This week's top health stories

Zimbabwe's health workers protest over cholera outbreak

Lateline - 03/12/2008
Police in Zimbabwe have used batons to break up a protest by doctors and nurses demonstrating about the worsening cholera outbreak.

Zimbabwe battles cholera epidemic

AM - 03/12/2008
Africa correspondent Andrew Geoghegan travels to the Zimbabwean border to see firsthand the effects of the cholera epidemic gripping the country. The disease is now spreading to neighbouring South Africa.

Surf charity works towards eradicating malaria

7.30 Report - 02/12/2008
SurfAid, a small not-for-profit organisation is well on its way making the Mentawai Islands in Indonesia malaria free. The organisation receives much of its support from the surfing industry and is winning awards for their efforts.

Sleep terrors may be inherited

Science Online - 02/12/2008
Night terrors, which send children into sudden inconsolable screaming, are at least partially inherited, according to a Canadian study.

Invisible line 'protects Australia from bird flu'

Science Online - 02/12/2008
Australia's best defence against an outbreak of avian influenza is an invisible line passing through the Indonesian archipelago between Bali and Lombok that birds are reluctant to cross, a team of zoologists says.

GM beer could be good for your health

Science Online - 02/12/2008
Here's a reason to raise a pint; scientists in the US are creating a beer that contains the same compound found in red wine, which has been linked to good health and longevity.

Victorians lead childhood cancer study

The World Today - 02/12/2008
The world's biggest study of childhood cancer involving 15 countries is to be led by Melbourne researchers. One million mothers and their children will be monitored from pregnancy onwards with the aim of identifying any nutritional or environmental causes of cancers, including leukaemia.

Zimbabwe battles cholera and anthrax

The World Today - 02/12/2008
Zimbabweans are now reported to be dealing with an outbreak of anthrax in the north, as cholera continues to spread in other parts of the country. The Government has shut off the water supply to the capital Harare to contain the spread of cholera, which has so far killed more than 400 people.

Palm Island forced to go dry

PM - 01/12/2008
The relationship between Queensland authorities and the Aboriginal community of Palm Island is under renewed stress. The Island's only licensed venue has lost its licence, and locals are angry. This afternoon the Palm Island Council has voted not to allow public servants into the community unless they provide essential services.

Swiss vote to put heroin on prescription

The World Today - 01/12/2008
Voters in Switzerland have opted to make heroin a prescription drug. Harm minimisation experts have welcomed the move, but authorities in Australia say there's no current proposal to look at adopting a similar approach here