Rx for Survival 8x57

From vaccines to antibiotics, clean water to nutrition, bio-terror threats to the HIV/AIDS pandemic, the six-part series Rx for Survival: A Global Health Challenge tells the compelling stories of global health challenges and successes. Employing both historical dramatic sequences and poignant current documentary stories, the series showcases key milestones in public health history, such as the eradication of smallpox, alongside modern and future challenges, including SARS, a potential global flu pandemic and recovery from the Asian tsunami catastrophe. Brad Pitt narrates, and experts including Director of the Earth Institute at Columbia University Jeffrey Sachs; author Laurie Garrett; President of the National Academies of Sciences Institute of Medicine Harvey Fineberg; President of the Global Health Council Nils Daulaire; and Associate Executive Director of the Carter Center Donald Hopkins, will guide viewers through the ins and outs of this complex but fascinating story.

Episode 1: Disease Warriors (1×60)
This program chronicles the groundbreaking work of early researchers, such as the famed scientist Louis Pasteur, who unmasked germs as the source of illness. Pasteur went on to develop a rabies vaccine: a great scientific triumph. Today, vaccines have made huge strides against epidemics, conquering smallpox and bringing the global eradication of polio within reach. But the world still faces major challenges in getting basic vaccines to those who still need them, and in creating new ones to combat modern nemeses, like AIDS.

Episode 2: Rise of the Superbugs (1×60)
The discovery of the very first antibiotic, penicillin, and the subsequent development of more “wonder drugs” transformed the face of modern medicine. Rise of the Superbugs chronicles these historic successes, as well as the growing threat posed by new strains of germs, such as tuberculosis and staph, that are resistant to our best antibiotics. Are our strongest medicines becoming obsolete, and can we develop new drugs in time to replace them?

Episode 3: Delivering the Goods (1×60)
At the dawn of the 21st century, we can prevent, treat or cure most of the deadliest diseases known to humankind: and yet millions die needlessly every year because the benefits of modern medicine and public health fail to reach them. From the villages of the Gambia to the cities and towns of Thailand, this episode chronicles innovative health programs and charismatic leaders who, against all odds, are Delivering the Goods to millions of individuals.

Program 4: Deadly Messengers (1×60)
Since the plague killed millions of Europeans in the Middle Ages, vector-borne diseases — those that rely on insects and animals to spread infectious agents — have posed a serious threat to public health. Today, the most dangerous vector on earth is the mosquito. From malaria to yellow fever to West Nile virus, mosquito-borne diseases continue to threaten the health of millions around the world. This program recounts the stories of heroic scientists and health workers who battled against the mosquito, and examines current efforts to control dangerous and spreading vector-borne diseases.

Program 5: Back to the Basics (1×60)
Ever since sailors noticed that scurvy could be prevented with citrus fruits, it has been clear that illness could be caused by a lack of certain nutrients. Many in poorer countries suffer from the twin problems of poor nutrition and unsafe water, which create a disease burden that is almost unbearable. Back to the Basics explores the connection between health and the essential requirements that so many people take for granted. It also examines how an overabundance of nutrition is causing an epidemic of obesity that is spreading across the globe.

Program 6: How Safe Are We? (1×60)
During the past 100 years, life expectancy more than doubled in developed countries. In the last few decades, however, thirty new infectious diseases have emerged and one of them — AIDS — is becoming perhaps the most devastating epidemic in history. New diseases travel the globe with unprecedented rapidity, and older killers that once seemed controllable are roaring back with a vengeance. This program examines the most critical threats we face today — including avian flu — and the pressing need to strengthen global public health systems.

The Two-Hour Special: The Heros (2×60)
This inspiring program presents the stories of unsung champions who protect people worldwide from the ravages of threatening disease. Using highlights from the six-hour series, this special focuses on the individual heroes whose tireless perseverance saves millions of lives across the globe. From young polio warriors in India to armies of grandmothers in Nepal, the program takes viewers inside the stirring campaigns that have brought renewed faith to poor communities from Africa to South America.

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