Latest news with #WHO-recommended
Hans India
3 days ago
- Health
- Hans India
WHO calls for maternal vaccine, monoclonal antibody to protect babies against RSV
New Delhi: The World Health Organization (WHO) on Friday recommended all countries to use both maternal vaccine and a monoclonal antibody to protect babies against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) -– the leading cause of acute lower respiratory infections in children globally. While the maternal vaccine -- RSVpreF -- can be given to pregnant women in their third trimester to protect their infant, the long-acting monoclonal antibody -- nirsevimab -- can be administered to infants from birth, just before or during the RSV season, stated the recommendations, published in the Weekly Epidemiological Record (WER). 'Every year, RSV causes about 100,000 deaths and over 3.6 million hospitalisations in children under the age of 5 years worldwide. About half of these deaths occur in infants younger than 6 months of age,' the WHO said. "The vast majority (97 per cent) of RSV deaths in infants occur in low- and middle-income countries where there is limited access to supportive medical care, such as oxygen or hydration," it added. Although RSV causes mild symptoms similar to the common cold, including runny nose, cough, and fever, it can lead to serious complications. This can include pneumonia and bronchiolitis -– in infants, young children, older adults, and those with compromised immune systems or underlying health conditions. Both RSVpreF and nirsevimab were recommended by the Strategic Advisory Group of Experts on Immunisation (SAGE) for global implementation in September 2024. In addition, the maternal vaccine received WHO prequalification in March 2025, allowing it to be purchased by UN agencies. While the vaccine can be given during routine antenatal care, nirsevimab is given as a single injection of monoclonal antibodies that starts protecting babies against RSV within a week of administration. It lasts for at least 5 months and can cover the entire RSV season in countries with RSV seasonality. The global health body recommends that infants receive a single dose of nirsevimab right after birth or before being discharged from a birthing facility. If not administered at birth, the monoclonal antibody can be given during the baby's first health visit. If a country decides to administer the product only during the RSV season rather than year-round, a single dose can also be given to older infants just before entering their first RSV season, the WHO said. The greatest impact on severe RSV disease will be achieved by administering the monoclonal antibody to infants under 6 months of age. However, there is still a potential benefit among infants up to 12 months of age, it added. 'RSV is an incredibly infectious virus that infects people of all ages, but is especially harmful to infants, particularly those born premature when they are most vulnerable to severe disease,' said Dr Kate O'Brien, Director of Immunisation, Vaccines, and Biologicals at WHO. 'The WHO-recommended RSV immunisation products can transform the fight against severe RSV disease, dramatically reduce hospitalisations, and deaths, ultimately saving many infants lives globally,' O'Brien added.
The Hindu
20-05-2025
- Health
- The Hindu
Tamil Nadu government doctors seek WHO intervention on staffing and pay disparities
The Legal Coordination Committee for Government Doctors (LCC), an organisation based in Tamil Nadu, has urged the World Health Organisation (WHO) to intervene and impress upon the government of Tamil Nadu to immediately address longstanding grievances concerning staffing shortages and salary disparities among government doctors in the State. In a representation addressed to Roderico H. Ofrin, the WHO representative in India, Perumal Pillai, president of the LCC, drew attention to Tamil Nadu's commendable achievements in the public health sector, many of which aligned with WHO-recommended frameworks and goals. Tamil Nadu, with a population of over 80 million, has been at the forefront of reducing maternal and infant mortality rates. The maternal mortality rate (MMR) currently stands at 39 per one lakh live births, a target set by the WHO for 2030— achieved by the State a full decade in advance. The representation said Tamil Nadu has also taken notable strides in strengthening rural health services and managing non-communicable diseases. However, these advancements, it contended, have come at a high cost to the doctors who made them possible. The organisation expressed concern over the lack of proportional recruitment in government hospitals - with existing medical personnel being overburdened. 'Not only doctors, but the public are also affected by this crisis,' the letter said. Government doctors in Tamil Nadu, according to the LCC, are paid among the lowest salaries in the country. It cited a disparity of ₹40,000 between salaries of MBBS doctors in Tamil Nadu and those in other States. Despite recommendations by the National Medical Commission that State government doctors be paid on a par with those at central institutions such as AIIMS, and a directive from the High Court upholding Government Order 354— which mandates salary revisions— the State government failed to act, the organisation alleged. It claimed government doctors in Tamil Nadu face the highest mortality at a young age among states in India. While the average life expectancy of the general public in Tamil Nadu is 69–72 years, that of government doctors ranges between 55–59, the letter claimed. Citing these concerns, it requested the WHO to urge the government to ensure appropriate staffing in hospitals and implement salary parity in accordance with the relevant government orders and national recommendations.
Business Standard
15-05-2025
- Health
- Business Standard
Cipla Health Introduces Nicotex Begin, a First-of-Its-Kind App for Smoking Cessation
PRNewswire Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], May 15: In an effort to help smokers in their journey to quit smoking Nicotex, the market leader in smoking cessation has launched Nicotex Begin, a smoking cessation program delivered via a mobile app. Coming from the house of Cipla Health Limited, this first-of-its-kind platform is not just an app, it's a comprehensive, science-backed approach to quitting smoking that promises to increase the chances of quitting smoking by 5 times. * 5 times more effective, science-backed way to quit smoking Nicotex Begin provides a 12-Week Personalised Smoking Cessation Program which is a step-by-step, guided journey to quitting smoking combining behavioural therapy with WHO-recommended Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) protocols. With this combination therapy, Nicotex Begin offers a comprehensive 360-degree support ecosystem that addresses the physical and psychological challenges of smoking cessation. Commenting on the launch, Mr. Shivam Puri, MD & CEO, Cipla Health Limited, said, "At Cipla Health, we understand that quitting smoking is more than just a decision, it's a life-changing journey. That's why we've poured our energy into creating Nicotex Begin, a truly innovative solution designed to make the process easier, more structured, accessible, and far more effective. With our research showing a 5X higher chance of success, this is not just another product; it's a game-changer. It's a reflection of our relentless drive to not only improve wellness but also empower individuals to take control of their health and transform their lives. We're here to support people on this journey, every step of the way" With its intuitive design and user interface, it ensures an engaging and stress-free experience for the users. Some other key features include Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) integration with gums, patches, and lozenges to ease nicotine cravings, along with expert-led weekly counselling sessions, with additional sessions available as needed. Users can choose from two package options priced at Rs4,000 and Rs6,000 with the first session offered free. The app also provides reading materials and videos to keep users motivated, tracks quitting progress through interactive prompts and data insights, and includes a daily health diary for users to log progress and keep counsellors informed. It proactively addresses potential relapse triggers, allowing experts to guide users back to week one or recommend medical consultation when necessary, ensuring a comprehensive and supportive quit-smoking journey. It is available for download on Android and soon to be launched on iOS devices. About Cipla Health Limited: Cipla Health Limited, the fast-moving wellness goods (FMWG) arm of Cipla, was incorporated in 2015 with a vision to spearhead the wellness wave in India. Cipla Health has delivered rapid growth and today plays across a diverse portfolio of 20 brands with most key brands being No. 1 or No. 2 in their respective categories. The portfolio includes products in Pain Care (Omnigel), Smoking Cessation (Nicotex), Oral Rehydration Solutions (Prolyte), Medicated Ointments (Cipladine), Cough & Cold (Cofsils and Naselin), Multi Vitamins (Maxirich), Weight Gain (Endura Mass) and Personal Care (Rivela Dermascience, Cetafresh, Tugain Essentials).
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Cipla Health Introduces Nicotex Begin, a First-of-Its-Kind App for Smoking Cessation
5 times more effective, science-backed way to quit smoking MUMBAI, India, May 15, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- In an effort to help smokers in their journey to quit smoking Nicotex, the market leader in smoking cessation has launched Nicotex Begin, a smoking cessation program delivered via a mobile app. Coming from the house of Cipla Health Limited, this first-of-its-kind platform is not just an app, it's a comprehensive, science-backed approach to quitting smoking that promises to increase the chances of quitting smoking by 5 times. Nicotex Begin provides a 12-Week Personalised Smoking Cessation Program which is a step-by-step, guided journey to quitting smoking combining behavioural therapy with WHO-recommended Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) protocols. With this combination therapy, Nicotex Begin offers a comprehensive 360-degree support ecosystem that addresses the physical and psychological challenges of smoking cessation. Commenting on the launch, Mr. Shivam Puri, MD & CEO, Cipla Health Limited, said, "At Cipla Health, we understand that quitting smoking is more than just a decision, it's a life-changing journey. That's why we've poured our energy into creating Nicotex Begin, a truly innovative solution designed to make the process easier, more structured, accessible, and far more effective. With our research showing a 5X higher chance of success, this is not just another product; it's a game-changer. It's a reflection of our relentless drive to not only improve wellness but also empower individuals to take control of their health and transform their lives. We're here to support people on this journey, every step of the way" With its intuitive design and user interface, it ensures an engaging and stress-free experience for the users. Some other key features include Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) integration with gums, patches, and lozenges to ease nicotine cravings, along with expert-led weekly counselling sessions, with additional sessions available as needed. Users can choose from two package options priced at ₹4,000 and ₹6,000 with the first session offered free. The app also provides reading materials and videos to keep users motivated, tracks quitting progress through interactive prompts and data insights, and includes a daily health diary for users to log progress and keep counsellors informed. It proactively addresses potential relapse triggers, allowing experts to guide users back to week one or recommend medical consultation when necessary, ensuring a comprehensive and supportive quit-smoking journey. It is available for download on Android and soon to be launched on iOS devices. About Cipla Health Limited: Cipla Health Limited, the fast-moving wellness goods (FMWG) arm of Cipla, was incorporated in 2015 with a vision to spearhead the wellness wave in India. Cipla Health has delivered rapid growth and today plays across a diverse portfolio of 20 brands with most key brands being No. 1 or No. 2 in their respective categories. The portfolio includes products in Pain Care (Omnigel), Smoking Cessation (Nicotex), Oral Rehydration Solutions (Prolyte), Medicated Ointments (Cipladine), Cough & Cold (Cofsils and Naselin), Multi Vitamins (Maxirich), Weight Gain (Endura Mass) and Personal Care (Rivela Dermascience, Cetafresh, Tugain Essentials). Photo: View original content to download multimedia: Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Time of India
04-05-2025
- Health
- Time of India
India's home nurses are overworked, untrained and undervalued: How to bridge the gap in elderly care
India's booming health system has a significant gap due to the absence of trained home nursing assistants to provide non-medical care. The nation's senior citizen population, which was 138 million in 2021, is projected to reach 194 million by 2031, according to the National Statistical Office. Increasingly, the elderly population is living alone in their homes or is forced to care for themselves as eligible caregivers at home are at work. This demographic shift is fuelling the need for trained caregivers at home. The high incidence of chronic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer — responsible for more than 60% of deaths in India among the elderly — has increased the need for continuous assistance at home. In India, many home caregivers work informally, without structured training, leading to inconsistencies in care quality and potential risks to patient safety. Most trained nurses, including myself, frequently receive calls from patient attendants and doctors requesting trained nurses to offer non-medical domiciliary care to patients. Even with higher pay, nurses must not be allowed to work as assistants. India must start a formal certification programme regulated by nursing councils, like in the US, UK, and Australia, to ensure standardised training for patient care. You Can Also Check: Chennai AQI | Weather in Chennai | Bank Holidays in Chennai | Public Holidays in Chennai There is a huge shortage of nurses across India. India's nurse-to-population ratio is 1:670, which is far below the WHO-recommended 1:300. Even in states such as Tamil Nadu, there are just two nurses per 1,000 people. Certified home healthcare assistants (CHHAs) must be used to bridge the gap by providing essential home-based care. They are caregivers who provide non-medical support to individuals at home, assisting with daily living activities like personal care, basic health monitoring, and household tasks. They would feed patients food and medicines at the right time, take them for walks, or call families when there is an emergency. Beyond physical help, they offer crucial companionship and emotional support, enabling clients to maintain independence. While not medical professionals, CHHAs are vital for improving quality of life and easing the burden on families. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 3 Reasons to Plug This Into Your Home Today elecTrick - Save upto 80% on Power Bill Learn More Undo The home care market, valued at $6.2 billion in 2020, is expected to grow at a CAGR of 19.2% until 2027, according to Research Nester. India has a surplus of job seekers in healthcare, and the expected growth of the homecare market shows how structured training programmes that align with international standards will help many college dropouts find jobs in India and abroad. Moreover, the increasing integration of technology, including telemedicine and remote monitoring, allows CHHAs to collaborate more effectively with doctors and nurses, enhancing the quality of at-home care. However, these skills come with training. The training and certification of CHHAs in India fall under the purview of the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) and the Healthcare Sector Skill Council (HSSC), not the nursing councils. This leads to inconsistencies in training standards and certification processes across the country. Unlike registered nurses, who are subject to stringent licensing requirements, CHHAs in India lack a formal licensing body, affecting the quality of care and limiting professional accountability and opportunities for career advancement. In the USA, Canada, and Australia, class X students undergo training for 120 hours, six months, or a year, respectively. The certificate is given by a state or national body. In these countries, the roles of home healthcare assistants are well-defined, which reduces ambiguity and ensures that both the caregivers and the families they serve have clear expectations. There is also some form of regulation and oversight. Home healthcare services are often integrated into the broader healthcare system, with CHHAs working as part of a team that includes nurses, doctors, and other healthcare professionals. These countries often provide clearer career pathways for home healthcare aides, allowing them to specialise or advance their skills, which improves job satisfaction and retention. There is an emphasis on providing patient-centred care, which means that CHHAs are trained to focus on the individual needs and preferences of each patient. Bringing CHHA training under state nursing councils could improve patient safety by establishing accountability measures for home caregivers, creating clearer career paths for CHHAs, and aligning India's CHHA training with global standards could open international job opportunities for these healthcare workers. This involves creating national competency-based guidelines and mandating state or national licensing for CHHAs. Integrating this training with state nursing councils — through collaboration between the NSDC and HSSC — would ensure quality control and establish a formal licensing system, like other healthcare professions. Expanding CHHA roles with specialised certifications in areas like dementia care, palliative care, and post-operative support, and formally recognising CHHAs as part of India's healthcare workforce is crucial. Lastly, leveraging technology, such as e-learning, virtual simulation, and AI-driven assessments, can enhance the efficiency of CHHA training. (The writer is a Registrar of the Tamil Nadu Nurses and Midwives Council) Email your feedback with name and address to
