October 2012
A look at the human stories, news, and cultural influences that are shaping people's lives and health around the world.
Global Health
Is Malaria on its Way Out?Many countries are nearing — or have already achieved — malaria elimination, as documented by a new series of case studies by The Global Health Group at UCSF and the WHO Global Malaria Programme.
The two organizations highlight new evidence about what works — and what does not — for reaching and sustaining zero malaria transmission. |
The Changing Face of AIDSA recent study compared rates of HIV infection across 170 regions in 16 sub-Saharan African countries. The results are not what you might expect.
Surprisingly, the study's author found that in the poorest regions, it was richer people who were more likely to be infected with HIV, while in wealthier regions, the poor were more at risk. Here's why. |
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In Nigerian Gold Rush, Lead Poisons Thousands Of ChildrenLead from illegal gold mines in northwestern Nigeria has sparked what Doctors Without Borders has called the worst case of environmental lead poisoning in years. More than 400 children have died, and many more have been stunted for life.
A related blog post explores the indirect role of the collapse of the US housing market that contributed to the gold rush in Nigeria. |
First Abortion Clinic to Open in Belfast, Ireland
From the New York Times: " British nonprofit organization Marie Stopes International has said that it will open an abortion clinic in Belfast, the first ever on the island of Ireland, raising a furious reaction from anti-abortion campaigners who promised to pressure local politicians to refuse to grant an operating license."
Update: Clinic opened on October 18th,2012. From PRI: The First Abortion Clinic in Northern Ireland Opens Doors
Update: Clinic opened on October 18th,2012. From PRI: The First Abortion Clinic in Northern Ireland Opens Doors
Not Smoke-Free: Tobacco Use Booms in the Developing WorldThe British medical journal The Lancet studied 14 developing nations and found that nearly half of men and 11 percent of women in those countries use tobacco, mostly smoke products.
This PBS video explores why some cultures don't specifically encourage quitting. |
Watch Not 'Smoke-Free': Tobacco Use Booms in Developing World on PBS. See more from PBS NewsHour. |