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The article focuses on challenges facing AIDS research, particularly efforts to contain its spread in developing countries. Topics discussed include scientific breakthroughs that would help in reducing the number of people infected with AIDS including benefits associated with circumcision and oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PreP), opportunities seen with the use of silicone rings laced with dapivirine and ways to go around with the funding problem facing AIDS work.

The article examines chronic diseases in developing countries. An increase in noncommunicable diseases such as cancer, kidney disease and diabetes in such countries is examined, and largely attributed to the effects of economic development and increased affluence. It is noted that medical care systems in developing countries are often more equipped to treat infectious diseases.

The article discusses efforts to end malaria in Africa, focusing on a surge of publicity for programs such as Roll Back Malaria, an international coalition under the auspices of the World Health Organization. The efforts of U.S. President George W. Bush and British Prime Minister Gordon Brown to direct both financial aid and global attention to the problem are noted.

The article focuses on how access to refrigerators in India and emerging markets are impacting women's lives in 2014. Topics include the cost of personal-use refrigerators in developing countries, the increase in refrigerator ownership between 1994 and 2014, and how they improve public health by lessening food contamination and spoilage.

The article examines cancer in developing countries. The high mortality rate for cancer patients in developing countries is examined. Increases in breast, colon and lung cancer in developing countries due to economic development are discussed. The lack of oncologists and of financing for cancer diagnosis and treatment in developing countries are discussed.

The article discusses financing models for vaccination programs in developing countries. The Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunisation, founded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, is offering cash to drug companies that can develop an effective pneumonia vaccine. Other sources of funding include grants and high prices for vaccinations in rich countries that subsidize those in poorer ones.

This article discusses the proceedings of a meeting of doctors and public health officials in Belém, Brazil to address issues related to the control of Chagas disease. The need for commitments among public health officials and international aid agencies to contribute to the prevention and early diagnosis of Chagas disease is described. The authors discuss the lack of a research market to develop new treatments for the disease.