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.
Global Health Magazine, August 2010
Nepal has the poorest drinking water and sanitation coverage for its population in South Asia and a correspondingly high rate of waterborne diseases. Read about one school-focused water and sanitation project, the benefits of which have extended beyond the students and into their homes and communities.
AfricaNews, July 2010
New figures published in the Lancet medical journal last month revealed that diarrhoea is now the biggest killer of under-fives in Africa, claiming the lives of 2,000 children per day. Action Aid made recommendations at the Africa Union Summit for simple sanitation and hygiene interventions, which would slash mortality rates.
BBC News, July 2010
In the slums of Nairobi, Kenya, the lack of sanitation is dangerous not only for women's health, but also for women's safety. The new report, Insecurity and Indignity: Women's experiences in the slums of Nairobi, Kenya, expose the constant threat of sexual violence faced by women when they seek out the few communal latrines that are available.
HCP Live, July 2010
In the recent article, "Progress and barriers for the control of diarrhoeal disease" appearing in The Lancet, researchers from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health assert that now is the time to revitalize diarrheal disease prevention efforts. The researchers call for wider use of improved treatment technologies, including oral rehydration solution (ORS), zinc supplementation, and rotavirus vaccines.
Also see "Driving out my old nemesis," a defeatDD blog post written by Mathuram Santosham, the lead author of The Lancet article.
