Since the year 2000, the number of global measles cases has dropped 67%, with under 300,000 cases reported worldwide in 2013. This is a huge step forward for measles elimination, and a new method of vaccine delivery could reduce the number of cases even further.

This new method involves inhaling the vaccine.

For years, the measles vaccine has been delivered via a process similar to how children get ‘astronaut ice cream:’ the freeze drying process. The vaccine is first frozen and then put into a low-pressure environment which allows the frozen solid vaccine to transition directing into a gas (called sublimation). What remains is a vaccine ‘powder’.

This powder can then be sent around the world. With the addition of water, the measles vaccine can then be created. While turning vaccine into powder is a great process for transfer, there is one drawback. Once reconstituted, the vaccine will only last about one hour before it loses its potency. This is a serious problem in developing regions of the world where individuals may have to travel long distances for care.

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Although the holiday season is largely regarded as over, early January still has one holiday that is very important for many: the birthday celebration of The Prophet Muhammad. Muhammad ibn Abdullah Al-Arabia was the founder of Islam, and he wrote the Islamic holy book, The Quran. The tradition of celebrating his life and work in early January goes back centuries but is not without some minor controversies.

While historic records vary, Mawlid, also called Muled, Mawlud or Milad and generally meaning ‘Birth of The Prophet’, is celebrated on the 12th day of Rabi’ al-awwal, the third month in the Islamic calendar that usually falls between late December and mid-January, depending on the year. However, not every country celebrates his birth, and fewer do it in the same way. Most Sunni and Shia scholars approve of the holiday, but the Wahhabis (mostly located in Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the UAE) oppose the celebration.

In the areas of the world where The Prophet’s birth is celebrated, a festive atmosphere abounds, especially in Pakistan. Throughout the nation, festivities will begin on the evening of January 2nd and continue through the 3rd. Known in Pakistan by its Urdu name, Eid Milad-un-Nabi, the celebration features 21-gun salutes at dawn, massive processions, cinemas showing religious films, and buildings being illuminated by lights (similar to India’s Diwali celebrations). Certainly, there are plenty of awe-inspiring sights to behold.

In other countries like Indonesia, the celebration of Mawlid al-nabi is treated as one of the most important holidays of the year, with a week long celebration to honor all that The Prophet did. Even countries that are not predominantly Muslim have fairly large celebrations including India and Kenya where night-long prayers and large celebrations are known to take place.

If you do decide to travel to one of these festivities throughout the world, be sure to check ahead of time on when the holiday will be taking place that year (due to the lunar calendar, it changes every year) and what you will need to do in terms of visa, vaccination or other pre-travel concerns.

Depending on the trip you are planning, you may need speciality vaccinations, such as a Yellow Fever vaccine or polio booster, so be sure to check with your Passport Health Travel Specialist to find out what exactly you will need.

Would you like to see the sights and sounds of Mawlid Un Nabi? Which country would you like to visit to see it? Comment below or on our Facebook page and let us know!

What better day than New Year’s Day to get your travel planning for 2015 underway and to perhaps consider taking a special trip to ring in the next New Year in an exotic destination. Indeed, the best way to make sure you get the most out of your experience is to start planning for next year now. Below are some of the top places to travel throughout the globe (starting east and moving west), with tips to keep you safe and enjoying the festivities, for your New Year’s Eve travels next year.

Sydney, Australia

If you would like to ring in the New Year in a big way, then Sydney is your best bet. The first major city in the world to celebrate the New Year holds two fireworks shows, one at 9pm and one at 12am. Both displays are extensive and will make for memorable parts of what is sure to be an amazing trip. Remember that Hepatitis vaccines are suggested for travel to Australia as can be the yellow fever and japanese encephalitis vaccines, especially if you are planning an extended stay.

Hong Kong, China

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Traveling is one of the most enjoyable life experiences, but, for many, it can be a difficult or even life threatening option. Individuals who have been diagnosed with diabetes need to watch their blood sugar very closely and monitor how any spikes may affect their bodies. This factor can make long distance travel seem like a nearly insurmountable task. For the penultimate day of Passport Health’s Holiday Travel Tips countdown, we consider what individuals with Type 2 (or any form of) Diabetes can do to overcome these issues and still have an enjoyable trip.

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As one of the largest private foundations in the world, The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation has done immense amounts of good throughout the world. In the last few months alone, the foundation has committed over $500 million to fighting Ebola as well as other potentially deadly diseases that are currently affecting the developing world.

The Gates Foundation’s mission is to enhance healthcare and reduce extreme poverty throughout the world, while focusing on United States-based efforts as well. Supported by donations from Bill Gates, the founder of Microsoft, and his wife, Melinda, as well as business magnate Warren Buffett and other investors, the foundation has been able to support major efforts through grants, direct donations, and other means of financing.

The foundation itself is divided into four sectors: Global Development Division, Global Health Division, United States Division, and the Global Policy & Advocacy Division.

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