Zika virus, microcephaly and health economics - a public health issue

For those of you that have been following our blog from 2016, you may remember one of our very first posts on the Zika Virus. This was a very topical public health issue, especially with the 2016 Rio Olympics fastly approaching.

I began writing a research paper at the time, with the aim of exploring how Zika led to associated conditions such as microcephaly. In addition, an epidemiological stance was explored: health economics and balancing resource allocation between preventing the spread and deriving a cure for Zika. Ultimately, the purpose of this outlook was to establish which protocol of resource allocation would be most efficient, thereby helping guide governmental policy for future pandemics/epidemics.

Recently, my paper has been shortlisted for publication in the Chronicles of Student Research Success as well as publication onto Research Gate! It is also due for presentation at a national conference, and I would love to share the journey with you. The link to the full paper is below:

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/336617722_Exploration_into_how_the_Zika_Virus_led_to_microcephaly_with_consideration_of_the_health_economics_balancing_resource_allocation_between_preventing_spread_and_deriving_a_cure

I am honored to have the opportunity to contribute to the medical field and hope that this will also inspire students to get involved with research.

Just before we wrap up this week's post, I'd like to thank you for your readership and support. As the co-founder of Universal Medicine, it has been amazing to see the growth of the blog from a local level, now expanded to over 20 countries and more than 30,000 views! It is an absolute privilege writing posts, as well as recruiting new generations of writers, expanding the diversity of interests and styles. We would love to hear more feedback from you, and feel free to suggest new post ideas.

Thank you, and have a great week!
Gagandeep Sachdeva
Universal Medicine 

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