IN THIS MONTH'S BULLETIN
This month's cover shows a scientist taking samples to test for avian influenza in China. It illustrates medical products and technologies, one of the six building blocks of health systems (see box below).
In an editorial, George P Schmid et al. (162) highlight the unexplored story of HIV/AIDS in older and elderly individuals. It links with a news feature highlighting Brazil's efforts in this field. In two other editorials, Mark Petticrew (163) and Elizabeth Waters (164) argue that systematic reviews are useful for tackling questions about what works in public health.
In recognition of the theme of this year's World Health Day on 7 April - safe health facilities in emergencies - we interview (171-172) Dr Mohammed R Al Kashif, who coordinated hospitals and other health facilities across the Gaza Strip during the recent violence. We also interview Teddy Boen, from Indonesia, and Tony Gibbs, from Barbados and Grenada, about building health facilities that withstand tsunamis, earthquakes and other disasters.
Out-of-pocket payments
Chunling Lu et al. (238-244) call for a more accurate method of measuring private health expenditure.
Focus on postpartum haemorrhage
Cynthia Stanton et al. (207-215) discover many deficiencies in practices of active management of the third stage of labour.
Mosquito wars
Sarah Cumberland (167-168) reports on how genetically modified mosquitoes may soon be helping to fight the spread of dengue fever.
In recognition of WHO's drive to revitalize primary health care, each month's cover of the Bulletin this year will feature a photo illustrating one of the six building blocks of health systems:
- Service delivery
- Health workforce
- Health information systems
- Medical products and technologies
- Financing systems
- Leadership and governance.