Five on Friday: Migration Routes and Health Threats

Welcome back to Five on Friday! This week has been a busy one, but we’re excited to go into the weekend with our new selection of articles, resources, and podcasts to check out!  

Panama’s next president plans to shut down the Darien gap, according to an article sent in by Kaethe. The gap is one of the most dangerous migration routes through central America, but a complete shutdown could result in even greater challenges for South American migrants. Panama's next president says he'll try to shut down one of the world's busiest migration routes.

Town residents in Guánica have increased rates of PCBs, a carcinogenic compound, in their blood according to a piece sent by Marysel. The EPA’s blood tests revealed that their rates were 2,651% higher than the average found by federal health agencies in people in the United States. Study reveals air exposure and high concentration of carcinogen in Guánica residents.

Claire recommended a new podcast series Unsettled: Migrant Health in the U.S. The series tackles the trials and triumphs of providing health care for asylum seekers in the United States. 

Alma G sent in a new resource from John Hopkins Center for Health Security – a practical playbook focused on addressing health misinformation: Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security Launches New Practice-Oriented Playbook for Addressing Health Misinformation.

Weekly Win: Mónica let us know that the WHO has prequalified a second dengue vaccine! Dengue is a growing danger and 2023 saw the highest rates of the illness in history. We are ecstatic to see another vaccine on the way. WHO prequalifies new dengue vaccine.

Have a safe and healthy weekend!