Global health briefs

March / April 2015 | Volume 14, Issue 2

Bioethics commission studies Ebola

The U.S. Presidential Commission for the Study of Bioethical Issues met recently to consider the Ebola epidemic and has issued recommendations regarding the ethical dimensions of restrictive public health measures, the use of placebos for treatment and vaccine trials, and collecting and sharing biospecimens for future research.

• Access the full report, Ethics and Ebola: Public Health Planning and Response [Archive], from the archive of the U.S. Presidential Commission for the Study of Bioethical Issues.

US malaria initiative unveils strategy

The U.S. President's Malaria Initiative (PMI) has launched its next six-year strategy to further reduce malaria deaths and substantially decrease malaria illness, toward the eventual goal of elimination. The plan pledges support for long-term partnerships with scientific institutions and operational research that helps overcome implementation bottlenecks and tests promising new tools.

• Access the PMI Strategy 2015-2020.

Book examines health rights in Africa

A newly published resource explores approaches to strengthen sexual and reproductive health rights in the African region. The free, downloadable book - produced by the Pretoria University Law Press - addresses emergency obstetric care, HIV/AIDS, adolescent sexual health and rights, early marriage and gender-based sexual violence.

• Download the free e-book, Strengthening the protection of sexual and reproductive health and rights in the African region through human rights, from the Pretoria University Law Press.

Epigenomic data catalog is available

NIH-supported researchers have mapped the epigenomes of more than 100 types of cells and tissues, providing new insight into which parts of the genome are used to make a particular type of cell. The effort is part of the NIH Common Fund's Roadmap Epigenomics Program.

• Read the full news release, NIH-supported researchers map epigenome of more than 100 tissue and cell types, from NIH.

WHO releases health literacy toolkit

The WHO has produced a health literacy toolkit for low- and middle-income countries, consisting of fact sheets to empower communities and strengthen health systems. The resource is intended to inform the promotion of good health, prevention and management of diseases, and reduction of health inequities.

• Access the Health Literacy Toolkit for low- and middle-income countries: A series of information sheets to empower communities and strengthen health systems from the World Health Organization (WHO).

Scientists approve of public engagement

Most American scientists support active engagement in public policy debates, according to a recent Pew Research Center report. Although scientists believe they face a challenging environment, about 87 percent say it's necessary to participate in discussions with citizens and journalists to further their work and careers.

• Access the February 2015 report and supporting materials How Scientists Engage the Public from the Pew Research Center.

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