ABC Radio National and BBC World Service
Patient Zero: Back From The Brink
A six-year old boy in Papua New Guinea wakes up one day and is suddenly unable to stand up.
Less than a year later, children in three other Asia Pacific nations are experiencing the same alarming symptoms.
A disease that was eradicated from this region is back — and it appears to be spreading.
Measles is making a troubling comeback in the U.S., with over 700 confirmed cases reported across 25 states so far in 2025. While some online debates downplay the severity, the reality is that measles is one of the most contagious viruses known, and nearly all recent...
In 2025, COVID-19 continues to pose a risk, especially to vulnerable populations such as the elderly, immunocompromised individuals, and those with chronic conditions. While most people now experience only mild symptoms—like fever, cough, sore throat, and runny...
Research conducted by the IDIE played a key role in a groundbreaking study in Fiji, which uncovered lower vaccination rates among children with disabilities. These findings are now guiding national policy reforms aimed at enhancing inclusion and improving access to...