This fee covers:

• Professional peer review by subject matter experts
• English language copyediting and formatting
• XML and PDF production to international standards
• DOI registration via CrossRef
• Unlimited open access hosting and bandwidth
• Indexing in Google Scholar, BASE, and other databases
• Long-term digital preservation
• Author support throughout the publication process

Institutional Membership (15-30% Discount)

Authors affiliated with member institutions receive automatic discounts on APCs. Membership provides unlimited or reduced-rate publishing for all researchers at your institution.

Learn about institutional membership →

Low- and Middle-Income Country Waivers

We support global research equity through fee waivers and substantial discounts for authors from low- and middle-income countries as classified by the World Bank. Waivers are granted based on:

• Corresponding author affiliation in an eligible country
• No external funding available for publication fees
• Scientific merit of the research

Student & Early Career Researcher Support

Graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and early-career researchers without institutional funding may request fee reductions on a case-by-case basis. Please include a brief statement in your cover letter explaining your circumstances.

How to Request a Waiver

Waiver requests can be submitted:

• During manuscript submission via the online system
• In your cover letter to the Editor
• After acceptance by emailing [email protected]

All requests are reviewed confidentially. Lack of funding will never prevent publication of high-quality research that advances public health knowledge.

Rigorous Peer Review

Expert reviewers and editors ensure the scientific quality and validity of published research.

Professional Production

Copyediting, formatting, typesetting, and creation of XML/PDF files to international standards.

Permanent Archiving

Long-term digital preservation through Crossref and other archival systems.

Global Infrastructure

Hosting, bandwidth, DOI registration, indexing, and technical platform maintenance.

When do I need to pay?

APCs are due only after your manuscript is accepted for publication. You will receive an invoice to arrange payment. Publication occurs after payment is processed.

What if I can't afford the APC?

We offer waivers and discounts for authors from low-income countries, students, and unfunded researchers. Request a waiver at submission or after acceptance—lack of funding will not prevent publication of quality research.

Can my funding agency or institution pay?

Yes. Many grants and institutions budget for APCs. We provide invoices and receipts suitable for grant reimbursement or direct institutional billing. Institutional members receive automatic discounts.

Are there additional fees for color figures, page length, or supplements?

No. The APC covers unlimited color figures, reasonable page length, and supplementary materials. There are no hidden fees or surcharges.

What happens if I withdraw my manuscript after acceptance?

Please note that a withdrawal charge equivalent to 50% of the Article Processing Charges (APC) will apply if a manuscript is withdrawn after three (3) days of submission. Authors are therefore advised to carefully consider this policy before submitting their manuscripts.

Furthermore, a manuscript must not be submitted to another journal unless an official withdrawal confirmation has been issued. Submitting the same manuscript elsewhere without formal withdrawal constitutes ethical misconduct and will be addressed in accordance with established publication ethics guidelines.

Does paying the APC guarantee acceptance?

No. All manuscripts undergo rigorous peer review based solely on scientific merit. Editorial decisions are independent of ability to pay. APCs are charged only after acceptance.