Researchers Use Breeding Method To Create Plant With High Levels Of Artemisinin

In an effort to produce more artemisinin than is naturally found in the plant artemisia annua, researchers at York University’s Centre for Novel Agricultural Products are using “fast-track breeding methods to create a plant that contains much higher levels of the compound,” BBC reports. The article is accompanied by a video explaining the technique (8/19).

Meeting Focuses On TB Fight In Pakistan

To effectively combat tuberculosis in Pakistan, participants at a recent two-day meeting organized by the National TB Control Programme (NTP), recommended the use of education campaigns, increased coordination between health officials and the media, and broad societal involvement, the International News reports. NTP is going to launch a national print and electronic media campaign to create awareness about the disease (Aftab, 8/18).

Gambia
To Add Pneumococcal Vaccine To Routine Immunization Services

Gambia’s Ministry of Health and Social Welfare on Monday announced the addition of the Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV-7) into the country’s routine immunization services the Daily Observer/allAfrica.com reports. According to the news service, Gambia is the second African country to introduce the vaccine into routine immunizations in hopes of protecting children from pneumococcal diseases and meningitis (Secka, 8/18).

IRIN Examines Resistance To Have Children Tested For HIV Among Family Members In Burkina Faso

IRIN examines how the refusal by families to test their children for HIV/AIDS in Burkina Faso masks the epidemic and keeps life-saving drugs out of the hands of at-risk children. The article includes information about ongoing efforts to educate adults about the importance of testing children for HIV (8/18).