New vaccine might protect children from malaria
An experimental malaria vaccine that boosts immune responses has produced powerful antibodies in young children during initial trials, U.S. researchers say. Scientists hope the vaccine can be used to bring an end to the 1 million deaths a year associated with malaria.
Polio survivors face new threats
Post-polio syndrome continues to haunt hundreds of thousands of aging polio survivors, adversely affecting their quality of life. The absence of polio in the U.S. for several decades has created a dearth of medical professionals with experience treating the deteriorating nerves and muscles associated with the condition.
Officials: More than 4 million go hungry in Sudan
UN World Food Programme officials say the number of people in Sudan dependent on food aid has quadrupled in the past year to more than 4 million people. Sudanese officials say conflict — both the continuing toll of the two-decade civil war and incursions by the Lord’s Resistance Army — combined with drought have resulted in widespread and growing hunger.
Preventable killers drive global maternal, infant mortality
Maternal and infant mortality are two of the world’s most ignored health crises, claiming the lives of nearly 550,000 women and about 4 million babies every year. Most of the deaths are from preventable causes, but the political will to improve the situation is lacking.
Simple steps urged to reduce global cancer rates
Changes in lifestyle and vaccinations could prevent as many as 40% of the world’s 12 million annual cancer diagnoses, the Geneva-based International Union Against Cancer says. Vaccines are available for infection-caused cervical and liver cancers, and individual efforts to reduce sun exposure, eat healthier and limiting alcohol intake can minimize the risks of developing other forms.
