This Week in Global Health

Friday, January 13, 2012

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


The Solar Suitcase at work in a primary health care centre in Liberia. Photo: WE CARE Solar
The Hindustan Times reports that pictures of cigarettes can literally leave smokers salivating.

National Geographic reports on a suitcase (…yes, a suitcase) that is saving women’s lives.

A new study theorizes that a tax on sugar-sweetened beverages could significantly impact rates of obesity. (Huffington Post)

Australian health officials blast British American Tobacco’s emblematic use of a kangaroo on some cigarette packages. (The Daily Telegraph)

The Huffington Post asks, “Where there are no doctors, who can deliver health? "

The numbers of smokers fall in Taiwan—but cigarette sales are increasing, suggesting that habitual smokers are intensifying their usage. (Taipei Times)

A new study shows that doctors should offer guidance about quitting smoking—whether smokers want it or not. (Reuters)

Millions of smokers aren’t telling their doctors about their deadly habit, reports MedPage Today.

Two decades of civil war have left Somalia facing a maternal health crisis, reports Voice of America.

An increasing number of African countries are turning away from foreign aid, reports IPS.

Scientists report that the so-called ‘gut hormone’ may hold the key to fighting the obesity crisis. (MSN India)

Secondhand smoke may give your pet cancer, reports The Reading Eagle.

“What does an [American] election year mean for Women’s Health?” , asks the Huffington Post.

NYC Mayor Bloomberg defends the city’s graphic anti-obesity ads. (NY1)

The Wall Street Journal asks if Americans are getting healthier.

The European Union has pledged an additional 52 million euros to Ghana in an attempt to improve maternal health in the country, reports Ghana Business News.

An exercise hormone may keep us fit—the NY Times explores whether it can be synthesized.


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


Stephen Hamill
Associate Director, Communications and Advocacy
World Lung Foundation