An American penicillin case survives

The second series of injections substantially reduced symptoms and biochemical evidence of diabetes.

Collip’s chemistry helped turn an experimental extract into a useful clinical treatment.

The achievement involved the patient and researchers Banting, Best, Collip and Macleod.

A critically ill woman received a scarce supply of the antibiotic during a life-threatening infection.

Penicillin was flown to the hospital and delivered in time for Miller’s first dose.

The episode illustrated the need to manufacture enough penicillin for wider access during wartime.

The founding constitution established an international body devoted to health as a fundamental human right.

WHO formally came into being as countries sought coordinated approaches to disease and health care.

The constitution described health as physical, mental and social well-being, setting an ambitious goal.

The annual observance recalls the day the WHO Constitution came into force.