NYC Health Department Staffers Studying 'Global Oppression' Impact on Health

New working group references 'genocide' in Gaza as an example of oppression to be examined.

Published on Feb. 6, 2026

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Members of New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani's Department of Health have formed a 'Global Oppression and Public Health Working Group' to study how 'global oppression' impacts the health and well-being of priority communities in NYC. The group's first meeting referenced the 'genocide' in Gaza as an example of the type of oppression they aim to address.

Why it matters

The creation of this working group reflects growing concerns among some public health officials about the links between systemic oppression, discrimination, and health outcomes. However, the group's framing of the situation in Gaza as 'genocide' has drawn criticism from some who view it as a politically-charged and controversial characterization.

The details

According to reports, the working group held its first meeting on Tuesday at the health department's headquarters. During the more than hourlong presentation, the presenter stated the group was formed 'in response to the ongoing genocide in Palestine' and aims to study how 'global oppression in its many forms' influences health equity in New York City. The group's mission is to examine the impact of oppression on 'trauma, violence and discrimination' as well as support colleagues negatively affected by it.

  • The working group held its first meeting on Tuesday, February 4, 2026.

The players

Zohran Mamdani

The mayor of New York City who appointed Dr. Alister Martin as the new commissioner of the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene.

Dr. Alister Martin

The newly appointed commissioner of the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. Prior to this role, he founded Vot-ER, a political organization that aimed to provide voter registration in healthcare settings.

Hassaan Chaudhary

One of Mayor Mamdani's transition aides who previously referred to Israel as 'barbaric' and used the term 'Jew' as a slur, according to the Anti-Defamation League.

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The takeaway

The creation of this working group reflects growing concerns among some public health officials about the links between systemic oppression, discrimination, and health outcomes. However, the group's framing of the situation in Gaza as 'genocide' has drawn criticism from some who view it as a politically-charged and controversial characterization, highlighting the potential for this initiative to become a source of controversy.