One rural Thai district has the beefiest COVID-19 vaccination enticement yet: a live cow. Everyone who signs up for vaccines in that area is entered into a lottery; once a week, through the end of the year, the bovine prize is awarded. Thailand has been slow to vaccinate its public, but as a big rollout begins this month, officials worry that folks in the upcountry will shirk inoculations. The cow giveaway is working — registration in this mountain district is skyrocketing — and the government will even deliver the animal to the winners’ homes.
At The World, we believe strongly that human-centered journalism is at the heart of an informed public and a strong democracy. We see democracy and journalism as two sides of the same coin. If you care about one, it is imperative to care about the other.
Every day, our nonprofit newsroom seeks to inform and empower listeners and hold the powerful accountable. Neither would be possible without the support of listeners like you. If you believe in our work, will you give today? We need your help now more than ever! Every gift will be matched 2:1, so your impact will go even further.