Urgently scale-up research and innovation to end TB: WHO
'In our Region alone, nearly 5 million people developed TB and close to 600,000 died from the disease in 2023,' said Dr Catharina Boehme, Officer-in-Charge, WHO South-East Asia Region.
Calling for urgent action, she said, 'Achieving the ambitious targets in the WHO End TB Strategy requires collaboration to accelerate research and innovation. It requires the adoption and use of new tools, technologies, and drugs. Ensuring timely and equitable access to these innovations remains critical to achieving impacts at scale, leaving no one behind.'
While the Region, which includes India, recorded a significant increase in TB case notifications in 2023 - signalling recovery after COVID-19-related setbacks - progress remains insufficient to meet the End TB Strategy targets aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals, which call for a 90 per cent reduction in TB deaths and an 80 per cent reduction in incidence by 2030, compared to 2015 levels.
India aims to eliminate TB by 2025, ahead of the global target.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
THIS viral infection can cause cancer: How to stay safe
The World Health Organization (WHO) and International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), have officially classified Hepatitis D virus (HDV) as a cancer-causing agent in humans. The WHO and IARC officially classify HDV as a major cause of liver cancer worldwide, alongside HBV and HCV. To protect your liver health, you need to understand HDV's nature, as well as its cancer-causing mechanisms, symptoms, risk factors and preventive measures. Let's dig deeper... What is Hepatitis D virus Hepatitis D virus is a small defective virus, which requires hepatitis B virus (HBV) to attack and multiply inside liver cells of humans. This virus cannot independently infect any person. The Hepatitis D virus takes advantage of hepatitis B infection processes, to perform its cycle. People with existing hepatitis B infections or dual HBV and HDV infections, become the only targets for HDV infection. The combined viral infections result in a more severe medical condition than HBV infections would produce by themselves. The virus exists throughout the world, yet it appears more frequently in Asian and African territories, along with Eastern European areas. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like The Most Successful Way of Intraday Trading is "Market Profile" TradeWise Learn More Undo How does HDV cause liver cancer The virus causes liver cancer (hepatocellular carcinoma, HCC) through cell damage that alters cell growth patterns and division processes. The joint action of HDV and HBV causes liver inflammation, which over time, progresses to cirrhosis, and eventually leads to cancer development. The molecular signature of liver cancer linked to HDV infection stands apart from liver cancers developed from HBV or HCV infections, according to current scientific studies. Some key ways HDV promotes cancer include Genetic instability: HDV damages DNA molecules and disrupts cellular repair processes, which result in genetic material errors that lead to liver cell malignancies. The viral proteins of HDV trigger cell growth pathways, while simultaneously activating survival mechanisms and inflammation response. The reactive oxygen species levels increase, when HDV proteins are present which also triggers STAT-3 and NF-kB signaling molecules, to promote cancer cell development and survival. Epigenetic changes: HDV affects proteins that control gene expression (without changing DNA code), helping abnormal cell growth. Fibrosis becomes more severe under HDV infection, through TGF-β molecule activation, which leads to tissue scarring. The development of liver cancer becomes much more likely when patients have cirrhosis. HDV causes liver damage independently from HBV through distinct molecular pathways, which makes HDV infection particularly dangerous for liver health. Symptoms and risks of HDV infection The detection of HDV becomes challenging because its symptoms match other liver disease symptoms. Common signs include: Feeling very tired or weak Nausea and loss of appetite Pain or discomfort in the upper right belly Dark urine Yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice) HDV infection that continues chronically, results in major liver damage, cirrhosis and liver cancer development beyond HBV infection alone. The development of cirrhosis occurs in 80% of people with chronic HDV infection, which dramatically increases their risk for liver cancer and liver failure. The co-existence of HDV and HBV in patients leads to accelerated liver disease progression, which requires urgent detection and treatment because of its severe consequences. How is Hepatitis D Virus transmitted The transmission of HDV occurs primarily through blood and bodily fluid contact, which shares similarities with HBV transmission. This can happen due to: Sharing needles or syringes Unsafe medical procedures or transfusions Sexual contact with an infected person From mother to baby during birth (less common) Hepatitis D infection prevention depends on hepatitis B virus vaccination, because HDV cannot replicate without HBV. Prevention and treatment Hepatitis B vaccination: The complete hepatitis B vaccination series offers full protection against hepatitis B and hepatitis D infections because HDV requires HBV to infect. People can reduce their exposure to the virus, through needle-sharing prevention, safe sexual conduct and screened blood products. People with hepatitis B need to undergo testing for HDV infection, especially when their liver disease shows rapid deterioration. The current treatment options for HDV are very scarce. The development of new medication bulevirtide, focuses on blocking HDV entry into liver cells. The main focus should remain on controlling HBV infections alongside liver health support. Why is this WHO classification important The WHO and IARC classification of HDV as a cancer-causing agent demonstrates the severe health dangers this virus presents to individuals. HDV infection: This virus leads to more severe liver cancer development, at a faster rate than HBV alone. The global community needs to increase awareness about HDV, and develop better testing methods while implementing specific treatment protocols. Preventive HBV vaccination remains the primary strategy Governments , together with health organisations, should make hepatitis D a priority in their public health strategies to decrease worldwide liver cancer deaths. Sources: Diaz G et al., Molecular Signature and Mechanisms of Hepatitis D Virus–Associated Hepatocellular Carcinoma, PMC (2018) Farci P, Hepatitis D Virus and Hepatocellular Carcinoma, PMC (2021) World Journal of Gastroenterology, Hepatitis D and hepatocellular carcinoma (2015) WHO Fact Sheet, Hepatitis D (2025) WHO News, WHO announces hepatitis D as carcinogenic (2025)
Economic Times
2 hours ago
- Economic Times
A microwave reflection reality check pushed her to lose 25 kg. Here's how she did it the old-fashioned way
Synopsis During the Covid lockdown in May 2020, Emma Watson from Aberdeen decided to change her lifestyle. She weighed 78.5 kg and felt uncomfortable. Emma started counting calories and exercising. She used MyFitnessPal and a smartwatch to track her progress. She lost weight and now weighs 53 kg. Emma feels more confident and energetic. She advises others to make sustainable changes. iStock During the Covid-19 lockdown, Emma Watson from Aberdeen, motivated by her reflection, embarked on a weight loss journey. Eschewing fad diets, she adopted calorie counting, portion control, and increased physical activity, including intermittent fasting. (Image: iStock) When the Covid-19 lockdown brought life to a standstill in May 2020, Emma Watson from Aberdeen found herself facing a moment that would change her life — and it happened in her kitchen. The 34-year-old accountant, who then weighed 78.5 kg, had been aware of slow weight gain over the years. But it wasn't until she caught her own reflection in the dark glass of her microwave door that she realised she had crossed into obesity. 'I just looked at myself and thought, this is the heaviest I've ever been,' Emma told Daily Record . 'Something clicked inside me. I didn't like how I carried my weight, I didn't feel confident. My thighs rubbed, my face was chubby, and I felt uncomfortable in my own skin. Everything in the world felt out of control at that time, but this was something I could control.' Emma admits she never had a 'bad relationship' with food, but a lifelong sweet tooth meant chocolate and cakes often took priority over healthier meals. As a child, her parents kept her diet balanced, but when she started shopping for herself, the nutritional quality slipped. 'I definitely didn't make the healthiest choices in those first few years,' she said. Instead of opting for extreme diets or quick fixes, Emma decided to take what she calls 'the old-fashioned route' — counting calories, measuring portions, and moving more. Using MyFitnessPal, she tracked everything she ate and calculated her total daily energy expenditure, ensuring she stayed in a calorie deficit. She weighed every meal, bought a smartwatch to monitor her heart rate, sleep, and steps, and started walking regularly. Gradually, she introduced intermittent fasting, limiting her eating window from midday to 8 pm. The result? A drop to 53 kg and a clothing size shift from UK 16 to UK 8. Emma says the change wasn't just about looks — her energy levels soared, she slept more soundly, and even her walks felt easier. 'I'm much more confident when I look in the mirror now,' she shared. The transformation also inspired friends and family, some of whom are now following her approach. While proud of her achievement, Emma is quick to warn others against quick-result diets. 'It's a marathon, not a sprint. You didn't gain the weight in 30 days, so it's not coming off in 30 days,' she advised in her Daily Record interview. She encourages small, sustainable changes, regular 'maintenance breaks,' and avoiding over-restriction. And as for that microwave moment? Emma says she'll never forget it. 'It was the turning point. Sometimes the smallest reflections can lead to the biggest changes.'
Economic Times
2 hours ago
- Economic Times
US hit by summer Covid surge? Check states on high-risk list, symptoms and preventive measures
Synopsis The US is experiencing a summer surge in COVID-19 cases, with infections rising in 40 states, particularly in the South and West. New variants like Nimbus and Stratus are driving the increase, causing symptoms similar to previous Omicron strains. The symptoms of Covid include sore throat, fever of chills, headache and more. Reuters Covid-19 is trending up in many mid-Atlantic, Southeast, Southern, and West Coast states Is the United States seeing a surge in the Covid cases during the Summer season? The answer is Yes. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the US is currently experiencing a summer surge in infections.A summer wave of Covid-19 appears to be sweeping across the United States of America, with data showing cases are rising in the country and emergency room visits are up among all age groups. The number of people with COVID-19 in the U.S. is low but increasing, according to CDC data released recently. Covid-19 is trending up in many mid-Atlantic, Southeast, Southern, and West Coast states, reported The Hill. The agency said infections are 'growing or likely growing' in 40 states, based on emergency department visit data as of July 29. Infections were unchanged in nine states.A recent uptick in transmission fueled by highly contagious new variants is causing an increasing number of Americans to come down with sore throats, fevers and other COVID symptoms. The CDC has flagged that the weekly percentage of emergency department visits among people diagnosed with COVID-19 is low but growing. Visits were highest for children younger than 4 years old, which experts said makes sense because many remain unvaccinated. ALSO READ: $1,702 stimulus check in August: Last chance to apply for PDF closes soon. Check key dates, eligibility, tax implication Although the CDC says the level of COVID viral activity in wastewater remains 'low' nationally, at least 10 states are reporting "high" or "very high" levels as of July 12. Hard-hit states include California, Florida and Texas. The CDC reports that coronavirus viral activity in wastewater is currently low nationwide, with only Alabama, Florida, Kentucky, Louisiana, California, Alaska, and Texas recording 'high' or 'very high' levels."We are seeing an increase in COVID-19 with higher SARS-CoV-2 virus activity in wastewater and small rise in COVID-19 hospitalizations," Dr. Albert Ko, professor of public health, epidemiology and medicine at Yale School of Public Health, tells virus that causes COVID-19, called SARS-CoV-2, continues to mutate, giving rise to highly transmissible new variants that have evolved to better evade immunity. These include NB.1.8.1 aka "Nimbus," which causes a painful 'razor blade throat." Nimbus is now the dominant variant in the U.S., accounting for 43% of cases as of June 21, per the latest CDC a new variant with a similar cloud-themed nickname, XFG, aka "Stratus," is spreading rapidly worldwide and causing an increasing proportion of cases in the U.S. Stratus is now the third most prevalent strain, nationally.'NB.1.18.1 (Nimbus) and XFG (Stratus) appear to be more transmissible compared to other variants,' says Ko. ALSO READ: Teens can be ICE agents as US drops age cap. Check eligibility criteria, benefits and more The recent rise in COVID-19 cases marks the beginning of an expected summer wave in the U.S., Dr. William Schaffner, professor of infectious diseases at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, told the past four years, there have been two waves of COVID each year. It's like a two-hump camel. There's the summer wave that abates in the fall, and then the winter wave,' says Schaffner. Covid activity tends to ramp up in the mid-summer, when travel peaks and people are increasingly gathering indoors in the air-conditioning.'We have been anticipating this rise, and this is just about the time when we would expect to see it,' Schaffner present, Covid-19 cases are highest in the West and South, but this may change as the summer wave continues, experts say. The list of affected states are:ConnecticutDelawareFloridaGeorgiaIndianaKentuckyLouisianaMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriNew JerseyNew YorkNorth CarolinaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaSouth CarolinaTennesseeTexasUtahVirginiaWashingtonWisconsinAdditionally, wastewater surveillance data from the CDC as of July 29 show the states with the highest wastewater levels of SARS-CoV-2 are Alabama, Alaska, California, Delaware, Florida, Hawaii. Kentucky, Louisiana and Texas. ALSO READ: Deadly Legionnaire's disease outbreak in New York kills 3 and symptoms are similar to Covid. How you can protect yourself The Stratus and Nimbus variants appear to be causing symptoms similar to those caused by recent omicron throatFever or chillsCoughShortness of breathHeadacheMuscle achesCongestion or runny noseFatigueNew loss of sense of smell or tasteNausea or vomitingDiarrheaDuring a summer surge, there are simple actions people can take to protect themselves and others from COVID-19, the experts up to date on COVID if you have symptoms or a COVID if you're an N95 mask in crowded, indoor social distancing.
