Latest posts by Juhie Bhatia
DRC: Rape Epidemic Fuels Fistula Cases
Ongoing fighting in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) continues to take its toll on women's health. One consequence is more cases of a health condition called fistula, which is being caused by brutal rapes.
USA: One Step Closer to Lifting HIV Travel Ban
Last week the U.S. government initiated the final steps required to lift long-standing travel and immigration restrictions imposed on HIV-positive foreigners.
Jamaica: High Teen Pregnancy and Sexual Violence Rates
Adolescent pregnancy continues to be a major health problem in Jamaica, with 35 percent of Jamaican women having their first pregnancy by age 19. Most of these pregnancies are not planned. Many of these teenage girls also experience sexual violence.
Global Health: “Swine Flu” In Images
Though concerns over the "swine flu" outbreak have eased, the virus continues to spread throughout the world. The World Health Organization announced today that there are now 4,379 confirmed cases of the virus in 29 countries. Here are some images of the swine flu's impact globally.
Global Health: Swine Flu Threat Spreads Worldwide
Confirmed or suspected cases of swine flu, which was detected in Mexico earlier this month, have now been found in at least seven other countries around the world. The World Health Organization says that this outbreak constitutes a "public health emergency of international concern."
Global Health: Twitter Face-Off To Fight Malaria
This past week Twitter became the newest weapon in the fight against malaria when American actor Ashton Kutcher challenged news network CNN to a race to get a million Twitter followers. The winner of the competition vowed to donate mosquito bed nets in time for World Malaria Day on April 25.
India: Steps to Prevent “Yoga Piracy”
India has organized a team of researchers and scientists to identify and record all ancient yoga positions (or asanas) in an attempt to prevent people living in other countries from patenting this existing knowledge.
Blogging Positively: Live Chat about HIV/AIDS on March 6
Rising Voices and Global Voices are holding a live online chat for bloggers and activists on Friday March 6, 2009 (5 pm Nairobi time) on how to use blogging to help improve awareness and information about HIV/AIDS.
Global Health: Mobile Phones to Boost Healthcare
Three foundations have joined forces in an effort to provide better healthcare through the use of cell phones and computer technology. In particular, these mobile technology initiatives are aimed at improving healthcare services in developing countries. Cell phones are currently being used for health services ranging from HIV/AIDS education to...
Blogging Positively: Join the Global Conversation on HIV/AIDS
This Valentine's Day (February 14) marks not only the start of a Global Voices campaign asking people to “Teach Someone You Love to Blog or Micro-Blog,” it also kicks off a series of health-related activities focused on HIV/AIDS to encourage more people infected and affected by the disease to blog....
Global Health: Obama Lifts “Global Gag Rule”
In his first week in office, U.S. President Barack Obama lifted a policy popularly known as the “Global Gag Rule.” The move is being applauded by women's rights and public health groups, as it will reinstate funding to international family planning programs globally. The policy, also known as the Mexico...
DR Congo: Containing the Ebola Outbreak
In late December an outbreak of the highly contagious Ebola virus was confirmed in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo). The outbreak is believed to have infected more than 36 people, including at least 12 deaths. DR Congo is trying to contain the outbreak, while some neighboring countries are...
Global Health: Hopes and Resolutions for 2009
As 2009 kicks off, many people are trying to create changes in their lives. Whether it's large or small goals, serious or humorous ones, bloggers around the world are posting lists of their New Year's resolutions — and health-related wishes often top the list. The U.K.-based mental health organization Mind...
Global Health: 2008 Blogs In Review
Bloggers in 2008 showed all the ways in which global health is interconnected with other issues, by covering health stories that touched on everything from poverty and women's rights to the environment and economics. They shared stories such as the prohibition of cannabis in Japan, how ads for children's food...
Zimbabwe: A Surge In Cholera Deaths
The widespread cholera outbreak in Zimbabwe continues to take its toll. The United Nations reported yesterday that the disease, which is mainly transmitted through contaminated water and food, has killed almost 1,000 people (978 to be exact) since the outbreak started in August. This new death toll is a 25...
World AIDS Day: Blogging Positively
This year marks the 20th anniversary of World AIDS Day, which takes place every year on December 1. Though the impact of HIV and AIDS is felt by millions of people globally every day, this particular day can help bring much-needed attention to the disease. The theme for this year's...
Obama's Victory: A Boost for Global Health?
As U.S. President-elect Barack Obama prepares for his four years in the White House, many are discussing how his term will impact health issues, globally and in the U.S., and if he will deliver on his campaign promises. As part of their campaign, Obama and Vice President-elect Joe Biden said...
South Africa: Using Cell Phones To Combat AIDS
South Africa has found a new weapon in its fight against HIV/AIDS – cell phones. A new initiative will be sending free text messages daily to encourage South Africans to get tested and treated for the disease. The project, called Project Masiluleke or Project M, was announced last week at...
Climate Change: Increasing The Spread of Diseases?
Melting ice caps, rising sea levels and extreme weather patterns aren't the only potential consequences of climate change. Scientists are warning that changes in global climate may also endanger public health by increasing the spread of diseases and other health problems. The issue of climate change's impact on health is...
South Africa: A New Era In The Fight Against AIDS?
In late September Barbara Hogan was appointed as South Africa's new health minister by interim President Kgalema Motlanthe, ousting her controversial predecessor Manto Tshabalala-Msimang. AIDS activists and many South Africans are hopeful that this move will signal a shift in the government's HIV/AIDS policies. Hogan, a veteran anti-apartheid activist and...
XDR-TB: Photographer Brings Emerging Disease Into Focus
In 2007 renowned war photographer and photojournalist James Nachtwey received a TED Prize, granting him $100,000 and one wish to change the world. Nachtwey's wish was to share a vital story in an innovative way using news photography. Last week his wish came true with the unveiling of his photos,...
