No Vaccine No Problem: Papua New Guinea Malaria Deaths Fall by 92% — 2026-06-01

## Short Segments Three Indian teenagers have won the Global Earth Prize for their innovative solution to microplastic pollution. Later, we'll explore how Papua New Guinea has dramatically reduced malaria deaths without a vaccine. But first, a new drug offers hope for hepatitis B patients. A new drug just cleared hepatitis B in 1 in 5 patients. In a recent clinical trial, the drug bepirovirsen achieved a functional cure for approximately 20% of patients with chronic hepatitis B. This is a significant improvement over the current standard of care, which only achieves a functional cure in about 3% of patients after eight to ten years of treatment. The B-Well trial involved 1,838 adults across 29 countries, with participants receiving either bepirovirsen or a placebo for six months, alongside existing antiviral medication. Among those treated with the drug, 19% achieved a functional cure, meaning their immune systems could control the virus without medication for over six months. In a subgroup with the lowest viral surface antigen levels at the start, the cure rate reached 26%. This breakthrough offers new hope for hepatitis B patients, potentially transforming treatment options and outcomes. 3 Teens Win Global Earth Prize for Inventing Tamarind Powder That Easily Removes Microplastics. Three 16-year-olds from India have been awarded the Global Earth Prize for their creation of 'Plas-Stick,' a biodegradable solution that removes microplastics from water using powdered tamarind seeds. The innovative solution clumps microplastics together, allowing them to be easily removed with a handheld magnet. This low-cost, simple alternative to complex filtration systems was inspired by visits to rural communities where drinking water is stored in shared containers. The Earth Prize is the world's largest environmental competition for young people, and this recognition highlights the potential of youth-led innovation in addressing global environmental challenges. Greenland sheds new light on underwater carbon sink. New research has revealed how Greenland's seaweed plays a crucial role in global carbon storage by transporting carbon to deep-sea reservoirs. The study confirms the oceanographic pathways that carry macroalgae from the coastal waters of Southwest Greenland to deep-sea carbon sinks. This discovery suggests that Greenland's coastal macroalgal forests may contribute more significantly to global carbon storage than previously thought. By combining satellite imagery, ocean drifter trajectories, and high-resolution ocean turbulence models, researchers have provided new insights into the potential of macroalgae as a natural solution for carbon sequestration. ## Feature Story No Vaccine No Problem: Papua New Guinea Malaria Deaths Fall by 92%. Papua New Guinea has achieved a remarkable reduction in malaria deaths, cutting the rate from 13 per 100,000 inhabitants to just 1, using only current methods of prevention, testing, and treatment. This progress is particularly significant given that Papua New Guinea accounts for 90% of all malaria cases in the Western Pacific region. Despite challenges such as a never-ending rainy season, limited infrastructure, and difficult geography, the country has made major strides against malaria. Efforts have focused on preventive tools, including the widespread use of bednets, which have proven effective in reducing transmission. According to national health data, total malaria deaths fell from 699 in 2000 to 148 last year, as presented at the Morobe Health Authority 2025 Review Meeting. This achievement highlights the impact of targeted interventions and community engagement in combating infectious diseases. As Papua New Guinea continues to battle malaria, the success of these strategies offers hope and a model for other regions facing similar challenges. Looking ahead, the focus will be on sustaining these gains and further reducing the burden of malaria in the country.