In The News

Editorial: Remember SARS as More than a Disease

July 10, 2003
China should not remember SARS as a period of panic or as evidence of weaknesses and failings in the Chinese government, this editorial in an official Chinese paper says. Rather, the rapid defeat of the disease should evince the dedication, energy, and lightning speed of China's "efficient and centralized command team." The editorial downplays the secrecy that allowed SARS to...

A Rich Nation, a Poor Continent

Jeffrey D. Sachs July 9, 2003
The cure for Africa’s ills is the one thing the continent lacks: money. According to Jeffrey Sachs, director of the Earth Institute at Columbia University, Africa’s health care problems could be effectively combated with an annual infusion of $25 billion dollars from the developed world, including $8 billion from the US. By bolstering the continent’s nearly non-existent health care programs,...

Indonesian Muslims Can Consume GMO Foods

July 7, 2003
Muslims in Indonesia are now free to consume genetically modified organism (GMO) foods. Though there has been no official statement, the highest Indonesian Muslim body authorized to approve and make religious rulings on processed foods distributed within the country, the Ulemas Council (MUI), has implicitly approved the products by not issuing a fatwa (legal advice). Without a fatwa, Muslims...

India Fosters Growing 'Medical Tourism' Sector

Ray Marcelo July 2, 2003
India is hoping to expand its tourist industry – to include visitors with heart conditions and cataracts. Indeed, medical tourism, where foreigners travel abroad in search of low cost, world-class medical treatment, is gaining popularity in countries like India. The field has such lucrative potential that Indian finance minister Jaswant Singh called for India to become a “global health...

Sars-Free Asia Goes All Out to Woo Tourists Back

Paul Zach June 26, 2003
Jubilation is filling Sars-free Asian streets now that the WHO has issued the affected countries a clean bill of health and lifted travel warnings. City governments from Beijing to Taipei are sparing no expense on mass celebrations, encouraging people to go out and spend. Locals and even foreign businessmen have responded en masse, eager to join the colorful celebrations. However, amidst this...

Thai Biologist Strikes Blow Against Malaria

Pennapa Hongthong June 18, 2003
After more than 30 years of research, Thai scientist Yongyuth Yuthavong has discovered the enzyme that allows malaria to become resistant to drugs. Colleagues from the UK collaborated with him on his research, and Western aid organizations funded it at various stages. However, transnational support is not matched by big business interest. Large pharmaceutical companies – the primary purveyors...

WHO Lifts Travel Warning on Taiwan

Melody Chen June 18, 2003
The SARS epidemic finally seems to be waning. The World Health Organization (WHO) lifted its travel advisory to Taiwan on Tuesday, with Beijing the only place remaining on the list of areas with the health agency's warning. WHO officials said that Taiwan had met the agency's criteria for the lifting and that it was now a safe place for travelers. Because of SARS, Taiwan received more...