A Simple Operation Can Cure Tragic Condition in Mothers With Fistula

A medical aid program in Kenya offers hope to women and girls suffering from a condition known as fistula. About two million women and girls worldwide have the condition. There are about one thousand new cases of fistula each year in Kenya and as many as one hundred thousand worldwide. Most cases of fistula are …

Bringing Color to Life (and Tears to Eyes) With a Natural Dye

Dye can bring a little color to life. Most clothing is colored with dyes. Modern, manufactured dyes can be costly. Natural dyes from plant and animal products have been used since ancient times. So this week, we describe a natural way to dye wool.The advice comes from information written by Jenny Dean of the Intermediate …

Film Captures Risky Work of Doctors Without Borders

“Living in Emergency: Stories of Doctors Without Borders” is a documentary film by director Mark Hopkins. It tells the story of four doctors and their volunteer work in Liberia and the Democratic Republic of Congo.The award-winning film was first shown at the two thousand eight Venice Film Festival. It opened in the United States in …

Staying Safe: Food Safety After a Flood

Food that has come in contact with floodwaters can sicken anyone who eats it. Water from floods may contain animal and human waste. It can also contain other pollutants like chemicals from agriculture and industry. After a flood, food safety specialists at the United States Department of Agriculture have this advice:Throw away anything that is …

Rift Valley Fever Hits South Africa

Rift Valley fever mainly affects farm animals. But the virus can also infect humans, and South Africa has been experiencing an outbreak. The National Institute for Communicable Diseases reported two hundred twenty-five confirmed human cases as of July second. Twenty-five of the people died. South Africa launched an expanded program to watch for public health …