Global Health

Last week, I discussed the breaking news of an emerging strain of “totally drug resistant” tuberculosis (TDR-TB)* in Mumbai.  This week, the Indian government denied the findings, arguing that the twelve cases were …

I can’t believe a new year has come upon us so quickly.  Unsurprisingly, there are already global health issues cropping up.  In perhaps the most troubling news, India has reported that there are at least 12 cases of totally drug resistant tuberculosis in the country.  President …

Thursday, December 1, was World AIDS Day.  Each year, people gather worldwide to remember those lost to or affected by HIV/AIDS and to raise awareness.  It’s also a time to reflect on what’s been accomplished and what remains to be done, and the day serves as a time for politicians, …

Although global health in 2011 was overshadowed by the economic recession and related budget cuts by donor countries, there were a few rays of hope to be found.  Much progress has been made in combating some global epidemics and more attention has …

Tomorrow (November 12) is World Pneumonia Day.  Although it seems that there’s a commemorative event almost every day to increase awareness about various illnesses or health issues, pneumonia is one that the world should remember and take action on.  Pneumonia is currently the number one …

 
This week, UNAIDS has launched a new project to work with young people for a youth-centered HIV strategy.  Scientists are moving into the next stages of deploying genetically-modified mosquitoes to combat insect-borne diseases like dengue, and …

Monday was World Polio Day, and there was much to celebrate: as of now, the world has seen a 99% reduction in polio cases. That’s incredible news.  We have reached a point where polio could be wholly eradicated in less …

There are exciting new developments in the fight against malaria. More attention must be paid to mental illness around the world. Finally, a community-based program out of Senegal is stamping out female genital cutting, and the model …

Every day across the globe children die from preventable diseases.  One of the biggest and most preventable killers is malaria.  Malaria is a life-threatening disease caused by parasites that are transmitted to people through the bites of infected mosquitoes.  According to the World Malaria Report 2010, there …

Earlier this month, a study published in The Lancet discussed findings that hormonal contraceptives doubled the risk of HIV infection and transmission.  The study examined 3,790 sero-discordant heterosexual couples (meaning that one of the two has HIV) …

To absolutely no one’s surprise, the US Congress is still going after foreign aid in an attempt to seem tough on spending, as The New York Times reported this week.  Although there appear to be …

The UN High-Level Meeting (HLM) on Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) was held last week in New York and resulted in the adoption of a Political Declaration (PDF here).  As I feared a few weeks ago, the declaration is weak and does …

 
 
Today, I’d like to share articles published this week that explore developments and discoveries in global health.  Drug-resistant strains of bacteria are on the rise, and there is a need for conservation of antibiotics.  Genetically-modified mosquitoes are the …

I write often about communicable diseases, such as HIV/AIDS, which get a lot of international attention and popular support, spurred on by celebrities, government leaders, and the media.  What is ignored, however, is the growing epidemic of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), also known as chronic or “lifestyle” …

I’ve made a recent move to San Francisco, California, and a few days ago, I found myself wandering around The Mission, a neighborhood that is undergoing rapid gentrification.  Apart from the somewhat small but popular Dolores Park (pictured …