Science in 5

Science in 5 is WHO’s conversations in science. Listen to WHO experts explaining science related to COVID-19.

Pig Tapeworm – from gut to brain 10/24/2025

Pig Tapeworm – from gut to brain A worm that can cause epilepsy? Meet Taenia solium — the pig tapeworm that travels from gut to brain, causing seizures and preventable epilepsy in millions. In this episode of Science in 5, Dr Bernadette Abela explains how this parasite spreads when pigs eat human feces and humans consume contaminated food or water — and what we can do to stop it. Learn how cooking meat properly, improving hygiene, and vaccinating pigs can break the cycle. /episode/index/show/sciencein5/id/38766725

Little lungs, big risks: The RSV threat to infants 09/25/2025

Little lungs, big risks: The RSV threat to infants Did you know that RSV is the leading cause of infant hospitalizations worldwide? Each year it claims over 100 000 young lives. In this Science in 5 episode, WHO’s Dr Daniel Feikin shares how new immunization options can protect your baby. /episode/index/show/sciencein5/id/38350635

The Race to Stop Cholera Before It’s Too Late 09/10/2025

The Race to Stop Cholera Before It’s Too Late Did you know cholera still kills thousands every year — and outbreaks are rising, even in countries that hadn’t seen it in decades? Dr. Kate Alberti is here to tell us how this deadly disease can be preventable and treatable. Learn what you can do to protect yourself, your family, and your community. /episode/index/show/sciencein5/id/38163600

Drowning: A silent public health threat 08/04/2025

Drowning: A silent public health threat Did you know that drowning is a leading causes of death among children aged 1-4 years globally and that someone loses their life to drowning every two minutes? Please watch Science in 5 with our expert Dr Caroline Lukaszyk as we discuss this most under-recognized public health threat. /episode/index/show/sciencein5/id/37661715

Air pollution damages young brains 07/02/2025

Air pollution damages young brains Did you know that the air you breathe can harm your brain, and increase your risk for dementia, anxiety and depression ? Nine out of 10 people around the world breathe air that does not meet WHO’s recommended air quality standards. Air pollution kills 7 million people every year. What are cities like London, Bogotá and Beijing doing to clean their air? Dr Maria Neira explains in Science in 5. /episode/index/show/sciencein5/id/37261100

The Gift of Blood -- Why It Matters 06/13/2025

The Gift of Blood -- Why It Matters Did you know that you can save three lives in just ten minutes with the gift of your blood? What do countries need to do to have safe blood donation systems ? WHO’s Dr Yuyun Maryuningsih explains all you need to know to donate blood in Science in 5. /episode/index/show/sciencein5/id/36998370

The tobacco trap – hooked by lies 05/29/2025

The tobacco trap – hooked by lies The tobacco industry continues to sell death and destruction by using flavors, packaging and advertising. Is there any “safe” product or consumption method? How does tobacco use harm your body? Join us today in conversation with Simone St. Claire on Science in 5. /episode/index/show/sciencein5/id/36770050

The tobacco trap – hooked by lies 05/29/2025

Vaccine safety explained: What the science actually says 05/01/2025

Vaccine safety explained: What the science actually says Are vaccines safe? What’s actually in them? In this 2-part episode of Science in 5, WHO’s Dr. Kate O’Brien breaks down how vaccines are tested, approved, and monitored even after they reach the public. She also explains what happens if a safety concern is flagged. /episode/index/show/sciencein5/id/36384730

Vaccines: Science vs. scare 04/24/2025

Vaccines: Science vs. scare Should kids just “get the disease” instead of being vaccinated? Can vaccines really overwhelm a child’s immune system? Who decides what vaccines we get—and why? If you’re a new parent with questions about vaccines, you’re not alone. In this 2-part episode of Science in 5, WHO’s Dr. Kate O’Brien breaks down the science behind childhood vaccinations, the importance of the schedule, and the truth behind common concerns. /episode/index/show/sciencein5/id/36295545

Healthy births, saving mothers 04/07/2025

Healthy births, saving mothers What does a mother need to know to ensure that she has a safe pregnancy and delivery? What are some warning signs to watch for? And what are a woman’s rights while going through a pregnancy and delivery? Join our maternal health expert Dr Femi Oladapo on Science in 5. /episode/index/show/sciencein5/id/36032640

Facing the TB crisis 03/21/2025

Facing the TB crisis Severe resource shortages are threatening the global response to end tuberculosis. Is the world on the brink of a global TB crisis? A quarter of the world’s population could be infected with TB and not even know it. Is there a cure? What is the treatment? How do we diagnose TB? Listen in to Dr Tereza Kasaeva on Science in 5 today. /episode/index/show/sciencein5/id/35803850

Disease be gone! 03/04/2025

Disease be gone! Did you know that diseases are being eliminated by countries all over the world. In the last five years alone, 44 eliminations have been confirmed by WHO. What does it take to eliminate a disease? What needs to happen before WHO can certify an elimination? Once eliminated, can these diseases come back? Dr Jérôme Salomon explains on Science in 5. /episode/index/show/sciencein5/id/35525950

Measles: A growing threat 01/23/2025

Measles: A growing threat Did you know that if a child with measles walks into a classroom, every unvaccinated child will most certainly get it? Why are measles cases increasing worldwide? Why should you be concerned about it? And is the measles vaccine safe and effective? Dr Natash Crowcroft explains on Science in 5. /episode/index/show/sciencein5/id/34970385

From Alerts to action - How WHO protects your health 01/10/2025

From Alerts to action - How WHO protects your health Did you know that WHO receives over a 100,000 signals every month? What are these health signals or threats? How do scientists and WHO decide which one of these signals could be a potential outbreak or disease? Tune in to Science in 5 with Dr Chikwe Ihekweazu to learn how WHO protects your health every day. /episode/index/show/sciencein5/id/34801895

Flu season is here – are you ready? How flu vaccines are made? 12/13/2024

Flu season is here – are you ready? How flu vaccines are made? How do we track the Influenza virus every season to decide what strains of the virus to include in a vaccine? Is the vaccine safe and when should you get vaccinated? Shoshanna Goldin explains in Science in 5. /episode/index/show/sciencein5/id/34428870

Syphilis: Protect yourself and others Silent symptoms, serious risks: Syphilis explained 12/05/2024

Syphilis: Protect yourself and others Silent symptoms, serious risks: Syphilis explained Why are syphilis cases rising? Who is at risk and how does it spread? Learn about prevention of syphilis from Dr Teodora Elvira Wi in Science in 5. /episode/index/show/sciencein5/id/34300775

Is COPD making you breathless and tired? 11/21/2024

Is COPD making you breathless and tired? If you are experiencing breathlessness and fatigue and are exposed to polluted air you could have Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). Dr Sarah Rylance explains the symptoms, treatment and prevention of COPD. Find out if you are more susceptible to COPD in Science in 5. /episode/index/show/sciencein5/id/34076401

Concussion – symptoms and prevention 10/24/2024

Concussion – symptoms and prevention If you have children who play sports or if you play sports, you need to know about concussion. What is it? How will you know if you have a concussion? What can you do to prevent it? Dr Tarun Dua explains in Science in 5 today. /episode/index/show/sciencein5/id/33598417

Breast Cancer – know your risk 10/08/2024

Breast Cancer – know your risk Did you know that both men and women can get breast cancer? It is the most common type of cancer amongst women, and most breast cancers are self-detected. Our expert Dr Mary Nyangasi explains in Science in 5 today. /episode/index/show/sciencein5/id/33373942

Rabies: Protect yourself and your pets 09/27/2024

Rabies: Protect yourself and your pets What is rabies? How serious is it? How can you prevent rabies? Dr Bernadette Abela explains this and what you can do immediately after a bite in Science in 5 today. /episode/index/show/sciencein5/id/33233427

Snakebites: Life saving facts 09/20/2024

Snakebites: Life saving facts Did you know that one person dies every four minutes from snakebite? What should you do if you get bitten? Dr David Williams talks about prevention and treatment in Science in 5 /episode/index/show/sciencein5/id/33140212

mpox - what you need to know 09/02/2024

mpox - what you need to know WHO has declared the current mpox outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. How is this outbreak different from previous ones and why did it trigger a Public Health Emergency? What does that mean for countries and for you? Who is at risk? And what about vaccines? Our expert today is Dr Abdou Salam Gueye, from WHO Brazzaville in the Republic of Congo. /episode/index/show/sciencein5/id/32864342

Asthma and you 08/02/2024

Asthma and you Millions of people live with asthma and yet many of them don’t know it. It is one of the most common conditions amongst children. Unfortunately it is also often undiagnosed and under-treated. How would you know if you have asthma? What are the treatments? What are some of the triggers and how can you manage your asthma? Here to help us know more about this chronic condition is Dr Sarah Rylance. /episode/index/show/sciencein5/id/32396477

Dementia 07/18/2024

Dementia Is Dementia a normal part of ageing? Someone suffers from dementia every three seconds. What are the causes? Can we prevent it? Is there a cure? Dr Katrin Seeher explains in Science in 5. /episode/index/show/sciencein5/id/32200857

Hypertension 07/05/2024

Hypertension Why is hypertension called a silent killer ? What happens in your body when your blood pressure is high? Learn about the 4 “S”s to protect yourself from hypertension. Dr Taskeen Khan explains today in Science in 5. /episode/index/show/sciencein5/id/32015327

Social Isolation 06/21/2024

Social Isolation Did you know that social isolation or loneliness could increase your risk of early death by up to 32%? How would you know if you are socially isolated and how does it impact your health? Alana Officer explains and gives tips to overcome social isolation in Science in 5 this week. /episode/index/show/sciencein5/id/31823667

UV Radiation 06/07/2024

UV Radiation Did you know that putting on your sunglasses is one of the ways to protect your eyes from cataract ? Learn about ways to protect yourself from UV radiation from Dr Cornelia Baldermann, Scientific Senior Consultant, at the German Federal Office for Radiation Protection. Dr Baldermann explains where UV radiation comes from and how it impact our health in Science in 5. /episode/index/show/sciencein5/id/31643527

Avian Influenza 05/13/2024

Avian Influenza Why is WHO concerned about Avian Influenza or Bird Flu? Who is at risk? How can you protect yourself and which foods are safe to eat during an outbreak ? Dr Wenqing Zhang explains in Science in 5. /episode/index/show/sciencein5/id/31258737

Low back pain 04/29/2024

Low back pain Did you know that chronic low back pain is a major cause of disability across the world impacting people’s physical capabilities, sleep, participation in work, school and relationships? What kind of treatment should you ask for? Which treatments do not work? Learn to manage your low back pain from Dr Yuka Sumi in Science in 5 /episode/index/show/sciencein5/id/31029748

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