World Asthma Day will take place on 6 May next. This chronic inflammatory respiratory disease is caused by an abnormal reactivity to environmental substances known as “allergens,” since they are liable to provoke an allergic reaction or irritation of the respiratory tract (pollutants, mites, pollens, etc.). It is characterised by recurrent attacks during which the […]
According to WHO, malaria in pregnant women (Pregnancy Associated Malaria) constitutes a major public health problem, involving substantial risks for the mother and foetus, and hence the newborn. The main consequences of infection with Plasmodium falciparum are a malaria-related pathology in the mother and low birth weight in the infant, an important factor in infant […]
On World Cancer Day, visit the press room to see the latest press releases and packs on cancer. For further information about cancer (the latest figures and major landmarks), take a look at the WHO site.
AIDS stands for acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. This sexually transmitted infection is caused by a virus called HIV which attacks the immune system, making the body less resistant to normally benign diseases.WHO reports that more and more adolescents are affected by AIDS. “Over two million adolescents aged 10 to 19 live with HIV, and many of […]
What research progress has been made? According to the WHO, 34 million people are currently infected by HIV. Only 1.3 million patients from poor countries have access to treatment and there are 6,800 new cases of HIV each day. The Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) attacks the cells in the immune system, either destroying them or […]
Diabetes mellitus is characterised by a permanently high level of blood sugar. There are two types, known as type 1 (once known as juvenile diabetes or insulin-dependent diabetes) and type 2 (formerly noninsulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) or adult-onset diabetes, which concerns 90% of diabetics). World Diabetes Day, launched in 2011, will be held on Thursday […]
A stroke or cerebrovascular accident occurs when blood stops flowing in the brain, caused by a burst blood vessel or clotting. When brain tissue has no oxygen, it quickly deteriorates and can lead to irreversible damage and even sudden death. World Stroke Day, co-organised by the French Neurovascular Society, highlights the importance of recognising the […]
On the occasion of the world heart day, Inserm offers a selection of researchers available to answer your questions on the latest studies. Photo:
World Contraception Day takes place each year on 26 September. It aims to increase awareness about the different means of contraception (coil, pill, condom, etc.) so as to limit the number of unwanted pregnancies and the spread of sexually transmitted infections (STI) and particularly AIDS. The French Contraception Agency is responsible for the day in […]
The 20th World Alzheimer’s Day is to be held on 21 September 2013. The main aim of this international day is to reflect on ways to improve the quality of life of patients and carers. Today, over 850,000 people are living with this disease. This day was the occasion for the Alzheimer Foundation, hosted by […]