He also addressed the issue by saying that India’s leadership is involved in promoting traditional medicine as a science-based approach, and people should take this seriously. He also called it a fast global action that is taking place, which will help balance the health and well-being of people. PM Narendra Modi also mentioned that research is being strengthened in this area; the use of digital technology in the field of traditional medicine is also gaining momentum, and traditional methods like Yoga and Ayurveda should play a major part in this. He appreciated every individual who had contributed significantly to the promotion and development of yoga. 

He also mentioned that the launch of the Traditional Medicine Global Library as a global platform will preserve scientific data and policy documents related to traditional medicine in one place, and it will be an easy source of information for all over the world equally. He specially mentioned that the library was made during India’s G20 Presidency at the first WHO Global Summit, and today the official announcement has been made.

The prime minister also mentioned the importance of Ashvagandha and other Ayush projects and said that traditional healthcare must not only focus on present needs but also address future responsibilities, which are a shared obligation for all.

“CDSCO has received results from Bharat Biotech’s Covaxin clinical studies in the 2 – 18 age group (Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation). The Subject Expert Committee (SEC) thoroughly analyzed the data and made positive recommendations “According to the Hyderabad-based firm. The final approval is pending and will be given by the Drug Controller General of India (DGCI).

After its final approval, Covaxin will be only the second vaccination approved for use on children in India; Zydus Cadila’s three-dose DNA vaccine was approved for use on adults and children over the age of 12 in August.

The Covaxin manufacturer Bharat Biotech said it had submitted data on vaccine trials on children last week on October 6. The Covaxin vaccination used on children is the same as that used on adults, but separate trials were required to ensure the vaccine’s safety and efficacy in children.

After administering about 96 crore doses to adults, India is quietly shifting its focus to vaccination children against the coronavirus.

Meanwhile, Covaxin has failed to receive an EUA, or emergency use authorization, from the World Health Organization. Following delays in the process (the WHO had requested additional trial data from Bharat Biotech), a verdict is likely next week.

He praised Narendra Modi for providing the Covid19 vaccine to more than 60 countries. He Tweeted, Thanks to India Prime Minister @narendramodi for supporting #VaccinEquity. Your commitment to #COVAX and sharing #COVID19 vaccine doses is helping 60+ countries start vaccinating their #healthworkers and other priority groups. I hope other countries will follow your example.

This is not the first time, that WHO Director has praised the Indian efforts in fighting the COVID 19. Earlier, also he wrote on Twitter, Thank you for your commitment to solidarity, India Prime Minister @narendramodi. Only together, by mobilizing our forces and resources jointly for the common good, can we end the #COVID19 pandemic. #UNGA  @PMOIndia@CDMissionIndia@IndiaUNNewYork.

Under the ‘Vaccine Maitri’ scheme, India supplies Covid-19 vaccines to different countries, including neighboring countries. Oxford University-Covishield from AstraZeneca and Covaxin from Bharat Biotech International Limited was granted emergency use authorization (EUA) in India. On January 16, the world’s biggest drive against the pandemic began in the country, with the second stage scheduled to start from March 1.

So in 2021, though the vaccines are evolving but countries around the world will need to continue battle COVID-19, need to move swiftly to repair and reinforce their health systems. So, Here is the list of 10 health issues to track in 2021 for which WHO and its partners will work building strong health systems and healthy populations globally.

1. Build global solidarity for worldwide health security: the coronavirus pandemic has shown that no one is safe until everyone is safe. Thus, to combat emergencies like COVID 19, WHO will work with countries to improve their preparedness.

2. Speed up access to COVID-19 tests, medicines and vaccines: WHO said, its top priority in 2021 will be to continue work across the four pillars of the ACT- Accelerator, to achieve equitable access to safe and effective vaccines, tests, and treatments and to ensure that health systems are strong enough to deliver them.

3. Advance health for all: In 2021, all three levels of the Organization and partners worldwide help countries to strengthen systems so that they can respond to COVID-19 and deliver all the essential health services required to keep people of all ages healthy – close to home and without falling into poverty, WHO said. Also, a global campaign to strengthen the global health workforce in 2021, the Year of the Health and Care Worker will lead by WHO.

4. Tackling health inequities: In 2021 WHO will work with countries to monitor and address health inequities related to critical issues such as income, gender, ethnicity, living in remote rural areas or disadvantaged urban areas, education, occupation/employment conditions, and disability. On World Health Day, 7 April 2021, WHO will call for global action to address health inequities.

5. Provide global leadership on science and data: To improve global health, WHO will monitor and evaluate the latest scientific developments around COVID-19 and beyond and identify those opportunities to harness the advancements.

6. Revitalize efforts to tackle communicable diseases: WHO said it will work with partners to implement the new 10-year Roadmap for Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs), with its global targets and milestones to prevent, control, eliminate and eradicate 20 NTDs and intensify its efforts to end AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria and to eliminate viral hepatitis by 2030.

7. Combat drug resistance: WHO will further improve global monitoring and continue support to national action plans, to strengthen health emergencies preparedness plan.

8. Prevent and treat NCDs and mental health conditions: WHO will support efforts to expand services for community-based mental health care and to people living in conflict- or disaster-affected areas.

9. Build back better: In 2021, WHO said, it will work for goals of addressing climate change and health, reducing air pollution, and improving air quality.

10. Act in solidarity: In 2021, working with youth groups, strengthening and expanding partnerships with civil society and the private sector will be the main focus of WHO.

Information source: https://www.who.int/news-room/spotlight/10-global-health-issues-to-track-in-2021

The need for safe blood is universal. Safe blood can help patients suffering from life-threatening health diseases to live longer. World Blood Donor Day is celebrated every year on 14 June to mark the anniversary of Karl Landsteiner. The objective of this day is to say thanks to all the individuals who donate blood and to raise awareness about the need for safe blood donations.

Karl Landsteiner was a scientist, born on 14 June 1868, won the Nobel Prize for his discovery of the ABO blood group system and to commemorate his birth anniversary World blood donor day is observed. The first World Blood Donor Day was celebrated on 14 June 2004 by the World Health Organisation.

World Blood Donor Day Theme 2020: Safe Blood Safe lives

The theme for the world blood donor day 2020 is “safe blood saves lives” with the slogan “Give blood and make the world a healthier place”. The theme celebrates and thanks to voluntary blood donors and raises awareness for regular blood donations to ensure that all individuals have access to safe and quality-assured blood. This year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, WHO will run a global virtual campaign.

Also Read World Thalassemia Day 2020: the dawning of a new era for thalassemia

There are some common myths regarding blood donation that prevent people from donating blood:

6 Myths Busted on Blood Donation:

Myth 1: Donating Blood makes the immune system weak

Fact: donating blood does not make your immunity system weak. The Red Blood Cells return to normal within a few days, and the White Blood Cells take a few weeks.

Myth 2: Blood Donation is a painful process

Fact: Blood donation is not a painful process, it requires a needle prick that does not hurt more than any other injection. When the needle is removed you may feel pain, but it disappears after 5 minutes.

Myth 3: One day rest is needed after blood donation

Fact: You can resume your daily routine a few minutes after blood donation. Just drink enough water and juice to replenish your body fluids and avoid alcohol consumption and direct sunlight for 24 hours.

Myth 4: Diabetic patients cannot donate blood

Fact: you can donate blood if your diabetes is under control. You can control your diabetes by taking proper medicines and a healthy diet. But if you are taking insulin to treat your diabetes then you cannot donate blood.

Myth 5: Donating Blood is prone to infections

Fact: Donate blood only after checking the hygiene of the place and make sure that the needle that is being used on you is fresh than the chances of catching the infections are very less.

Myth 6: Blood Donation makes you faint

Fact: If you are healthy and had eaten something 3 hours before donation, then you will not feel weak or drowsy. After donating blood, rest for 20 minutes to normalize the blood flow.

So donate Blood a life-saving act of solidarity and provide safe blood- an essential element of every health care system

INFORMATION SOURCE: https://www.who.int/campaigns/world-blood-donor-day/2020/about

It is necessary to assure that food remains safe at every stage from production to harvest, processing, storage, distribution, preparation, and consumption. That’s why World Food Safety Day is celebrated on 7 June to highlight the health consequences of contaminated food and water. The World food safety day was observed by the United Nations from 2019. This year’s world is celebrating second world food safety day. Unsafe food is a threat to human health and economies, and marginalized people, especially women and children.

World Food Safety Day Theme: Food-Safety Everyone’s Business

This year’s theme for world food safety day is food safety everyone’s business. This campaign will promote global food safety awareness and will call upon countries, the private sector, civil society, UN organizations, and the general public to take action. The theme Food-safety everyone’s business depicts that whether we grow, transport, process, distribute, store, sell, prepare, or consume food, everyone has a role to play in making consumed food safe and uncontaminated for people. Through World Food Safety Day, the World Health Organization pursues its efforts to mainstream food safety in the public agenda and reduce the burden of foodborne diseases globally.

Food Safety Tips

It is important to keep foods safe to maintain healthy eating. We all can reduce contaminants in food and keep food safe by following food safety tips:

1. Wash your hands properly with soap and water before going to the kitchen.
2. Before eating, cooking, and cutting fruits and vegetables rinse them properly under running water.
3. Clean inside and outside of appliances and buttons and handles of appliances.
4. Daily sanitize kitchen surfaces with hot and soapy water or use disinfectant.
5. While doing food shopping keep raw seafood, poultry, and meat in a separate bag and fresh fruits and vegetables ina separate bag.
6. Clean your refrigerator once a week, discard cooked leftovers in 4 days and raw poultry and ground meats in 1 to 2 days.

#WorldFoodSafetyDay #ZeroHunger

INFORMATION SOURCE: https://www.un.org/en/observances/food-safety-day

INFORMATION SOURCE: http://www.fao.org/fao-who-codexalimentarius/wfsd/en/

INFORMATION SOURCE: https://www.who.int/news-room/campaigns/world-food-safety-day/2020

World Health Day Theme 2020: Support Nurses and Midwives

This year’s theme for World health day is to support Nurses and Wives. It’s a day to honor nurses and midwives and to remind the world that nurses and midwives play an important role in keeping the world healthy. In the current scenario nurses and other health workers are at the front line of COVID-19 response providing respectful treatment and high-quality care. It is important to educate nurses and midwives to international standards as it reduces unnecessary interventions and increases the quality of care and health for all. This year, the world health organization has aimed to ensure that all nurses and midwives work in a safe environment, have access to health-care service and respected by medical colleagues and community members. So take a minute and say Thank you to Nurses and midwives.

INFORMATION SOURCE: https://www.who.int/news-room/campaigns/world-health-day/world-health-day-2020

In the last 50 years, World heath day has highlighted important health issues such as child health, maternal health, and mental health. The celebration is marked by activities that extend beyond the day itself and is a chance to focus on these global health issues worldwide.

According to the report, people will get news updates, tips and alerts related to Coronavirus through the WHO MyHealth app. With this app, people will be made aware to protect against this dangerous virus. Former employees of Microsoft and Google are developing this app together. The help of WHO Advisors is also being sought for this. The initial version of this app will be similar to the WHO chatbot, which was launched last week under the name WHO MyHealth Alert.

According to the WHO, in the high health alert, users will get official information related to Coronavirus. In which people will be suggested to avoid the infection of this disease. Apart from this, people will also be told to debunk myths related to travel advice, Coronavirus.

Users will also get periodically through the WHO MyHealth app. In this, a notification will be given according to the location of users. The self-target tool can also be given in it. With the help of this, users will be able to report the Coronavirus’s Symptoms themselves. Apart from this, many more advanced features can also be given in this app.

What causes Tuberculosis

It is communicable through the air— when a TB infected person coughs, sneezes, smiles, it spreads to others. It is not easy, however, to become infected with tuberculosis, a person has to be close to someone with a TB disease for a long time. Family members, close friends, and people who work or live together are at a high rate of getting TB infection.

Importance of Tuberculosis Day

World Tuberculosis Day commemorates the date in 1882 when Dr. Robert Koch discovered Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the bacillus that causes tuberculosis (TB). He discovered the cause of tuberculosis and the cure of the disease. The International Union against tuberculosis and lung disease (IUATLD) proposed 24 March as official World TB day in 1982 while celebrating the hundredth anniversary of Robert Koch’s presentation.

 World tuberculosis theme 2020: Find. Treat. All #EndTB

The theme for World TB day 2020 is “it’s time” which emphasizes to take action on commitments

• scale up access to prevention and treatment;
•   build accountability;
•   ensure sufficient and sustainable financing including for research;
•   promote an end to stigma and discrimination, and
•   promote an equitable, rights-based and people-centered TB response.

So on this World Tuberculosis Day, It’s time for action! It’s time to End TB by joining the Global Fund and WHO joint initiative “find. Treat. All #EndTB to ensure no one is left behind. 

INFORMATION SOURCE: https://www.who.int/news-room/events/detail/2020/03/24/default-calendar/world-tuberculosis-day-2020

It was first celebrated on October 10, 1992, at the initiative of Deputy Secretary-General Richard Hunter. World Mental Health Day is supported by the World Health Organisation (WHO) by raising awareness of mental health issues. WHO also supports developing technical and communication material.

Watch World Health Organization ‘WHO’ video on how we can help our near ones from getting suicide. https://www.who.int/health-topics/suicide/campaign-materials-animations.