Iyesha Puri, USA - Summer 2016

Iyesha just completed her first year the University of California, Davis, where she is working towards a B.S. in Computer Science. During her first year at Davis, she took various programming classes in which she built many games and applications. Iyesha is also very involved in the Health Sciences and was a California State Officer for HOSA (a national health care organization). Iyesha is looking forward to working with Aarogya Seva, where she can combine her passions to make an impact on the quality of life of people around the world.

Maddy Bishop_VanHorn, Rwanda - Summer 2016

I recently graduated with a BSE in Biomedical Engineering from Tulane University, New Orleans and I am now in Rwanda for two months working as a Coordinator for Engineering World Health, an NGO from the US which empowers engineering students to repair medical equipment in developing countries, including Rwanda. I have experience teaching people to use 3D printers, and I am helping FAWE Gisozi Girls' Secondary School install and learn to use a Replicator printer while I am here in Rwanda.

Aditi Sriram, Chennai, India - Summer 2016

"My name is Aditi. I have completed my engineering in Biotechnology and I'm all set to begin my Master's in Public Health at the University of Massachusetts- Amherst this Fall. That young minds are impressionable, is well-established and in my case the impressions of my childhood are a large part of the reason I put pen to paper today. In retrospect, growing up around my father's brother –a para medical officer at the Indian Council of Medical Research – has had a significant influence on my outlook to life. My uncle dedicated himself to the eradication of leprosy.  As part of his job, he would visit countless villages leading a crusade against leprosy and the stigmatization suffered by those who suffer from it, infallibly returning home with fruits to eat and endless stories that invariably involved changing people’s lives for the better. At that age, I could only grasp a fraction of what he did, and only got a sense of the number of lives he had touched at his funeral procession, where a huge number of his patients and colleagues turned up – mourning like they had lost one of their own. Through my uncle's example, I learnt that leaders have a bias for action. They invest themselves fully into their people and purpose, knowing that in the long run, all the time and energy will be worth it. This is exactly what I am looking to take back from my internship at Aarogya Seva.  Added to this, I will have the chance to interact with a group of extremely dedicated people from all backgrounds, majors and experiences. I’m sure the experience will be meaningful and humbling. "

Ramya Ramasubramanian, Chennai, India - Summer 2016

I am an Engineering graduate from SASTRA University focused on Biotechnology. I will be beginning my Master of Public Health course in the University of Minnesota, Twin cities in a couple of months. The ultimate goal for me to make healthcare accessible for every person and I strive to work towards it. I believe that this internship in Aarogya Seva would be an important step in achieving my goal. I will be a part of the 3-D printed prosthetic limbs project. I am hoping to work with everyone involved in this project and contribute significantly to it. During my work as a Research Assistant in Indian Institute of Public Health, I had witnessed the healthcare inequity in India during my field visits and I would like to work for this situation to change. In my free time, I love reading, and historical fiction and non-fiction is my favorite genre currently.

ShashiCiddharth, Chennai, India - Summer 2016

I graduated from SRM University in Chennai, India in 2015. I have been working with an NGO that educates underprivileged kids. Working there has taught me a lot about life and how certain things I take for granted can be huge life altering thing for another person. It has truly changed my perspective on life. I want to put my education to use and do more for the world around me, that is the inspiration behind everything I do, including taking up a project with AarogyaSeva.

Seva to me means, "A commitment to my community to change it for the better in anyway I can"

Ishil Puri, California, USA - Summer 2016

Ishil is a 10th grader attending high school in the Bay Area. He started programming in 7th grade and has loved it ever since. He has made a few games and apps and has programmed for his robotics team, but wanted to make a bigger impact on the people of the world. He has also had an interest in Health science and has been the officer the HOSA health club at his school since middle school. He is excited to work as an intern for Aarogya Seva so he can apply both of his passions towards a cause that will benefit millions of people.

Aakash Manapat, India

I am Aakash Manapat and I have just completed my 9 th Grade at GEAR Innovative International School, Bangalore. I am a person who loves to have new experiences and am defined by my curiosity to learn as much as I can. I enjoy spending time outdoors with my friends. Swimming, playing badminton and long distance running are some activities that I really enjoy with my friends. Outdoor camping trips and hiking are my favorites. I am most happy as I learn new things, be it by reading a book or the things I see on a hiking trail. My Strengths and weaknesses: My strength lies in my thirst for knowledge and my curiosity to know more. My ability to quickly grasp concepts and learn have also pushed me to take things too easy. Debating, gathering information, logical Intelligence, Bodily-kinesthetic intelligence, natural intelligence are some of my other strengths. My Interests and Hobbies: Reading, Playing badminton, long-distance running. 

Thank you from Wendy IDEX fellow

I was placed with Aaorgayseva as part of my 6 month IDEX fellowship.  Time has flown so quickly.   When I first came I thought there would be so much time to do so many things.  Yes we did achieve a lot during my time here though there is still much to be done.

The highlight of my time here was having the opportunity to join the 2016 AIPNO Medical Yatra.  It was a different way to see the country, meet the locals and make new friends.  It was an unforgettable time where we all had to be flexible, creative and patient with limited supplies and language barriers. The thing about the Yatra is that it is not just about going out there and helping community it also included a visit to a girls boarding school, a women's empowerment project and Republic Day Festivities whilst staying in an Ashram. The other volunteers were an inspiration especially given that large majority were in their late 60s and had been doing this for the past 10 years and will continue to do so as long as they are able. 

I am really proud that I took the leap to come to India.  To anyone considering a move from what they know I certainly say do it.  I feel that unless and until you challenge yourself and do what you fear you don’t really give yourself a chance to learn, grow and really know who you are.  It is in those times of worries and insecurity we realise just what is most important to us.  

I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for their warm hospitality and hope that our paths will cross again. I look forward to being updated on what Aarogayseva is doing both in India and around the world. 

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed within this article are the personal opinions of the author. The facts and opinions appearing in the article do not reflect the views of AarogyaSeva and AarogyaSeva does not assume any responsibility or liability for the same.

To get in touch with the author or to join our team write to us at – Volunteer@aarogyaseva.org

Charanya Kaushik, USA 23 May - 20 July 2016

Charanya is pursuing an MPH in Epidemiology at UTHealth in Houston, Texas. Her research interest focuses on improving healthcare access and quality for underprivileged populations. Prior to starting her MPH program, she taught high school chemistry and coached tennis with Teach for America in Harlingen, Texas. A Native of Pittsburgh, PA, Charanya graduated from Washington and Jefferson College with a double-major in Cell & Molecular Biology and Spanish. Charanya will work with Aarogya Seva for two months to investigate TB and HIV co-infection at Accept, a HIV care center on the outskirts of Bangalore.

World Blood Donor Day 14th June

This year's the theme is “Blood Connects us all”.

WHO began celebrating World Blood Donor day in 2004 to 

1.  recognise and thank blood donors around the world
2. raise awareness on the need for safe blood and blood products 

June 14th was chosen as World Blood Donor Day to recognise birthday anniversary of Karl Landsteiner. 

Karl Landsteiner

Karl Landsteiner is an Austrian American biologist and physician who won the 1930 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for his discovery of human blood groups.   However this is not his only contribution to medicine, Karl Landsteiner working with Constantin Levaditi and Erwin Popper discovered the polio virus in 1909. His Nobel Prize award ceremony speech can be found here: here .

Interestingly, there are stark differences in who receives donations in different countries - 76% of all transfusions in high income countries go to those over 65 years whilst 65% of donations in low income countries are given to children under 5.

For high income countries blood transfusions are used for massive trauma, supportive care in cardiovascular and transplant surgeries and in the treatment of solid and haematological malignancies.   Pregnancy related complications, childhood malaria complicated by anaemia and trauma are the most common reasons for blood transfusions in low and middle income countries. 

As voluntary unpaid donors have the lowest prevalence of blood borne infections adequate and reliable supply of safe blood needs to be from a stable base of regular, voluntary unpaid blood donors.  Though 73 countries collect 90% of their blood from this source 72 countries still collect more than 50% of their supply from family/replacement or paid donors. 

Some other facts about blood donations

• Blood donation by 1% of the population can meet a nation’s most basic requirements for blood
• 62 countries collect 100% of their blood supply from voluntary unpaid blood donors
• Blood donation rates vary from 3.9 donations per 1000 population in low income countries to 36.8 donations in high income countries 

• 108 million blood donations are collected globally every year with only 50% from low and middle income countries where 80% of the population lives 
• Unfortunately there are still 25 countries who are not able to screen all donated blood for HIV, hepatitis B and C and syphilis prior to transfusions 
• Blood can be separated into various components to benefit several patients 

So on World Blood Donor Day please share life and give blood.

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed within this article are the personal opinions of the author. The facts and opinions appearing in the article do not reflect the views of AarogyaSeva and AarogyaSeva does not assume any responsibility or liability for the same.

To get in touch with the author or to join our team write to us at – Volunteer@aarogyaseva.org

International Albinism Awareness Day 13/6

"There is no room in this 21st century for erroneous and harmful beliefs, or for discrimination on any grounds. People with albinism are just as deserving of dignity as every other human being. They have the right to live free from discrimination, deprivation and fear."

ZEID RA'AD AL HUSSEINUN High Commissioner for Human Rights

June 13th 2015 was the first time International Albinism Awareness Day was celebrated. This came about through active campaigning from various organisations and the increased violent attacks on persons with albinism particularly in Africa. 

To see a moving story go here:

It is noted however that this is not an isolated condition for this region.  

Albinism results in lack of melanin pigment in the hair, skin and eyes causing increased sensitivity to the sun and also visual impairments.  It is an inherited rare non contagious genetic disease which occurs worldwide regardless of background and gender.   Exact data on prevalence is uncertain unfortunately partly due to the stigma and discrimination faced.

To see the Message by the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Ra'Ad Al Hussein:

This quote from Zeid Ra'Ad Al Hussein speech highlights the challenges: 

"In some parts of the world, people with albinism may also suffer horrific, and sometimes lethal, atrocities. Civil society activists have reported that hundreds of people with albinism – a majority of them children – have been killed, mutilated or otherwise attacked in at least 25 African countries, because of the belief that their body parts confer magical powers. More cases remain undocumented because of the isolation of the victims, the secrecy surrounding ritual practices, and indifference. Shockingly, such crimes have seldom been investigated or prosecuted"

So today lets celebrate diversity and promote inclusion for all.

To test how much you know about human rights of people with albinism go here

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed within this article are the personal opinions of the author. The facts and opinions appearing in the article do not reflect the views of AarogyaSeva and AarogyaSeva does not assume any responsibility or liability for the same.

To get in touch with the author or to join our team write to us at – Volunteer@aarogyaseva.org

Aravani Art Project

If you’re in Mumbai this Friday and Saturday please drop by to say hi Poornima Sukumar and help out on the Aravani Art Project.

Aarogyaseva is proud and excited to sponsor and support The Aravani Art Project on this initiative in association with Humsafar Trust.

Poornima is the Aarogyaseva artist in residence and she started the Aravani Art Initiative.   You will remember that for International Women's Day in March Poornima was one of the artists who beautifully decorated our now open free clinic in Jayanagar Bangalore Mahabodhi Aarogyaseva Kendra.

The Aravani Art Project aims to use art as a medium to bring the community together with particular emphasis on inclusion of the transgender community.   They have been doing projects across India most recently in Bangalore.   

Poornima first became involved in the transgender community through working on a documentation with Tabs Breese and wanted to stay connected and involved afterwards.   Her aim is to eventually expand the project across the world to give the third gender a voice and to encourage acceptance across the world.

Aravani Art Project has also been featured in The Hindu and Good.

If you want to find out more and support please head to their Facebook page.

It’s not too late to help! They are still after artists, scaffolding builders, buskers and magic markers.  Anything you can do to help would be much appreciated including just dropping by to say hi.

Aravani Art Project is also going to Chennai, Delhi, Lucknow and Kolkata.   We'll let you know when it does. 

Don’t forget we’re also looking for more volunteers for our clinic Mahadohi Aarogayseva Kendra in Bangalore.   So drop us a line at Volunteer @aarogyaseva.org

We look forward to sharing some photos next week on the event.  Stay tuned!

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed within this article are the personal opinions of the author. The facts and opinions appearing in the article do not reflect the views of AarogyaSeva and AarogyaSeva does not assume any responsibility or liability for the same.

To get in touch with the author or to join our team write to us at – Volunteer@aarogyaseva.org

World No Tobacco Day 31st May

"Worldwide, more than 1 billion people use tobacco products—the only consumer products that, when used as directed, will kill half of all users. Tobacco use is the world’s leading cause of preventable death, with nearly 6 million people dying of tobacco-related diseases each year, including more than 600,000 nonsmokers who are exposed to secondhand smoke. If current trends persist, tobacco will kill more than 8 million people each year by 2030—80 percent of them in the developing world.”  

(Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, http://www.gatesfoundation.org/What-We-Do/Global-Policy/Tobacco-Control)

31st May marks World No Tobacco Day which has been recognised since the late 80s.  This year’s theme is a push for plain packaging to be adopted by tobacco products.

I am proud to say that Australia were the first and have had cigarette packing without logos, large warnings and graphic images of tobacco related diseases since 2012.  This coupled with 25% increase in taxes on tobacco products in 2010 has worked to reduced the Australia's daily smoking rate among those over 14 to 12.8% between 2010 and 2013 from 15.1%.  

On April 1 the Indian government mandated that 85% of cigarette pack surface would need to be covered in health warnings up from 20%.   I understand that there are some implementation issues being worked.   It is noted however that there is limited and low legislation with regards the the smoking of bidis which accounts for 85% of all smoked tobacco in India.  Unfortunately bidis are not only cheap (average 4 rupees per pack), readily available everywhere but also contain more nicotine than regular cigarettes.

So does the size of warnings on packs matter?  It definitely increase the percentage of people thinking about quitting smoking. 

The amount of people actually taking the step to actually quit is another matter but I feel that at least thinking about quitting is the first step. 

One of the methods being used by WHO in the fight against smoking will be the use of the documentary "Addiction Incorporated”.  It is a film that documented the first ever USA federal regulation of the tobacco industry.  A trailer of the film is here.

If you’re thinking about quitting consider doing with with a Doctor as your chances improve 84% following intensive counselling.  Quitting is not easy but the benefits are worth it. Once we have our clinic up and running, feel free to drop by and chat to one of our doctors. 

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed within this article are the personal opinions of the author. The facts and opinions appearing in the article do not reflect the views of AarogyaSeva and AarogyaSeva does not assume any responsibility or liability for the same.

To get in touch with the author or to join our team write to us at – Volunteer@aarogyaseva.org

Inauguration of Mahabodhi Aarogyaseva Kendra

Today was the Inauguration of our free medical clinic Mahabodhi Aarogyaseva Kendra.

It has taken a long time and much help.  The foundation stone for the centre was first laid in 2012.

It was a beautiful ceremony with blessings and speeches.

In attendance was

• Venerable Kassapa Mahathera President, MBS
• Sri Ramalinga Reddy, Honourable Minister of Transport Government of Karnataka
• Dr Ravi Gopal Verma, Lead Consultant of Neurosciences, Aster CMI Hospital, former Prof and Head of Dept of Neurosurgery MS Ramaiah Medical College 
• Monks from Mahabodhi Society 

Following the blessing we were honoured to begin our free medical camp led by Dr K B Lingegowda and Dr Ravi

Here are first pictures of patients being seen:

The Mahabodhi Meditation Centre was also inaugurated today.  This is co-located/ upstairs from the clinic.

As was spoken of by our guests, we hope that this is the beginning of centres which combine holistic view of treatment including brain and mind.  Without treating the other would be incomplete.

This was following by a delicious lunch provided by Mahabodhi Society.

Please come down and see the clinic and meditation centre when you get the chance.

We are also keen for more volunteers so if you have some time this summer please get in touch.

Also we note that Maha Bodhi Society has their 2560th Sacred Buddha Jayanti Celebrations on right now with activities planned all week.  This includes

• Cancer Patients Service Day on 17th May from Noon at Dharmashala Kidwai Institute of Oncology 
• One Day Children's Dhamma Camp on 18th May from 9am to 4pm at Maha Bodhi Auditorium Maha Bodhi Society 
• Burns Patient Service Day on 19th May from 3:30pm at Medical Education Seminar Hall Victoria Hospital 
• Animal Service Day on 20th July from 10am at People for Animals Kengeri
• Vesakha Sacred Buddha Purnima Day on 21st July from 9am at Mahabodhi Loka Shanti Buddha Vihara

If you have the chance we invite you to join in the above festivities. 

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed within this article are the personal opinions of the author. The facts and opinions appearing in the article do not reflect the views of AarogyaSeva and AarogyaSeva does not assume any responsibility or liability for the same.

To get in touch with the author or to join our team write to us at – Volunteer@aarogyaseva.org

Who is Sir Ronald Ross?

Did you know that the man behind the research on the transmission of malaria was born in India on May 13, 159 years ago?   He won the Nobel prize for Physiology or Medicine in 1902 for this work.

Sir Ronald Ross was born in Uttarakhand, India on May 13 1857.  Though he is actually British by nationality he spent a large part of his early career in the Indian Medical Service and it was in India that he did the majority of his malaria research. 

His breakthrough discovery was identifying how malaria is transmitted via mosquitoes specifically via malaria parasites which laid the foundation of the methods to fight the disease today. 

A link to his acceptance speech for the Nobel prize is here

Sir Ronald Ross has left quite legacy including: 

• World Mosquito Day (August 20) to commemorate the day that he made the breakthrough discovery
• The Sir Ronald Ross Institute of Parasitology Osmanai University Begumpet, Hyderabad is named in his honour.  
• There is a memorial at SSKM Hospital Kolkata to commemorate the discovery
• University Liverpool named their new Bio-Science facility Ronald Ross Building in 2010 in his honour
• The Ross Institute and Hospital for Tropical Diseases was opened in London in 1926 though has unfortunately since lost its separate identity due to financial issues/reorganisation/absorption by the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine

So today on May 13 lets remember Indian born Sir Ross Ronald on his birthday for his pioneering work on malaria which done in India.

If you would like additional information about Malaria, please head to the blog I wrote a couple of weeks ago to celebrate World Malaria Day here.

You too can be be part of medical research- to get connect to opportunities, drop us a line.

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed within this article are the personal opinions of the author. The facts and opinions appearing in the article do not reflect the views of AarogyaSeva and AarogyaSeva does not assume any responsibility or liability for the same.

To get in touch with the author or to join our team write to us at – Volunteer@aarogyaseva.org

May is Mental Health Month

May is mental health awareness month and I believe that given the recent news on farmer suicides in India mental health needs to be talked about.

Did you know that every year more than 800,000 people take their own lives? That is one death every 40 seconds. Suicide is the second leading cause of death among 15-29 year olds. It is estimated for every death another 20 attempt to take their own lives.  Suicides can be prevented and effective interventions exist with the most important being early identification and support.

WHO advises the following measures in prevention and control of suicide: 

• reducing access to the means of suicide (e.g. pesticides, firearms, certain medications); 

•  reporting by media in a responsible way;

•  introducing alcohol policies to reduce the harmful use of alcohol;

• early identification, treatment and care of people with mental and substance use disorders, chronic pain and acute emotional distress;

• training of non-specialised health workers in the assessment and management of suicidal behaviour;

• follow-up care for people who attempted suicide and provision of community support. 

The link with suicide and mental health particularly depression is well established though it is still a complex issue with many variables that contribute. It is important to note that no single event is the cause and suicide usually is culmination of many things occurring over time.

Depression affects an estimated 350 million people worldwide and is a leading cause of disability worldwide.

Symptoms of depression are low energy and interest in activities, persistent sadness, reduced social interactions and difficulty in everyday tasks. 

Here are a number of ways you can tackle depression 

1. Increase physical activity 
2. Give yourself time to relax and meditate 
3. Write down your thoughts and feelings
4. Eat well and aim to sleep for 6-8 hours a night
5. Find someone you can talk to 

 Today, please look out for yourself and each other. 

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed within this article are the personal opinions of the author. The facts and opinions appearing in the article do not reflect the views of AarogyaSeva and AarogyaSeva does not assume any responsibility or liability for the same.

To get in touch with the author or to join our team write to us at – Volunteer@aarogyaseva.org

Justin Kochanski, USA - 6 April - 18 May 2016

I graduated from Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa this past May. Originally from Chicago, IL, I attended university to study Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology with a concentration in Global and Comparative Public Health. I've worked many odd jobs to help pay for school– pathology technician, oncology laboratory assistant, and junior epidemiologist at the state department, just to name a few. 

My experience from these jobs, along with my compassion for social justice and philanthropy, has led me to pursue a career in medicine. I will start medical school this coming August, with the intent of working in some sort of global health setting after graduation. I strongly believe that health is a fundamental human right, and I want to work to help secure and promote that right throughout the world. 

Seva to me means "A commitment to humanity and dedication to justice, pursuing what is just."

When I am not studying, you can find me on the soccer pitch, rock climbing, or backpacking!

World Malaria Day 25th April

WHO estimated that in 2015 nearly 3.2 billion people or about half the world’s population were at risk of malaria across 97 countries and territories.  Though the majority of these cases and deaths occur in sub-Saharan Africa  those in Asia, Latin America and even the Middle East are at risk.

It is estimated that there were 214 million cases of malaria and 438,000 deaths.  It’s not all bad news though as since 2001 it is estimated that 6.2 million lives have been saved.  Furthermore between 2000 and 2015, malaria mortality rates among populations at risk has decreased by 60% with the incidence among populations at risk falling by 37% globally. 

So just what is Malaria?  It is a a preventable and curable disease caused by parasites spread through bites from infected female mosquitoes.  Those most vulnerable are young children, pregnant women and non-immune travellers from malaria free areas.

Symptoms 

Initial symptoms include fever, headache chills and vomiting which can make it hard to diagnose and recognise as malaria especially given symptoms usually occur 10-15 days after being bitten  In severe cases multi organ involvement is frequent.  For those who live in malaria endemic areas they may have developed partial immunity allowing asymptomatic infections to occur 

Treatment

As with most diseases, early diagnosis and treatment is the aim to reducing further spread and mortality.  Unfortunately like TB, resistance to antimalarials is one of the challenges to effective treatment. Fortunately at this time anti-malarial drug resistance is geographically isolated in the Greater Mekong Subregion (Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam.  As such additional support is being provided to strengthen the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of malaria in this region. 

Source: WHO World Malaria Report 2015

Prevention

• WHO recommends the following vector controls: 

1. Insecticide Treated Mosquito Nets 
2. Indoor Residual Spraying 

• Use of antimalarial medicines for travellers, pregnant women and children living in malaria prone areas 

Clinical trials of the most malaria vaccine (RTS, S/AS01) is underway and shows promising results. The vaccine was developed as a partnership between GSK (GlaxoSmithKline Biologicals) and MVI (PATH Malaria Vaccine Initiative) with support of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation as well as network of African research centre.

RTS, S/AS01 works against the most deadly form of malaria which also happens to be the most prevalent in Africa.  It is being used alongside other more established preventative techniques given that additional trials and registration/testing is still underway. 

Research and development of other malaria vaccines is also underway though are not as far advanced nor show as much promise as RTS, S/AS01. 

It is noted that there are no licensed vaccines against malaria or any other human parasite. 

The World Health Assembly adopted an ambitious but achievable strategy in 2015 by 2030

• Reducing by at least 90% the rate of new malaria cases
• Reducing the death rates of malaria by 90% 
• Elimination of malaria in at least 35 countries
• Ensuring that malaria-free countries remain that way 

Unfortunately it is estimated that to reach these goals the spending for malaria treatment and prevention needs to triple over the next 15 years to US$8.7 billion by 2030. 

One can donate to help end Malaria: The Global Fund

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed within this article are the personal opinions of the author. The facts and opinions appearing in the article do not reflect the views of AarogyaSeva and AarogyaSeva does not assume any responsibility or liability for the same.

To get in touch with the author or to join our team write to us at – Volunteer@aarogyaseva.org