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YAWS, Mosquito App, Guilty bosses

Search for the neglected disease YAWS in Congo Brazzaville, why malaria can’t be beaten with phone Apps despite the claims of gadget developers, and why a good boss feels guilt.

In this week’s programme we look at the popularity of an ineffective way of dealing with mosquitos, using ultrasound signals from mobile phone apps and radio broadcasts. Malaria researchers are concerned people may believe such devices can protect them from being bitten by mosquitos. A radio advertisement promoting the insect repelling benefits of ultrasound recently won an award. However – there is no scientific evidence to support this, research shows the opposite, that ultrasound does not deter insects.

We follow an MSF campaign in Congo Brazzaville to treat remote communities who suffer from the syphilis-like disease YAWS. Eradicated from much of the world by the use of simple antibiotics, the disease persists in remote places where access to medical treatment is scarce.

And we ask why feeling guilt might be a good quality for leaders. According to new research people who feel guilt are not only more likely to emerge as leaders, but also be better managers.

Available now

18 minutes

Last on

Mon 5 Nov 2012 02:32GMT

Chapters

  • Mosquitos

    Why Phone Apps and radio signals using ultrasound to scare away mosquitos don’t work

    Duration: 05:27

  • Bites and chalk paste

    Does chalk paste ease the irritation of insect bites?

    Duration: 01:32

  • Yaws

    Searching for this rare but easily treatable disease in Congo Brazzaville

    Duration: 05:55

  • Guilt

    Why people who feel guilt make better leaders

    Duration: 04:08

Ubangi River, Congo

Ubangi River, Congo

Accessing remote rural communities in the Congo along the Ubangi River

© Benoit Finck

MSF vaccination campaign

MSF vaccination campaign
MSF vaccination campaign in a remote area of Congo Brazzaville

© Benoit Finck

MSF medical team in Congo rainforest

MSF medical team in Congo rainforest

MSF medical team visiting local people in the Congo rainforest

© Benoit Finck

YAWS skin lesions

YAWS skin lesions

Lesions created by the tropical disease Yaws

© Benoit Finck

YAWS treatment camp

YAWS treatment camp

MSF Yaws treatment camp in the Congo rainforest

© Benoit Finck

Treating young children

Treating young children

Treating young children in the rainforest

© Benoit Finck

Mother and children

Mother and children

Walking in the Congo rainforest

© Benoit Finck

Broadcasts

  • Wed 31 Oct 2012 19:32GMT
  • Thu 1 Nov 2012 00:32GMT
  • Thu 1 Nov 2012 04:32GMT
  • Thu 1 Nov 2012 11:32GMT
  • Sat 3 Nov 2012 09:32GMT
  • Mon 5 Nov 2012 02:32GMT

Podcast