Why It's So Hard To Wipe Out Polio In Pakistan
A report from the front lines. Obstacles range from violence aimed at vaccinators to social media campaigns against vaccines. Not to mention classism.
Global Health
How A Cheap Magnet Might Help Detect Malaria
Engineers in California are working on a new test that could offer a fast, cheap way to see if people are infected with the parasite.
Therapy For Torture Victims Has Surprising Economic Benefit, Study Says
Danish researchers analyzed the cost of treating refugees who have been tortured — both physical and psychological — and the economic impact.
Experimental Ebola Vaccinations, Considered 'Paradigm Shift,' Begin In Congo
The vaccine is still unlicensed but has passed drug trials with flying colors. Authorities have begun administering thousands of doses in the Democratic Republic of the Congo to fight the outbreak.
Is Sleeping With Your Baby As Dangerous As Doctors Say?
Many doctors in the U.S. say the practice puts an infant at risk of sleep-related death. A close look at the research reveals a different picture.
Response Is Swift To Try To Contain Congo's Ebola Outbreak
NPR's Scott Simon talks to Karsten Voigt of the International Federation of Red Cross, who just returned from 5 days in the hot zone, about the process of containing the virus.
Fake And Faulty Drugs: A Problem No One Wants To Talk About
A new book explores why getting a properly formulated medicine is hit-or-miss in much of the developing world — and why the issue is massively underreported.
Ebola Outbreak: How Worried Should We Be?
The world is mobilizing to send staff and resources to the Democratic Republic of the Congo to address an outbreak. That's a tough job when the epicenter is an 11-hour drive from the nearest airstrip.
WHO And Congolese Officials Scramble To Contain Ebola Outbreak
The World Health Organization says an Ebola outbreak in Democratic Republic of the Congo has reached a new, more worrying phase after a case turned up in a port city on the Congo River.
WHO Official Discusses Task Of Containing Ebola
NPR's Mary Louise Kelly talks to World Health Organization Deputy Director General of Emergency Preparedness and Response Peter Salama about reports of Ebola hitting a port city in the Democratic Republic of Congo, making it much harder to contain.