Latest news with #IPV
The Hindu
8 hours ago
- Business
- The Hindu
Government plans to wind down National Polio Surveillance Network centres in India
The government has proposed to wind down, in phases, the World Health Organization (WHO)-established National Polio Surveillance Network (NPSN), currently a countrywide network of over 200 units. Experts in the field have commented that the move would be premature and ill-advised at this stage, with India's neighbouring countries still harbouring cases of polio. Staff at the NPSN centres have received a communication from the WHO's representative in India, Roderico H. Ofrin, advising them of an upcoming transition initiated by the government. The transition involves a gradual drawdown of the NPSN units each year — from approximately 280 units in 2024-25 down to 190 in 2025-26, and further to 140 in 2026-27. This is also linked with a corresponding reduction in financial support from the government, according to the communique. The process of transition will begin in June. 'We are not disbanding teams overnight or winding down the network haphazardly; rather, specific units will phase out at set intervals as government systems ramp up and absorb these functions,' Dr. Ofrin said. This will help us ensure that, at any given time, critical surveillance activities continue with minimal or no gaps, he said. While he assured the staff of the NPSN that this would help retain critical surveillance activities, at some point, polio surveillance would be subsumed within the Integrated Diseases Surveillance Programme. But the proposed winding down of a key unit, at a time when global resurgence of polio has been reported, has not gone down well, with either staffers or public health experts. India was declared polio-free in 2014, after three years of no case caused by wild polio virus transmission. The gains came after a full-frontal attack launched on polio, through years of coordinated work and oral polio immunisation campaigns, with a number of organisations collaborating. Jacob John, prominent virologist and vaccine expert, who has been actively involved in polio eradication efforts, including as a member on the National Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation, said he was 'horrified' by the move. 'The world has lots of polio still. It is way too early to upset our current 'steady state',' he added. He pointed out that Afghanistan and Pakistan continued to have polio cases, and that it is too close for comfort, also pointing to the danger of vaccine-derived polio virus. 'For every type 1 wild virus polio in Pakistan, there are about 10-12 circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus polio cases, mostly type 2, globally. After April 2016, we have not immunised children against type 2. In case vaccine derived polio virus is imported into India, widespread transmission and polio cases by the dozen are expected,' Dr. John said. A long-time campaigner for injectable polio vaccines (IPVs), Dr. John suggests that India should first replace oral polio vaccine (OPV) with IPV. After one year, all OPV can be withdrawn. Then, one year later, we can look at dismounting the watch. 'If surveillance is diluted now, we become sitting ducks for the resurgence of polio due to circulating VDPV, type 2 most likely, and type 1 less likely,' Dr. John said. Dr. Ofrin's letter also touches upon job security for existing staff, but the polio surveillance medical officers in the country under the Special Services Agreement, said it's not at all reassuring. 'Each centre has at least four employees. Imagine the number of people who won't have a job,' one doctor said, speaking on condition of anonymity. He also said that, since 2014, the NPSN had been functioning as a unit of the Central government, which expanded the role of the staff to conduct surveillance for measles and rubella, DPT (diphtheria, pertussis or whooping cough, and tetanus), child vaccination, and training the health workforce every time a new vaccine was introduced. He pointed out that there seemed to be no rationale in shutting down these particular centres. 'Vaccine-preventable diseases are a critical area; the country's progress should not be compromised at this stage,' he said.
Cision Canada
13 hours ago
- General
- Cision Canada
Unifor to hold media availability outside N.B. Legislature calling for action on Intimate Partner Violence
FREDERICTON, NB, June 3, 2025 /CNW/ - Unifor will hold a media availability outside the N.B. Legislature as the union leads a one-day Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) Symposium to work with frontline service providers in the province to demand strong leadership from the provincial government. "Unifor is building strong policy demands that recognize the important work of frontline service providers and the action owed to survivors and their families by calling for the New Brunswick government to address the epidemic of Intimate Partner Violence," said Unifor Atlantic Regional Director Jennifer Murray. "We're ready to see New Brunswick lead by tabling legislation to declare IPV an epidemic which will open new avenues for much-needed funding and action." Unifor is Canada's largest union in the private sector, representing 320,000 workers in every major area of the economy. The union advocates for all working people and their rights, fights for equality and social justice in Canada and abroad, and strives to create progressive change for a better future.
Yahoo
14 hours ago
- General
- Yahoo
Unifor to hold media availability outside N.B. Legislature calling for action on Intimate Partner Violence
FREDERICTON, NB, June 3, 2025 /CNW/ - Unifor will hold a media availability outside the N.B. Legislature as the union leads a one-day Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) Symposium to work with frontline service providers in the province to demand strong leadership from the provincial government. "Unifor is building strong policy demands that recognize the important work of frontline service providers and the action owed to survivors and their families by calling for the New Brunswick government to address the epidemic of Intimate Partner Violence," said Unifor Atlantic Regional Director Jennifer Murray. "We're ready to see New Brunswick lead by tabling legislation to declare IPV an epidemic which will open new avenues for much-needed funding and action." WHERE: March from outside the Crowne Plaza Hotel (659 Queen St, Fredericton) to the New Brunswick Legislature (706 Queen Street, Fredericton) for stand-up avail WHEN: Tuesday, June 3, 2025, 12:00 – 12:45 p.m. WHO: Jennifer Murray, Unifor Atlantic Regional Director; union members Unifor is Canada's largest union in the private sector, representing 320,000 workers in every major area of the economy. The union advocates for all working people and their rights, fights for equality and social justice in Canada and abroad, and strives to create progressive change for a better future. SOURCE Unifor View original content to download multimedia:
Entrepreneur
6 days ago
- Business
- Entrepreneur
Preloved Luxury Fashion Brand Ziniosa Raises Funding from Inflection Point Ventures
The fresh capital will be strategically deployed to build a robust core team, strengthen technology, increase brand visibility, and launch Ziniosa's first-ever physical store. You're reading Entrepreneur India, an international franchise of Entrepreneur Media. Ziniosa, a Bengaluru-based preloved luxury fashion platform, has raised an undisclosed amount in funding from Inflection Point Ventures (IPV). The fresh capital will be strategically deployed to build a robust core team, strengthen technology, increase brand visibility, and launch Ziniosa's first-ever physical store—marking a new phase of growth for the fast-scaling startup. "With the support from IPV, we're gearing up to scale Ziniosa across all fronts—expanding our team, strengthening our tech, and opening our first store within the next two years," said Varun Ramani, Co-founder of Ziniosa. "We're also growing our men's category and significantly expanding our product catalogue to meet rising demand." Founded in 2020 by engineers-turned-entrepreneurs Ashri Jaiswal and Varun Ramani, Ziniosa has emerged as India's leading platform for buying and selling authenticated secondhand luxury fashion. Ziniosa offers over 30,000 products from 60+ global luxury brands such as Louis Vuitton, Chanel, and Gucci. Its zero-inventory acquisition model and strict authentication protocols ensure high margins, eliminate counterfeit risks, and foster customer trust. The platform is the exclusive preloved fashion partner on Tata Cliq Luxury, achieving an industry-leading 80% sell-through rate. Ashri Jaiswal, Co-founder of Ziniosa, shared, "The preloved movement is just getting started—and at Ziniosa, we're proud to be leading it as India's fastest-growing, organised platform for luxury resale. We're not just selling fashion; we're changing how India shops." Mitesh Shah, Co-founder of IPV, added, "The thrifting movement is gaining momentum in India. It makes luxury fashion more accessible and encourages mindful consumption. We're thrilled to partner with Ziniosa to fuel this shift."
NDTV
23-05-2025
- Health
- NDTV
Expert Speaks: All About Polio Vaccination
Polio, or poliomyelitis, is a highly infectious viral disease caused by the poliovirus. While many associate it only with paralysis, the virus can also infect children without causing any noticeable symptoms a condition known as asymptomatic polio. These individuals, despite not showing signs of illness, can still spread the virus, making them silent carriers and posing a risk to public health. While there is no cure, vaccination is the best way to prevent polio. Understanding the importance of polio vaccine Polio vaccination is the only effective way to prevent the disease, especially in children. Polio can present in three main forms: Asymptomatic infection - where the person shows no symptoms but can transmit the virus. Non-paralytic polio - symptoms may include fever, headache, vomiting, fatigue, stiffness in the neck, and pain in the limbs. Paralytic polio - the most severe form, resulting in permanent muscle weakness or paralysis, typically in the legs. Once paralysis occurs, there is no treatment that can reverse it. Physiotherapy may help improve mobility, but full recovery is rare. As there is no cure for polio, prevention through vaccination is critical. The vaccine not only protects children from paralysis but also reduces the overall presence of the virus in the community. Why polio vaccination is essential for the society Vaccinating children helps break the chain of transmission. Since the poliovirus spreads via the fecal-oral route mainly through contaminated food and water and poor sanitation and hygiene can accelerate its spread. In communities with high vaccination coverage, the virus cannot find new hosts, effectively containing and eventually eradicating it. It's very important to not miss it so that our country remains Polio free (Polio was eradicated in March 2014) Children are the most vulnerable group, particularly under the age of five. If polio re-emerges in a society due to low vaccination rates, it can hinder societal development, put public health systems under strain, and even paralyze productivity, especially in epidemics. Types of polio vaccines and their role There are two main types of polio vaccines: Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV): This is a live, attenuated vaccine given by mouth. It not only protects the vaccinated children but also helps build herd immunity by spreading to others through the stool, thereby exposing others to a weakened virus that triggers immunity. Inactivated Polio Vaccine (IPV): Given as an injection, this contains a killed version of the virus. It is safe, highly effective, and does not carry a risk of vaccine-derived polio. During pulse immunization drives, it is crucial that every child under the age of five receives the vaccine. Parents must ensure they take their children to the nearest vaccination centre. Health officials often visit residential buildings to administer these doses. It's important not to skip the pulse polio dose, even if your child is already following the routine national immunization schedule. These additional doses are administered in response to suspected cases or potential threats in the community, and are essential to prevent the spread of infection and protect every child. Ring immunisation is when there is a suspected case and pulse immunisation is given irrespective of cases on a regular basis. Recommended age and schedule for polio vaccination The polio vaccination schedule typically includes a combination of OPV and IPV: At Birth: One dose of Oral Polio Vaccine. 6, 10, and 14 weeks: Injectable Inactivated Polio Vaccine (IPV) given at each of these intervals. Booster Dose: At 18 months of age. Additional Dose: In areas with poor hygiene or risk of outbreak, another dose may be given at 5 years of age. By 18 months, a child should have completed the primary vaccination schedule. However, continued surveillance and booster doses, especially in high-risk areas, are vital to prevent any resurgence. (Dr. Preetha Joshi, Consultant, Neonatal, Pediatric and Cardiac Intensivist, Kokilaben Dhriubhai Ambani Hospital, Mumbai) Disclaimer: The opinions expressed within this article are the personal opinions of the author. NDTV is not responsible for the accuracy, completeness, suitability, or validity of any information on this article. All information is provided on an as-is basis. The information, facts or opinions appearing in the article do not reflect the views of NDTV and NDTV does not assume any responsibility or liability for the same.
