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/
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
Reposted by Matthew Kavanagh
In a new op-ed from @dailymaverick.co.za, @matthewkavanagh.bsky.social and co-authors discuss the inequality-pandemic cycle, calling for investment in medicines, social protections, and global pandemic preparedness.
Read more below ⬇️
dailymaverick.co.za/article/2025...
@unaids.org #Globalhealth
Read more below ⬇️
dailymaverick.co.za/article/2025...
@unaids.org #Globalhealth
Inequality is driving pandemics, but it does not have to
Many who talk about stopping pandemics focus on more labs or faster vaccines, but a new report demonstrates that high inequality is fuelling pandemics and increasing vulnerability.
dailymaverick.co.za
November 7, 2025 at 6:41 PM
In a new op-ed from @dailymaverick.co.za, @matthewkavanagh.bsky.social and co-authors discuss the inequality-pandemic cycle, calling for investment in medicines, social protections, and global pandemic preparedness.
Read more below ⬇️
dailymaverick.co.za/article/2025...
@unaids.org #Globalhealth
Read more below ⬇️
dailymaverick.co.za/article/2025...
@unaids.org #Globalhealth
Reposted by Matthew Kavanagh
@matthewkavanagh.bsky.social in conversation with @politico.com: "What we need is a whole new approach to global health security that centers inequality...it is the only way that we ensure health security in the United States"
Full conversation below ⬇️
www.politico.com/newsletters/...
Full conversation below ⬇️
www.politico.com/newsletters/...
Interrupting the cycle that fuels pandemics
www.politico.com
November 7, 2025 at 6:51 PM
@matthewkavanagh.bsky.social in conversation with @politico.com: "What we need is a whole new approach to global health security that centers inequality...it is the only way that we ensure health security in the United States"
Full conversation below ⬇️
www.politico.com/newsletters/...
Full conversation below ⬇️
www.politico.com/newsletters/...
Reposted by Matthew Kavanagh
On @sabcnews.bsky.social our director @matthewkavanagh.bsky.social explains how economic inequality within and between Global South countries fuels a dangerous cycle, widening health gaps and undermining pandemic response.
Watch the segment below ⤵️
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ohzm...
@unaids.org
Watch the segment below ⤵️
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ohzm...
@unaids.org
Report on global inequalities: Matthew Kavanagh
YouTube video by SABC News
www.youtube.com
November 7, 2025 at 9:31 AM
On @sabcnews.bsky.social our director @matthewkavanagh.bsky.social explains how economic inequality within and between Global South countries fuels a dangerous cycle, widening health gaps and undermining pandemic response.
Watch the segment below ⤵️
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ohzm...
@unaids.org
Watch the segment below ⤵️
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ohzm...
@unaids.org
Reposted by Matthew Kavanagh
Watch @matthewkavanagh.bsky.social on NewzroomAfrika on the pandemic-inequality cycle.
Inequality undermines trust, politics, and policy, making outbreaks more dangerous.
His message: invest now in vaccine and medicine production.
Link ⤵️
youtube.com/watch?v=xiEV...
@unaids.org #globalhealth
Inequality undermines trust, politics, and policy, making outbreaks more dangerous.
His message: invest now in vaccine and medicine production.
Link ⤵️
youtube.com/watch?v=xiEV...
@unaids.org #globalhealth
Report warns global inequalities are worsening health crises
YouTube video by Newzroom Afrika
www.youtube.com
November 7, 2025 at 12:52 PM
Watch @matthewkavanagh.bsky.social on NewzroomAfrika on the pandemic-inequality cycle.
Inequality undermines trust, politics, and policy, making outbreaks more dangerous.
His message: invest now in vaccine and medicine production.
Link ⤵️
youtube.com/watch?v=xiEV...
@unaids.org #globalhealth
Inequality undermines trust, politics, and policy, making outbreaks more dangerous.
His message: invest now in vaccine and medicine production.
Link ⤵️
youtube.com/watch?v=xiEV...
@unaids.org #globalhealth
Reposted by Matthew Kavanagh
The Global Council on Inequality, AIDS and Pandemics, of which @matthewkavanagh.bsky.social
is a member, welcomes the #G20 Health Ministers’ Statement which sets out actions to protect public health by fighting inequalities:
inequalitycouncil.org/g20-statemen...
@josephestiglitz.bsky.social
is a member, welcomes the #G20 Health Ministers’ Statement which sets out actions to protect public health by fighting inequalities:
inequalitycouncil.org/g20-statemen...
@josephestiglitz.bsky.social
inequalitycouncil.org
November 7, 2025 at 3:21 PM
The Global Council on Inequality, AIDS and Pandemics, of which @matthewkavanagh.bsky.social
is a member, welcomes the #G20 Health Ministers’ Statement which sets out actions to protect public health by fighting inequalities:
inequalitycouncil.org/g20-statemen...
@josephestiglitz.bsky.social
is a member, welcomes the #G20 Health Ministers’ Statement which sets out actions to protect public health by fighting inequalities:
inequalitycouncil.org/g20-statemen...
@josephestiglitz.bsky.social
I’m here in Polokwane and the US just blocked a G20 Health Minister declaration, refused to include UHC or Equity because, well, they don’t believe in universal, taxes, equity, or solidarity they say
November 7, 2025 at 4:45 PM
I’m here in Polokwane and the US just blocked a G20 Health Minister declaration, refused to include UHC or Equity because, well, they don’t believe in universal, taxes, equity, or solidarity they say
Reposted by Matthew Kavanagh
Our very own @matthewkavanagh.bsky.social is currently addressing #G20 Health Ministers, discussing the direct corelation between inequality and pandemics.
Want to learn more? Listen to his explainer here: shorturl.at/aJrvR
Want to learn more? Listen to his explainer here: shorturl.at/aJrvR
November 6, 2025 at 1:38 PM
Our very own @matthewkavanagh.bsky.social is currently addressing #G20 Health Ministers, discussing the direct corelation between inequality and pandemics.
Want to learn more? Listen to his explainer here: shorturl.at/aJrvR
Want to learn more? Listen to his explainer here: shorturl.at/aJrvR
These two brilliant people, lucky to learn from them and be inspired by them.
November 5, 2025 at 9:13 AM
These two brilliant people, lucky to learn from them and be inspired by them.
It is great to see that anti-trans politics is not actually working. May that put to bed the many centrist consultants who have been everywhere on how rights is a a necessary move. Instead of, ya know, doing politics
57% of all ad spending by Republicans in the Virginia governors race was on anti trans ads. Just an incredibly mismanaged campaign. Anti-trans politics are a losing issue.
November 5, 2025 at 6:46 AM
It is great to see that anti-trans politics is not actually working. May that put to bed the many centrist consultants who have been everywhere on how rights is a a necessary move. Instead of, ya know, doing politics
Reposted by Matthew Kavanagh
Ahead of the #G20 Health Ministers Meeting, leaders receive Breaking the Inequality–Pandemic Cycle, a landmark report from the Global Council on Inequality, AIDS & Pandemics.
🎥 @matthewkavanagh.bsky.social on how inequality fuels deadlier, costlier pandemics.
Full report ↓
#GlobalHealth #UNAIDS
🎥 @matthewkavanagh.bsky.social on how inequality fuels deadlier, costlier pandemics.
Full report ↓
#GlobalHealth #UNAIDS
November 3, 2025 at 2:36 PM
Ahead of the #G20 Health Ministers Meeting, leaders receive Breaking the Inequality–Pandemic Cycle, a landmark report from the Global Council on Inequality, AIDS & Pandemics.
🎥 @matthewkavanagh.bsky.social on how inequality fuels deadlier, costlier pandemics.
Full report ↓
#GlobalHealth #UNAIDS
🎥 @matthewkavanagh.bsky.social on how inequality fuels deadlier, costlier pandemics.
Full report ↓
#GlobalHealth #UNAIDS
Our new report: Breaking the Inequality-Pandemic Cycle
We find clear empirical evidence inequality is making the world more vulnerable to pandemics: outbreaks become pandemics, pandemics last longer & do more damage, pandemics ⬆️ inequality and fuel the cycle
www.inequalitycouncil.org/report-inequ...
We find clear empirical evidence inequality is making the world more vulnerable to pandemics: outbreaks become pandemics, pandemics last longer & do more damage, pandemics ⬆️ inequality and fuel the cycle
www.inequalitycouncil.org/report-inequ...
November 3, 2025 at 1:56 PM
Our new report: Breaking the Inequality-Pandemic Cycle
We find clear empirical evidence inequality is making the world more vulnerable to pandemics: outbreaks become pandemics, pandemics last longer & do more damage, pandemics ⬆️ inequality and fuel the cycle
www.inequalitycouncil.org/report-inequ...
We find clear empirical evidence inequality is making the world more vulnerable to pandemics: outbreaks become pandemics, pandemics last longer & do more damage, pandemics ⬆️ inequality and fuel the cycle
www.inequalitycouncil.org/report-inequ...
Reposted by Matthew Kavanagh
Nov 15:00 SAST, join Mail&Guardian’s livestream global launch: Breaking the inequality-pandemic cycle.
Nozipho Tshabalala interviews @josephestiglitz.bsky.social @michaelmarmot.bsky.social Monica Geingos @nisiatrindadelima.bsky.social & more
📺 www.youtube.com/live/AdatXrr...
@unaids.org
Nozipho Tshabalala interviews @josephestiglitz.bsky.social @michaelmarmot.bsky.social Monica Geingos @nisiatrindadelima.bsky.social & more
📺 www.youtube.com/live/AdatXrr...
@unaids.org
November 1, 2025 at 7:06 PM
Nov 15:00 SAST, join Mail&Guardian’s livestream global launch: Breaking the inequality-pandemic cycle.
Nozipho Tshabalala interviews @josephestiglitz.bsky.social @michaelmarmot.bsky.social Monica Geingos @nisiatrindadelima.bsky.social & more
📺 www.youtube.com/live/AdatXrr...
@unaids.org
Nozipho Tshabalala interviews @josephestiglitz.bsky.social @michaelmarmot.bsky.social Monica Geingos @nisiatrindadelima.bsky.social & more
📺 www.youtube.com/live/AdatXrr...
@unaids.org
Reposted by Matthew Kavanagh
The US funds the bulk of biomedical research globally by far. It's not like other countries can simply take up the slack. The more likely: people leave research, new people don't become researchers. There is no happy ending. www.pbs.org/newshour/sho...
Top researchers consider leaving U.S. amid funding cuts: 'The science world is ending'
A poll from the journal Nature found that 75% of researchers in the U.S. are considering leaving the country. That includes a man who’s been dubbed the "Mozart of Math." Stephanie Sy examines what’s b...
www.pbs.org
November 1, 2025 at 8:15 PM
The US funds the bulk of biomedical research globally by far. It's not like other countries can simply take up the slack. The more likely: people leave research, new people don't become researchers. There is no happy ending. www.pbs.org/newshour/sho...
On my way to Johannesburg for launch of our Global Council on Inequality, AIDS, and Pandemics big report: the inequality-pandemic cycle. Then on to present it at the G20 Health Ministers meeting
(flying via Newark in govt shut down so, gulp, wish me luck!)
@unaids.org
@ghpp-georgetown.bsky.social
(flying via Newark in govt shut down so, gulp, wish me luck!)
@unaids.org
@ghpp-georgetown.bsky.social
October 31, 2025 at 9:36 PM
On my way to Johannesburg for launch of our Global Council on Inequality, AIDS, and Pandemics big report: the inequality-pandemic cycle. Then on to present it at the G20 Health Ministers meeting
(flying via Newark in govt shut down so, gulp, wish me luck!)
@unaids.org
@ghpp-georgetown.bsky.social
(flying via Newark in govt shut down so, gulp, wish me luck!)
@unaids.org
@ghpp-georgetown.bsky.social
Read Dr T’s brilliant new report
@ghpp-georgetown.bsky.social Senior Scholar @drtlaleng.bsky.social presented her report “Health and care workers and the right to health” at the UN General Assembly— calling for peace, accountability, and protection for health workers everywhere.
📖 Read the report here: docs.un.org/en/A/HRC/59/48
📖 Read the report here: docs.un.org/en/A/HRC/59/48
October 31, 2025 at 5:41 PM
Read Dr T’s brilliant new report
Good stuff...
The latest #GlobalHealth #Politics #Podcast episode is out. Listen to @uwnews.uw.edu Prof James Pfeiffer on Debt, Austerity & Decolonization globalhealthpoliticspodcast.buzzsprout.com/2364394/epis... @americananthro.bsky.social @isanet.bsky.social @ethnography911.bsky.social @dadakim.bsky.social
Season 2, Episode 6: James Pfeiffer on Debt, Austerity, and Decolonization - The Global Health Politics Podcast
In this long-awaited episode, originally recorded in Fall 2022, Joseph Harris sits down with Dr. James Pfeiffer, Professor of Global Health and Anthropology at University of Washington. They talk abou...
globalhealthpoliticspodcast.buzzsprout.com
October 31, 2025 at 5:37 PM
Good stuff...
Reposted by Matthew Kavanagh
BIG SA NEWS IN HIV PREVENTION | Our medicines regulator approved an HIV prevention shot containing lenacapavir. It provides protection for six months with a single dose. A limited public rollout is set for April 2026.
www.spotlightnsp.co.za/2025/10/27/b...
www.spotlightnsp.co.za/2025/10/27/b...
October 27, 2025 at 9:27 AM
BIG SA NEWS IN HIV PREVENTION | Our medicines regulator approved an HIV prevention shot containing lenacapavir. It provides protection for six months with a single dose. A limited public rollout is set for April 2026.
www.spotlightnsp.co.za/2025/10/27/b...
www.spotlightnsp.co.za/2025/10/27/b...
Reposted by Matthew Kavanagh
This is spot on. It also explains the MDs and PhDs that Trump & RFK Jr appointed to run the federal health agencies or chair ACIP—they’re willing accomplices to authoritarianism.
I am deeply worried we’re still stuck in public health trying to fact-check RFKjr.
easily done. But Bigger Picture: he is useful to broader authoritarian moves precisely because he delegitimizes facts and institutions. Just happens to be on health…
www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025...
easily done. But Bigger Picture: he is useful to broader authoritarian moves precisely because he delegitimizes facts and institutions. Just happens to be on health…
www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025...
RFK Jr to urge Americans to eat more saturated fats, alarming health experts
Guidance from health and human services secretary contradicts decades of dietary recommendations
www.theguardian.com
October 25, 2025 at 7:27 PM
This is spot on. It also explains the MDs and PhDs that Trump & RFK Jr appointed to run the federal health agencies or chair ACIP—they’re willing accomplices to authoritarianism.
I am deeply worried we’re still stuck in public health trying to fact-check RFKjr.
easily done. But Bigger Picture: he is useful to broader authoritarian moves precisely because he delegitimizes facts and institutions. Just happens to be on health…
www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025...
easily done. But Bigger Picture: he is useful to broader authoritarian moves precisely because he delegitimizes facts and institutions. Just happens to be on health…
www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025...
RFK Jr to urge Americans to eat more saturated fats, alarming health experts
Guidance from health and human services secretary contradicts decades of dietary recommendations
www.theguardian.com
October 25, 2025 at 7:17 PM
I am deeply worried we’re still stuck in public health trying to fact-check RFKjr.
easily done. But Bigger Picture: he is useful to broader authoritarian moves precisely because he delegitimizes facts and institutions. Just happens to be on health…
www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025...
easily done. But Bigger Picture: he is useful to broader authoritarian moves precisely because he delegitimizes facts and institutions. Just happens to be on health…
www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025...