandemics and Cross-Border Trade

Posted by | Dec 9, 2021 |

This paper examines the impacts of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) on cross-border trade and its implications on trade within and amongst African countries. Intermittent outbreaks of infectious diseases have had profound and lasting effects on societies throughout history. Using desk research, the paper argues that the COVID-19 pandemic presents unprecedented public health, social and economic challenges, including affecting international trade. Measures to curb the spread of the disease shut down large swathes of the global economy leading to dramatic negative supply and demand shocks. This study argues that pandemics are inherently uncertain, necessitating flexible policies in responding to outbreaks as they develop.

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Rethinking the Securitization of Public Health in Africa: A Frame of Reference

Rethinking the Securitization of Public Health in Africa: A Frame of Reference

Posted by | Dec 9, 2021 |

Drawing from the growing literature on the securitisation of public health in general and, in particular, that of infectious diseases in Africa, this paper explores the process through which certain health issues are perceived as security and existential threats. It uses securitisation theory as its theoretical and conceptual foundation to offer a critical analysis of the securitisation of public health in the African continent and its implications before presenting a frame of reference, a better and more constructive way of strengthening health systems in the continent.

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Pandemics and Cross-Border Trade

Pandemics and Cross-Border Trade

Posted by | Dec 9, 2021 |

This paper examines the impacts of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) on cross-border trade and its implications on trade within and amongst African countries. Intermittent outbreaks of infectious diseases have had profound and lasting effects on societies throughout history. Using desk research, the paper argues that the COVID-19 pandemic presents unprecedented public health, social and economic challenges, including affecting international trade. Measures to curb the spread of the disease shut down large swathes of the global economy leading to dramatic negative supply and demand shocks. This study argues that pandemics are inherently uncertain, necessitating flexible policies in responding to outbreaks as they develop.

Read More
Rethinking the Securitization of Public Health in Africa: A Frame of Reference

Rethinking the Securitization of Public Health in Africa: A Frame of Reference

Posted by | Dec 9, 2021 |

Drawing from the growing literature on the securitisation of public health in general and, in particular, that of infectious diseases in Africa, this paper explores the process through which certain health issues are perceived as security and existential threats. It uses securitisation theory as its theoretical and conceptual foundation to offer a critical analysis of the securitisation of public health in the African continent and its implications before presenting a frame of reference, a better and more constructive way of strengthening health systems in the continent.

Read More