Editorial

Abstract

On behalf of the Editors and the Editorial Board Members, I am pleased to introduce the first 2019 issue of World Medical & Health Policy. In the year ahead, many threats will continue to challenge global health-care services and already strained resources. Climate change will increase the number of atmospheric disasters and contribute to the spread of infections. Transnational crime will continue to impact population health, by purveying addictive substances and engaging in human trafficking. Inadequate care of chronic pain will further complicate the substance abuse crisis. With increasing population life span, the number of patients suffering from Alzheimer's disease will grow. Ineffective, adulterated, and costly prescription medications, and restricted access to medical and preventive services, will continue to challenge public health. Discrimination, violence, and societal pressures will further advance health disparities. And, according to a recent research publication, “as many as one in four women attending sexual and reproductive healthcare services say they are not allowed to take control of their own reproductive lives” (Rowlands & Walker, 2019). At the same time technological and genetic breakthroughs will accelerate, and hold the promise to address many of the above issues if they are made available and affordable globally. An increasing number of data banks allow better analysis of epidemiologic data for different populations and geographic areas also offers hope. I am happy to introduce to you Professor Bonnie Stabile, who will be taking over from me as the new Chief Editor of the journal starting in June 2019. Professor Stabile is an outstanding scholar and academician who has significantly contributed to the advancement of public policy through her many stellar activities at George Mason University. She is well published and an accomplished teacher. She has been serving as the co-editor of the journal for the last 6 years and fostered the quality of our journal. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the many editors, reviewers, and board members and especially Dr. Otmar Kloiber, Secretary General of the World Medical Association and Dr. Ed Septimus, Chair of the Editorial Advisory Council, for their help and support. This journal would not have been possible without the vision, generous support, and guidance of Professor Paul Rich and Mr. Daniel Gutierrez-Sandoval of the Policy Studies Organization.