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Citizen News Service (CNS) specializes in in-depth and rights-based, health and science journalism. For more information, please contact: www.citizen-news.org or @cns_health or www.facebook.com/cns.page
SHARE Thursday, July 3, 2014 Management of respiratory diseases beyond drugs: Pulmonary Rehabilitation
Pulmonary rehabilitation is an evidence-based multidisciplinary and comprehensive intervention for patients with chronic respiratory diseases who are symptomatic. It is based on a thorough patient assessment and integrated into the individualized treatment of the patient.
(3 comments) SHARE Sunday, June 29, 2014 Oxygen therapy is like a prescription drug: Use it rationally
An optimum amount of oxygen is essential for the functioning and survival of all body tissues and even a few minutes deprivation can prove fatal. When saturation level of oxygen in the body falls due to some respiratory illness or injury then we need to replenish it artificially to maintain an optimum level by giving oxygen therapy to the patient.
SHARE Monday, March 23, 2015 Progress made but work remains on firewalling health policy from tobacco industry
Considerable progress has been made in different countries globally in protecting public-health policy from tobacco-industry interference, but certainly lot more work needs to be done. 2012 World Conference on Tobacco or Health (WCTOH) Declaration called on all governments to firewall health policy from tobacco-industry interference. Have we done that by now?
SHARE Thursday, September 15, 2022 Youth Changemakers at the forefront of advocating for sexual health and rights
Youth of several Asian nations are using innovation on gender and health, and these "changemakers" are showcasing their startup initiatives at the 2022 Asia Youth Festival. Please see a snapshot of positive stories of these young people, and potentially gamechanging work being done by our young people on gender and health - this gives so much hope for a better tomorrow
SHARE Saturday, July 31, 2021 A bouquet of novel compounds: New treatment options for HIV
This article is based on latest updates from scientists and researchers on new HIV treatment options presented at recently concluded world congress on HIV science. There are lot of long-acting treatment options currently under different stages of development (once monthly or once in few months) and this could potentially have a very positive impact for advancing progress on ending AIDS.
SHARE Tuesday, April 7, 2015 World Health Day: No substitute to healthy mind
We all aspire to be healthy and at times go to great lengths to ward off sickness. The fight against disease begins early on in life with responsible parents ensuring that their kids are administered all available vaccinations ((although there is a small lobby that is against this important preventive measure); as much as possible...
SHARE Thursday, October 6, 2022 Youth-led initiatives put the focus on bodily autonomy and sexual health
Several young people from different countries got trained in Design Thinking and used it for social innovation in the COVID-19 year of 2020. Read an interesting article how the young people used innovation to put the focus on bodily autonomy and their sexual health issues in their local contexts.
SHARE Tuesday, October 10, 2023 Breaking access barriers and bringing quality healthcare closer to the people in Meghalaya
Please consider this article on a positive example of how different government programmes and agencies have joined hands to make a difference in one of the underserved blocks of Meghalaya. Apart from effective multi-sectoral partnership, it is also unique as it made "same day test and treat" a reality for hundreds of people for a range of diseases.
SHARE Tuesday, September 27, 2022 New TB treatment breakthroughs must reach those in need without delay
Important clinical study results were published in scientific journal (New England Journal of Medicine) that shows new treatment regimen for drug-resistant forms of TB is much more effective (treatment success rate of 93%), shorter as duration is 6-months treatment (compared to older treatment duration of 20-24 months), and much less toxic (as drug toxicities and side effects were so high in older regimens).
(1 comments) SHARE Wednesday, April 16, 2014 Call to stop water privatization and strengthen public water systems
call for the World Bank to end its destructive promotion of water privatization under the guise of development. After a week of meetings, including high level events on water, no action has been taken to address the coalition’s concerns.
SHARE Tuesday, April 19, 2022 Drug-resistant TB: Are we converting scientific breakthroughs into public-health gains?
Please consider the below article based on insights from world's top 2 scientists who were leading one of the two important studies that resulted in big relief for people with drug-resistant forms of tuberculosis: results show that treatment duration can be shorter (from 2 years it is reduced to 6 months), much less toxic, treatment outcomes are better (from 40-58% treatment success goes up to 90%)" but few have access!
SHARE Monday, July 26, 2021 One size does not fit all: Expanding the buffet of choices for preventing HIV
This article is based on latest science and research updates presented by researchers at the world HIV Science conference. This article updates on current range of options that are either available or currently under research to prevent HIV transmission.
SHARE Wednesday, October 4, 2023 Article for publication: Ending TB one barangay at a time
Please find a special story from the frontlines where a small group of people are making a huge difference in lives of many. Carrying innovative new diagnostic tools for TB in plastic tubs, they went from islet to islet on pump boats, braving inclement weather, to screen and diagnose people with TB. This resulted in a tremendous increase in TB case findings.
(2 comments) SHARE Thursday, July 23, 2020 A vaccine for COVID-19: So near and yet so far
This article summarises all COVID-19 vaccine researches going on worldwide which are in phase-3 clinical human studies currently - and - what it means for us in terms of public health.
(1 comments) SHARE Monday, May 23, 2022 Latest advancements in TB science in spotlight
This article presents a summary of latest scientific advancements in TB science presented recently. TB science is NEWS because so rarely we get a new TB test, new TB medicine, better or shorter treatment, or less toxic medicines. We still use microscopy that is over a 100 years old tool for diagnosis! That is why we are sharing top highlights of latest TB science below,
SHARE Thursday, May 11, 2023 People's spirit to help each other shone bright in the darkest of COVID-19 times
Please consider the below article with insights from those who used innovative approaches to help the people in need during the severest of COVID-19 lockdown and waves. Despite the grief, it was the indomitable spirit of people to help each other that survived through the worst of times.
SHARE Monday, December 25, 2023 Quantum of solace in efforts to find all TB but glaring gaps remain
Please consider the below article, reviewing 2023 and reflecting on top 3 records set in the efforts to find more TB globally as well as in India (which is home to highest TB burden globally). Early and accurate TB diagnosis is entry-gate to TB care pathway - and for a TB-free world, it is warranted we find ALL TB, treat ALL TB, and prevent ALL TB.
Warm regards and best of 2024 greetings from all of us,
SHARE Wednesday, April 22, 2015 Land Acquisition Bill takes away rights of farmers and pits them against 'Make in India'
With the government calling the Land Acquisition Bill pro-farmer and pro-development and most of opposition parties and social activists opposing it as anti-farmer, it is useful to sieve through the noise and look at the changes proposed and what existed earlier.
SHARE Sunday, December 8, 2019 A new formulation of life-saving medicines on the anvil for children living with HIV
Please consider the below article based upon interview with expert behind a new child-friendly formulation of life-saving medicines for children who are HIV positive. So far, the medicines we had for children living with HIV were not only, not child-friendly but also needed refrigeration and other challenges.
SHARE Wednesday, November 9, 2022 STREAM study gives hope for better treatment of drug-resistant TB
When TB bacteria becomes resistant to most effective anti-TB medicines, then treatment options are limited, treatment is very long and toxic and outcomes bad - and expensive (free in government hospitals). That is why we need new anti-TB drugs, that are MORE effective, LESS toxic, and treatment is shorter, more tolerable for people with drug-resistant TB - and outcomes are better. One such big news was announced yesterday
SHARE Sunday, March 12, 2023 Will shorter, safer and more effective TB regimen reach those in need?
Please consider the below article based on interviews with key scientists and researchers as well as former head of world's largest TB programme: they share insights on the new shorter, safer, and more effective TB treatment regimen and also on why it is vital to ensure these new therapies reach all those who need it as soon as possible, if we are to end TB by 2030 globally and by 2025 in India as promised by the governments.
SHARE Sunday, August 14, 2022 Hepatitis: Will new evidence for "same-day test and treat" be a game-changer?
This article is based on interview with one of the researchers who presented game-changing study which shows it is feasible and possible to do same-day test and treat for hepatitis. Currently, in some places it takes weeks to 30-45 days from getting screened to beginning treatment (if at all). Same-day test and treat model is possible for hepatitis, we have to root out avoidable delays
SHARE Saturday, October 9, 2021 Malaria vaccine: Vital addition to toolkit for preventing malaria but no magic bullet
World Health Organization (WHO) has recommended the first-ever and only malaria vaccine last week. This is indeed a major scientific breakthrough and will save lives - but is not a magic bullet. We need to scale up rollout and access to ALL the range of evidence-based options that can help save lives from this ancient disease of malaria.
SHARE Sunday, February 9, 2020 Accelerating progress on sexual & reproductive health & rights is key driver towards SDGs
This article is based on interview with head of biggest Asia Pacific regional meet on reproductive and sexual health and rights later this year.
To ensure health security for everyone, especially the marginalized people, we need to ensure progress on health and other areas too (poverty, infrastructure, economy, social security, etc). Dr Var makes a strong point,
SHARE Monday, August 17, 2015 Evidence is Top Priority
Read an interview with India's top medical researcher who has recently been appointed to lead Indian Medical Research Council and Dept of Health Research, Govt of India.
Dr Soumya Swaminathan has recently been appointed as Director General, Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and Secretary of Department of Health Research, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India.
SHARE Sunday, November 24, 2019 TB preventive therapy saves lives: Why is the rollout so poor?
Please consider this article based upon interviews with few top scientists on TB prevention research. TB preventive therapy exists since 60 years, but still we failing to cut to prevent TB.
SHARE Saturday, January 27, 2024 Journey of a TB survivor from pain to strength
Please consider the below article based upon personal lived experience and testimony of a TB survivor who not only survived the debilitating disease but also grew up to become a district TB officer in Nepal. Taking full cascade of lifesaving TB services to the people and communities that are at risk is so vital cog-in-the-wheel and entry gate to end TB pathway.
SHARE Thursday, April 5, 2018 Air pollution is an invisible killer: Denial will cost lives!
Over 80% of the world's cities have pollution levels exceeding WHO's guidelines for safe air. Climate change and air pollution are closely interrelated, further escalating the economic costs and health hazards for humankind. Yet it does not seem to be invoking governments to act with the compelling urgency.
(2 comments) SHARE Monday, September 23, 2019 Local solutions, local actions for #GlobalGoals to control tobacco and NCDs
This article is based on interviews with key experts as well as elected local leaders like Mayors who are making a difference by acting locally to implement health policies to prevent diseases and avert untimely deaths.
(3 comments) SHARE Monday, May 26, 2014 Connecting the dots: Tobacco use, diabetes, and tuberculosis
The nexus between tobacco use, diabetes, and tuberculosis cannot be ignored. Dr Anthony Harries, Senior Advisor, International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease, cites a study done in Korea last year, which shows that patients with TB who smoked and had diabetes were six times more likely to die than non-smokers and non-diabetes persons.
SHARE Friday, November 22, 2019 133 months left to make U=U a reality for every person living with HIV
This article is based upon interviews with key scientists on TB and HIV, on why it is key to make undetectable equals untransmittable (U=U) a reality for every person living with HIV, if we are to end TB and AIDS by 2030 (133 months left to meet these goals)
SHARE Tuesday, April 21, 2015 "Hard work is the key to success": Kamlesh
This is an inspiring story of courage and determination of a woman who challenged deeply entrenched gender biases in agriculture sector and successfully established herself as a farmer.
SHARE Wednesday, March 26, 2014 Indian approach to limb salvage for people with diabetes
The Global Diabetic Foot Conference (DFcon 2014) concluded earlier this week in Los Angeles US. Citizen News Service (CNS) had an opportunity to interact with one of the key faculties and experts on an Indian approach to saving the limb for people who are living with diabetes.
SHARE Tuesday, June 18, 2019 New milestone for improved treatment for children with TB
Important milestone is reached with roll-out of over 1 million new first-ever child-friendly TB medicines globally (93 countries) in last 3 years. It is also important to note that 1 million children get TB disease every year.
(2 comments) SHARE Sunday, May 24, 2015 Through the people's lens: Modi's development model so far
Story of Modi's development model so far: Cutting health and education expenditure, forcing land acquisition, buying expensive jets and unsafe nuclear power, benefitting Big Business, diluting employment guarantee, fanning communal fires, exploiting Ganga, curbing dissent and shielding governance from public scrutiny!
SHARE Monday, November 18, 2019 Call for stronger action to end TB & tobacco, and prevent NCDs in Telangana
Please consider this article based on discussion and memorandum submitted by senior medical experts and scientists and public health leaders to Governor of Telangana, Dr Tamilisai Soundararajan. There was a strong call made to accelerate progress towards meeting government's targets and UN goals to end TB and AIDS, and prevent NCDs,
SHARE Wednesday, July 24, 2019 Achieving 100:100:100 + zero HIV transmission is must to #endAIDS
193 governments have promised to end AIDS by 2030, but this is only possible when 100% of people living with HIV are receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART) and are virally supressed (so cannot transmit infection to others) + zero new cases. Reality check shows there is a long way ahead to end of AIDS.
SHARE Friday, May 9, 2014 Regular cervical cancer screening, vaccination save lives
Cervical cancer, a preventable cancer, continues to be the second-most-common cancer among women globally. Scientists and researchers from around the world brainstormed in sessions on cervical cancer management and control.
SHARE Friday, February 25, 2022 Game-changing HIV research offers hope for people with HIV and to end AIDS
This article presents the latest research on HIV treatment and prevention presented at the global CROI congress in US. Shobha presents simplified highlights of few breakthroughs that are already reaching people in some nations as well as most promising ones in research pipelines,
(1 comments) SHARE Tuesday, February 21, 2023 The Djinn of vaccine hesitancy: Is it still out?
COVID-19 vaccine rollout was riddled with inequity as those in rich nations got vaccinated many times over with primary and booster shots, but almost three out of every four persons in low-income nations are yet to receive their first shot.
More importantly vaccine hesitancy which had created barriers for other vaccines too, created hurdles. Vaccine confidence dwindled for range of reasons.
SHARE Monday, November 21, 2022 Fork in the road: Will we protect medicines that protect us or deal with incurable diseases?
Please consider this article with insights from leaders fighting antimicrobial resistance globally as well as in African and Asian regions. We cannot afford to lose the medicines that protect us, relieve us from pain and suffering, and often save lives. Time to take corrective steps to STOP irresponsible and inappropriate use of medicines in human health, animal health, agriculture, and environment, ONE HEALTH approach is key
(1 comments) SHARE Monday, May 25, 2015 Without real democracy, how will people hold governments to account?
One of the major failures of current times is how democratic systems are being made ineffective so that people with a 'power of one vote' are not able to hold elected representatives to account. How else can governments get away with making promises and not delivering?
Listen what few women parliamentarians have to say on this?
(1 comments) SHARE Sunday, October 27, 2019 Are we forgetting that TB prevention is better than cure?
Please consider the below article based upon several interviews with key experts on critical need to PREVENT TB, along with diagnosing-treating and curing it as far as possible, if we are to keep the promise to eliminate TB from this world by 2030. Prevention cannot take a backseat.
SHARE Wednesday, August 2, 2023 WHO award shines spotlight on Thailand's statistical agency and tobacco control
One of the 2023 World Health Organization (WHO - the United Nations health agency) awardees is Thailand National Statistical Office. Many may not be aware the vital role of data and statistics in impacting change - that is why we interviewed the Director-General Dr Piyanuch Wuttisorn of Thailand National Statistical Office (TNSO) on vital role of data in advancing science-backed tobacco control policies.
SHARE Saturday, November 18, 2023 Goa to Paris: Growing call to find all TB to stop TB
Please consider this important article as world conference on lung health ends in Paris this week. It began with a people-led call to find all TB to stop TB given in Goa, India, and concluded with calling upon governments to ensure to keep the promise to end TB, for which finding ALL TB is vital cog-in-the-wheel.
(6 comments) SHARE Monday, January 25, 2021 Get the vaccine shot but do not throw away the mask to fight COVID-19
This article is based upon insights from four top scientists from around the world on why all prevention measures are important along with vaccines (as of now) if we are to stem the tide of the COVID-19 pandemic.
SHARE Tuesday, December 3, 2019 We cannot end AIDS without combating antimicrobial resistance
This article is based upon interviews with head of antimicrobial resistance at the World Health Organization (WHO) as well as another medical expert who began HIV care when first case got diagnosed in the country. Antimicrobial resistance is making medicines, ineffective - we cannot afford to lose meds,
SHARE Thursday, October 9, 2014 Those who 'own little, live on little' carry highest burden of climate change
But what astounded Alina Saba, a young indigenous woman participant from Limbu tribe of Nepal, was: "When I arrived in NYC, I was struck by the level of inequality that exists in this world. Just a few weeks ago I was in this remote community of Nepal who live on less than $1 a day. They do not have access to facilities like education, communication, healthcare and transportation.
SHARE Friday, May 1, 2015 No other way out: We need to early diagnose TB and treat with drugs that work
It may sound rhetorical but some of the 'absolute must' steps for progressing towards ending tuberculosis (TB) are to early and accurately diagnose TB and treat with the standard combination of drugs that are sensitive and work for a particular patient. Although sounds simplistic yet these are 'easier said than done' steps!
SHARE Saturday, September 21, 2019 Inside out: Climate change induced migration
This article is based on insights from people affected by climate migration from several places. Climate change is forcing one of the most underserved communities to migrate and this problem is only growing bigger with climate crisis growing manifold.
SHARE Tuesday, July 2, 2019 Why I did not renew my driving license?
This article is based on the realization that if public transport was good enough, then private vehicle industry will become redundant on its own. Lack of safe spaces to walk or cycle or poor public transport, gives private industry a stronghold. For this reason I moved back to cycle, walk and using public transport since 2014, and did not renew my driving license too when it expired.
SHARE Sunday, September 21, 2014 Should India Sacrifice Agriculture For Trade?
Well, any right-minded person would say NO. But the global, as well as the local media, has castigated India for not ratifying the Protocol of Amendment for the Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA) at the recent World Trade Organization (WTO) negotiations in Geneva in July 2014, and for linking it to discussions for a permanent solution to the G-33's Food Security Proposal. India's refusal to tow the line of developed countries
(1 comments) SHARE Wednesday, March 4, 2020 "No stepping out" is the life-influencing message of breast cancer thriver
This is a special article to mark International Women's Day, written by 5-times cancer survivor who calls herself 'cancer thriver'. She is currently taking chemotherapy for 5th time in Delhi. Her message is, NO STEPPING OUT. She shares her journey, and message for those going through similar experience,
(1 comments) SHARE Friday, October 18, 2019 Speed is not enough, accelerating progress is key to end TB: new WHO report
Please consider this article based on latest World Health Organization report launched today (17 October 2019) - world has made progress in fight against TB, but very little progress - at this rate we cannot meet the end TB targets unless progress gets rapidly accelerated,
SHARE Monday, February 24, 2020 Gender equity and human rights are pivotal for advancing progress on SDGs
This article features our interview with head of United Nations Population Fund (in Asia Pacific) on why progressing on gender equity and human rights is critical cog in the wheel to deliver on sustainable development goals. He reflects on key challenges such as gender based violence, preventable maternal deaths, child marriages, etc.
(2 comments) SHARE Monday, June 1, 2015 Hitting roadblocks to tobacco endgame
The tobacco endgame is a public health and social justice imperative, says experts. But formidable challenges remain for countries who are rolling out tobacco control because of industry interference and range of other issues. This article explores further...
(4 comments) SHARE Wednesday, May 2, 2018 Mind-Energy technique for management of challenging ailments
This article written by renowned doctor-surgeon and medical scientist, who is our columnist, focuses on power of mind energy in healing of his patients who undergo specialized surgeries.
SHARE Sunday, July 28, 2019 A tale of two positives attracting each other
This article is based on interviews with two HIV-positive people, a couple who are an example of what happens when HIV-positive people take antiretroviral therapy and have undetectable viral load: they live normal lives and are untransmittable (virus does not spread from them to anyone else) - which is scientifically proven too and basis for treatment-as-prevention approach.
(1 comments) SHARE Tuesday, February 4, 2014 Do we really believe in cancer 'prevention is better than cure'?
Despite alarming cancer rates globally, with worst impact in low- and middle-income countries, one is forced to ponder if we really believe in 'cancer prevention is better than cure'. Cancer treatment is challenging and expensive, with very worrying 5-year survival rates (average 5-year survival varies for different cancers).
SHARE Tuesday, March 25, 2014 Journalists awarded for best reporting on TB
In the run-up to World TB Day on 24 March, the REACH Lilly MDR-TB Partnership Media Awards 2014 were presented in New Delhi, to recognize outstanding and responsible reporting on tuberculosis (TB). The awards were presented by Dr RS Gupta, Deputy Director General (TB), Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India.
SHARE Monday, January 24, 2022 Booster dose of COVID-19 vaccine: To give or not to give?
This article is based on insights from Chief Scientist of the World Health Organization (WHO) and other expert, as well as outcomes of 19 January 2022 global meeting of experts which also looked at scientific evidence regarding booster dose of COVID-19 vaccines.
(2 comments) SHARE Wednesday, April 1, 2015 Indian parliamentarian doubts if tobacco kills! Do not reinvent the wheel
Indian parliamentarian who is chairing the committee that told the government not to implement stronger pictorial graphic health warnings on tobacco packs (and raise the warning size from 40% to 85%) from 1st April 2015, cast doubts on whether tobacco causes cancer. India is at risk of reversing the gains made in saving lives from tobacco!
SHARE Sunday, June 18, 2023 The head must follow what the hand writes
Please consider this important article, which reminds of promises all 193 heads of governments made at the UN in 2018 (to work towards ending TB). Now, in coming September 2023, heads of all governments will meet again at UN to review progress on TB.
Progress made on 2018 promises is FALLING SHORT of targets set for 2022. If we are to end TB by 2030 then we have to accelerate work to end TB manifold.
SHARE Sunday, July 5, 2020 Protecting the health & well-being of the young
In lead up to the International Youth Day next month, this article is based upon insights from several people from different regions on issues challenging health and well-being of the youth, including comprehensive sexuality education among others.
SHARE Saturday, July 19, 2014 Indian Doctor Trupti Gilada to get Fellowship Award at AIDS 2014
A Mumbai-based Indian doctor, Dr Trupti Gilada Baheti, is a recipient of the prestigious Fellowship Award on HIV and Drug Abuse Research from the International AIDS Society, National Institute on Drug Abuse, and French National Agency for Research on AIDS and Viral Hepatitis. This fellowship will be formally awarded on 23rd July 2014 at the XX International AIDS Conference.
SHARE Saturday, June 13, 2015 Turning tables: Growing support against corporate capture of climate policy-making
In the final days of the Bonn Climate Change Conference of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), a resounding call was made by over 224,000 people to the governments who have ratified the UNFCCC: protect the treaty and climate policymaking from the undue influence of the globe's biggest polluters.
(3 comments) SHARE Wednesday, April 14, 2021 Eliminating illicit tobacco trade is a step towards #EndTobacco and SDGs
This article is based on insights from experts on illicit trade and why eliminating illicit tobacco trade is an important step for public health, revenue as well as for other sustainable development goals. Experts from Indian government, Nepal, Singapore, South Africa, WHO, Europe, share their insights.
SHARE Wednesday, November 6, 2019 Kerala's multi-layered approach to #endTB
This article is based on interviews with key leaders in Kerala state of India who share insights why Kerala in entire country is most likely to meet the TB elimination targets. 193 countries have promised to end TB by 2030. Only 134 months left to meet these goals
SHARE Thursday, June 18, 2020 Patents or people: The conundrum of healthcare industry
This article on interview with Mr Anand Grover, noted lawyer and former UN Special Rapporteur on Right to Health. In COVID-19 times, it is even more important to ensure that patents and intellectual property or trade-related barriers are not limiting access to essential medicines.
SHARE Sunday, April 3, 2022 We can #endAIDS now if undetectable equals untransmittable becomes a reality for all persons living with HIV
This article is based on insights from HIV medical and scientific experts. We have lifesaving antiretroviral therapy for every person living with HIV but everyone with HIV is not aware of his/her status, everyone is not receiving these medicines and that is why, undetectable is not becoming equal to untransmittable too + poor quality of life for those who are left out of HIV care.
SHARE Saturday, November 8, 2014 International trade impacts tobacco control
(CNS): The tobacco industry has a history of using international trade agreements to force open new markets in low and middle income countries, greatly increasing tobacco use and the consequent death/disease it causes. Tobacco companies are also challenging measures to reduce tobacco use as violations of trade and investment agreements, threatening the authority of nations to protect the health & well-being of their citizens
SHARE Thursday, December 1, 2022 Bali Declaration: Is it the clarion call to #endTobacco?
This article is based upon insights from national political leaders such as health minister of Indonesia as well as other sub-national leaders from range of countries like Philippines, Myanmar, Bangladesh, Timor Leste, Vietnam, Cambodia, Nepal, India, etc - who are prioritising health over profits. Sub-national leaders include mayors, MPs, governors, and others adopted by consensus the Bali Declaration for Health security.
(1 comments) SHARE Friday, June 12, 2020 Tobacco-caused diseases are a bane to the pandemic
Please consider an important article on the deadly link between NCDs, tobacco use and the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, written by six people from Indian Institute of Management Indore who are part of CNS
SHARE Saturday, July 5, 2014 Is it Asthma or COPD?
Both asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are chronic diseases involving airflow obstruction and are consequences of gene environment interaction. COPD includes progressive respiratory diseases like emphysema and chronic bronchitis and is characterized by decreased airflow over time and increased inflammation.
SHARE Saturday, March 21, 2020 Is HIV epidemic outpacing the AIDS response in Asia Pacific?
This article reviews progress Asia-Pacific countries have made towards 2020 goals (which are in line with the target to end AIDS by 2030). Just nine months are left to meet 2020 goals and 129 months left to end AIDS globally.
SHARE Monday, July 22, 2019 Preventing TB is a critical cog in the wheel to #endTB and #endAIDS
This article based upon important interviews with key experts on latent TB (not TB disease). Quarter of the world's population has latent TB and from this pool, some of us get active TB disease. Latent TB can be treated, TB can be prevented, and unless we empty this latent TB pool, we cannot end TB.
SHARE Tuesday, June 30, 2020 Plain packaging will accelerate progress towards ending the tobacco epidemic
As scientific evidence shows, tobacco-caused diseases such as heart disease, stroke, cancers, diabetes among others increase risk of COVID-19 (including risk of death), governments are taking strong measures to control tobacco epidemic. Singapore government has enforced plain packaging on all tobacco products from 1st July 2020 - this is a great precedence for other governments to follow suit
SHARE Tuesday, July 11, 2017 Will a feminist fossil-fuel-free future lead us to sustainable development?
This article is based upon an interview with senior gender justice activist who has been dedicatedly working for reducing inequalities and seeking development justice for several years now: Kate Lappin. Her photo is also attached,
As governments of countries in the world are currently meeting at the UN to share progress on sustainable development, it is right time for a reality check on how can we achieve these goals
SHARE Tuesday, November 7, 2023 Will governments firewall public health from Big Tobacco at the upcoming FCTC Treaty meet?
Please find attached an article with insights from WHO head quarter FCTC legal officer and other experts who raise alarm on threat of tobacco industry interference at the upcoming intergovernmental meeting of the legally binding global tobacco treaty (called FCTC).
SHARE Wednesday, August 29, 2018 Will SimpliciTB make TB treatment simpler?
This article is based upon interviews with key scientists and other researchers involved with pathbreaking scientific study that is giving a hope of ONE drug regimen for all TB patients, regardless of drug resistance profile of patient,
(1 comments) SHARE Saturday, May 10, 2014 Likely impacts of BJP and AAP on the Indian society
Dr Rahul Pandey writes on effects of BJP & Modi's rise: "...The first is corruption and the other two are intrusions of business corporations and communal forces into India's natural resources and socio-cultural fabric respectively..."
SHARE Monday, June 15, 2020 New essential norms must include sexual and reproductive health services
This article is written by six people from Indian Institute of Management Indore, on the need to include sexual and reproductive health services as 'essential services' during emergency or pandemic situations, as well as other essential healthcare like immunization for instance or menstrual hygiene. These services are always essential, but become even more important during emergencies or crisis situations.
(1 comments) SHARE Saturday, August 8, 2020 A nuclear-free world is crucial for sustainable development
This article around Hiroshima and Nagasaki Day makes a strong case why we need sustainable energy options for sustainable development (and why nuclear energy or bomb both are more of a bane than boon).
SHARE Wednesday, September 20, 2023 Will the world leaders walk the talk to end TB at the upcoming UN High Level Meeting?
Please consider the below article based upon interviews with a dozen leading global experts on TB in the lead up to the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) High Level Meeting on TB on 22nd Sep. 2023.
World leaders had convened in 2018 for the first-ever High Level Meeting at UNGA on TB but commitments made then have not bore fruits 100%. Will the upcoming 2nd UNGA High Level Meeting on TB bear fruits? Yet to be seen!
SHARE Wednesday, September 7, 2016 Female face of ageing in Asia Pacific
Interesting article based upon data and experts' interviews on how (and why) are women more impacted by ageing than men -- author herself is 65 years.
SHARE Friday, August 2, 2019 Preventing TB is rooted in medical ethics and human rights
This article is based on few interviews especially with lead advocate who roots TB prevention, diagnosis, treatment and care in core principles of medical ethics and human rights,
SHARE Sunday, July 29, 2018 Where are the nurses in the HIV response?
This article explores vital gap in HIV programming: missing out engaging nurses as meaningfully as they should have been ideally for optimal programme outcomes.
SHARE Sunday, August 4, 2019 TB is preventable & curable: Zero new infection & zero deaths must become a reality
This article is based on few key interviews. Although 193 countries have promised to end TB, yet the progress is abysmal if we take into account 10 million new TB cases last year, and over 1.6 million deaths. Governments need to progress at much FASTER pace and set their eyes on the goals of ZERO new case of TB and ZERO deaths from TB, if we are ever going to deliver on the promise to END TB (as part of SDGs)
(1 comments) SHARE Wednesday, July 31, 2019 Is Universal Health Coverage an opportunity to end AIDS and TB?
This article is based on interviews with key experts if current push by governments to roll out universal health coverage for 'health for all' is helping advance progress towards specific disease elimination programmes like AIDS and TB?
SHARE Wednesday, April 8, 2015 God helps those who help themselves: Kunta Devi
An inspiring story of courage about a woman who braved all odds and succeeded in establishing herself as a successful woman farmer, in an otherwise male-dominated world of agriculture sector where women seldom get recognized.
SHARE Sunday, April 19, 2020 Will Indonesia mitigate COVID-19 by enforcing stronger tobacco control and ratifying global tobacco treaty?
This article is based on the letter sent to the President of Indonesia by 42 associations of experts of cardiovascular diseases, lung diseases, physicians, farmers, journalists, public health, academicians, among others demanding stronger enforcement of tobacco control because tobacco use directly increases risk of non-communicable diseases (heart diseases, stroke, cancers, diabetes etc) which elevates risk of COVID-19
SHARE Thursday, April 6, 2023 Ending tobacco use is the bedrock for progressing towards ending TB and SDGs
Please find below an article on World Health Day 7 April based on sights from global health leaders and others including Indonesia's Health Minister - all of whom have underlined that if we are to end TB we have to end or prevent TB risk factors. The WHO report shows that among top-5 TB risk factors is tobacco use. That is why efforts to end TB have to be entangled with efforts to address TB risk factors.
SHARE Sunday, August 28, 2022 Growing support globally to end HIV medicine stockouts in India
Global agencies to groups in India - national and state networks - have officially written to the government of India to end stockouts of HIV lifesaving medicines and dispense minimum one-month supply to over 1.6 million people who are on this treatment in India. Today as on 27 August 2022, it is 38th day of indefinite stir day-night going outside the office of India's AIDS Programme in Delhi
SHARE Saturday, March 21, 2015 Hold tobacco industry liable: Turn the cost-benefit ratio upside down
"FCTC Article 19 is one of the least well-implemented articles of the treaty. As a result it provides immense untapped potential to be able to shift the cost-benefit ratio for the way the tobacco industry operates and thereby hold it to account and make it pay the high costs of harms it causes to people around the world," said Cloe Franko, Chair of Network for Accountability of Tobacco Transnationals (NATT).
(1 comments) SHARE Monday, May 18, 2020 Stronger universal public health services, not privatization, will deliver #HealthForAll
This article argues that COVID-19 has made us all realize how important are stronger public health services for everyone. Our individual health security is dependent on other people's health security too - and same for social security. Please consider,
SHARE Sunday, May 17, 2020 Gandhi's talisman is best guiding light to reform public health
This article makes a case on why ensuring health security for poorest of the poor is key to ensure health and social security for all, and puts Gandhi's old talisman as the central pivot
(1 comments) SHARE Thursday, September 17, 2015 Antibiotic use is driving antibiotic resistance...
Irrational and widespread use of antibiotics are key drivers that develop resistance to antibiotics and thus render drugs ineffective, thereby making preventable diseases major killers in our world. Important study highlights this issue.
(1 comments) SHARE Saturday, April 26, 2014 Implications of foreign funds received by Congress and BJP
We learn from a Delhi High Court judgement on a PIL filed by retired IAS officer E.A.S. Sarma and an organisation relentlessly working for electoral reforms Association for Democratic Reforms, that Congress and BJP have been illegally receiving donations from foreign companies. They have violated the Representation of People Act, 1951 and the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act, 1976.
SHARE Wednesday, June 19, 2019 Innovative MACH gives hope for multi-disciplinary global health response
Governments promised integrated development but different programmes on health, poverty, hunger, economy, etc work in silos. This first-ever MACH research institute launched on Tuesday aims to train and promote multi-disciplinary research heath science,
(2 comments) SHARE Tuesday, February 11, 2014 E-Cigarettes: Friend Or Foe
‘Tobacco is one of the leading killers in the world’; ‘smoking is harmful for our health’; ‘smoking can cause lung cancer, heart disease’… We have heard it all before. We also know how once someone gets into the habit of smoking it is very difficult, if not impossible, for him/her to quit due to the addictive nature of nicotine.
SHARE Monday, January 13, 2020 Niti Aayog must stop plan to privatise public health
This article underlines why it is so critically important to strengthen public health services and systems and stop privatisation. It is co-authored by Ramon Magsaysay Awardee Dr Sandeep Pandey.
SHARE Saturday, June 24, 2023 When farmers choose to grow food, not tobacco, sustainable development wins
Please consider the article. In line with legally binding global tobacco treaty and domestic efforts, several governments are making efforts to reduce tobacco cultivation and encourage farmers to transition away from tobacco, and rather grow food! Several farmers we interviewed share their successful experience of not growing tobacco and rather growing food.
SHARE Saturday, September 10, 2016 Moving beyond stereotypes: Responding to unheeded needs of the ageing populations
This article is based upon interview with World Health Organization (WHO)'s Director of Department of ageing and life-course. He speaks how can governments improve care of ageing populations. Elderly can be assets for national development if support and services are optimally provided
(1 comments) SHARE Friday, August 3, 2018 Existence of civil society is under threat
This article is based upon several interviews/interactions of Dr Hodgson from civil-society members from different groups/countries on shrinking civil-society spaces that impede development and rights.
(1 comments) SHARE Friday, March 13, 2015 From adversity to prosperity
This is a story of a champion woman farmer, who stood against all odds and established herself as a woman farmer in a heavily male-dominated agriculture arena
SHARE Friday, October 19, 2018 Through the haze, a better democracy
This article evaluates how the recent decisions made by 181 governments are so important for not only public health but also for democracy,
SHARE Wednesday, July 27, 2016 Integrated TB-HIV responses are a must to meet Sustainable Development Goals
This article is based on a range of interviews with experts from different sectors on why integrated responses are a must for governments to deliver on the promises they made of delivering on SDGs by 2030 -- including linkages between TB, HIV and non-communicable diseases (NCDs).
Health responses in SILOS will fail us. Integrated responses are a must. People are living with HIV but dying of TB, hepatitis or NCDs etc.
SHARE Friday, May 22, 2020 Governments' accountability for responding to COVID-19, NCDs and tobacco epidemics
In lead up to 2020 World No Tobacco Day, this article is based on responses from senior government leaders (MPs, Mayors, Governors) from Asia Pacific nations and WHO head of tobacco free initiative on link between COVID-19 and non-communicable diseases and tobacco, as well as on the accountability of the government in responding to the pandemics.
SHARE Saturday, May 20, 2017 Cleaning up the air we breathe
This article puts the spotlight on a very neglected lung health issue which despite enormous burden, is not getting due attention globally -- especially in low and middle income nations. Governments are meeting next week in May 2017 at World Health Assembly to decide the work plan of the WHO and elect new head - hope they pay attention!
SHARE Saturday, October 10, 2015 Call to kick polluters out of climate talks
In April, it was revealed that COP 21 in Paris would be yet another "Corporate COP" with the announcement of Engie, EDF and Suez Environnement as lead sponsors. Suez Environnement, infamous for its dealings in water privatization, is partially owned by GDF Suez, which profits from fracking operations around the world, putting it at direct odds with the advancement of the treaty.
SHARE Saturday, June 6, 2020 Connecting the dots: Technology, healthcare, and pandemics like COVID-19
This article is written by six students of Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Indore on how artificial intelligence and machine learning based solutions are being used in India in government hospitals (also during COVID-19 pandemic),
SHARE Saturday, August 22, 2020 Climate change under gender lens
This article is based on insights from range of experts on how women and girls and other marginalized communities are worst affected during climate crises and other humanitarian crises such as the pandemic - and how health services are worst hit with severe impact on women and children.
SHARE Monday, September 19, 2016 Reality check: How are countries taking care of their ageing populations?
This is an article below based upon interviews with experts from different countries on how specific nations are taking care of ageing populations. With increasing age, health and well-being take their toll. Non-communicable diseases, such as hypertension, diabetes and dementia, are becoming more widespread. Yet, health and social security systems in the region are under-prepared to meet the needs of older persons.
SHARE Monday, May 8, 2017 Bringing TB out of the shadows
Despite TB is an age-old disease and curable, TB stigma and shame still lurks in our communities -- patients at times commit suicide, are abandoned by their own families or face varied forms of discrimination. This article features viewpoints of female and male TB survivors, experts, film stars on TB stigma and shame.
SHARE Wednesday, March 18, 2015 Where there is a will there is a way: Teeja Devi
Inspiring story of a woman farmer who braved all odds in heavily male dominated 'agriculture sector' where women despite doing most field-labour seldom get credit and recognition! She has indeed made an indelible mark and inspires many other women to get due recognition
(1 comments) SHARE Tuesday, September 6, 2016 Sri Lanka declared free of malaria - must remain vigilant
World Health Organization has certified Sri Lanka as malaria-free. So many lessons to learn for other countries to deliver on their promise to eliminate malaria by 2030.
SHARE Saturday, December 10, 2022 Build the world we want: A healthy future for all
Please consider this article in lead up to the Universal Health Coverage Day (UHC Day). As experts said to us, "healthy city is a resilient city", this holds true for all communities where rural or urban. Along with human health, we also need to ensure animal health, food safety and environment - to respond to health challenges such as antimicrobial resistance or rabies or pandemic or future such health emergencies.
(1 comments) SHARE Tuesday, September 13, 2016 For age is opportunity no less than youth itself...
This is a very special article based upon an inspiring story of 88 years old (or young?) Mrs Mua and how a community-based response is taking care of ageing people. The author Shobha Shukla is herself 65years+ and exemplifying what she is writing in her own life too. Thanks a lot for all support,
SHARE Thursday, June 25, 2020 Public services are essential to COVID-19 response and for fairer and equitable world
This article is based on statements by heads of UN and WHO, and senior Minister of South Korea, Health Minister of Kerala India among others, who explain why public services (public healthcare, public education, social welfare, sanitation and other services) are so essential to not only COVID-19 response but also for a foundation of a fairer and equitable world.
SHARE Friday, March 26, 2021 Will advances in TB treatment outweigh the Covid-19 pushback?
Latest reports show that COVID-19 lockdown and response has pushed back the fight against tuberculosis (TB which is world's top killer infectious disease), to 2008 levels! On a positive note though, there are new potentially pathbreaking advances in TB treatment in 2021. Will these new research-backed treatments help us get back on track to end TB?
Please consider this article based on interviews with scientists.
SHARE Wednesday, June 16, 2021 Putting people first is a critical cog in the wheel for responsive health systems
This article raises an important point as over 70% deaths before Covid were happening due to non-communicable diseases (NCDs). on how non-Covid healthcare services got disrupted for people with range of non-communicable diseases during the pandemic in southeast Asian and western Pacific regions. Moreover, were our health systems responsive to people's needs or did we forget to ensure that health systems remain people-centric?
(1 comments) SHARE Tuesday, May 5, 2015 With no cure in sight, controlling asthma is essential
World Asthma Day is on 5th May. With no cure for asthma on the horizon, it is possible and essential to control and manage asthma well - so that people with asthma can live a full normal life!
SHARE Saturday, January 28, 2023 Whither women's reproductive health in Asia Pacific
Please consider the below article based on interviews with women's health leaders of those countries in Asia Pacific where total fertility rate has come down but challenges remain for women's health. In lead up to International Women's Day, we will do a series of articles and this is the first part.
SHARE Friday, May 12, 2023 Pandemic is over but the fight to end corporate capture of healthcare intensifies
Please consider the below article based on insights from two leaders from Palestine and Burma who courageously have been exposing corporate capture in healthcare (even during the pandemic) and pushing governments who are negotiating a UN Treaty on Human Rights and Business to make it a strong mechanism to ensure corporate accountability and uphold human rights.
SHARE Saturday, March 29, 2014 Smoking Tobacco Doubles Risk of Recurrent Tuberculosis: New Study
Research published on 24 March 2014 provides critical new insight on the harmful links between smoking tobacco and developing tuberculosis (TB). Regular tobacco smoking doubles the risk that people who have been successfully treated for TB will develop TB again--a condition known as "recurrent" TB. The study is the most robust-ever conducted into how smoking tobacco increases the risk of recurrent TB.
SHARE Sunday, June 7, 2020 Worldwide Youth are Left Behind by COVID-19
This article is based on interviews with youth leaders from different countries on how COVID-19 pandemic related lockdown impacted their access to services and information, including online education related issues.
SHARE Monday, May 11, 2015 "Slow but steady wins the race": Lilawati
An inspiring story of a woman in rural India who braved grave odds but successfully established herself as a teacher cum farmer.
(1 comments) SHARE Friday, June 4, 2021 Tobacco race: where quitters and non-runners are the real winners
THis article os on the latest The Lancet publication with almost 8 million deaths attributed to tobacco use every year. Each of these deaths was premature and could have been averted. Tobacco use also increased risk of conditions like NCDs that raise risk of developing Covid serious outcomes including death.
Tobacco race is where quitters are real winners and those who never run or begin, are best winners!
SHARE Sunday, May 3, 2020 Women bear the brunt of humanitarian disasters, including COVID-19
This article is based on few interviews with those people who are helping respond to rising violence and other humanitarian crisis women are facing during COVID-19 and other emergency situations,
SHARE Thursday, May 4, 2017 Keeping workforce healthy is also a smart business strategy
Several studies have shown strong evidence why it is important for industries to prioritise health of their workforce. Healthier workforce is not only a social justice imperative but higher productivity and staff retention yields more benefits for public health and boosts businesses too.
This article explores how businesses and innovative partnerships locally are contributing to fight against TB
SHARE Thursday, January 23, 2014 Multipurpose Prevention Technologies Can Transform Women's Health
Millions of women and around the world are still unable to protect themselves from sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Over 1 million people contract a sexually transmitted infection every day, half of whom are young people - mostly women. In fact women are 5 times more likely to get STIs than men. Also, currently 222 million women have an unmet need for contraception and approximately 290,000 women in developing countries
SHARE Friday, November 18, 2022 Antimicrobial resistance threatening to reverse progress on women's health
Rising antimicrobial resistance is making diseases and infections difficult to treat or impossible to treat as medicines become ineffective on drug-resistant bacteria, virus, fungi or parasite. This antimicrobial resistance is also resulting in difficulties in managing women's health issues in healthcare settings.
Read insights of experts on World Antimicrobial Awareness Week 18-24 November 2022
SHARE Sunday, March 8, 2015 When will the good times (achhe din) come for women in India?
While stone statues of the female form (Saraswati, Lakshmi, Durga/Kali) are worshipped in temples and religious rituals, a large number of those made of flesh and blood face violence on the streets and in homes, and encounter discrimination throughout their lives that begins at (or even before) birth, and continues during childhood, adolescence and adulthood.
SHARE Friday, July 17, 2020 Never say die: Disability is not about inability
Please consider an important article based on the interview of a blind person who shares his personal experience of living with disability, growing up with disability and how this impacted his education, sexual and reproductive health and rights and also life of his life-partner, his wife who is also blind but that does not mean they both cannot live a meaningful life together. Disability is not about inability ".
(1 comments) SHARE Tuesday, April 21, 2020 COVID-19 makes the bag of woes heavier for marginalized populations
This article is based on interviews with few experts who come from marginalized groups, and share their experiences on how COVID-19 pandemic is affecting their lives in a range of ways. These are difficult times for so many people but for those who were already struggling for justice and rights, COVID-19 pandemic has added to their woes.
SHARE Sunday, April 30, 2017 How will we avert asthma deaths without definitive diagnostics and universal access to effective treatment?
This article on World Asthma Day 2017 is based upon interviews with two global Asthma experts -- as well as a person living a normal life with asthma. There is no definitive diagnostics and care is beyond reach of many in need. There is no cure for asthma too but if people with asthma can manage it well then they can live life NORMALLY. Productively. And avoid emergency hospitalization and avert preventable death!
(1 comments) SHARE Sunday, October 16, 2016 AIDS is a political disease and a medical scourge, says US Congressman
Please consider this article based upon interview with US Congressman and public health expert Dr Jim McDermott who has been serving since 1989 and was honoured with Lifetime Achievement Award of AIDS Society of India in Mumbai last week.
SHARE Saturday, November 26, 2022 Moment of truth: Will Thailand lead from the front in combating antimicrobial resistance?
Please consider the below article based upon interviews and insights from experts on how a country like Thailand with commendable universal health coverage and primary healthcare system, relatively, has been able to address antimicrobial resistance to reasonable extent but huge challenges remain if we are to "protect the medicines that protect us".
(1 comments) SHARE Saturday, July 9, 2016 Right to road must first go to pedestrians, non-motorised vehicles
Governments of all UN member countries have committed to halve the number of global deaths and injuries from road traffic accidents by 2020. But progress on these promises in most low & middle income countries is either not there or abysmally slow on making roads safer for everyone, including children.
SHARE Friday, September 23, 2016 Fuel your heart and power your life...
This article is based upon interviews with leading experts including noted cardiologist in lead up to this year's World Heart Day. Hypertension is emerging as major risk factor for cardio-vascular diseases and referred to as 'silent killer'.
(3 comments) SHARE Saturday, September 1, 2018 Tip of the iceberg? Not just health hazards, tobacco devastates development
Later this month heads of all countries will meet at 73rd UN General Assembly, to debate on "sustainable societies". Tobacco killing 7 million people every year, and causing economic loss of US$ 1.04 Trillion, besides poverty, harm to environment and other dev, they cannot ignore the issue if they really want sustainable societies for everyone.
SHARE Saturday, July 23, 2022 Pandemic treaty talks resume amidst lurking corporate pressure
Please consider the article on the pandemic treaty talks that resumed this week. All governments are meeting this week to discuss global treaty for pandemic preparedness led by the WHO.
SHARE Friday, January 27, 2017 #BeTheChange: It is about growing in years, not about getting old!
This article is based on unique needs of ageing populations as well as important contributions elderly make for the society as well as for economy. Governments have committed for development (SDGs) and it also includes the elderly.
We interviewed European Union's Head of Cooperation on ageing issues and the role EU is playing in helping other nations in southeast Asia too. VIDEO and PODCAST links are also attached.
(2 comments) SHARE Wednesday, October 17, 2018 Can we end tobacco pandemic without holding industry liable?
This article is based on key interviews with experts on recent decisions adopted by 181 governments last week in global tobacco treaty meeting. Major decisions were adopted to stop Big Tobacco's interference in health policy including progress on liability (financial and legal)
SHARE Friday, January 29, 2021 The ring has finally arrived!
On 26 January 2021, the WHO endorsed a new HIV prevention method for women - the dapivirine vaginal ring, whose clinical trials have shown that it reduces the risk of HIV infection in women. Please consider this article based on interaction with three top scientists
SHARE Sunday, May 24, 2020 Rise in gender-based violence during COVID-19 warrants a gendered response
This article is based on interviews with four experts from different countries (USA/ Fiji, Tonga, Cambodia and Laos/ Thailand) on how gender-based violence is rising (or not) during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown, especially impacting women and girls. Along with a public health emergency, this violence crisis is also brewing. Our pandemic preparedness needs a gendered response
(2 comments) SHARE Wednesday, April 29, 2015 "She who does not tire, tires adversity": Savitri
This is an inspiring story of courage, of a woman from a village in UP India who braved all odds to not only survive but be an inspiration for others -- she is an established farmer today.
SHARE Friday, April 23, 2021 Exposed: Wolf in sheep's clothing - tobacco industry's greenwashing attempts thwarted
This article is based on important stand taken by Nepal to stand with public health and reject offer of funding by tobacco company. It has insights from 2014 Director General of the World Health Organization, The Union's expert and Nepal journalist among others.
SHARE Saturday, October 8, 2016 Saving the next generation from HIV
This article is based upon interviews with medical experts who have spent years trying to prevent HIV transmission in new born children from their parents -- and -- taking care of children living with HIV. Few countries have recently eliminated HIV in new born infants -- showing to the world that it is possible!
(1 comments) SHARE Tuesday, January 1, 2019 Local actions are building blocks for #GlobalGoals
Wish you all a very happy new year 2019! This article is based on our interviews with two members of parliaments from Nepal and Bangladesh who help explain why local actions are building blocks for translating big promises into change,
SHARE Monday, May 11, 2020 Nurses unite to demand universal public health
This article is based on interviews with nurses from different countries (South Korea, Philippines, Australia, India) to mark 200 years of Florence Nightingale on 12 May, International Nurses' Day. WHO has declared the year of 2020 as International year of the Nurses and Midwives,
SHARE Wednesday, June 18, 2014 Unhealthy diets are threatening global health
An estimated 65% of the world's population lives in countries where obesity leads to more deaths than underweight. In 2012, over 40 million children under the age of five were considered overweight or obese, 30 million of who were living in developing countries. Around 3.4 million adults die each year as a result of being overweight or obese.
SHARE Wednesday, September 27, 2023 Are we putting money where the mouth is to reach the missing millions?
Please consider the below article on the concluded 2nd United Nations General Assembly High Level Meeting on TB on 22nd September 2023. With promise to end TB globally by 2030, it is vital to ensure that we diagnose TB correctly, treat TB correctly and prevent TB correctly - early and accurately.
SHARE Sunday, November 16, 2014 Long road to justice: Human rights of female migrant workers
Erwiana was one of the women who shared their lived experiences of the struggle against oppressive structures as a migrant worker, providing a picture of the impact of the existing gender inequalities on women's lives, at the 1st plenary of the Forum.
(2 comments) SHARE Friday, July 31, 2020 Gender Stereotypes Plaguing the Pandemic Response
Please consider this article exposing the same-old deep-rooted gender stereotypes that are often failing us in responding to the pandemic. UN head Antonio Guterres had rightly said "COVID-19 has exposed the lie that free markets can deliver healthcare for all, the fiction that unpaid care work isn't work, the delusion that we live in a post-racist world."
SHARE Friday, June 3, 2022 Local leaders unitedly push for One Health approach. Will G20 leaders tango?
Local leaders like Mayors, Members of Parliament (including Ministers of Health) and other experts call for #OneHealth approach as large number of diseases affecting humans have origins in animals, including COVID-19 and Monkeypox. To avert such pandemics, we need One Health, to care for human health, animal health and environment.
6-7 June 2022 is next (second) meeting of G20 leaders Health Working Gp. Will they pay heed?
(2 comments) SHARE Saturday, May 30, 2020 No excuse for inaction: #EndTobacco to prevent epidemics of diseases and deaths
This article is for 2020 World No Tobacco Day. For so many years there was plethora of scientific evidence that tobacco kills, and causes life-threatening diseases. But now it is also a risk factor for conditions that increase risk of serious outcomes of COVID-19 including death. It also causes an economic loss of US$ 1.4 trillion every year, besides environment damag. End tobacco is an imperative if we are to deliver on SDGs
SHARE Friday, July 24, 2020 For a better world, our lifestyle must be based on as less resources as possible
This article is based on views of several youth leaders who spoke at a campaign launch for 'Towards a Better World'. Greta Thunberg's led Fridays For Future young leaders from different nations also spoke for gender equality, human rights and climate justice.
SHARE Sunday, July 23, 2023 Midway to Agenda 2030: Why are we off the track on gender equality?
Please consider the below article based upon interviews with those struggling to advance gender equality: In 2015, our governments promised to achieve gender equality by 2030. This month in July 2023, it marks half-way point on the way to Agenda 2030 (UN SDGs). But progress is OFF THE TRACK on gender equality - rather massive challenges remain.
SHARE Tuesday, September 20, 2022 Youth ChangeMakers: An idea can change the world"
This article from Asia Youth Festival on Innovation on gender justice which showcases young people who used design-thinking to innovate and develop social innovation-based startups.
SHARE Tuesday, April 29, 2014 MPTs are innovative strategies to transform women's health
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV, are known to be primarily transmitted through sexual route, which has created a major impact on sexual and reproductive health worldwide. Although some of the STIs are curable, others still do not have any effective preventive or therapeutics available.
(1 comments) SHARE Saturday, March 18, 2023 Blunting of AIDS epidemic: It's time for zero-complacency and stronger action
Please consider the below article based on insights by key leaders who have contributed over 20-30 years in the fight against AIDS. We have made a significant progress indeed in helping millions of people living with HIV lead a normal healthy life and reducing AIDS deaths - but this is not enough as new infections are happening and even one AIDS death, is a death too many. Last mile needs stronger action, not complacency
SHARE Thursday, May 1, 2014 Call for no more new HIV-infected children
According to UNAIDS Report 2013, an estimated 260,000 children below 18 years were newly infected with HIV in 2012 in low- and middle-income countries. While the first paediatric HIV case in India was recorded in 1987, in 2012 out of the 2,100,000 people living with HIV in India, 200,000 were children below 15 years.
SHARE Friday, February 3, 2023 Shadow pandemic: Gender-based violence is one of the biggest human rights violations
In lead up to the International Women's Day, please consider the second article in the series focussing on countries in Asia Pacific region like India, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, on gender-based violence and other challenges plaguing women's health and rights.
SHARE Sunday, August 9, 2020 Growing up as a girl in rural India: What does it mean?
This article around International Youth Day links the challenges girls, especially those in rural areas, face - and how education and other factors connect to health and wellness in their lives.
SHARE Tuesday, July 24, 2018 Ending AIDS, the Dutch way
Amsterdam city in Netherlands, became the first city in the world to overshoot the targets set for 2020 (called 90:90:90), which are towards ending AIDS by 2030. The rest of the world has lot of lessons to learn from here, and with this intent is below article based upon exclusive interview we did with Netherland's Ambassador.
SHARE Sunday, July 26, 2020 Where are the men in family planning? Is it the business of women alone?
This article based on experts' input and data on how appalling is uptake of male methods of family planning and sexual and reproductive health in India and other countries in the Pacific. Another area where gender-based inequalities add to the burden on women,
SHARE Wednesday, June 16, 2021 #WorldLocalizationDay: Peasants rise up to demand genuine food-system reforms
This article in lead up to 2021 World Localization Day focusses on demands of farmers and several other groups in Thailand, India, Philippines, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, and other countries in the Asia Pacific region as well as those in African, Latin American, European regions, are uniting to call for socially just and ecologically sustainable food systems,
SHARE Tuesday, July 19, 2016 Count the people at HIV risk right: Is money being spent or sitting in banks?
This article is based upon few interviews with scientists -- studies reveal that international aid to fight HIV, TB and malaria that went to top 20 countries were often sitting in banks for months to year or more! Also size estimates of high-risk key populations were smaller, much smaller in countries that criminalize behaviours, and service coverage was inflated.
SHARE Tuesday, July 25, 2023 Strong local actions are pivotal to reduce NCDs, TB and tobacco use in Bangladesh
Local actions are vital to make Global Goals a lived reality.
Global goals can only be translated in ground realities if local actions happen in well-coordinated manner.
That is why Bangladesh's Mayors Summit is vital to advance progress towards reducing TB, NCDs and tobacco use in the country.
SHARE Friday, February 13, 2015 Lung cancer: Difficult to diagnose, difficult to treat, easy to prevent
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.
SHARE Friday, July 29, 2022 Nothing about us, without us: Indigenous peoples lead from the front to #endAIDS
This article is based on our interview with indigenous peoples leader Doris Peltier, who calls upon not excluding indigenous peoples/ First Nations from development policies about them. In Canada, not surprisingly, TB and HIV rates are alarmingly high in indigenous peoples compared to others. UN report released yesterday also underlines why racial inequity and other inequalities impede development for First Nations
SHARE Thursday, August 13, 2020 It is all in the game: Sports, gender equality and human rights
This article is based on insights from a unique initiative that has used soccer and sports to engage young people around gender equality and human rights since 2002 onwards. It began from Zimbabwe in 2002 but now has spread in several countries as far as the Pacific like Papua New Guinea.
(2 comments) SHARE Tuesday, August 17, 2021 Why is public transport not good enough to make private vehicle ownership unnecessary?
This article is in response to the recent launch of national vehicle scrappage policy in the name of road safety, protecting environment, reducing economic inequities, and circular economy. But these goals can only be truly delivered by a robust and strong public transport system (not by replacing old cars with new ones) that meets the need of everyone, rich and poor alike.
SHARE Monday, December 15, 2014 Stop water privatisation and strengthen public water supply
A new report by Corporate Accountability International uncovers how the World Bank uses ponzi-style marketing tactics to sell privatization projects around the globe that it is also positioned to profit from. "Water privatization has been a disaster," said Dr Sandeep Pandey, Magsaysay Awardee and national vice president of Socialist Party (India). "We must prevent the World Bank and corporations like Veolia from expanding thei
SHARE Wednesday, June 6, 2018 Climate justice is integral to development justice
This article is based upon interview with Misun Woo who forcibly calls for recognizing linkages between women's rights, climate change and efforts of our governments to ensure sustainable development for everyone.
SHARE Monday, October 16, 2023 When will we start caring for our caregivers?
Please consider the below article based on the latest THE LANCET COMMISSION report that provides evidence on how patriarchy is dominating cancer care, research and policy making - which negatively impacts access of girls and women to cancer care.
SHARE Tuesday, July 12, 2022 New global plan launched to #endTB in next 101 months
Warm greetings. All governments had promised to end TB by 2030 (101 months left to meet the goal). COVID-19 has pushed back efforts to stop TB, but even before COVID-19, rate of decline of TB new cases, and TB deaths, was not on track to be able to end TB by 2030. That is why a new Global Plan to End TB by 2030 was launched this week by the WHO and other global health agencies.
SHARE Wednesday, January 22, 2014 'Sexual and reproductive health issues do not exist in isolation'
The theme of the 7th Asia Pacific Conference on Reproductive and Sexual Health and Rights (7th APCRSHR), which opened in Manila on 21st January, 2014, is: Examining achievements, good practices, lessons learned and challenges: towards a strategic positioning of Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights. Currently abortions are illegal and unconstitutional in Philippines, and yet the country has more than 500,000 abortions ...
SHARE Thursday, November 3, 2016 We all can work, but together we win: Unite to #EndTB
This article is based upon in-depth interview with head of global TB programme of the WHO. He shares what went well and not-so-well in past 25 years and how can we accelerate progress towards #endTB by 2030.
SHARE Friday, August 24, 2018 Environment and lung health are vital for sustainable societies
This article is based on the reality that environmental health and lung health are inalienable. It is great to see medical science taking more cognizance of it now.
Hope Heads of 193 countries who will meet at UN General Assembly next month to debate on SUSTAINABLE SOCIETIES will take note of it!
(1 comments) SHARE Saturday, April 10, 2021 Experts demand compulsory licensing for generic production of a drug against Covid-19
This article is based on demands of a network of several associations of medical experts that are demanding from the government to issue compulsory licensing for Remdesivir - one of the few lifesaving drugs that show some positive effect on certain cases of Covid-19.
SHARE Tuesday, November 6, 2018 We want the ring...
This article is based on interview with two top scientists and experts on female initiated methods which are currently being researched upon to prevent unintended pregnancy, STIs such as HIV. Let's hope scientific results translate into public health gains
SHARE Thursday, April 10, 2014 Rise in global health financing, but funding priorities shift
A new research done by the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME), at the University of Washington, indicates that globally the total development assistance for health (DAH) hit an all-time high of $31.3 billion in 2013 (a year-over-year increase of 3.9%), although funding priorities shifted. Findings of the research were presented in a new report.
SHARE Monday, March 27, 2017 SDGs should not be the icing on business-as-usual 'cake'
This article is based upon several interviews on issues people want governments to raise in inter-governmental meetings that will begin later this week in Thailand for sustainable-development agenda of 2030.
Looking forward, and hope governments read people's voices!
SHARE Tuesday, July 26, 2016 Self-stigma: Let us do more than just 'talk about it'
Please consider a special article based upon interviews with number of people who are living with HIV for 20+ years, on a very neglected issue: self-stigma or shame, and how self-stigma interferes with how a person engages with life, care and services.
SHARE Thursday, June 24, 2021 Were people the missing link in Covid response?
This article presents insights from people grounded in health movements from around the world who share why people are not just part of the problem but also part of the solution to respond to Covid.
SHARE Thursday, September 16, 2021 Will inclusion and accountability take centrestage at the Generation Equality Forum?
Important process led by United Nations Women in July 2021 did not have any government representative from the entire region of Asia and the Pacific! 92 agencies have raised the concern. Hope such important intergovernmental processes engage everyone, are inclusive and accountable too.
SHARE Monday, August 22, 2022 Shortage of HIV medicines ails India: People's indefinite sit-in continues since a month
This article is based on interviews with noted treatment-access leaders who are on an indefinite sit-in outside offices of national AIDS programme to demand end of stockouts of lifesaving HIV medicines, and minimum one-month dispensation of medicines at every visit to the clinic. As on 21 August 2022, it is 32nd day of the indefinite stir, and medicine shortage is yet to end.
(2 comments) SHARE Tuesday, June 16, 2015 "Be the change you want to see in the world": Pushpa Devi
A woman who never did farming, and got married at 13, braved domestic violence and gender stereotypes, and struggled hard to establish herself as a successful farmer. A real life story of Pushpa Devi
SHARE Thursday, July 9, 2015 Long walk to justice: Transgender voices from across India
I had been there at the 1st National Hijra Habba in 2012. Witnessing the Third National Transgender Hijra Habba in 2015 was indeed a humbling experience as lot of water has flown during these 3 years. From 30 community participants in 2012, the number this year had swelled to a whopping 350+. The landmark Supreme Court (SC) judgement of 2014, recognizing transgenders as the third gender and granting them constitutional rights,
SHARE Saturday, December 26, 2015 Despite promise to end Encephalitis and other NTDs by 2030, why is action missing?
Governments had adopted the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) at the 70th UN General Assembly in September 2015. One of the SDG targets (3.3) promises that "By 2030, end the epidemics of AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria and neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) and combat hepatitis, water-borne diseases and other communicable diseases."
Encephalitis, one of the NTDs, continues to kill. Despite promises, Why there is NO action?
SHARE Saturday, August 12, 2023 Long walk to transgender rights and gender equality
Please consider the below article based on interviews with two leading transgender rights advocates who assert that despite progress there is a very long way to go in terms of gender equality for transgender people. Most governments see 'gender equality' with a lens of sex binary (man or woman), and lot more work needs to happen to ensure social inclusion and human rights mean the same for trans people too.
SHARE Friday, August 18, 2023 Early and accurate TB diagnosis is the gateway to #endTB pathway
Please consider the below article based on insights from those fighting TB on the frontlines. Early and accurate TB testing is the entry-point or gateway to the TB treatment and care pathway. Unless we find every case without delay, and put the person on right treatment, how will governments globally keep the promise to end TB by 2030? (Indian govt aims to end by 2025.)
SHARE Tuesday, June 14, 2022 Inequity and health security: will the poison that blinds, open our eyes too?
Inequity has historically plagued our health system, and COVID-19 or, more recently monkeypox, only exposed it in all rawness and ugliness. For instance, monkeypox has been killing people in African nations since last 50 years, but only when rich nations felt threatened by it, there is a hue and cry. More on this in the article.
SHARE Friday, March 17, 2023 Is HIV self-test among the missing links to reach the #endAIDS goal?
Please consider the below article based on call given by HIV medical experts and researchers to include HIV self-testing in AIDS programmes of all countries that do not include it yet (Only 98 countries include HIV self-testing and 52 do it routinely. India is not one of them yet). Self-testing for pregnancy, COVID-19, or diabetes, has yielded positive public health impact. There is scientific evidence HIV self-tests work.
SHARE Tuesday, May 5, 2020 Intergenerational model gives hope even during pandemics
This article documents how intergenerational model works to help support every generation, but especially care of the older people. COVID-19 pandemic has severe impact on older people and such intergenerational models give hope,
SHARE Friday, August 26, 2016 Simulated patient study sheds new light on antibiotic use in India
(CNS): Overuse and/or misuse of antibiotics has led to antimicrobial resistant superbugs pose a global health emergency. This threat is particularly great in India, that has the highest burden of TB in the world and is also the world's largest consumer of antibiotics. Lancet published study finds it is NOT the pharmacists who are spreading antibiotic resistance! Read more!
SHARE Thursday, October 16, 2014 Humid houses pose health hazards
Indoor air quality concerns more than just the fumes and smoke in the house. Dampness and mould pose health risks too, especially for people living with asthma. Researchers warn that people's living habits and the new energy efficient technology used to revamp old houses might actually give indoor damp and mould more room to rise.
SHARE Friday, May 22, 2015 Bodily autonomy and sexual rights are integral to development justice
The dream of development justice cannot be realized unless governments also recognize bodily autonomy and sexual rights for every human being, especially for those who are marginalized and seldom heard or 'visible'.
SHARE Friday, May 20, 2022 Far from the promise of endgame, tobacco epidemic continues...
This article is based on the latest data of Global Tobacco Atlas released this week in lead up to World No Tobacco Day. Although tobacco use has slightly declined, yet increase in tobacco use in young children and so-called 'novel' products is very disturbing fact. If governments fail on promise of endgame of tobacco, we will also fail on sustainable development and COVID-19 control ....
SHARE Friday, November 27, 2015 Addressing pneumonia: The deadly childhood illness
Despite being preventable, pneumonia continues to be a top killer of children under five. It also wreaks 'breath-taking' havoc in the lives of adults, particularly the elderly, and people living with HIV. According to the 2015 Pneumonia and Diarrhea Progress Report,a projected 5.9 million children around the world will die in 2015 before reaching their 5th birthday.
(1 comments) SHARE Monday, October 29, 2018 HIV prevention: Bridging the gap between research and impact
Please consider this article based on interview with noted HIV prevention research expert since decades who calls for NOT delaying roll out of scientific innovations so that scientific gains can translate into public health benefits without any delay. Reality is grim: PrEP was approved by US FDA in 2012 but yet to be rolled out in several countries. Same goes for other scientific innovations.
SHARE Thursday, March 3, 2022 Writing is on the wall: Pictorial health warnings reduce tobacco use
This article is based upon a recent scientific research data that adds to the evidence of effectiveness of graphic pictorial health warnings on all tobacco products in 1) preventing children and young people from beginning tobacco use, and 2) encouraging those who use to quit. This was presented earlier this week at Johns Hopkins University course by the researchers interviewed for this article. thanks
SHARE Friday, September 18, 2020 Strong unions are pivotal for safety of healthcare workers and patients
This article to mark World Patient Safety Day, is focused on why protecting all healthcare workers including nurses is so important to ensure patient safety as well as worker safety -and collective processes (like unionisation) are so key in ensuring concerns of healthcare workers like nurses are addressed effectively.
(1 comments) SHARE Monday, October 1, 2018 Fully funding the TB response is a smart investment
This article is based upon in-depth interview with health financing expert who explains when studies show governments will gain $33 from every $1 spent on TB then why don't they see investing in TB as smart investment?
SHARE Thursday, July 7, 2016 MDR-TB treatment regimen: Short indeed is beautiful
This is an article based upon interviews with key researchers whose research led to reducing treatment duration of MDR-TB from 2+ years to few months.
(1 comments) SHARE Monday, December 27, 2021 Is One Health approach the gateway towards pandemic preparedness?
This article is based on why human health programme has to be integrated with programmes for animal health, food system and climate. This article presents insights from experts from Thailand, Indonesia, Singapore/Nepal, and Ethiopia/ Geneva-WHO HQ,
SHARE Wednesday, November 23, 2016 Alarming rates of lung diseases warrant urgent action
This article is focussed on a very important issue: lung health. Risk factors for lung diseases are also common (tobacco or pollution for example) and that is why comprehensive response is important to address this key issue because we all need clean air and healthy lungs to live life fully!
SHARE Monday, April 27, 2015 'Call to Action' launch catalyzes fight against TB
India has made impressive gains in the fight against tuberculosis (TB) but significant challenges still confront us in the path ahead to eliminate TB. The launch of 'Call To Action For A TB-Free India' by Sri Jagat Prakash Nadda, Minister of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, in Delhi on 23rd April 2015, is aimed to catalyse progress towards ending TB in India.
SHARE Tuesday, May 11, 2021 Do not miss the writing on the wall: Managing asthma well is key to living life normally
This article is based on insights from two asthma experts: one heading the global lung health experts union, and the other heading the asthma experts from the country with highest asthma deaths. People with asthma can live full normal lives, only if we can ensure they can manage their asthma well.
SHARE Monday, October 3, 2016 Kenya has done it, when will the rest of us?
This article is based upon interview with a senior government official of Kenya's national TB programme. Kenya is first country in the world that has started roll-out of first-ever child-friendly TB drugs -- other nations need to follow suit too!
(1 comments) SHARE Sunday, May 15, 2016 Tobacco control must be a priority for health professionals
Health professionals including lung cancer experts have a prominent role to play in tobacco control. They have the trust of the population, the media and opinion leaders, and their voices are heard across a vast range of social, economic and political arenas.
Ahead of WHO World No Tobacco Day, Prof Prakit shares his insight on engaging healthcare workers in endgame of tobacco
SHARE Wednesday, June 13, 2018 Defending the environmental defenders
This article is based upon series of interviews with women human rights and environmental defenders in several countries of Asia Pacific. Please consider as governments meet to review their promise of sustainable development next month,
SHARE Friday, March 21, 2014 Gender Violence Increases HIV Vulnerability
Is there a cure for HIV? The success stories of Timothy Brown and the two Boston patients, who rid themselves of the HIV cells through bone-marrow transplants, led to hopes that a cure had finally been found. This was further boosted by the fact that the transplants received by them were diametrically different.
SHARE Saturday, October 3, 2015 Join hands to make the dream of smoke-free society, a reality!
This commitment of the local authorities for standing up against the tobacco industry has shown Bali's determination to defeat the tobacco giants and conveys a very strong positive message to the country and to the region. Bali is much more than being a top tourist destination--despite huge pressures from the tobacco industry, it has taken a firm stand against it, keeping people's lives above profits.
SHARE Thursday, October 21, 2021 Prioritising tobacco control amidst crisis, Myanmar adopts plain packaging
This article is based upon interviews with DDG Ministry of Health Myanmar and noted public-health expert on recent adoption of plain packaging of all tobacco products by Myanmar government. Prioritising strong health policies in crisis times is even more important as is evident from the pandemic too.
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(1 comments) SHARE Thursday, October 6, 2016 ASICON 2016 calls for making HIV a chronic, manageable condition in reality
Indian government approved the amendments to HIV/AIDS Bill which will strongly help to end discrimination against people living with HIV yesterday. Science tells us and theoretically it is possible to make HIV a chronic, manageable disease BUT in reality for most people living with HIV that theory is yet to be translated in reality!
(5 comments) SHARE Tuesday, September 1, 2015 Universal access to services and social protection: A mantra to end TB
Head of the WHO Global Tuberculosis Programme says two most important actions to end TB by 2035 are: universal access to TB services and social protection. Will the world be able to end TB? Read his interview here
SHARE Saturday, March 25, 2023 Will lessons from COVID-19 and TB vaccine rollout improve pandemic preparedness and health security?
To mark World TB Day, please consider an important article with insights from Indian and Nigerian experts who have contributed to fight against TB and COVID-19 - they share insights on lessons learnt from 100+ years of rollout of only TB vaccine in the world (BCG) and 2+ years' experience of rolling out COVID-19 vaccines.
SHARE Thursday, July 23, 2015 Early diagnosis of drug resistance is crucial to ending TB
Ending TB in India and elsewhere is possible only when we diagnose TB early; characterize the drug sensitivity of each case; treat the person with drugs that are most likely to work and address other issues, like help support the patient for treatment adherence, as well. Treating with drugs that do not work is not only dangerous for the individual patient, but also for broader public health as it may increase drug resistance
SHARE Friday, July 22, 2016 Battling with three diseases and still going strong
This is an important article based upon an interview with a person living with three diseases, and her doctor. Integrated-health responses are a must because often the person dealing with a range of health issues is same!
(1 comments) SHARE Friday, December 10, 2021 Stopping antimicrobial resistance is the bedrock for advancing universal health coverage
This article is based on insights from World Health Organization (WHO) Director General and WHO Director for antimicrobial resistance global initiative. Unless we stop drug resistance (which is making diseases incurable), how will we deliver on promise of universal health coverage?
SHARE Thursday, February 10, 2022 Asia Pacific local leaders unite with renewed pledge to end viral hepatitis by 2030
This article is based on important development where local leaders (Mayors, MPs, other local government leaders) of 79 cities of several nations in Asia and the Pacific region have united to end viral hepatitis by 2030 (in next 106 months). This is important because we do need stronger local action to translate 'global goals' into public health gains and social welfare gains.
SHARE Monday, March 27, 2023 The conundrum of TB, tobacco use and NCDs in Asia Pacific
Please consider an important article based on latest data of World Health Organization that lists top-5 risk factors for active TB disease. While we scale up diagnosis and treatment care services for TB, it is equally important to ensure TB prevention remains centre-stage - and addressing TB risk factors is an important cog-in-the-wheel to progress towards ending TB.
SHARE Wednesday, September 9, 2015 Wake up call on asthma in children: New data must drive well-coordinated action!
Asthma, despite huge disease burden and cost to countries globally, is one of the most neglected non-communicable diseases. Just consider this: NO new data from the WHO since past 12 years! We need new data so that policy and programmes for asthma are matching, and working! We need standard guidelines for asthma management. We need a lot more action on asthma than ever before!
SHARE Tuesday, August 2, 2022 Why people who are most-impacted by climate disasters get subtracted from policy making?
Report launched today on interlinkage between climate justice and gender in Montreal Canada at world's biggest AIDS conference, puts spotlight on climate change & gender.
This article is based on insights from several of those who echo voices of most-hard hit communities by climate extreme disasters - and one of the severest impacts are borne by communities that are already marginalized such as women and girls.
SHARE Saturday, July 5, 2014 Tobacco use a big 'No' for people with TB and diabetes
Tobacco use is anyways harmful for all, but it is especially hazardous for people living with diabetes and those suffering from or at risk of tuberculosis (TB). For the former it acts as an hindrance in their control of blood sugar and in case of the latter their ability to transmit the disease can be enhanced.
(1 comments) SHARE Sunday, March 5, 2023 When disease burden is low, why COVID-19 continues to be a pandemic?
Experts of different medical specialities have called upon the WHO, the UN health agency, to not consider COVID-19 as a public health emergency or pandemic any more as number of cases, deaths, hospitalization and ICU admissions related to COVID-19 are sharply declining - but due to COVID-19 measures or restrictions people face inconvenience unnecessarily.
SHARE Sunday, February 24, 2019 Healing is different from cure, conveys Pirates Of Chemotherapy
This special article is based on a powerful theatre play Pirates Of Chemotherapy (2.5 hours duration) which was staged by breast cancer survivors themselves (1 man and 6 women with breast cancer). Range of human issues were raised using comedy and theatre, hope this has an impact,
SHARE Friday, November 19, 2021 What's the link? Food, human health, livestock, environment, and antimicrobial resistance
This article is based on interviews with top experts and scientists of the World Health Organization (WHO) HQ, Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), and OMAG. All governments worldwide and many other groups are observing 18-24 November as World Antimicrobial Awareness Week, to raise awareness, and stop resistance of medicines to bugs that make us ill.
SHARE Saturday, August 9, 2014 Can innovation drive HIV responses to meet 90:90:90 targets by 2020?
Without innovation, at current pace of HIV responses on the ground, we are very likely to fail meeting the targets. We not only need to accelerate the search for better and effective technologies to help fight AIDS effectively but also need to improvise and innovate in rolling out evidence-based approaches.
SHARE Thursday, July 28, 2022 Latest UNAIDS data paint a grim picture of the HIV epidemic
Please consider the below article based on release of latest report by United Nations joint programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) yesterday which shows if business as usual continues, world is going to miss the fight against AIDS (to end AIDS by 2030). This new report, IN DANGER, calls upon governments for stronger action against AIDS and efforts to bring back the response to end AIDS on track,
SHARE Monday, December 12, 2022 Violence against women and girls is not cultural but criminal
Please consider the below article based on data analysis which shows that despite governments of all countries globally promising to end all forms of gender-based violence by 2030 (96 months left to deliver on this goal), violence against women and girls is on an alarming rise in many settings. Unless we end all forms of gender-based violence, we will not be able to deliver on range of goals and targets of 2030 SDGs.
SHARE Saturday, June 28, 2014 Tackle hepatitis C to save people living with HIV
The WHO recognizes that the 'silent epidemic' of viral hepatitis affects a large part of the world's population causing over 1.4 million deaths every year, yet remains largely unknown or ignored. It is estimated that 240 million people are chronically infected with hepatitis B virus (HBV) and more than 185 million people are infected with the hepatitis C virus (HCV).
SHARE Thursday, March 9, 2017 Ending TB is going to be hard but "hard is not impossible"
This in-depth article is based upon interview with one of senior-most TB experts in India who has invested over 30 years in fight against TB. What went well, what could have gone better in past 2-3 decades and how to end TB by 2030 -- are some of the areas he shares his insights on.
SHARE Thursday, February 9, 2017 We must bequeath good air to our next generation...
This article based upon an interview with award-winning scientist Dr Chitra Chandrashekar, whose research will help India in its fight against TB and commitment to end TB by 2030.
SHARE Wednesday, February 1, 2017 World Cancer Day: Ensure the right treatment at the right time to every patient
World Cancer Day is on 4th February 2017. 190+ governments have committed to REDUCE cancer deaths by one-third by 2030. But cancer deaths are RISING or NOT declining fast enough to keep these promises.
Read more on how to accelerate progress on saving lives from cancer.
SHARE Wednesday, July 20, 2016 We cannot eliminate TB if we leave children behind
It is unbelievable but true that children have been forgotten in TB care and control till very recently. It is our moral obligation to protect our children. No child should get TB and no child should die of it. What we need is a strategy and not empty talks. Merely signing on the dotted line is just not enough. There has to be the political will to transform words into action.
(1 comments) SHARE Saturday, September 18, 2021 Step up the pace globally if universal vaccination could lead us out of the pandemic
This article is based on interviews with few experts as well as other data and inferences. A significant part of global population (70% or above) needs to be fully vaccinated within a time duration to have the best shot if we are to find a way out of the pandemic via universal vaccination. But roll-out of vaccination is very inequitable in so many ways.
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(1 comments) SHARE Tuesday, November 23, 2021 Antimicrobial resistance is threatening global health security
this article shares studies that show how big a threat is drug resistance or antimicrobial resistance. One ray of hope is, when we start using medicines responsibly and appropriately, then medicines that had become ineffective due to drug resistance, might become effective again.
SHARE Monday, June 20, 2022 During the lockdown, community led from the front in ensuring HIV treatment reaches people
Please consider the below article based on interviews with former president of national network of people living with HIV, and top epidemiologist and HIV scientist. Both share how people living with HIV home delivered (or where people preferred closer to their homes) lifesaving medicines when lockdown was clamped during COVID-19 pandemic. It is important to ensure uninterrupted treatment for those living with HIV
SHARE Saturday, June 25, 2016 Towards a TB free India: It cannot be a lone battle
A TB Free India is not possible without support of civil society organizations (CSOs) working in the field of maternal, child and adolescent health, nutrition, anti-tobacco use, diabetes and HIV/AIDS. Read an article based upon interviews with experts from different sectors on how to collaborate together to accelerate progress towards TB free India
SHARE Sunday, March 5, 2017 [International Women's Day 2017 special] Emotional support is crucial for TB patients
This is a story of courage in lead up to International Women's Day 2017, based upon interview with a woman who had survived extra-pulmonary TB and has taken up the mantle to help other people undergoing similar therapy to better cope with the disease and get cured.
SHARE Wednesday, August 17, 2016 Frontline voices: To be a transgender living with HIV in India
This article is based upon an inspiring life-story of a transgender living with HIV in India and how she is striving hard to bring a difference in lives of not only transgender community but also women across the country.
SHARE Sunday, September 26, 2021 Think twice, it is not another day in paradise: Air is deadlier than we thought it is!
This article is based on latest World Health Organization Air Quality Guidelines 2021 launched to mark World Lung Day. The maximum cap/upper limit on 6 deadliest of air pollutants has been lowered/ reduced from wh it was set in 2005 - this is very alarming while air quality is a lurking danger in most of low- and middle-income countries. Let us hope we all breathe in life-nourishing clean air soon (time is running out)!!!
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SHARE Friday, December 28, 2018 Local leaders from Asia Pacific nations commit to #endTobacco and #beatNCDs
This article is based on interviews with local leaders (mayors, governors, local government officials, etc) as local-level implementation needs strong and well-coordinated local leadership, so that promises made by national and global-level leaders come true.
SHARE Tuesday, March 15, 2022 No #HealthForAll without peace: Attack on healthcare facilities is war crime, must stop
This article is based on statements of head of United Nations health agency (World Health Organization - WHO) and other experts that healthcare facilities, healthcare workers, transport etc have been attacked in the ongoing Ukraine-Russia armed conflict. Earlier UN Secretary General had denounced attack on healthcare facilities as war crime. Hope war ends asap
SHARE Friday, March 25, 2022 Preventing disease and strengthening health system are key while we open up economies
This article is based on insights from several infectious disease and public health leaders. COVID-19 cases are rising in some parts of Asia but COVID-19 prevention protocols are being relaxed rapidly. Experts call for reinforcing layered approach to disease prevention (masks, sanitation, social distancing, vaccination) along with stronger and equitable health systems for all. Science-backed and evidence-based response is key
SHARE Saturday, February 22, 2014 Why at present the AAP offers the best hope for governance and policy
In a short period of time the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has shaken up India's political landscape by offering an honest alternative to the mainstream national parties, specifically the Congress and the BJP. This article is an attempt to understand AAP's credibility on certain crucial dimensions.
SHARE Tuesday, February 24, 2015 TB Alliance advances next-generation TB drug candidate into clinical testing
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.
SHARE Monday, April 4, 2022 Is our response to pandemics and health emergencies missing organized medicine?
This article is based on three experts who call for bringing all different medical and health specialities together - so that they can have a unified voice and inform and help shape responses to health emergencies. Healthcare workers are also part of solutions,
SHARE Wednesday, October 13, 2021 What if TB, HIV medicines stop working? Experts unite against drug resistance
This article based on insights from TB and HIV science leaders who raise alarm bells how drug resistance (when drugs stop working against bugs that make us ill) is defeating us in the fight against both the epidemics (TB and AIDS). Covid pandemic had adverse effect on both jeopardizing health services.
SHARE Thursday, December 23, 2021 Think twice: Can we deliver on #HealthForAll without saving lives from viral hepatitis?
Recently Mayors, MPs and other sub-national leaders from Asia Pacific countries resolved to integrate hepatitis programmes in local heath responses. Viral hepatitis B and C is not only preventable but also tests and treatments exist. Hepatitis C is curable. But still the disease burden is crippling with over 350 million people with hepatitis B and C globally, and 3 people dying every minute.
SHARE Monday, February 9, 2015 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 estimates that 241 million children between the ages of 1 and 14 are at risk of STH infection in India.
SHARE Friday, March 25, 2016 Early and accurate diagnosis of TB and lung cancer vital: No excuse for misdiagnosis!
This article is focusing on a very important aspect: MISDIAGNOSIS! Both TB and lung cancer, have similar symptoms and if accurate diagnosis is not done then it can have a serious consequence, even death. Unless we diagnose EARLY and accurately both: TB and lung cancer, how will we prevent needless suffering attributed to both?
SHARE Friday, July 9, 2021 Governments must adopt a strong political declaration that the global crisis mandates
Please consider this article calling upon governments of our countries worldwide that are currently convening at the United Nations High Level Political Forum. Will they adopt a strong political declaration (they skipped it in 2020)? Covid pandemic crisis and other humanitarian crises warrant stronger action and commitment for governments to come together, let's hope sanity prevails.
SHARE Tuesday, November 2, 2021 Will new scientific breakthroughs spur the #endTB efforts?
Fight against biggest killer infectious disease was not on track to end the ancient disease (TB) even before Covid-19. But Covid-19 impact has further pushed the efforts to end TB backwards. Latest research shows promise though with new and better tools to diagnose and treat TB. Will new tools to diagnose and treat TB help pivot the fight to end TB by 2030?
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SHARE Tuesday, May 17, 2016 Screening for breast and cervical cancer is a public health imperative
Breast and cervical cancers are two major cancers among women. For decades, cervical cancer was the most common cancer in women in India. But now, breast cancer has replaced cervical cancer and become the leading cancer in terms of incidence and number of cancer deaths among women in India. SCREENING can help save lives.
This article is based upon interviews with CANCER SURVIVORS and experts.
SHARE Sunday, September 23, 2018 Is it the final countdown to #endTB?
As you be following global news that all heads of 193 countries are meeting at 73rd UN General Assembly this week. For the first-time ever historically, TB is on the agenda. Will world leaders act to end TB by 2030 (a promise they made at UNGA in 2015?)?
(2 comments) SHARE Saturday, June 5, 2021 Save Lakshadweep: Stop 'reform' which is not socially just and ecologically sustainable
This article on World Environment Day, is on the looming threat to ecology and people's livelihoods and lives in the islands of Lakshadweep. We have one planet, no planet-B. Ensuring development is socially just for local people and ecologically sustainable is paramount,
SHARE Tuesday, November 24, 2015 India stands with Asia Pacific nations in drive for malaria"-free region
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has joined other Asia Pacific Leaders in taking a concrete step closer to defeating malaria. Along with the 17 other East Asia Summit (EAS) Leaders meeting in Malaysia this past weekend, he endorsed a detailed plan to eliminate the disease throughout the region by 2030.
SHARE Monday, October 24, 2022 Are HIV programmes missing the young who need them the most?
Please consider this article based on the latest UN report and insights from few leaders on the challenges confronting the efforts to end AIDS by 2030 as promised by all our governments. 26% of new HIV infections are happening in the young people, and almost all of these new infections in the young - are in young key populations. But less than 1 in 4 are receiving prevention services as of now.
SHARE Tuesday, November 18, 2014 East Asia Summit adopts unprecedented regional malaria goal
Countries have committed to an ambitious goal of eliminating malaria from the entire Asia Pacific region in the next 15 years. The bold move shows strong leadership on health security and responds head-on to concerns about growing resistance to the drug artemisinin, the mainstay of worldwide treatment for the most dangerous form of the disease.
SHARE Monday, August 31, 2015 Empower community to end TB: In them lies the solution!
While the patient has to be is central to all the actions, civil society can act as an interface between the government and the community. As a senior government representative said 'the government cannot be the sole provider of services but can definitely be an enabler of service provision'.
And yet there seems to be a lack of trust between the government and civil-society organizations.
(1 comments) SHARE Tuesday, May 18, 2021 Why reduce speed limit to 30 km/h? "Answer is blowin' in the wind"
globally countries observe the UN Global Road Safety Week (17-23 May 2021) to demand 30 kilometer per hour (20 miles per hour) as maximum speed limit. In Covid pandemic when we rebuild we must also ensure safer road spaces for people who are most at risk,
(1 comments) SHARE Sunday, November 2, 2014 Call to action to halt the looming TB-diabetes co-epidemic
People with diabetes have a three times greater risk of contracting TB than those without diabetes. People with TB have high rates of diabetes that often go undiagnosed.
(1 comments) SHARE Thursday, September 27, 2018 Ending antimicrobial resistance is the lynchpin to #endTB as well as health security
This article is based upon series of interviews from top global health experts including deputy head of WHO on rising drug resistance that is making curable+preventable diseases, untreatable. Heads of governments of 193 nations are meeting this week in UN General Assembly, one of the focus is to end TB by 2030. But can we end TB unless we end drug resistance (antimicrobial resistance)?
SHARE Wednesday, July 25, 2018 Slump in fight against #AIDS can derail progress made so far!
This article based upon experts who were among the first to begin HIV care in their countries/ state -- on are we on track to end AIDS, or is there a slump in the fight against AIDS? The reality is that fight against AIDS is slowing down/ slackening -- which threatens to derail the work done so far.
(2 comments) SHARE Friday, May 30, 2014 Reduce Tobacco Consumption, Save Lives
For World No Tobacco Day 2014, World Health Organization and its partners call on countries to raise taxes on tobacco. Increasing taxes on tobacco is considered to be the most cost-effective tobacco-control measure. An increase of 10% in tobacco prices is said to decrease tobacco consumption by about 4% in high-income countries and by up to 8% in most low- and middle-income countries.
SHARE Thursday, March 24, 2022 Will Himalayan Indian state eliminate tuberculosis by 2023?
This article is based on interview of frontline health worker of one of the cities that is aiming to end TB in next 21 months. He leads TB prog of Kangra city in Himalayan state of Himachal Pradesh, India. Will Kangra keep the promise to eliminate TB by 2023? Only 21 months are left to keep the promise, and with alarming numbers of new cases and deaths (and additional adverse impact of COVID), are we on track?
SHARE Thursday, July 24, 2014 New Drug Regimen: A miracle treatment for TB is a near possibility
Global Alliance for TB-Drug Development (TB Alliance) raised hopes of a novel drug regimen to treat both forms of TB--drug sensitive (DS) and multi-drug resistant (MDR)--at the XX International AIDS Conference (AIDS 2014) in Melbourne, offering a new paradigm in TB treatment to treat patients with drugs to which they are sensitive, rather than based on what they are resistant to.
SHARE Monday, March 28, 2022 Are we ready to give it all to #endTB?
This article is based on insights from several scientists, epidemiologists and experts from Asia Pacific region on what it will take for the governments to keep the promise to end TB by 2030 (in India the government has promised to end TB by 2025). Are different ministries, departments, agencies working closely together to end risk factors of TB (like malnutrition, tobacco, alcohol, NCDs, etc)?
SHARE Wednesday, April 6, 2022 Prevention is better than cure, and is cheaper too!
This article is based on interviews with few experts on disease prevention. Preventing transmission of an infectious disease must remain centre-stage while we diagnose-treat and care for those already infected. Otherwise how will we eliminate preventable diseases like TB or end AIDS (as promised by governments to end TB and AIDS by 2030)?
SHARE Tuesday, February 28, 2023 It is time to get back to basics if we are to end TB
Scientists and experts from around the world warn that TB is not declining at a pace by which we can end TB globally. India has promised to end TB by 2025, and rest of the world by 2030. Many rich nations had ended TB 30-50 years ago but are we doing the basics? (preventing infection transmission and finding every case of active disease and providing full spectrum of services?)
SHARE Tuesday, November 21, 2023 Shooting our own foot: Misuse of medicines is making infections difficult to treat
Please consider the below article with insights of several antimicrobial resistance (AMR) leaders. AMR is among the top-10 global health threats - and we are losing medicines - and making infections difficult to treat or even uncurable. World AMR Awareness Week is observed 18-24 November.
SHARE Saturday, September 5, 2020 Innovative financing for women's health becomes vital when purse strings tighten
Several experts share experiences of new and innovative ways to find money for important health programmes such as those for women. The pandemic is resulting in economic crisis too and innovative financing for health is so vital now.
SHARE Monday, October 4, 2021 Science must guide India, UK: Stoking vaccine nationalism will fail us all
Indian government has announced reciprocal policy to UK nationals of mandatory quarantine regardless of vaccination status - earlier UK government had announced a similar policy for Indians arriving in UK. The main point is, both countries - UK and India - as well as every other country in the world, needs to be guided by the mantra of SCIENCE WITH HUMANITY, and ensure science is guiding response to Covid globally.
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SHARE Saturday, February 6, 2021 Market solutions will make roads unsafe for everyone
This article on road safety puts spotlight on why roads are becoming unsafer, with increasing number of deaths, disabilities and injuries due to road traffic accidents in countries like India. Governments of 194 countries promised to reduce by 50% the deaths in road accidents; why are we failing to meet the goal?
SHARE Monday, December 5, 2016 It is not enough to promise, we must act to #endAIDS
Please consider this article based upon interview with a doctor who was among the first few doctors who came forward to care for people living with HIV when first case got diagnosed in India in 1986. He has several 'firsts' to his credit including India's first AIDS clinic.
SHARE Saturday, January 25, 2014 One visit and vinegar diagnosis for cervical cancer
Worldwide, a woman dies of cervical cancer every two minutes, taking the annual toll to 275,000. The disease is preventable, and yet the second-largest killer of women in low- and middle-income countries, with most women dying in the prime of life. According to the Cervical Cancer Global Crisis Card, India tops the chart in cervical-cancer deaths.
SHARE Saturday, August 7, 2021 Moving HIV prevention and treatment tools from the lab to all those in need
It is vital to ensure that scientific breakthroughs (like new drugs or vaccines etc) reach ALL the people in need as soon as possible without any delay - if we are to have a public-health impact. Be it Covid vaccines or HIV prevention and treatment tools, ensuring that these health technologies reach those in need is an imperative for public health impact we want to have!
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SHARE Sunday, January 16, 2022 No excuse not to end the acute stage of pandemic globally
This article is based on insights from experts that it is possible to end the acute stage of the pandemic globally because we have the tools to do so if we use them rationally and purposefully. Also, we know how to prevent infection transmission. No excuse not to act now, if we are to avoid unnecessary human suffering and avert untimely deaths
SHARE Thursday, August 11, 2022 Staff shortage remains a bottleneck in viral hepatitis services
This article is based on an interview with top government official in hepatitis and HIV hard-hit state. All governments globally have committed to end viral hepatitis by 2030. But staff shortage is acute and decimating progress.
SHARE Monday, November 7, 2022 Will global family planning meet galvanise governments to deliver on gender equality?
All governments had committed to ensure gender equality by 2030 but progress on gender justice was abysmal even before the COVID-19 pandemic in most nations. There was some progress and sketchy but surely not on track. With the jolt of COVID-19, the challenge has only become more difficult. Before the global family planning meet opens, here is an article with insights from four leaders,
SHARE Thursday, January 23, 2014 Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights: A distant reality?
(Based on an interview with Dr Amita Pandey, Associate Professor, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, King George's Medical University - KGMU.)
Before 7th Asia Pacific Conference on Reproductive and Sexual Health and Rights (7th APCRSHR) opens in Manila later this week, Citizen News Service (CNS) spoke with Dr Amita Pandey on sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) challenges in India.
SHARE Tuesday, October 28, 2014 Nepal gearing to protect public health from tobacco industry interference
As implementation of domestic tobacco control laws and global tobacco treaty is advancing, tobacco industry is indeed facing the heat. Not surprising, that the industry has sued governments when they have attempted to implement life-saving tobacco control measures. Nepal is no exception.
SHARE Monday, March 31, 2014 Accurate and affordable TB diagnosis in private sector becoming a reality
Are we diagnosing people with presumptive TB early enough? Data suggests otherwise. "An average TB patient is diagnosed with TB after a delay of 2 months and has consulted till then at least 3 physicians or healthcare providers before getting diagnosis," said Dr Pai. Nearly 50% TB patients seek healthcare in private sector so role of private sector in TB care and control cannot be ignored.
SHARE Friday, December 11, 2020 Community health work is work
This article on universal health coverage day is based upon insights from several community health workers, all female, who assert that their work is 'work' and essential work, and not 'voluntary' - and rightly so. Former UN Special Rapporteur on Right to Health and senior lawyer Anand Grover also supports them,
SHARE Sunday, November 16, 2014 Women in politics should help women in adversity
Taking the Beijing+20 review process as an opportunity to hold governments to account for their commitments, and demand stronger, more effective accountability mechanisms, the Asia Pacific Forum on Women, Law and Development (APWLD) organized a Southeast Asia sub-regional Roundtable on 'Strengthening Accountability to Women through Parliamentary Mechanisms to Implement BPFA.'
(1 comments) SHARE Monday, September 28, 2015 Dams and development: Corporate interests and Manipur's struggle for justice
According to Jiten, since India adopted liberalization policies after the 1990s, it has facilitated the corporatization and privatization of community land and resources like water, forests, and agricultural land in NE India, including Manipur, subjecting its people to untold miseries.
SHARE Wednesday, April 24, 2019 Real talk: Are we on track to #endmalaria?
In last 15 years malaria rates came down, but now we are at a negative tipping point.
This World Malaria Day (25 April) article is based on several interviews with experts who are trying to eliminate malaria and also those who are fighting one of the biggest challenges: drug resistant malaria (especially on borders or forested areas).
SHARE Thursday, December 11, 2014 What is wrong with a rights-based approach to TB care?
A rights-based approach to TB care is the most correct approach to deal with the global TB crisis of epidemic proportions. In 2013, TB killed 1.5 million people out of the estimated 9 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.
SHARE Thursday, December 17, 2020 Face it all together: threat of pandemics and responsibility to deliver on health for all
This article is based on insights from several local government leaders on how local actions to control diseases/ pandemics as well as risk factors like tobacco were vital. Global goals require strong local level implementation to convert scientific breakthroughs into public health gains. The threat is also faced by us but so is the shared responsibility to bring in a difference,
SHARE Friday, November 28, 2014 Reaching the unreached: ENGAGE TB initiative
"But the tragedy is that, even though many NGOs may be working on HIV, they are not working on TB. We know that a large number of deaths (one in four) in people living with HIV (PLHIV) are due to TB, which is treatable and curable, and not because of HIV, which is not curable. If NGOs working with PLHIV can integrate TB care and control in their existing programmes, it will dramatically reduce these unnecessary deaths."
SHARE Wednesday, August 3, 2022 Long-awaited goal of ensuring every child is born HIV-free
Please consider the below article based on an interview with Dr Glory Alexander who has dedicated her life for helping HIV positive pregnant women deliver HIV negative babies and taking care of people living with HIV. Few countries have already eliminated parent to child transmission of HIV (so no child is born with HIV). We have the medicines and tools and approaches to help HIV positive parents deliver HIV negative babies
(1 comments) SHARE Sunday, November 2, 2014 WHO launches new guidelines on management of latent TB infection
For the first time, the World Health Organization (WHO) has issued guidelines on testing, treating and managing latent TB infection (LTBI) in individuals with high risk of developing the disease. These guidelines were launched today at the Global TB Symposium just before the start of the 45th Union World Conference on Lung Health in Barcelona.
SHARE Wednesday, September 22, 2021 Will global charter help accelerate action on NCDs to prevent untimely deaths?
This article is based on insights from several experts as well as those living with non-communicable diseases (NCDs) as well as infectious diseases (like HIV and Covid). Diseases, whether communicable/ infectious or non-communicable, have been fueling each other but healthcare services and responses were silo-ed and not integrated due to which people suffered and perhaps untimely deaths happened
SHARE Thursday, December 9, 2021 Leaders of cities in Asia Pacific commit for united local actions to meet global health goals
This article is based on insights from subnational leaders of several countries in Asia Pacific who endorsed the important Declaration for united equitable health responses on the ground so that we are able to advance towards the global goals of not only addressing Covid but also other health goals and targets.
(1 comments) SHARE Wednesday, June 1, 2016 A plain face can take the sheen out of deadly tobacco products
World No Tobacco Day, that takes place on May 31 each year, highlights the devastating impact of tobacco use on health, as well as advocates for policies that help people quit tobacco use and discourage non-users from starting. This year's World No Tobacco Day theme is 'Get ready for plain packaging'.
(2 comments) SHARE Sunday, October 5, 2014 Medical malpractices: Is there light at the end of the tunnel?
"This contributes to using expensive drugs, or at times using drugs that are not totally rational, or even using drugs instead of thinking of other evidence-based treatments - this has been well documented. I have tried to change attitudes towards accepting industry money. We should learn to say, 'No, Thank you'" asserted Dr Gotzsche.
SHARE Sunday, November 2, 2014 No single HIV prevention method can end AIDS: Combination prevention is key
As HIV prevention needs and contexts vary, it is important to expand the range of effective prevention options that people can use. Archbishop Desmond Tutu said in a video link at the first-ever international conference on all HIV-related biomedical prevention research, that "No single method of prevention can end this epidemic on its own."
SHARE Wednesday, May 20, 2015 Will HLPF push for accountability in post-2015 development agenda?
Without robust accountability and monitoring mechanisms, how will people ensure that their governments deliver on the promises they make towards post-2015 sustainable development agenda? Kate Lappin explains what role can High Level Political Forum (co-hosted by UN General Assembly) play in bringing in accountability in post-2015 agenda!
SHARE Saturday, December 3, 2016 "Be faithful in small things because it is in them that your strength lies"
Please consider this in-depth interview with a senior expert who earlier was one of the forces in national TB programme and now is a major lead at national AIDS programme. Earlier he had worked on polio eradication and other health issues. He shares key insights on how governments can keep promises (SDGs) to end TB and HIV by 2030.
SHARE Monday, December 14, 2020 Break the silence: Ending gender-based violence is a human-rights imperative
This article is based on insights from several crusaders who are dedicatedly making efforts to curb all forms of gender-based violence. Alarmingly during pandemic (just like other calamities previously), gender-based violence had increased.
SHARE Tuesday, November 30, 2021 When people with HIV can live normal lives then why 680,000 AIDS deaths in 2020?
This article is in lead up to World AIDS Day. We have made the scientific advancements to have the right tools to prevent HIV, and to ensure every person living with HIV can stay healthy and live fulfilling normal lives. But we are failing due to which 680,000 people died of AIDS in 2020, and 1.5 million newly got infected with HIV. We could have done better, we have to because inaction is not a choice anymore.
SHARE Friday, January 24, 2014 'Miles to go' before we achieve universal access to SRHR services
Twenty years after the path-breaking International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) held in Cairo, millions of women and adolescents, particularly the poor and marginalised, in Asia and the Pacific continue to face inequalities in access to reproductive and sexual health and rights. "This is unconscionable," said Professor Gita Sen, Centre for Public Policy.
SHARE Wednesday, July 21, 2021 Tale of two pandemics: Follow the science and do not forget one at the cost of the other
This article is based on insights shared at the ongoing IAS 2021 by Germany's Chancellor Angela Merkel, Germany's Health Minister Jens Spahn, Dr Anthony Fauci of NIH USA, Dr Soumya Swaminathan chief scientist of WHO, and a black woman survivor of Covid who has also been living with HIV since last 20 years.
SHARE Monday, February 2, 2015 Better to prevent rather than treat lung cancer
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).
SHARE Tuesday, July 26, 2022 People living with HIV demand end of medicine stockout: Indefinite sit-in begins
Please consider this article based on 8 interviews with people living with HIV who are on an indefinite sit-in as lifesaving antiretroviral medicines run out of stock in several places across India. Hope supplies resume and drug stockouts never occur!
SHARE Wednesday, October 21, 2015 2030 Agenda: Development for whom?
We should rejoice in what we have achieved, but we must not believe that it is going to be easy," Justin remarked pertaining to the advance of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) compared to its predecessor MDGs.
(1 comments) SHARE Wednesday, July 30, 2014 'When bacteria and virus can work so well together, why can't we?'
Setting the pace for the press conference, Dr IS Gilada, President, AIDS Society of India, emphasized that collaborative activities between national TB and HIV programmes can help maximise public-health outcomes. He said if HIV programmes do not pay adequate attention to TB, or TB programmes ignore HIV, then the progress made in responding to HIV and TB gets threatened.
SHARE Friday, September 4, 2015 After years of neglect, growing attention to TB in children in Asia Pacific
Tuberculosis in children have been neglected for far too long. It was only in recent years, childhood TB started getting its long overdue attention and WHO and partners came out with Childhood TB Roadmap in October 2013 to further galvanize response on all fronts.
Dr Steve Graham, one of the lead experts involved in this process, speaks to CNS on the way forward!
SHARE Thursday, July 31, 2014 Alarm rings on low uptake of existing prevention options for anal STIs and HIV
Despite overall progress in HIV prevention, rates of HIV infection among key affected populations such as men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender people remain alarmingly high. For example, recent data indicates that MSM are up to 19 times more likely to have HIV than the general population -- transgender women are almost 50 times more likely.
(1 comments) SHARE Friday, April 15, 2016 Should Asia Pacific lead the world with robust roadmap for sustainable development?
The window of opportunity is not closed yet - Asia Pacific nations still can demonstrate leadership on implementing sustainable development goals (SDGs) by agreeing on an ambitious plan to move forward. They need to deliver on promises made by governments at UN General Assembly last year to achieve SDGs by 2030!
SHARE Monday, July 25, 2022 HIV care is essential and lifesaving, but not enough for living normal lives
Please consider the below article based on insights with an expert who has spent over 20 years working with children living with HIV. Dr Raj believes along with ensuring HIV treatment and whole spectrum of care and services (which are essential and lifesaving) we also have to ensure ZERO HIV stigma, discrimination, jobs and employment with dignity, social support and other no-less-essential support services so that every child
SHARE Thursday, October 21, 2021 Will India's 1 billion vaccination-dose-milestone be catalytic for vaccinating all?
Please consider this article as India crossed 1 billion vaccine dose administration milestone today. While commendable given the realities of health systems and other constraints, there is a long way ahead to fully vaccinate almost 1.4 billion people (for which we need to administer 2.8 billion doses within a timeframe).
Hoping all the people in all countries are able to get fully jabbed within the timeframe,
SHARE Monday, February 7, 2022 Will UN health agency give green light for using COVID-19 self-tests?
This article is based upon interview with expert and an open letter issued by over hundred organizations and experts calling upon the WHO to issue guidelines for use of COVID-19 self-tests. Unless people know their status how will they protect their family and communities from further infection spread? Unless people know their disease status, how will they seek out to clinical care pathway?
SHARE Friday, November 2, 2018 Clock is ticking: 26 months left to meet AIDS 90-90-90 targets
This article is based on interactions with 5 top experts on HIV medical management from India, South Africa, and USA. Some progress has happened in most nations but lot is left to be done if we are to meet the targets promised by our governments,
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SHARE Wednesday, December 3, 2014 Breaking taboos, reaping dividends
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. Six 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.
SHARE Sunday, February 7, 2021 HIV science has advanced but policies-programmes have been slow to #endAIDS
Please consider this article based upon insights from two world leaders who have dedicated their lives in preventing lives from AIDS, and accelerating efforts towards ending AIDS. Despite scientific advancements in preventing infection or keeping people with HIV healthy and lead normal lives, we are failing with thousands of new infections every year and AIDS related deaths worldwide. Read more,
SHARE Wednesday, August 3, 2022 We cannot #endAIDS if we blindly depend on the Global North
This article is based on insights from world leaders in fight against AIDS. Although scientific breakthroughs have happened in rich nations but developing countries of Global South have played a vital role in ensuring medicines become affordable and delivered in poor nations. Read more insights in this article by those who have led from the front in fighting AIDS
SHARE Sunday, September 27, 2015 Irony of inequality and Ogoni peoples struggle for life and land
Interview with Ogoni community leader from Nigeria who believes we cannot madly pursue a development model that continues to make 1% of this world's peoples richer, and 99% people poorer. Inequality must end, says he.
SHARE Monday, December 14, 2015 Inhaled drug therapy for TB treatment
In the light of the outcry of the high pill burden, severe toxicity and high treatment non-adherence rates, and many more challenges associated with the treatment of TB, in particular of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB), innovative drug therapies are beginning to be explored. One of them - inhaled TB drugs - were presented at the 46th Union World Conference on Lung Health held recently in Cape Town.
SHARE Monday, August 25, 2014 Debate: What do post-2015 strategic-development goals mean to us?
Millennium-development goals (MDGs) were to be met by 2015 by countries of the world. What after 2015? Negotiations are going on currently to arrive at a consensus on post-2015 strategic-development goals (SDGs).
SHARE Sunday, October 4, 2020 'May you be the mother of many sons...'
This article has insights from several experts who share data, studies and human rights based analysis on why safe abortion is an essential healthcare service - in normal times as well as during the pandemics.
(1 comments) SHARE Saturday, September 19, 2020 "We do not stop playing because we grow old. We grow old because we stop playing"
This important article in lead up to International Day of Older Persons (IDOP) is written by Shobha madam who herself is a senior citizen. Importance of companionship, intimacy and relationships including sexual health is often missing and stigmatised for older people, more so for women.
SHARE Saturday, October 17, 2020 Building resilience is critical to minimise the impact of humanitarian crises
This article is based on insights from United Nations expert on humanitarian responses on how governments, institutions, communities, individuals and other levels/ actors can boost their resilience to cope with crises situations such as the pandemic.
(1 comments) SHARE Monday, May 5, 2014 Coordinated response for control of STIs is lacking
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV, are known to be primarily transmitted through sexual route, which has created a major impact on sexual and reproductive health worldwide. They are caused by viruses, bacteria, or parasitic microorganisms that are transmitted through sexual activity with an infected partner.
SHARE Wednesday, May 7, 2014 Translational Research For The Benefit Of Public Health
"Translational research involves converting a basic research idea into a product; then developing that product for industrial production and finding out if it is safe and efficacious; and finally using it to improve public health. This is the line of translation."
SHARE Sunday, February 14, 2021 Growing call for federal democracy in Myanmar
This article is based upon a south Asian regional forum as well as a joint statement endorsed by hundred plus groups worldwide calling for federal democracy in Myanmar.
SHARE Friday, February 16, 2024 149 experts call to find all TB to stop TB
Please consider the below article based on insights from key experts who helped shape the fight against TB in past decades. They call for finding ALL TB if we are to break the chain of infection transmission, and reduce human suffering - this will also protect others from getting infected in the first place.
SHARE Friday, July 25, 2014 'Every TB-HIV case is a public-health failure...'
So said Helen Ayles. She was quoted by Dr Diane Havlir who was speaking in the plenary of the 20th International AIDS Conference (AIDS 2014) in Melbourne, Australia. Dr Diane Havlir, who is a researcher at the University of California, San Francisco, was hopeful that "Every HIV/TB case prevented and every death averted should become a public-health success and put us one step closer to ending the dual epidemic of HIV and TB."
SHARE Saturday, July 26, 2014 Call to step up the pace of TB-HIV collaborative activities
"We must focus upon individual human beings rather than on individual diseases of TB and HIV. A person centric approach is bound to work together than a disease centric approach."
SHARE Sunday, February 26, 2023 Smoking rates decline in Cambodia but challenges remain to #endTobacco
Please consider the below article based on latest scientific findings released of the study conducted in Cambodia that shows continuing decline in tobacco use - but despite the decline, there is an alarming level of tobacco use in Cambodia, and challenges remain to save lives from untimely deaths and preventable diseases.
SHARE Friday, July 25, 2014 Break the silos: drug use, HIV, HCV, TB, laws and funding
Vietnam is one of the countries in the world that has made remarkable progress over the last decade in not only making harm reduction and HIV services available and accessible for people who use drugs but also reforming laws for supportive health policies on the ground.
SHARE Thursday, December 1, 2016 Complacency breeds failure: Consolidate efforts to #endAIDS by 2030
Please consider this in-depth article based upon interview with India's top HIV scientist who is the Director of Government's AIDS Research Institute in lead up to World AIDS Day 2016. He raises key points with very clear way-forward recommendations on how to fast-track progress to end AIDS by 2030 (as promised by governments of all UN member countries).
SHARE Monday, June 2, 2014 Gender justice to be at the heart of development justice
The Asia and the Pacific region contains some of the world's most powerful economies and the 21st century is often touted to belong to this region. Yet the region is home to 66% of the world's poorest poor. Denouncing such stark disparities, the 1st-plenary session at the 2nd Asia Pacific Feminist Forum (APFF 2014) is being held in Chiang Mai, Thailand.
SHARE Friday, March 11, 2022 Perils of not knowing our epidemic: Could reducing testing be counter-productive?
Please consider this article. As you know, the UN health agency (WHO) has issued new guidance for self-tests this week. We as CNS were part of 100 organizations and experts since January 2022 that were calling upon WHO to give green light to self-tests.
Also, 11th March marks 2 years of WHO declaring COVID a pandemic.
Here is a report, thanks for support,
SHARE Saturday, January 25, 2014 Laws mirror moral values of 'colonial era', not SRHR reality!
many countries in Asia and the Pacific have restrictive laws that prevent young adolescents below the age of 18 from accessing sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) services. According to a November 2013 study of the impact of laws and policies on young people's access to SRH and HIV services many laws in the region have conservative legal traditions related to sexuality and reproduction which consider providing con
SHARE Friday, March 22, 2019 It's Time to bend the curve sharply to #end TB
This article is in lead up to the World TB Day 2019. As you know, the global TB decline rate is very low, at this rate governments cannot end TB by 2030. We need to ensure TB rates DECLINE faster many times for world to end TB by 2030.
SHARE Sunday, November 1, 2020 Marriage is no child's play
This article is on a social evil, child marriage. Despite governments of 194 countries promising to end child, early and forced marriages, it is not declining fast enough.
SHARE Thursday, January 30, 2014 Long road to justice and equality for LGBTI people
The recently concluded 7th Asia Pacific Conference on Reproductive and Sexual Health and Rights (7th APCRSHR) in Manila saw some interesting discussions on protecting and advancing Sexual Orientation And Gender Identity (SOGI) rights and improving their access to Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) services.
SHARE Tuesday, September 8, 2020 Ensuring women have a rights-based access to emergency contraceptives is vital
This article is based on insights with noted researcher on emergency contraceptives. She shares scientific evidence that these are also among the evidence-based contraceptive choices for women who need them, but also cautions that these are only to be used in emergency situations, and not as regular family planning method.
SHARE Thursday, October 1, 2020 Not symbolism but embodying Mahatma Gandhi in our lives is vital | 150 Years of Gandhi
In lead up to 150 years of Mahatma Gandhi (2nd October 2020 marks the wrap up of a year long observance), please consider this article based on insights shared by Gandhian leaders - Medha Patkar and Dr Sandeep Pandey, two noted development justice voices in today's times.
(1 comments) SHARE Thursday, May 8, 2014 It Is Time To Control Asthma
This is the sub-theme of this year's (2014) World Asthma Day (WAD), which was first celebrated in 1998 in conjunction with the first World Asthma Meeting in Barcelona. It is an annual event aimed at improving asthma awareness, diagnosis, treatment, and, ultimately, control, and is organized by the Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) on the first Tuesday of May.
SHARE Saturday, November 8, 2014 Regular HIV prevention counselling reduces risk of infection
(CNS): "Foundation of HIV prevention is infact HIV testing" said Dr Anthony Fauci of National Institutes of Health at the opening plenary (via video link) of the HIV Research for Prevention (HIVR4P). But mobilizing people to go for voluntary and repeated counselling and testing for HIV has indeed been a challenge. It is even a steeper challenge to mobilize key populations for HIV testing
(1 comments) SHARE Sunday, January 9, 2022 Failing on the basics: Are we able to #BreakTheChain of infection transmission?
This article has insights from global scientists and public health experts from WHO on why it is so urgent and important to ensure we break the chain of transmission of corona virus. We knew how to prevent infection from early on in the pandemic, but 2 years later, the reality is very grim with over 306 million people infected and over 5.5 million dead. We need to do more on prevention, and do it purposefully
(6 comments) SHARE Tuesday, October 20, 2020 An effective COVID-19 vaccine: Will you take it or will you not?
This article is based on the latest study which looked into the potential acceptance rate of COVID-19 vaccine if and when it becomes available (as it is currently under research and development).
SHARE Wednesday, February 24, 2021 Are we failing children in the HIV response?
This article is based on interviews with some leading scientists on children and HIV. The governments promised that by 2020, no child will be born with HIV. Even before the pandemic, the progress towards this goal was only in 14 countries (that had ended mother-to-child transmission of HIV in their nations). The science has powered us to prevent transmission of HIV to any newborn child. So no excuse for inaction!
SHARE Wednesday, September 9, 2015 Pacific approach to deal with the dual burden of TB-diabetes
TB-diabetes co-morbidity is a global problem, but we in the Pacific region see it as a local problem and approach it from the patient's perspective - it is about one patient with two diseases. Rather than divide the care, we try to integrate the care for each patient.
SHARE Sunday, February 21, 2021 'Have a seat but shut up please': Whither equality?
This article is in response to the news from Japan that its ruling party will have board meetings with women, but women will have to keep their mouths shut. It is also a sad reminder that economic development does not necessarily lead to gender justice.
SHARE Monday, December 15, 2014 Thalassaemia on the blind spot? Call to improve prevention, treatment and care
"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..."
SHARE Saturday, October 11, 2014 Evidence shows we can prevent obesity in children: E Waters, Anne Anderson Awardee 2014
Researchers have demonstrated that childhood obesity prevention programmes have a positive health impact on body mass index (BMI - a measure of body fat based upon height and weight). So policies and practices should take this evidence into consideration to nip alarming rates of childhood obesity.
SHARE Sunday, January 30, 2022 Is Gandhi's Talisman the guiding light to end vaccine inequity?
This article is based on latest data that show highest-ever weekly new cases were reported in last week of January 2022 since the beginning of the pandemic over 2 years ago. We are failing to break the chain of infection transmission and also failing to vaccinate equitably. Over 10 billion doses of vaccines given in a world of 7 billion - yet more than 3 billion people did not get even 1 dose. WHY?
(2 comments) SHARE Monday, November 2, 2015 Avert the looming TB-diabetes co-epidemic before it gets too late
TB and diabetes co-epidemics have been raging high in low and middle income countries. This is potentially a brewing public health catastrophy. To avert this co-epidemic, the 1st-ever Global TB Diabetes Summit will open soon in Indonesia.
SHARE Friday, October 2, 2020 Lifecycle approach: A panacea for population ageing and gender equality
This article on International Day of Older Persons is where its author, Shobha, who herself is a senior citizen, calls for lifecycle approach to advance progress on not just to address population ageing, but also other issues including gender equality.
SHARE Sunday, June 28, 2015 Parliamentarians on 'world we want beyond 2015': Sexual and reproductive health and rights in focus
If the countries agree with the draft set of SDGs at the UN summit in New York in coming September, they will become applicable from January 2016. Partnering with, and empowering parliamentarians, who play an important role in the development process by framing policies/ laws implemented in the country, can effectively influence the building of post-2015 development framework for world we want beyond 2015
SHARE Saturday, July 19, 2014 What has TB got to do in an AIDS Conference?
Well almost everything. Tuberculosis (TB) remains the most common AIDS-defining illness and the leading cause of death in people living with HIV (PLHIV) with 1 in 5 HIV-associated deaths in 2012 attributed to TB. At least one third of the 35.3 million living PLHIV worldwide are infected with latent TB. An estimated 1.1 million (13%) of the 8.6 million people who developed TB in 2012 were HIV-positive too.
(1 comments) SHARE Wednesday, March 3, 2021 Instead of reducing maximum speed limit, Thailand increases it to 120 kph
Governments of all countries agreed in February 2020 by adopting the Stockholm Declaration to reduce the maximum speed limit to 30 kilometer per hour (kph) to reduce road-traffic crashes and deaths. This promise was also endorsed by heads of our countries at the United Nations General Assembly August 2020. But Thailand plans to INCREASE max speed limit for 'road safety'.
(1 comments) SHARE Saturday, March 29, 2014 International respiratory societies to assist in finding the 3 million “missed†TB cases
A major focus of this World TB Day is the 3 million TB cases that the World Health Organization estimates are "missed" each year - that is, cases that go undetected, undiagnosed, and untreated. Clearly, this must change if global TB control is to be achieved.
SHARE Sunday, October 5, 2014 Hyderabad to Cape Town: Evidence driving medical research and health systems strengthening
Incidentally 22nd Cochrane Colloquium on "evidence-informed public health: challenges and opportunities" theme is being held in Hyderabad, India (21-26 September 2014) and will be followed by the 3rd Global Symposium on Health Systems Research on "science and practice of people-centred health systems" theme in Cape Town, South Africa (30 September -- 3 October 2014).
SHARE Tuesday, May 3, 2016 Asthma: We can beat it but not kill it
There is no cure for asthma but it is possible to live a normal life with asthma if we manage asthma well.
Also a new scientific review published by Cochrane last week shows evidence that yoga leads to improvements in quality of life and symptoms in people with asthma BUT evidence of impact on lung function and medication usage is uncertain.
SHARE Monday, July 6, 2015 Join the crusade: Big push for transgender and hijra welfare
"The Supreme Court judgement of 2014 has indeed been a game changer in terms of the way it has allowed transgenders to perceive themselves as individuals, to stand up confidently with their own identity, and to demand their rights and access to services, which was not there before. Today they have a clear agenda for the services they need --having access to education (instead of being thrown out of schools);
SHARE Tuesday, December 8, 2015 Will 2030 Global Goals help accelerate progress towards ending TB?
Please find this article based upon an interview with the head of WHO Global TB Programme on how will the recently agreed Global Goals by all governments help spur progress towards ending TB.
Warm wishes, bobby
SHARE Wednesday, October 1, 2014 Pushed Into the Flesh Trade; Whither Future Development Goals?
Will future sustainable development goals (SDGs) help in improving the lives of Bela and thousands of others like her who are pushed into the flesh trade due to poverty, greed and a skewed power dynamics. It is not enough to make survivors mere brand ambassadors for a cause. They need to be rehabilitated too.
SHARE Thursday, October 15, 2015 TPP: Trading people for profit
The controversial trade agreement (TPP) aggressively pushed by US government is likely to be 'Trading People for Profits' - Mark analyzes this agreement in context of global goals to which governments of our world have committed themselves to - is TPP against those commitments? read more!
SHARE Thursday, March 7, 2019 Women speak: To be a woman and to be in India
This article features interviews and perspectives of working women, from deputy director general of the WHO to the women from small towns working in urban areas.
SHARE Thursday, October 23, 2014 No longer business as usual: Out of the box solutions needed to end TB
In May 2014, the World Health Assembly approved the WHO's new post-2015 global TB strategy and targets for tuberculosis, which aims to achieve the targets for 2035-- 95% decline in TB deaths and 90% decline in TB incidence rate compared with 2015--less than 10 TB cases per 100, 000 population, and the elimination of catastrophic costs for TB-affected households
SHARE Saturday, July 26, 2014 Stigma blocks access to care for young gays and transgenders
Stigma related to HIV not only blocks access to existing services for key affected populations but also increases risk of HIV acquisition manifold. When self-stigma or shame seeps in, it pushes people into depression, aggression, self-harm, addictions or even suicide. HIV-related stigma and discrimination in the community further escalates self-stigma.
(2 comments) SHARE Tuesday, August 5, 2014 'If I Could Do It, Anyone Can!'
Well, here is the empowering story of Esther from Indonesia (who has been a prisoner, an injecting drug user, a sex worker, and a person living with HIV) as told to Citizen News Service during the just-concluded 20th International AIDS Conference (AIDS 2014) in Melbourne.
SHARE Tuesday, June 3, 2014 Despite progress, long way remains for gender justice
Despite women's rights to economic, social and cultural equality, poverty and discrimination still remains the reality for a large majority of them in the Asia Pacific region. Women not only comprise 70% of the world's poor, they are also victims of the greed and avarice of the powers that are. They are the ones who endure physical, mental and emotional hardships and are yet denied any political or economic gains.
SHARE Sunday, May 1, 2016 Asthma - can we live with it?
World Asthma Day is on Tuesday, 3rd May 2016. This article is based on interviews with people with asthma - who live a normal life! Play sports well for example.
Just like people who have eye-sight problem need to wear a glass, similarly people with asthma need to manage it well - and LIVE FULLY!
SHARE Wednesday, September 16, 2015 Fight against TB in Papua New Guinea: 'Embarrassment of riches' moment?
A country like Papua New Guinea (PNG) with 20% projected economic growth rate, still has half of its population at or below the poverty line, and epidemics like TB, are setting off alarm bells - year after year!
SHARE Wednesday, December 2, 2020 Community-led approaches are pivotal to respond to HIV, SRHR and COVID-19
This article is based on insights of several experts on why community-led approaches are so central to HIV, sexual and reproductive health, COVID-19 and other healthcare needs, as well as overall health security.
SHARE Friday, February 9, 2024 It is time to hold governments to account for ending tobacco
Please consider the below article based upon insights from a range of experts among those at the important meet of global tobacco treaty. Experts from a number of countries in Asia and Africa share insights on high levels of tobacco industry interference, need to hold the industry to account, and need to hold the government to account for implementing tobacco control and end-tobacco agenda...
SHARE Saturday, December 5, 2015 Half the battle won: Need to accelerate roll-out of child-friendly anti-TB drugs
This article is based upon an interview with a mother of 4 children, whose partner as well as 2 children all had TB. New child-friendly drugs have been launched this week but lot more action needs to happen to ensure these medicines get rolled out and reach the child with TB everywhere!
SHARE Wednesday, October 7, 2015 Dialogues for justice, public interest and the common good
A day after 193 member states of the United Nations adopted the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda, the CSO Partnership for Development Effectiveness (CPDE) together with grassroots activists, faith-based groups and NGOs organized a side event at the margins of the UN summit to discuss pressing issues affecting the marginalized and frontline communities in the context of the post-2015 development agenda.
SHARE Monday, March 24, 2014 Regulating sale of anti-tuberculosis drugs
The government of India's notification, which came into effect on 1st March 2014, aims to arrest irrational sale and use of anti-tuberculosis drugs (and other 45 third- and fourth-generation antibiotics).
(1 comments) SHARE Thursday, October 2, 2014 Research to the rescue of disaster management
For management of disasters and humanitarian crises, doing something is not enough--but doing the right thing at the right time is. Decision-makers need to know which intervention, actions and strategies would work, which would not work, which remain unproven and which no matter how well-meaning might be harmful. They need to make well informed choices and decisions and for this they need access to reliable evidence.
SHARE Monday, May 12, 2014 Seeking honest politics distinguishes AAP from BJP and Congress
In a recent article I wrote that most of the people campaigning for Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) come from different social strata but are united by a common desire to seek honest politics. On reading the article a friend asked me if I believed that everyone in AAP was honest and everyone in Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) or Congress was corrupt.
SHARE Wednesday, July 23, 2014 Are we hyping infection control inside clinics?
Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious bacterial disease and spreads through the air. When people with pulmonary TB cough, sneeze or spit, they propel the TB germs into the air and a person needs to inhale only a few of these germs to become infected. On the other hand, HIV/AIDS is a viral disease that is transmitted chiefly through unprotected sexual intercourse and contaminated blood.
SHARE Monday, September 29, 2014 When natural disasters happen: do more good than harm!
Whenever natural disasters and humanitarian crises occur, enormous amount of resources are spent on relief and aid services, albeit without knowing whether they will do more good than harm. Despite best intentions, lot of interventions are happening without strong evidence that they actually do more good than harm.
(1 comments) SHARE Friday, October 30, 2015 Thirty years of HIV epidemic in India: From despair to hope
India completes its 30 years of fighting AIDS. There are successes but a very long way is still ahead of us to ending AIDS. The below article is based upon interview with apex AIDS research institute director and head of HIV physicians' association in India -- both of whom have been involved with HIV since the first case got diagnosed in the country.
(1 comments) SHARE Wednesday, April 9, 2014 "I did not choose HIV. HIV chose me..."
This article is written by someone who is living with HIV for over 20 years now... this focuses on how his life changed after he was receiving free antiretroviral treatment (ART) from 2004 onwards...
SHARE Monday, June 2, 2014 Building feminist movements to stimulate change
Grassroots women of the Asia-Pacific region have borne the brunt of the unrelenting global desire for increased consumption and accumulation of wealth by a tiny minority. Their aspirations and livelihoods are regularly trampled upon in this new Asian century, prompting thousands of women to be at the forefront of leading movements in their communities for social justice, economic equity, and accountability.
(3 comments) SHARE Saturday, May 31, 2014 Pak tobacco tax reforms could help half million quit, up taxes by Rs 27.2 billion
A potentially path-breaking report shows that the introduction of a uniform specific tax accounting for 70% of Pakistan's average cigarette price could lead to half a million smokers quitting, and reduce premature deaths among adult smokers by over 180,000. At the same time more than Rupees 27 billion (USD 277 million) would be generated in new cigarette-tax revenues.
SHARE Thursday, September 10, 2015 Evidence should inform policy: Should we offer antiretroviral therapy soon after HIV diagnosis?
When largest-ever study results show strong evidence to begin treatment right after testing anyone positive for HIV, and not wait till CD4 count goes down to a certain cut-off point, then why are we still using CD4 cut-off to start ART?
Will we let the evidence inform policy and programmes on the ground?
(1 comments) SHARE Saturday, October 24, 2015 Translating Global Goals into local actions to fight NCDs
Interview with the new Chair of NCD Alliance, Jose Luis Castro, who has demonstrated leadership in organization building for decades in lung health.
SHARE Friday, November 21, 2014 Beijing to Bangkok: 20 years journey of triumphs and defeats
The journey from Beijing to Bangkok has been strenuous as well as rewarding. So it was in the fitness of things that a plenary session at the Asia Pacific Civil Society Forum on Beijing+20, organized by the Asia Pacific Forum on Women, Law and Development (APWLD) in Bangkok, celebrated women's moments of triumphs along with the failures encountered in their path for development justice.
SHARE Thursday, July 24, 2014 Australia reinforces its commitment in fight against AIDS
Australia has taken a lead in supporting public health in India over the years. With XX International AIDS Conference (AIDS 2014) being held in Melbourne, Citizen News Service interviewed Bernard Philip, Deputy High Commissioner of Australia to India. "The conference is providing an opportunity to showcase Australia's leadership in the global HIV response, particularly in Asia and the Pacific.
SHARE Tuesday, March 1, 2016 India's 2016-2017 budget reflects a mirage for universal health
India's draft National Health Policy 2015 was riddled with privatisation bid and it is no surprise that 2016-2017 budget too takes that agenda forward. Also earlier this month Indian government indicated its intent to exit from hospital 'sector' (along with Air India). The vision of universal healthcare coverage - which leaves no one behind - can only be achieved from robust and well-funded public health system, not private.
SHARE Thursday, February 18, 2021 Is policing pandemics different than maintaining law and order?
This article is based on insights from police officers of few nations on police and Covid-19 responses. Policing during humanitarian emergencies is different than the policing required for maintaining law and order.
SHARE Thursday, July 31, 2014 Multipurpose prevention technologies for HIV and STIs in spotlight at AIDS 2014
Women of reproductive age have a need for prevention of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) including HIV, and family planning methods. More importantly, women need prevention tools/methods that are under their control and do not leave them at the mercy of their partner, in as far as their sexual and reproductive health (SRH) is concerned.
SHARE Thursday, June 25, 2015 "A woman of substance": Kalawati
A story of power and grit of a woman who has done farming for 30-35 years but still owns no land, although a successful farmer and inspiring others!
SHARE Tuesday, March 11, 2014 Is it the best or the worst of times for women in India?
I apologize for missing out on the celebrations of Women's Day this year as I was too engrossed with changing nappies of my 10-month-old, adorable granddaughter in London, despite her part-time nanny - who is a graduate, and charges a frightful £10 an hour - that is over INR 1000 (the going rate for any domestic help). It was only the tedium of dish washer and washing machine that reminded me of women's plight.
SHARE Tuesday, November 17, 2020 Disability is not limited to the body, it is also about mindsets
This article is based upon insights from 5 disability rights and women's health leaders from different countries, who call for much greater action if we are to deliver on sustainable development, where persons with disabilities are not left behind.
SHARE Thursday, November 12, 2020 'Let difficulties know that you are too difficult to be broken'
This article is based on an interview with a senior nurse from top medical institution who contracted tuberculosis (TB) three times in her 11 years of nursing career. She shares her personal testimony and calls for stronger infection control as well as care and support to end TB eventually globally.
SHARE Friday, September 12, 2014 Know your epidemic: First-ever national anti-TB drug resistance survey launched
India took a historic step for control and management of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) when the Union Health and Family Welfare Minister of Government of India, Dr Harsh Vardhan formally launched the first-ever nationwide anti-TB drug resistance survey (2014-2015) on 6th September 2014 in New Delhi. This is the largest nationally representative survey on anti-TB drug resistance ever done, covering 100% population
SHARE Thursday, May 1, 2014 Dividing India on communal lines
While Modi has been able to ward off the communal image, his colleagues from the Sangha Parivar ensure that people are reminded of the basic character of Modi's associations.
SHARE Thursday, March 24, 2016 Strike at the root of the problem to kill TB
This article below on World TB Day is based upon interview with a patient who not only had TB, but developed MDR-TB and then XDR-TB, and also had diabetes. He is one of the 180 people in the world who have luckily received the new TB drug: Delamanid.
SHARE Monday, March 10, 2014 No More Holding Back Women
Two-thirds of countries globally now have laws against domestic violence with several significant transformations in legal frameworks in Asia and the Pacific. This significant shift over the last decade has not only led 15 countries in East Asia and the Pacific to enact domestic-violence laws but six Asian countries have taken the important step of outlawing rape within marriage.
SHARE Friday, September 19, 2014 Indian scientists developing a diagnostic algorithm for female genital TB
Genital tuberculosis (TB) is one of the major causes of tubal infertility. But the challenge is that current range of standard diagnostic tests are less likely to pick up every case of genital TB.
Not only most cases are asymptomatic but also the number of bacteria in the sample is very low (compared to the number of TB bacteria which is present in samples of people with pulmonary TB).
SHARE Monday, March 31, 2014 Call for public-private health sector to follow standards of TB care
Data suggests up to 40 to 50 percent of tuberculosis patients are likely to be accessing healthcare services in private sector. A study done in Lucknow by Dr Rajendra Prasad, former Professor and Head of Pulmonary Medicine, King George's Medical University (KGMU), showed 44 different prescriptions from physicians for the same TB patient--this is when TB treatment should have been the same in private and public sector both.
SHARE Tuesday, December 1, 2015 Should we celebrate success or gear up to end AIDS?
The fight against AIDS has definitely made considerable progress but formidable challenges confront the path to ending AIDS by 2030, as committed by the countries globally at 70th UN General Assembly in September 2015. The brutal irony is that despite knowing 'what works in helping us progress towards AIDS' the uptake of these evidence-based strategies is abysmally low, and some countries like India, have slashed health budget
SHARE Sunday, October 5, 2014 Rhythm of the heart
World Heart Day is on 29th September 2014.
The field of cardiology dealing with these rhythm disorders is called cardiac electrophysiology. Over the last two decades, invasive cardiac electrophysiological procedures have improved the survival and quality of life among patients with rhythm disorders. Let us on this day of remembrance of the heart, not ignore the rhythm that is pivotal in sustaining life.
SHARE Friday, March 18, 2016 What does it take to beat drug-resistant TB?
This is an inspiring story of a survivor of a very dangerous form of TB (multi-drug-resistant tuberculosis or MDR-TB), in lead up to this year's World TB Day
SHARE Saturday, May 31, 2014 2nd APFF 2014: Creating Waves, Fostering Movements
The 2nd Asia Pacific Feminist Forum, organized by the Asia Pacific Forum on Women, Law and Development (APWLD), kick started in Chiang Mai, Thailand. It has brought together nearly 300 feminists from 30 countries of the five sub-regions of Asia and the Pacific as well as global allies.
SHARE Monday, November 27, 2023 No excuse for not making labour and migration safe and fair for women
Please consider the below article. Despite contributing to the economy, female migrant workers face a range of sexual and other forms of gender-based violence, harassment, and abuse. Safe and fair labour and migration is among the human rights, and an important cog-in-the-wheel if we are to end all forms of gender-based violence.
SHARE Friday, March 1, 2024 Treatment is prevention: Stop the spread of infection by finding all and treating all TB
Please consider the below article in lead up to World TB Day 2024. When a person with TB disease of the lungs is put on effective treatment, soon after the person becomes non-infectious. Not diagnosing early and accurately (or not treating people) is not only causing avoidable human suffering but also failing us on stopping the spread of infection, says a range of top TB experts.
SHARE Thursday, August 21, 2014 Past, present, and future attempts to measure childhood TB
The first estimates of the global burden of TB in children given by WHO in 2012 suggested that there might be 530,000 children suffering from it. Subsequently there has been an uptake in research in this field. A recent mathematical-modelling study on the burden of childhood TB in 22 high-burden countries (published in the Lancet) has revealed that there may be 650,000 annual cases of TB in children.
SHARE Tuesday, March 5, 2024 May you be the woman you want to be in a man's world
To mark 2024 International Women's Day, please consider this article based upon insights, analysis and advocacy for gender justice. All governments have promised to achieve gender equality by 2030 but progress is sketchy at best. A lot more work needs to be done to achieve gender equality globally.
SHARE Tuesday, March 12, 2024 It is not natural disasters but manmade barriers that block access to TB care
Please consider the below article in lead up to 2024 World TB Day. All barriers to accessing TB prevention, diagnosis, treatment and care services, are manmade - not natural disasters. If governments truly want to end TB as promised by their commitments to UN SDGs, we have to UNMAKE these manmade barriers - and ensure we find all TB, treat all TB & prevent all TB. Even 1 death is a death too many as TB is preventable & curable
SHARE Saturday, February 10, 2024 Growing call to make Big Tobacco pay for health and environment harms
Please consider the below article based on insights from a range of experts and leaders who are currently at the intergovernmental meeting of the global tobacco treaty (legally binding WHO FCTC). Many countries are joining hands to demand legal and financial liability policies of the treaty to hold tobacco industry to account.
SHARE Thursday, August 14, 2014 Reports from the ground: How are TB-HIV collaborative activities being rolled out?
We know that nearly one third of the 35 million people living with HIV (PLHIV) have tuberculosis (TB), and 13% of 8.6 million new TB cases every year are HIV positive. Also 1 in 5 HIV associated deaths are due to TB. Moreover PLHIV are 21-34 times more likely to develop active TB disease than persons without HIV.
SHARE Wednesday, July 23, 2014 'Do not be a statistic, but own the information that shapes programmes'
We cannot wait till the research and development of a product gets over and then begin figuring out how to roll it out to communities in need. Female condoms are perhaps another example in this context. Female condoms were approved by US FDA in 1993 but we are yet to see the expected optimal public-health outcome as its availability, accessibility and affordability is severely limited.
(1 comments) SHARE Wednesday, January 10, 2024 Are we prepared to combat online gender-based violence?
Wish you a very happy new year 2024. Please consider the below article based upon insights from several leaders who have survived and trying to combat myriad online forms of gender-based violence, harassment, and abuse. While governments globally are struggling to end gender-based violence by 2030, the challenge has become more complex and sinister with rising online forms of it.
Kindly consider this for publication,