Public engagement on global health challenges
2008

Public Engagement on Global Health Challenges

publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Emma RM Cohen, Hassan Masum, Kathryn Berndtson, Vicki Saunders, Tom Hadfield, Dilzayn Panjwani, Deepa L Persad, Gunjeet S Minhas, Abdallah S Daar, Jerome A Singh, Peter A Singer

Primary Institution: McLaughlin-Rotman Centre for Global Health, University Health Network and University of Toronto, Canada

Hypothesis

Public engagement in the developing world regarding science and technology risks and benefits has not been widely explored.

Conclusion

Successful public engagement with developing world stakeholders will be critical for implementing new services and technologies.

Supporting Evidence

  • Public engagement can create an informed citizenry and increase public trust.
  • It fosters global communication and enables shared experiences.
  • Public engagement encourages marginalized populations to participate on a global stage.
  • It can help address distrust in science and improve research support.
  • Public engagement can lead to better alignment between research priorities and social needs.

Takeaway

This study shows that talking to people about science can help everyone understand important health issues better, especially in countries that need it most.

Methodology

The paper provides an overview of public engagement concepts and describes an Internet-based platform aimed at engaging youth on global water issues.

Limitations

Lack of Internet access in some communities limits access to online public engagement platforms.

Participant Demographics

Focus on youth aged 14–24 years.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1471-2458-8-168

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