This Week in Global Health

Friday, December 9, 2011

A weekly round- up of selected health news from around the world. Posted each Friday.


Mississippi ranked last in the latest look at health status in America. This video explores the factors behind the high prevalence of obesity in the state.
The Dutch government is accused of ‘all but shutting down’ its tobacco control laws as it weakens smoking bans and ends anti-smoking campaigns. (Reuters)

A new study suggests that the mode of delivery (whether C-section or ‘natural’ birth) does not significantly affect stress levels in new mothers after the procedure. (Reuters)

Researchers find a relationship between non-melanoma skin cancers and cigarette smoking in women. (ScienceCodex.com)

NPR reports that although Americans are generally healthier than they were 20 years ago, obesity and diabetes threaten to undermine that progress. (Be sure to check out the interesting, empathic video on the ‘fattest region in the world’.)

The Washington Post outlines top breast cancer risks.

School-based child obesity initiatives are particularly effective for children ages 6-12, reports Medscape. Papau New Guinea introduces a comprehensive smoking ban in the wake of a tobacco epidemic; more than 70 percent of households in the country contain at least one smoker—and half of children aged 13-15 smoke. (Voice of America)

Another Papau New Guinea story focuses on the maternal health crisis in the region.

The Executive Director of the UN Population Fund is interviewed in Forbes about maternal health, HIV/AIDS, and other public health issues.

BBC News reports on New York’s crackdown on ‘roll-your-own’ cigarette stores.

USA Today covers the top five cancer advances made in 2011.

An editorial in The Advocate attacks states’ recent defunding of tobacco control programs.

Not for the squeamish—smoking after plastic surgery can lead to some unexpected and bizarre problems. (CBS News)

Pakistan’s Tobacco Control Cell initiates legal proceedings against Phillip Morris International—the first such legal case in the country. (Pakistan Today)

Uganda’s tobacco control advocates attempt to fight back against international tobacco companies, which are targeting the country because of its relatively weak anti-tobacco laws.


Have a news item that you think should be included in ‘This Week in Global Health’?
E-mail shamill@worldlungfoundation.org.


Stephen Hamill
Associate Director, Communications and Advocacy
World Lung Foundation