Matthew Kavanagh
@matthewkavanagh.bsky.social
Prof of Global Health and Law, Director, Center for Global Health Policy & Politics
Georgetown University
https://ghpp.georgetown.edu/profiles/matthew-m-kavanagh-phd/
Georgetown University
https://ghpp.georgetown.edu/profiles/matthew-m-kavanagh-phd/
Mr President: refusing to recognize World AIDS Day does not make AIDS go away, but it does make you look small and highlight all the ways you are failing on public health.
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/26/h...
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/26/h...
Trump Administration Says It Will Not Commemorate World AIDS Day
www.nytimes.com
November 26, 2025 at 7:32 PM
Mr President: refusing to recognize World AIDS Day does not make AIDS go away, but it does make you look small and highlight all the ways you are failing on public health.
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/26/h...
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/26/h...
Reminder that only for some people and some countries are “we” in the “post-pandemic” and able to move on to other issues.
November 26, 2025 at 6:35 PM
Reminder that only for some people and some countries are “we” in the “post-pandemic” and able to move on to other issues.
Proud to share this great work led by Dr Agrata Sharma
Our colleague Agrata Sharma discussing #TB policies for incarcerated populations at the World Lung Conference in Copenhagen, Denmark.
#UnionConf2025 #UnionConf #EndTB
@matthewkavanagh.bsky.social @georgetownuni.bsky.social
#UnionConf2025 #UnionConf #EndTB
@matthewkavanagh.bsky.social @georgetownuni.bsky.social
November 24, 2025 at 8:17 PM
Proud to share this great work led by Dr Agrata Sharma
This is because South Africa “prioritised issues that are important for advancing more rapid and inclusive growth in our own country….”
President Cyril Ramaphosa says the G20 Leaders’ Summit "reached agreements that will benefit every South African."
How G20 agreements will benefit South Africans: Cyril Ramaphosa
President Cyril Ramaphosa says the G20 Leaders’ Summit "reached agreements that will benefit every South African."
currentaffairsza.com
November 24, 2025 at 11:57 AM
This is because South Africa “prioritised issues that are important for advancing more rapid and inclusive growth in our own country….”
A great divergence as African countries embrace science to extend life expectancy while the US and Canada see movements growing in power that do the opposite and lose/move toward losing elimination status.
In a significant public health achievement, Cabo Verde, Mauritius and Seychelles have eliminated measles and rubella, becoming the first sub-Saharan countries to attain this milestone.
Cabo Verde, Mauritius and Seychelles eliminate measles and rubella
In a significant public health achievement, Cabo Verde, Mauritius and Seychelles have eliminated measles and rubella, becoming the first sub-Saharan countries to attain this milestone.
www.afro.who.int
November 24, 2025 at 11:50 AM
A great divergence as African countries embrace science to extend life expectancy while the US and Canada see movements growing in power that do the opposite and lose/move toward losing elimination status.
The use of passive voice here is doing so much work… I just wonder who it might be who could make this tragedy that needs to stop, stop?
November 23, 2025 at 3:26 AM
The use of passive voice here is doing so much work… I just wonder who it might be who could make this tragedy that needs to stop, stop?
Reposted by Matthew Kavanagh
Canada reduced its pledge from $1.2bn to $1.02bn. The first time Canada has cut its contribution to HIV-AIDS, and a sign of the times under Carney
Still, could have been worse, and it's in line with other donors' 15% cuts
Still, could have been worse, and it's in line with other donors' 15% cuts
Important, complex day on AIDS, TB, Malaria. Those saying Global Fund is dead=wrong. US surprise $4.6b pledge, total $11.34b. South Africa, India, New Zealand, Cote D'Ivoire, foundations increase. BUT still billions short of what's needed. France, EC, Japan missing in action. Complex....
November 21, 2025 at 8:53 PM
Canada reduced its pledge from $1.2bn to $1.02bn. The first time Canada has cut its contribution to HIV-AIDS, and a sign of the times under Carney
Still, could have been worse, and it's in line with other donors' 15% cuts
Still, could have been worse, and it's in line with other donors' 15% cuts
Important, complex day on AIDS, TB, Malaria. Those saying Global Fund is dead=wrong. US surprise $4.6b pledge, total $11.34b. South Africa, India, New Zealand, Cote D'Ivoire, foundations increase. BUT still billions short of what's needed. France, EC, Japan missing in action. Complex....
November 21, 2025 at 8:40 PM
Important, complex day on AIDS, TB, Malaria. Those saying Global Fund is dead=wrong. US surprise $4.6b pledge, total $11.34b. South Africa, India, New Zealand, Cote D'Ivoire, foundations increase. BUT still billions short of what's needed. France, EC, Japan missing in action. Complex....
Our colleagues at the Union Conference this week are making waves…
At #Union2025 Tapiwa Kujinga and the Diagnostics Equity Consortium (DEC) calls for doubling the number of #TB tests performed by 2030 and rapid rollout of innovative near point-of-care TB tests. DEC is hosted by the @ghpp.georgetown.edu and PATAM.
diagnosticsequity.org
diagnosticsequity.org
Diagnostics Equity Consortium - Center for Global Health Policy and Politics
About Diagnosis is a fundamental component of health care and surveillance, and a major driver of economic and health outcomes across health systems. Yet the importance of timely access to diagnostics...
diagnosticsequity.org
November 21, 2025 at 3:53 PM
Our colleagues at the Union Conference this week are making waves…
the disrespect, the racism, the anti-strategic interests of this White House vs SAfrica is just so galling.
Glad Pres Ramaposa clapped back that he won’t be handing the g20 presidency over to a charge d’affairs 😒
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/20/w...
Glad Pres Ramaposa clapped back that he won’t be handing the g20 presidency over to a charge d’affairs 😒
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/20/w...
White House Says South Africa’s President Is ‘Running His Mouth’
www.nytimes.com
November 21, 2025 at 5:14 AM
the disrespect, the racism, the anti-strategic interests of this White House vs SAfrica is just so galling.
Glad Pres Ramaposa clapped back that he won’t be handing the g20 presidency over to a charge d’affairs 😒
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/20/w...
Glad Pres Ramaposa clapped back that he won’t be handing the g20 presidency over to a charge d’affairs 😒
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/20/w...
Trump’s attacks on South Africa expose an old Western reflex to punish African sovereignty… Tafi Mhaka
aje.io/qkiyu6
aje.io/qkiyu6
Trump’s war on South Africa betrays a sinister threat
Trump’s attacks on South Africa expose an old Western reflex to punish African sovereignty.
aje.io
November 19, 2025 at 1:14 PM
Trump’s attacks on South Africa expose an old Western reflex to punish African sovereignty… Tafi Mhaka
aje.io/qkiyu6
aje.io/qkiyu6
Great to be with Joy Phumaphi today at Georgetown to talk about the “America First” global health strategy.
We talked about fiscal space, real drivers of health, and why the end if the aid model is not the end of global health. @gtownsoh.bsky.social
We talked about fiscal space, real drivers of health, and why the end if the aid model is not the end of global health. @gtownsoh.bsky.social
Join us at 1pm EST TODAY for this event moderated by @matthewkavanagh.bsky.social with speaker Joy Phumaphi: "An African Perspective on the America First Global Health Strategy"
RSVP here: secure.everyaction.com/QQ6Gu3L04k25...
RSVP here: secure.everyaction.com/QQ6Gu3L04k25...
November 18, 2025 at 7:58 PM
Great to be with Joy Phumaphi today at Georgetown to talk about the “America First” global health strategy.
We talked about fiscal space, real drivers of health, and why the end if the aid model is not the end of global health. @gtownsoh.bsky.social
We talked about fiscal space, real drivers of health, and why the end if the aid model is not the end of global health. @gtownsoh.bsky.social
Reposted by Matthew Kavanagh
Trump Officials Are Policing Words and Foiling Deals at G20 Summit
www.nytimes.com
November 17, 2025 at 3:55 PM
Reposted by Matthew Kavanagh
New @nytimes.com article shows US blocking basic public-health terms including equity, UHC and references to WHO during G20 Health Minister meetings.
Our director @matthewkavanagh.bsky.social told NYT these principles aren’t controversial - they’re essential for global health cooperation.
Our director @matthewkavanagh.bsky.social told NYT these principles aren’t controversial - they’re essential for global health cooperation.
November 17, 2025 at 3:54 PM
New @nytimes.com article shows US blocking basic public-health terms including equity, UHC and references to WHO during G20 Health Minister meetings.
Our director @matthewkavanagh.bsky.social told NYT these principles aren’t controversial - they’re essential for global health cooperation.
Our director @matthewkavanagh.bsky.social told NYT these principles aren’t controversial - they’re essential for global health cooperation.
Spoke to John Eligon @nytimes.com this weekend on G20: Trump admin did not send minister but still blocked consensus at ministerial over basic public health concepts like mention of WHO, Univ Healthcare, and "equity"
Undermining G20 is bad for public health.
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/15/w...
Undermining G20 is bad for public health.
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/15/w...
Trump Officials Are Policing Words and Foiling Deals at G20 Summit
www.nytimes.com
November 17, 2025 at 3:11 PM
Spoke to John Eligon @nytimes.com this weekend on G20: Trump admin did not send minister but still blocked consensus at ministerial over basic public health concepts like mention of WHO, Univ Healthcare, and "equity"
Undermining G20 is bad for public health.
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/15/w...
Undermining G20 is bad for public health.
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/15/w...
Big loss to the world
Our beloved Alice Wong has joined the ancestors. It was one of the great honors of my life to call Alice my friend, co-author & co-conspirator. She was a true genius, a force of nature the likes of which the world has never seen before. I love you, Alice, and am equal parts grateful and devastated
November 15, 2025 at 1:27 PM
Big loss to the world
Inequality drives pandemics
One study estimated that “334 thousand COVID-19 infections are attributable to meatpacking plants in the U.S. with associated mortality and morbidity costs totaling more than $11.2 billion” (www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti...)
I hope we do a better job protecting workers in the next pandemic
I hope we do a better job protecting workers in the next pandemic
As I read this, I'm thinking about the man I interviewed who had to be hospitalized from the Covid he caught at the poultry processing plant and he got fired for it and he still has long Covid
November 14, 2025 at 10:02 PM
Inequality drives pandemics
Reposted by Matthew Kavanagh
Thank you to ABC Radio National in Australia for a very thoughtful interview. www.abc.net.au/listen/progr...
A warning from Nobel Laureate economist, Joseph Stiglitz. - ABC listen
In 1966, Nobel Laureate Joseph Stiglitz wrote his PhD thesis on inequality. Almost sixty years later, after decades of research, numerous books, and international acclaim, he has led a new report for ...
www.abc.net.au
November 13, 2025 at 9:37 PM
Thank you to ABC Radio National in Australia for a very thoughtful interview. www.abc.net.au/listen/progr...
Reposted by Matthew Kavanagh
🗣️ “Measles is an entirely preventable disease.”
Our senior fellow @nschwalbe.bsky.social on @npr.org with to discuss falling vaccination rates and the misinformation crisis eroding trust.
Her message: We must rebuild vaccine confidence through transparency and engagement. 🎧 Listen 👇
Our senior fellow @nschwalbe.bsky.social on @npr.org with to discuss falling vaccination rates and the misinformation crisis eroding trust.
Her message: We must rebuild vaccine confidence through transparency and engagement. 🎧 Listen 👇
November 13, 2025 at 12:10 PM
🗣️ “Measles is an entirely preventable disease.”
Our senior fellow @nschwalbe.bsky.social on @npr.org with to discuss falling vaccination rates and the misinformation crisis eroding trust.
Her message: We must rebuild vaccine confidence through transparency and engagement. 🎧 Listen 👇
Our senior fellow @nschwalbe.bsky.social on @npr.org with to discuss falling vaccination rates and the misinformation crisis eroding trust.
Her message: We must rebuild vaccine confidence through transparency and engagement. 🎧 Listen 👇
It’s a serious proposal, and dangerous politics. Trump wants to send checks, worked well for him before. Then people will have unaffordable healthcare, exchanges will be chaos, but ppl will get a Trump check. Terrible health policy but way easier to then argue against ACA once they break it.
Trump ups the ante from cutting Obamacare funds to abolishing Obamacare completely. I’m sure this will help his cratering numbers
November 11, 2025 at 6:54 PM
It’s a serious proposal, and dangerous politics. Trump wants to send checks, worked well for him before. Then people will have unaffordable healthcare, exchanges will be chaos, but ppl will get a Trump check. Terrible health policy but way easier to then argue against ACA once they break it.
Trump and Rs now effectively exploiting the fact that health insurance is a scam. they are correct, massive public transfers to private co.s ensures profit in our healthcare sys keeps prices high. Of course R ideas are worse. but Ds venerable w no public system. Bad health, vulnerable politics….
Remember that insurance is actually a thing you hope never to use, and then read this critique.
November 10, 2025 at 10:06 PM
Trump and Rs now effectively exploiting the fact that health insurance is a scam. they are correct, massive public transfers to private co.s ensures profit in our healthcare sys keeps prices high. Of course R ideas are worse. but Ds venerable w no public system. Bad health, vulnerable politics….
Hi from the Dubai airport at midnight where I am hoping that JNB>DBX>IAD instead of JNB>EWR>DCA will actually get me home.
Was supposed to be hanging with my kid and my boo but Trump wants to end the filibuster, so...
Was supposed to be hanging with my kid and my boo but Trump wants to end the filibuster, so...
November 8, 2025 at 7:11 PM
Hi from the Dubai airport at midnight where I am hoping that JNB>DBX>IAD instead of JNB>EWR>DCA will actually get me home.
Was supposed to be hanging with my kid and my boo but Trump wants to end the filibuster, so...
Was supposed to be hanging with my kid and my boo but Trump wants to end the filibuster, so...
See the thing that makes me really sad is that I spend a lot of time taking about what political science has to offer public health, but then we get this… sigh,
Superb thread 👇👇👇
It's sad to see @scholars.org giving credibility to "In COVID's Wake" once again. 1/
November 8, 2025 at 6:33 AM
See the thing that makes me really sad is that I spend a lot of time taking about what political science has to offer public health, but then we get this… sigh,
The fiscal anatomy of the next pandemic
“Debt, austerity and collapsing public budgets are becoming the true accelerants of future pandemics, leaving countries too fiscally suffocated to respond, even if science delivers the tools to intervene.
mg.co.za/health/2025-...
“Debt, austerity and collapsing public budgets are becoming the true accelerants of future pandemics, leaving countries too fiscally suffocated to respond, even if science delivers the tools to intervene.
mg.co.za/health/2025-...
The fiscal anatomy of the next pandemic
Pandemic preparedness is no longer being discussed solely in hospitals and laboratories, but has entered treasuries, debt offices and credit-rating meetings
mg.co.za
November 8, 2025 at 5:49 AM
The fiscal anatomy of the next pandemic
“Debt, austerity and collapsing public budgets are becoming the true accelerants of future pandemics, leaving countries too fiscally suffocated to respond, even if science delivers the tools to intervene.
mg.co.za/health/2025-...
“Debt, austerity and collapsing public budgets are becoming the true accelerants of future pandemics, leaving countries too fiscally suffocated to respond, even if science delivers the tools to intervene.
mg.co.za/health/2025-...
Reposted by Matthew Kavanagh
Science can stop outbreaks, but it’s not enough in the face of the inequality-pandemic cycle.
@matthewkavanagh.bsky.social in @scidevnet.bsky.social : debt, monopolies, and lack of local production makes us all more vulnerable.
Link: www.scidev.net/global/opini...
@unaids.org #globalhealth
@matthewkavanagh.bsky.social in @scidevnet.bsky.social : debt, monopolies, and lack of local production makes us all more vulnerable.
Link: www.scidev.net/global/opini...
@unaids.org #globalhealth
Pandemic threat isn’t just the virus — it’s inequality
Science can stop outbreaks, but equity is needed to prevent pandemics, writes political scientist Matthew M. Kavanagh.
www.scidev.net
November 7, 2025 at 6:54 PM
Science can stop outbreaks, but it’s not enough in the face of the inequality-pandemic cycle.
@matthewkavanagh.bsky.social in @scidevnet.bsky.social : debt, monopolies, and lack of local production makes us all more vulnerable.
Link: www.scidev.net/global/opini...
@unaids.org #globalhealth
@matthewkavanagh.bsky.social in @scidevnet.bsky.social : debt, monopolies, and lack of local production makes us all more vulnerable.
Link: www.scidev.net/global/opini...
@unaids.org #globalhealth