BBC News, September 2010
A group of researchers in South Africa has developed an easy to use, cost-effective filter that can purify water straight from the bottle. Water is poured through a tea bag that filters and kills harmful bacteria. As a side benefit, it tastes better than chlorinated water.
Reuters Health Information, August 2010
A new study on Australia's infrant rotavirus vaccination program, launched in July 2007, shows that that the vaccines cut hospitalizations for rotavirus diarrhea by more than half in that age group. A reduction was evident even among older children who hadn't received the vaccine, probably due to herd immunity. Scientists reaffirm that rotavirus vaccines should be strongly recommended for developed and developing countries alike.
UNICEF, August 2010
Thousands of children in India die each year from diarrhea and its complications. But an estimated 88 per cent of global deaths from diarrhea are entirely preventable if simple treatment and basic health information can be offered. In Bihar, that life-saving assistance is now being provided through the generous support of the IKEA Social Initiative, the international furniture company’s philanthropic wing, in partnership with UNICEF, as they provide zinc and oral rehydration therapy treatment.
Reuters AlertNet, August 2010
Research conducted jointly by KEMRI and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control suggests that waterborne diseases like diarrhoea, typhoid and cholera will overtake malaria as the country's biggest health problem by 2020 as climate change brings more extreme weather, including droughts and torrential rain. Because of this, medical scientists and environmental activists are urging the Kenyan government to speed up efforts to tackle climate-related diseases.
Global Health Magazine, August 2010
In this blog, International Relief and Development Pakistan Country Director Sajjad Iman outlines emergency health efforts to curb spread of life-threatening diseases in the flood-ravaged country. Among the primary health concerns are diarrheal diseases due to crowded conditions, contaminated water, and a lack of access to basic sanitation services and supplies.
Reuters Alertnet, August 2010
More than 3 million children are at high risk of deadly water-borne diseases in Pakistan, making them the most vulnerable victims of one of the worst natural disasters in history. According to UN humanitarian spokesman Maurizio Giuliano, their primary concern is water and health.
U.S. Department of State, August 2010
On August 16, 2010, Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton spoke about the President's Global Health Initiative at the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS) in Washington, DC. She emphasized the need for better coordination and integration of our global health programs, using rotavirus, oral rehydration solution, and safe water as examples of overlooked issues.
allAfrica.com, August 2010
Dr. Dorothy Esangbedo, National President of the Paediatrics Association of Nigeria (PAN), describes immunization as the biggest gift that can be given to mankind. She asserts that Nigeria must urgently double its routine immunization status in order to attract more international support, enhance child care, and reach MDG 4. She lists rotavirus vaccines as one important component that is missing from routine immunizations.
BMC Public Health, August 2010
A recent study conducted in Spain found that the introduction of a rotavirus vaccine into routine immunization programs would reduce significantly the important medical and economic burden due to rotavirus infections in that country. This add to the growing evidence base that rotavirus vaccines should be included in the immunization programs in all countries.
Health Day News, August 2010
New studies published in the Lancet demonstrate safety and efficacy of rotavirus vaccines in Africa and Asia, where rotavirus takes its greatest toll. The findings indicate that the vaccines could make a dramatic impact in saving children's lives.
