With omicron, you need a mask that means business
To block a variant this transmissible, scientists say you need an N95 or other high-filtration mask. Here's how to find a good one and when to wear it.
Global Health
A coconut seller and a day laborer reflect on life in astoundingly unequal India
It's one of the world's most unequal countries, says a new report. And the gap between rich and poor is getting worse. Two workers who each make less than $5 a day describe what their lives are like.
Japan's puzzling COVID lull
COVID cases in Japan fell more than 99% from the last peak. Unlike previous infection waves, and countries in similar situations, it's largely staying there. Experts are struggling to explain why.
No pay for staff. No patient supplies. No heat. This is health care in Afghanistan
When the Taliban took over, predictions were made that the country's health care system would collapse. That's no longer just a forecast, says Dr. Paul Spiegel after his five-week mission there.
Editors' pick: 11 hidden gems on our global health blog in 2021
Want to hear the former president of Zambia sing about public health? Find out what to do if you lose a sheep in Senegal? Use solar power to iron garments? Give these stories a read.
Israel takes action to control the spread of the omicron variant
Israel is banning its citizens from traveling to the U.S. and dozens of other countries, hoping to control the newest coronavirus variant, and allow Israel to avoid shutting down the economy.
The riddle of Japan's dramatic drop in COVID numbers
The turnaround came in the wake of a fifth wave of infections that peaked in August. Japan is trying to figure out why its COVID-19 case numbers and fatalities have plummeted.
The Netherlands is under strict lockdown over Christmas and New Year
The Netherlands has gone into a strict lockdown over the Christmas and New Year to try to contain the omicron variant. It's the country third lockdown since the beginning of the pandemic.
Our 11 most-read global pandemic stories of 2021
From India to Israel to white-tailed deer in Iowa harboring the coronavirus, our top COVID stories of the year reveal the ever-changing nature of the world's health crisis.
Rich nation, unequal health care: Why a charity that's helped Haiti is aiding the U.S.
The charity Partners in Health aims to improve health services in lower income places like Haiti and Rwanda. Now it's setting up a permanent presence in the U.S. with an $11 million federal grant.