Health Check

BBC World Service
Health Check

Health issues and medical breakthroughs from around the world.

  1. 6 DAYS AGO

    Should we be worried about HMPV?

    With reports of rising cases of the respiratory illness HMPV in multiple countries and concern over the risk it poses, we look behind the headlines to reality check what is really going on. Also on the show, we hear from injured Ukrainians who are building drones to help with their mental and physical rehabilitation. Plus, how does elite sport impact women’s fertility? Finally, we look ahead to predict what 2025 might have in store for global health. Presenter: Claudia Hammond Producers: Katie Tomsett and Jack Lee

    26 min

  2. 1 JAN

    A Malawi ‘Spay Day’

    Claudia Hammond is in Malawi exploring the concept of One Health, where the health of humans, animals and the environment are all linked. Today we’re visiting a makeshift roadside operating theatre for dogs in the village of Kauma, just outside of Lilongwe. During the ‘Spay Day’, vets from the Lilongwe Society for the Protection and Care of Animals neuter local dogs for free, in an attempt to protect both dogs, and people, from rabies. We find out how this work feeds into the bigger picture of One Health in Malawi, and Claudia has a go at being a veterinary assistant… Presenter: Claudia Hammond Producer: Sophie Ormiston

    27 min

  3. 25/12/2024

    One Health in Malawi

    Claudia Hammond is in Malawi exploring a movement known as “One Health”: an approach that calls for collaboration between the fields of human, animal, and environmental health, for the benefit of all. And how can this help to prevent disease when people and animals live in close proximity? We hear how vets and researchers across Malawi are tackling diseases such as rabies, anthrax, and sleeping sickness – and how the sharing of expertise that One Health brings is crucial in their efforts. Presenter: Claudia Hammond Producer: Sophie Ormiston

    26 min

  4. 18/12/2024

    2024 in global health: a review

    Claudia Hammond is joined by journalist Andrew Green to check-in on their 2024 health predictions and review just how accurate they were. Together, they explore the stories that we didn’t see coming and the game-changing medical innovations that shaped global health this year. Plus, the unusual Ig Nobel medicine prize, and a healthy dose of competition in the form of the ultimate health fact-off.

    26 min

  5. 11/12/2024

    Expanding the anti-malaria toolkit

    Researchers have trailed a revolutionary malaria vaccine that uses the entire malaria parasite and is delivered via the bite of a mosquito, offering a novel way to boost immunity. The next step involves developing an injectable version for broader use. Also on the program: a mystery illness in the Democratic Republic of Congo’s Kwango Province; doctors in Brazil raise concerns over dengue spreading through contaminated blood transfusions; and an innovative temporary tattoo that can measure brain activity through hair. Presenter: Claudia Hammond Producer: Katie Tomsett and Jack Lee

    26 min

  6. 04/12/2024

    Genetic risk of diabetes in South Asian populations

    A new study in Nature has looked at genetic underpinnings that could lead to earlier presentations of Type 2 diabetes in South Asian populations. Also on the program, we look at an exciting new development in asthma treatment, and how we can detect Alzheimer's soon. Plus, slap fighting – the sport is growing in popularity, but could it have negative health consequences for participants. Presenter: Claudia Hammond Producer: Margaret Sessa-Hawkins and Jack Lee

    26 min

  7. 27/11/2024

    Health crisis in Sudan

    As the war in Sudan leads to multiple health crises in the country, we look at what can be done to improve the situation. Also on the show, is climate change helping disease-carrying ticks to spread beyond their usual range by an unusual method – migrating birds? And hot chocolate: it’s delicious, but in certain circumstances, could it also help to improve your vascular health? Claudia Hammond is joined by health reporter Laura Foster to explore these topics and more. Image: WFP trucks carry aid to Darfur and other famine-stricken parts through the Adre Border crossing Image Credit: Abubakar Garelnabei/Reuters Presenter: Claudia Hammond Producer: Katie Tomsett and Margaret Sessa-Hawkins

    26 min

  8. 20/11/2024

    Resistance to leading malaria drug

    Some Ugandan children with complicated malaria have shown partial resistance to leading anti-malarial drug artemisinin. What challenge does this pose to treatment efficacy and raising concerns about the potential spread of drug-resistant strains. We speak with Dr. Audrey Blewer, an epidemiologist and assistant professor in the School of Medicine at Duke University, about how 911 dispatchers providing CPR instructions can significantly improve bystander intervention rates, highlighting the critical role of telecommunicators in emergency response. Additionally, does working from home increase the amount of sleep and exercise you can get? We discuss the impact of remote working on health and productivity. Presenter: Claudia Hammond Producer: Margaret Sessa-Hawkins and Katie Tomsett

    26 min
See All (230)

About

Health issues and medical breakthroughs from around the world.

Information

  • Creator
    BBC World Service
  • Years Active
    2007 - 2025
  • Episodes
    230
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © (C) BBC 2025
  • Show Website
    Health Check

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