Author
César Chelala
Contributing Editor, The Globalist
[New York, United States]
César Chelala is a global health consultant and contributing editor for The Globalist.
Since 1980, he has worked as a consultant on planning, monitoring and evaluation of public health projects for several international agencies.
He has conducted health-related missions in over 50 countries for USAID, UNICEF, WHO, PAHO, UNFPA, UNDP, UNESCO, Capital Development Fund, the Guttmacher Institute, the Mexican Foundation for Health, World Education, the Pew Charitable Trusts and the Carnegie Corporation.
He earned his medical degree in 1964. In 1971, he came to the United States and worked as a researcher in molecular genetics and pharmacology at New York City’s Public Health Research Institute and later at the New York University School of Medicine.
He has written scientific and medical articles for The Journal of the American Medical Association, Lancet, Molecular and General Genetics, the British Medical Journal and Proceedings of the U.S. National Academy of Sciences.
In 1979, he co-authored an article (with Paul H. Hoeffel) about the “disappeared” in Argentina. The article, “Missing or Dead in Argentina: The Desperate Search for Thousands of Abducted Victims,” was published as a cover story in The New York Times Magazine. The authors received the 1979 Overseas Press Club of America award for the best article on human rights.
He has received two national journalism awards from ADEPA, the organization of newspaper editors in Argentina. In 2015 he received the Chaski award from Taller Latinoamericano, a leading cultural institution in the U.S., and that same year he was awarded the Cedar of Lebanon Gold Medal from The House of Lebanon, in Tucumán, Argentina.
He has written for several newspapers around the world, among them: The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal, The China Daily, The Daily News Egypt, The Japan Times, The Moscow Times, The News International (Pakistan), Le Monde Diplomatique (France), Asahi Shimbun (Japan), Los Angeles Times, The Miami Herald, The Boston Globe, The San Francisco Chronicle, The Seattle Times, Neue Zücher Zeitung, The Daily Star (Beirut), The Swiss Review of World Affairs and The International Herald Tribune.
Articles by César Chelala
The Legal Consequences of Russia’s War of Aggression
Recent history reveals the need for the adherence of all nations to a new international security framework.
April 29, 2022
Quo Vadis, America?
Enmeshing itself in unnecessary wars has weakened the United States considerably, both materially and in terms of international prestige.
August 28, 2021
The Death of a Brother
The sorrow, regret and guilt at the death of a sibling hit émigrés hard.
July 31, 2021
Aiding Central Americans is the Ethical Thing to Do
The U.S. has a duty to compensate the people of Central America whose tragic circumstances it helped create.
July 2, 2021
Quo Vadis, Argentina?
Why is Argentina in such a sorry state, economically, politically and socially?
November 29, 2020
The Rise and Fall of Diego Maradona: A True Symbol of Argentina
Why Maradona’s life and death has reverberated throughout the world.
November 28, 2020
India: Gender Inequality Seriously Harms Women and Girls
The problem of abuse of women in India will only be solved by changing entrenched culture norms that allow the abuse and degradation of women.
October 11, 2020
A Lesson from China’s Cultural Revolution
What can other countries learn from the devastating effects of China’s “Cultural Revolution”?
September 10, 2020
Violence Against Women and COVID 19
In formulating their COVID 19 responses, governments, NGOs and the private sector need to be far more sensitive to the special risks women face.
August 9, 2020
Beyond Fauci: When Doctors Are Victims
Thoughts on the persecution of doctors and scientists in modern history.
July 25, 2020
A Threat to Putin’s Imperial Ambitions
Vodka addiction has had a devastating effect on Russians’ health, the country’s economy and social fabric for centuries.
June 14, 2020
Bolsonaro and Trump: Twin Brothers
From the pandemic, their hatred of the media and the environment, the parallels between the U.S. and Brazilian presidents are uncanny.
June 3, 2020
COVID 19 Today and China’s Great Famine
Are there any lessons to be learned from China 60 years ago for today’s world, which is facing the worst pandemic of the past 100 years?
May 16, 2020
China’s Ominous Coronavirus Health Threat
Chinese political authorities state that lower-ranking officials who covered up the spread of the coronavirus would be “nailed on the pillar of shame for eternity.”
January 23, 2020
Trump’s Don Quixote Moment
President Trump’s baseless attacks on wind power show a complete departure from any sense of reality.
December 30, 2019
Trump, the Impostor
Study up on the historical context of Nancy Pelosi’s daring political diagnosis.
November 22, 2019
Lebanon, Dreamland
For all of their original home country’s great history and culture, and the beauty of its landscapes, Lebanon remains a destiny of desire for emigrants, but no more.
October 27, 2019
Donald Trump and William Shakespeare
Let’s give credit where credit is due: In his tweets, the U.S. President channels his inner William Shakespeare with amazing aplomb.
October 13, 2019
One Cheer for Argentina: Messi Is Still the Best
I'm more worried about being a good person than being the best player in the world. When all this is over, what are you left with? – Lionel Messi.
September 28, 2019
Domestic Violence in the Middle East
There cannot be true development in the Middle East without progress on women’s rights.
September 17, 2019
9/11: The Day That Changed the World
The wars in Afghanistan and Iraq that the U.S. conducted after 9/11 had serious consequences for the rule of law in the world.
September 11, 2019
The US’s Culture of Violence Is Killing Us All
Although violent incidents occur in other countries, they are not as frequent — or as deadly — as in the US.
August 16, 2019
Why the US Owes Central America
Today’s refugee wave is a direct consequence of past US interference in Latin America’s political and economic development.
August 2, 2019
Child Trafficking: A Global Scourge
The elimination of child exploitation is a daunting task. But it is achievable if effective programs are put in place.
July 16, 2019
US Policy on Immigrant Children Violates the CRC
The US is the only country in the world that hasn’t yet ratified the CRC -- the Convention on the Rights of the Child. Both the Reagan and the Bush Sr. administrations played an important role in drafting the treaty.
June 30, 2019
Alzheimer’s: An Artistic View
Syrian-American photographer Bachar Azmeh gives his artistic interpretation of what happens in the brains of those affected by Alzheimer’s disease.
June 22, 2019
Health Consequences of Overwork
Death by overwork affects not only the families of the deceased, but also the industries they worked in and the national economy.
June 15, 2019
US Cuba Policy Is an Embarrassment
The Trump administration’s policy toward Cuba will only increase the antagonism between the Cuban and US governments.
May 30, 2019
The Social Burden of Depression in Japan
Aside from the effects on health and on people’s well-being, depression in Japan exacts a heavy economic toll on individuals, families and on society as a whole.
May 19, 2019
Easter Reflection: A Woman of Valor
Adriana Calvo de Laborde survived mistreatment in Argentina’s detention centers. Her testimony was instrumental in bringing the perpetrators to justice.
April 19, 2019
The Misogynists Vs. the Bar Tender
Representative Ocasio-Cortez has shown herself to be a good bartender – and an honest and intelligent politician. President Trump has proven to be neither.
April 7, 2019
Improving Health in Africa
Although Africa bears one-quarter of the global burden of disease, it only has two percent of the world’s doctors.
March 9, 2019
When German-American Relations Were Truly Intimate
When Marlene Dietrich, the Blue Angel, met JFK at the White House.
March 3, 2019
Violence in the Schools: A Global Scourge
How to deal with the problem of violence in children and adolescents.
October 13, 2018
Argentina: Who Killed Alberto Nisman?
The federal prosecutor of a 1994 terrorist attack by Hezbollah died in 2015 just after denouncing Argentina’s president for treason.
February 13, 2017
The Plight Of China’s “Left Behind” Children
61 million children in China grow up effectively parentless. Imagine the consequences on their development.
May 14, 2016
China’s Dementia Challenge
Around 10 million people in China are suffering from dementia. Is the government adequately prepared?
March 27, 2016
China: Language Simplification to Increase Literacy?
Is simplified Chinese necessary given China’s improved social and economic conditions?
February 22, 2016
Beyond Flint: Victimizing Women and Children
Environmental degradation takes a heavy toll on women and children’s health.
February 7, 2016
The Fried Eggs of Jorge Luis Borges
Stories of personal encounters with great Argentinean writer.
January 9, 2016
Public Health: Russia is Sick
Public health challenges facing Russia today cripple its potential for tomorrow.
October 3, 2015
China: Where Young Men Are Looking for Brides
A cultural bias towards male heirs is creating a vast gender divide in China.
April 5, 2015
Water: A Big Challenge for Africa
Can Africa provide clean, safe water for its urban and suburban communities?
September 21, 2014
How China Leaves Mental Health Problems Unaddressed
China lacks the manpower and training to handle an epidemic of mental illness.
August 24, 2014
Will China be Able to Curb Adolescent Suicide?
Suicides rates soar in the face of China’s transformation. What can China do to reverse the trend?
July 20, 2014
TB in China: a New Epidemic of an Old Disease
How China handles drug-resistant tuberculosis will have a big effect on the problem globally.
May 31, 2014
Is China’s Progress Inexorable?
Will the health consequences of modernization end the giant strides of the Chinese dragon?
January 4, 2014
Cultural Factors in the Fight Against HIV
Continued progress in HIV requires an awareness of social factors.
October 27, 2013
Now Is the Time To Avoid a Full-Blown Regional AIDS Epidemic
The Middle East and North Africa critically need attention to AIDS.
October 26, 2013
Big Pharma’s Expansion Into Emerging Markets
More harmful practices by Big Pharma as U.S. sales decline and patents expire.
October 9, 2013
Curbing Gang Violence in Central America
What should the United States be doing to rein in Central American gang violence?
July 6, 2013
How Obesity Can Derail China’s Growth
What measures can China and other cultures take to stem the rising tide of obesity, particularly among children, in its population?
March 23, 2013
Tobacco: The Opium War of the 21st Century?
Does the Chinese obsession with smoking have its roots in British trade policy?
March 2, 2013
Meeting the Global Challenge of Children With Disabilities
Addressing the needs of children with disabilities is a sign of a compassionate and intelligent society.
December 22, 2012
Will the Russian Empire Be Reborn?
As Russia's middle class grows, will it demand greater political freedom and fair elections?
October 27, 2012
Obama and Carter: Two U.S. Winners of the Nobel Peace Prize Compared
What are the differences between the last two U.S. Presidents to win the Nobel Peace Prize?
July 18, 2012
World Military Spending — Mutually Assured Self-Destruction?
Is the leveling of world military spending in 2011 the start of a trend — or a temporary lull?
July 3, 2012
Will China Grow Old Before It Grows Rich?
How will China support its rapidly aging population while sustaining economic growth?
April 14, 2012
China, Oil and the South China Sea
Why is control of the South China Sea resources increasingly important to Southeast Asia's economies?
April 3, 2012
Leo Messi: Argentina’s Best Export Ever?
Why do doctors want to study the brain of Argentine soccer star Leo Messi?
February 25, 2012
Creating an Enemy of Iran
Are there untested diplomatic approaches that might reduce the risk of a conflict between the United States and Iran?
February 6, 2012
The Golden Curse of the Peruvian Amazon
How is illegal gold mining destroying one of Peru's most beautiful regions?
January 16, 2012
Is Russian Winter Turning Into Spring?
Why is the animating spirit of the Arab Spring taking hold in Russia?
January 13, 2012
Greece’s Economic Crisis and Its Effect on Public Health
Is the public health situation in Greece a harbinger of what may happen in similarly distressed countries?
January 11, 2012
The Egyptian Military Is Lifting Its Mask
Can Egypt's military be trusted to allow democracy to take root in the country?
November 5, 2011
After Maathai: Women Taking Charge to Save the Environment
How does the legacy of the late Nobel Prize-winning environmentalist Wangari Maathai live on?
September 28, 2011
The Day President Kennedy (Almost) Broke the Embargo on Cuba
How President Kennedy almost took his love of Cuban cigars too far.
September 26, 2011
In Chile, Dissent Has a Woman’s Face
How has a 23-year-old woman posed a serious challenge to Chile's government?
August 30, 2011
Dateline Argentina: Going Home
What does a long-time New Yorker feel when he heads back to his hometown in Argentina?
July 29, 2011
A Woman Poet Is the Sign of Defiance in Bahrain
The seeds of resistance will flower in Bahrain until the government accepts peaceful dissent.
June 18, 2011
China’s Move to Improve Health Care
What will be required for China to meet the healthcare demands of its aging and urbanizing population?
June 6, 2011
Bahrain’s Brutal Crackdown on Doctors
How is Bahrain violating the Geneva Convention by its brutal crackdown on physicians?
May 16, 2011
Women’s Equality Is the Best Way to Reduce World Hunger
How can sustained efforts on behalf of women's rights help alleviate the world's hunger problem?
April 11, 2011
Afghan Women’s Desperate Cry for Help
To what lengths will some Afghan women go to escape misogynistic social customs?
March 8, 2011
Qaddafi, It Is Time to Go
Why must the international community force Qaddafi to step down?
February 25, 2011
Why Egypt’s Mubarak Is Worried About Tunisia
Might the recent events in Tunisia find echo not only in Egypt, but in other repressed Arab countries?
January 24, 2011
A Thanksgiving Reflection
In a time of war, terrorism and rampant human rights abuses, why is there still reason for hope?
November 25, 2010
Destroying Palestinian Olive Trees
What effect does the destruction of Palestinian olive trees by Israel Defense Forces and settlers have on local farmers?
November 13, 2010
I Cry For You, Argentina
Why will the recent death of former President of Argentina Néstor Kirchner only make things more difficult for his wife, current president Cristina Kirchner?
October 29, 2010
President Obama Should Investigate Human Rights Abuses in Iraq
Why is an investigation of U.S. abuses in Iraq necessary to close this tragic chapter in U.S. history?
October 27, 2010
Rape: A Death Sentence for Congo’s Women
What can the world do to prevent rape in the Democratic Republic of the Congo — and around the world?
October 11, 2010
Dateline New York: A Lesson from September 11
What is the only sure way to defeat terrorism in the United States and abroad?
September 14, 2010
The Persistent Problem of Domestic Violence in China
What is one of the biggest — and yet most overlooked — scourges afflicting China today?
September 13, 2010
Diabetes: What Really Ails China
How is diabetes one of the most overlooked consequences of China's increasing prosperity?
August 23, 2010
How to Stem Russia’s HIV and Drug Epidemics
Why has Russia failed to contain its twin drug and HIV epidemics?
July 26, 2010
Golan Heights and Shebaa Farms: The Keys to Middle East Peace?
Could reaching an agreement on these disputed territories give the peace process the push it desperately needs?
July 16, 2010
A Unique Opportunity to Normalize U.S.-Cuba Ties
Why is the time ripe for the Obama Administration to improve U.S. relations with Cuba?
July 15, 2010
Opium-Addicted Children: Paying a Heavy Price for the Afghan War
How can years of war doom generations of children to a miserable life?
July 5, 2010
Drones: Backfiring on U.S. Strategy
Do drone attacks violate international humanitarian law?
June 9, 2010
Challenges of Urbanization
How is rapid urbanization affecting cities across the globe?
January 18, 2010
AIDS: China’s Growing Threat
How is China handling its rising HIV/AIDS infection rate?
December 1, 2009
Health in China: The Environmental Toll on Children
How can China ensure the health of its children by protecting its environment?
October 31, 2009
Remembering Dr. Schweitzer
What lessons can we learn from past Nobel Peace Prize winners?
October 10, 2009
Health Care: Healing the Middle East
How are medical professionals promoting peace in a region of conflict?
June 15, 2009
Health in the Andes: The Modern Role of Traditional Medicine (Part II)
Why are governments putting more emphasis on developing traditional medicine?
May 11, 2009
Health in the Andes: The Modern Role of Traditional Medicine (Part I)
How is modern science making use of traditional healing practices?
May 9, 2009
HIV/AIDS in Haiti and Latin America
Where is progress being made in the fight against this global epidemic?
May 2, 2009
Overcoming Armenia’s Psychological Scars
How can Turkey and Armenia move past the pain of the past?
April 11, 2009
Can Guantánamo Return to Cuba?
What does history have to say about giving Guantánamo back to Cuba?
April 4, 2009
Iraqi Children: Bearing the Scars of War
What psychological damage is being done to the children of Iraq?
March 21, 2009
Violence Against Women: A Hidden Pandemic (Part II)
What factors cause increases in violence against women?
March 8, 2009
Violence Against Women: A Hidden Pandemic (Part I)
Why is violence against women such a global problem?
March 7, 2009
Taking a Bite Out of Malaria: Part II
How are efforts in Mexico and Central America fighting this scourge of malaria without using toxic insecticides?
February 23, 2009
Taking a Bite Out of Malaria: Part I
Why is malaria such a crucial global health problem?
February 21, 2009
Afghanistan’s Public Health Emergency
What can the Obama administration do to help alleviate the health — and security — situation in Afghanistan?
January 31, 2009
Iran, Let the AIDS Doctors Go Free
Is Iran ready to enter the international arena as a respected partner in protecting human rights?
January 13, 2009
Health and Human Rights in Zimbabwe
How have recent human rights violations in Zimbabwe led to the deterioration of the country's health care system?
December 9, 2008
A Chance to Change the Course in Cuba
Does change for America mean a change of course for U.S. policy on Cuba?
December 3, 2008
Iraq’s Public Health Crisis
Will improving public health in Iraq help end the war and bring stability?
February 18, 2008
Solving Africa’s Public Health Crisis
Can Africa address its serious public health challenges through the strategic use of minimal resources?
November 23, 2007