CNS

47 per cent TB patients remain unreached in Chhattisgarh

"47% of TB cases are being missed by the state TB programme" said Dr DN Dewangan, State TB Officer in Chhattisgarh (every year, expected number of TB cases in Chhattisgarh is 51,840 and number of those TB patients registered under revised national TB control programme (RNTCP) is 27,300). Dr Dewangan was speaking at the consultative workshop of the TB and poverty sub-working group of the Stop TB Partnership, secretariat of which has now moved to the South-East Asia office of the International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease (The Union). Chhattisgarh is a low intensity internal conflict ridden Indian state where 80% of population is living in rural parts and 32% are tribals. Nine out of eighteen districts are inhabited by tribal population. Poverty further exacerbates the situation denying access to existing healthcare services including those for TB. Hope these issues are well addressed by the forthcoming 41st Union World Conference on Lung Health in Berlin, Germany. Read more

[To listen to audio podcast of CNS Exclusive interview with Dr Anil Kapur on TB-diabetes, click here]
People with diabetes are at a high risk of tuberculosis (TB). According to several studies and systematic reviews, people with diabetes might have 2 to 3 fold higher risk of getting tuberculosis (TB). In the lead up to the World Diabetes Day (14 November), and 41st Union World Conference on Lung Health, Berlin, Germany (11-15 November 2010), it might be wise to see one of the key outcomes of a TB and poverty meeting that brought deadly synergy between diabetes and TB to the fore. The linkage of TB and diabetes came out very prominently when different TB programme managers from Nepal, Thailand, India and those from different Indian states shared their experience at the recently concluded consultative workshop of the TB and poverty sub-working group of the Stop TB Partnership (29-30 October 2010). Read more

Tuberculosis And Poverty: Partners By Default

There is a direct link between tuberculosis (TB) and poverty. It is indeed a vicious cycle, as one begets the other. The stark reality is that TB saps the economy of the community, which in turn increases the likelihood of contracting TB. This point emerged several times at two important meetings in past 2-3 months: Open Forum 4: Critical Path to TB Regimen: New Hope of Life for TB Patients, Ethiopia, and the consultative workshop of the TB and poverty sub-working group in India (29-30 October 2010). Before the 41st Union World Conference on Lung Health opens in Berlin, Germany, the point is made clear: the economic impact of TB is staggering. Read more

Poverty impedes access to existing tuberculosis (TB) care services

Poverty not only makes poor people more vulnerable to tuberculosis (TB) but also makes them less likely to access the existing TB-related prevention, treatment and care services. There is substantial number of active TB patients that are still not reached by existing TB control programmes. Efforts to scale up might mean a very well coordinated and community-centric approach so that those vulnerable communities who aren't benefitting from the existing healthcare services are reached and served optimally. This was a key thrust in varied sessions of the consultative workshop of TB and Poverty sub-working group of the Stop TB Partnership which was held in India (29-30 October 2010). Read more

Tobacco use, tuberculosis (TB), and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are all burgeoning problems in resource poor settings. The evidence of their potentially devastating effects on global public health is increasing and they require a coordinated approach for control. These diseases all occur in predominantly resource-poor countries. They are perpetuated by poverty and inadequate resources, was the clear mandate from the consultative workshop organized by the TB and Poverty sub-working group of the Stop TB Partnership in India (29-30 October 2010). It is expected that the scientific deliberations at the 41st Union World Conference on Lung Health in Berlin, Germany (11-15 November 2010), will address these concerns on a well-coordinated response to these epidemics. Read more

"So little attention has been given to the tuberculosis (TB) pandemic because it's a disease of the poor" had said Dr Nils Billo, Executive Director of the International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease (The Union) at the 38th Union World Conference on Lung Health in Cape Town, South Africa in 2007. In 2010, before the 41st Union World Conference on Lung Health opens next week in Berlin, Germany (11-15 November 2010), the issues around TB and poverty have only become more severe. At the consultative workshop organized by the TB and poverty sub-working group of Stop TB Partnership in India (29-30 October 2010), it was clear that TB continues to affect society's most vulnerable - those who live in abject poverty, are marginalized or economically and socially isolated. Poverty significantly increases a person's vulnerability to the disease. Read more

At the tuberculosis (TB) and poverty sub-working group meeting which was held recently in India (29-30 October 2010), the experience of Thailand in responding to TB particularly among those who were poor (or uninsured) was in the spotlight. The government of Thailand along with other partners has taken major steps to prevent, diagnose and treat TB, particularly among those people who are uninsured (or poor). The discussion around TB and poverty assumes further significance as just a week or more later, the 41st Union World Conference on Lung Health is slated to open in Berlin, Germany on the theme of "TB, HIV and Lung Health: from research and innovation to solutions." Read more

Piles to Smiles

More than 50% population suffers from piles (or haemorrhoids) despite of the reality that effective prevention and treatment options are available. I am reminded of my sojourn through solitude in Dublin, Ireland, where I went to receive the honorary FRCS from Royal College of Surgeons Ireland. I was spending my time in Ireland in revising treatment policies in Piles when I went through memorable quote "Had it not been due to painful thrombosed piles, Napoleon would have not lost the War." Read more

Photo credit: wondersofpakistan.blogspot.com

Statement by NAPM
Arundhati Roy, in articulating the sentiments of the people of Kashmir valley, has said nothing offensive or seditious. It is unfortunate the sections of the media reported only selective parts of her speech to sensationalise what she said. It is also unfortunate and condemnable the attempts by some political parties to seek strong action against her on the basis of these reports. Read more

The 41st Union World Conference on Lung Health will be held on 11-15 November 2010 in Berlin, Germany, and is expected to be attended by 2500 delegates from over 100 countries. The theme of this year's conference is "Tuberculosis (TB), HIV and lung health: from research and innovation to solutions." Read more

CNS coverage from TB and Poverty sub-working group meeting of the Stop TB Partnership (29-30 October 2010)

CNS provided on-site coverage from TB and Poverty sub-working group meeting of the Stop TB Partnership (29-30 October 2010) held in Gurgaon, India. The secretariat of the TB and poverty sub-working group of the Stop TB Partnership has now moved to the south east Asia regional office of the International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease (The Union) since September 2010. Read more

World Diabetes Day is on 14th November
Diabetes, one the four priority non-communicable diseases (NCDs) identified by the World Health Organization (WHO), remains a misunderstood and neglected epidemic with numbers increasing alarmingly in every region of the world. According to the International Diabetes Federation (IDF), there are over 300 million people with diabetes worldwide with low- and middle- income countries account for 4 out of 5 cases of diabetes. There are 50.8 million people with diabetes in India and 92.4 million in China . To add fuel to fire, India seems to be at a threshold of an 'outbreak' of obesity, more so in urban Indian cities. Read more

Decreasing hunger, increasing health: Promoting awareness and accessibility to food and care

It is common knowledge that food grains rot and waste in government warehouses while millions of Indians starve or subsist on extremely little. This directly impacts their physical, mental and emotional health and very often their survival. Further, due to the rampant corruption in the public distribution system (PDS), the economically marginalized barely get their due from the 'fair' price shops. The integrated child development scheme (ICDS), anganwaadis, balwadis and government schools which are supposed to provide nourishment along with education, child and health care, are gradually heading the same way. Read more

With the 41st Union World Conference on Lung Health hardly two weeks ahead of us, the issues which emerged at the 39th Union World Conference on Lung Health in Paris, France, where CNS was present, are worth re-visiting. With 50% of all deaths from lung disease linked to tobacco use, control of the tobacco related substances was high on the agenda of the 39th Union World Conference on Lung Health in Paris, France (2007). This year 2010, is also declared as Year of the Lung. Read more

Piles to Smiles book launched

Treating Piles without surgery is a reality now. With latest techniques and competent well-trained staff, getting relief from haemorrhoids (or piles) without surgical incision is a possibility. Patient's hospital stay is very brief, and clinical outcome outstanding. Noted Lucknow Surgeon Professor (Dr) Rama Kant who is a faculty at the forthcoming XII Annual Conference of Association of Surgeons of India (ASI), Haryana Chapter, and Northern Region CME of ASI in Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Rohtak, Haryana, will also deliver a guest lecture on managing haemorrhoids (piles) without surgery by DGHAL/RAR technique. Read more

Alarm on diabetic foot: "People with diabetes take care of feet"

Prof (Dr) Rama Kant awarded Jharkhand Presidential Oration on diabetic foot
Professor (Dr) Rama Kant was awarded the prestigious Presidential Oration by Association of Surgeons of India (ASI) Jharkhand in Hazaribagh on 24th October. Prof (Dr) Rama Kant is currently the Managing Director of Piles to Smiles Clinic at Rama Consultations and Training Centre (RCTC), C-block crossing, Indira Nagar and also the Professor-Director at SIPS Hospital, Shahmina Road. He is the former Head of Surgery Dept, CSMMU (erst KGMC) and former Chief Medical Superintendent of Gandhi Memorial and Associated Hospitals, CSMMU. Read more

Dr Prakit Vathisathokit

During the 10th International Week of Resistance to Tobacco Transnationals (IWR) during 4-8 October 2010, civil society groups from around the world told the world: how tobacco industry interferes in the implementation of the global tobacco treaty, formally known as the World Health Organization (WHO) Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC). Thailand, was one of the countries where veteran tobacco control stalwarts like Professor (Dr) Prakit Vathisathokit, shared how tobacco industry interferes in the implementation of global tobacco treaty and also in enforcing their domestic tobacco control policies in the country. Prof (Dr) Prakit is the Executive Secretary of ASH Thailand. Read more

National Alliance of
People's Movements (NAPM)

National Alliance of People's Movements (NAPM) is organizing its Eighth Biennial Convention in the Narmada Valley, at Badwani, Madhya Pradesh, from 24-26 October 2010. Narmada Bachao Andolan (NBA), which is entering in 25th year of struggle, and is one of the founding members of NAPM will be hosting the convention this time. The journey that started in 1992 and took the shape of NAPM in 1996 has today reached a critical stage. Read more

24 Oct: UN Day

24 October is UN Day

On the anniversary of the entry into force of the United Nations (UN) Charter on 24 October 1945, (UN Day), and to mark the UN Disarmament Week (24-30 October 2010), the key question to measure effectiveness of such initiatives is: will the governments of countries, say in regions like Asia, begin to act upon in a way so as to strengthen democracy and scale up disarmament? Read more

State Journalists' body resents atrocities on media

Uttar Pradesh (UP) State Accredited Correspondent Committee (UPSACC) expressed its strong resentment during the press briefing of the Home Department at media Centre before Home Secretary Dipak Kumar and ADG (Law and Order) Mr Brij Lal over police attack on the Kanpur office of the Hindustan Times and Dainik Hindustan, illegal detention of the mother of Yashwant Singh, Editor, Bhadas4media.com, at Nandganj Police Station of Ghazipur District, and no action taken against Imam Bukhari who thrashed a journalist in police presence during his press conference. Mr Brij Lal assured action in all the three issues raised at this meet. Read more

KANPUR: The activists of the National Alliance of People’s Movements (NAPM), Asha Parivar and Lok Rajniti Manch, have strongly condemned the attack by police on the offices of Hindustan Times and Dainik Hindustan in Kanpur. Instead of the police acting against those responsible for the alleged sexual assault and death of the child, police is harassing media agencies like HT that have boldly come out in support of justice for the child, said Dr Sandeep Pandey, Ramon Magsaysay Awardee (2002) and member, national presidium, Lok Rajniti Manch. Read more

Tallinn, Estonia: The call for a better, integrated approach to HIV and tuberculosis (TB) care has been getting louder worldwide in the past years. Equally, in terms of advocacy integration of the two diseases is gradually growing. People living with HIV speaking up on TB increasingly help put tuberculosis higher on the agenda. Read more

2010 is Year of the Lung

Lung diseases are a leading cause of death worldwide, killing more than 10 million people each year. With a view to focus on the importance of breathing, the International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease (The Union), celebrated the first World Spirometry Day on 14 October 2010, to raise awareness of the toll of suffering and death caused by lung disease – and to promote spirometry as a simple test that can reveal early warning signs of it. Read more

Urging media to help focus the attention of society on the inhuman practice of manual scavenging, UNICEF Water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) specialist Mr Amit Mehrotra, said that, proper and sustained sanitation drives will surely help in eradication of many killer diseases, including diarrhea, typhoid, jaundice and most importantly polio. Read more

Dili: A greater number of new positive Tuberculosis (TB) cases are being detected now in Timor-Leste compared to nine years ago. Of these new cases, about 85% are being successfully treated. Timor Leste’s TB burden was first recorded in 1995 and averaged 707 cases per 100,000 of its population. Today it stands at 378 cases per 100,000 of its population. Read more

Comic book explains TB vaccine clinical trial

[To read the full comic book, click here]

TALLINN, ESTONIA: Finding participants for clinical trials is one of the challenges in the development of new vaccines against tuberculosis (TB). The South African Tuberculosis Vaccine Initiative (SATVI) recently launched a new means to reach out to communities where trials take place: a comic book. Read more

Buddha looked at the water and then he looked up at the disciple and said,"See what you did to make the water clean. You let it be, and the mud settled down on its own - and you have clear water. Your mind is like that too! When it is disturbed, just let it be. Give it a little time.... it will settle down on its own. You don’t have to put in any effort to calm it down. It will happen. It is effortless." Read more

This year's 10th International Week of Resistance to Tobacco Transnationals (10th IWR), which began on Monday, the 4th of October was kick started by Tobacco industry watchdog, Corporate Accountability International, Network for Accountability of Tobacco Transnationals (NATT) and its allies, releasing a new report documenting widespread tobacco industry interference in the implementation of the global tobacco treaty (formally known as the World Health Organization Framework Convention on Tobacco Control - WHO FCTC). The IWR Week is part of the ongoing efforts to bring together anti-tobacco groups to expose industry obstructionism in implementing tobacco control policies in countries around the globe. It provides an opportunity for the global community to speak out in solidarity. Read more

On the occasion of the World Mental Health Day, the World Health Organization (WHO) is launching its Mental Health Gap Intervention Guide (mhGAP-IG) this year on 7th of October which will be the inception of the implementation phase as well. World Mental Health Day is on 10 October and it raises public awareness about mental health issues. Read more

Babs Verblackt wrote on issues around the tuberculosis (TB) vaccines, on-site from the 2nd Global Forum on TB Vaccines, in Tallinn, Estonia (21-24 September 2010). Babs is freelance journalist, a Fellow of CNS Writers' Bureau and Associate Communications at TuBerculosis Vaccine Initiative – TBVI). Read more

National Alliance of
People's Movements (NAPM)

Narmada valley is facing yet another crisis beyond the gigantic dams, which has arisen due to the huge canal network of the Indira Sagar and Omkareshwar canals. The canals of these two dams are not yet fully planned, yet certain estimates, which are not yet final by the Narmada Valley Development Authority show that not less than 10,000 hectares of agricultural land is to be acquired, but a larger acquisition is yet to come up in numerous villages, where even a basic socio-economic survey of the affected land and families is yet to be undertaken. Read more

Tallinn, Estonia: While progress is being made in the development of new vaccines against tuberculosis (TB), sufficient clinical trial capacity remains a major challenge, researchers reaffirmed at the Second Global Forum on TB Vaccines in Tallinn, Estonia (21-24 September 2010). Read more