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Health Check: Could a Single Injection Help Rid Us of Polio?

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Could a Single Injection Help Rid us of Polio?

2018/05/23 GMT

Could a Single Injection Help Rid Us of Polio?

BBC World Service - Health Check, Could a Single Injection Help Rid Us of Polio?

Nanoparticles help simplify polio vaccine

One injection for multiple vaccinations; why gardening makes us feel good; simple footcare which eases the pain caused by walking barefoot for years on volcanic soil in Africa

As vaccinations start in the Democratic Republic of Congo to try to contain the Ebola outbreak, scientists in the United States have published research which they hope will help to simplify immunisations against diseases like polio.  Eradication is tricky because the vaccine needs to be given in multiple doses.  Researchers at MIT say that they have successfully vaccinated animals with just one injection – using protective nanoparticles to coat the vaccine. 

The world-famous Chelsea Flower Show is taking place in London this week.  Claudia has been along to see the Feel Good Garden - specially designed for the 70th anniversary of the National Health Service as well as shine a light on what horticulture can do for mental health. And once the show is over, the whole garden will be moved to a London hospital for the benefit of its patients.

Walking barefoot on volcanic soil for years can lead to the disfiguring and distressing condition called podoconiosis. Up to 4 million people across Africa experience the pain and disability caused when the legs become swollen.  A British doctor has shown in a study in Ethiopia that careful foot hygiene  - along with wearing shoes - can help ease the symptoms. 




(Photo: A medical volunteer administers a dose of injectable polio vaccine.Photo credit:  NOAH SEELAM/AFP/Getty Images)

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