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Global Health

Tuesday

Herbally Derived Drug Combats Resistant Malaria

A new report says the increasing death toll from the mosquito-borne disease can be reversed through international support of a new drug based on a Chinese herbal treatment. NPR's Joanne Silberner reports.

Herbally Derived Drug Combats Resistant Malaria

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Sunday

Health

China's Female Population Numbers Continue to Shrink

China's demographics don't add up, according to a new study. The country's 2000 census indicates 120 boys are born for every 100 girls, giving China the highest sex ratio in the world. Researchers estimate the country is missing a million girls every year from its birth count, renewing fears that widespread sex selection and infanticide may be to blame. NPR's Susan Stamberg talks with Bowdoin College professor Nancy Riley.

China's Female Population Numbers Continue to Shrink

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Saturday

AIDS Conference Focuses on Plight of Women

At the 15th International AIDS Conference, held in Thailand this past week, scientists and policy makers focused particular attention on the fate of women with AIDS. Hear NPR's Susan Stamberg and Dr. Kathleen Cravero of UNAIDS.

AIDS Conference Focuses on Plight of Women

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AIDS Conference Hits U.S. Plan

The 15th International AIDS Conference comes to a close in Thailand. A U.S. plan to spend $15 billion on emergency measures is criticized over details, and divisions are evident at the gathering despite calls for unity. NPR's Richard Knox reports.

AIDS Conference Hits U.S. Plan

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Friday

From Our Listeners

HIV and AIDS Update

Thousands of scientists, activists and policy makers are meeting in Bangkok, Thailand this week for the International AIDS Conference. Join NPR's Joe Palca for an update from the meeting, including a look at the latest in AIDS treatment and prevention. Are microbicide gels the best option for preventing HIV infection in women? What are the prospects for an HIV vaccine?

HIV and AIDS Update

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Politics

Senate Backs Tobacco as Drug

The U.S. Senate votes to give the Food and Drug Administration authority to regulate tobacco as a drug. The legislation was part of a larger package to end federal price supports for tobacco farmers. But passage in the House is far from certain. NPR's David Welna reports.

Senate Backs Tobacco as Drug

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Indian Traditions Impeding HIV/AIDS Prevention

The powerlessness of women is partly behind the spread of AIDS in some parts of India. NPR's Brenda Wilson looks at how centuries-old cultural attitudes have put women at a high risk for HIV.

Indian Traditions Impeding HIV/AIDS Prevention

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Thursday

Botswana Aims to De-Stigmatize AIDS Testing

In much of the developing world, social stigma attached to AIDS has made testing uncommon. But in Bostwana, where some 40 percent of the adult population is infected, health officials have even enlisted the president in a public campaign to make testing routine. Fred de Sam Lazaro of Twin Cities Public Television reports.

Botswana Aims to De-Stigmatize AIDS Testing

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Wednesday

A Prophylactic Gel to Stop Transmission

Married Thai women have become an AIDS risk group. But in Thailand, as in many societies, women are in no position to tell their husbands to use condoms. That's giving new urgency to the drive to develop a gel that women can use to prevent HIV infection. NPR's Richard Knox reports.

A Prophylactic Gel to Stop Transmission

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Tuesday

U.N. Reports Rise in African AIDS Cases

The United Nations says new HIV infections and deaths from AIDS are continuing to rise in Africa. Although the impact of the disease has leveled off in some countries, southern Africa continues to be the center of the pandemic. NPR's Jason Beaubien reports from the region on how HIV/AIDS affects Africa's families and economies.

U.N. Reports Rise in African AIDS Cases

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From Our Listeners

AIDS and Political Will

It takes more than a good program to fight AIDS -- it takes political will. Thailand's strategy was once called the best, but there are signs that the country now faces a rise in new cases. We discuss how to maintain political will in fighting AIDS.

AIDS and Political Will

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Women's Rights and Spread of AIDS in S. Africa

Experts say culturally ingrained gender inequality is contributing to the spread of AIDS. Women often say they are terrified to admit to their husbands that they're HIV positive, even though their husbands caused the infection. Jennifer Schmidt examines the cultural dynamic in South Africa that is making it difficult to stop the spread of AIDS.

Women's Rights and Spread of AIDS in S. Africa

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In India, A Paradox of Supply and Demand

At the center of the international AIDS debate are relatively small generic drug manufacturers in poor countries. Companies such as India's Cipla have the ability to produce cheaper, easier-to-take drug cocktails for millions of people, but access is often blocked by trade restrictions and patents.

In India, A Paradox of Supply and Demand

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Monday