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New Indian Express
4 days ago
- Health
- New Indian Express
One-third of world's tobacco users in Southeast Asia; prevalence of smokeless tobacco use high: WHO
NEW DELHI: With one-third of the world's tobacco users, Southeast Asia is the epicentre of the global tobacco epidemic, said the WHO on the occasion of World No Tobacco Day on Friday. Most concerning is the prevalence of smokeless tobacco use, with the Region accounting for over 280 million users, or 77% of the global total, the World Health Organisation said. 'Tobacco use remains the single most preventable cause of death worldwide and is a leading risk factor for noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) such as heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and chronic respiratory illness,' said Saima Wazed, Regional Director for the WHO South-East Asia Region. She said the Region, which includes India, continues to bear a mammoth share of the global tobacco burden, with some 411 million adult tobacco users across the eleven countries. Yet, she said, there is a reason to be hopeful. Between 2000 and 2022, tobacco use among adult men and women in the region declined from 68.9% to 43.7%, and from 33.5% to 9.4% respectively, she said. 'These significant reductions are the result of sustained, evidence-based tobacco control efforts led by governments, civil society, and public health advocates. Our collective resolve is paying off. We are on track to meet the NCD Global Target of a 30% relative reduction in tobacco use prevalence by 2025 among people aged 15 years and older, compared to 2010 levels. In fact, we are projected to achieve a 34% reduction, a rare and remarkable accomplishment,' she said. However, these gains must not breed complacency, she said.
India Gazette
4 days ago
- Health
- India Gazette
WHO urges members to curb tobacco consumption under
New Delhi [India], May 30 (ANI): World No Tobacco Day, marked annually on 31 May, addresses a major public health challenge--the persistent burden of tobacco use. This year's theme, 'Unmasking the Appeal' compels us to expose the deceptive marketing tactics and manipulative strategies employed by the tobacco industry, especially those targeting our youth and women, a statement by Saima Wazed, Regional Director for WHO South-East Asia said. Tobacco use remains the single most preventable cause of death worldwide and is a leading risk factor for noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) such as heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and chronic respiratory illness. Our Region continues to bear a mammoth share of the global tobacco burden, with some 411 million adult tobacco users across our eleven countries. With one-third of the world's tobacco users, South-East Asia is the epicentre of the global tobacco epidemic. Most concerning is the prevalence of smokeless tobacco use, with the Region accounting for over 280 million users, or 77% of the global total, the statement said. The statement says, despite these alarming figures, we have reason to be hopeful. Between 2000 and 2022, tobacco use among adult men and women in the region declined from 68.9% to 43.7%, and from 33.5% to 9.4%, respectively. These significant reductions are the result of sustained, evidence-based tobacco control efforts led by governments, civil society, and public health advocates. Our collective resolve is paying off. We are on track to meet the NCD Global Target of a 30% relative reduction in tobacco use prevalence by 2025 among people aged 15 years and older, compared to 2010 levels. In fact, we are projected to achieve a 34% reduction, a rare and remarkable accomplishment. However, these gains must not breed complacency, the statement read. Tobacco remains an ever-evolving and formidable threat. We now face aggressive industry marketing of new and emerging nicotine and tobacco products (NENTPs) -- such as electronic cigarettes, heated tobacco products, and flavoured nicotine pouches. These are being disguised as safer alternatives and deliberately targeted at children and adolescents. An estimated 11 million adolescents aged 13-15 years are already addicted to tobacco products in our region, nearly 30% of the global total in this age group. The theme of World No Tobacco Day 2025 urges us to unmask these dangerous industry ploys. Flavoured nicotine and tobacco products, attractive packaging, influencer endorsements on social media, and misleading health claims are tools of manipulation designed to recruit new users and keep existing users addicted. The statement called on the countries to take bold actions, including: strengthening implementation of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) and MPOWER provisions, enforcing comprehensive bans on NENTPs, expanding quality tobacco cessation services, and protecting health policies from tobacco industry interference in line with Article 5.3 of the WHO FCTC. The list further added- countering surrogate advertising and misleading promotion of smokeless tobacco and arecanut products, and investing in youth-led campaigns, peer education, and school health programs to build tobacco resistance and prevent initiation. WHO urged its Member States to invest in disaggregated data collection, strengthen research on local tobacco trends and their determinants, and enhance the enforcement of tobacco control laws on the ground to close regulatory loopholes and stay ahead of evolving industry malpractices. The WHO says, Tobacco use not only kills prematurely -- it deepens poverty, damages the environment, and burdens families and health systems. This World No Tobacco Day is a call for vigilance and action. Let us work together to 'unmask the appeal' of tobacco in all its forms and reveal its true face: disease, death, and despair. Together, we can create a future where our children live free from the shadow of tobacco and enjoy healthier, longer lives. (ANI)
The Hindu
27-05-2025
- Health
- The Hindu
Health Matters Newsletter: How to stay ready for future pandemics
It's time to address the elephant in the room: for a few weeks now, that elephant has been COVID-19. For some time now, the number of confirmed COVID cases have been rising in certain parts of the world, particularly in South East Asia. Meanwhile, India which had very nearly stopped routine testing for suspected COVID infections also picked up the cue, and began testing for the condition. A slow, and gradual increase was noticed, over the weeks. Bindu Shajan Perappadan recorded that the Active Covid cases in India had climbed to 1009 this week. About 305 people had been treated, and there were seven deaths last week. What followed the news on rise in cases in South east asia was a great deal of panic reporting by sections of the media. Every case has been breathlessly reported, while forgetting that for a country with a 1.2 billion people, the current number of cases is hardly even a blip on the radar. Of course, the price of having gone through one ghastly pandemic is eternal vigilance, and we have learnt that the hard way. There is no doubt that testing has to be scaled up, vaccines and boosters should be made available again to all those who require it, and hospitals need to gear up in order to face a large scale crisis if one were to emerge in the future. Do read Saima Wazed's important piece, in this context: A medical oxygen access gap SE Asia must bridge . South Asia and East Asia and the Pacific have the highest unfulfilled demand for medical oxygen (the oxygen service coverage gap in these two regions is 78% and 74% respectively), and there is a clear and urgent need for action to rectify this. But, and this is key: there is not yet a COVID crisis in the country. Numbers still continue to be in the 100s range and most people seem to recover without major, notable complications. INSACOG has reported that most of the Sar-CoV-2 samples sequenced in India over the last couple of weeks were BA.2 and JN.1 variants, milder variants with home care sufficient for those who test positive. Officials in the Health Ministry also confirmed that there was no indication that the current variants cause more severe disease, but also that it was not more tranmissible than previously. However, as we learnt the last time, it is important to take care of people who are more vulnerable, have a robust surveillance network for picking up influenza like illnesses, and respiratory conditions. For an explainer on What's behind the recent Covid-19 spike in India? , hit the link. Amidst all this, that the WHO members adopted the 'pandemic agreement' born out of disjointed global COVID response came as good news. In short, the World Health Organization's member countries on approved an agreement to better prevent, prepare for and respond to future pandemics in the wake of the devastation wrought by the coronavirus. The treaty guarantees that countries which share virus samples will receive tests, medicines and vaccines. Up to 20 % of such products would be given to the WHO to ensure poorer countries have some access to them when the next pandemic hits. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has touted the agreement as 'historic' and a sign of multilateralism at a time when many countries are putting national interests ahead of shared values and cooperation. While the effectiveness of the treaty is being undermined by the United States opting to sit this one out, it augurs well that other nations have come together to offer a broad swathe of protection to even people in nations who may not be able to afford the cost of newer vaccines or diagnostic facilities. Working on the principle, not of charity, but of the entrenched belief in public health that no one is safe until every one is safe, this pandemic agreement could make the difference between life and death for some people, in a crisis. Incidentally, India reaffirms commitment to global health at World Health Assembly . India addressed the plenary session of the 78th World Health Assembly on Wednesday, (May 21, 2025) reaffirming its commitment to global health equity under the theme 'One World for Health', while reaffirming its faith in working together with other nations. Staying on COVID, before we meander into the jungle of health news, FDA panel is split on updates to COVID shots as questions loom for fall vaccinations . Agencies reported that government advisors were split on whether drugmakers need to update their COVID-19 vaccines for next season, a decision overshadowed by confusion over a new Trump administration policy that may limit which Americans can get the shots. Earlier, the FDA said routine vaccine approvals will be limited to seniors and younger people with underlying medical risks, pending new research for healthy adults and children. In other news on the infectious diseases front, we hear from Tamil Nadu that the State government has decided to expand its vaccination coverage, after a study flagged a rise in Japanese encephalitis cases . There has been a noticeable increase in cases (more than five cases) in districts outside of endemic areas such as Chennai, Kanchipuram, Chengalpattu and Tenkasi, the study found, spurring the government to action. Soujanya Padikkal writes in the epaper on the newer antibiotics in the market and the emergent resistant strains too. As we continue to tackle the challenges of antimicrobial resistance, time to factor in newer, emergent issues , she says, while talking about the newer antibiotics molecules in the market and the pipeline. After nearly 30 years, new antibiotics are now available, and that does provide more tools in the armamentarium, but neither are our older microbial resistance issues in the part nor are our newer drugs immune to resistance. A tough task at hand for the government, which is being looked up to, to lead antibiotics stewardship. Last week, I wrote about the Second Lancet Commission on adolescent health . It has recorded some gains; particularly in survival, but indicates need for more investments, laws to ensure the wellbeing of the largest bulwark of adolescents we will every have. There are several areas of concern mentioned, including climate change, the poverty of data, the impact of social media, non communicable diseases creeping up early, all impinging on the physical and mental health of adolescents and youth. Relatedly, Dr. Pushkala M.S. examines why obesity in children is a growing concern in India . Two concerns present themselves - unhealthy diet choices, and lack of physical activity and will have to be addressed in a wholesome manner. Athira Elssa Johnson and Meghna M. write a detailed piece on why the CBSE's sugar board mandate is a starting point for integrating nutrition education into school curricula. The most effective interventions during childhood are eventually those that have been inculcated at the school. Dr. Maria Antony's article on how preferring Screentime over playtime will impact on children's mental health is an article every parent should read. Dr. V. Mohan writes an elaborate article on prevention of diabetes, much before it begins, here . He explains that there are four types of prevention. Primordial prevention refers to a reduction of risk factors for diabetes such as obesity or physical inactivity, thereby decreasing the risk of developing prediabetes or diabetes in the future. Primary is prevention (or postponement) of diabetes in those in a pre-diabetes stage, while secondary prevention refers to the prevention of complications of diabetes in those who have already developed diabetes. There is also tertiary prevention which is used to describe limiting physical disability and preventing progression to end-stage complications in those who have already developed some complications of diabetes. Fitness coach Raj Ganpath chimes in about what it is that prevents India from exercising enough and why this needs to change . He reasons that we come from a past of heavy physical labour and simple eating. While the concept of exercising did exist in a certain quarter, it was not essential to the culture or the society, because of the rather tough labour day most people had to endure. R. Sujatha, meanwhile, had a piece following up on the WHO's advisory on using low sodium salt substitutes: Apparently, these are yet to take off in Chennai . Keith Diaz, in a piece in The Conversation, also brings up the newer paradigm: Sitting is the new smoking! Too much sitting increases risk of future health problems in chest pain patients, as per new research. Adding to the stress and the causative factors for the onset of non communicable diseases is the lack of sleep - another plague of modernity. Here, Dr. N. Ramakrishnan explains Why poor sleep and sleep deprivation are under-recognised public health issues . Onto yet another kind of stress - this time, heat related. In a full-pager, Nandita Shivakumar and Apekshita Varshney ventured inside i nside Tamil Nadu's textile factories where they found women reel under harsh summer heat . There is certainly a major role for private factory managements and the government to ensure that effective cooling relief for their women workers, but it is also the responsibility of the global brands who contract work out to these units to ensure that the workers are in good health, they argue. It turns out not just the women in the factories, about 3/4th of India's population is at 'high' to 'very high' heat risk. A CEEW study identified Delhi, Maharashtra, Goa, Kerala, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, as among the top 10 regions at highest heat risk. This is not going away with the monsoon showers. It will keep coming back in greater power, possibly, year on year, so it is best to prepare ourselves against the onslaught of the weather. Have you heard of using oral sunscreens as sunblocks? Well, dermatologists say it is a myth . Dermatologists emphasise that supplements marketed as oral sunscreens are only supportive therapies and should never replace broad-spectrum topical sunscreen. In an interesting development, an ICMR-funded trial led by CMC Vellore found that CAR-T therapy can be safely manufactured at hospital ; and experts have called for Early medical care for pelvic organ prolapse symptoms in order to improve the quality of life of women. Tailpiece Cat stories and jumbo stories pick themselves as internet's favourites. And here, this jumbo story is part of our tailpiece as well. Did you read about how 400 pills a day have to be fed to elephants with TB in Pakistan . This involves administering the tablets — the same as those used to treat TB in humans — hidden inside food ranging from apples and bananas to Pakistani sweets. Explainers Dr. C. Aravinda tries to explain the biology behind sterilisation: Going beyond the blame game: understanding sterilisation and its limits Zubeda Hamid examines, on the lines of the U.S. Health Secretary RFK Jr.'s autism research push, what is actually needed for autism care? Geetha Srimathi in the All you need to know about series, writes about Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus while Meenakshy S. writes vitiligo P.S. Niranjana explains the history behind the iconic Caduceus symbol . Manjeera Gowravaram asks: Does neurodegeneration start when blood vessels are damaged? Also read: Abhinay Lakshman Union government to launch fresh round of a nationwide survey to examine patterns of substance use Dr. Monisha Madhumita Beyond fairness: marking International Skin Pigmentation Day with awareness and acceptance Afshan Yasmeen Dementia — the urgent need for India to invest in elder care Unregulated hair transplant practices in India: experts raise health and medical ethics concerns Science quiz: On digestive health Study validates India's first ICMR-SCD Stigma Scale for sickle cell diseas e India partners with WHO to mainstream Ayush globally through agreement on traditional medicine interventions For many more health stories, head to our health page and subscribe to the health newsletter here.
Sinar Daily
25-05-2025
- Health
- Sinar Daily
Hypertension remains major public health challenge in South-East Asia
Hypertension remains a leading contributor to premature mortality from heart attacks and strokes in our region. 24 May 2025 01:01pm Photo for illustration purpose only. - 123RF file photo GENEVA - Hypertension continues to be a major public health challenge - a silent killer that affects over 294 million people across the WHO South-East Asia Region, the Emirates News Agency (WAM) reported. ''Modifiable behavioural risk factors such as tobacco and alcohol use, high salt intake, physical inactivity, unhealthy diets, and mental stress continue to drive its prevalence,'' said WHO Regional Director for South-East Asia, Saima Wazed. Hypertension continues to be a major public health challenge - a silent killer that affects over 294 million people across the WHO South-East Asia Region. - Bernama file photo She said this in a message on the World Hypertension Day recently, to raise awareness and promote hypertension prevention, detection and control. This year, on its 20th anniversary, it is being observed with the theme, "Measure Your Blood Pressure Accurately, Control It, Live Longer!' ''Hypertension remains a leading contributor to premature mortality from heart attacks and strokes in our region. Worryingly, the unmet need - defined as the gap between those with high blood pressure and those adequately diagnosed, treated, and controlled - remains as high as 88 per cent. "This indicates that nine out of every 10 people with hypertension are not receiving optimal care,'' Wazed added. ''With strong political will, community engagement, and innovative approaches, we can reduce the burden of hypertension and move closer to achieving our global goal of reducing premature mortality from non-communicable diseases by one-third by 2030,'' she added. ''On this World Hypertension Day 2025, let us reaffirm our commitment to act strongly and collectively. Let us work together to ensure that every individual has the opportunity to live a longer, healthier life-free from the preventable complications of hypertension,'' she urged. - BERNAMA-WAM
Time of India
21-05-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Maldives, Thailand sign MoU on health; WHO lauds collaboration
Geneva: The Republic of Maldives and the Kingdom of Thailand signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Tuesday to deepen cooperation in health, marking a new phase in bilateral collaboration focused on strengthening systems and sharing expertise, as per a release from the WHO South East Asia. According to the release, the agreement was signed between the Ministry of Health, Maldives, and the Ministry of Public Health, Thailand, during an event held alongside the Seventy-Eighth World Health Assembly in Geneva. The MoU outlines a broad framework for cooperation, including support to enhance primary health care in the Maldives and build the regulatory capacity of the Maldives Food and Drug Authority. It also covers collaborative efforts in the development of training institutions for health professionals, human resource development, policy and system-level health research, the integration of health information technology , and the creation of sustainable financing models for health promotion. "Maldives and Thailand are showing the world that cooperation, partnership, friendship and solidarity is the way forward," said Saima Wazed, Regional Director, WHO South-East Asia, at the signing ceremony. Calling the MoU "an important milestone in the ongoing partnerships between the two countries," Maldives Health Minister Abdulla Nazim Ibrahim said it reflects shared national priorities in advancing universal health coverage and building resilient health systems. He acknowledged Thailand's long-standing support and recognised its expertise in the field of public health, as per the WHO release. Deputy Minister of Public Health, Thailand, Mr. Dej-is Khaothong, said the agreement was a "concrete outcome of the ongoing dialogue between the two countries, initiated during the previous year's World Health Assembly." He noted the MoU would enable close cooperation in essential areas such as primary health care, regulatory systems, academic exchange, health policy research, and sustainable financing. Wazed praised the two countries for their proactive approach to shared global health challenges, including rising healthcare costs, demographic transitions, and the impact of technology, the release stated. "While the world today is faced with new health challenges, climatic, demographic, and epidemiological, alongside rising health care costs, increasing population demand, and technological transformation, both Thailand and Maldives are responding through innovation, prioritising inclusion and quality," she said. She further added, "As we stand on the cusp of the coming AI age, the commitment of both Thailand and Maldives to technology and data is commendable ...Your actions are the manifestation of our shared vision for our Region, as outlined in our Regional Roadmap for Results and Resilience." "You are showing the world the power of cooperation and unity - that we are better together than alone. Your cooperation will certainly benefit the people of both your countries and is an example to our region and the world," the Regional Director said.
