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  • World Blood Donor Day 2024: Date, History, Significance and All That You Need To Know | World News

    The World Blood Donor Day is observed on June 14 of every year all over the world. It is a crucial event established by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) to promote awareness about the need for safe blood and blood products.

    History:

    In 1940, a scientist called Richard Lower performed a blood transfusion between two dogs without any ill effects. This breakthrough allowed the development of modern blood transfusion techniques and made blood donation and transfusion a regular procedure in the healthcare sector.

    The date was chosen to honor the birth anniversary of Karl Landsteiner, the Nobel Prize-winning Austrian immunologist who discovered the ABO blood group system, which revolutionized blood transfusion practices. From that day onwards, the day has been celebrated as World Blood Donor Day.

    Theme:

    Each year, the celebration is marked by a specific theme that highlights different aspects of blood donation, the theme of this year is “20 years of celebrating giving: thank you, blood donors!”. The theme is to get more individuals to routinely donate blood and to express gratitude and support to the volunteers for giving freely of their blood in exchange for gifts that can save lives. On this day, people are inspired to give blood, save lives, and spread awareness of the advantages of doing so.

    Significance:

    According to WHO’s official website “The 20th anniversary of World Blood Donor Day is an excellent and timely opportunity to thank blood donors across the world for their life-saving donations over the years and honor the profound impact on both patients and donors. It is also a timely moment to address continued challenges, and accelerate progress towards a future where safe blood transfusion is universally accessible.”

    Around the world, events are planned to honor this day. Hospitals, blood banks, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) organize blood donation drives to promote and facilitate donations. To reduce transfusion-transmitted illnesses, public health initiatives strive to debunk myths, inform the public about the advantages of blood donation, and encourage safe donation practices. Recognition events celebrate the lives they have saved by honoring seasoned and consistent donors.

    A major factor in the success of World Blood Donor Day is community involvement. Events like conferences, workshops, and social media campaigns aid in message dissemination and audience engagement. All levels of participation are welcome, from lone contributors to local groups and governmental entities.

    People can participate in World Blood Donor Day by giving blood at nearby facilities or drives, raising awareness on social media, volunteering for charitable causes, and teaching others about the value and advantages of blood donation. People throughout the world can ensure that safe blood is available whenever and wherever it is required by banding together for this cause, strengthening a feeling of common humanity and global solidarity.

    On World Blood Donor Day, everyone is urged to support this life-saving initiative by highlighting the critical role that blood donation plays in saving lives.

  • No new constructive case of Nipah a giant aid; scenario beneath management, says Kerala authorities

    By PTI

    KOZHIKODE: The Kerala authorities on Sunday stated the Nipah outbreak within the state is beneath management as there have been no new constructive circumstances for the second consecutive day and that the already contaminated sufferers had been getting higher.

    State Health Minister Veena George stated it was a giant aid for the state that no new contemporary constructive circumstances of the virus have been detected.

    “The situation is under control presently,” she stated.

    The minister was talking to reporters right here within the night after a overview of the Nipah scenario on this north Kerala district of the state.

    George stated the 4 contaminated individuals, together with a nine-year-old boy, had been getting higher and the kid has been taken off ventilator in the interim.

    Regarding the therapy utilizing a monoclonal antibody, the one experimental therapeutic out there to the federal government towards the virus, the minister stated the current variant was solely 50-60 per cent efficient and that the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has assured that it’ll get a brand new and extra environment friendly model.

    She additionally stated that samples from 36 bats have been taken and despatched to the National Institute of Virology (NIV) in Pune to determine the presence of the virus among the many mammals.

    George additional stated that since all of the contaminated individuals obtained the virus from the identical particular person — the index case — who died on August 30, it was clear that there was no second wave and that it was welcome information.

    “It can also be proved through genomic sequencing which is being carried out,” she stated.

    So far, 1,233 contacts have been traced and of them, 352 are within the high-risk class, she stated.

    Earlier within the day, the minister stated that as no new constructive Nipah circumstances had been being reported, the containment and quarantine measures would stay in place for 42 days from the final constructive case reported.

    The incubation interval of the virus is 21 days and due to this fact, “a double incubation period of 42 days from the last positive case” is taken into account because the interval throughout which warning must be exercised, George defined In the morning, she additionally stated {that a} central workforce was surveying the realm of the 2018 Nipah outbreak and can search for any ecological adjustments there, whereas groups from NIV Pune and ICMR are additionally finishing up subject surveys within the district.

    State Tourism Minister P A Mohamed Riyas, who was additionally a part of the press briefing, stated that folks had been cooperating very nicely with the federal government’s containment and quarantine efforts.

    George, in an announcement, additionally stated that the state was nicely outfitted to hold out Nipah testing and also can affirm the presence of the virus by means of the exams.

    The cell labs of Rajiv Gandhi Center for Biotechnology and NIV Pune have additionally helped to expedite testing and strengthen preventive measures, she stated.

    Giving particulars of the testing course of, the minister stated the process is difficult because of the harmful nature of the virus.

    At the identical time, individuals contaminated with Nipah don’t present signs within the preliminary levels, which is a problem as early testing is vital to extend the possibilities of survival and forestall the unfold of the illness.

    Real-time polymerase chain response (RTPCR) or PCR exams are used to detect the Nipah virus, she stated.

    Meanwhile, the state authorities has launched a particular outpatient division (OPD) service in reference to Nipah beneath its e-Sanjeevini telemedicine system, Kozhikode District Collector A Geetha had stated in a Facebook publish.

    In her publish, Geetha additionally suggested folks towards scary bats by throwing stones at them or making loud noises by bursting firecrackers, setting fireplace to their roots and chopping down timber they inhabit.

    The Collector stated that when bats contaminated with Nipah are harmed, frightened or moved from their habitat, the extent of the virus of their physique will increase attributable to stress.

    As a end result, the viruses will probably be expelled by means of physique fluids and this may enhance the chance of unfold of the an infection, she stated.

    The whole variety of circumstances of Nipah an infection confirmed within the state are six, of which two individuals have died and 4 individuals are being handled.

    The World Health Organisation and ICMR research have discovered that your complete state, not simply Kozhikode, is vulnerable to such infections.

    KOZHIKODE: The Kerala authorities on Sunday stated the Nipah outbreak within the state is beneath management as there have been no new constructive circumstances for the second consecutive day and that the already contaminated sufferers had been getting higher.

    State Health Minister Veena George stated it was a giant aid for the state that no new contemporary constructive circumstances of the virus have been detected.

    “The situation is under control presently,” she stated.googletag.cmd.push(operate() googletag.show(‘div-gpt-ad-8052921-2’); );

    The minister was talking to reporters right here within the night after a overview of the Nipah scenario on this north Kerala district of the state.

    George stated the 4 contaminated individuals, together with a nine-year-old boy, had been getting higher and the kid has been taken off ventilator in the interim.

    Regarding the therapy utilizing a monoclonal antibody, the one experimental therapeutic out there to the federal government towards the virus, the minister stated the current variant was solely 50-60 per cent efficient and that the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has assured that it’ll get a brand new and extra environment friendly model.

    She additionally stated that samples from 36 bats have been taken and despatched to the National Institute of Virology (NIV) in Pune to determine the presence of the virus among the many mammals.

    George additional stated that since all of the contaminated individuals obtained the virus from the identical particular person — the index case — who died on August 30, it was clear that there was no second wave and that it was welcome information.

    “It can also be proved through genomic sequencing which is being carried out,” she stated.

    So far, 1,233 contacts have been traced and of them, 352 are within the high-risk class, she stated.

    Earlier within the day, the minister stated that as no new constructive Nipah circumstances had been being reported, the containment and quarantine measures would stay in place for 42 days from the final constructive case reported.

    The incubation interval of the virus is 21 days and due to this fact, “a double incubation period of 42 days from the last positive case” is taken into account because the interval throughout which warning must be exercised, George defined In the morning, she additionally stated {that a} central workforce was surveying the realm of the 2018 Nipah outbreak and can search for any ecological adjustments there, whereas groups from NIV Pune and ICMR are additionally finishing up subject surveys within the district.

    State Tourism Minister P A Mohamed Riyas, who was additionally a part of the press briefing, stated that folks had been cooperating very nicely with the federal government’s containment and quarantine efforts.

    George, in an announcement, additionally stated that the state was nicely outfitted to hold out Nipah testing and also can affirm the presence of the virus by means of the exams.

    The cell labs of Rajiv Gandhi Center for Biotechnology and NIV Pune have additionally helped to expedite testing and strengthen preventive measures, she stated.

    Giving particulars of the testing course of, the minister stated the process is difficult because of the harmful nature of the virus.

    At the identical time, individuals contaminated with Nipah don’t present signs within the preliminary levels, which is a problem as early testing is vital to extend the possibilities of survival and forestall the unfold of the illness.

    Real-time polymerase chain response (RTPCR) or PCR exams are used to detect the Nipah virus, she stated.

    Meanwhile, the state authorities has launched a particular outpatient division (OPD) service in reference to Nipah beneath its e-Sanjeevini telemedicine system, Kozhikode District Collector A Geetha had stated in a Facebook publish.

    In her publish, Geetha additionally suggested folks towards scary bats by throwing stones at them or making loud noises by bursting firecrackers, setting fireplace to their roots and chopping down timber they inhabit.

    The Collector stated that when bats contaminated with Nipah are harmed, frightened or moved from their habitat, the extent of the virus of their physique will increase attributable to stress.

    As a end result, the viruses will probably be expelled by means of physique fluids and this may enhance the chance of unfold of the an infection, she stated.

    The whole variety of circumstances of Nipah an infection confirmed within the state are six, of which two individuals have died and 4 individuals are being handled.

    The World Health Organisation and ICMR research have discovered that your complete state, not simply Kozhikode, is vulnerable to such infections.

  • Kerala govt working to determine space, supply of first Nipah case 

    By PTI

    KOZHIKODE: After figuring out the person who was the affected person zero or index case of the Nipah virus outbreak in Kerala, the state authorities on Saturday started searching for the supply and place from the place he acquired contaminated by searching for particulars of his cell tower places.

    Kerala Health Minister Veena George mentioned whereas the state authorities is attempting to find out the place and the way the person acquired contaminated, the central staff is amassing bat samples to establish the viral load.

    The authorities was additionally specializing in finishing contact tracing in respect of the sixth one that was confirmed, on Friday, to have been contaminated by the virus, the minister advised reporters right here.

    She mentioned that there have been no new constructive circumstances and in a aid for the state, 94 samples — of individuals from the high-risk contact listing — have come again detrimental for the virus.

    Meanwhile, 21 individuals on the Kozhikode Medical College and two children on the Institute of Maternal and Child Health (IMCH) have been in isolation, George mentioned.

    Everyone, together with a nine-year-old boy on a ventilator, who’s below therapy for the virus or is in isolation are secure, she added.

    The minister mentioned that every one these contaminated are a part of the primary wave of the an infection which has manifested in two clusters — one being the 2 relations of the person who was the index case and the second being the individuals who got here into contact with him on the hospital he went for therapy.

    The man who has been recognized because the index case died on August 30 and it was solely a lot later it was discovered that he was contaminated with Nipah.

    His nine-year-old son and brother-in-law are nonetheless present process therapy together with two others, one in all them a well being employee, with whom he got here into contact at a hospital.

    The second fatality attributable to Nipah occurred on September 11 and the sufferer had come into contact with the person who was the index case on the similar hospital because the others, George mentioned.

    Regarding the monoclonal antibody, the one viable therapeutic in opposition to the virus, the minister mentioned that in response to the Centre it was 50-60 per cent secure and it has requested the state authorities to discover the potential for getting a brand new model of the antibody.

    “Presently, according to the doctors, the patients under treatment do not require it,” she mentioned.

    However, the state requested the Centre’s assist for expediting the method required for importing the monoclonal antibody and the identical was assured.

    She additionally mentioned {that a} assembly of the core committee was held earlier within the day to chalk out the additional plan of action.

    Kozhikode metropolis mayor Beena Philip, in the meantime, mentioned all of the wards the place the person, who was the index case, went have been declared as containment zones.

    “He has moved around a lot. Therefore, the contact list is expected to get bigger,” she mentioned.

    Kozhikode District Collector A Geetha mentioned that preparations have been made for on-line courses in academic establishments for the approaching week and instructed college students to not have interaction in holiday-related celebrations.

    The Collector additionally mentioned that Beypore harbour will stay closed until additional orders because it falls in one of many containment zones and supplied two various places for touchdown fishing vessels and sale of the catch.

    The Centre on Friday determined to obtain from Australia 20 extra doses of monoclonal antibody via the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) for therapy of these contaminated by Nipah.

    The Kerala Health Department had on Friday mentioned it has recognized a complete of 1,080 individuals within the contact listing of the constructive sufferers and has began amassing samples.

    It had earlier introduced that everybody who’s on the high-risk contact listing of the contaminated individuals can be examined.

    The ICMR’s National Institute of Virology (NIV) in Pune had despatched its cell BSL-3 (Biosafety Level-3) laboratory to Kozhikode to check the samples for the virus within the district.

    This is the fourth time the viral an infection has been confirmed within the state.

    It was detected in Kozhikode in 2018 and 2021 and in Ernakulam in 2019.

    The World Health Organisation and ICMR research have discovered that the complete state, not simply Kozhikode, is vulnerable to such infections.

    KOZHIKODE: After figuring out the person who was the affected person zero or index case of the Nipah virus outbreak in Kerala, the state authorities on Saturday started searching for the supply and place from the place he acquired contaminated by searching for particulars of his cell tower places.

    Kerala Health Minister Veena George mentioned whereas the state authorities is attempting to find out the place and the way the person acquired contaminated, the central staff is amassing bat samples to establish the viral load.

    The authorities was additionally specializing in finishing contact tracing in respect of the sixth one that was confirmed, on Friday, to have been contaminated by the virus, the minister advised reporters right here.googletag.cmd.push(perform() googletag.show(‘div-gpt-ad-8052921-2’); );

    She mentioned that there have been no new constructive circumstances and in a aid for the state, 94 samples — of individuals from the high-risk contact listing — have come again detrimental for the virus.

    Meanwhile, 21 individuals on the Kozhikode Medical College and two children on the Institute of Maternal and Child Health (IMCH) have been in isolation, George mentioned.

    Everyone, together with a nine-year-old boy on a ventilator, who’s below therapy for the virus or is in isolation are secure, she added.

    The minister mentioned that every one these contaminated are a part of the primary wave of the an infection which has manifested in two clusters — one being the 2 relations of the person who was the index case and the second being the individuals who got here into contact with him on the hospital he went for therapy.

    The man who has been recognized because the index case died on August 30 and it was solely a lot later it was discovered that he was contaminated with Nipah.

    His nine-year-old son and brother-in-law are nonetheless present process therapy together with two others, one in all them a well being employee, with whom he got here into contact at a hospital.

    The second fatality attributable to Nipah occurred on September 11 and the sufferer had come into contact with the person who was the index case on the similar hospital because the others, George mentioned.

    Regarding the monoclonal antibody, the one viable therapeutic in opposition to the virus, the minister mentioned that in response to the Centre it was 50-60 per cent secure and it has requested the state authorities to discover the potential for getting a brand new model of the antibody.

    “Presently, according to the doctors, the patients under treatment do not require it,” she mentioned.

    However, the state requested the Centre’s assist for expediting the method required for importing the monoclonal antibody and the identical was assured.

    She additionally mentioned {that a} assembly of the core committee was held earlier within the day to chalk out the additional plan of action.

    Kozhikode metropolis mayor Beena Philip, in the meantime, mentioned all of the wards the place the person, who was the index case, went have been declared as containment zones.

    “He has moved around a lot. Therefore, the contact list is expected to get bigger,” she mentioned.

    Kozhikode District Collector A Geetha mentioned that preparations have been made for on-line courses in academic establishments for the approaching week and instructed college students to not have interaction in holiday-related celebrations.

    The Collector additionally mentioned that Beypore harbour will stay closed until additional orders because it falls in one of many containment zones and supplied two various places for touchdown fishing vessels and sale of the catch.

    The Centre on Friday determined to obtain from Australia 20 extra doses of monoclonal antibody via the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) for therapy of these contaminated by Nipah.

    The Kerala Health Department had on Friday mentioned it has recognized a complete of 1,080 individuals within the contact listing of the constructive sufferers and has began amassing samples.

    It had earlier introduced that everybody who’s on the high-risk contact listing of the contaminated individuals can be examined.

    The ICMR’s National Institute of Virology (NIV) in Pune had despatched its cell BSL-3 (Biosafety Level-3) laboratory to Kozhikode to check the samples for the virus within the district.

    This is the fourth time the viral an infection has been confirmed within the state.

    It was detected in Kozhikode in 2018 and 2021 and in Ernakulam in 2019.

    The World Health Organisation and ICMR research have discovered that the complete state, not simply Kozhikode, is vulnerable to such infections.

  • PMO holds evaluate assembly on new Covid-19 variants; states requested to observe influenza-like sickness circumstances

    Express News Service

    NEW DELHI: Citing the World Health Organization (WHO), Union Health Secretary Sudhansh Pant on Monday famous that the brand new Covid-19 variant EG.5 (Eris) has been reported in over 50 nations. He additionally mentioned that one other variant BA.2.86 (Pirola) has been reported in 4 nations. 

    He was collaborating in a high-level evaluate assembly convened by Prime Minister’s Office. 

    The assembly highlighted that whereas globally, a complete of two,96,219 new circumstances of Covid-19 had been reported up to now seven days, India, which contributes to just about 17% of the worldwide inhabitants, has reported solely 223 circumstances (0.075% of world new circumstances) up to now week. 

    Pant additionally knowledgeable the PMO that the day by day common of recent Covid-19 circumstances continues to be beneath 50 within the nation.

    “The country has managed to maintain weekly test positivity rate of less than 0.2%,” a press release issued by the union well being ministry mentioned.

    The assertion mentioned an summary of the Genome Sequencing of various variants circulating in India was additionally offered. 

    Dr PK Mishra, Principal Secretary to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who chaired the assembly, mentioned after detailed deliberations, that whereas the Covid-19 state of affairs within the nation stays secure and public well being programs within the nation stay equipped, there’s a want for states to observe traits of ILI/SARI (influenza-like sickness (ILI) and (extreme acute respiratory infections) circumstances.

    Mishra identified that states needs to be directed to ship ample samples for testing Covid-19 whereas ramping up Whole Genome Sequencing and sustaining an in depth watch on the brand new international variants.

    The assembly was attended by Dr Vinod Paul, NITI Aayog member; Rajiv Gauba, Cabinet Secretary; Amit Khare, Advisor PMO; Sudhansh Pant, Union Health Secretary; Rajiv Bahl, Secretary Department of Health Research (DHR) and DG Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR); Rajesh S. Gokhale, Union Biotechnology Secretary, and Punya Salila Srivastava, Additional Secretary to PM.
     

    NEW DELHI: Citing the World Health Organization (WHO), Union Health Secretary Sudhansh Pant on Monday famous that the brand new Covid-19 variant EG.5 (Eris) has been reported in over 50 nations. He additionally mentioned that one other variant BA.2.86 (Pirola) has been reported in 4 nations. 

    He was collaborating in a high-level evaluate assembly convened by Prime Minister’s Office. 

    The assembly highlighted that whereas globally, a complete of two,96,219 new circumstances of Covid-19 had been reported up to now seven days, India, which contributes to just about 17% of the worldwide inhabitants, has reported solely 223 circumstances (0.075% of world new circumstances) up to now week. googletag.cmd.push(operate() googletag.show(‘div-gpt-ad-8052921-2’); );

    Pant additionally knowledgeable the PMO that the day by day common of recent Covid-19 circumstances continues to be beneath 50 within the nation.

    “The country has managed to maintain weekly test positivity rate of less than 0.2%,” a press release issued by the union well being ministry mentioned.

    The assertion mentioned an summary of the Genome Sequencing of various variants circulating in India was additionally offered. 

    Dr PK Mishra, Principal Secretary to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who chaired the assembly, mentioned after detailed deliberations, that whereas the Covid-19 state of affairs within the nation stays secure and public well being programs within the nation stay equipped, there’s a want for states to observe traits of ILI/SARI (influenza-like sickness (ILI) and (extreme acute respiratory infections) circumstances.

    Mishra identified that states needs to be directed to ship ample samples for testing Covid-19 whereas ramping up Whole Genome Sequencing and sustaining an in depth watch on the brand new international variants.

    The assembly was attended by Dr Vinod Paul, NITI Aayog member; Rajiv Gauba, Cabinet Secretary; Amit Khare, Advisor PMO; Sudhansh Pant, Union Health Secretary; Rajiv Bahl, Secretary Department of Health Research (DHR) and DG Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR); Rajesh S. Gokhale, Union Biotechnology Secretary, and Punya Salila Srivastava, Additional Secretary to PM.
     

  • US illness management company tracks new virus lineage that causes Covid

    US Centre for Disease Control and Prevention mentioned on Thursday that it was monitoring a brand new, extremely mutated lineage of the virus that causes Covid-19.

    The lineage is called BA.2.86, and has been detected within the United States, Denmark and Israel, the CDC mentioned in a put up on messaging platform X.

    “As we learn more about BA.2.86, CDC’s advice on protecting yourself from Covid-19 remains the same,” the company mentioned.

    The World Health Organisation (WHO) earlier on Thursday mentioned in a put up on X that it had categorised BA.2.86 as a “variant under monitoring” because of the massive variety of mutations it carries.

    The WHO mentioned that, to date, just a few sequences of the variant have been reported from a handful of nations.

    The new lineage, which has 36 mutations from the currently-dominant XBB.1.5 Covid variant “harkens back to an earlier branch” of the virus, defined Dr. S. Wesley Long, medical director of diagnostic microbiology at Houston Methodist.

    He mentioned it stays to be seen whether or not BA.2.86 will be capable of out-compete different strains of the virus or have any benefit in escaping immune responses from prior an infection or vaccination.

    Early evaluation signifies that the brand new variant “will have equal or greater escape than XBB.1.5 from antibodies elicited by pre-Omicron and first-generation Omicron variants,” Jesse Bloom, a virologist on the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Centre mentioned in a slide deck revealed on Thursday.

    The Omicron subvariant XBB.1.5 is the pressure focused by vaccines in upcoming Covid booster pictures.

    Bloom’s slides notice that the most definitely situation is that BA.2.86 is much less transmissible than present dominant variants, so by no means spreads extensively, however extra sequencing knowledge is required.

    “My biggest concern would be that it could cause a bigger spike in cases than what we have seen in recent waves,” Dr. Long mentioned. “The boosters will still help you fight off Covid in general.”

    Published On:

    Aug 18, 2023

  • Global Covid circumstances up 80% as new Omicron subvariant EG.5 rises

    The variety of new Covid-19 circumstances reported worldwide rose by 80 per cent within the final month, the World Health Organization mentioned on Friday, days after designating a brand new “variant of interest”.

    The WHO declared in May that Covid is now not a worldwide well being emergency, however has warned that the virus will proceed to flow into and mutate, inflicting occasional spikes in infections, hospitalisations and deaths.

    In its weekly replace, the UN company mentioned that nations reported practically 1.5 million new circumstances from July 10 to August 6, an 80 per cent enhance in comparison with the earlier 28 days.

    However, the variety of deaths fell by 57 per cent to 2,500.

    The WHO warned that the reported variety of circumstances and deaths don’t replicate the true numbers, partly as a result of international locations perform far much less testing and monitoring than throughout earlier phases of the pandemic.

    Many of the brand new circumstances got here within the Western Pacific area, which noticed infections leap by 137 per cent, the WHO mentioned.

    Several international locations within the Northern Hemisphere, together with the United States, United Kingdom, France and Japan have seen a summer time uptick in circumstances in current weeks.

    Experts have prompt that summer time gatherings and journey, declining immunity and a brand new subvariant could have all performed a job within the enhance.

    On Wednesday, the WHO designated the Omicron subvariant EG.5 as a “variant of interest” following a gradual rise in its prevalence.

    More than 17 per cent of all reported circumstances have been EG.5 in mid-July, up from 7.6 per cent a month earlier than, in keeping with the WHO.

    Subvariant poses ‘low’ danger

    EG.5, which has been unofficially nicknamed “Eris” on-line, is taken into account to be a descendant of the XBB lineage of the virus.

    It appears to be extra transmissible than different circulating variants, possible as a result of a mutation in its spike protein, and the WHO mentioned it has proven a capability to evade immunity.

    But there is no such thing as a signal that EG.5 causes extra extreme Covid signs and it poses a “low” danger to world public well being, the WHO mentioned, evaluating its menace to different current Omicron subvariants.

    Nonetheless, WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus warned that “the risk remains of a more dangerous variant emerging that could cause a sudden increase in cases and deaths”.

    France’s Health Minister Aurelien Rousseau referred to as for vigilance, whereas emphasising that Covid numbers stay at low ranges.

    “We will have to live with the resurgence of this virus for several seasons to come,” he mentioned in a press release despatched to AFP.

    Antoine Flahault, director of the Institute of Global Health on the University of Geneva, advised AFP that the true Covid state of affairs remained unclear “just about everywhere in the world”.

    “Health authorities urgently need to reinstate a reliable Covid health monitoring system,” he mentioned, calling for wastewater to be analysed to detect virus tendencies.

    While the influence of Covid has been enormously diminished as a result of excessive ranges immunity from both vaccination or prior an infection, the virus nonetheless poses a menace — together with lengthy Covid, for which signs can final for months or years.

    The WHO has urged international locations to ramp up vaccination efforts.

    Pharmaceutical corporations Pfizer/BioNTech, Moderna and Novavax are all engaged on updating their Covid vaccines to focus on XBB subvariants.

    Edited By:

    Sudeep Lavania

    Published On:

    Aug 11, 2023

  • After WHO alert, Centre warns towards use of cough syrups containing pholcodine

    Express News Service

    NEW DELHI: Following an alert by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and bans by a number of international locations on cough syrups containing pholcodine over security issues, the Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) has now issued an advisory for medical doctors and sufferers towards its use in India.

    The WHO raised a security concern alert in March 2023.

    According to the WHO, there’s a heightened threat of anaphylactic reactions – extreme allergic reactions that may generally be life-threatening – in individuals who have taken pholcodine-containing cough syrups and chilly treatments not less than 12 months previous to surgical procedures involving the administration of normal anesthesia with neuromuscular blocking brokers (NMBAs).

    In its advisory, the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) Rajeev Singh Raghuvanshi stated that the WHO had alerted healthcare professionals and regulatory authorities of the chance of anaphylactic reactions in individuals who have taken pholcodine-containing cough and chilly treatments not less than 12 months previous to surgical procedures involving the administration of normal anesthesia with NMBAs.

    “Further, many regulatory authorities have reviewed and withdrawn/ restricted pholcodine-containing cough and cold remedies,” stated the advisory dated July 14.

    It famous that the matter was referred to Subject Expert Committee (Antimicrobial and Antiviral) in a gathering in June to hunt professional opinion on the protection alert printed by WHO on the prior use of pholcodine-containing cough and chilly treatments.

    ALSO READ | Delhi pharmacist held for allegedly storing greater than 36,000 bottles of banned cough syrup

    The committee then beneficial related advisories to medical doctors, healthcare suppliers and shoppers after an in depth deliberation.

    According to Dr. Saurabh Khanna, lead advisor, paediatrics and neonatology, CK Birla Hospital, Gurugram, it’s dangerous whether it is used excessively in inappropriate doses at an age that isn’t beneficial.

    “The recent developments in terms of codeine and why the WHO is banned using pholcodine in various cough syrups is because it is known that pholcodine reacts with certain neuromuscular blockers, which leads to a severe anaphylactic reaction which is a severe allergic reaction. Its use has been quite prevalent in India.”

    He stated that it’s utilized in most cough syrups accessible over-the-counter and one has to make sure that whereas making a purchase order, it’s best to at all times get a prescription by a healthcare skilled, pediatrician or an MD medication individual so that you simply give it in an acceptable dose solely whether it is required.

    Some of the opposite unintended effects of utilizing pholcodine may embrace constipation, drowsiness, sure gastrointestinal disturbances, nausea, vomiting, and in very excessive doses, even respiratory despair.

    The drug regulator urged medical doctors to advise sufferers to cease taking pholcodine-containing cough and chilly treatments and recommend an alternative choice to deal with their signs. They had been additionally suggested to confirm whether or not the affected person scheduled to take normal anesthetics containing NMBAs has taken pholcodine-containing cough and chilly treatments within the earlier 12 months and likewise concentrate on anaphylactic reactions in such sufferers.

    The regulator additionally suggested shoppers to watch out in taking pholcodine-containing cough and chilly treatments and seek the advice of medical doctors or pharmacists to recommend an alternate therapy.

    NEW DELHI: Following an alert by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and bans by a number of international locations on cough syrups containing pholcodine over security issues, the Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) has now issued an advisory for medical doctors and sufferers towards its use in India.

    The WHO raised a security concern alert in March 2023.

    According to the WHO, there’s a heightened threat of anaphylactic reactions – extreme allergic reactions that may generally be life-threatening – in individuals who have taken pholcodine-containing cough syrups and chilly treatments not less than 12 months previous to surgical procedures involving the administration of normal anesthesia with neuromuscular blocking brokers (NMBAs).googletag.cmd.push(perform() googletag.show(‘div-gpt-ad-8052921-2’); );

    In its advisory, the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) Rajeev Singh Raghuvanshi stated that the WHO had alerted healthcare professionals and regulatory authorities of the chance of anaphylactic reactions in individuals who have taken pholcodine-containing cough and chilly treatments not less than 12 months previous to surgical procedures involving the administration of normal anesthesia with NMBAs.

    “Further, many regulatory authorities have reviewed and withdrawn/ restricted pholcodine-containing cough and cold remedies,” stated the advisory dated July 14.

    It famous that the matter was referred to Subject Expert Committee (Antimicrobial and Antiviral) in a gathering in June to hunt professional opinion on the protection alert printed by WHO on the prior use of pholcodine-containing cough and chilly treatments.

    ALSO READ | Delhi pharmacist held for allegedly storing greater than 36,000 bottles of banned cough syrup

    The committee then beneficial related advisories to medical doctors, healthcare suppliers and shoppers after an in depth deliberation.

    According to Dr. Saurabh Khanna, lead advisor, paediatrics and neonatology, CK Birla Hospital, Gurugram, it’s dangerous whether it is used excessively in inappropriate doses at an age that isn’t beneficial.

    “The recent developments in terms of codeine and why the WHO is banned using pholcodine in various cough syrups is because it is known that pholcodine reacts with certain neuromuscular blockers, which leads to a severe anaphylactic reaction which is a severe allergic reaction. Its use has been quite prevalent in India.”

    He stated that it’s utilized in most cough syrups accessible over-the-counter and one has to make sure that whereas making a purchase order, it’s best to at all times get a prescription by a healthcare skilled, pediatrician or an MD medication individual so that you simply give it in an acceptable dose solely whether it is required.

    Some of the opposite unintended effects of utilizing pholcodine may embrace constipation, drowsiness, sure gastrointestinal disturbances, nausea, vomiting, and in very excessive doses, even respiratory despair.

    The drug regulator urged medical doctors to advise sufferers to cease taking pholcodine-containing cough and chilly treatments and recommend an alternative choice to deal with their signs. They had been additionally suggested to confirm whether or not the affected person scheduled to take normal anesthetics containing NMBAs has taken pholcodine-containing cough and chilly treatments within the earlier 12 months and likewise concentrate on anaphylactic reactions in such sufferers.

    The regulator additionally suggested shoppers to watch out in taking pholcodine-containing cough and chilly treatments and seek the advice of medical doctors or pharmacists to recommend an alternate therapy.

  • WHO requires intensified efforts in the direction of childhood immunization

    By PTI

    NEW DELHI: The World Health Organization on Tuesday referred to as for intensified efforts in the direction of childhood immunization with a give attention to reaching the two.3 million unvaccinated and 650,000 partially vaccinated kids.

    The WHO’s South-East Asia Region complimented member international locations for scaling up childhood immunization protection to pre-pandemic degree.

    Every baby deserves to be protected towards life-threatening ailments with routine immunization, mentioned Dr Poonam Khetrapal Singh, the regional director of WHO’s South-East Asia area.

    “The momentum built with impressive efforts and immunization service recoveries must continue to benefit every child for a healthy and productive life,” she mentioned.

    The WHO and UNICEF estimates for nationwide immunization protection for 2022, launched on Tuesday, present that in WHO’s south-east Asia area the protection fee for DPT3, third dose of diphtheria, pertussis and tetanus vaccines reached 91 per cent of the pre-pandemic degree, a pointy enhance from 82 per cent recorded in 2021.

    The area has additionally proven a six per cent enchancment in protection of the measles vaccine in 2022 in comparison with 2021, shifting from 86 per cent to 92 per cent.

    The variety of kids who haven’t acquired even the primary dose of DPT vaccine halved from 4.6 million in 2021 to 2.3 million in 2022.

    Similarly, the variety of partially vaccinated kids — who’ve acquired no less than one dose of DPT vaccine however not the entire main collection of three doses, lowered from 1.3 million in 2021 to six,50,000 in 2022.

    The south-east Asia area had the perfect immunization recoveries amongst all WHO areas which may be majorly attributed to efforts being made by India and Indonesia, Singh mentioned.

    India recorded 93 per cent DPT3 protection in 2022, surpassing the pre-pandemic all-time excessive of 91 per cent in 2019 and a fast enhance from 85 per cent recorded in 2021, she mentioned.

    “While we draw lessons from the pandemic to strengthen capacities to respond to future health emergencies, we must learn from countries which maintained their immunization rates even while responding to a pandemic,” mentioned the regional director of WHO’s South-East Asia area.

    “While general immunization protection ranges are trying good and the progress encouraging, there stay variabilities within the protection at sub-national ranges in international locations, particularly in these with giant populations.

    “The inequities in immunization protection resulting in accumulation of pockets of unvaccinated kids pose the danger of outbreaks of measles, diphtheria, and different vaccine-preventable ailments.

    These gaps should be closed,” Singh mentioned.

    The international locations and accomplice companies should proceed to scale up efforts to establish unvaccinated kids, strengthen the capacities of the well being workforce, higher perceive and interact with susceptible populations and roll out tailor-made methods to achieve each baby, she added.

    NEW DELHI: The World Health Organization on Tuesday referred to as for intensified efforts in the direction of childhood immunization with a give attention to reaching the two.3 million unvaccinated and 650,000 partially vaccinated kids.

    The WHO’s South-East Asia Region complimented member international locations for scaling up childhood immunization protection to pre-pandemic degree.

    Every baby deserves to be protected towards life-threatening ailments with routine immunization, mentioned Dr Poonam Khetrapal Singh, the regional director of WHO’s South-East Asia area.googletag.cmd.push(operate() googletag.show(‘div-gpt-ad-8052921-2’); );

    “The momentum built with impressive efforts and immunization service recoveries must continue to benefit every child for a healthy and productive life,” she mentioned.

    The WHO and UNICEF estimates for nationwide immunization protection for 2022, launched on Tuesday, present that in WHO’s south-east Asia area the protection fee for DPT3, third dose of diphtheria, pertussis and tetanus vaccines reached 91 per cent of the pre-pandemic degree, a pointy enhance from 82 per cent recorded in 2021.

    The area has additionally proven a six per cent enchancment in protection of the measles vaccine in 2022 in comparison with 2021, shifting from 86 per cent to 92 per cent.

    The variety of kids who haven’t acquired even the primary dose of DPT vaccine halved from 4.6 million in 2021 to 2.3 million in 2022.

    Similarly, the variety of partially vaccinated kids — who’ve acquired no less than one dose of DPT vaccine however not the entire main collection of three doses, lowered from 1.3 million in 2021 to six,50,000 in 2022.

    The south-east Asia area had the perfect immunization recoveries amongst all WHO areas which may be majorly attributed to efforts being made by India and Indonesia, Singh mentioned.

    India recorded 93 per cent DPT3 protection in 2022, surpassing the pre-pandemic all-time excessive of 91 per cent in 2019 and a fast enhance from 85 per cent recorded in 2021, she mentioned.

    “While we draw lessons from the pandemic to strengthen capacities to respond to future health emergencies, we must learn from countries which maintained their immunization rates even while responding to a pandemic,” mentioned the regional director of WHO’s South-East Asia area.

    “While general immunization protection ranges are trying good and the progress encouraging, there stay variabilities within the protection at sub-national ranges in international locations, particularly in these with giant populations.

    “The inequities in immunization protection resulting in accumulation of pockets of unvaccinated kids pose the danger of outbreaks of measles, diphtheria, and different vaccine-preventable ailments.

    These gaps should be closed,” Singh mentioned.

    The international locations and accomplice companies should proceed to scale up efforts to establish unvaccinated kids, strengthen the capacities of the well being workforce, higher perceive and interact with susceptible populations and roll out tailor-made methods to achieve each baby, she added.

  • WHO says aspartame might ‘presumably’ trigger most cancers in people; Indian research exhibits extensive consumption

    Express News Service

    NEW DELHI: Earlier this week, the World Health Organization’s (WHO) most cancers company had deemed the sweetener aspartame — present in eating regimen soda, sugar-free gums and numerous different meals — as a “possible” explanation for most cancers, however stated the designation relies on “limited evidence” and “more research” is required.

    A modern survey by LocalCircles, a group social media platform, has discovered that many Indians generally devour meals with this low-calorie, widespread synthetic sweetener,

    The survey performed on over 23,000 folks from 295 districts in India discovered that one in three of these consuming synthetic sweeteners does so within the type of eating regimen soda drinks and sugar-free gums; 26 per cent took it within the type of vitality drinks, whereas 18 per cent consumed it as sugar-free goodies and ice-creams.

    LocalCircles’ survey discovered that 38 per cent of Indians confirmed consuming meals with synthetic sweeteners each month.

    But when knowledgeable of the WHO warning, 91 per cent stated they need meals manufacturers to show the utilization of synthetic sweeteners prominently on the entrance of the pack.

    WHO’s International Agency for Research on Cancer, together with Food and Agriculture Organisation and Joint Expert Committee on Food Additives carried out its first-ever analysis of the carcinogenic degree of aspartame from June 6-13. 

    It was positioned in class Group 2B, based mostly on the restricted proof obtainable, which particularly involved hepatocellular carcinoma — a sort of liver most cancers.

    A second group, JECFA — the Joint Expert Committee on Food Additives shaped by the WHO and its fellow UN company the Food and Agriculture Organization — met in Geneva from June 27 to July 6 to guage the dangers related to aspartame.

    It concluded that the information it evaluated indicated “no reason to change” the appropriate each day consumption (ADI), established in 1981, of zero to 40 milligrammes of aspartame per kilogramme of physique weight.

    With a can of sugar-free comfortable drink usually containing 200 or 300 mg of aspartame sweetener, an grownup weighing 70 kg would subsequently must devour greater than 9 to 14 cans per day to exceed the ADI, assuming no further aspartame consumption from different sources.

    According to WHO, aspartame is a synthetic (chemical) sweetener that’s broadly utilized in numerous meals and beverage merchandise ever for the reason that Eighties. It is utilized in eating regimen drinks, chewing gum, gelatin, ice cream, dairy merchandise reminiscent of yoghurt, breakfast cereal, toothpaste, and drugs reminiscent of cough drops and chewable nutritional vitamins. 

    However, WHO additionally stated on Thursday that aspartame, which is thought for its sugar-free properties, is secure in restricted portions and there’s a want for extra investigations on its classification. Aspartame can be recognised as a tabletop sweetener, which is marketed as an acceptable possibility for folks on the lookout for ‘diet,’ ‘zero sugar’ or ‘no’ or ‘low-calorie’ alternate options. 

    In May this 12 months, WHO warned in opposition to synthetic sweeteners stating that these merchandise don’t assist in weight reduction and may enhance the chance of kind 2 diabetes and cardiovascular illnesses. 

    In India, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India has permitted six synthetic sweeteners: saccharin sodium, aspartame, acesulfame potassium, sucralose, neotame, and isomaltulose to be used in meals.

    According to LocalCircles founder Sachin Taparia, “a large number of products are available in the market now, which by default contain artificial sweeteners and are being heavily consumed by not only adults but also children.”

    “Given the apparent misconception among people that artificial sweeteners are less of an evil compared to sugar or honey, the government should mount a campaign to educate people on the issue,” he stated.

    While 42 per cent of respondents of the survey have been from Tier 1 cities, the remainder have been from smaller cities and rural areas, indicating the attain of such meals within the nation.

    (With further inputs from AFP)

    NEW DELHI: Earlier this week, the World Health Organization’s (WHO) most cancers company had deemed the sweetener aspartame — present in eating regimen soda, sugar-free gums and numerous different meals — as a “possible” explanation for most cancers, however stated the designation relies on “limited evidence” and “more research” is required.

    A modern survey by LocalCircles, a group social media platform, has discovered that many Indians generally devour meals with this low-calorie, widespread synthetic sweetener,

    The survey performed on over 23,000 folks from 295 districts in India discovered that one in three of these consuming synthetic sweeteners does so within the type of eating regimen soda drinks and sugar-free gums; 26 per cent took it within the type of vitality drinks, whereas 18 per cent consumed it as sugar-free goodies and ice-creams.googletag.cmd.push(perform() googletag.show(‘div-gpt-ad-8052921-2′); );

    LocalCircles’ survey discovered that 38 per cent of Indians confirmed consuming meals with synthetic sweeteners each month.

    But when knowledgeable of the WHO warning, 91 per cent stated they need meals manufacturers to show the utilization of synthetic sweeteners prominently on the entrance of the pack.

    WHO’s International Agency for Research on Cancer, together with Food and Agriculture Organisation and Joint Expert Committee on Food Additives carried out its first-ever analysis of the carcinogenic degree of aspartame from June 6-13. 

    It was positioned in class Group 2B, based mostly on the restricted proof obtainable, which particularly involved hepatocellular carcinoma — a sort of liver most cancers.

    A second group, JECFA — the Joint Expert Committee on Food Additives shaped by the WHO and its fellow UN company the Food and Agriculture Organization — met in Geneva from June 27 to July 6 to guage the dangers related to aspartame.

    It concluded that the information it evaluated indicated “no reason to change” the appropriate each day consumption (ADI), established in 1981, of zero to 40 milligrammes of aspartame per kilogramme of physique weight.

    With a can of sugar-free comfortable drink usually containing 200 or 300 mg of aspartame sweetener, an grownup weighing 70 kg would subsequently must devour greater than 9 to 14 cans per day to exceed the ADI, assuming no further aspartame consumption from different sources.

    According to WHO, aspartame is a synthetic (chemical) sweetener that’s broadly utilized in numerous meals and beverage merchandise ever for the reason that Eighties. It is utilized in eating regimen drinks, chewing gum, gelatin, ice cream, dairy merchandise reminiscent of yoghurt, breakfast cereal, toothpaste, and drugs reminiscent of cough drops and chewable nutritional vitamins. 

    However, WHO additionally stated on Thursday that aspartame, which is thought for its sugar-free properties, is secure in restricted portions and there’s a want for extra investigations on its classification. Aspartame can be recognised as a tabletop sweetener, which is marketed as an acceptable possibility for folks on the lookout for ‘diet,’ ‘zero sugar’ or ‘no’ or ‘low-calorie’ alternate options. 

    In May this 12 months, WHO warned in opposition to synthetic sweeteners stating that these merchandise don’t assist in weight reduction and may enhance the chance of kind 2 diabetes and cardiovascular illnesses. 

    In India, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India has permitted six synthetic sweeteners: saccharin sodium, aspartame, acesulfame potassium, sucralose, neotame, and isomaltulose to be used in meals.

    According to LocalCircles founder Sachin Taparia, “a large number of products are available in the market now, which by default contain artificial sweeteners and are being heavily consumed by not only adults but also children.”

    “Given the apparent misconception among people that artificial sweeteners are less of an evil compared to sugar or honey, the government should mount a campaign to educate people on the issue,” he stated.

    While 42 per cent of respondents of the survey have been from Tier 1 cities, the remainder have been from smaller cities and rural areas, indicating the attain of such meals within the nation.

    (With further inputs from AFP)

  • Breastfeeding promotion neighborhood says 15 producers violate baby meals authorized tips

    Express News Service

    NEW DELHI: Several baby meals producers are violating authorized tips by using social media to advertise merchandise like toddler milk substitutes, primarily based on a report launched by the Breastfeeding Promotion Network of India (BPNI).

    The report, which flags 15 prime producers, was launched coinciding with world breastfeeding day on May 21.

    BPNI, which has been mandated by the federal authorities as a child welfare NGO to flag such violations, talked about a model new sample has emerged in promoting these merchandise using social media, and unsuspecting influencers have gotten companions in crime.

    Moreover, a couple of of those merchandise are being promoted by celebrities like Bollywood actress Anushka Sharma and Shahid Kapoor’s partner Meera Rajput Kapoor.

    “New tactics of involving celebrities, influencers, mothers, and mother bloggers on Instagram and YouTube is certainly catching on,” talked about the report together with that knowingly or unknowingly, they’re moreover infringing the laws and are liable to be penalized.

    BPNI talked about there isn’t a such factor as a system to look at and look at such violations, which have remained unchecked. The laws prohibits any form of “promotion” of meals merchandise or feeding bottles, along with selling, incentives or straight reaching out to moms, for youths beneath the age of 24 months.

    “Social Media is the new-generation promotion playground of the baby food, bottle and equipment industry; therefore, it must be monitored and notified diligently. Digital technologies used for marketing breastmilk substitutes are proven to be contributing to increasing sales and consumption of baby formula across the world. Our findings confirm WHO’s observations in their reports,” talked about the report “Indian Law Baby Food Offenders.”

    Indian authorities enacted the Infant Milk Substitutes Feeding Bottles, and Infant Foods (Regulation of Production, Supply and Distribution) Act 1992, and Amendment Act 2003 (IMS Act) in an effort to administration promoting of the kid meals as a follow-up to the International Code of Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes and subsequent World Health Assembly resolutions.

    BPNI talked about that such commercials have an effect on mothers as celebrities have an infinite public have an effect on.

    “This is the tip of the iceberg- findings of few concerned people and a comprehensive assessment is needed yearly; the government may consider commissioning a report and allocate funds for this work,” talked about Arun Gupta, one in every of many 4 founder paediatricians of BPNI.

    “Government may launch an investigation as per law into alleged violations through appropriate mechanisms and prosecution if required. Government, through its communication, could encourage citizen reporting of violations; BPNI offers its Mobile App “Stanpan Surakhsha” for this goal,” talked about Gupta, who’s the Central Coordinator of BPNI.

    Speaking with this paper, he talked about, undermining breastfeeding and complementary feeding by industrial have an effect on moreover violates a child’s correct to life and effectively being and the mother’s correct to breastfeed.

    Non-stop promotion continues even after 32 years of the established laws, and new players are rising and promoting their meals merchandise aggressively in India in violation of this laws, he talked about.

    “Mothers do fall prey to their misinformation and profit-driven tactics and the celebrities have huge public influence”, says Nupur Bidla, the nationwide coordinator of BPNI. 

    “Social Media is the new generation promotion playground of the baby food, bottle and equipment industry; therefore, it needs to be monitored and notified diligently”.

    BPNI members proceed to be vigilant about any form of promotion of toddler milk substitutes, toddler meals, or feeding bottles, which can be three merchandise beneath the scope of this laws, Gupta added.

    He talked about they’ve already flagged these 15 violations of assorted sections of the IMS Act by predominant baby meals and feeding-bottle companies and the platforms utilized by them with the union effectively being ministry.

    BPNI has moreover written a letter to Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan and National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR), chief Priyank Kanoongo and has flagged these blatant violations of kid meals laws by these companies.

    NEW DELHI: Several baby meals producers are violating authorized tips by using social media to advertise merchandise like toddler milk substitutes, primarily based on a report launched by the Breastfeeding Promotion Network of India (BPNI).

    The report, which flags 15 prime producers, was launched coinciding with world breastfeeding day on May 21.

    BPNI, which has been mandated by the federal authorities as a child welfare NGO to flag such violations, talked about a model new sample has emerged in promoting these merchandise using social media, and unsuspecting influencers have gotten companions in crime.googletag.cmd.push(carry out() googletag.present(‘div-gpt-ad-8052921-2’); );

    Moreover, a couple of of those merchandise are being promoted by celebrities like Bollywood actress Anushka Sharma and Shahid Kapoor’s partner Meera Rajput Kapoor.

    “New tactics of involving celebrities, influencers, mothers, and mother bloggers on Instagram and YouTube is certainly catching on,” talked about the report together with that knowingly or unknowingly, they’re moreover infringing the laws and are liable to be penalized.

    BPNI talked about there isn’t a such factor as a system to look at and look at such violations, which have remained unchecked. The laws prohibits any form of “promotion” of meals merchandise or feeding bottles, along with selling, incentives or straight reaching out to moms, for youths beneath the age of 24 months.

    “Social Media is the new-generation promotion playground of the baby food, bottle and equipment industry; therefore, it must be monitored and notified diligently. Digital technologies used for marketing breastmilk substitutes are proven to be contributing to increasing sales and consumption of baby formula across the world. Our findings confirm WHO’s observations in their reports,” talked about the report “Indian Law Baby Food Offenders.”

    Indian authorities enacted the Infant Milk Substitutes Feeding Bottles, and Infant Foods (Regulation of Production, Supply and Distribution) Act 1992, and Amendment Act 2003 (IMS Act) in an effort to administration promoting of the kid meals as a follow-up to the International Code of Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes and subsequent World Health Assembly resolutions.

    BPNI talked about that such commercials have an effect on mothers as celebrities have an infinite public have an effect on.

    “This is the tip of the iceberg- findings of few concerned people and a comprehensive assessment is needed yearly; the government may consider commissioning a report and allocate funds for this work,” talked about Arun Gupta, one in every of many 4 founder paediatricians of BPNI.

    “Government may launch an investigation as per law into alleged violations through appropriate mechanisms and prosecution if required. Government, through its communication, could encourage citizen reporting of violations; BPNI offers its Mobile App “Stanpan Surakhsha” for this goal,” talked about Gupta, who’s the Central Coordinator of BPNI.

    Speaking with this paper, he talked about, undermining breastfeeding and complementary feeding by industrial have an effect on moreover violates a child’s correct to life and effectively being and the mother’s correct to breastfeed.

    Non-stop promotion continues even after 32 years of the established laws, and new players are rising and promoting their meals merchandise aggressively in India in violation of this laws, he talked about.

    “Mothers do fall prey to their misinformation and profit-driven tactics and the celebrities have huge public influence”, says Nupur Bidla, the nationwide coordinator of BPNI. 

    “Social Media is the new generation promotion playground of the baby food, bottle and equipment industry; therefore, it needs to be monitored and notified diligently”.

    BPNI members proceed to be vigilant about any form of promotion of toddler milk substitutes, toddler meals, or feeding bottles, which can be three merchandise beneath the scope of this laws, Gupta added.

    He talked about they’ve already flagged these 15 violations of assorted sections of the IMS Act by predominant baby meals and feeding-bottle companies and the platforms utilized by them with the union effectively being ministry.

    BPNI has moreover written a letter to Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan and National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR), chief Priyank Kanoongo and has flagged these blatant violations of kid meals laws by these companies.