The “Miracle” Polio Vaccine and the Gut Microbiome

Editor's Note

Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter passed away earlier this week, leaving behind an incredible global health legacy. Through the Carter Center, his many achievements include progress toward eliminating Guinea worm and other neglected tropical diseases, strengthening democracies around the world, and advancing human rights. To commemorate Carter's legacy, CFR experts provide insight into his work as president and beyond.

As Americans prepare for the second inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump, physicians and policy experts are taking a closer look at how his cabinet picks and proposed policies could reshape health. This week, polio expert Walter Orenstein discusses the transformational benefits of the polio vaccine following news that Secretary of Health and Human Services nominee Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s lawyer asked the Food and Drug Administration to revoke approval of the vaccine.

Next, Heather  Stobaugh, senior research and learning specialist at Action Against Hunger, sheds light on how malnutrition scientists are collaborating with microbiome experts. She discusses how they are working to culture beneficial microbes that can be delivered via supplement to children to help restore their gut microbiomes as they recover from malnutrition, bringing their whole bodies back to total health.

To wrap up the issue, Nathaniel Humpal, a Deaf student at Johns Hopkins University's science writing master's program, showcases the efforts of Lorne Farovitch, founder of the Global Deaf Research Institute, and others helping advocate for accessibility policies for Deaf people that can improve their quality of life.

Until next week!—Caroline Kantis, Associate Editor