[Re: https://www.hifa.org/dgroups-rss/opioid-drugs-11-inviting-experts-field-... ]
Hi,
This initiative is my personal project. The topics can be any public health or global health issue (tobacco control, gender-based violence, mental health, maternal and child health, etc.) worldwide. As a youth, I have a voice, and it is my responsibility to use my voice in a sensible way. If the health experts are comfortable, we can write an opinion piece or a policy brief.
Last year, I was selected as one of the five participants for the Ascend 2025: Leadership Development for the Future of Tobacco Control at the Institute for Global Tobacco Control, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. In August 2025, I started the "Myths vs. Research" podcast to debunk the industrial tactics that harm public health. This year, I became a part of the Global Youth Ambassador program at TheirWorld and a Common Futures Conversations member at Chatham House. I noticed that research isn't translated into policy action due to several barriers (lobbying, lack of political will, etc.). Similarly, youth don't spend hours reading research papers. They need crisp and sound information, and for that, they are turning into AI chatbots or influencers who validate their needs or wants. My solution is that if the same health experts can share their years of knowledge and expertise in a precise way in an interview, we can share it on social media platforms. It will be easily accessible and available for the youth and anyone who is working in those fields.
For the opioid-related questions, I have read the following:
1. "Understanding the service needs of youth with opioid use: A descriptive study of demographics and co-occurring substance use and mental health concerns" by Irina Sverdlichenko, Lisa D. Hawke, Joanna Henderson (youth who consume opioids have a high prevalence of substance abuse disorder, mental health issues, and higher rates of co-occurrence of mental health and substance abuse disorders)
2. Addressing the Opioid Crisis through Social Determinants of Health: What Are Communities Doing? by Brandeis Opioid Resource Connector (unemployment and housing insecurity increase the risk of OUD)
3. "Addressing Social Determinants of Health in Overdose Prevention" by Magdalena Cerdá, Bennett Allen, Kelly R. Knight.
4. There is a presentation that I have made while addressing the economics of health behavior in which I have mentioned the opioid crisis in the US and have attached the references on the last slide. Opioid Crisis or paste it on Google: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1BIeQfw4dqzW_Q4Jwo3cp_BLEDzCNU-qM...
Regards,
Fatima Anwar
HIFA profile: Fatima Anwar is a Public Health Advocate at YOUNGO, Pakistan. Professional interests: Public health; Climate change; Tobacco control; NCDs; Maternal & Child health; Barriers & facilitators to water, sanitation & hygiene. fatima370anwar AT gmail.com