Global Health Terms

noun a serious tropical disease spread by mosquitoes and causing fever and severe joint and muscle pain

• Malaria is a life-threatening disease caused by parasites transmitted to people through the bites of infected mosquitoes.
• My friend got really sick while traveling in Africa and was diagnosed with malaria.
• I heard that getting malaria is like getting hit by a ton of bricks.
• The spread of misinformation can be like a malaria, infecting minds and causing harm.

noun a type of virus that causes respiratory illness in humans and animals, including the common cold and more severe diseases such as SARS and COVID-19

• The coronavirus pandemic has greatly impacted the global economy.
• I heard the coronavirus is spreading rapidly in our city.
• Did you hear about the new strain of corona going around?
• The coronavirus outbreak is like a dark cloud hanging over us.

noun a device for silencing speech or preventing free expression

• The global gag rule is a policy that restricts funding for international organizations that provide abortion services or information.
• Did you hear about the global gag rule? It's causing a lot of controversy in the international community.
• The global gag rule is seriously messing with women's healthcare around the world.
• The global gag rule is like putting a muzzle on organizations that support women's reproductive rights.