In just a few months, concern around a new virus in the Middle East, a coronavirus known as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) – has escalated quickly, sparking fears among some public health experts that the virus may pose a substantial threat to the entire world.
Though the name Middle East Respiratory Syndrome may sound harmless – perhaps even bland – the virus represents a very serious potential health problem.
Here’s a stat that might stun you: in 2008, philanthropic giving ensured 2.4 billion condoms were distributed worldwide.
The number is impressive, but now consider this: by 2015, some experts estimate that more than 18 billion condoms will be needed worldwide to meet global HIV prevention and family planning needs.
The takeaway? Despite the best efforts of many – access to condoms is still fairly limited in many parts of the world, and often in the places that need them most.
The benefits of the almighty condom are fairly well documented. If used properly, an effective condom can prevent unwanted pregnancies and stop the spread of sexually transmitted diseases.
David Fenley is a research assistant at the National Center for Food Protection and Defense (NCFPD) and student in the University of Minnesota’s Hubert H. Humphrey School of Public Affairs. This post first appeared on the NCFPD’s Blog.
At the National Center for Food Protection and Defense we aim to anticipate food system disruptions before they become just that, disruptions.
While markets around the world react to the Chinese H7N9 bird flu scare and poultry is slaughtered by the tens of thousands in an attempt to contain its further spread, the United States might not have too much cause for concern.
The flu virus is not easily spread from person-to-person and the U.S. does not currently import Chinese poultry for human consumption. Pet food, on the other hand, is imported and has a history of harming our furry friends.
In the past decade, U.S. trade relations with China have improved immensely, but there are still many points of contention, poultry being one of them.
Childhood vaccinations are a cornerstone of modern public health. Routine vaccinations have significant health benefits for the person being vaccinated – benefits that may be extended to someone who’s either not protected via vaccination or natural immunity. This protection is referred to as “herd immunity.”
Herd immunity is similar in principle to how a herd of elephants protects their babies. When a herd of elephants encounters danger, the adults form a ring around the babies, facing outward towards the danger. They become a barrier between the danger and the defenseless babies. But for the practice to work, there must be enough adult elephants to circle the baby elephants. If not, then the protection scheme is in danger of breaking down. The same thing happens with herd immunity.
Many diseases and infections come to humans from wildlife. So what are we doing to try to prevent the spread? Which animals should we be wary of…and why?
Defining the risk of the international wildlife trade is challenging, but the stakes for controlling the trade and mitigating its dangers will be critical to protecting humans from emerging disease.
Many organizations and some federal agencies, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, have expressed concern that pathogens entering the country through the wildlife trade could potentially make the jump to humans, morphing into something more troublesome.
Last week was National Public Health Week (NPHW), a time to honor, celebrate, and raise awareness for the critical ways public health improves our lives.
This year’s NPHW theme, “Public Health is ROI: Save Lives, Save Money,” highlighted the value of prevention and the importance of well-supported public health systems in preventing disease, saving lives and curbing health care spending.
