The international public health community was hopeful that polio—the crippling viral illness that previously paralyzed hundreds of thousands of children every year—was almost extinct. But in a concerning twist in 2025, the World Health Organization (WHO) has raised the alarm- polio is back, and eradication hangs in the balance.

In 2020, the world celebrated a milestone—polio was officially eradicated everywhere except two nations. But in the first quarter of 2025, an old nemesis has reappeared. Cases of wild poliovirus are again increasing in Pakistan and Afghanistan, the final two bastions of endemic transmission. Pakistan, which had reported 74 cases in 2024, has already seen 6 new cases this year. Afghanistan is not far behind with 1 reported case.

While the numbers are small in themselves, they portend a worrisome trend in a decades-long fight. Global health professionals point to interruptions of vaccine campaigns—interruptions they say are directly caused by deep reductions in international assistance.

One major factor behind this upsurge is the abrupt interruption of funding support from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). USAID has long been a pillar of support for vaccination activities in polio-endemic and high-risk areas by financing personnel, logistics, vaccine sourcing, and outreach.

A private memo by Nicholas Enrich, USAID acting assistant administrator for global health, cautions that if these pauses in funding continue, we will witness another 200,000 cases of polio paralysis each year, and hundreds of millions more are at risk of being infected. The International Rescue Committee (IRC), which was carrying out polio vaccinations under the watch of the Ministry of Health and World Vision in Kenya, says its USAID-funded program was the initial one to close on January 31st.

"Right now, IRC support for polio immunization in Kenya's hard-to-reach areas has come to a halt," confirms Mohamed El Montassir Hussein, Kenya's IRC country director. Although local health officials are still immunizing, their efforts are strained without foreign funding.

Why Does Wild Polio Persist in Just Two Countries?

Pakistan and Afghanistan are the exceptions to an otherwise polio-free world. Several chronic challenges, according to experts, include unstable security environments, misinformation, religious and political opposition to vaccination, and weak health infrastructures. Additionally, vaccination teams working in war zones frequently encounter logistical challenges and safety threats.

The virus has been extremely resilient. It takes advantage of holes in immunity caused by lack of vaccinations. Adding to the problem is the presence of circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus (cVDPV)—an uncommon event whereby the attenuated virus contained within oral polio vaccines changes and becomes virulent again.

WHO Flags High-Risk Nations and Rising Global Concern

The WHO has listed five countries with the immediate risk of the international spread of polio:

• Afghanistan
• Pakistan
• Mozambique
• Democratic Republic of Congo
• Guinea

Furthermore, 35 nations have recorded imported cases of cVDPV type 2, while 10 countries continue to experience active circulation of wild-type or vaccine-derived poliovirus in the last 24 months. WHO's guidelines are:

• Improved vaccine coverage
• Increased access to healthcare in risk areas
• Travel restrictions for unvaccinated travelers from high-risk areas

But with more than $200 million in donor funding lost— including life-saving funds from the U.S. President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR)—these guidelines encounter tremendous implementation challenges.

Hidden Cost of Underfunding Global Health

It is the invisible spread that makes the situation more threatening. Those countries with weak surveillance systems may not see early outbreaks until it becomes too late. In politically unstable or humanitarian crisis-affected areas, the virus can spread quietly among unvaccinated groups, only to spill over borders.

Polio flourishes in these crevices—between the unvaccinated, the untracked, and the neglected. And once it establishes itself, retaking control is that much harder and costly.

Although the numbers as they stand are alarming, they also create an opportunity for recommitment on a global scale. Global polio eradication has always been a collective endeavor. Today, more than ever, a concerted effort is needed.

WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus reacted with strong concern over the diminishing U.S. support and asserted the urgency for international collaboration. "The precipitous cuts to U.S. funding also affect efforts to stop polio for good," he cautioned.

Relaunching public confidence in vaccines, maintaining secure access during times of conflict, reinstating funds channels, and reinforcing surveillance form part of the arsenal necessary to complete the mission against polio.

The resurgence of polio in 2025 is a wake-up call. It reminds the world that public health victories, no matter how close, can unravel quickly without consistent investment and collaboration.

Eradiating polio was never a matter of one country or one continent. It was about a shared global commitment. If the trend continues, we will risk wasting decades of progress—and allowing a preventable disease to reassert its hold on the world's most vulnerable.

Collagen is the hottest skincare trend. Both social media and retail markets are filled with collagen supplements and collagen boosting products. While there is little scientific evidence proving their sanctity, there is a range of food items that boost your collagen naturally. Before we read about them, one by one, let's first understand what is collagen and why we need it.

Explained in simple terms, collagen is a protein that provides structure, support and strength to skin, muscles, bones as well as connective tissues of the body. As we age, we produce less collagen in our skin every year. Therefore, there is a tendency toward wrinkles and thinning skin as we get older.

Here Are Foods That Boost Collagen Production

Bone Broth: While it is often considered a rich source of collagen, research suggests otherwise. A 2019 study found that bone broth typically doesn’t contain enough collagen to make a significant impact. It’s made by simmering animal bones in water to extract nutrients, including collagen.

Chicken: Collagen supplements are often made from chicken—and for good reason. Poultry is relatively high in this protein, especially in its connective tissues. If you've ever prepared a whole chicken, you've likely noticed the visible connective tissues, which make it a good source of dietary collagen. A 2022 mouse study used collagen derived from chicken bone and cartilage to relieve arthritis and inflammation. However, the collagen content can vary between parts of the bird, with thigh meat generally offering more than the breast.

Fish: Fish, like other animals, have collagen-rich bones and ligaments. Some studies suggest that marine collagen may be more easily absorbed by the body and is particularly beneficial for skin health. But while fish like tuna or salmon contribute to collagen intake, the flesh contains less collagen compared to other parts, such as the head, scales, or eyes—parts not commonly consumed.

Egg Whites: Although eggs lack connective tissue, egg whites are a good source of proline, an amino acid that plays a key role in collagen production.

Citrus Fruits: Vitamin C is crucial for collagen synthesis as it aids in the production of pro-collagen, the body’s collagen precursor. Citrus fruits such as oranges, grapefruit, lemons, and limes are excellent sources. Try incorporating them through broiled grapefruit at breakfast, orange segments in a salad, or yellow peppers in a stir-fry.

Berries: Berries like strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries are also high in vitamin C and antioxidants, which can protect skin from damage. “Berries are also high in antioxidants, which protect the skin from damage,” Davidson added.

Tropical Fruits: Fruits such as mango, kiwi, pineapple, and guava also deliver vitamin C. Guava even provides a small amount of zinc, another nutrient essential for collagen formation.

Garlic: More than just a flavorful addition to meals, garlic may support collagen production. Garlic is high in sulfur, which is a trace mineral that helps synthesize and prevent the breakdown of collagen. However, quantity matters—substantial intake may be required to see a benefit.

Leafy Greens: Vegetables such as spinach, kale, and Swiss chard are not only nutritious but may also benefit the skin. Their green color comes from chlorophyll, known for its antioxidant properties. Some studies have shown that consuming chlorophyll increases the precursor to collagen in the skin.

Beans: Rich in protein, many beans also contain lysine—an amino acid necessary for collagen production—as well as copper, another collagen-supporting nutrient.

Cashews: They are a great snack for collagen support as they contain zinc and copper, both of which help the body produce collagen.

Tomatoes: Often overlooked, tomatoes are a good source of vitamin C and contain lycopene, an antioxidant that supports skin health.

Bell Peppers: Also rich in vitamin C, bell peppers can be a colourful and nutritious addition to salads and stir-fries, contributing to collagen synthesis.

As bird flu progresses in US, parents along with other concerned citizens of the country are scrambling to get information about it. Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) explains that while the current risk is low, they are working towards bettering the situation with the help of state and monitoring people with animal exposure.

It's hard for parents to know what's really going on with bird flu. A recent survey done by University of Michigan Health C.S. Mott Children's Hospital National Poll on Children's Health showed that many parents just can't find good, trustworthy information. Parents don't know who to believe or where to look which makes them feel worried and unsure about how to keep their families safe. It is important to know the real facts, but it's tough when they find varied reports everywhere. Some parents think the news is making it sound worse than it is, while others are concerned that not enough is being done.

What Are Parents Concerned About?

Many parents are feeling lost when trying to find information about bird flu. They see different stories online and on TV, and they don't know what's true. This makes them worry because they want to protect their kids. Parents mostly rely on news reports (78%) for information, while others use social media is also a common source (31%). The rest turn to the internet (19%), family and friends (15%), government agencies (11%) and health care providers (11%) .

Parents are worried about bird flu spreading to people. They're scared that animals could give it to humans, or that people could give it to each other. They're also not sure if the government can handle a big outbreak. They don't have much confidence that the government can get rid of infected animals or food. They're also worried that they won't get clear information about recalls or how to get rid of dangerous products. They just want to feel like someone is in control.

The survey also revealed that one-third of the parents took action to protect their family against the bird flu, while 22% were being more careful about the hygiene. Of them, 13% were cautious handling eggs, chicken and other meat products, 12% avoid contact with birds, and 10% avoided raw milk.

Flu viruses can infect chicken eggs by entering through the eggshell. The eggshells are smaller than the pores of eggshells, which means viruses can enter the eggs and the egg's surface will still be protected. However, it is still important to handle it safely.

As per the US Food and Drug Administration, cooking poultry, eggs and other animal products to the proper temperature and preventing cross-contamination between raw and cooked food.

Symptoms of Bird Flu to Watch for

• Pink eye
• fever
• fatigue
• cough
• muscle aches
• sore throat
• nausea
• vomiting
• diarrhea
• study or runny nose
• shortness of breath

What Can Parents Do?

To feel safer, some parents are changing their habits. They're being extra careful about washing their hands and keeping things clean. Some are also being more careful when handling chicken and eggs, making sure they're cooked properly. Some parents are even avoiding contact with birds and wild animals, just to be safe. They're also being cautious about drinking raw milk and are eating less chicken and eggs. They are trying to be proactive.

The survey revealed that parents don't feel like they can trust the government's response to bird flu. This lack of trust makes them even more worried. When people don't know what's happening, they get scared. It's important for health officials to be open and honest about what they're doing to stop the spread of the virus. They need to give clear information about how to stay safe with food. This will help parents feel more calm and confident.

A snack shop in southeastern China has come under fire after allegedly advertising "placenta processing" services and selling capsules made from afterbirth. The incident, which surfaced on April 6, has triggered widespread criticism and prompted an official investigation.

The controversy began when a netizen posted online about Auntie Congee’s Snack Shop, located near the Changzhou Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Jiangsu province. According to the post, the shop was involved in the processing of human placentas and selling them in capsule form, claiming health-boosting properties.

Images shared on social media revealed a signboard outside the store clearly stating “placenta processing.” The shop reportedly charged 800 yuan (US$110) if the customer did not provide their own placenta, and 300 yuan if they did. The business claimed that all placentas used were obtained from new mothers in hospitals.

The owner, who previously worked in post-partum recovery, told local media that she could also connect customers with maternity matrons. Alongside the physical snack shop, she also operated an online store named Zixuan Maternity Matron Centre.

The online platform offered various post-partum services, including maternity care, childcare, meal preparation for new mothers, placenta processing, and recovery services. Promotional materials showed the process of grinding placentas with ingredients such as ginseng powder and turning the mixture into capsules, which were labelled *ziheche*, the term used in traditional Chinese medicine for placenta.

A poster advertising the shop highlighted the supposed benefits of consuming placenta, noting it is rich in protein and nutrients. It also mentioned two processing techniques—patented freezing and traditional methods—offering customers the option to observe the process in person.

The Shop Has Been Shut Down For Rectification

On April 8, the Changzhou Municipal Health Commission informed Jimu News that the shop had been shut down for rectification. A commission staff member stated, “We are currently investigating the source of the placentas. Preliminary findings indicate that they did not come from any hospital.”

In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), the use of placenta has long been believed to help replenish energy and nourish the blood. It is sometimes recommended for individuals experiencing fatigue, chronic coughing, or infertility. However, citing ethical and safety concerns, the Chinese Pharmacopoeia delisted placenta as an approved medicinal ingredient in 2015.

Under Chinese law, placentas are considered the personal property of the post-partum mother, who alone can decide how they are disposed of. The sale of placentas by individuals or organisations remains illegal.

The case, initially reported by the Yangtze Evening News, has sparked outrage online. One user remarked, “I really cannot believe there are people who eat placenta as food. It is so disgusting.” Another added, “It is already the year 2025! Who even believes in such nonsense? And treating women as some kind of ‘superfood’—is that not objectifying women?” A third person said, “This is not surprising at all. In the past, hospitals would ask mothers whether they wanted to keep their placentas. If they did, it was usually consumed as food.”