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

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

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

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

World Immunisation Week 24th-30 April

“ No child should be denied the right to immunization for unfair reasons, including economic or social causes. All barriers must be overcome.”  Dr Margaret Chan, WHO Director-General

It is estimated that 2-3 million deaths are avoided from diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis and measles due to immunisation.   Unfortunately there is an estimated 18.7 million infants worldwide who are still missing out on basic vaccinations. More than 60% of these children live in 10 countries including India.

Illness, disability and death from cervical cancer, diphtheria, hepatitis B, measles, mumps, polio, rubella and rotavirus diarrhoea are among the diseases immunisation can prevent. 

World Immunisation Week is celebrated annually to raise public awareness of how it saves lives and encourage increase vaccination rates for both adults and their children. 

This is the second year that the theme has been to “Close the Immunisation Gap”.

Global immunisation coverage 2014 

We are still lagging on diseases that can be easily prevented and more needs to be done now to prevent avoidable illness and deaths. 

Contrary to common belief vaccinations are required not just by children but we also need to remember that as adults we also need to ensure our vaccinations are put to date.  For instance before my nephew was born my family and I all had to make sure we had our shots of pertussis or whooping cough up to date as babies under 1 month are unfortunately very vulnerable and unable to be vaccinated at birth.   I’ve seen footage of a child with whopping cough and struggling to breathe and it is very distressing to hear and watch. 

These are WHO’s 6 Goals of the Global Vaccine Action Plan 

1. Immunisation against Diphtheria, Tetanus and Pertussis
2. Measles mortality Reduction 
3. Rubella elimination 
4. Maternal and neonatal tetanus elimination
5. Polio Eradication 
6. Use of new or under-utilised vaccines 

Here are some ways in which you can help: 

• Make sure that you and your family immunisations are up to date
• If you are anyone you know is pregnant or trying to be make sure they have are vaccinated against rubella and tetanus 
• Share this blog and other Immunisation Week articles and news with your friends and family 
• Donate to organisations that are working to closing the immunisation gap such as World Vision, or UNICEF

When our clinic opens we encourage everyone to come down and get a health check including assessing if your immunisations are up to date. 

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 Health Day April 7th

April 7th marks World Health Day.  This year WHO has chosen to focus on the fight against Diabetes.  I’m sure everyone of us knows some one who has diabetes.  

Diabetes is a complex multi organ disease which is more than just your body not being able to process/use insulin normally leading to increased risk of heart attacks, kidney failure, blindness, amputation and stroke.

In 2012 it was a direct cause of 1.5 million deaths with WHO predicting that diabetes will be the 7th leading cause of death by 2030.

Why are we focused on Diabetes this World Health Day? 

1. The diabetes epidemic is rapidly increasing in many countries, with the documented increase most dramatic in low- and middle-income countries.
2. A large proportion of diabetes cases are preventable. Simple lifestyle measures have been shown to be effective in preventing or delaying the onset of type 2 diabetes. Maintaining normal body weight, engaging in regular physical activity, and eating a healthy diet can reduce the risk of diabetes.
3. Diabetes is treatable. Diabetes can be controlled and managed to prevent complications. Increasing access to diagnosis, self-management education and affordable treatment are vital components of the response.
4. Efforts to prevent and treat diabetes will be important to achieve the global Sustainable Development Goal 3 target of reducing premature mortality from noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) by one-third by 2030. Many sectors of society have a role to play, including governments, employers, educators, manufacturers, civil society, private sector, the media and individuals themselves.

Goals of World Health Day 2016

1. Increase awareness about the rise in diabetes, and its staggering burden and consequences, in particular in low-and middle-income countries;
2. Trigger a set of specific, effective and affordable actions to tackle diabetes. These will include steps to prevent diabetes and diagnose, treat and care for people with diabetes; and
3. Launch the first Global report on diabetes, which will describe the burden and consequences of diabetes and advocate for stronger health systems to ensure improved surveillance, enhanced prevention, and more effective management of diabetes

Take the quiz on your knowledge of diabetes here:  Take Diabetes Quiz here

When our clinic opens we encourage everyone to come down and get a health check including assessing if you have diabetes. 

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 Tuberculous Day 24th March

Did you know Tuberculous (TB) ranks alongside HIV as a leading killer worldwide? 

I noticed it was World Tuberculous Day this Thursday and did a little research on it and was surprised and shocked by the findings particularly as this is a completely preventable and curable disease.

Every day over 4,000 people are dying from TB which is horrendously unacceptable especially when it is a curable disease.   This includes 383 children a day. It is among top 5 causes of deaths for women between 15-44.

According to UN Global Tuberculous Report the worldwide incidence has fallen 1.5% per year since 2000 for a total reduction of 18% and still in 2014 1.5 million people died from TB.  In 2014 9.6 million people fell ill with TB.

Photo Credit: World Health Organisation Global Tuberculous Report 2015

Yet it is not all bad news, we have made much progress with the death rate 47% lower than it was in 1990 and an estimated 43 million people saved between 2000-2015.

54% of the world’s TB cases occurred in China, India, Indonesia, Nigeria and Pakistan though there is a significant gap in diagnosis of TB.

So just what is TB?  

It is a bacterial infection which most often affects the lungs spread through the air.  Scarily about 1/3 of the world’s population has latent TB which means that they have the disease but are not yet ill and cannot transmit the disease.  However there is a 10% risk of falling ill with TB which increases for those with compromised immune systems such as those who are HIV positive, are malnourished or use tobacco.

Without treatment 45% of HIV negative people and nearly all HIV positive people with TB will die.   In 2013 86% of people who were treated fro TB were cured. 

Photo Credit: World Health Organisation

Why is there a TB day? 

World TB Day is the opportunity to raise awareness about the burden of TB and also provide an update on the status of TB prevention and treatment. 

Included in the UN Sustainable Development Goals is the aim to reduce TB incidence by 80% and TB deaths by 90% as well as the burden of the disease on the family by 2030.

Photo Credit: World Health Organisation 

Challenges of TB

• symptoms of TB (cough with sputum and blood, chest pains, weakness, weight loss, ever and night sweats) can present mildly for several months which leads to treatment delays and continual spread of TB to the community
• The length of treatment is from 6 months to up to 2 years which do not come without side effects leading to low adherence rates
• Access to and cost of diagnosis and treatment hinders prevention and treatment
• The emergence of not only Multi Drug Resistance TB (MDR-TB) but also Extensively drug-resistant TB (XDR-TB) where both first and second line medicines fail to work

What can we do? 

• Enourage family and friends who have the symptoms of TB to see a Dr
• Support those on TB treatment to continue the entire course
• Donating to The Global Fund which will lead to additional research to improve access to and diagnosis and treatment of TB (as well as AIDS and Malaria). There is an estimated $1.3 Billion Dollar shortfall. Donate here
• Ensure children in India and other countries at risk are vaccinated against TB
• Listen to World TB Day 2016 To be continued 24 hour music event About World TB 2016 24 hour Music Event  Listen to the Event here

Photo Credit: WHO Global Tuberculous Report 2015

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