Global Health Progress

Writers within the global health community, as well as others personally interested in ending the global pandemic, commemorated World AIDS Day on Dec. 1, 2009 by discussing the issue throughout online channels. The GHP blog collected some highlights from those taking part in the discussion.

The 5th Pan-African Multilateral Initiative on Malaria (MIM) Conference ended in Nairobi, Kenya on Nov. 13, with scientists providing renewed hope for the elimination of the disease through a debut of new technological surveillance tools, increased political and investment commitments, and promising developments on a malaria vaccine.

In December 2006, the United Nations (UN) passed a resolution on diabetes that invites all member states, relevant organizations of the UN system and other international organizations to observe November 14 as World Diabetes Day. Recognizing diabetes as a costly disease that poses severe risks to families, member states and the entire world, the UN Resolution calls on governments to develop national policies for the prevention, treatment and care of diabetes.

The 5th Multilateral Initiative on Malaria (MIM) Pan-African Malaria Conference promises to unveil new findings and discuss recent developments in the global effort to eradicate malaria, a disease that – although preventable and treatable – still proves to be one of the deadliest and most persistent illnesses on the planet.

On Global Handwashing Day 2009, CEO of OneWorld Health Richard Chin, M.D., writes about their work to help spread the message about the vital importance of handwashing to prevent disease and save lives.

Each year, the Clinton Global Initiative (CGI) brings leaders from government, business and civil society together to discuss pressing global challenges and launch specific Commitments to Action addressing these challenges. This roundup features a sampling of posts from the many online thought leaders who shared their insights on the CGI meeting.

On September 21, 2009, PATH will receive the Conrad N. Hilton Humanitarian Prize for their work to alleviate human suffering. Scott Jackson, vice President of external relations at PATH, writes about the commitment, dedication, and hope of health workers in some of the world’s poorest countries.

Dr. Glenn Geelhoed, professor of surgery, international medical education, and microbiology and tropical medicine at the George Washington University, writes about his first medical mission of 2009. The team rises to new challenges in the form of a blackout during their time in Far North Luzon General Hospital, where they performed 204 operations in four full days.

Richard Chin, M.D. is a Board Certified internist with extensive expertise in drug development. As chief executive officer of OneWorld Health, Dr. Chin writes about a new partnership to fight one of the most pervasive killers of children worldwide.

The blogosphere has been abuzz this week with news about global pandemic influenza H1N1 (popularly referred to as “swine flu”). Most notably, bloggers have focused on the news that pregnant women may be at increased risk from the virus.