Despite decades of vaccine development, smallpox remains the only disease ever to be fully eradicated by vaccination. By the end of 2026, the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) hopes that polio will be added to that short list. Poliomyelitis, more commonly known as polio, is a highly infectious virus that can cause paralysis or death … Continue reading “The Last Mile in Polio Eradication”
Queen Elizabeth II was never a parochial figure, solely of interest to the UK and Northern Ireland, and the 14 other realms of which she was head of state. During her 70 years on the throne, she met 13 US presidents, more global leaders than perhaps anyone else, and saw the United Nations expand from 60 to … Continue reading “Can King Charles Preserve the Commonwealth?”
Aid is finally reaching the millions of Pakistanis whose lives have been upended by devastating floods. The United Nations has launched a $160 million emergency plan; supplies are being flown in from the Middle East and Asia; and donors and publics across the world are responding to this most recent disaster appeal. Pakistan’s tragedy is the latest in … Continue reading “Humanitarianism Must Adapt to Climate Change, Too”
Monkeypox, a virus transmitted to humans mostly through small rodents (and less commonly monkeys) was first identified in 1970, and infections have typically been confined to the parts of western and central Africa where it is endemic. The disease is usually mild, with symptoms including fever and rashes clearing within a few weeks. This makes … Continue reading “Monkeypox and the Dangers of Misnaming Diseases”
In his inauguration speech in early June, the new president of Somalia, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, called attention to the grave threat of famine posed by the severe drought affecting the Horn of Africa. His plea for action echoed those of humanitarian organizations, which have been warning that the worst drought in 40 years presents a major crisis for the region, with millions … Continue reading “Horn of Africa Famine Demands a Global Response”
