CNS

Emerging global mandate to save 36 million lives from Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs)

According to The Lancet, non-communicable diseases (NCDs), mainly heart disease, stroke, diabetes, cancers, and chronic respiratory disease, are responsible for two out of every three deaths worldwide and the toll is rising. A landmark global alliance between leading scientists and four of the world's largest NGOs brings together evidence from a 5-year collaboration with almost 100 of the world's best NCD experts and proposes a short-list of five priority interventions to tackle the increasing global crisis. Reducing tobacco and salt use, improving diets and physical activity, reducing hazardous alcohol intake, and achieving universal access to essential drugs and technologies have been chosen for their health effects, cost-effectiveness, low costs of implementation, and political and financial feasibility.

Mounting pressure on India to enforce Jan Lokpal Bill

Seldom does one see thousands mobilized in over 200 cities across the country to check corruption. Anna Hazare, veteran social activist and Padmabhushan and Padmashree Awardee, is on a fast-unto-death since 5th April to demand a strong, loopholes-less and effective parliamentary Act (Jan Lokpal Bill) to check corruption in India. Since 42 years, the government of India is sitting like a lame duck on a weakened and diluted Lokpal Bill. But Anna Hazare's growing support across the nation has sent the message clear: India wants a strong 'Jan' (people) Lokpal Bill - and civil society is making clear recommendations on how to achieve that from the already pending (but appallingly diluted) Lokpal Bill.

Photo credit: Italian writer Mario Biondi
Slogan about gross national happiness
on a wall in the School of
Traditional Arts in Thimphu, Bhutan

World Health Day, 7th April
Since times immemorial, the human race has sought health, happiness and wealth —not necessarily in that order. Wars have been fought and lives have been lost due to the overwhelming desire of possessing them. These three basic ingredients are thought to be essential for a meaningful life. Ironically, in our crazy race for securing 'happiness and health', we at times are actually moving away from it. Life has become so hectic and busy that it is taking its toll on our health and wellbeing. More and more people seem to be suffering from a host of health related problems, courtesy different types of stresses of everyday life, which are more often self created.

TB drug resistance can be overcome with a comprehensive, multi-pronged strategy: The Union
Some 440,000 cases of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) are identified each year, causing at least 150,000 deaths from a disease that should be curable. Extensively drug-resistant TB (XDR-TB), which has an even higher fatality rate, has now been reported in 69 countries. "Drug-resistant TB is the end result of a number of different failures, each of which, on its own, is solvable with existing tools. To address all of the issues and stop the spread of this disease requires a comprehensive, multi-pronged strategy, such as The Union has developed", says Dr Nils E Billo, Executive Director of the International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease (The Union).

[Hindi] Ramrati, who is a 50 year old farmer from Sarpatha village in eastern Uttar Pradesh, has been selected for the coveted Woman Exemplar Award 2011. This award was instituted in 2005 by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and HSBC is the partner and sponsor for this award, to promote women empowerment at the community level by discovering and recognising those who have, against all odds, contributed in the fields of education and literacy, health, and, micro enterprise, thereby making a significant contribution to the development process in India.

Neelam, 15 yrs, teaches
at the village school
Photo credit: Anjali Singh

Thakurainganj, Ralpur: For twelve year old Akash who suffers from a rare nutritional deficiency which has rendered him a midget, living in Thakurainganj, District Ralpur, Raebareli does not hold any special significance. Given the fact that it also happens to be the high profile constituency of Congress supremo, development and progress is still a far cry in this area. The sheer penury in which people live comes as a shock specially so when children pay the price of such neglect. Low nutritional index, lack of sanitation and hygiene and children with preventable birth defects add to the already existing woes of the people being outcasts owing to their caste. But even in such trying times hope prevails thanks to the initiative taken by women who being unread themselves make a strong case for education for their village and community, their age and gender notwithstanding.

Mounting pressure on India to enforce Lokpal Bill
From 5th April 2011, noted social activist and Padmabhushan and Padmashree awardee Anna Hazare has begun his fast-unto-death in New Delhi to put pressure on the Government of India to root out corruption. Not only in Delhi, but in more than 200 cities across India, people have started a protest today in support of Anna Hazare. In Kanpur, senior social activist Mahesh Kumar Pandey is leading the agitation and in Lucknow, social activist and journalist Akhilesh Saxena is on fast-unto-death in support of Anna Hazare. The demand is clear: India needs a strong parliamentary Act (Jan Lokpal Bill) to stem corruption.

Yes the men in blue (or rather we, as one would believe) did it after 28 years, and perhaps in doing so absolved themselves of all the ills of the past –somewhat like taking a dip in the Ganges, which is said to absolve the Hindus of their sins (despite its high level of pollution). All Indians are indeed proud to be part of this momentous occasion. After coming to a standstill for a day (nay two), the nation paid a standing ovation to the men in blue. The victory of the World Cup belongs to each one of us, but so do the stark problems plaguing our country. Cricket has suddenly become synonymous with patriotism. Gautam Gambhir felt that the win against Pakistan was a win against terrorism and divisive forces. And as I write this piece, the TV channels are drawing a parallel between the winning of the World Cup and the defeat of Ravana at the hands of Sri Ram, centuries ago.

Referring to the Cricket World Cup final match today, a leading newspaper's front-page headline said "Victory over Pakistan and win today for 26/11 victims: Gambhir". The news further opens with the line: "Images of the 26/11 terror attacks are still fresh in Gautam Gambhir's mind" - Gautam Gambhir is one of the Indian cricket players and 26/11 refers to the unfortunate terrorist attack in Mumbai on 26 November 2008. To what extent is stoking divisive feelings of hatred and communal frenzy justified when playing sports like cricket? And even worse is to poison the sporting spirit in our people's mind on both sides of the border and beyond - by inciting them with 'patriotism' for instance.

Amrita Diabetic Foot Conference (ADFC 2011) will open soon next month in Kochi, India. "Over one million lower extremity amputations are performed each year, 70% of which happen to people with diabetes. In India, almost 40,000 legs are amputated every year as a consequence of diabetes" had said Professor Jean Claude Mbanya, President of International Diabetes Federation (IDF) in his message to CNS earlier. "The latest data from the International Diabetes Federation indicates that diabetes affects 285 million people around the world, and is increasingly on the rise. Of the many serious complications that can affect individuals with diabetes, it is the complications of the foot that take the greatest toll" further added Dr Mbanya.

Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE DL) Lord Dr Khalid Hameed has roots in Lucknow, India, although he has dedicated his life in strengthening healthcare in UK. Lord Hameed has worked for three London teaching hospitals. Following this he developed a successful practice in Central London and was appointed CEO and Executive Director of the Cromwell Hospital, London. He is currently Chairman of the Alpha Hospital Group and also Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the London International Hospital, a new Centre of Excellence being created for the treatment of cancer, heart and the brain.

World Health Day – 7 April 2011
With emerging drug resistance gradually making existing array of curative drugs ineffective, treatment options for a range of health conditions is getting severely limited. This year, the World Health Day (7th April) has put this theme in the bull's eye: Combat drug resistance - no action today, no cure tomorrow. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), antimicrobial resistance is not a new problem but one that is becoming more dangerous; urgent and consolidated efforts are needed to avoid regressing to the pre-antibiotic era.

In lead up to this year's World Health Day (7th April), a coalition of health and human rights groups launched a campaign to stop torture in healthcare. This global effort builds on the recent groundswell of civil society activity to protect and advance human rights in health settings. The Campaign seeks to hold governments accountable for the most egregious abuses perpetrated against citizens in the name of health care. Of particular focus for the Campaign are the egregious abuses committed across south-east Asia in compulsory detention centers for people who use drugs.

In lead up to the World Health Day (7th April), interview with the President-elect 2012 of the India's largest association of surgeons has a coherent message: Make hospitals safe in emergencies. "We have been neglecting the safety of health facilities and the readiness of healthcare workers who treat those affected by emergencies. Health centres and staff are critical lifelines for vulnerable people in disasters - treating injuries, preventing illnesses and caring for people's health needs" said Prof (Dr) Rama Kant, President-elect 2012 of Association of Surgeons of India (ASI).

This is not sensational news but in spotlight because CNS recently reported that genital tuberculosis was one of the lead causes of tubal infertility and only 2 per cent women with genital TB delivered live births. It was a very positive news that a woman with genital TB successfully completed anti-TB treatment and then due to in-vitro fertilisation technique, also succeeded in giving births to normal baby (well, two babies in this case!). The Hindustan Times (Lucknow, 25 March 2011) reported that: "Deepti of Rajajipuram, married for eight years, delivered twins (male children) on Wednesday after being treated at the fertility centre of the Queen Mary's Hospital. The in-vitro fertilisation technique helped the woman conceive. Earlier, she was unable to conceive due to genital tuberculosis (TB)."

Jairam Ramesh, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Environment and Forests, Government of India, has assured the affected communities to visit them in Narmada valley on 10-11 April 2011. Jairam Ramesh has made a mark as Environment minister by taking pro-people stands on many issues. However Jairam's support to the proposed Jaitpur Nuclear Power Plant in Maharashtra, India, has sent a negative signal.

"Nothing for Us without Us" was said by an activist friend from Africa at one of the conferences. Another World TB Day (WTBD) has come and gone and this time Delhi was abuzz with events more than ever before. A media awards function honouring journalists from different parts of the country. An art exhibition on TB, definitely the first; a gathering at the Red fort and a street play by students on multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB) accompanying the release of TB 2011 report by WHO (SEARO) and Bill Gates visiting the TB Hospital for a closed door exclusive meeting.

On World TB Day 2011, WHO, the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria and the Stop TB Partnership called upon world leaders to step up their commitment and contributions to meet the goal of diagnosing and treating one million people with multi drug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) between 2011 and 2015. WHO also released a report, Towards universal access to diagnosis and treatment of MDR-TB and XDR-TB by 2015, which presents progress in the MDR-TB response in the countries with the highest burden of drug-resistant TB. According to this report, China has an estimated 66,000 cases of MDR-TB amongst notified cases, yearly.

A two day convention of rural women leaders, which was held on 24th and 25th March,2011, in the east Uttar Pradesh town of Mau, brought together over 400 women leader delegates from 10 districts of eastern UP, to share their bitter and sweet experiences under the umbrella of the "Empowering Rural Women-ERW" program. Under the banner of this program, over 40,000 women from the marginalized and backward communities of this backward area, (of an already backward state), have formed ‘women collectives’ or Nari Sanghs in 253 Gram Panchayats (village councils), and are working ceaselessly towards claiming their entitlements, with special emphasis on right to food and right to work. They are also demanding their rightful place in the political and social arena.

People need not be afraid of tuberculosis (TB) as it is completely curable. People should be encouraged to go to the government-run free anti-TB treatment centres (providing the WHO recommended Directly Observed Treatment Short course - DOTS), rather than opt for visiting private practitioners as paying for treatment places an additional burden on the TB patient, said Dr Ashok Kumar, Deputy Director General, Central TB Division, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India. Dr Ashok Kumar was speaking at the inaugural session of a unique art exhibition, "Chehera - The Human Face of TB", on the eve of World TB Day 2011 in New Delhi.

Non-communicable Diseases (NCDs) - cancer, cardiovascular disease, chronic respiratory disease and diabetes - are no longer diseases of the wealthy. They are responsible for 8 million deaths in the world’s poorest billion, largely composed of children and young adults. These were among some of the key messages from the speakers at a conference co -organized by the NCD Alliance and Partners in Health , in the first week of March in Boston. This conference was an important step in breaking the myths that surround NCDs, and demonstrates that the growing NCD epidemic should clearly be a top priority for developing country governments and development agencies.

Dr Binayak Sen, a medical practitioner and a civil liberties' activist, has been sentenced to life imprisonment in Chhattisgarh. Amnesty International calls him a 'prisoner of conscience' because he never advocated violence and was a champion of human rights causes in the state but was unduly targeted by the state. Probably his stand for human rights exposing gross injustices meted out to tribal population by the state, and a report had irked the government which slapped upon him violation of two draconian laws: Chhattisgarh Special Public Security Act and Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA).

A promising new diagnostic test will finally help detect more people with drug-resistant tuberculosis (DR-TB), increasing the urgency to solve major problems around the pricing and supply of DR-TB medicines, according to a new report by the International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease (The Union), and international medical humanitarian organization Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF). DR-TB is on the rise, but less than 7% of 440,000 new cases each year receive treatment, and DR-TB kills 150,000 people annually. The treatment of DR-TB relies on old antibiotics, many of which have severe side effects, ranging from constant nausea to deafness, and must be taken as complex regimens – patients must take up to 17 pills every day for up to two years. However, these are the only drugs that exist today that can tackle DR-TB.

European politicians, tuberculosis (TB) advocates and health advisers are gathering to discuss an innovative financing model that would enable scientific discoveries to be translated into TB vaccines. On the occasion of a World TB Day meeting, Joris Vandeputte of TuBerculosis Vaccine Initiative (TBVI) will present a new funding plan: "Our governments are faced with a difficult question: how to reduce the deficit while maintaining a commitment to invest 3% of gross national income in research and innovation?"

Key questions regarding the new tools and new challenges facing TB control and prevention today are being addressed through an innovative international initiative, TREAT TB. The purpose of TREAT TB, which stands for Technology, Research, Education and Technical Assistance for Tuberculosis, is to conduct field evaluations of new diagnostic tools, clinical trials of priority research questions and operational research benefiting TB control. The initiative is managed by the International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease (The Union) and funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).

Worldwide concerted efforts are being made, with renewed pledges on World TB Day (24th March), to rid this planet of the scourge of tuberculosis. The World TB Day theme for the year 2011 is Transforming the Fight – Towards Elimination of Tuberculosis. On the national front, as part of the newly-launched Project Axshya - a Global Fund to fight AIDS, TB and Malaria (GFATM) Round 9 project to fight tuberculosis in the States of Jharkhand, Chattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh, CARE India has launched an intensive mass awareness programme. According to CARE India Chief Advocacy Officer Ms Alka Pathak, "Tuberculosis is one of the leading causes of mortality in India- killing two persons every three minute, nearly 1,000 every day."

A Regional Women Leaders' Convention is being held on 24-25 March 2011, in Mau, UP, as part of the Empowering Rural Women (ERW) programme, which has been operating in 253 Gram Panchayats (village councils) of 10 districts of UP, since December 2007. This is a unique programme as its key focus is on developing leadership qualities among rural women, particularly those belonging to the marginalized sections of society. It has an optimistic target of reaching out to 100,000 such women, and collectivizing them for realization of their rights by ensuring entitlements. The intervention is focused on the leadership development of women by providing them a platform in the form of community based organizations (CBOs) for strengthening women's informed participation in local governance and ensuring entitlements related to right to work/livelihood and right to food for the poorest of the poor.

World TB Day is on 24th March 2011
[To read in Hindi language, click here]
Clearly more needs to be done for effective tuberculosis (TB) control by reaching out to the unreached populations who are least likely to access existing TB care services. Project Axshya, aims to do exactly that. Supported by one of the largest grants from the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria (the Global Fund), the five-year project got underway last year with a focus on engaging civil society to improve the reach and effectiveness of India's Revised National Tuberculosis Control Programme in 374 districts across 23 Indian states, reaching some 744 million people by 2015.

Water constitutes about three fourths of the earth's surface, but only less than one percent of it can be used by its inhabitants. Most of it is salt water oceans (about 97%) and 2% of it is contained in glaciers. With every country seeking to satisfy its ever increasing water needs from shrinking and limited water resources, there could be a future of conflict. As the UN Secretary General, Ban Ki Moon remarked recently that water scarcity is the potential fuel for wars and conflict. But cooperation, not conflict should guide us in our quest for a solution to this crisis.

Transforming the fight towards elimination: World TB Day

World TB Day, 24 March

According to the Stop TB Partnership, For World TB Day 2011 we enter the second year of a two-year campaign, "On the move against tuberculosis" whose goal is to inspire innovation in TB research and care. This year's campaign challenges us to look at the fight against TB in an entirely new way: that every step we take should be a step towards TB elimination.

Thus spoke Robert Oppenheimer to Harry S. Truman in August 1945 after the atomic bombing on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. A noted physicist, Oppenheimer was the director of the the Manhattan Project where he worked with top notch scientists to develop the atom bomb. But the wide scale destruction caused by the dropping of atom bombs in Japan made him admit at a meeting of the American Philosophical Society: "We have made a thing, a most terrible weapon, that has altered abruptly and profoundly the nature of the world... a thing that by all the standards of the world we grew up in is an evil thing. And by so doing... we have raised again the question of whether science is good for man."

Meaningful community engagement is so central to addressing tuberculosis (TB) of all forms. In preventing, diagnosing and treating genital TB it becomes no less valuable. "For sure the issue of genital TB caused me to flashback on the number of women who have had several miscarriages, and despite the investigations the cause is still unknown! Could this be Genital TB?" said Margaret Namaganda, a noted health advocate. "The magnitude of this problem is enormous, in most cases, genital TB has caused a lot of suffering amongst the population without being noticed, and in most cases blamed on other causes" said Kennedy Kassaza from Uganda.

The Indian Prime Minister and citizens both made a call for scrutiny of India's nuclear plants. Citizens in Lucknow called for a public scrutiny of India's nuclear plants. Padmashree Ranjit Bhargava, Environmentalist, was speaking at a discussion on demanding an end to India's nuclear programme held at PMT College, Hazratganj, Lucknow. Same evening, India's Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh called for a re-examination of all nuclear safety systems in the wake of the recent nuclear emergency in Japan.