global health

A health care worker prepares a dose of Russia's Sputnik V COVID-19 vaccine, at the Del Norte Hospital in El Alto, Bolivia, on Saturday, Jan. 30, 2021.

Sputnik V vaccine is nearly 92% effective — a 'political win for Putin'

Public health expert Judy Twigg says that the Sputnik V vaccine study increases Russia's soft power influence around the globe.

Sputnik V vaccine is nearly 92% effective — a 'political win for Putin'
The World

The joy of cooking — with cow dung

The joy of cooking — with cow dung
A nurse tests a blood sample during a free HIV test at a blood tests party, part of a campaign to prevent HIV infection among male same-sex couples, in Bangkok September 20, 2014.

Controlling AIDS by treating AIDS

Controlling AIDS by treating AIDS
A worker from a private company fumigates a property for mosquitoes in Port-au-Prince, May 23, 2014. The painful mosquito-borne virus called Chikungunya is spreading quickly through the Caribbean, causing alarm in Haiti and the neighboring Dominican Repub

Jamaica declares a state of emergency to try to stop the spread of painful chikungunya virus

Jamaica declares a state of emergency to try to stop the spread of painful chikungunya virus
AC Milan's Michael Essien takes part in a training session at the Vicente Calderon stadium in Madrid on March 10, 2014, ahead of a UEFA Champions League match against Atlético Madrid.

Soccer star Michael Essien doesn't have Ebola — so who started the rumor that he did?

Soccer star Michael Essien doesn't have Ebola — so who started the rumor that he did?
The World

You get your soda from a vending machine, so why not your medical marijuana?

Canada is making it a whole lot easier to get medical marijuana. Think vending machines.

You get your soda from a vending machine, so why not your medical marijuana?
Malnutrition1

Malnourished children in sub-Saharan Africa are not getting the life-saving drugs they need

A research study last year showed that a simple antibiotic can reduce a severely malnourished child's chances of dying by nearly 40 percent. But getting that antibiotic to the children who need it is easier said than done.

Malnourished children in sub-Saharan Africa are not getting the life-saving drugs they need
The World

An ointment could save up to half a million newborns a year­ – and it costs 20 cents

In Nepal, as many as a quarter of newborn deaths could be prevented with the use of an inexpensive antiseptic ointment, routinely used after childbirth in the US. The challenge is getting it to the women who need it in time.

An ointment could save up to half a million newborns a year­ – and it costs 20 cents
Cambodian children

The Khmer Rouge may be partly to blame for diabetes in Cambodia

Adult-onset diabetes is increasingly common in Cambodia, yet many Cambodian diabetics don't exhibit the usual risk factors. Could the country be experiencing a delayed effect of famine in the 1970s?

The Khmer Rouge may be partly to blame for diabetes in Cambodia
Volunteer Health Worker

Thousands of health workers in Senegal receive no pay. Is that fair?

In many developing countries, thousands of volunteers serve as community health workers. But who is looking after their interests? Amy Costello reports from the West African nation of Senegal.

Thousands of health workers in Senegal receive no pay. Is that fair?
Two office workers in Beijing told me they're thinking about moving out of the city because of the air pollution.

Beijingers don masks to defend themselves against dirty air — and to make a fashion statement

In Chinese cities like Beijing, a rising awareness about the dangers of air pollution is evident on people's faces. More and more Beijingers are wearing masks to protect themselves from air pollution. But, in order for them to offer any protection at all, they first must be worn correctly.

Beijingers don masks to defend themselves against dirty air — and to make a fashion statement
Days before the sudden influx, monitors reported that people were arriving by bus and setting up makeshift camps on the Syrian side of the Peshkhabour border crossing. UNHCR / G.Gubaeva.

Harvard forum asks how the world can help Syrians caught in the war

While the international community focuses on chemical weapons in Syria, the suffering of Syrians caught up in the war continues. After more than two years of civil strife, Syrians are displaced and lack basic health care. And it's clear the world could be doing more.

Harvard forum asks how the world can help Syrians caught in the war
Januka Rasaeli, a pregnant woman in Nepal

Snapshot: Behind the Walls Of Nepal's Women

The World's multimedia producer Sonia Narang is wrapping up a three-week trip to Nepal where she's been reporting on the difficult lives of women who still abide by centuries-old traditions.

Snapshot: Behind the Walls Of Nepal's Women