There is an increasing focus on alternative treatment strategies, developed to treat other diseases and conditions but re-purposed to tackle TB.
A father reads to his son while sitting under a mosquito net. Mosquitoes have undergone evolutionary changes due to long-lasting insecticide-treated nets.
Georgina Goodwin and Vestergaard Frandsen
Although there have been global efforts to eliminate parasites, some parasites and vectors will have survived attack because they have evolved resistance.
World Health Organisation director-general Margaret Chan at the launch of a new global campaign against antibiotic resistance.
Reuters/Pierre Albouy
More than 700,000 people die each year from antibiotic-resistant infections. The World Health Organisation is trying to end the age of ignorance to protect this global common good.
A pharmacist dispensing drugs at Nairobi’s Mater Hospital. Resistance to antibiotics is high in Africa.
Reuters/Thomas Mukoya
Antibiotics are used extensively in Africa because of the continent’s high disease burden. This also means that resistance is high. Steps are being taken to raise awareness and encourage prudent use.
A doctor observes mosquitoes to better understand the malaria parasite which has been developing a resistance to the anti-malarial drugs.
Reuters/RIcardo Rojas
Malaria hits rural dwellers in poor countries the hardest. Those bitten by the wrong mosquito often do not know for many days that they have contracted malaria. Some have little or no access to doctors…
The widespread use of nano-silver particles in household items such as toothbrushes, socks and shoe inserts is contributing to the growth of superbugs, according to a Friends of the Earth report released…
Mutations of the flu virus render drugs ineffective for treating infected patients.
Leonid Mamchenkov
Aeron Hurt, WHO Collaborating Centre for Reference and Research on Influenza
The United Nations Food and Agricultute Organisation is warning authorities to be on high alert after a mutant strain of bird flu was found to be spreading across Asia. While bird flu hasn’t traditionally…