India's Health ministry gave the latest updates on COVID-19 infection status in India by briefing the media through press conference.

Health ministry give latest updates on COVID-19 infection status in India

Researchers in Belgium have used 3D printing to develop plastic devices that can convert snorkel masks into medical face guards, to help stretched hospitals as they battle the coronavirus outbreak.

Belgians turn snorkelling masks into coronavirus face guards for medical staff

A Chilean company is promoting a reusable copper mask that can be manufactured in 3D printers they say will help alleviate the deficit of face masks in demand over the spread of the coronavirus.

Chileans make reusable copper masks to face coronavirus

Through war or through a coronavirus curfew, Syrian gym coaches Reem al-Shami and Fadi Barakat say they will never stop exercising.

Can't stop, won't stop: Syrian gym coaches stay fit

A Swiss distillery has converted its production of fruit-based spirits to make disinfectant hand gel for use against coronavirus, helping to ease supplies across the Alpine country.

Swiss distillery turns pear-mint liquor into hand sanitiser amid coronavirus outbreak

Israeli bride and groom Roni Ben-Ari and Yonatan Meushar, danced in the near-deserted hall on Wednesday (March 18) with most of their family and friends watching from their screens via livestream.

'Just the two of us': Love in the age of coronavirus

"Corona, corona" - is the catchy refrain from a music video produced by a high school teacher in northeastern Thailand and the catchy tune which stars the teacher in a batman costume aimes to spread awareness of the outbreak and how people can protect themselves from it.

Thai 'Batman' hopes to fend off virus with song and dance

Thousands of partying American university students who made their annual pilgrimage to Florida for spring break are having their celebrations interrupted as extraordinary measures to prevent the spread of the deadly coronavirus are taking effect.

Miami spring-breakers vow to keep partying despite coronavirus lockdown

ICMR holds a press conference to tell Indian people that they should not worry much. India yet not reach to the 3rd stage. Dr Balram Bhargava says, India will get test kits soon from WHO.

ICMR press briefing: India gets 1 million test kits from WHO soon

New York is deploying National Guard troops for the first time in the coronavirus crisis to help contain the spread of the disease from an infection-hit suburb of New York City, the state's governor said Tuesday.

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Large gathering places &amp; schools in this area will be closed for 2 wks, starting Thursday until March 25. 
 
NY is partnering with Northwell Health to open a satellite testing facility there. 
 
We will deploy the National Guard to deliver food to homes &amp; help clean public spaces.
— Andrew Cuomo (@NYGovCuomo) <a href="https://twitter.com/NYGovCuomo/status/1237445848969117698?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 10, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Andrew Cuomo said authorities would set up a one-mile radius "containment zone" around the epicentre of an outbreak in New Rochelle in suburban Westchester County.

Cuomo explained that all facilities in the zone that hold large gatherings, such as schools and temples, would be closed for two weeks beginning Thursday.

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"We're also going to use the National Guard in the containment area to deliver food to homes, to help with the cleaning of public spaces," Cuomo said.

There have been 173 confirmed cases of Covid-19 in New York state, including 108 in Westchester County, home to New Rochelle where the majority of infections have been detected.

Cuomo told reporters that businesses in the containment zone will remain open and that people will be free to come and go as they wish, insisting there is no quarantine.

"You're not containing people, it's facilities," he said.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-outbreak-us-others-nations-tighten-curbs-on-travel-to-china-as-virus-toll-hits-213-277797">Coronavirus outbreak: US, others nations tighten curbs on travel to China as virus toll hits 213</a>

"It is a dramatic action, but it is the largest cluster in the country. This is literally a matter of life and death," Cuomo added.

"People are scared, it's an unusual situation to be in," Miles Goldberg, who runs a New Rochelle bar, told AFP.

"It makes people nervous to be around others, it makes people nervous to get inside into businesses and such," he said.

Tim Eble, who manages a gym, said he intended to keep the facility open but take "extra precautions to keep things clean."

The area is centred on a synagogue in New Rochelle -- a city of 80,000 inhabitants just north of New York City -- that was attended by a man who was the state's first case, a lawyer working in Manhattan.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-says-us-economy-could-take-hit-from-coronavirus-284605">Trump says US economy could take hit from coronavirus</a>

His wife, Adina Lewis Garbuz, posted Tuesday on Facebook that it had taken health officials "days" to figure out he was infected.

"As many have asked, of course, he went to the doctor and did so many times. No one figured it out and it even took the hospital days to figure it out," she said, reporting that the rest of her family was in good health.

At least one of the employees at the hospital where her husband was treated contracted the virus, and others, including doctors, were under quarantine, according to The New York Times.

The hospital did not immediately respond for comment when contacted by AFP.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/morning-news-brief-coronavirus-death-toll-us-taliban-deal-and-more-284966">Morning News Brief: Coronavirus death toll, US-Taliban deal and more</a>

The United States has more than 950 confirmed cases of the deadly virus, according to a running tally by Johns Hopkins University.

Twenty-eight people have died, 23 of those in Washington state, the other US virus epicentre. No one has died in New York.

New York is deploying National Guard troops for the first time in the coronavirus crisis to help contain the spread of the disease from an infection-hit suburb of New York City, the state's governor said Tuesday.

New York is deploying National Guard troops for the first time in the coronavirus crisis to help contain the spread of the disease from an infection-hit suburb of New York City, the state's governor said Tuesday. Large gathering places & schools in this area will be closed for 2 wks, starting Thursday until March 25. NY is partnering with Northwell Health to open a satellite testing facility there. We will deploy the National Guard to deliver food to homes & help clean public spaces. — Andrew Cuomo (@NYGovCuomo) March 10, 2020 × Andrew Cuomo said authorities would set up a one-mile radius "containment zone" around the epicentre of an outbreak in New Rochelle in suburban Westchester County. Cuomo explained that all facilities in the zone that hold large gatherings, such as schools and temples, would be closed for two weeks beginning Thursday. Also Read: US postpones summit with ASEAN leaders amid coronavirus fears: Report "We're also going to use the National Guard in the containment area to deliver food to homes, to help with the cleaning of public spaces," Cuomo said. There have been 173 confirmed cases of Covid-19 in New York state, including 108 in Westchester County, home to New Rochelle where the majority of infections have been detected. Cuomo told reporters that businesses in the containment zone will remain open and that people will be free to come and go as they wish, insisting there is no quarantine. "You're not containing people, it's facilities," he said. Also Read: Coronavirus outbreak: US, others nations tighten curbs on travel to China as virus toll hits 213 "It is a dramatic action, but it is the largest cluster in the country. This is literally a matter of life and death," Cuomo added. "People are scared, it's an unusual situation to be in," Miles Goldberg, who runs a New Rochelle bar, told AFP. "It makes people nervous to be around others, it makes people nervous to get inside into businesses and such," he said. Tim Eble, who manages a gym, said he intended to keep the facility open but take "extra precautions to keep things clean." The area is centred on a synagogue in New Rochelle -- a city of 80,000 inhabitants just north of New York City -- that was attended by a man who was the state's first case, a lawyer working in Manhattan. Also Read: Trump says US economy could take hit from coronavirus His wife, Adina Lewis Garbuz, posted Tuesday on Facebook that it had taken health officials "days" to figure out he was infected. "As many have asked, of course, he went to the doctor and did so many times. No one figured it out and it even took the hospital days to figure it out," she said, reporting that the rest of her family was in good health. At least one of the employees at the hospital where her husband was treated contracted the virus, and others, including doctors, were under quarantine, according to The New York Times. The hospital did not immediately respond for comment when contacted by AFP. Also Read: Morning News Brief: Coronavirus death toll, US-Taliban deal and more The United States has more than 950 confirmed cases of the deadly virus, according to a running tally by Johns Hopkins University. Twenty-eight people have died, 23 of those in Washington state, the other US virus epicentre. No one has died in New York.

New York deploys National Guard to fight coronavirus: United States

One positive case of the deadly coronavirus was registered in northern Samangan province, the Ministry of Health reported on Tuesday, which brings the total number of confirmed cases in Afghanistan to five, Tolo News reported.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/top-10-world-news-today-afghanistan-political-crisis-coronavirus-in-saudi-arabia-more-285317">Top 10 world news today: Afghanistan political crisis, coronavirus in Saudi Arabia &amp; more</a>

The five patients have been taken to an isolation ward and are being treated, the ministry said.

The previous four positive cases of the infection were registered in western Herat province of Afghanistan.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/top-10-world-news-today-afghan-peace-talks-coronavirus-severity-shrinks-libya-talks-and-more-283165">Top 10 world news today: Afghan peace talks, coronavirus Severity shrinks, Libya talks and more</a>

Herat borders neighbouring Iran, which is one of the countries worst affected by coronavirus outside of China, with more than 7,000 cases and dozens of deaths.

Also read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/fear-and-panic-as-virus-threatens-afghanistan-pakistan-282928">&nbsp;'Fear and panic' as virus threatens Afghanistan, Pakistan</a>

On Sunday, public health minister of the country Ferozuddin Feroz said that a 200-bed hospital in Kabul, another hospital in Herat and the third one in Nimroz province has been established for the potential coronavirus patients.&nbsp;

He said more hospitals will be established in other provinces if needed.According to him, 30,000 kits have been provided by the United Arab Emirates for dealing with the coronavirus outbreak and 20,000 are likely to arrive soon.

This comes as Herat`s refugees and repatriation directorate said on Tuesday that the number of Afghan refugees repatriated from Iran, a coronavirus hotspot, has doubled over the last two weeks, with "hundreds of thousands of refugees" crossing the border at Islam Qala every day.

 
&nbsp;

One positive case of the deadly coronavirus was registered in northern Samangan province, the Ministry of Health reported on Tuesday, which brings the total number of confirmed cases in Afghanistan to five, Tolo News reported.

One positive case of the deadly coronavirus was registered in northern Samangan province, the Ministry of Health reported on Tuesday, which brings the total number of confirmed cases in Afghanistan to five, Tolo News reported. Also read: Top 10 world news today: Afghanistan political crisis, coronavirus in Saudi Arabia & more The five patients have been taken to an isolation ward and are being treated, the ministry said. The previous four positive cases of the infection were registered in western Herat province of Afghanistan. Also read: Top 10 world news today: Afghan peace talks, coronavirus Severity shrinks, Libya talks and more Herat borders neighbouring Iran, which is one of the countries worst affected by coronavirus outside of China, with more than 7,000 cases and dozens of deaths. Also read: 'Fear and panic' as virus threatens Afghanistan, Pakistan On Sunday, public health minister of the country Ferozuddin Feroz said that a 200-bed hospital in Kabul, another hospital in Herat and the third one in Nimroz province has been established for the potential coronavirus patients. He said more hospitals will be established in other provinces if needed.According to him, 30,000 kits have been provided by the United Arab Emirates for dealing with the coronavirus outbreak and 20,000 are likely to arrive soon. This comes as Herat`s refugees and repatriation directorate said on Tuesday that the number of Afghan refugees repatriated from Iran, a coronavirus hotspot, has doubled over the last two weeks, with "hundreds of thousands of refugees" crossing the border at Islam Qala every day.

Coronavirus cases rise to 5 in Afghanistan, confirms Health Ministry

Saudi Arabia said on Monday it will impose a fine of up to 500,000 riyals ($133,000) on people who do not disclose their health-related information and travel details at entry points, as the Gulf state works to prevent the spread of coronavirus.

The kingdom on Sunday imposed a temporary lockdown on its eastern oil-producing province of Qatif, where the majority of the 15 individuals diagnosed with the disease reside. Some have failed to disclose travelling to Iran to the authorities upon returning to Saudi Arabia via other Gulf Arab states.

Saudi Arabia suspended travel with nine countries including neighbouring Arab states on Monday and said legal action would be taken against any citizen travelling to Iran, which reported 237 deaths from the virus on Monday.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/saudi-arabia-locks-down-province-bans-travel-with-9-nations-over-coronavirus-285199">Saudi Arabia locks down province, bans travel with 9 nations over coronavirus</a>

The kingdom said most of the individuals with coronavirus had returned from Iran or Iraq -- home to Shi'ite Muslim shrines -- or interacted with people who visited the Islamic Republic. Qatif has a large Shi'ite population.

"All the travellers coming to the kingdom by international flights, managers and workers of other transportation means have to respect local and international health directives," said a statement from the kingdom's public prosecutor.

A fine of up to 500,000 riyals will be imposed on people who do not comply, it said, adding that transport professionals will be held responsible for any fallout from their violations.

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Authorities in Saudi Arabia, the birthplace of Islam, on Monday also asked imams to deliver Friday prayer sermons in less than 15 minutes. The Islamic Affairs Ministry banned food and beverages at mosques in addition to spiritual retreats.

King Salman has donated $10 million to support efforts by the World Health Organization to counter the coronavirus outbreak, state news agency SPA reported on Monday.

All Gulf Arab states have recorded infections.

Watch:&nbsp;

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The UAE, a major regional business hub and transit point for passengers to Asia announced 14 new coronavirus cases on Monday, bringing the total number of people infected to 59.

Of the new cases, there were four Emiratis and three Italians said a health ministry statement.

Oman reported two new cases on Monday to bring the total number of people diagnosed with the disease to 18.

Also see:&nbsp;

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Qatar, which has recorded 15 infections, followed other Gulf countries by announcing it was suspending schools and universities from March 10 to prevent the spread of the disease.

Bahrain closed down a unit in a major hospital in Manama after a medical intern tested positive for the virus, state news agency BNA reported on Monday, citing the health ministry.

It said authorities also halted travel by Bahraini officials abroad until further notice. The country has diagnosed 95 individuals with the virus.

Saudi Arabia said on Monday it will impose a fine of up to 500,000 riyals ($133,000) on people who do not disclose their health-related information and travel details at entry points, as the Gulf state works to prevent the spread of coronavirus.

Saudi Arabia said on Monday it will impose a fine of up to 500,000 riyals ($133,000) on people who do not disclose their health-related information and travel details at entry points, as the Gulf state works to prevent the spread of coronavirus. The kingdom on Sunday imposed a temporary lockdown on its eastern oil-producing province of Qatif, where the majority of the 15 individuals diagnosed with the disease reside. Some have failed to disclose travelling to Iran to the authorities upon returning to Saudi Arabia via other Gulf Arab states. Saudi Arabia suspended travel with nine countries including neighbouring Arab states on Monday and said legal action would be taken against any citizen travelling to Iran, which reported 237 deaths from the virus on Monday. Also read: Saudi Arabia locks down province, bans travel with 9 nations over coronavirus The kingdom said most of the individuals with coronavirus had returned from Iran or Iraq -- home to Shi'ite Muslim shrines -- or interacted with people who visited the Islamic Republic. Qatif has a large Shi'ite population. "All the travellers coming to the kingdom by international flights, managers and workers of other transportation means have to respect local and international health directives," said a statement from the kingdom's public prosecutor. A fine of up to 500,000 riyals will be imposed on people who do not comply, it said, adding that transport professionals will be held responsible for any fallout from their violations. Also see: Sensex nosedives over 1,500 points on global equity rout Authorities in Saudi Arabia, the birthplace of Islam, on Monday also asked imams to deliver Friday prayer sermons in less than 15 minutes. The Islamic Affairs Ministry banned food and beverages at mosques in addition to spiritual retreats. King Salman has donated $10 million to support efforts by the World Health Organization to counter the coronavirus outbreak, state news agency SPA reported on Monday. All Gulf Arab states have recorded infections. Watch: × The UAE, a major regional business hub and transit point for passengers to Asia announced 14 new coronavirus cases on Monday, bringing the total number of people infected to 59. Of the new cases, there were four Emiratis and three Italians said a health ministry statement. Oman reported two new cases on Monday to bring the total number of people diagnosed with the disease to 18. Also see: × Qatar, which has recorded 15 infections, followed other Gulf countries by announcing it was suspending schools and universities from March 10 to prevent the spread of the disease. Bahrain closed down a unit in a major hospital in Manama after a medical intern tested positive for the virus, state news agency BNA reported on Monday, citing the health ministry. It said authorities also halted travel by Bahraini officials abroad until further notice. The country has diagnosed 95 individuals with the virus.

Saudi Arabia to fine people up to $133,000 for hiding health details on entry

An anxious-looking statue of St. Francis, Italy's patron saint, looks out over a park wearing a mask in San Fiorano, one of eleven small towns in lockdown due to the coronavirus.

Even the statue of Italy’s patron saint wears a mask in quarantine red zone

A new study has found that sleeping late puts kids at a greater risk of being overweight. Why should India care about these findings? Watch this report to find out.

Gravitas: Why Children must sleep before 9 pm

A patient at a British hospital played Mahler and Gershwin on the violin while a tumour was removed from her brain so that surgeons could preserve her ability to play music and her 40-year passion for the instrument.

Violinist plays Mahler, Gershwin as surgeons remove brain tumour

Gripping a scalpel, Vladislav Zaitsev makes an incision in the fold of skin between his client's thumb and index finger and pushes in a small glass cylinder.

Alexei Rautkin, a 24-year-old programmer in a hoodie, is having a chip inserted in his hand so he can open the door to his office without swiping a card.

"It's something I decided a long time ago," he says.

"Mainly because it's convenient but there's also a kind of exclusivity because practically no one else has this."

Rautkin and Zaitsev are among a growing number of Russians interested in biohacking, a global movement whose followers seek to "upgrade" their bodies with experimental technology and DIY health fixes that began in Silicon Valley at the start of the last decade.

For some, the lifestyle trend involves implanting technology under their skin.

For others -- mainly wealthy Russians -- the quest is to live longer, which they hope to do through intensive monitoring of their bodies, taking vast quantities of supplements or extreme exercise.

Although it's unclear how many biohackers there are in Russia, the movement is spreading, with social media forums, conferences and businesses springing up to cater to their needs.

Zaitsev, a programmer with a ducktail haircut, taught himself to insert chips, helped by the fact he's a medical school dropout.

The 28-year-old caught national attention in 2015 by taking the chip out of a Moscow metro pass, dissolving it in acetone and encasing it in silicone before inserting it into the back of his hand.

The disc, about the size of a British one penny coin, is still visible but currently defunct -- Zaitsev reprogrammed it with bank card details, only for the bank to close.

He also has magnets on his fingertips, mainly for party tricks.

He says the biohacking movement is about using technology to facilitate concrete tasks.

"In biohacking, I like things that give a real, confirmed effect, for example putting in chips," he says.

Based on the contact between the close-knit community on social media, he estimates that about 1,000 Russians are chipped.

Most install work passes, he says, while some insert magnets or a compass implant that vibrates when they turn north.

"I like the idea of expanding the capabilities of the human body."

Around the world, implanted microchips are being used to start cars, turn on smartphones, computers and printers, monitor body temperature and store medical information or as business cards.

Professional magicians even use them to enhance their tricks.

Some chips have been approved for human use, but Zaitsev said he uses veterinary ones made in Taiwan and ordered by mail for about 500 rubles ($8) each.

While some have raised concerns over potential surveillance and hacking, the number of chipped people is still very small in Russia, and unlike smartphones, the chips do not transmit the users' location.

In his studio flat, Zaitsev charges Rautkin 2,000 rubles ($32) for the operation to insert the chip that is slightly bigger than a grain of rice.

He has chipped about 50 others, too, he says.

The "typical client is a geek", he adds. "Most are men aged 35 or younger."

Other biohackers have little time for chipping, however.

Entrepreneur Stanislav Skakun says that biohacking is about extending life, potentially for thousands of years, an idea known as transhumanism.

"I haven't yet found a chip that would be useful for prolonging life... I can't see any point in doing this yet," the 36-year-old said.

Instead, he regularly attends a private clinic where nurses fill some 20 test tubes with his blood for analysis.

It's just part of his exhaustive routine over the last five years, measuring hundreds of biochemical markers and taking handfuls of vitamins and supplements daily.

Although he declines to talk in detail about what he takes, he says the supplements include iodine, Vitamin D, magnesium and prebiotics.

As well as genetic tests to identify personal risk factors and compensate for them, he undergoes tests for inflammation, cholesterol, glucose, bone density, the stress hormone cortisol and the efficiency of his immune system.

Trim with piercing blue eyes, Skakun claims that "in the last five years, my biological age hasn't changed at all."

He hopes to live long enough to see scientific advances extend life massively.

"If we conquer cancer, Alzheimer's and cardiovascular disease, we'll prevent practically all the reasons we die," he said.

Such ideas are espoused by international proponents of transhumanism, such as controversial British gerontologist Aubrey de Grey, who believe humans will be able to significantly extend their lifespan and only die from accidents or violence.

Currently the oldest human on record, France's Jeanne Calment, died at the age of 122.

Some biohackers have jumped on breakthroughs in gene therapy, one of the hottest areas of medical research.

Controversially, US biohacker Josiah Zayner, who is a scientist, in 2017 livestreamed an experimental attempt to alter his own DNA using new gene-editing technology called Crispr.

The tool, informally known as molecular "scissors", is being used to treat genetic conditions, such as sickle cell disease, and has made gene editing more widely accessible.

But the US Food and Drug Administration has expressed concern about safety risks involved in DIY kits available to the public for self-administered gene therapies.

Kiran Musunuru, a genetics professor at the University of Pennsylvania, says the Crispr "scissors" often cut next to the targeted gene, causing unexpected mutations.

"It's very easy to do if you don't care about the consequences," Musunuru added.

Top US science journal Science said last July that the tools for public and private regulators to manage biohacking's public health risks were largely already available.

"But they must be used better," it said, in an opinion piece.

Maxim Skulachev, a Russian biologist at Moscow State University who studies longevity, said that biohackers were right to say that ageing may be programmed into our genes and theoretically could be blocked.

"We think ageing was somehow introduced in our genome as a programme," he said.

"For us the only way to fight ageing is to somehow break this programme -- hack it.

In doing so, this could end age-related conditions and cancer, he said, adding that living to the age of 100 would become the new norm.

Nevertheless, he also predicts that the super-elderly will develop other health problems limiting their lifespan which have not yet even manifested themselves.

The problem with biohackers is they are "running too fast," said Skulachev, 46, whose team is trying to come up with a drug to interfere with the genetic ageing process.

"At the moment there is no technology to break this programme and from this point of view... biohackers are engaged in wishful thinking."

Yet biohacking in Russia is already "a big movement" with conferences and businesses, says Skakun, who formerly worked in corporate finance.

Two years ago he founded a startup called Biodata that arranges tests for clients and stores information, charging 150,000 rubles ($2,430) for a full checkup.

Clients are "mainly top managers and business people", he said.

Well-heeled patrons are also paying up to 250,000 rubles ($4,050) annually for a Moscow gym that calls itself a "biohacking laboratory".

The gym, which opened last year with the slogan "Upgrade Yourself", is on the 58th floor of a skyscraper in the business district.

Similarly, members are "company owners or top managers", says founder Artyom Vasilyev.

The slim 29-year-old got into sports science after competing seriously as a runner.

On the treadmill, a gym member dons a face mask to analyse the gases in his breath.

Minutes later he gets a breakdown that shows when his workout was most effective.

Afterwards, he stands in a chamber chilled by liquid nitrogen to minus 120 degrees Celsius (minus 184 Fahrenheit), which Vasilyev says aids recovery.

For all his enthusiasm, Vasilyev doubts that people will live for hundreds of years any time soon.

"I'm more into the idea that you can live 100, 115 years or 120 years but live them in a good-quality way."

Zaitsev, the chipping enthusiast, is scathing about the quest for longevity, which he calls "a kind of religion" seeking a "magic pill". &nbsp;

A month after the implantation, Rautkin is using his chipped hand to open doors at his e-commerce company.

Unfortunately, it doesn't work on the main door, but he is philosophical about this.

"I am using it quite successfully," he says.

"It's not a problem at all to remove it, or leave it for some other use, possibly to identify myself in some other place, maybe to unblock a phone or notebook."

Gripping a scalpel, Vladislav Zaitsev makes an incision in the fold of skin between his client's thumb and index finger and pushes in a small glass cylinder. Alexei Rautkin, a 24-year-old programmer in a hoodie, is having a chip inserted in his hand so he can open the door to his office without swiping a card.

Gripping a scalpel, Vladislav Zaitsev makes an incision in the fold of skin between his client's thumb and index finger and pushes in a small glass cylinder. Alexei Rautkin, a 24-year-old programmer in a hoodie, is having a chip inserted in his hand so he can open the door to his office without swiping a card. "It's something I decided a long time ago," he says. "Mainly because it's convenient but there's also a kind of exclusivity because practically no one else has this." Rautkin and Zaitsev are among a growing number of Russians interested in biohacking, a global movement whose followers seek to "upgrade" their bodies with experimental technology and DIY health fixes that began in Silicon Valley at the start of the last decade. For some, the lifestyle trend involves implanting technology under their skin. For others -- mainly wealthy Russians -- the quest is to live longer, which they hope to do through intensive monitoring of their bodies, taking vast quantities of supplements or extreme exercise. Although it's unclear how many biohackers there are in Russia, the movement is spreading, with social media forums, conferences and businesses springing up to cater to their needs. Zaitsev, a programmer with a ducktail haircut, taught himself to insert chips, helped by the fact he's a medical school dropout. The 28-year-old caught national attention in 2015 by taking the chip out of a Moscow metro pass, dissolving it in acetone and encasing it in silicone before inserting it into the back of his hand. The disc, about the size of a British one penny coin, is still visible but currently defunct -- Zaitsev reprogrammed it with bank card details, only for the bank to close. He also has magnets on his fingertips, mainly for party tricks. He says the biohacking movement is about using technology to facilitate concrete tasks. "In biohacking, I like things that give a real, confirmed effect, for example putting in chips," he says. Based on the contact between the close-knit community on social media, he estimates that about 1,000 Russians are chipped. Most install work passes, he says, while some insert magnets or a compass implant that vibrates when they turn north. "I like the idea of expanding the capabilities of the human body." Around the world, implanted microchips are being used to start cars, turn on smartphones, computers and printers, monitor body temperature and store medical information or as business cards. Professional magicians even use them to enhance their tricks. Some chips have been approved for human use, but Zaitsev said he uses veterinary ones made in Taiwan and ordered by mail for about 500 rubles ($8) each. While some have raised concerns over potential surveillance and hacking, the number of chipped people is still very small in Russia, and unlike smartphones, the chips do not transmit the users' location. In his studio flat, Zaitsev charges Rautkin 2,000 rubles ($32) for the operation to insert the chip that is slightly bigger than a grain of rice. He has chipped about 50 others, too, he says. The "typical client is a geek", he adds. "Most are men aged 35 or younger." Other biohackers have little time for chipping, however. Entrepreneur Stanislav Skakun says that biohacking is about extending life, potentially for thousands of years, an idea known as transhumanism. "I haven't yet found a chip that would be useful for prolonging life... I can't see any point in doing this yet," the 36-year-old said. Instead, he regularly attends a private clinic where nurses fill some 20 test tubes with his blood for analysis. It's just part of his exhaustive routine over the last five years, measuring hundreds of biochemical markers and taking handfuls of vitamins and supplements daily. Although he declines to talk in detail about what he takes, he says the supplements include iodine, Vitamin D, magnesium and prebiotics. As well as genetic tests to identify personal risk factors and compensate for them, he undergoes tests for inflammation, cholesterol, glucose, bone density, the stress hormone cortisol and the efficiency of his immune system. Trim with piercing blue eyes, Skakun claims that "in the last five years, my biological age hasn't changed at all." He hopes to live long enough to see scientific advances extend life massively. "If we conquer cancer, Alzheimer's and cardiovascular disease, we'll prevent practically all the reasons we die," he said. Such ideas are espoused by international proponents of transhumanism, such as controversial British gerontologist Aubrey de Grey, who believe humans will be able to significantly extend their lifespan and only die from accidents or violence. Currently the oldest human on record, France's Jeanne Calment, died at the age of 122. Some biohackers have jumped on breakthroughs in gene therapy, one of the hottest areas of medical research. Controversially, US biohacker Josiah Zayner, who is a scientist, in 2017 livestreamed an experimental attempt to alter his own DNA using new gene-editing technology called Crispr. The tool, informally known as molecular "scissors", is being used to treat genetic conditions, such as sickle cell disease, and has made gene editing more widely accessible. But the US Food and Drug Administration has expressed concern about safety risks involved in DIY kits available to the public for self-administered gene therapies. Kiran Musunuru, a genetics professor at the University of Pennsylvania, says the Crispr "scissors" often cut next to the targeted gene, causing unexpected mutations. "It's very easy to do if you don't care about the consequences," Musunuru added. Top US science journal Science said last July that the tools for public and private regulators to manage biohacking's public health risks were largely already available. "But they must be used better," it said, in an opinion piece. Maxim Skulachev, a Russian biologist at Moscow State University who studies longevity, said that biohackers were right to say that ageing may be programmed into our genes and theoretically could be blocked. "We think ageing was somehow introduced in our genome as a programme," he said. "For us the only way to fight ageing is to somehow break this programme -- hack it. In doing so, this could end age-related conditions and cancer, he said, adding that living to the age of 100 would become the new norm. Nevertheless, he also predicts that the super-elderly will develop other health problems limiting their lifespan which have not yet even manifested themselves. The problem with biohackers is they are "running too fast," said Skulachev, 46, whose team is trying to come up with a drug to interfere with the genetic ageing process. "At the moment there is no technology to break this programme and from this point of view... biohackers are engaged in wishful thinking." Yet biohacking in Russia is already "a big movement" with conferences and businesses, says Skakun, who formerly worked in corporate finance. Two years ago he founded a startup called Biodata that arranges tests for clients and stores information, charging 150,000 rubles ($2,430) for a full checkup. Clients are "mainly top managers and business people", he said. Well-heeled patrons are also paying up to 250,000 rubles ($4,050) annually for a Moscow gym that calls itself a "biohacking laboratory". The gym, which opened last year with the slogan "Upgrade Yourself", is on the 58th floor of a skyscraper in the business district. Similarly, members are "company owners or top managers", says founder Artyom Vasilyev. The slim 29-year-old got into sports science after competing seriously as a runner. On the treadmill, a gym member dons a face mask to analyse the gases in his breath. Minutes later he gets a breakdown that shows when his workout was most effective. Afterwards, he stands in a chamber chilled by liquid nitrogen to minus 120 degrees Celsius (minus 184 Fahrenheit), which Vasilyev says aids recovery. For all his enthusiasm, Vasilyev doubts that people will live for hundreds of years any time soon. "I'm more into the idea that you can live 100, 115 years or 120 years but live them in a good-quality way." Zaitsev, the chipping enthusiast, is scathing about the quest for longevity, which he calls "a kind of religion" seeking a "magic pill". A month after the implantation, Rautkin is using his chipped hand to open doors at his e-commerce company. Unfortunately, it doesn't work on the main door, but he is philosophical about this. "I am using it quite successfully," he says. "It's not a problem at all to remove it, or leave it for some other use, possibly to identify myself in some other place, maybe to unblock a phone or notebook."

Body work: Russia's 'biohackers' push boundaries

Its a race against time for the doctors and nurses treating the patients infected by the coronavirus. This story is about the heroes who are fighting the battle against this disease.

Gravitas: The health professionals that are battling coronavirus

Oluwatoyin Onigbanjo is shopping for vegetables at a market in Nigeria's commercial capital, Lagos. Oluwatoyin runs Augustsecrets, a company she started on 2016 that develops meals for children, using locally sourced ingredients. The trained nutritionist says she is intentional about the choice of vegetables and fruits she buys; the colors are crucial in making eye-catching meals that are also healthy and tasty for children.

Playful food: Nigerian entrepreneur gets kids to the table with fun recipes

Chinese authorities for railway, air and highway transport are taking measures to guard against any epidemic outbreak in the Spring Festival travel rush, said officials at a press briefing in Beijing on Thursday.

Transport authorities to guard against epidemic outbreak in travel rush

Ever wonder what would it be like to have a pain-free life? Scientists have now found a way to switch off a pain-related gene, a discovery that could help people who suffering from chronic pain or other severe pain-related ailments.&nbsp;

The technique involves altering a person's DNA in a way that pain signals are not transmitted to the spine.

The treatment, which is devised by a California-based startup, could get approval in the next five years.&nbsp;

People suffering from chronic pain are treated with a range of medications and therapies for better pain management and to alleviate the pain.&nbsp;

From anti-neuropathic, non-opioid medicines, opioid analgesics, coanalgesics to adjuvant medicines, among other modes of treatments, chronic pain management involve a host of medicinal mediums, surgical intervention, et cetera.&nbsp;

US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (US CDC) states that some studies estimate the prevalence of chronic pain between 11 per cent to 40 per cent.

In 2016, it was estimated that around 20.4 per cent American adults suffered from chronic pain while about 8 per cent battled high-impact chronic pain.

The new technique therefore raises hopes for people with chronic pain. The technique was devised by conducting studies on mice which showed that quietening the pain gene - by altering a DNA - can cut off the transmission of pain signals to the spine.&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

Ever wonder what would it be like to have a pain-free life? Scientists have now found a way to switch off a pain-related gene, a discovery that could help people who suffering from chronic pain or other severe pain-related ailments.

Ever wonder what would it be like to have a pain-free life? Scientists have now found a way to switch off a pain-related gene, a discovery that could help people who suffering from chronic pain or other severe pain-related ailments. The technique involves altering a person's DNA in a way that pain signals are not transmitted to the spine. The treatment, which is devised by a California-based startup, could get approval in the next five years. People suffering from chronic pain are treated with a range of medications and therapies for better pain management and to alleviate the pain. From anti-neuropathic, non-opioid medicines, opioid analgesics, coanalgesics to adjuvant medicines, among other modes of treatments, chronic pain management involve a host of medicinal mediums, surgical intervention, et cetera. US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (US CDC) states that some studies estimate the prevalence of chronic pain between 11 per cent to 40 per cent. In 2016, it was estimated that around 20.4 per cent American adults suffered from chronic pain while about 8 per cent battled high-impact chronic pain. The new technique therefore raises hopes for people with chronic pain. The technique was devised by conducting studies on mice which showed that quietening the pain gene - by altering a DNA - can cut off the transmission of pain signals to the spine.

Hopes for many battling chronic pain as scientists discover technique to silence pain gene 

A severe <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-dengue-outbreak-49000-cases-registered-262821">dengue outbreak</a> has claimed the lives of at least 120 people and affected over 87,000 others across 11 districts in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sri-lanka">Sri Lanka</a>, health officials said here on Monday.

Secretary of the Government Medical Officers Association (GMOA) Haritha Aluthge told the local Daily Mirror that the GMOA had informed <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-president-appoints-16-member-interim-cabinet-263904">new Health Minister</a> Pavithra Wanniarachchi and the Secretary to the Ministry of Health about the seriousness of the issue as over 10 districts were affected by the rapid spread of the disease.

The continuous rains in many parts of the island were considered as one of the leading reasons for the spread of the virus.

Haritha was quoted as saying that while Colombo, Gampaha, in the outskirts of the capital city, as well as Kandy, in the central hills, were the worst affected districts, with almost 50 per cent of the total cases reported.

The case of the outbreak was reported from the Jaffna district in the northern region of the country.

In <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/sky-is-limit-as-inaugural-flight-bridges-distance-between-chennai-and-jaffna-256557">Jaffna </a>alone, 7,000 dengue cases have been reported so far this year. Medical experts said that the number of deaths recorded so far this year was "alarming," in comparison to 58 deaths reported last year.

Medical experts further urged the people to seek immediate attention if they suffered symptoms of high fever, uncontrolled vomiting, abdominal pain, dizziness, and reduced urinary.

"All fever patients need rest and should refrain from attending work or school," said epidemiologists, adding that dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) can be fatal.

Medical experts also urged pregnant women to seek hospital admission immediately on the first day of fever.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-citing-violence-and-dengue-cuts-2018-tourist-arrivals-target-134074">Last year</a>, over 48,000 people were affected by the mosquito-borne virus in Sri Lanka, with the National Dengue Control Unit launching several programmes to eradicate mosquito breeding grounds in several districts of the island country.

A severe dengue outbreak has claimed the lives of at least 120 people and affected over 87,000 others across 11 districts in Sri Lanka, health officials said here on Monday.

A severe dengue outbreak has claimed the lives of at least 120 people and affected over 87,000 others across 11 districts in Sri Lanka, health officials said here on Monday. Secretary of the Government Medical Officers Association (GMOA) Haritha Aluthge told the local Daily Mirror that the GMOA had informed new Health Minister Pavithra Wanniarachchi and the Secretary to the Ministry of Health about the seriousness of the issue as over 10 districts were affected by the rapid spread of the disease. The continuous rains in many parts of the island were considered as one of the leading reasons for the spread of the virus. Haritha was quoted as saying that while Colombo, Gampaha, in the outskirts of the capital city, as well as Kandy, in the central hills, were the worst affected districts, with almost 50 per cent of the total cases reported. The case of the outbreak was reported from the Jaffna district in the northern region of the country. In Jaffna alone, 7,000 dengue cases have been reported so far this year. Medical experts said that the number of deaths recorded so far this year was "alarming," in comparison to 58 deaths reported last year. Medical experts further urged the people to seek immediate attention if they suffered symptoms of high fever, uncontrolled vomiting, abdominal pain, dizziness, and reduced urinary. "All fever patients need rest and should refrain from attending work or school," said epidemiologists, adding that dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) can be fatal. Medical experts also urged pregnant women to seek hospital admission immediately on the first day of fever. Last year, over 48,000 people were affected by the mosquito-borne virus in Sri Lanka, with the National Dengue Control Unit launching several programmes to eradicate mosquito breeding grounds in several districts of the island country.

Dengue kills 120 in Sri Lanka, affects over 87,000 others

Social media giants must crackdown on anti-vaccination posts that are fuelling <a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../samoa-measles-outbreak-death-toll-rises-to-62- 266337">Samoa's deadly measles epidemic</a> from afar, UNICEF's Pacific islands chief said Thursday.

Sheldon Yett, the regional representative for the U.N. children's agency, said "incredibly irresponsible" online material on platforms such as Twitter, Facebook and Instagram had exacerbated the Samoa measles outbreak, which has claimed 62 lives since mid-October,&nbsp;by discouraging immunisation.&nbsp;

"It's quite clear that they have a corporate responsibility to step up to the plate and make sure that populations, particularly vulnerable populations, get accurate information that's going to keep children alive," Yett said.

Immunisation rates in Samoa dropped to just over 30 percent before the outbreak, well below accepted best practice of around 90 percent, making the island nation extremely vulnerable to infection.

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/climate-change-has-ill-effects-on-health-but -not-enough-funding-world-health-organisation-265954">World Health Organisation</a> blamed an anti-vaccine messaging campaign, which Yett said was carried out largely online by overseas-based activists.

"It's quite obvious that there are very loud people on social media making very false claims about vaccines," he said.

"Unfortunately it's found a ready audience in Samoa, where some people are suspicious about the quality of healthcare and may have issues with local (vaccine) providers."

He said activists posting anti-vaccine material from wealthy developed countries such as the United States and Australia needed to realise the impact of their actions in developing nations.&nbsp;

"It's devastating, it can be a death sentence for a child here where there's low immunisation and possibly other health issues going on in the background," he said from the capital Apia.

'No easy fix'&nbsp;

Yett said suspicion of vaccines in Samoa stemmed from a case last year when two babies died after receiving measles shots, leading to an eight-month suspension of the country's immunisation programme.

Subsequent investigations found there was no problem with the vaccine itself, but the nurses administering it accidentally mixed it with anaesthetic, instead of water.

However, trust in the immunisation programme was dented and anti-vaxxers stepped up efforts to push their agenda online, creating what Yett described as "a perfect formula" for an uncontrollable epidemic.

The activists have also hindered efforts to control the outbreak, with one prominent Australian-based blogger last week comparing compulsory vaccinations to Nazi Germany and saying "fascism is well and truly alive in Samoa".

Others have promoted quick remedies such as "Kangen water", alkaline water which supporters say can cure measles, despite no scientific evidence.

Yett said health authorities' focus at the moment was containing an epidemic that was still raging, resulting in fresh infections and child deaths every day.

But he said once it was over there had to be a discussion with platforms such as Facebook, Twitter and Instagram about their approach to anti-vaccine material.

He said the informed debate was important but it was wrong to allow online activists to question the effectiveness of vaccines, which the WHO estimates have saved the lives of 21 million children over the past 20 years.

"It's not easy, nobody wants to be a censor," he said.

"Companies have a responsibility to do it, but we also have to be honest and say there's no easy fix where they can flick a switch."

He conceded the clicks generated by heated online debate about vaccines could prevent the platforms from wanting to take swift action on the issue.

"We shouldn't be naive, there are many counter incentives here for social media giants as well," he said.

Social media giants must crackdown on anti-vaccination posts that are fuelling Samoa's deadly measles epidemic from afar, UNICEF's Pacific islands chief said Thursday.

Social media giants must crackdown on anti-vaccination posts that are fuelling Samoa's deadly measles epidemic from afar, UNICEF's Pacific islands chief said Thursday. Sheldon Yett, the regional representative for the U.N. children's agency, said "incredibly irresponsible" online material on platforms such as Twitter, Facebook and Instagram had exacerbated the Samoa measles outbreak, which has claimed 62 lives since mid-October, by discouraging immunisation. "It's quite clear that they have a corporate responsibility to step up to the plate and make sure that populations, particularly vulnerable populations, get accurate information that's going to keep children alive," Yett said. Immunisation rates in Samoa dropped to just over 30 percent before the outbreak, well below accepted best practice of around 90 percent, making the island nation extremely vulnerable to infection. The World Health Organisation blamed an anti-vaccine messaging campaign, which Yett said was carried out largely online by overseas-based activists. "It's quite obvious that there are very loud people on social media making very false claims about vaccines," he said. "Unfortunately it's found a ready audience in Samoa, where some people are suspicious about the quality of healthcare and may have issues with local (vaccine) providers." He said activists posting anti-vaccine material from wealthy developed countries such as the United States and Australia needed to realise the impact of their actions in developing nations. "It's devastating, it can be a death sentence for a child here where there's low immunisation and possibly other health issues going on in the background," he said from the capital Apia. 'No easy fix' Yett said suspicion of vaccines in Samoa stemmed from a case last year when two babies died after receiving measles shots, leading to an eight-month suspension of the country's immunisation programme. Subsequent investigations found there was no problem with the vaccine itself, but the nurses administering it accidentally mixed it with anaesthetic, instead of water. However, trust in the immunisation programme was dented and anti-vaxxers stepped up efforts to push their agenda online, creating what Yett described as "a perfect formula" for an uncontrollable epidemic. The activists have also hindered efforts to control the outbreak, with one prominent Australian-based blogger last week comparing compulsory vaccinations to Nazi Germany and saying "fascism is well and truly alive in Samoa". Others have promoted quick remedies such as "Kangen water", alkaline water which supporters say can cure measles, despite no scientific evidence. Yett said health authorities' focus at the moment was containing an epidemic that was still raging, resulting in fresh infections and child deaths every day. But he said once it was over there had to be a discussion with platforms such as Facebook, Twitter and Instagram about their approach to anti-vaccine material. He said the informed debate was important but it was wrong to allow online activists to question the effectiveness of vaccines, which the WHO estimates have saved the lives of 21 million children over the past 20 years. "It's not easy, nobody wants to be a censor," he said. "Companies have a responsibility to do it, but we also have to be honest and say there's no easy fix where they can flick a switch." He conceded the clicks generated by heated online debate about vaccines could prevent the platforms from wanting to take swift action on the issue. "We shouldn't be naive, there are many counter incentives here for social media giants as well," he said.

U.N. says online anti-vaxxers fuelling Samoa measles deaths

&nbsp;

Nepalese Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, who underwent an appendicitis surgery last week in Kathmandu claims that he is doing much better.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
In a video posted on his Twitter handle, Oli said, "My treatment went very well and my health is improving gradually. As you can see, I am now able to sit and speak and am doing fine at the moment." 
 
Oli, who is admitted at the Manmohan Cardiothoracic, Vascular and Transplant Centre in Kathmandu, said that he still watched the opening ceremony of the 13th South Asian Games, whose host country is Nepal this time. 
 
He was rushed to the hospital on Tuesday morning after complains of stomach ache.

The PM was kept on the ventilator after undergoing surgery. But his condition significantly improved which is why he was taken off the ventilator. 
 
Additionally, Oli is also undergoing regular dialysis as his transplanted kidney has stopped functioning. He had undergone a kidney transplant in India back in 2007 after both of his kidneys failed.

In the last few weeks, the Nepal Prime Minister underwent four cycles of hemodialysis at Grande International Hospital.

(With inputs from sources)

&nbsp;

Nepalese Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, who underwent an appendicitis surgery last week in Kathmandu claims that he is doing much better. In a video posted on his Twitter handle, Oli said, "My treatment went very well and my health is improving gradually.

Nepalese Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, who underwent an appendicitis surgery last week in Kathmandu claims that he is doing much better. In a video posted on his Twitter handle, Oli said, "My treatment went very well and my health is improving gradually. As you can see, I am now able to sit and speak and am doing fine at the moment." Oli, who is admitted at the Manmohan Cardiothoracic, Vascular and Transplant Centre in Kathmandu, said that he still watched the opening ceremony of the 13th South Asian Games, whose host country is Nepal this time. He was rushed to the hospital on Tuesday morning after complains of stomach ache. The PM was kept on the ventilator after undergoing surgery. But his condition significantly improved which is why he was taken off the ventilator. Additionally, Oli is also undergoing regular dialysis as his transplanted kidney has stopped functioning. He had undergone a kidney transplant in India back in 2007 after both of his kidneys failed. In the last few weeks, the Nepal Prime Minister underwent four cycles of hemodialysis at Grande International Hospital. (With inputs from sources)

My health condition is gradually improving: Nepalese PM Oli

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/choose-hope-or-climate-surrender-says-un-chief-265756">Climate change</a> is harming human health as more people suffer from heat stress, extreme weather and mosquito-borne diseases including malaria, the World Health Organisation (WHO) said on Tuesday.

The UN&nbsp;agency, in a report, issued a day after a climate summit began in Madrid, urged governments to meet ambitious targets to reduce heat-trapping carbon emissions saying it could save a million lives a year through lower air pollution alone.

"Health is paying the price of the climate crisis. Why? Because our lungs, our brains, our cardiovascular system is very much suffering from the causes of climate change which are overlapping very much with the causes of air pollution," Maria Neira, Director of WHO's Department of Environment, Climate Change and Health, told a news briefing.

Yet less than 1 per cent&nbsp;of international financing for climate action goes to the health sector, she said, calling it "absolutely outrageous".

Global temperatures could rise sharply this century with "wide-ranging and destructive" consequences after greenhouse gas emissions hit record levels last year, international climate experts warned last week.

Watch: Climate change 'tipping points'

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-climate-change-tipping-points-265326/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"WHO considers that climate change is potentially the greatest health threat of the 21st Century," said WHO expert Diarmid Campbell-Lendrum.

"The reason for that is that unless we cut our carbon emissions, then we will continue to undermine our food supplies, our water supplies and our air quality - everything that we need to maintain the good health of our populations," he said.

The same sources cause <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/urge-for-climate-change-spreads-like-wildfire-across-the-globe-265246">air pollution and climate change</a>, Campbell-Lendrum said, adding: "So about two-thirds of the exposure to outdoor air pollution is from burning of fossil fuels."

"WHO estimates that over 7 million people a year die from indoor and outdoor air pollution. That is where the big win is," he said.

Some 101 countries responded to WHO's survey about the risks from climate change, but not big players including India and the United States.

"Over two-thirds have assessed that they have increased risks from heat stress, from injury and death from extreme weather, from food, water and vector-borne diseases and those range from everything from cholera to malaria," Campbell-Lendrum said.

Climate change is harming human health as more people suffer from heat stress, extreme weather and mosquito-borne diseases including malaria, the World Health Organisation (WHO) said on Tuesday.

Climate change is harming human health as more people suffer from heat stress, extreme weather and mosquito-borne diseases including malaria, the World Health Organisation (WHO) said on Tuesday. The UN agency, in a report, issued a day after a climate summit began in Madrid, urged governments to meet ambitious targets to reduce heat-trapping carbon emissions saying it could save a million lives a year through lower air pollution alone. "Health is paying the price of the climate crisis. Why? Because our lungs, our brains, our cardiovascular system is very much suffering from the causes of climate change which are overlapping very much with the causes of air pollution," Maria Neira, Director of WHO's Department of Environment, Climate Change and Health, told a news briefing. Yet less than 1 per cent of international financing for climate action goes to the health sector, she said, calling it "absolutely outrageous". Global temperatures could rise sharply this century with "wide-ranging and destructive" consequences after greenhouse gas emissions hit record levels last year, international climate experts warned last week. Watch: Climate change 'tipping points' "WHO considers that climate change is potentially the greatest health threat of the 21st Century," said WHO expert Diarmid Campbell-Lendrum. "The reason for that is that unless we cut our carbon emissions, then we will continue to undermine our food supplies, our water supplies and our air quality - everything that we need to maintain the good health of our populations," he said. The same sources cause air pollution and climate change, Campbell-Lendrum said, adding: "So about two-thirds of the exposure to outdoor air pollution is from burning of fossil fuels." "WHO estimates that over 7 million people a year die from indoor and outdoor air pollution. That is where the big win is," he said. Some 101 countries responded to WHO's survey about the risks from climate change, but not big players including India and the United States. "Over two-thirds have assessed that they have increased risks from heat stress, from injury and death from extreme weather, from food, water and vector-borne diseases and those range from everything from cholera to malaria," Campbell-Lendrum said.

Climate change has ill-effects on health, but not enough funding: World Health Organisation

Former Pakistan prime minister Nawaz Sharif on Monday underwent a checkup at London Bridge hospital. 
 
The former premier was accompanied by his son Hussain Nawaz, his personal doctor Dr Adnan Khan and his brother Shehbaz Sharif. 
 
Dr Khan, while talking to media, said that Nawaz had an appointment with Professor Simon Redwood, Consultant Interventional Cardiologist who studied his medical history and reached to the conclusion that the Pakistani leader should be admitted to the hospital and undergo an angiogram. 
 
The doctor further said that Nawaz has been advised to undergo Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI) for the heart and carotid artery. Dr Kha, however, said that the final decision of further treatment will be taken following the PET scan on Thursday. 
 
PCI is a non-surgical procedure that uses a catheter (a thin flexible tube) to place a small structure called a stent to open up blood vessels in the heart that have been narrowed by plaque buildup, a condition known as atherosclerosis. 
 
"Nawaz Sharif had an appointment one of the doctor of Professor Simon Redwood, Consultant Interventional Cardiologist, MBBS, MD. The doctor studied Nawaz medical history and problems. he had gone through all the details. The doctor is of the view that Nawaz should be admitted to the hospital and should undergo an angiogram. Following the angiogram, he will undergo Percutaneous Coronary Intervention for the heart and carotid artery. PET Scan is scheduled for Thursday and following which all the procedure will be followed," said Adnan. 
 
Sharif had received two therapies at his house following his arrival in London last Tuesday. He also underwent a series of tests to diagnose the disease. 
Sharif, who arrived in London on Tuesday after Lahore High Court allowed him to travel without "condition", visited Guys' Hospital, in central London the following day, Dawn had reported.

Sharif has secured an eight-week bail on medical grounds from the Islamabad High Court in the Al-Azizia Mills corruption case. 
 
He was serving seven years imprisonment in connection with the case. He has also got bail from the Lahore High Court in the money laundering case. 
 
Sharif was rushed from Kot Lakhpat jail to the hospital last month after his personal physician raised an alarm over his deteriorating health. He was diagnosed with the acute immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP), a bleeding disorder, in which the immune system destroys platelets.

Former Pakistan prime minister Nawaz Sharif on Monday underwent a checkup at London Bridge hospital. The former premier was accompanied by his son Hussain Nawaz, his personal doctor Dr Adnan Khan and his brother Shehbaz Sharif.

Former Pakistan prime minister Nawaz Sharif on Monday underwent a checkup at London Bridge hospital. The former premier was accompanied by his son Hussain Nawaz, his personal doctor Dr Adnan Khan and his brother Shehbaz Sharif. Dr Khan, while talking to media, said that Nawaz had an appointment with Professor Simon Redwood, Consultant Interventional Cardiologist who studied his medical history and reached to the conclusion that the Pakistani leader should be admitted to the hospital and undergo an angiogram. The doctor further said that Nawaz has been advised to undergo Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI) for the heart and carotid artery. Dr Kha, however, said that the final decision of further treatment will be taken following the PET scan on Thursday. PCI is a non-surgical procedure that uses a catheter (a thin flexible tube) to place a small structure called a stent to open up blood vessels in the heart that have been narrowed by plaque buildup, a condition known as atherosclerosis. "Nawaz Sharif had an appointment one of the doctor of Professor Simon Redwood, Consultant Interventional Cardiologist, MBBS, MD. The doctor studied Nawaz medical history and problems. he had gone through all the details. The doctor is of the view that Nawaz should be admitted to the hospital and should undergo an angiogram. Following the angiogram, he will undergo Percutaneous Coronary Intervention for the heart and carotid artery. PET Scan is scheduled for Thursday and following which all the procedure will be followed," said Adnan. Sharif had received two therapies at his house following his arrival in London last Tuesday. He also underwent a series of tests to diagnose the disease. Sharif, who arrived in London on Tuesday after Lahore High Court allowed him to travel without "condition", visited Guys' Hospital, in central London the following day, Dawn had reported. Sharif has secured an eight-week bail on medical grounds from the Islamabad High Court in the Al-Azizia Mills corruption case. He was serving seven years imprisonment in connection with the case. He has also got bail from the Lahore High Court in the money laundering case. Sharif was rushed from Kot Lakhpat jail to the hospital last month after his personal physician raised an alarm over his deteriorating health. He was diagnosed with the acute immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP), a bleeding disorder, in which the immune system destroys platelets.

Nawaz Sharif undergoes check-up at London Bridge Hospital

Imran Khan Questions Nawaz Sharif's 'Health' Condition.

Gravitas: Imran Khan Taunts Nawaz Sharif

A study done by the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-ranks-first-in-the-number-of-road-accident-deaths-who-263453">World Health Organisation</a> found that teenagers worldwide are not exercising enough, jeopardising their health and increasing risks of obesity and cardiovascular diseases.

The study uses data which was collected from 1.6 million teenagers aged between 11-17 and from 146 countries over the period of 2001-2016.

The results show that 80 per cent of the participants did not meet the global recommendation of getting at least one hour of exercise every day. According to WHO, one hour is the minimum amount of activity teenagers need daily to enjoy health benefits, including improved heart, lung and muscle fitness, bone health, and positive effects on weight, benefits which can&nbsp;continue&nbsp;into adulthood.

"Four in five adolescents are not active enough, they do not meet this WHO recommendation, that is 81 per cent&nbsp;globally. So they don't get these health benefits from physical activity", said Dr Regina Guthold from the WHO.

A daily exercise regime can also improve mental health, boosting social and cognitive development, according to WHO guidelines.

The data shows that the percentage of teenagers not meeting the recommended level ranges from 66 per cent in Bangladesh to 94 per cent in South Korea.

There are gaps within the research, especially in terms of gender, with 78 per cent of the boys versus 85 per cent of the girls not meeting the recommendations. This gender gap is encountered in each of the 146 countries involved in this study except four, Tonga, Samoa, Afghanistan and Zambia, and has been widening over the years.

Out of all the countries, the gender gap is highest in the United States and Ireland.

The inactivity rate in the United States among girls remained stable at 81 per cent in 2016 compared with 2001, against 64 per cent for boys in 2016, vs 71 per cent fifteen years ago.

The experts who led the study said that behavioural patterns of physical exercise haven't changed over the years. Even with proactive programmes in the loop, sedentary lifestyle has spiked, partly owing to dependence and convenience associated with digital technology. This means young people spend more time on phones, tablets and other screens instead of outdoor activities and exercising.

As levels of activity stagnate, rates of weight gain and obesity continue to grow.

As long as they accumulate 60 minutes of physical activity per day, it counts. Each day, throughout the week. It could be active play, it could be walking or biking to school, it could be physical education class, it could really be anything, but they have to do 60 minutes, that is the&nbsp;WHO&nbsp;recommendation", Dr Guthold added.

The WHO is urging policymakers globally to act now, and introduce policies and legislation aimed at increasing physical activity. This can be achieved by including physical education and sports in schools, active play and recreation opportunities, and ensuring environments are safe for walking and cycling.

(With inputs from Reuters)

A study done by the World Health Organisation found that teenagers worldwide are not exercising enough, jeopardising their health and increasing risks of obesity and cardiovascular diseases.

A study done by the World Health Organisation found that teenagers worldwide are not exercising enough, jeopardising their health and increasing risks of obesity and cardiovascular diseases. The study uses data which was collected from 1.6 million teenagers aged between 11-17 and from 146 countries over the period of 2001-2016. The results show that 80 per cent of the participants did not meet the global recommendation of getting at least one hour of exercise every day. According to WHO, one hour is the minimum amount of activity teenagers need daily to enjoy health benefits, including improved heart, lung and muscle fitness, bone health, and positive effects on weight, benefits which can continue into adulthood. "Four in five adolescents are not active enough, they do not meet this WHO recommendation, that is 81 per cent globally. So they don't get these health benefits from physical activity", said Dr Regina Guthold from the WHO. A daily exercise regime can also improve mental health, boosting social and cognitive development, according to WHO guidelines. The data shows that the percentage of teenagers not meeting the recommended level ranges from 66 per cent in Bangladesh to 94 per cent in South Korea. There are gaps within the research, especially in terms of gender, with 78 per cent of the boys versus 85 per cent of the girls not meeting the recommendations. This gender gap is encountered in each of the 146 countries involved in this study except four, Tonga, Samoa, Afghanistan and Zambia, and has been widening over the years. Out of all the countries, the gender gap is highest in the United States and Ireland. The inactivity rate in the United States among girls remained stable at 81 per cent in 2016 compared with 2001, against 64 per cent for boys in 2016, vs 71 per cent fifteen years ago. The experts who led the study said that behavioural patterns of physical exercise haven't changed over the years. Even with proactive programmes in the loop, sedentary lifestyle has spiked, partly owing to dependence and convenience associated with digital technology. This means young people spend more time on phones, tablets and other screens instead of outdoor activities and exercising. As levels of activity stagnate, rates of weight gain and obesity continue to grow. As long as they accumulate 60 minutes of physical activity per day, it counts. Each day, throughout the week. It could be active play, it could be walking or biking to school, it could be physical education class, it could really be anything, but they have to do 60 minutes, that is the WHO recommendation", Dr Guthold added. The WHO is urging policymakers globally to act now, and introduce policies and legislation aimed at increasing physical activity. This can be achieved by including physical education and sports in schools, active play and recreation opportunities, and ensuring environments are safe for walking and cycling. (With inputs from Reuters)

Teenagers not getting enough exercise, at risk of obesity and cardiovascular diseases: World Health Organisation

A study done by the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-ranks-first-in-the-number-of-road-accident-deaths-who-263453">World Health Organisation</a> found that teenagers worldwide are not exercising enough, jeopardising their health and increasing risks of obesity and cardiovascular diseases.

The study uses data which was collected from 1.6 million teenagers aged between 11-17 and from 146 countries over the period of 2001-2016.

The results show that 80 per cent of the participants did not meet the global recommendation of getting at least one hour of exercise every day. According to WHO, one hour is the minimum amount of activity teenagers need daily to enjoy health benefits, including improved heart, lung and muscle fitness, bone health, and positive effects on weight, benefits which can&nbsp;continue&nbsp;into adulthood.

"Four in five adolescents are not active enough, they do not meet this WHO recommendation, that is 81 per cent&nbsp;globally. So they don't get these health benefits from physical activity", said Dr Regina Guthold from the WHO.

A daily exercise regime can also improve mental health, boosting social and cognitive development, according to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/world-health-organisation-says-investigators-conclude-ebola-victim-did-not-enter-rwanda-237160">WHO guidelines</a>.

The data shows that the percentage of teenagers not meeting the recommended level ranges from 66 per cent in Bangladesh to 94 per cent in South Korea.

There are gaps within the research, especially in terms of gender, with 78 per cent of the boys versus 85 per cent of the girls not meeting the recommendations. This gender gap is encountered in each of the 146 countries involved in this study except four, Tonga, Samoa, Afghanistan and Zambia, and has been widening over the years.

Out of all the countries, the gender gap is highest in the United States and Ireland.

The inactivity rate in the United States among girls remained stable at 81 per cent in 2016 compared with 2001, against 64 per cent for boys in 2016, vs 71 per cent fifteen years ago.

The experts who led the study said that behavioural patterns of physical exercise haven't changed over the years. Even with proactive programmes in the loop, sedentary lifestyle has spiked, partly owing to dependence and convenience associated with digital technology. This means young people spend more time on phones, tablets and other screens instead of outdoor activities and exercising.

As levels of activity stagnate, rates of weight gain and obesity continue to grow.

As long as they accumulate 60 minutes of physical activity per day, it counts. Each day, throughout the week. It could be active play, it could be walking or biking to school, it could be physical education class, it could really be anything, but they have to do 60 minutes, that is <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/congo-to-receive-second-ebola-vaccine-in-mid-october-world-health-organisation-251425">the&nbsp;WHO</a>&nbsp;recommendation", Dr Guthold added.

The WHO is urging policymakers globally to act now, and introduce policies and legislation aimed at increasing physical activity. This can be achieved by including physical education and sports in schools, active play and recreation opportunities, and ensuring environments are safe for walking and cycling.

(With inputs from Reuters)

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/democrats-respond-sceptically-to-trumps-willingness-to-testify-during-impeachment-hearings-263050">Donald Trump's</a> doctor issued a report Monday on the US president's health after a "routine, planned" check-up, saying that contrary to some reports he had not suffered any chest pain.

Trump, 73, spent just over an hour on Saturday having "examinations, labs and discussions" at the Walter Reed National Military Medical Centre&nbsp;in Washington, presidential physician Sean Conley said in a statement issued by the White House.

"Despite some of the speculation, the President has not had any chest pain, nor was he evaluated or treated for any urgent or acute issues," Conley said.

"Specifically, he did not undergo any specialised cardiac or neurologic evaluations."

Some Washington reports suggested that the checkup was unscheduled and had been triggered by Trump suffering chest discomfort.

"Due to scheduling uncertainties, the trip was kept off the record," Conley said in the statement, which added details of the president's cholesterol results.

At Trump's last routine examination in February, Conley declared him to be in "very good health."

Watch: Democrats dubious as Trump dangles impeachment offer

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/democrats-dubious-as-trump-dangles-impeachment-testimony-offer-263027/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/strongly-considering-to-testify-in-impeachment-probe-tweets-trump-262993">Trump</a>, who has confounded health experts with his penchant for junk food and avoidance of strenuous exercise, weighed 110 kg&nbsp;at that time.

White House press secretary Stephanie Grisham on Saturday said Trump took advantage of a free weekend to complete portions of his annual physical before "a very busy 2020" when he faces a tough re-election race.

In 2018, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/not-interested-in-meaningless-talks-just-so-trump-can-boast-north-korea-262928">Trump's</a> then-chief physician, Ronny Jackson, held an unusually detailed press conference in which he declared Trump to have "incredibly good genes."

Soon afterwards, Trump appointed him to lead the Department of Veterans Affairs, before Jackson withdrew his name from consideration.

Donald Trump's doctor issued a report Monday on the US president's health after a "routine, planned" check-up, saying that contrary to some reports he had not suffered any chest pain.

Donald Trump's doctor issued a report Monday on the US president's health after a "routine, planned" check-up, saying that contrary to some reports he had not suffered any chest pain. Trump, 73, spent just over an hour on Saturday having "examinations, labs and discussions" at the Walter Reed National Military Medical Centre in Washington, presidential physician Sean Conley said in a statement issued by the White House. "Despite some of the speculation, the President has not had any chest pain, nor was he evaluated or treated for any urgent or acute issues," Conley said. "Specifically, he did not undergo any specialised cardiac or neurologic evaluations." Some Washington reports suggested that the checkup was unscheduled and had been triggered by Trump suffering chest discomfort. "Due to scheduling uncertainties, the trip was kept off the record," Conley said in the statement, which added details of the president's cholesterol results. At Trump's last routine examination in February, Conley declared him to be in "very good health." Watch: Democrats dubious as Trump dangles impeachment offer Trump, who has confounded health experts with his penchant for junk food and avoidance of strenuous exercise, weighed 110 kg at that time. White House press secretary Stephanie Grisham on Saturday said Trump took advantage of a free weekend to complete portions of his annual physical before "a very busy 2020" when he faces a tough re-election race. In 2018, Trump's then-chief physician, Ronny Jackson, held an unusually detailed press conference in which he declared Trump to have "incredibly good genes." Soon afterwards, Trump appointed him to lead the Department of Veterans Affairs, before Jackson withdrew his name from consideration.

Donald Trump's doctor dismisses 'speculation' of chest pain

Wall Street's main stock indexes closed at record levels on Friday, fueled by fresh optimism over a potential calming of US-China trade tensions and by big gains in shares of healthcare companies.

The benchmark S&amp;P 500 tallied its sixth straight week of gains, its longest such weekly streak in about two years, while the Dow breached 28,000 for the first time.

White House economic adviser Larry Kudlow said late on Thursday that the United States and China are getting close to a trade agreement, citing what he called very constructive talks with Beijing.

“Today is definitely about optimism surrounding the trade tensions,” said Jason Pride, chief investment officer of private wealth at Glenmede in Philadelphia.

The stock market has climbed recently to record highs, driven by Federal Reserve interest rate cuts, third-quarter earnings topping low expectations and signs that economic growth may be bottoming, while uncertainty over US-China trade relations remains a wild card.

"It’s definitely been a big source of volatility over a fairly long period of time for the markets and stocks in general," Pride said. "To see some sort of resolution of it would probably be a lift to investors and to equity holders because it takes away a big piece of uncertainty in many investors’, and even corporate executives’, minds.”

The Dow Jones Industrial Average&nbsp;rose 222.93 points, or 0.8 per cent, to 28,004.89, the S&amp;P 500&nbsp;gained 23.83 points, or 0.77 per cent, to 3,120.46 and the Nasdaq Composite&nbsp;added 61.81 points, or 0.73 per cent, to 8,540.83.

Ten of 11 S&amp;P 500 sectors ended positive. Healthcare&nbsp;led the way, gaining 2.2 per cent&nbsp;for its biggest one-day percentage rise since January, with UnitedHealth Group&nbsp;shares surging 5.3 per cent&nbsp;and Pfizer&nbsp;rising 2.0 per cent.

The gains came as President Donald Trump made an announcement on healthcare price transparency. Regulatory and election risks have contributed to the healthcare sector's underperformance in 2019, said Walter Todd, chief investment officer at Greenwood Capital in South Carolina, noting that perhaps Friday's gains were "a catch-up trade."

Shares of Applied Materials soared 9.0 per cent&nbsp;after the chip gear maker forecast first-quarter revenue and profit above Wall Street estimates.

The Philadelphia SE Semiconductor index&nbsp;gained 0.9 per cent&nbsp;and hit a record high. Enthusiasm for the group was tempered by a 2.7 per cent decline in Nvidia shares following the chipmaker's report.

Data on Friday showed US&nbsp;retail sales rebounded in October, but consumers cut back on purchases of big-ticket household items and clothing, which could temper expectations for a strong holiday shopping season.

Advancing issues outnumbered declining ones on the NYSE by a 1.84-to-1 ratio; on Nasdaq, a 1.50-to-1 ratio favoured advancers.

The S&amp;P 500 posted 52 new 52-week highs and one new low; the Nasdaq Composite recorded 121 new highs and 108 new lows.

About 6.5 billion shares changed hands in US&nbsp;exchanges, below the 6.9 billion-share daily average over the last 20 sessions.

Wall Street's main stock indexes closed at record levels on Friday, fueled by fresh optimism over a potential calming of US-China trade tensions and by big gains in shares of healthcare companies.

Wall Street's main stock indexes closed at record levels on Friday, fueled by fresh optimism over a potential calming of US-China trade tensions and by big gains in shares of healthcare companies. The benchmark S&P 500 tallied its sixth straight week of gains, its longest such weekly streak in about two years, while the Dow breached 28,000 for the first time. White House economic adviser Larry Kudlow said late on Thursday that the United States and China are getting close to a trade agreement, citing what he called very constructive talks with Beijing. “Today is definitely about optimism surrounding the trade tensions,” said Jason Pride, chief investment officer of private wealth at Glenmede in Philadelphia. The stock market has climbed recently to record highs, driven by Federal Reserve interest rate cuts, third-quarter earnings topping low expectations and signs that economic growth may be bottoming, while uncertainty over US-China trade relations remains a wild card. "It’s definitely been a big source of volatility over a fairly long period of time for the markets and stocks in general," Pride said. "To see some sort of resolution of it would probably be a lift to investors and to equity holders because it takes away a big piece of uncertainty in many investors’, and even corporate executives’, minds.” The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 222.93 points, or 0.8 per cent, to 28,004.89, the S&P 500 gained 23.83 points, or 0.77 per cent, to 3,120.46 and the Nasdaq Composite added 61.81 points, or 0.73 per cent, to 8,540.83. Ten of 11 S&P 500 sectors ended positive. Healthcare led the way, gaining 2.2 per cent for its biggest one-day percentage rise since January, with UnitedHealth Group shares surging 5.3 per cent and Pfizer rising 2.0 per cent. The gains came as President Donald Trump made an announcement on healthcare price transparency. Regulatory and election risks have contributed to the healthcare sector's underperformance in 2019, said Walter Todd, chief investment officer at Greenwood Capital in South Carolina, noting that perhaps Friday's gains were "a catch-up trade." Shares of Applied Materials soared 9.0 per cent after the chip gear maker forecast first-quarter revenue and profit above Wall Street estimates. The Philadelphia SE Semiconductor index gained 0.9 per cent and hit a record high. Enthusiasm for the group was tempered by a 2.7 per cent decline in Nvidia shares following the chipmaker's report. Data on Friday showed US retail sales rebounded in October, but consumers cut back on purchases of big-ticket household items and clothing, which could temper expectations for a strong holiday shopping season. Advancing issues outnumbered declining ones on the NYSE by a 1.84-to-1 ratio; on Nasdaq, a 1.50-to-1 ratio favoured advancers. The S&P 500 posted 52 new 52-week highs and one new low; the Nasdaq Composite recorded 121 new highs and 108 new lows. About 6.5 billion shares changed hands in US exchanges, below the 6.9 billion-share daily average over the last 20 sessions.

Trade deal hopes, surging health stocks power Wall Street to highs

Pneumonia killed more than 800,000 babies and young children last year - or one child every 39 seconds - despite being curable and mostly preventable, global health agencies said on Tuesday.

In a report on what they described as a "forgotten epidemic", the United Nations children's fund UNICEF, the international charity Save The Children and four other health agencies urged governments to step up investment in vaccines to prevent the disease and in health services and medicines to treat it.

"The fact that this preventable, treatable and easily diagnosed disease is still the world's biggest killer of young children is frankly shocking," said Seth Berkley, chief executive of the GAVI vaccines alliance.

Pneumonia is a lung disease that can be caused by bacteria, viruses or fungi. Its victims have to fight for breath as their lungs fill with pus and fluid.

It can be prevented with vaccines, and treated with antibiotics and - in severe cases - with oxygen, but in poorer countries, access to these is often limited.

Nigeria, India, Pakistan, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Ethiopia accounted for more than half the children who died of pneumonia last year - most of them babies who had not reached their second birthday.

"Millions of children are dying for want of vaccines, affordable antibiotics and routine oxygen treatment," said Kevin Watkins, chief executive of Save the Children. "This is a forgotten global epidemic that demands an urgent international response."

The report said pneumonia causes 15 per cent&nbsp;of deaths in under-5s, but accounts for only 3 per cent&nbsp;of spending on research into infectious diseases, lagging far behind other diseases such as malaria.

Pneumonia killed more than 800,000 babies and young children last year - or one child every 39 seconds - despite being curable and mostly preventable, global health agencies said on Tuesday.

Pneumonia killed more than 800,000 babies and young children last year - or one child every 39 seconds - despite being curable and mostly preventable, global health agencies said on Tuesday. In a report on what they described as a "forgotten epidemic", the United Nations children's fund UNICEF, the international charity Save The Children and four other health agencies urged governments to step up investment in vaccines to prevent the disease and in health services and medicines to treat it. "The fact that this preventable, treatable and easily diagnosed disease is still the world's biggest killer of young children is frankly shocking," said Seth Berkley, chief executive of the GAVI vaccines alliance. Pneumonia is a lung disease that can be caused by bacteria, viruses or fungi. Its victims have to fight for breath as their lungs fill with pus and fluid. It can be prevented with vaccines, and treated with antibiotics and - in severe cases - with oxygen, but in poorer countries, access to these is often limited. Nigeria, India, Pakistan, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Ethiopia accounted for more than half the children who died of pneumonia last year - most of them babies who had not reached their second birthday. "Millions of children are dying for want of vaccines, affordable antibiotics and routine oxygen treatment," said Kevin Watkins, chief executive of Save the Children. "This is a forgotten global epidemic that demands an urgent international response." The report said pneumonia causes 15 per cent of deaths in under-5s, but accounts for only 3 per cent of spending on research into infectious diseases, lagging far behind other diseases such as malaria.

Pneumonia kills a child every 39 seconds, health agencies say

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