
Kerala has 571 on Nipah contact list, 27 at highest risk, says Health Minister
According to the health department, 27 people in the state fall under the highest risk category, while 78 are considered high risk.The health minister chaired a meeting with top officials, including the Additional Chief Secretary of Health, NHM State Mission Director, Directors of Health and Medical Education, District Collectors, police officials, and other department heads, to assess the situation and coordinate containment measures.The intensified surveillance follows the second Nipah-related death reported in Kerala last week. A 57-year-old man from Mannarkkad in Palakkad died after developing severe respiratory distress, initial tests confirmed Nipah infection.Earlier, a death was reported in Malappuram this year. In 2024, the state also saw another death linked to Nipah virus complications.Health officials continue to urge vigilance and adherence to protocols to prevent further spread.- EndsMust Watch
IN THIS STORY#Kerala

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Time of India
19 hours ago
- Time of India
10.18 crore women screened for cervical cancer under Ayushman Arogya Mandirs and NHM
New Delhi: The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has achieved a major milestone in women's health, with over 10.18 crore women aged 30 years and above screened for cervical cancer across the country. This achievement is part of the population-based initiative for screening, prevention, and management of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs), being implemented under the National Health Mission (NHM) through the Ayushman Arogya Mandirs (AAMs). The screening programme targets women in the 30 to 65 years age group, using the Visual Inspection with Acetic Acid (VIA) method. Screenings are primarily conducted at Sub-Health Centres and Primary Health Centres under AAMs by trained health workers. Women who test VIA-positive are referred to higher centres for diagnostic confirmation and further evaluation. At the grassroots level, Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs) play a vital role in identifying individuals at risk using the Community-Based Assessment Checklist (CBAC) and facilitating their participation in screening and check-ups at AAMs. ASHAs also help generate awareness about the importance of early detection and adopting a healthy lifestyle. Promotion of wellness activities and targeted communication campaigns at the community level further support the preventive aspect of cancer control. Events such as National Cancer Awareness Day and World Cancer Day are observed regularly. Additionally, the use of print, electronic, and social media platforms ensures continuous public engagement on NCDs, including cervical cancer. Under NHM, States and Union Territories are provided with dedicated funds for awareness generation activities as per their Program Implementation Plans (PIPs). To accelerate screening coverage, the Ministry had launched a time-bound NCD Screening Campaign from February 20 to March 31, 2025, focusing on individuals aged 30 years and above. The campaign played a crucial role in achieving the current milestone. As of 20th July 2025, data from the National NCD Portal indicates that 10.18 crore women out of an eligible population of 25.42 crore females aged 30 years and above have been screened for cervical cancer, reflecting the government's strong commitment to comprehensive and preventive healthcare delivery through Ayushman Arogya Mandirs. The Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Prataprao Jadhav, stated this in a written reply in the Lok Sabha on Friday.


Hindustan Times
a day ago
- Hindustan Times
400 frontline forest staff identified for zoonotic disease screening
PUNE: In a bid to enhance early detection and raise awareness about zoonotic diseases, nearly 400 forest and zoo staff members in Maharashtra have been shortlisted for medical screening. Registration for the screening process will begin soon, followed by a series of medical tests. The initiative aims to safeguard both wildlife and human populations by identifying potential risks of disease transmission among individuals most frequently in contact with animals. In a bid to enhance early detection and raise awareness about zoonotic diseases, nearly 400 forest and zoo staff members in Maharashtra have been shortlisted. ((PIC FOR REPRESENTATION)) Launched in January of this year, the program titled 'Building a Surveillance Model for Detecting Zoonotic Spillover in Increased Bird-Human Interaction Settings' adopts the one Health approach, a concept recognising the interconnection between people, animals, plants, and their shared environment. This pioneering project is a joint effort by the Maharashtra Forest Department, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), the National Institute of Virology (NIV), Pune, and Symbiosis International University. The program focuses on developing a real-time surveillance model to monitor zoonotic spillovers among frontline forest staff, zoo workers, bird sanctuary staff, and residents living near wetlands. Zoonotic diseases—those transmitted from animals to humans—are emerging as a significant global health threat. Notable examples include the Nipah virus, Ebola, Zika, SARS-CoV-2, Avian Influenza Virus (AIV), and Monkeypox. Despite the growing threat of zoonotic infections in India, scientists have noted a lack of comprehensive data on such diseases within the country. Since its launch, several awareness and sensitisation programs have already been conducted in districts such as Satara, Ahilyanagar, Solapur, and Junnar. Dr Satish Pande, a conservationist and researcher leading the sensitisation program, shared that the response to the initiative has been overwhelmingly positive. Following the sensitisation sessions, many frontline workers expressed eagerness to enrol. To date, 400 staff members have been identified for enrollment, with the registration process still ongoing. Once registration is complete, participants will undergo medical check-ups, including blood tests, to assess if they have been exposed to any viral infections via the presence of antibodies. Following the initial assessments, the health of each participant will be monitored over the next three years. In Maharashtra, four wild animals—including three tigers and one leopard—have died this year due to Avian influenza. Across India, at least three human deaths linked to zoonotic diseases have been reported. These cases highlight the increasing concern over zoonotic infections, particularly as viruses continue to breach species barriers. Frontline workers, who have frequent contact with both animals and local communities, are emerging as a potential link in the transmission chain. Dr Pande emphasised that this program will provide close health monitoring for these key personnel, making a significant contribution to both wildlife conservation and public health safety.


Time of India
2 days ago
- Time of India
Over 200 cancer day care centres to be established across India: Government
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