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The Hindu
5 days ago
- Health
- The Hindu
Doctors raise the importance of HPV vaccination to prevent cervical and a few other cancers
Vaccinating girls aged nine to 14 years against the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is crucial for prevention of cervical cancers and a few other cancers. But equally important is vaccinating boys against HPV for a number of reasons, according to doctors. There are three reasons why boys should also be vaccinated against HPV, Jayashree N., gynaecologic oncologist and associate professor, Cancer Institute (WIA), said. 'First, it can cause cancers in men too. Secondly, they could transmit the virus to women, and thirdly, there is no screening test for men.' Somu Sivabalan, consultant Paediatrician and Pulmonologist, Rainbow Children's Hospital, explained that HPV being a sexually transmitted infection, it could spread from men. It could cause genital warts and precancerous changes. 'The primary target for HPV vaccination are girls aged nine to 14. Boys of the same age group are the secondary target for the vaccination,' he said. The doctors, who spoke at 'Conquer HPV and Cancer Conclave 2025', stressed that HPV was not limited to cervical cancer alone. It was associated with cancers of the vulva, vagina, anus in women and cancers of the penis, anus and oropharynx in men. The conclave was organised in Chennai on Tuesday as a part of a nationwide public health initiative led by Serum Institute of India. Dr. Jayashree said that vaccination and screening are the two pillars to prevent cervical cancers. Countries such as Australia, New Zealand, Canada, United States of America as well as European countries had an HPV vaccination programme as a result of which the incidence of cervical cancers has reduced, she said. Discussing the safety of the vaccine, Dr. Jayashree noted that Cancer Institute had administered 3,500 doses of the vaccine so far, and there had been no side effects. B. Sarath Balaji, senior Paediatric Pulmonologist and associate professor, Institute of Child Health, said that except for mild pain, redness in the site and mild fever, there had been no major side effects. He added that there was greater awareness among parents in cities about the vaccine. S. Vijaya, head of department and professor, ESIC Medical College and Hospital, Chennai, stressed the importance of taking time to counsel parents about the importance of the vaccine. Members of the Federation of Obstetric and Gynecological Societies of India were involved in creating awareness and training for doctors. Kavitha Sukumar, associate professor, Surgical Oncology, Institute of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, said screening for cervical cancer is simple. 'We have HPV DNA testing and pap smear. Now, self testing kits are also available,' she said.
The Hindu
31-05-2025
- Health
- The Hindu
89% schools and 87% colleges declared tobacco-free: DPH
In Tamil Nadu, 89% of schools and 87% of colleges have been declared as tobacco-free educational institutions, according to the Directorate of Public Health and Preventive Medicine. Issuing a press release in line with the World No Tobacco Day (WNTD) observed on May 31, T.S. Selvavinayagam, Director of Public Health, said that Tamil Nadu has implemented comprehensive interventions focussed on enforcement, awareness, capacity building, cessation services and safeguarding institutions from tobacco exposure. This year, WNTD is observed on the theme 'Unmasking the appeal: Exposing industry tactics on tobacco and nicotine products' underscoring the urgent need to counter deceptive marketing strategies targeting children, adolescents and vulnerable communities, the release said. Listing out key achievements in tobacco control (up to May 2025) in the State, the directorate said on strict enforcement of the Cigarette and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA), a total of 4,60,486 persons were fined and a fine amount of ₹7,97,13,387 was collected. A total of 45,865 out of 51,477 schools and 2,173 out of 2,484 colleges were declared tobacco-free. To enforce Section 6 of COTPA and to protect the young, the directorate has asked district officials to ensure that all educational institutions mark the 100-yard tobacco-free zones by implementing the 'Yellow Line Campaign'. 'This year's theme reminds us that the battle against tobacco is not just about controlling consumption — it is about exposing the industries that profit by endangering lives,' he said. Dr. Selvavinagayam added that Tamil Nadu leads by example with widespread enforcement, education, and community engagement. 'Through initiatives like the Yellow Line Campaign, we are drawing a visible boundary between our children and the threat of tobacco.' In line with this year's theme, Cancer Institute (WIA) organised a series of events that included an awareness rally, sand sculpture, open mic and announcement of awareness messages in Chennai Metro Rail stations, according to a press release. The department of Psycho-Oncology, Cancer Institute (WIA) along with HCL Foundation organised the awareness rally at Elliot's Beach, Besant Nagar on May 31. Nearly 1,000 participants including school and college students took part. R. Murugan, Assistant Commissioner of Police, Greater Chennai Police, Adyar Range and T. G. Sagar, Governing Body Member and former director, Cancer Institute (WIA) were present. A social media campaign aligned with World Health Organisation's (WHO) WNTD was also held. It highlighted tobacco's harmful effects, debunked myths, and exposed industry tactics targeting youth, and promoted the health benefits of quitting tobacco to encourage informed choices. Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research conducted an awareness rally to mark WNTD. Students, faculty members and healthcare professionals participated in the rally. Sri Ramachandra Hospital has opened a cessation clinic as per WHO guidelines to overcome addiction of tobacco usage through counselling and supportive medication, a release said.
Trade Arabia
08-05-2025
- Business
- Trade Arabia
WIA ME conference charts path toward full empowerment
The Women in Aviation – Middle East (WIA ME) conference at Airport Show 2025 showcased the future of aviation as more inclusive and diverse, with women ascending to cockpits and boardrooms. The event attracted regional and international participation, serving as a platform to share experiences and celebrate female achievements in a competitive and rapidly evolving global industry. In his keynote speech, Sheikh Salem Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Department of Civil Aviation in Ras Al Khaimah, praised the UAE's leadership for placing women's empowerment at the heart of national development strategies. 'Today, Emirati women hold senior positions, contribute to aircraft engineering and operations management, and represent 42% of the aviation workforce—an unprecedented achievement in the region,' he said. Sultan: From Representation to Real Influence Mervat Sultan, Founder and President of the Middle East Chapter of Women in Aviation International, delivered an engaging address that moved the audience beyond recognition and into vision-building: 'Today's celebration is not only about what has been achieved, but about what lies ahead—ambitions, challenges, and new paths. We're not just asking for representation; we're demanding meaningful participation—in innovation, in decision-making, in labs, cockpits, and boardrooms.' She stressed that progress is not measured solely by numbers, but by community depth and impact: 'Slow progress is sometimes the most enduring. Last year, we had about 250 participants. This year, attendance has more than doubled—not just in the hall, but throughout the professional ecosystem. Government and private sector support confirms we're on the right track.' Training Opportunities and Targeted Support Sultan announced the launch of a fully funded EASA ATPL scholarship, along with free aviation fundamentals training and a specialised program on emotional intelligence for pilots, in collaboration with Airman Ground. 'These initiatives respond to real market needs and aspirations that can no longer be postponed,' she said. When asked about this year's award winners, Sultan noted: 'We maintain the same award categories every year, but 2025 was especially inspiring. Captain Samran Omran, the first Arab woman to fly transatlantic routes from Jordan to the US in the 1980s, is a symbol of persistence. We also honored figures like Dr Nadine Itani, a trusted aviation expert for global media, and institutions such as the International Aviation Academy and Al Jazeera Aviation Club in Ras Al Khaimah—clear signs that meaningful change is happening.' Her message to aspiring women in the industry emphasised professionalism above all: 'In aviation, dreams alone are not enough. Success relies on respecting time and structure. A two-minute delay doesn't just affect your flight—it affects dozens behind you. Aviation teaches you that safety and discipline are everything.' Honoring Women Who Leave a Lasting Impact The conference concluded with a celebration honoring Dr Suaad Al Shamsi with the Women in Aviation Leadership Award, Aya Sader with the Innovation Award, and Dr Nadine Itani with the title of "Most Influential Woman in Aviation." Khalifa University and Al Jazeera Aviation Club were also recognised for their significant contributions to training and institutional empowerment. In her final remarks, Mervat Sultan delivered a powerful call to action:
