This Week in Global Health
Friday, March 1, 2013
A weekly round- up of selected health news from around the world. Posted each Friday.
Michael Bloomberg and Bill Gates team up to eradicate polio worldwide—exclusively revealing their plans to the Wall Street Journal.
Tobacco firms add kitty litter to cigars to take advantage of a tax loophole for ‘heavier’ cigars. (Bloomberg)
Debi Austin, who lost her voice box to smoking and subsequently became a tobacco control activist, has died after a 20-year battle with cancer. (NBC)
The South China Morning Post calls for an ‘lifesaving’ increase in cigarette taxes.
The Lancet reports on the good and bad news in global health funding.
CNN reports on our ‘obsession’ with salt, fat, and sugar.
TIME reports on the burden posed by China’s air pollution—and the added challenge of spring sandstorms, which have reduced visibility within Beijing to a few blocks.
Researchers find that smoking ups breast cancer risks. (Courier Journal)
The Citizen reports on the maternal health crisis in Tanzania.
Popular singers in the U.K. are criticized for taking Big Tobacco funds in Indonesia. (The Telegraph)
Smokeless tobacco usage increases amongst young athletes—despite increased awareness of the risks. (CTV)
Namibia reveals a new plan to reduce maternal and infant mortality. (Figo)
A new study shows that sugar—not obesity—may be the root cause of diabetes. (The LA Times)
Exposure to BPA may up asthma risks in children, reports Boston.com.
Bloomberg reports on the reactions to Russia’s new tobacco control legislation.
Tuberculosis breaks out amongst Los Angeles’ homeless population, highlighting the endemic poverty in the city. (Daily Beast)
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