[Download] The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, is seeking comments and feedback on the draft National Health Policy (NHP) 2015. After consultations organized by Socialist Party (India), National Alliance of People’s Movements (NAPM), Asha Parivar, and Vote For Health campaign, Citizen News Service (CNS), we have summarised the comments that came forth on the draft shared by the government. These comments were submitted on 26th February 2015. Download the report summarising the comments here.Keep people before profit: Comments on the draft National Health Policy 2015
[Download] The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, is seeking comments and feedback on the draft National Health Policy (NHP) 2015. After consultations organized by Socialist Party (India), National Alliance of People’s Movements (NAPM), Asha Parivar, and Vote For Health campaign, Citizen News Service (CNS), we have summarised the comments that came forth on the draft shared by the government. These comments were submitted on 26th February 2015. Download the report summarising the comments here.
Medicines Patent Pool brings hope for kids living With HIV
The Medicines Patent Pool (MPP), an organization founded by UNITAID, and backed by the United Nations, signed today (24th February 2015) a licensing agreement with the American pharmaceutical company MSD (Merck Sharp & Dohme), known as Merck in the United States and Canada, for paediatric formulations of raltegravir- a key medicine approved for children living with HIV, one month of age and older.
Report: Christian response to AIDS, homophobia and violence against women
Lung cancer and smoking are best friends
A cancer is a growth in the body, which becomes large with time due to various reasons. It passes through a variety of stages from which either to recover or to die. Among the many cancers happening around the world is the deadly lung cancer; but the good news is that it can be prevented if we understand about its basic cause. According to the World Cancer Report 2014, many lakhs are affected with lung cancer every year. Out of them only few will survive. In India alone, it is considered as a major cancer type and there are specialized hospitals to treat such patients from all over the country including from neighbouring nations.
Increasing lung cancer cases in women ring alarm bells
Diana Wangari, CNS Special Correspondent, Kenya
(First published in The Star, Kenya)
I remember one time when my grandmother paid us a visit in the city, she remarked on 'How the world has changed.' She was referring to a group of ladies, standing outside a restaurant who, while chatting, would pause every now and then to take a puff from the cigarette clutched between their meticulously manicured nails.
(First published in The Star, Kenya) I remember one time when my grandmother paid us a visit in the city, she remarked on 'How the world has changed.' She was referring to a group of ladies, standing outside a restaurant who, while chatting, would pause every now and then to take a puff from the cigarette clutched between their meticulously manicured nails.
TB Alliance advances next-generation TB drug candidate into clinical testing
Shobha Shukla, Citizen News Service - CNS
The Global Alliance for TB Drug Development (TB Alliance) announced on February 19, 2015 the start of the first human study of a new TB drug candidate TBA-354--the first new potential TB drug to begin a Phase 1 clinical study in 6 years since 2009. “There is a critical gap of new compounds for TB,” said Mel Spigelman, MD, President and CEO of TB Alliance. “The advancement of TBA-354 into clinical testing is a major milestone, not only because of the potential it shows for improving TB treatment, but because it is the first new potential TB drug to begin a Phase 1 clinical trial in six years.”
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| CNS Image Library (March 2013) |
Is too much health research - unnecessary, unethical, unscientific, wasteful?
Too much health and medical research may be unnecessary, unethical, unscientific, and wasteful, warns a new global network, 'Evidence-Based Research Network (EBRNetwork)' - initiated by a group of Norwegian and Danish researchers. Researchers, research funders, regulators, sponsors and publishers of research fail to use earlier research when preparing to start, fund or publish the results of new studies, EBRNetwork experts argue. They stress: To embark on research without systematically reviewing evidence of what is already known, particularly when the research involves people or animals, is unethical, unscientific, and wasteful.
Patients struggle to access quality diabetes care
Diabetes in Malawi seems to be nobody’s baby. Speaking from personal experience, Mariam Ladi, a diabetes patient and a Diabetes Club leader at Kawale Township in Lilongwe, rues that people who suffer from diabetes related complications, such as kidney failure, are often unable to access proper treatment due to the prohibitive costs involved.
A suitable prescription for an unfit nation
Dr Anoop Misra, Chairman of Fortis C-DOC Hospital
(First published in the LiveMint News)
“Doctor, I cannot exercise because of cold/hot/rainy weather; dogs and mosquitoes/ chain snatchers/beggars on the street; parties, etc”—utterances that I hear from my patients ad nauseam. Very few state that the inability to do exercise is primarily because of their laziness. Many of them have a stationary exercise bicycle, treadmill, or even a fully equipped gym at home. Having worked in India, the UK and US, I firmly believe that urban Indians are far more inactive as compared with other races. Is it in our genes? Unlikely.
(First published in the LiveMint News)
“Doctor, I cannot exercise because of cold/hot/rainy weather; dogs and mosquitoes/ chain snatchers/beggars on the street; parties, etc”—utterances that I hear from my patients ad nauseam. Very few state that the inability to do exercise is primarily because of their laziness. Many of them have a stationary exercise bicycle, treadmill, or even a fully equipped gym at home. Having worked in India, the UK and US, I firmly believe that urban Indians are far more inactive as compared with other races. Is it in our genes? Unlikely.
Lung cancer: Difficult to diagnose, difficult to treat, easy to prevent
Shobha Shukla, Citizen News Service - CNS
Just a few days before World Cancer Day this year, an acquaintance of mine succumbed to this dreaded disease within 10 months of diagnosis, and became part of the world statistics of someone dying somewhere of lung cancer every 30 seconds. Of all known cancers, lung cancer has highest annual mortality (1.6 million) as well as incidence (1.8 million) globally, and is responsible for nearly 1 in 5 cancer related deaths.
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| Dr Surya Kant, KGMU |
Childhood pneumonia - the forgotten killer
Diana Wangari, CNS Special Correspondent, Kenya
(First published in The Star, Kenya)
If you were asked what were the leading infectious disease killers of children under the age of five, what would your answer be? Unless you were a health professional or keep abreast with health information regarding that particular population, I am almost certain that pneumonia would not find a place in the top three diseases that came across your mind.
(First published in The Star, Kenya)
If you were asked what were the leading infectious disease killers of children under the age of five, what would your answer be? Unless you were a health professional or keep abreast with health information regarding that particular population, I am almost certain that pneumonia would not find a place in the top three diseases that came across your mind.
Deworm to not lose gains made on child health and nutrition
Government of India is observing National Deworming Day on 10th February to control infections in children caused by Soil-Transmitted Helminths (STH) or intestinal worms, which are among the most common infections worldwide. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that 241 million children between the ages of 1 and 14 are at risk of STH infection in India. These worms live in human intestines and consume nutrients meant for the human body. They are transmitted by eggs present in human feces, which contaminate soil in areas where sanitation is poor. STH infections can lead to anemia, malnutrition, impaired mental and physical development, and reduced school participation. Safe, inexpensive and effective medicines are available to control infection.
Lung cancer - deadly and yet preventable
Since the last decade, the number of lung cancer patients has been rapidly increasing in Nepal. The statistical report released by B.P Koirala memorial cancer hospital (BPKMCH), Bharatpur, Nepal clearly depicts this grim scenario.
Lung cancer - the bane of smokers
Pretty Chavango, CNS Correspondent, Zimbabwe
Millions of people from all over the world join together in commemorating the annual World Cancer Day on the 4th of February. Worldwide, over 14.1 million people are diagnosed with cancer and 8 .2 million people succumb to it every year (GLOBCAN 2012). If proper action, such as modifying lifestyles, is taken in time then perhaps 30%-40% of cancers can be prevented and another 30% can be cured if diagnosed early.
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| Elizabeth (R):lung cancer victim: Photo credit: ECCT |
Better to prevent rather than treat lung cancer
Shobha Shukla, Citizen News Service - CNS
Every 30 seconds, someone, somewhere in the world dies of lung cancer. According to the World Cancer Report 2014, more people die from lung cancer than from any other type of cancer. In 2012 lung cancer was the most commonly diagnosed cancer, with 1.8 million cases worldwide, accounting for 13% of all cancer cases. It also resulted in 1.6 million deaths (19.4% of total cancer deaths). Dr Sumitra Thongprasert, Special Content Editor of Journal of Thoracic Oncology, and member, Board of Directors, International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer (IASLC), spoke to Citizen News Service (CNS) team in lead up to the World Cancer Day 2015.
Every 30 seconds, someone, somewhere in the world dies of lung cancer. According to the World Cancer Report 2014, more people die from lung cancer than from any other type of cancer. In 2012 lung cancer was the most commonly diagnosed cancer, with 1.8 million cases worldwide, accounting for 13% of all cancer cases. It also resulted in 1.6 million deaths (19.4% of total cancer deaths). Dr Sumitra Thongprasert, Special Content Editor of Journal of Thoracic Oncology, and member, Board of Directors, International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer (IASLC), spoke to Citizen News Service (CNS) team in lead up to the World Cancer Day 2015.
Why prefer AAP over BJP and Congress?
Dr Sandeep Pandey and Dr Rahul Pandey, CNS Columnists
For the first time since Narendra Modi government has come to power in the centre and won state after state in assembly elections it faces a tough challenge from AAP in Delhi. AAP is not like any other political party. It has emerged from a movement and represents a changing mood in this country, giving a chance to especially the youth to get involved in political process. It is a different matter that equal or more number of youth are involved with BJP now. BJP has more effectively used methods, which AAP brought into Indian politics, to its advantage.
For the first time since Narendra Modi government has come to power in the centre and won state after state in assembly elections it faces a tough challenge from AAP in Delhi. AAP is not like any other political party. It has emerged from a movement and represents a changing mood in this country, giving a chance to especially the youth to get involved in political process. It is a different matter that equal or more number of youth are involved with BJP now. BJP has more effectively used methods, which AAP brought into Indian politics, to its advantage.
Tobacco smoking ruining lives: Lung cancer rates alarming
Many engage in smoking just for the fun of it and unfortunately get caught in the nicotine addiction trap such that they cannot do without a certain number of puffs per day. Smoking has had a great adverse impact on many communities and has been directly responsible for the plight of those who are slowly wasting away from the ravages of lung cancer. In 2012 (the most recent year for which data are available) lung cancer was the most commonly diagnosed cancer with 1.8 million cases worldwide, accounting for 13% of all cancer cases. It is also the most common cause of cancer death, and killed 1.6 million people in 2012 (19.4% of total cancer deaths).
Government warns churches over HIV cure claims
Garikai Chaunza, CNS Correspondent, Zimbabwe
(First published in New Zimbabwe)
The government has warned churches led by so-called prophets, against deceiving people that they can cure HIV/AIDS, as this could result in unnecessary loss of life when people living with HIV stop taking their medication. The warning comes after the multiplication of churches led by ‘miracle-performing prophets’ who are using free-to-air television channels to preach and claim that they can cure HIV.
(First published in New Zimbabwe) The government has warned churches led by so-called prophets, against deceiving people that they can cure HIV/AIDS, as this could result in unnecessary loss of life when people living with HIV stop taking their medication. The warning comes after the multiplication of churches led by ‘miracle-performing prophets’ who are using free-to-air television channels to preach and claim that they can cure HIV.
Biting the hands that feed all?
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| CNS Image Library/2015 |
Stepping up access to healthcare
Pretty Chavango, CNS Correspondent, Zimbabwe
Health has been recognized as central to human development as both a contributor and an outcome and should be accessed by all. Universal health coverage is vital in the process of development. Yet, distribution of resources in society has seen somewhat unbalanced health coverage, culminating in gaps and unequal access to healthcare, thus disrupting economic growth.
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| CNS Image Library/2013 |
New HIV treatment regimen introduced in Zimbabwe
Garikai Chaunza, CNS Correspondent, Zimbabwe
(First published in New Zimbabwe)
The government of Zimbabwe is, with effect from January 2015, switching all people on HIV treatment to a new daily regimen of one tablet per day from the current three pills a day treatment to make it easier for patients to not miss out on taking their medication. The new single tablet is a fixed dose combination of three drugs (Tenofovir, Lamivudine and Efavirenz-TLE), a departure from the previous complicated treatment of taking three different tablets-- namely Tenofovir, Lovovidine and Nevirapine (TLN).
(First published in New Zimbabwe) The government of Zimbabwe is, with effect from January 2015, switching all people on HIV treatment to a new daily regimen of one tablet per day from the current three pills a day treatment to make it easier for patients to not miss out on taking their medication. The new single tablet is a fixed dose combination of three drugs (Tenofovir, Lamivudine and Efavirenz-TLE), a departure from the previous complicated treatment of taking three different tablets-- namely Tenofovir, Lovovidine and Nevirapine (TLN).
Access to health services for everyone, everywhere!
Babs Verblackt, CNS Special Correspondent, Belgium
Achieving access to health services for all citizens remains challenging for many countries. Yet to fragile and transitional states it often is an even more complex issue. Still universal health coverage is an attainable goal that needs involvement of all essential parties - including local communities.
Achieving access to health services for all citizens remains challenging for many countries. Yet to fragile and transitional states it often is an even more complex issue. Still universal health coverage is an attainable goal that needs involvement of all essential parties - including local communities.
Implementing universal health coverage in Nigeria
Universal health coverage (UHC) means that every person, everywhere, has access to quality health care without suffering financial hardships. Unfortunately, each year 1 billion people cannot afford a doctor, cannot pay for medicines and/or cannot access other essential healthcare services without risking impoverishment.
The possibility of universal health coverage
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| CNS image library/2013 |
Integrated programme on HIV/TB in Nepal
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| CNS image library/2010 |
There was no integrated government programme for people living with HIV (PLHIV) and TB in Nepal until six years ago. Therefore, treatment used to be complex for PLHIV when diagnosed with TB. Pranesh (name changed), an HIV positive person in Kathmandu, says, “At that time, HIV positive people suffering from TB would have to visit different healthcare facilities. Now, the situation has changed.”
HIV has claimed 500,000 lives, government official
Garikai Chaunza, CNS Correspondent, Zimbabwe
(First published in New Zimbabwe)
At least half a million Zimbabweans have died of HIV/AIDS related illnesses over the past 16 years, a senior government health official has said. The death toll has however ebbed significantly over the years as access to treatment has improved. “We estimate that more than half a million people have died of HIV related infections or conditions,” the head of the HIV and TB unit in the Ministry of Health and Child Care, Dr Owen Mugurungi, told NewZimbabwe.com
At least half a million Zimbabweans have died of HIV/AIDS related illnesses over the past 16 years, a senior government health official has said. The death toll has however ebbed significantly over the years as access to treatment has improved. “We estimate that more than half a million people have died of HIV related infections or conditions,” the head of the HIV and TB unit in the Ministry of Health and Child Care, Dr Owen Mugurungi, told NewZimbabwe.com
Home demolition victims denied ARVs
Garikai Chaunza, CNS Correspondent, Zimbabwe
(First published in New Zimbabwe)
Victims of Epworth housing demolitions are being denied HIV/AIDS treatment by local health authorities because they do not have medical records which they claim were destroyed during the forced evictions. Some victims, who are still residing at their dilapidated houses following a High Court injunction banning their eviction, said they have gone for almost a month without accessing anti-retroviral drugs.
Victims of Epworth housing demolitions are being denied HIV/AIDS treatment by local health authorities because they do not have medical records which they claim were destroyed during the forced evictions. Some victims, who are still residing at their dilapidated houses following a High Court injunction banning their eviction, said they have gone for almost a month without accessing anti-retroviral drugs.
When will health-for-all become a reality in UP?
[Hindi] Although health-for-all has been the mission of government of India as well since years, a large part of our population reels under the shadow of life-threatening, preventable diseases and unable to access quality standard care. Even if they manage to get healthcare the expenditure pushes them into poverty.
Stop water privatisation and strengthen public water supply
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| Dr Sandeep Pandey Photo credit: Jittima J/CNS |
Human Rights Day: What is wrong with a rights-based approach to TB care?
Shobha Shukla, Citizen News Service - CNS
Well nothing! In fact it is the most correct approach to deal with the global TB crisis of epidemic proportions. And yet everything, as we are a long distance away from putting it to good use. In 2013, TB killed 1.5 million people, out of the estimated 9.0 million people who developed it. Many social, economic and structural barriers drive the TB epidemic in high TB burden countries including India, which accounts for 24% of its global incidence.
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| panel discussion on TB & Human rights Photo credit: S Shukla/ CNS |
Thalassaemia on the blind spot? Call to improve prevention, treatment and care
Shobha Shukla, Citizen News Service - CNS
"It is not only about preventing new
births of thalassemic infants; about chelation, about blood transfusion
and about availability of services needed; but also about preventing
complications related to Thalassaemia. We cannot take half baked measures. Because if the
patient dies prematurely, it will be a huge waste of national
resources—10-15 years worth of investment just goes down the drain.
Inadequate chelation and blood transfusion can result in hospitalization
in intensive care and cost a lot. Patients should not only be kept
alive but also grow up to be productive members of society. Besides the
expertise, we also need experienced and enthusiatic physicians, and
cooperative patients who are willing to take treatment as they grow up" said Dr Michael Angastiniotis, Medical Advisor to Thalassaemia
International Federation.
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| Dr Michael Angastiniotis (CNS image library) |
Breaking taboos, reaping dividends
Swapna Majumdar, CNS Special Correspondent
Consider these statistics: Globally, 370,000 million children are married every day. By 2020, an additional 142 million girls will be married before their 18th birthday. 6 million adolescent pregnancies occur in South Asia-- 90% of them inside marriage. Further, 34% of all unsafe abortions in the Asia Pacific region happen to women below the age of 25.
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| Photo credit: CNS Image Library |
'Studies underway for possible ebola treatment option '
Diana Wangari, Special Correspondent, Kenya
(First published in The Star News, Kenya)
Recently, on a flight in Europe, I was seated next to a charming French lady who was all smiles and ‘Bonjour’ when taking her seat. Satisfied that the old lady was all charm and good manners, I took my nap. You can imagine my surprise when I woke up, only to find that the lady was now wearing a facemask.
(First published in The Star News, Kenya)Recently, on a flight in Europe, I was seated next to a charming French lady who was all smiles and ‘Bonjour’ when taking her seat. Satisfied that the old lady was all charm and good manners, I took my nap. You can imagine my surprise when I woke up, only to find that the lady was now wearing a facemask.
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