Global Health

A health worker vaccinates a Kenyan child with the world's first malaria vaccine. Kenya has given at least one dose to 300,000 children so far.

Health & Safety

First malaria vaccine hits 1 million dose milestone — although it has its shortcomings

1:23pm May 13, 2022

by Ari Daniel

The vaccine couldn't have come at a more critical time, with a surge in cases and deaths from malaria during the pandemic. But its efficacy — and its schedule — are far from ideal.

People line up to get the Sinopharm vaccine in Harare, Zimbabwe. World leaders promised to speed up vaccine distribution to low- and middle-income countries at the White House's second Global COVID-19 Summit on May 12.

White House summit leads to big promises to fight COVID in needy countries

6:49pm May 12, 2022

by Malaka Gharib

The second Global COVID-19 Summit aimed to refocus the world's attention on the pandemic. Here's what governments and members of the private and public sector pledged to do.

Dr. Jesse Clark is an infectious disease specialist at the University of California, Los Angeles. The COVID pandemic "has spurred people to try to end the HIV epidemic again," he says.

How COVID vaccines have boosted the development of an HIV vaccine

3:10pm May 12, 2022

by Michaeleen Doucleff

During the pandemic scientists launched a vaccine in record-breaking time. Their successful use of mRNA technology could lead to progress in the decades-long effort for an HIV inoculation.

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North Korea's Kaepoong town is seen from the unification observatory in Paju, South Korea, Thursday, May 12, 2022.

North Korea confirms 1st COVID outbreak as Kim orders lockdown

4:27am May 12, 2022

by The Associated Press

While the scale of the outbreak isn't known, it could have serious consequences because the country has a poor health care system and its 26 million people are believed to be mostly unvaccinated.

President Joe Biden speaks at the virtual Global COVID-19 Summit on Sept. 22, 2021, in Washington, D.C. On May 12, the White House will host the second Global COVID-19 Summit.

5 big ideas for the White House's Global COVID Summit

5:18pm May 11, 2022

by KAMALA THIAGARAJAN

We asked experts from around the world: What would they like to see on the agenda for this virtual event. Their ideas include fair pay for all health workers — and a makeover for foreign aid.

The White House will host a second global COVID-19 summit

7:06am May 11, 2022

NPR's A Martinez talks to Jeff Levi, George Washington University professor of Health Policy and Management, about the upcoming White House COVID Summit.

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Workers in protective overalls conduct mass COVID testing for residents on May 11, 2022, in Beijing.

Shanghai maintains 'zero-COVID' policy but the U.N. says it is not sustainable

4:19am May 11, 2022

by The Associated Press

The leader of the World Health Organization says he doesn't think that a 'zero-COVID' strategy is sustainable, given the behavior of the virus.

Demonstrators who support abortion rights celebrate outside the Constitutional Court in Bogota, Colombia on February 21. After an 8-hour debate, the court decriminalized abortions during the first 24 weeks of pregnancy.

Health & Safety

Colombia legalized abortions for the first 24 weeks of pregnancy. A backlash ensued

4:54pm May 10, 2022

by John Otis

The Constitutional Court issued the ruling in February of this year. It's part of a so-called "green wave" of liberalizing abortion rights in some Latin America countries. And it's led to protests.

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This Doctors Without Borders clinic in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, is called Pran Men'm (Take My Hand) in the local language. The humanitarian medical aid group operates in more than 70 countries.

Health & Safety

Doctors Without Borders addresses charges of racism within its ranks

9:00am May 09, 2022

by Joanne Lu

Journalists have compiled instances of favoring international staff over local staff and treating people of color inequitably. A grassroots group of staffers agrees. Here's how MSF is responding.

Journalists and politicians mingled at an afterparty following the White House Correspondents Dinner on April 30. Based on COVID cases among attendees at the main event, SARS-CoV-2 was mingling as well.

Health & Safety

Coronavirus FAQ: Should I go to that party? What do I do if guests got COVID?

6:23pm May 06, 2022

by Fran Kritz

Whether it's a wedding, graduation or meeting, indoor events can spread the virus. Here's a complete guide: what to ponder before going, how to cut risks while there, what to do if cases crop up.