Pandemics aren’t only about pathogens, they’re about people, politics, and the deep inequities in our health systems. In this episode of The Health Advocates, Steven Newmark speaks with Dr. Tyler Evans, an infectious disease and public health leader whose career has spanned the front lines of global outbreaks from Ebola to COVID-19. As the former Chief Medical Officer for New York City and co-founder of the Wellness and Equity Alliance, Dr. Evans brings firsthand insight into how societal structures can shape, and sometimes worsen, the course of a public health crisis.

The conversation dives into key themes from Dr. Evans’ new book, Pandemics, Poverty, and Politics (Johns Hopkins Press, August 2025), which examines how inequality, poverty, and fractured health systems accelerate the spread of disease. Dr. Evans explains why scientific breakthroughs alone aren’t enough, we must also tackle the injustices that leave vulnerable communities at greatest risk.

From vaccine mandates to climate change’s role in infectious disease, from disinformation to the erosion of public trust, this episode offers both a sobering reality check and a call to action. Whether you’re a healthcare professional, policymaker, or concerned citizen, you’ll come away with a deeper understanding of why true pandemic preparedness starts with equity.

To learn more about Dr. Tyler Evans’ book, Pandemics, Poverty, and Politics, click here.

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Steven Newmark, Chief of Policy at GHLF: snewmark@ghlf.org

A podcast episode produced by Ben Blanc, Director, Digital Production and Engagement at GHLF.

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