History of Polio: From Ancient Egypt to Near-Eradication

How Did Polio Go From Ancient Scourge to Near-Eradication in Two Generations?

Polio has plagued humanity for over 3,000 years, from Egyptian stone carvings showing withered limbs in 1580 BC to paralyzing over 1,000 children daily in 1988. Through coordinated global vaccination efforts starting with Rotary International in 1985 and the Global Polio Eradication Initiative in 1988, wild poliovirus now circulates in only two countries, representing a 99% reduction in global cases.

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The Complete History of Insulin: From Discovery to Modern Crisis

How Did Insulin Evolve from a Laboratory Extract to Modern Life-Saving Therapy?

Insulin’s history spans over 130 years, beginning with the 1889 discovery that pancreatic removal caused diabetes and culminating in today’s sophisticated insulin analogs and delivery systems. This journey encompasses groundbreaking scientific discoveries, manufacturing innovations, regulatory developments, and unfortunately, a modern pricing crisis that has made this life-saving medication inaccessible to many who need it most.

Dr. Kumar’s Take

Insulin’s history represents both the best and worst of medical progress. The scientific journey from understanding diabetes to developing life-saving therapy showcases human ingenuity and collaboration at its finest. However, the transformation of insulin from an affordable medication into a luxury commodity represents a betrayal of the discoverers’ vision and a failure of our healthcare system. Understanding this complete history helps us appreciate both the remarkable scientific achievement and the urgent need to restore insulin’s accessibility.

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