Science in 5

Polio once paralyzed hundreds of thousands of children every year, striking fear into families across the world. Thanks to global vaccination efforts, cases have fallen by 99.9% since 1988. But polio is not gone yet. In this episode of Science in 5, we speak with Dr. Jamal Ahmad about why polio eradication still matters, how close the world truly is to ending this disease forever, and what's at stake if we don't finish the job. Polio spreads easily, respects no borders, and remains a threat as long as it exists anywhere. With only a few cases left in two countries, the tools, knowledge, and partnerships are stronger than ever—but sustained political commitment and global cooperation are essential. Ending polio would mean no child is ever paralyzed by this disease again—and billions saved for health systems worldwide. Make sure you and your family are vaccinated Call on governments to keep supporting eradication Get involved through partners like Rotary Because eradication is all or nothing—and we are closer than ever.

A worm that can cause epilepsy? Meet Taenia solium — the pig tapeworm that travels from gut to brain, causing seizures and preventable epilepsy in millions. In this episode of Science in 5, Dr Bernadette Abela explains how this parasite spreads when pigs eat human feces and humans consume contaminated food or water — and what we can do to stop it. Learn how cooking meat properly, improving hygiene, and vaccinating pigs can break the cycle.

Did you know that RSV is the leading cause of infant hospitalizations worldwide? Each year it claims over 100 000 young lives. In this Science in 5 episode, WHO's Dr Daniel Feikin shares how new immunization options can protect your baby.

Did you know cholera still kills thousands every year — and outbreaks are rising, even in countries that hadn't seen it in decades? Dr. Kate Alberti is here to tell us how this deadly disease can be preventable and treatable. Learn what you can do to protect yourself, your family, and your community.

Did you know that drowning is a leading causes of death among children aged 1-4 years globally and that someone loses their life to drowning every two minutes? Please watch Science in 5 with our expert Dr Caroline Lukaszyk as we discuss this most under-recognized public health threat.

Did you know that the air you breathe can harm your brain, and increase your risk for dementia, anxiety and depression ? Nine out of 10 people around the world breathe air that does not meet WHO's recommended air quality standards. Air pollution kills 7 million people every year. What are cities like London, Bogotá and Beijing doing to clean their air? Dr Maria Neira explains in Science in 5.

Did you know that you can save three lives in just ten minutes with the gift of your blood? What do countries need to do to have safe blood donation systems ? WHO's Dr Yuyun Maryuningsih explains all you need to know to donate blood in Science in 5.

The tobacco industry continues to sell death and destruction by using flavors, packaging and advertising. Is there any "safe" product or consumption method? How does tobacco use harm your body? Join us today in conversation with Simone St. Claire on Science in 5.

The tobacco industry continues to sell death and destruction by using flavors, packaging and advertising. Is there any "safe" product or consumption method? How does tobacco use harm your body? Join us today in conversation with Simone St. Claire on Science in 5.

Are vaccines safe? What's actually in them? In this 2-part episode of Science in 5, WHO's Dr. Kate O'Brien breaks down how vaccines are tested, approved, and monitored even after they reach the public. She also explains what happens if a safety concern is flagged.

Should kids just "get the disease" instead of being vaccinated? Can vaccines really overwhelm a child's immune system? Who decides what vaccines we get—and why? If you're a new parent with questions about vaccines, you're not alone. In this 2-part episode of Science in 5, WHO's Dr. Kate O'Brien breaks down the science behind childhood vaccinations, the importance of the schedule, and the truth behind common concerns.

What does a mother need to know to ensure that she has a safe pregnancy and delivery? What are some warning signs to watch for? And what are a woman's rights while going through a pregnancy and delivery? Join our maternal health expert Dr Femi Oladapo on Science in 5.

Severe resource shortages are threatening the global response to end tuberculosis. Is the world on the brink of a global TB crisis? A quarter of the world's population could be infected with TB and not even know it. Is there a cure? What is the treatment? How do we diagnose TB? Listen in to Dr Tereza Kasaeva on Science in 5 today.

Did you know that diseases are being eliminated by countries all over the world. In the last five years alone, 44 eliminations have been confirmed by WHO. What does it take to eliminate a disease? What needs to happen before WHO can certify an elimination? Once eliminated, can these diseases come back? Dr Jérôme Salomon explains on Science in 5.

Did you know that if a child with measles walks into a classroom, every unvaccinated child will most certainly get it? Why are measles cases increasing worldwide? Why should you be concerned about it? And is the measles vaccine safe and effective? Dr Natash Crowcroft explains on Science in 5.

Did you know that WHO receives over a 100,000 signals every month? What are these health signals or threats? How do scientists and WHO decide which one of these signals could be a potential outbreak or disease? Tune in to Science in 5 with Dr Chikwe Ihekweazu to learn how WHO protects your health every day.

How do we track the Influenza virus every season to decide what strains of the virus to include in a vaccine? Is the vaccine safe and when should you get vaccinated? Shoshanna Goldin explains in Science in 5.

Why are syphilis cases rising? Who is at risk and how does it spread? Learn about prevention of syphilis from Dr Teodora Elvira Wi in Science in 5.

If you are experiencing breathlessness and fatigue and are exposed to polluted air you could have Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). Dr Sarah Rylance explains the symptoms, treatment and prevention of COPD. Find out if you are more susceptible to COPD in Science in 5.

If you have children who play sports or if you play sports, you need to know about concussion. What is it? How will you know if you have a concussion? What can you do to prevent it? Dr Tarun Dua explains in Science in 5 today.