The fight to beat neglected tropical diseases was going well. 2025 could change that The campaign to prevent and treat these diseases has seen great success thanks to a USAID program. Now that program is gone. Jonathan Lambert
Rising temperatures could have a chilling impact on young children A study points to a new concern about the effect that heat can have on young children. Jonathan Lambert
A ban on feeding pigeons ruffles lots of feathers in Mumbai The pigeon population has exploded — a result of people feeding the birds. For some it's a holy duty and a way to connect to nature. Critics point to health risks tied to exposure to pigeon droppings. Omkar Khandekar
For the first time this century, child deaths under age 5 will likely rise. Why? A dramatic drop in mortality for youngsters under age 5 has been one of the great accomplishments in global health. But estimates suggest that in 2025 child deaths will go up. Gabrielle Emanuel
For the first time since 1988, the U.S. is not officially commemorating World AIDS Day Noting the decision not to mark the day, the State Department stated: "An awareness day is not a strategy." Activists in the fight to end the ongoing AIDS epidemic disagree. Gabrielle Emanuel
These Zika mothers went to battle — and their cry was heard After the Zika outbreak ended in Brazil, many families faced a new reality: a child whose life was irrevocably altered after the mother contracted the virus while pregnant. Here's what happened next. Ari Daniel
Our readers' tales of kindness will surprise you, warm your heart and make you smile We invited you to share acts of kindness. The topics include new shoes, a basket of berries that aren't very tasty and an unexpected twist for someone treating the person behind them in line. Laurel Dalrymple
Can vaping help wean people off cigarettes? Anti-smoking advocates are sharply split Many think it's a dangerous ploy by the tobacco industry. But some say, with millions of deaths each year attributed to smoking cigarettes, it's the lesser of two evils. Gabrielle Emanuel
Are there lessons for the U.S. in this European country's struggle with measles? In 2024, Romania, an upper middle income European country, had over 30,000 cases — putting it on the world's top ten measles list. Its vaccination rate hovers around 60%. How did this happen? Michal Ruprecht
