In this month's Bulletin

737Bulletin of the World Health Organization | October 2008, 86 (10) In this month’s Bulletin WHO 60th anniversary commemorative volume This month’s cover shows a classic public health poster on schistosomiasis, a parasitic disease that still affects about 200 mil- lion people despite five decades of prevention and control programmes. In an editorial, Myra Taylor (738) introduces three papers on current schistosomiasis control efforts: Xun-Ya Hou et al. (788–795) evaluate different combinations of drugs used to treat acute schistosomiasis in China; Veronica L Tallo et al. (765–771) examine the factors that determine participation in a mass chemotherapy programme in the Philippines; and Seydou Touré et al. (780–787) report on praziquantel treatment for schoolchildren in Burkina Faso. In an interview (747–748), Dr Halfdan Mahler, director-general of WHO from 1973 to 1988, reminisces about the Declaration of Alma-Ata and talks about his hopes for the revival of ‘health for all’. In a news feature, Fiona Fleck (745–746) reports on the origins of the landmark primary health care conference that took place 30 years ago in Soviet Kazakhstan. Estimating the global extent of human herpesvirus 2 infections Katharine J Looker et al. (805–812) estimate that more than 500 million people have been exposed to this virus (known formerly as herpes simplex type 2). Poverty reduction stalled Marco Palma-Solís et al. (772–779) examine countries’ lack of progress towards the Millennium Development Goal of reducing poverty. Angola Technology changes the answers In an editorial, Karen Cheng (740) calls for careful use of technology when collecting responses in low-income settings. Mexico Paying more attention to adolescents Research by G Borges et al. (757–764) reveals inadequate mental health services for adolescents in Mexico City. Chile Surgical treatment of morbid obesity Claudia Bambs et al. (813–814) call for broader access to bariatric surgery in treating the rising numbers of morbidly obese people. Panama Poisoning by cough syrup E Danielle Rentz et al. (749–756) investigate an outbreak of acute renal failure. India Home visits help babies survive Abdullah H Baqui et al. (796–804) show that more babies survive when community workers make home visits soon after birth. France Adapting to changing times Nira Datta (743–744) reports on the vital role that rural doctors continue to play in delivering primary health care in France. Yemen Turning over a new leaf Leen Al-Mugahed (741–742) reports on the social and health consequences of khat chewing in Yemen. Switzerland International recruitment of health workers In an editorial, Manuel Dayrit et al. (739) describe the evolution of WHO’s code of practice on the international recruitment of health personnel.