#66 - Usefulness of Disease Surveillance Data in Enhanced Early Warning of the Cholera Outbreak in Southwest Cameroon, 2018. Part 1

#66 - Usefulness of Disease Surveillance Data in Enhanced Early Warning of the Cholera Outbreak in Southwest Cameroon, 2018. Part 1

Abstract: This study evaluated the effectiveness of routine Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response (IDSR) data in providing early warning for the 2018 cholera outbreak during the socio-political crisis in Southwest Cameroon. Using a mixed-methods approach, researchers analysed District Health Information System 2 (DHIS2) surveillance data from 2018–2020 alongside interviews with key health personnel. During periods of intense conflict, disease reporting was characterised by poor timeliness (16.3%) and moderate completeness (67.2%), both of which improved as conflict intensity declined in 2020. Reduced conflict intensity was significantly associated with improved reporting timeliness, although the relationship with data completeness was weaker and not statistically significant. Variations between health districts suggested that factors such as proximity to reporting sites and performance-based financing helped sustain better reporting in some areas. The findings indicate that routine IDSR data was insufficient for timely detection and response to the cholera outbreak because reports were frequently delayed and incomplete. While strengths such as electronic DHIS2 reporting and supportive supervision were identified, the surveillance system was undermined by staff shortages, low motivation, poor communication, multiple parallel reporting tools, unreliable DHIS2 data, and the broader challenges posed by insecurity and difficult access to affected communities. The study concludes that socio-political instability substantially weakened disease surveillance and outbreak response, highlighting the need for the Ministry of Public Health to strengthen surveillance systems that generate accurate, timely, and actionable data capable of supporting health risk management during humanitarian and conflict settings. Guest: * Ms. Reine Suzanne Mengue Kadia (Catholic University of Central Africa, Cameroon) Host: * Dr. Mark Ashley Parry (Northumbria University, United Kingdom) Music: * “Sunset” by Kai Engel, available at ⁠Free Music Archive⁠, licensed under CC BY 4.0.

#65 - Special Episode - 2026 Venezuela Earthquake

Summary: In this special episode, we explore the science and wider impacts of the 2026 Venezuela Double Earthquake, looking beyond the initial headlines to understand what made this event so unusual. The discussion examines how two powerful earthquakes occurred within seconds of each other, how stress can transfer between faults, and why scientists are still trying to answer fundamental questions about how earthquakes begin, grow, and eventually stop. Through seismic observations, satellite technology, and ongoing research, this episode highlights how major earthquakes provide important insights into the dynamic forces shaping our planet. However, earthquakes are not only geological events, their impacts are shaped by the communities and environments they affect. This episode also explores the human side of the disaster, from aftershock risks and damaged infrastructure to the challenges of recovery and rebuilding. The conversation reflects on how science, preparedness, and resilience can help societies better understand earthquake hazards and reduce the consequences of future events. Guest: * Dr. Ekbal Hussain (British Geological Survey, United Kingdom) Host: * Dr. Mark Ashley Parry (Northumbria University,United Kingdom) Image / Video: Images and videos used in this episode are sourced frompublicly available archives, public domain collections, and/or materials made available under their respective usage licences. Further copyright and licensing information can be found on each original source page. https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Edif%C3%ADcios_colapsados_e_danificados_em_Los_Palos_Grandes,_2026-06-26.png [https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Edif%C3%ADcios_colapsados_e_danificados_em_Los_Palos_Grandes,_2026-06-26.png] https://www.dvidshub.net/image/9781949/lcf-24-ground-zero [https://www.dvidshub.net/image/9781949/lcf-24-ground-zero] https://www.dvidshub.net/image/9784428/lcf-24-mrf-search-resue-la-guaira-venezuela [https://www.dvidshub.net/image/9784428/lcf-24-mrf-search-resue-la-guaira-venezuela] https://www.dvidshub.net/image/9784439/lcf-24-mrf-search-resue-la-guaira-venezuela [https://www.dvidshub.net/image/9784439/lcf-24-mrf-search-resue-la-guaira-venezuela] https://www.dvidshub.net/image/9781656/lcf-24-mrf-search-rescue-efforts-venezuela [https://www.dvidshub.net/image/9781656/lcf-24-mrf-search-rescue-efforts-venezuela] https://www.dvidshub.net/image/9784431/lcf-24-mrf-search-resue-la-guaira-venezuela [https://www.dvidshub.net/image/9784431/lcf-24-mrf-search-resue-la-guaira-venezuela] https://www.dvidshub.net/image/9784441/lcf-24-mrf-search-resue-la-guaira-venezuela [https://www.dvidshub.net/image/9784441/lcf-24-mrf-search-resue-la-guaira-venezuela] https://presidenciacr-my.sharepoint.com/:f:/g/personal/fotografias_2022-2026_presidencia_go_cr/IgB-NrVC7QVYR7W9A_PYHJK6AXhnxeW7pgTvEzXHC4_jo70?e=sqdTpt [https://presidenciacr-my.sharepoint.com/:f:/g/personal/fotografias_2022-2026_presidencia_go_cr/IgB-NrVC7QVYR7W9A_PYHJK6AXhnxeW7pgTvEzXHC4_jo70?e=sqdTpt] https://www.dvidshub.net/image/9782036/depertment-state-urban-seach-and-rescue-assist-venezuela [https://www.dvidshub.net/image/9782036/depertment-state-urban-seach-and-rescue-assist-venezuela] https://www.dvidshub.net/image/9781665/lcf-24-mrf-search-rescue-efforts-venezuela [https://www.dvidshub.net/image/9781665/lcf-24-mrf-search-rescue-efforts-venezuela] https://www.dvidshub.net/image/9781658/lcf-24-mrf-search-rescue-efforts-venezuela [https://www.dvidshub.net/image/9781658/lcf-24-mrf-search-rescue-efforts-venezuela] https://www.dvidshub.net/image/9784426/lcf-24-mrf-search-resue-la-guaira-venezuela [https://www.dvidshub.net/image/9784426/lcf-24-mrf-search-resue-la-guaira-venezuela] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Terremoto_de_Venezuela_en_el_exterior.webm [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Terremoto_de_Venezuela_en_el_exterior.webm] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Terremoto_en_La_Pastora.webm [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Terremoto_en_La_Pastora.webm] Some visual information in this episode is provided by theU.S. Department of War. The appearance of U.S. Department of War (DoW) visualinformation does not imply or constitute DoW endorsement. Music: Gustav Mahler – Symphony No. 5, IV. Adagietto, performed by the Peabody Symphony Orchestra. Source: Wikimedia Commons / Internet Archive. Licensed under Creative Commons CC0 1.0 Universal Public Domain Dedication.

#64 - Avoidable Deaths Network: Summary of IAD4AD 2026

Summary: This podcast episode focuses on the International Awareness Day for Avoidable Deaths 2026 global campaign aimed at reducing preventable deaths associated with disasters, public health failures, accidents, and other avoidable risks. The discussion reviews the campaign’s recent activities, including awareness events, educational initiatives, student engagement projects, and the launch or relaunch of country chapters in multiple locations. The speakers emphasize that “avoidable deaths” extend beyond traditional disasters to include issues such as drowning, road traffic incidents, snakebites, suicide, and failures in healthcare systems. They highlight the importance of involving local communities, students, public agencies, emergency responders, and universities in identifying risks and developing practical solutions. A recurring theme is the need to adapt the concept of avoidable deaths to different cultural and linguistic contexts so that local communities can better understand and address the risks they face. The conversation also celebrates achievements from the campaign year, including a public “Hero Award” recognizing individuals who have taken action to prevent deaths in their communities, the publication of a youth-led magazine featuring stories from regions affected by climate and disaster risks, and activities that encouraged participants to identify preventable deaths reported in local newspapers. The speakers reflect on how these initiatives have empowered students and young people to become more engaged, analytical, and active in promoting safety and resilience. Overall, the episode highlights the value of public awareness, local leadership, education, and community participation in preventing deaths that might otherwise be accepted as inevitable. Links: * https://www.avoidable-deaths.net/ * https://www.preventionweb.net/publication/documents-and-publications/raising-awareness-23-avoidable-deaths Guests: * Prof. Nibedita Ray-Bennett (University of Leicester, United Kingdom) * Dr. Hideyuki Shiroshita (Kansai University, Japan) Host: * Dr. Mark Ashley Parry (Northumbria University, United Kingdom) Music: “Sunset” by Kai Engel, available at ⁠Free Music Archive⁠, licensed under CC BY 4.0.

#63 - Post Earthquake Recovery in Suzu City: Evaluating Temporary Shelter Conditions, Policy-Driven Inequities, and 3D-Printed Reconstruction for Rural Communities. Part 2

Abstract: The increasing severity of natural disasters, combined with aging and depopulation in rural Japan, has revealed critical shortcomings in current recovery frameworks. Focusing on the built environment and architectural dimensions of post-disaster recovery, this paper examines the structural, institutional, and social conditions affecting disaster recovery in Suzu City following the 2024 Noto Peninsula Earthquake. Drawing on ten days of qualitative field research conducted in March 2025, including site surveys, spatial observations, policy analysis, and semi-structured interviews with 30 residents and local stakeholders, this study investigates how temporary housing programs, geographic isolation, demographic decline, and administrative rigidity shape recovery trajectories in aging rural communities. While temporary shelter initiatives prioritize rapid deployment and uniformity, they often neglect the psychosocial needs, spatial habits, and autonomy of elderly residents. Many residents are facing layered challenges rooted in architectural deficiencies: inadequate thermal insulation, poor soundproofing, spatial inefficiencies, and a lack of secure, functional areas for daily tasks. These limitations disrupt routines, erode dignity, and delay emotional recovery, leading to prolonged displacement and deepened vulnerability. The findings reveal that administrative inflexibility, labour shortages, and logistical constraints further delayed reconstruction and reinforce patterns of social exclusion, particularly for elderly women and low-income households. In response, the study also examines grassroots recovery initiatives and assesses the viability of alternative architectural solutions, such as 3D-printed housing. Though not yet used as formal shelters, these customizable, cost-effective, and scalable models demonstrate potential for supporting localized reconstruction and economic revitalization. By centering the lived experiences of older individuals and the spatial realities of post-disaster shelter, this study redefines recovery as a socially embedded process and calls for site-sensitive, demographically responsive, and design-integrated recovery strategies. Link to the paper: https://www.idrimjournal.com/article/160672-bridging-the-gap-strengthening-student-disaster-resilience-towards-sustainable-policy-and-practice Guest: * Dr. Takudzwa Chikwanha (Kyushu University, Japan) Host: * Dr. Mark Ashley Parry (Northumbria University, United Kingdom) Picture: ©Google (2024) Music: “Sunset” by Kai Engel, available at ⁠Free Music Archive⁠, licensed under CC BY 4.0.

#62 - Post Earthquake Recovery in Suzu City: Evaluating Temporary Shelter Conditions, Policy-Driven Inequities, and 3D-Printed Reconstruction for Rural Communities. Part 1

Abstract: The increasing severity of natural disasters, combined with aging and depopulation in rural Japan, has revealed critical shortcomings in current recovery frameworks. Focusing on the built environment and architectural dimensions of post-disaster recovery, this paper examines the structural, institutional, and social conditions affecting disaster recovery in Suzu City following the 2024 Noto Peninsula Earthquake. Drawing on ten days of qualitative field research conducted in March 2025, including site surveys, spatial observations, policy analysis, and semi-structured interviews with 30 residents and local stakeholders, this study investigates how temporary housing programs, geographic isolation, demographic decline, and administrative rigidity shape recovery trajectories in aging rural communities. While temporary shelter initiatives prioritize rapid deployment and uniformity, they often neglect the psychosocial needs, spatial habits, and autonomy of elderly residents. Many residents are facing layered challenges rooted in architectural deficiencies: inadequate thermal insulation, poor soundproofing, spatial inefficiencies, and a lack of secure, functional areas for daily tasks. These limitations disrupt routines, erode dignity, and delay emotional recovery, leading to prolonged displacement and deepened vulnerability. The findings reveal that administrative inflexibility, labour shortages, and logistical constraints further delayed reconstruction and reinforce patterns of social exclusion, particularly for elderly women and low-income households. In response, the study also examines grassroots recovery initiatives and assesses the viability of alternative architectural solutions, such as 3D-printed housing. Though not yet used as formal shelters, these customizable, cost-effective, and scalable models demonstrate potential for supporting localized reconstruction and economic revitalization. By centering the lived experiences of older individuals and the spatial realities of post-disaster shelter, this study redefines recovery as a socially embedded process and calls for site-sensitive, demographically responsive, and design-integrated recovery strategies. Link to the paper: https://www.idrimjournal.com/article/160672-bridging-the-gap-strengthening-student-disaster-resilience-towards-sustainable-policy-and-practice Guests: * Dr. Takudzwa Chikwanha (Kyushu University, Japan) Hosts: * Dr. Mark Ashley Parry (Northumbria University, United Kingdom) Music: “Sunset” by Kai Engel, available at ⁠Free Music Archive⁠, licensed under CC BY 4.0.