With everything available just a click away on our smartphones and with an ever-increasing dependence on mobile phone applications, what if these apps may be giving you wrong analysis of your health?

Health apps may not provide accurate data; Here's the report

With everything available just a click away on our smartphones and with an ever-increasing dependence on <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/facebook-suspends-tens-of-thousands-of-apps-in-privacy-review-251009">mobile phone applications</a>, what if these apps may be giving you wrong analysis of your health?&nbsp;

Thanks to technology, there is now an application available for almost every health condition - from PTSD to anxiety to even hormonal imbalance but how accurate are these health apps and should you be trusting the data that throw at you completely?

Faulty screening methods and thin science are leading many customers in a trap of misinformation about their health conditions. Users end up seeking medical treatment from doctors based on the apps' contorted analysis.

Watch Video:

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Sample this, in September alone, more than 636,000 women completed health assessments on a couple of leading period-tracking apps that introduced health tools to evaluate a woman’s risk for a hormonal imbalance known as polycystic ovary syndrome. The app then recommended 240,000 of those women to ask their doctors about the hormonal disorder and get tested. All this while, users were unaware that the apps did not conduct high-level clinical studies to determine the accuracy and were gradually pushing them towards over-diagnosis.

There is an increasing problem with digital health tracking because the apps that merely make suggestions for diagnosis are able to escape the US Food and Drug Administration (US FDA) extensive scrutiny.

For years, health-tracking applications have helped people collect and chart data on their heart rates, moods, sleep patterns, fitness and menstrual cycles but now, some of these apps are going further by using that data to predict an individual’s risk for ailments like heart conditions. In other words, these apps are moving from simply quantifying consumers’ health data to medicalising it.

 
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With everything available just a click away on our smartphones and with an ever-increasing dependence on mobile phone applications, what if these apps may be giving you wrong analysis of your health? Thanks to technology, there is now an application available for almost every health condition - from PTSD to anxiety to even hormonal imbalance but how accurate are these health apps and should you be trusting the data that throw at you completely? Faulty screening methods and thin science are leading many customers in a trap of misinformation about their health conditions. Users end up seeking medical treatment from doctors based on the apps' contorted analysis. Watch Video: Sample this, in September alone, more than 636,000 women completed health assessments on a couple of leading period-tracking apps that introduced health tools to evaluate a woman’s risk for a hormonal imbalance known as polycystic ovary syndrome. The app then recommended 240,000 of those women to ask their doctors about the hormonal disorder and get tested. All this while, users were unaware that the apps did not conduct high-level clinical studies to determine the accuracy and were gradually pushing them towards over-diagnosis. There is an increasing problem with digital health tracking because the apps that merely make suggestions for diagnosis are able to escape the US Food and Drug Administration (US FDA) extensive scrutiny. For years, health-tracking applications have helped people collect and chart data on their heart rates, moods, sleep patterns, fitness and menstrual cycles but now, some of these apps are going further by using that data to predict an individual’s risk for ailments like heart conditions. In other words, these apps are moving from simply quantifying consumers’ health data to medicalising it.

Health-tracking apps: How accurate is the data? 

The ousted prime minister and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) supremo Nawaz Sharif was shifted to a hospital on Monday after his health conditions drastically deteriorated due to "critically" low platelet count. 
 
The news was shared by Sharif's personal physician Dr Adnan Malik who after meeting the stalwart in Adiala jail took to Twitter stating that the former prime minister's health required immediate in-hospital care. 
 
"Today met former PM Nawaz Sharif for consultation and evaluation. He is visibly unwell and has multiple serious life-threatening health issues of acute nature. I have recommended immediate hospitalisation for workup and treatment. The matter is of utmost urgency," Malik said. 
 
Sharing details of his health report on social media, the physician added, "Former PM NawazSharif is detected to have critically low Platelet Count&nbsp;that could be due to multiple pathologies and requires immediate in-hospital care." 
 
"I have requested the concerned authorities to act in urgency," Malik added. 
 
PML-N President Shehbaz Sharif has also said that the government's act of not shifting the former prime minister earlier to a hospital for medical care was the worst example of political vengeance and insensitivity, the News International reported. 
 
"If anything happens to Nawaz Sharif, we will blame Imran Khan for it," he said. 
 
Sharif is currently under a 14-day physical remand granted by the NAB in connection to the Chaudhry Sugar Mills (CSM) case. 
 
The jailed leader was arrested by NAB on October 11 and was produced before an accountability court in Lahore. The court has ordered the accountability bureau to present Nawaz on October 25. 
 
Sharif is already serving a seven-year imprisonment in the Al-Azizia Mills corruption case.

The ousted prime minister and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) supremo Nawaz Sharif was shifted to a hospital on Monday after his health conditions drastically deteriorated due to "critically" low platelet count.

The ousted prime minister and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) supremo Nawaz Sharif was shifted to a hospital on Monday after his health conditions drastically deteriorated due to "critically" low platelet count. The news was shared by Sharif's personal physician Dr Adnan Malik who after meeting the stalwart in Adiala jail took to Twitter stating that the former prime minister's health required immediate in-hospital care. "Today met former PM Nawaz Sharif for consultation and evaluation. He is visibly unwell and has multiple serious life-threatening health issues of acute nature. I have recommended immediate hospitalisation for workup and treatment. The matter is of utmost urgency," Malik said. Sharing details of his health report on social media, the physician added, "Former PM NawazSharif is detected to have critically low Platelet Count that could be due to multiple pathologies and requires immediate in-hospital care." "I have requested the concerned authorities to act in urgency," Malik added. PML-N President Shehbaz Sharif has also said that the government's act of not shifting the former prime minister earlier to a hospital for medical care was the worst example of political vengeance and insensitivity, the News International reported. "If anything happens to Nawaz Sharif, we will blame Imran Khan for it," he said. Sharif is currently under a 14-day physical remand granted by the NAB in connection to the Chaudhry Sugar Mills (CSM) case. The jailed leader was arrested by NAB on October 11 and was produced before an accountability court in Lahore. The court has ordered the accountability bureau to present Nawaz on October 25. Sharif is already serving a seven-year imprisonment in the Al-Azizia Mills corruption case.

Nawaz Sharif shifted to hospital after deterioration in health

International donors pledged $14 billion to fight diseases including AIDS, malaria and tuberculosis on Thursday (October 10) at a Global Fund summit in the French city of Lyon.

International donors pledge $14 bln to fight AIDS, malaria and tuberculosis at Lyon summit

American&nbsp;Danielle&nbsp;Collins&nbsp;on Wednesday said&nbsp;she&nbsp;has&nbsp;begun treatment for&nbsp;rheumatoid&nbsp;arthritis, an immune disorder that can cause debilitating swelling and pain in the joints.

The Florida native enjoyed a breakout season in 2019, reaching a career-high ranking of 23rd in the world and reaching the Australian Open semi-finals in January.

"I have not been feeling all that great for quite some time, but it&nbsp;has&nbsp;been somewhat of a relief and completely validating to understand the cause behind my pain," the 25-year-old wrote on Instagram.

"As I have started treatment, I am looking forward to embracing this next challenge in life.

"Without a doubt, every healthy day is a gift and I am one hundred percent committed to keeping strong and continuing to battle on and off the tennis court."

Collins, who is known for her aggressive style of play, said&nbsp;she&nbsp;plans to fight the disease with her trademark tenacity.

"While I don't know for sure what my journey to recovery will be, I do know that I feel really positive about getting back on the court,"&nbsp;she&nbsp;said.

"I feel like now I can get better and address my body's needs in fighting this disease."

Collins' primary care physician Dr. Clifton Page said modern treatments can manage symptoms, limit joint destruction and preserve the longevity of active individuals.

"For the elite athlete,&nbsp;rheumatoid&nbsp;arthritis&nbsp;is not a career-ending diagnosis," he said in a statement.

American Danielle Collins on Wednesday said she has begun treatment for rheumatoid arthritis, an immune disorder that can cause debilitating swelling and pain in the joints.

American Danielle Collins on Wednesday said she has begun treatment for rheumatoid arthritis, an immune disorder that can cause debilitating swelling and pain in the joints. The Florida native enjoyed a breakout season in 2019, reaching a career-high ranking of 23rd in the world and reaching the Australian Open semi-finals in January. "I have not been feeling all that great for quite some time, but it has been somewhat of a relief and completely validating to understand the cause behind my pain," the 25-year-old wrote on Instagram. "As I have started treatment, I am looking forward to embracing this next challenge in life. "Without a doubt, every healthy day is a gift and I am one hundred percent committed to keeping strong and continuing to battle on and off the tennis court." Collins, who is known for her aggressive style of play, said she plans to fight the disease with her trademark tenacity. "While I don't know for sure what my journey to recovery will be, I do know that I feel really positive about getting back on the court," she said. "I feel like now I can get better and address my body's needs in fighting this disease." Collins' primary care physician Dr. Clifton Page said modern treatments can manage symptoms, limit joint destruction and preserve the longevity of active individuals. "For the elite athlete, rheumatoid arthritis is not a career-ending diagnosis," he said in a statement.

American Collins says she has rheumatoid arthritis

Heads of states, CEOs and global health leaders gathered in France on Wednesday in an effort to raise at least $14 billion to finance the global fight against AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria over the next three years.

French President hosts Global Fund conference

Mona Lisa takes back its corner of the Louvre after renovation

A New York court on Thursday temporarily halted a state ban on the sale of flavoured e-cigarettes, giving the embattled vaping industry a breather just a day before the state's prohibition was due to take effect.

The appellate court ruling puts a hold on the ban that was announced by New York state's Democratic Governor Andrew Cuomo last month in response to widespread growing concern about the rising use of e-cigarettes among teens and a nationwide spate of lung illnesses.

The ban, which was due to start on Friday, will remain on ice until at least October&nbsp;18 when the Supreme Court in Albany is scheduled to hear the case brought by industry trade group Vapor Technology Association arguing for a preliminary injunction on the ban.

"We are very pleased with the New York State Appellate Division's decision, which acknowledges the strength of our claims about the State's executive overreach, and which preserves the ability of hundreds of small businesses to remain open and continue to serve their adult customers," Tony Abboud, executive director of the association said in an emailed statement.

New York Health Commissioner Howard Zucker said he remained confident the ban would eventually be enforced.

"Make no mistake: this is a public health emergency that demands immediate action to help ensure the wellbeing of our children, and we're confident that once the court hears our argument they will agree," Zucker said in a statement.

A handful of states have imposed or are eyeing similar bans as the crisis grows and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends people stop using vaping products.

Governors in Michigan and Rhode Island have announced sales restrictions, while Massachusetts imposed an outright ban for four months while it examined potential new regulations. Ohio's state governor this week urged lawmakers to pass a ban.

US&nbsp;health officials earlier on Thursday reported <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-vaping-related-deaths-rise-to-18-illnesses-surpass-1000-cdc-253614">18 deaths due to a mysterious lung illness linked to e-cigarettes </a>and other vaping products and said the number of confirmed and probable cases of the condition now exceeds 1,000.

The US&nbsp;Federal Trade Commission also on Thursday ordered several e-cigarette companies, including Juul Labs Inc and Nu Mark, to turn over sales and advertising data, in the first sign of a likely probe of their marketing practices. Tobacco giant Altria Group Inc owns Nu-Mark and has a 35 per cent&nbsp;stake in Juul.

Abboud noted that New York state lawmakers had already raised the minimum age for the purchase of vapour products from 18 to 21 from November and imposed a tax increase.

He said the lobby group was ready to work with officials "to achieve the twin goals of restricting youth vaping, which already is illegal, and preserving flavoured alternatives for adults desperately trying to quit smoking."

The New York State Department of Health had pledged to provide retailers with a two-week grace period before conducting site visits to enforce the ban on all flavoured e-cigarettes besides tobacco and menthol.

A New York court on Thursday temporarily halted a state ban on the sale of flavoured e-cigarettes, giving the embattled vaping industry a breather just a day before the state's prohibition was due to take effect.

A New York court on Thursday temporarily halted a state ban on the sale of flavoured e-cigarettes, giving the embattled vaping industry a breather just a day before the state's prohibition was due to take effect. The appellate court ruling puts a hold on the ban that was announced by New York state's Democratic Governor Andrew Cuomo last month in response to widespread growing concern about the rising use of e-cigarettes among teens and a nationwide spate of lung illnesses. The ban, which was due to start on Friday, will remain on ice until at least October 18 when the Supreme Court in Albany is scheduled to hear the case brought by industry trade group Vapor Technology Association arguing for a preliminary injunction on the ban. "We are very pleased with the New York State Appellate Division's decision, which acknowledges the strength of our claims about the State's executive overreach, and which preserves the ability of hundreds of small businesses to remain open and continue to serve their adult customers," Tony Abboud, executive director of the association said in an emailed statement. New York Health Commissioner Howard Zucker said he remained confident the ban would eventually be enforced. "Make no mistake: this is a public health emergency that demands immediate action to help ensure the wellbeing of our children, and we're confident that once the court hears our argument they will agree," Zucker said in a statement. A handful of states have imposed or are eyeing similar bans as the crisis grows and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends people stop using vaping products. Governors in Michigan and Rhode Island have announced sales restrictions, while Massachusetts imposed an outright ban for four months while it examined potential new regulations. Ohio's state governor this week urged lawmakers to pass a ban. US health officials earlier on Thursday reported 18 deaths due to a mysterious lung illness linked to e-cigarettes and other vaping products and said the number of confirmed and probable cases of the condition now exceeds 1,000. The US Federal Trade Commission also on Thursday ordered several e-cigarette companies, including Juul Labs Inc and Nu Mark, to turn over sales and advertising data, in the first sign of a likely probe of their marketing practices. Tobacco giant Altria Group Inc owns Nu-Mark and has a 35 per cent stake in Juul. Abboud noted that New York state lawmakers had already raised the minimum age for the purchase of vapour products from 18 to 21 from November and imposed a tax increase. He said the lobby group was ready to work with officials "to achieve the twin goals of restricting youth vaping, which already is illegal, and preserving flavoured alternatives for adults desperately trying to quit smoking." The New York State Department of Health had pledged to provide retailers with a two-week grace period before conducting site visits to enforce the ban on all flavoured e-cigarettes besides tobacco and menthol.

New York court blocks state ban on flavored e-cigarettes

Baby elephant Ayeyar Sein trumpets impatiently as a vet prepares her milk bottle and walks cautiously, her front left leg in a splint made of bamboo and cloth bandages.

The four-month-old calf was rescued from a hunter's snare trap in the forest of Myanmar's southwest Ayeyarwaddy region last month and is now being looked after by staff at the Wingabaw elephant sanctuary, an hour's drive northeast of Yangon.

"When she arrived at the camp last month, her leg was terribly sore", said Than Naing Oo, the camp veterinarian, as he cleaned the injury.

"Now she is getting better as we treat her with medicine twice a day."

Than Naing Oo said Ayeyar Sein's parents were nowhere to be seen near the trap and were most likely killed by poachers.

Poachers kill elephants for their tusks and skin, which are used to make jewellery and traditional medicine, among other things.

"The big challenge for us in taking care of baby elephants is to keep them alive", said Shwe Yi Win Htet, manager at the camp, adding that two young elephants had died in their care.

"They do not have mothers to feed them and are instead fed with powdered milk. That's why all of us are looking after them very carefully. Our priority is to prolong their lives", she said.

Officials named the four-month-old calf Ayeyar Sein in accordance with the tradition of giving orphans the first name of the state where they are found.

Wingabaw elephant camp is a government-owned shelter and 20 elephants rescued from similar situations are currently kept there.

Eight are orphaned baby elephants.

Ayeyar Sein will be raised with the other orphans in the camp after her injury has healed. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

There are about 1,400 to 2,000 elephants left in the wild in Myanmar, while 5,000 are in captivity, according to a 2018 Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute report, which highlights elephant poaching as an emerging crisis in the Southeast Asian country.

Baby elephant Ayeyar Sein trumpets impatiently as a vet prepares her milk bottle and walks cautiously, her front left leg in a splint made of bamboo and cloth bandages.

Baby elephant Ayeyar Sein trumpets impatiently as a vet prepares her milk bottle and walks cautiously, her front left leg in a splint made of bamboo and cloth bandages. The four-month-old calf was rescued from a hunter's snare trap in the forest of Myanmar's southwest Ayeyarwaddy region last month and is now being looked after by staff at the Wingabaw elephant sanctuary, an hour's drive northeast of Yangon. "When she arrived at the camp last month, her leg was terribly sore", said Than Naing Oo, the camp veterinarian, as he cleaned the injury. "Now she is getting better as we treat her with medicine twice a day." Than Naing Oo said Ayeyar Sein's parents were nowhere to be seen near the trap and were most likely killed by poachers. Poachers kill elephants for their tusks and skin, which are used to make jewellery and traditional medicine, among other things. "The big challenge for us in taking care of baby elephants is to keep them alive", said Shwe Yi Win Htet, manager at the camp, adding that two young elephants had died in their care. "They do not have mothers to feed them and are instead fed with powdered milk. That's why all of us are looking after them very carefully. Our priority is to prolong their lives", she said. Officials named the four-month-old calf Ayeyar Sein in accordance with the tradition of giving orphans the first name of the state where they are found. Wingabaw elephant camp is a government-owned shelter and 20 elephants rescued from similar situations are currently kept there. Eight are orphaned baby elephants. Ayeyar Sein will be raised with the other orphans in the camp after her injury has healed. There are about 1,400 to 2,000 elephants left in the wild in Myanmar, while 5,000 are in captivity, according to a 2018 Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute report, which highlights elephant poaching as an emerging crisis in the Southeast Asian country.

Rescued baby elephant nursed back to health at Myanmar sanctuary

Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu on Tuesday said that India had a systematic, scientific and rational approach to the treatment of diseases from ancient times and has the capability to become wellness capital of the world.

Inaugurating the 150th birth anniversary celebrations of Vaidyaratnam PS Varier at Kottakkal in Kerala today, he said Ayurveda was not just a system of medicine but it is also a philosophy of life.

"I strongly believe that India has the capability to become the wellness capital of the world. It is home to centuries-old traditional systems of medicine and wellness practices that not only foster physical health but also mental and spiritual wellbeing. The Atharva Veda is a treasure trove of knowledge and wisdom in the field of medicine. It is lauded as the earliest source of medical information in India", he said.

He said that despite non-supportive political environment created by foreign rulers, Ayurveda has survived, thrived and earned global recognition as a benign healthcare science with time-tested healing and wellness capabilities.

Naidu said that research in traditional systems of medicine must lead to an evidence-based improvement in treatment protocols and help in producing medicines of excellent quality so that India becomes a thriving centre for natural healing and wellness in the world.

Expressing his concern over increasing incidences of non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, cancer and hypertension in India, he said there was an urgent need to shift focus from the treatment of these diseases to their prevention and general wellness.

He also outlined that a holistic and comprehensive approach envisaged in Ayurveda can play an important role in treating chronic and lifestyle diseases.&nbsp;

Naidu advised the youngsters to shun junk food and always remain physically fit.

Naidu laid stress on integrating and harmonizing traditional systems like Ayurveda with the modern allopathic system for enhancing the efficacy of treatments.

"As a practising science, the system of Ayurveda needs to be strengthened through research. The ancient wisdom in this traditional system of medicine is still not exhaustively explored," he said.

Observing that ancient system of medicine using herbs and plants exists all over the globe, the Vice President said there should be a regular exchange of information between countries to further strengthen healing protocols based on natural remedies.

Referring to the evolving technologies of Molecular Biology and DNA profiling, Naidu observed that exploration of new knowledge must happen constantly, especially in fields such as Ayurveda.&nbsp;

Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu on Tuesday said that India had a systematic, scientific and rational approach to the treatment of diseases from ancient times and has the capability to become wellness capital of the world.

Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu on Tuesday said that India had a systematic, scientific and rational approach to the treatment of diseases from ancient times and has the capability to become wellness capital of the world. Inaugurating the 150th birth anniversary celebrations of Vaidyaratnam PS Varier at Kottakkal in Kerala today, he said Ayurveda was not just a system of medicine but it is also a philosophy of life. "I strongly believe that India has the capability to become the wellness capital of the world. It is home to centuries-old traditional systems of medicine and wellness practices that not only foster physical health but also mental and spiritual wellbeing. The Atharva Veda is a treasure trove of knowledge and wisdom in the field of medicine. It is lauded as the earliest source of medical information in India", he said. He said that despite non-supportive political environment created by foreign rulers, Ayurveda has survived, thrived and earned global recognition as a benign healthcare science with time-tested healing and wellness capabilities. Naidu said that research in traditional systems of medicine must lead to an evidence-based improvement in treatment protocols and help in producing medicines of excellent quality so that India becomes a thriving centre for natural healing and wellness in the world. Expressing his concern over increasing incidences of non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, cancer and hypertension in India, he said there was an urgent need to shift focus from the treatment of these diseases to their prevention and general wellness. He also outlined that a holistic and comprehensive approach envisaged in Ayurveda can play an important role in treating chronic and lifestyle diseases. Naidu advised the youngsters to shun junk food and always remain physically fit. Naidu laid stress on integrating and harmonizing traditional systems like Ayurveda with the modern allopathic system for enhancing the efficacy of treatments. "As a practising science, the system of Ayurveda needs to be strengthened through research. The ancient wisdom in this traditional system of medicine is still not exhaustively explored," he said. Observing that ancient system of medicine using herbs and plants exists all over the globe, the Vice President said there should be a regular exchange of information between countries to further strengthen healing protocols based on natural remedies. Referring to the evolving technologies of Molecular Biology and DNA profiling, Naidu observed that exploration of new knowledge must happen constantly, especially in fields such as Ayurveda.

India has capability to become wellness capital of world: Vice President

South Korea's agriculture ministry Tuesday announced the third and fourth cases of African Swine Fever at pig farms in Gimpo and Paju.

More swine flu cases confirmed in SKorea

The Democratic Republic of the Congo will introduce a second vaccine next month to combat the Ebola virus, which has killed more than 2,100 people in the country, the World Health Organization said on Monday.

The announcement came as the aid group Doctors Without Borders (MSF) accused the WHO of rationing the first Ebola vaccine in the DRC.

"The health authorities in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) have announced plans to introduce a second experimental Ebola vaccine, manufactured by Johnson &amp; Johnson, from mid-October," the global health body said in a statement.

"This vaccine, which is given as a 2-dose course, 56 days apart, will be provided under approved protocols to targeted at-risk populations in areas that do not have active Ebola transmission as an additional tool to extend protection against the virus", they added.

Matshidiso Moeti, WHO's Regional Director for Africa, said the second vaccine "will help ensure that we have potentially an additional tool to prevent the expansion of the outbreak and also a potential tool to protect populations before outbreaks hit areas at risk."

The ongoing Ebola outbreak is the second-worst one in history after more than 11,000 people were killed in Guinea, Sierra Leone, and Liberia between 2014 and 2016.

The WHO said last week that as of September 17, DRC had registered a total of 3,145 cases of Ebola since the outbreak began over a year ago, including 2,103 deaths.

It has declared the Ebola epidemic a "public health emergency of international concern".

Around 225,000 people have received the Ebola vaccine manufactured by the German pharma giant Merck since August 8, 2018.

'Insufficient' 
 
But the MSF said earlier Monday that "this number remains largely insufficient".

"One of the main problems currently is the fact that in practice the vaccine is rationed by the WHO and that too few people at risk are protected today," MSF said in a statement.

The WHO denied limiting the availability of the drug, saying it was doing "everything possible" to end the epidemic.

The UN's health agency has been pushing for the introduction of the second vaccine, but the DRC health ministry under former minister Oly Ilunga had resisted such a move, citing the risks of introducing a new product in communities where mistrust of Ebola responders is already high.

Ilunga stepped down on July 22 after being replaced as the head of the country's Ebola response effort.

He has since been charged with embezzling funds allotted for the Ebola fight, according to his lawyers who reject the allegations saying accounts prove that public funds were used "exclusively" for the anti-Ebola effort.

WHO Director-General, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, praised the latest decision by DRC authorities, who he said, "Have once again shown leadership and their determination to end this outbreak as soon as possible".

The Democratic Republic of the Congo will introduce a second vaccine next month to combat the Ebola virus, which has killed more than 2,100 people in the country, the World Health Organization said on Monday.

The Democratic Republic of the Congo will introduce a second vaccine next month to combat the Ebola virus, which has killed more than 2,100 people in the country, the World Health Organization said on Monday. The announcement came as the aid group Doctors Without Borders (MSF) accused the WHO of rationing the first Ebola vaccine in the DRC. "The health authorities in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) have announced plans to introduce a second experimental Ebola vaccine, manufactured by Johnson & Johnson, from mid-October," the global health body said in a statement. "This vaccine, which is given as a 2-dose course, 56 days apart, will be provided under approved protocols to targeted at-risk populations in areas that do not have active Ebola transmission as an additional tool to extend protection against the virus", they added. Matshidiso Moeti, WHO's Regional Director for Africa, said the second vaccine "will help ensure that we have potentially an additional tool to prevent the expansion of the outbreak and also a potential tool to protect populations before outbreaks hit areas at risk." The ongoing Ebola outbreak is the second-worst one in history after more than 11,000 people were killed in Guinea, Sierra Leone, and Liberia between 2014 and 2016. The WHO said last week that as of September 17, DRC had registered a total of 3,145 cases of Ebola since the outbreak began over a year ago, including 2,103 deaths. It has declared the Ebola epidemic a "public health emergency of international concern". Around 225,000 people have received the Ebola vaccine manufactured by the German pharma giant Merck since August 8, 2018. 'Insufficient' But the MSF said earlier Monday that "this number remains largely insufficient". "One of the main problems currently is the fact that in practice the vaccine is rationed by the WHO and that too few people at risk are protected today," MSF said in a statement. The WHO denied limiting the availability of the drug, saying it was doing "everything possible" to end the epidemic. The UN's health agency has been pushing for the introduction of the second vaccine, but the DRC health ministry under former minister Oly Ilunga had resisted such a move, citing the risks of introducing a new product in communities where mistrust of Ebola responders is already high. Ilunga stepped down on July 22 after being replaced as the head of the country's Ebola response effort. He has since been charged with embezzling funds allotted for the Ebola fight, according to his lawyers who reject the allegations saying accounts prove that public funds were used "exclusively" for the anti-Ebola effort. WHO Director-General, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, praised the latest decision by DRC authorities, who he said, "Have once again shown leadership and their determination to end this outbreak as soon as possible".

Democratic Republic of Congo to receive second Ebola vaccine in mid-october: World Health Organisation

Nepalese Deputy Prime Minister Upendra Yadav has claimed that there is no such condition to declare "Health Emergency" in the country following the dengue outbreak.

After facing intense criticism and demand from the MPs of opposition parties, Yadav, who is also a Minister for Health and Population claimed that the government was capable of controlling the epidemic.

He, therefore, refrained from demands of declaring an emergency.

<iframe data-google-container-id="4" data-load-complete="true" frameborder="0" height="1" id="google_ads_iframe_/6516239/outofpage_1x1_desktop_0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" name="google_ads_iframe_/6516239/outofpage_1x1_desktop_0" scrolling="no" srcdoc="" title="3rd party ad content" width="1"></iframe>"In our country, this disease also emerged to be complex like that of other nations but is seen with very minimal effect and for having a very low mortality rate.

The situation of emergency would not be viable for Nepal and would like to acknowledge it to everyone present here," Yadav said in his address to the Parliament on Wednesday.

Referring to the latest outbreak of dengue in Bangladesh, Philippines and other Asian nations, Yadav claimed that it has been contained through the active involvement of all three tiers of government.

As per Health Minister, the total number of infected people in the Himalayan nation now stands at 5,095 with six mortalities recorded.

The disease has already gripped 56 districts of the nation.

The government has been able to dispense the dengue tests kits to only 11 affected districts with special sanitation campaign underway in Dharan, Ithari, Biratnagar and Pokhara districts only.

Several MPs from the opposition and the ruling party had questioned Health Minister on government being silent over declaring the disease as "Health Emergency", even though it was taking the form of epidemic worrying the public.

During a meeting, lawmaker Devendra Raj Kandel questioned the minister about not declaring the state of emergency when the disease had already spread to 56 districts.

Other lawmakers namely Sujata Pariyar, Khagaraj Adhikari, Ram Bahadur Bista, Dilendra Prasad Badu, Amanlal Modi, Pushpa Bhusal, Prem Suwal, Parbata DC Chaudhary, Dev Prasad Timilsina, Meena Subba, Jeevan Ram Shrestha, Birodh Khatiwada , Krishna Gopal Shrestha, Rajendra Kumar KC and Nabina Lama also drew the government's attention to dengue epidemic in the country.

Nepalese Deputy Prime Minister Upendra Yadav has claimed that there is no such condition to declare "Health Emergency" in the country following the dengue outbreak.

Nepalese Deputy Prime Minister Upendra Yadav has claimed that there is no such condition to declare "Health Emergency" in the country following the dengue outbreak. After facing intense criticism and demand from the MPs of opposition parties, Yadav, who is also a Minister for Health and Population claimed that the government was capable of controlling the epidemic. He, therefore, refrained from demands of declaring an emergency. "In our country, this disease also emerged to be complex like that of other nations but is seen with very minimal effect and for having a very low mortality rate. The situation of emergency would not be viable for Nepal and would like to acknowledge it to everyone present here," Yadav said in his address to the Parliament on Wednesday. Referring to the latest outbreak of dengue in Bangladesh, Philippines and other Asian nations, Yadav claimed that it has been contained through the active involvement of all three tiers of government. As per Health Minister, the total number of infected people in the Himalayan nation now stands at 5,095 with six mortalities recorded. The disease has already gripped 56 districts of the nation. The government has been able to dispense the dengue tests kits to only 11 affected districts with special sanitation campaign underway in Dharan, Ithari, Biratnagar and Pokhara districts only. Several MPs from the opposition and the ruling party had questioned Health Minister on government being silent over declaring the disease as "Health Emergency", even though it was taking the form of epidemic worrying the public. During a meeting, lawmaker Devendra Raj Kandel questioned the minister about not declaring the state of emergency when the disease had already spread to 56 districts. Other lawmakers namely Sujata Pariyar, Khagaraj Adhikari, Ram Bahadur Bista, Dilendra Prasad Badu, Amanlal Modi, Pushpa Bhusal, Prem Suwal, Parbata DC Chaudhary, Dev Prasad Timilsina, Meena Subba, Jeevan Ram Shrestha, Birodh Khatiwada , Krishna Gopal Shrestha, Rajendra Kumar KC and Nabina Lama also drew the government's attention to dengue epidemic in the country.

No such condition to declare 'Health Emergency' in Nepal after dengue outbreak

Bent over her hand-crank sewing machine, Hajra Bibi carefully stitches sanitary pads for the women of her mountainous village in northwestern Pakistan, one of many rural areas in the deeply conservative country where periods are still taboo.

"I am responding to a crisis," said the 35-year-old mother, sitting in front of her small, doily-covered work table in the village of Booni, close to the Afghan border.

"Before, Booni's women had no idea what sanitary towels were," she explained. Less than a fifth of women use sanitary pads in Pakistan, local charities estimate.

Traditionally women have used rags and cloth to soak up their menstrual blood, but the stigma around periods and a lack of reproductive education mean hygiene standards are poor and many contracted infections.

As with other areas of rural Pakistan, menstruating women were viewed as unclean and limited in what they were able to do.

Bibi was given the training to make the disposable sanitary pads, made of cotton, plastic, and cloth, by the Aga Khan Rural Support Program (AKRSP) an NGO working with Unicef in&nbsp;a scheme that aims to change attitudes to women's health.

She took up the work to support her family because her husband is disabled and they have little income. Each pad takes around 20 minutes to make and is sold for 20 rupees (13 US cents).

Initially, her work disturbed the local community.

"At first, people were asking me why I was doing this, some were insulting me," Bibi recalled.

But now, "girls in the village can talk about their periods," she said proudly, adding that she was fighting "for the basic needs of women".

'infection and education'

In Pakistan, Unicef has warned that in some cases information about menstruation has deliberately been withheld from women as a "means of protecting their chastity".

"This in turn negatively impacts their physical and emotional health," it said in a 2018 report.

Historically, the women of Booni have used cloth, but according to Bushra Ansari of AKRSP, the taboo surrounding periods meant many were ashamed to dry them outside, unaware that damp cloths are a breeding ground for bacteria.

Also, female family members often shared the same menstrual rags, increasing the risk of contracting urinary and reproductive tract infections, explained Wassaf Sayed Kakakhail, a doctor in the region.

"If there are three girls in the same family, they all use the same pieces of fabric," she said, adding many women are told not to wash during their period.

There is no sex education in schools and the topic is rarely discussed even between women at homes in northern Pakistan, a particularly conservative part of the country.

According to a 2017 Unicef survey, half of the young Pakistani women did not know about menstruation before their periods started.

"Teen girls told us that they thought they had cancer or a very serious illness that made them bleed," said Kakakhail.

But Mohammad Haidar Ulmulk, public health director for Chitral District, where Booni is, insisted the problem was under control.

"There may be gaps, but we try to cover them," he said, adding that the area had hundreds of health workers trying to help young women.

'Sister, mother, wife'

The situation is different in cities, especially among the richest. But in the patriarchal Muslim country ranked 148th out of 149 by the World Economic Forum for gender equality and where sexist stereotypes persist, access to basic feminine hygiene products remains difficult.

In Karachi, a metropolis of twenty million people seen as the most liberal city in Pakistan, sanitary pads is easily accessible, though expensive.

Many women are still made to feel uneasy by leering shopkeepers and ask their husbands to buy them instead.

"Some people buy them late at night, others prefer to buy them in a different neighbourhood," said Sajjad Ali, 32, a store owner.

In shops like this, sanitary pads are wrapped in opaque paper, instead of in transparent bags like other products.

"Periods are treated as taboo and surrounded by mystery," said Seema Shiekh, a women's rights activist.

But she asks: "Doesn't every man have a sister, wife or a mother?"

After twenty years of battling to introduce sex education classes in Pakistan, the first lessons are finally being given in public schools in Sindh province, of which Karachi is the capital.

Among their aims will be to put an end to the fear surrounding periods in a country where the onset of menstruation is one of the main reasons girls drop out of school.

Some 28 per cent of women surveyed in 2017 by Unicef indicated that they had missed school or work because of stomach pain or worry over staining their clothes.

Bibi, who is working alongside 80 other women trained to make sanitary pads is confident things will change in Booni too.

She mused: "With this project, I have made people aware."

Bent over her hand-crank sewing machine, Hajra Bibi carefully stitches sanitary pads for the women of her mountainous village in northwestern Pakistan, one of many rural areas in the deeply conservative country where periods are still taboo.

Bent over her hand-crank sewing machine, Hajra Bibi carefully stitches sanitary pads for the women of her mountainous village in northwestern Pakistan, one of many rural areas in the deeply conservative country where periods are still taboo. "I am responding to a crisis," said the 35-year-old mother, sitting in front of her small, doily-covered work table in the village of Booni, close to the Afghan border. "Before, Booni's women had no idea what sanitary towels were," she explained. Less than a fifth of women use sanitary pads in Pakistan, local charities estimate. Traditionally women have used rags and cloth to soak up their menstrual blood, but the stigma around periods and a lack of reproductive education mean hygiene standards are poor and many contracted infections. As with other areas of rural Pakistan, menstruating women were viewed as unclean and limited in what they were able to do. Bibi was given the training to make the disposable sanitary pads, made of cotton, plastic, and cloth, by the Aga Khan Rural Support Program (AKRSP) an NGO working with Unicef in a scheme that aims to change attitudes to women's health. She took up the work to support her family because her husband is disabled and they have little income. Each pad takes around 20 minutes to make and is sold for 20 rupees (13 US cents). Initially, her work disturbed the local community. "At first, people were asking me why I was doing this, some were insulting me," Bibi recalled. But now, "girls in the village can talk about their periods," she said proudly, adding that she was fighting "for the basic needs of women". 'infection and education' In Pakistan, Unicef has warned that in some cases information about menstruation has deliberately been withheld from women as a "means of protecting their chastity". "This in turn negatively impacts their physical and emotional health," it said in a 2018 report. Historically, the women of Booni have used cloth, but according to Bushra Ansari of AKRSP, the taboo surrounding periods meant many were ashamed to dry them outside, unaware that damp cloths are a breeding ground for bacteria. Also, female family members often shared the same menstrual rags, increasing the risk of contracting urinary and reproductive tract infections, explained Wassaf Sayed Kakakhail, a doctor in the region. "If there are three girls in the same family, they all use the same pieces of fabric," she said, adding many women are told not to wash during their period. There is no sex education in schools and the topic is rarely discussed even between women at homes in northern Pakistan, a particularly conservative part of the country. According to a 2017 Unicef survey, half of the young Pakistani women did not know about menstruation before their periods started. "Teen girls told us that they thought they had cancer or a very serious illness that made them bleed," said Kakakhail. But Mohammad Haidar Ulmulk, public health director for Chitral District, where Booni is, insisted the problem was under control. "There may be gaps, but we try to cover them," he said, adding that the area had hundreds of health workers trying to help young women. 'Sister, mother, wife' The situation is different in cities, especially among the richest. But in the patriarchal Muslim country ranked 148th out of 149 by the World Economic Forum for gender equality and where sexist stereotypes persist, access to basic feminine hygiene products remains difficult. In Karachi, a metropolis of twenty million people seen as the most liberal city in Pakistan, sanitary pads is easily accessible, though expensive. Many women are still made to feel uneasy by leering shopkeepers and ask their husbands to buy them instead. "Some people buy them late at night, others prefer to buy them in a different neighbourhood," said Sajjad Ali, 32, a store owner. In shops like this, sanitary pads are wrapped in opaque paper, instead of in transparent bags like other products. "Periods are treated as taboo and surrounded by mystery," said Seema Shiekh, a women's rights activist. But she asks: "Doesn't every man have a sister, wife or a mother?" After twenty years of battling to introduce sex education classes in Pakistan, the first lessons are finally being given in public schools in Sindh province, of which Karachi is the capital. Among their aims will be to put an end to the fear surrounding periods in a country where the onset of menstruation is one of the main reasons girls drop out of school. Some 28 per cent of women surveyed in 2017 by Unicef indicated that they had missed school or work because of stomach pain or worry over staining their clothes. Bibi, who is working alongside 80 other women trained to make sanitary pads is confident things will change in Booni too. She mused: "With this project, I have made people aware."

Myths and menstruation: Overcoming Pakistan's period taboo

A tentative settlement with Purdue Pharma is in the works with several states and thousands of local governments over its role in the opioid epidemic.

Opiod crisis hits Ohio police hard

A small but growing number of veterans around the country are turning to beekeeping as a potential treatment for mental health conditions such as anxiety and PTSD.

Military veterans turn to beekeeping for relief

NASA is developing a new technique to forecast malaria outbreaks in Myanmar from space, as the emergence of new drug-resistant strains in Southeast Asia threatens efforts to wipe out the deadly disease globally.

The goal of worldwide malaria eradication within a generation, by 2050, is "bold but attainable", a report released this week in The Lancet argued.

Malaria cases and deaths plummeted by more than 90 per cent in Myanmar between 2010 and 2017, World Health Organisation (WHO) figures show, a success largely credited to better rural health services and wider use of treated bednets.

But the country still has a higher prevalence than its neighbours in the Mekong region.

Several drug-resistant strains are taking hold across Southeast Asia and it is feared these could migrate to Africa where more than 90 per cent of cases globally occur.

To counter this threat, NASA is deploying "cutting edge" spatial technology to tackle malaria outbreaks before they happen, scientist Tatiana Loboda told AFP.

She is applying her expertise in geospatial and risk modelling coupled with a background in predicting wildfire outbreaks in the US to identify potential hotspots so medicines and health workers can be mobilised in advance.

"A lot of people use a little spatial modelling but not to the same depth and capabilities as we're doing here," said Loboda, a professor at Maryland University.

The satellites provide meteorological data, including land surface temperatures, atmospheric water content, and information about land cover, including forest, shrubland, settlements or water.

These are then combined with socio-economic data gathered by teams of researchers carrying out in-depth surveys with sample populations in the field.

The project is only in its third year but Loboda's team has already seen a high correlation between the rate of deforestation and the disease.

One unproven theory is that these areas often dotted with logging sites, mines and plantations are hosts to a disproportionate number of migrant or seasonal workers, bringing with them new strains of the parasite.

The Maryland University team is working closely with local government and military scientists, collecting data from civilians and troops respectively.

But that brings challenges in a country where the armed forces keep their operations shrouded in mystery.

"We're not allowed to ask where they go," Loboda told AFP in Yangon, describing it as "like working blindfolded".

This is coupled with a lack of access to Myanmar's myriad conflict areas.

"I'm used to working with big data," Loboda bemoaned. "I want to blanket the whole country with random locations but I can't."

The project is not immune to geopolitics either.

The state of US-Myanmar relations can complicate meetings with the military in the capital Naypyidaw.

"Sometimes I can go, sometimes I can't," Loboda said.

NASA is developing a new technique to forecast malaria outbreaks in Myanmar from space, as the emergence of new drug-resistant strains in Southeast Asia threatens efforts to wipe out the deadly disease globally.

NASA is developing a new technique to forecast malaria outbreaks in Myanmar from space, as the emergence of new drug-resistant strains in Southeast Asia threatens efforts to wipe out the deadly disease globally. The goal of worldwide malaria eradication within a generation, by 2050, is "bold but attainable", a report released this week in The Lancet argued. Malaria cases and deaths plummeted by more than 90 per cent in Myanmar between 2010 and 2017, World Health Organisation (WHO) figures show, a success largely credited to better rural health services and wider use of treated bednets. But the country still has a higher prevalence than its neighbours in the Mekong region. Several drug-resistant strains are taking hold across Southeast Asia and it is feared these could migrate to Africa where more than 90 per cent of cases globally occur. To counter this threat, NASA is deploying "cutting edge" spatial technology to tackle malaria outbreaks before they happen, scientist Tatiana Loboda told AFP. She is applying her expertise in geospatial and risk modelling coupled with a background in predicting wildfire outbreaks in the US to identify potential hotspots so medicines and health workers can be mobilised in advance. "A lot of people use a little spatial modelling but not to the same depth and capabilities as we're doing here," said Loboda, a professor at Maryland University. The satellites provide meteorological data, including land surface temperatures, atmospheric water content, and information about land cover, including forest, shrubland, settlements or water. These are then combined with socio-economic data gathered by teams of researchers carrying out in-depth surveys with sample populations in the field. The project is only in its third year but Loboda's team has already seen a high correlation between the rate of deforestation and the disease. One unproven theory is that these areas often dotted with logging sites, mines and plantations are hosts to a disproportionate number of migrant or seasonal workers, bringing with them new strains of the parasite. The Maryland University team is working closely with local government and military scientists, collecting data from civilians and troops respectively. But that brings challenges in a country where the armed forces keep their operations shrouded in mystery. "We're not allowed to ask where they go," Loboda told AFP in Yangon, describing it as "like working blindfolded". This is coupled with a lack of access to Myanmar's myriad conflict areas. "I'm used to working with big data," Loboda bemoaned. "I want to blanket the whole country with random locations but I can't." The project is not immune to geopolitics either. The state of US-Myanmar relations can complicate meetings with the military in the capital Naypyidaw. "Sometimes I can go, sometimes I can't," Loboda said.

NASA developing new technology to forecast malaria outbreaks in Myanmar from space

Are we making a world in which all humans can live together, or are we sinking into the abyss of an unequal future and hampered growth? Despite the economic success of India Inc, this is a question that is worrying when we look at the situation of healthcare in India.&nbsp;

The health of a nation is intrinsically associated with the wellbeing of its citizens. Though the performance of India with respect to health and nutrition on the millennium development goals (MDGs) has improved, it has not matched the growth expectations needed to make India into a truly healthy society.&nbsp;

As of June 2019, India’s ranking in sustainable development goals (SDG) of good health and wellbeing was the highest at 79.9. We need to ensure that health remains a policy issue so that various stakeholders can actively participate in the process of making India truly healthy.&nbsp;

The government’s intent to provide a conducive environment for this sector is evident from the fact that the Union Budget, 2019, has earmarked the highest ever allocation for healthcare and has also increased the budgetary allocation for healthcare research by 9 per cent. It is a step in the right direction as R&amp;D is important given that the nature of our diseases change frequently due to the effects of climate change. Consequently, as our smartphones take continuous software updates, so do our diseases.&nbsp;

This is evident in the trend that India’s burden of disease is shifting from communicable to non-communicable diseases. As health also includes mental wellness, it is important to focus on the rise of mental health epidemic in India, as one in every five individual suffers from depression. &nbsp;

As the purchasing power of Indians rise and their lifestyles change, so does the type of disease. Behavioural factors and changing living patterns have made Indians susceptible to lifestyle diseases like hypertension, diabetes, asthma, respiratory, cardiovascular problems and cancer.&nbsp;

The spurt of social enterprises in different clusters, the rise of the health tech industry and the use of digital technologies in healthcare will help meet shortcomings. &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

India is at an interesting cross-road today. This can be seen in her grappling with mixed emotions of political certainty reflected by the vision of Modi 2.0 and an environmental crisis of which Chennai is the poster child.&nbsp;

In this era of disruptive growth and rising inequalities, I believe social entrepreneurship along with public-private partnership can guide India through this friendly fire by looking at it like an opportunity.&nbsp;

Globally, the march towards the need to undertake actions that trigger social change is not only being headed by educational institutions, but also by consumers who are willing to pay marginally more for products that come from sustainable brands.&nbsp;

Closer home, social entrepreneurship has flourished despite the shortcomings of public sector schemes, along with the development of an ecosystem that aims to promote a triple bottom line and mandates CSR.

As access to sanitation and clean water to every Indian is still a distant reality and the fact that poor access to these facilities has untoward consequences for one’s health and the nation, I would like to recommend WASH (Water, Sanitation and Hygiene) as an area where India should develop pioneering frugal innovations, on a priority basis.&nbsp;

Consequently, the impact of this should not be restricted to just ensuring better health, but also extend to creating models of sustainable employment. &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

As creativity can be found in chaos, I trust that healthcare innovations will be guided by increased penetration of smartphones and access to data. This can be supplemented by investor confidence and their deployment of funds in health tech Indian start-ups — the value of which stands at $510 million as of 2018.&nbsp;

Digital disruption will help in making evidence-based healthcare a norm, turn a mobile app into your doctor next door and will aid India in avoiding the problem of physician burnout among the limited healthcare personnel that we have today.&nbsp;

However, a key question remains: How can various stakeholders work in synergy to promote this sunrise sector? Somewhere between the religious justification for certain indigenous medical treatments and the fault lines of Indian society, we need to develop a structure for healthcare that has a deep impact along with being accessible across the very hinterland of India.&nbsp;

We don’t need slogans, which are usually veneers; what we truly need is an action plan. For us, this action plan is an ecosystem wherein the government at the Centre, along with civil society organizations and corporate bodies develop a cornucopia of strategies to effectively improve the health of Indians by crafting a health policy based on the 3Ds - demographics, demand and digital disruption.&nbsp;

Guided by these 3 Ds, this action plan should have roots like that of a eucalyptus tree as it will not only help citizens of India rise above from the fear of having bad health but will also help us remain humble to a policy of implementing a social security system (the healthcare ecosystem linked with Aadhaar) that India can achieve in the next five years.&nbsp;

With AI in sight, I feel this technological disruption along with a progressive policy framework will guide the development in healthcare over the next few years.&nbsp;

We can begin by changing the DNA of healthcare by using constituency data to map health and malnutrition trends in order to be more effective in the long run and thereby making all stakeholders proportionately accountable. Ergo, we need to reshuffle the cards of health in India in order for New India to become a $5 trillion economy.&nbsp;

(This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the <a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-health-and-digital-disruption-2787272">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Are we making a world in which all humans can live together, or are we sinking into the abyss of an unequal future and hampered growth? Despite the economic success of India Inc, this is a question that is worrying when we look at the situation of healthcare in India.

Are we making a world in which all humans can live together, or are we sinking into the abyss of an unequal future and hampered growth? Despite the economic success of India Inc, this is a question that is worrying when we look at the situation of healthcare in India. The health of a nation is intrinsically associated with the wellbeing of its citizens. Though the performance of India with respect to health and nutrition on the millennium development goals (MDGs) has improved, it has not matched the growth expectations needed to make India into a truly healthy society. As of June 2019, India’s ranking in sustainable development goals (SDG) of good health and wellbeing was the highest at 79.9. We need to ensure that health remains a policy issue so that various stakeholders can actively participate in the process of making India truly healthy. The government’s intent to provide a conducive environment for this sector is evident from the fact that the Union Budget, 2019, has earmarked the highest ever allocation for healthcare and has also increased the budgetary allocation for healthcare research by 9 per cent. It is a step in the right direction as R&D is important given that the nature of our diseases change frequently due to the effects of climate change. Consequently, as our smartphones take continuous software updates, so do our diseases. This is evident in the trend that India’s burden of disease is shifting from communicable to non-communicable diseases. As health also includes mental wellness, it is important to focus on the rise of mental health epidemic in India, as one in every five individual suffers from depression. As the purchasing power of Indians rise and their lifestyles change, so does the type of disease. Behavioural factors and changing living patterns have made Indians susceptible to lifestyle diseases like hypertension, diabetes, asthma, respiratory, cardiovascular problems and cancer. The spurt of social enterprises in different clusters, the rise of the health tech industry and the use of digital technologies in healthcare will help meet shortcomings. India is at an interesting cross-road today. This can be seen in her grappling with mixed emotions of political certainty reflected by the vision of Modi 2.0 and an environmental crisis of which Chennai is the poster child. In this era of disruptive growth and rising inequalities, I believe social entrepreneurship along with public-private partnership can guide India through this friendly fire by looking at it like an opportunity. Globally, the march towards the need to undertake actions that trigger social change is not only being headed by educational institutions, but also by consumers who are willing to pay marginally more for products that come from sustainable brands. Closer home, social entrepreneurship has flourished despite the shortcomings of public sector schemes, along with the development of an ecosystem that aims to promote a triple bottom line and mandates CSR. As access to sanitation and clean water to every Indian is still a distant reality and the fact that poor access to these facilities has untoward consequences for one’s health and the nation, I would like to recommend WASH (Water, Sanitation and Hygiene) as an area where India should develop pioneering frugal innovations, on a priority basis. Consequently, the impact of this should not be restricted to just ensuring better health, but also extend to creating models of sustainable employment. As creativity can be found in chaos, I trust that healthcare innovations will be guided by increased penetration of smartphones and access to data. This can be supplemented by investor confidence and their deployment of funds in health tech Indian start-ups — the value of which stands at $510 million as of 2018. Digital disruption will help in making evidence-based healthcare a norm, turn a mobile app into your doctor next door and will aid India in avoiding the problem of physician burnout among the limited healthcare personnel that we have today. However, a key question remains: How can various stakeholders work in synergy to promote this sunrise sector? Somewhere between the religious justification for certain indigenous medical treatments and the fault lines of Indian society, we need to develop a structure for healthcare that has a deep impact along with being accessible across the very hinterland of India. We don’t need slogans, which are usually veneers; what we truly need is an action plan. For us, this action plan is an ecosystem wherein the government at the Centre, along with civil society organizations and corporate bodies develop a cornucopia of strategies to effectively improve the health of Indians by crafting a health policy based on the 3Ds - demographics, demand and digital disruption. Guided by these 3 Ds, this action plan should have roots like that of a eucalyptus tree as it will not only help citizens of India rise above from the fear of having bad health but will also help us remain humble to a policy of implementing a social security system (the healthcare ecosystem linked with Aadhaar) that India can achieve in the next five years. With AI in sight, I feel this technological disruption along with a progressive policy framework will guide the development in healthcare over the next few years. We can begin by changing the DNA of healthcare by using constituency data to map health and malnutrition trends in order to be more effective in the long run and thereby making all stakeholders proportionately accountable. Ergo, we need to reshuffle the cards of health in India in order for New India to become a $5 trillion economy. (This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Digital disruption will help in making evidence-based healthcare a norm

The death toll from Democratic Republic of Congo's year-long Ebola outbreak has climbed above 2,000, government data showed on Friday (August 30), as responders battle to overcome community mistrust and widespread security problems.

Ebola death toll tops 2,000 in eastern Congo outbreak

United States-Taliban agreement to end nearly 18 years of fighting raises questions about whether humanitarian aid will decline as foreign troops withdraw in Afghanistan.

Afghan children malnourished, aid uncertain

Born without her left arm below the elbow, 8-year-old Madeline gets the world's first multi-grip bionic arm.

8-year-old Texan girl uses her bionic hand for first time

Merkel Appears unsteady for 3rd time

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Wednesday said that the government was committed to the path of fiscal consolidation without compromising on requirements of public expenditure and there was an increase in tax receipts of the government.

Replying to a marathon debate on the <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/budget-2019-it-gives-wings-to-farmers-youngsters-women-home-minister-amit-shah-233399&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiN6qTal6rjAhWr4XMBHQKXAGsQFjAEegQICBAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw10VBLflL7e5H3IuLDTFHZk">union budget 2019-20</a>, she said the government was committed to national security as also to "sabka saath, sabka vikas".

She said that the amount of money spent on central government schemes was higher two years after the implementation of Goods and Services Tax.

She also said the government was committed to "substantially boost" investment in agriculture and social sector, particularly education and health.

Finance Minister referred to the government setting fiscal deficit target of 3.3 per cent from an earlier 3.4 per cent and said there should be no anxiety.&nbsp;

"The government is committed to continue the path of fiscal consolidation without compromising on requirements of public expenditure placed by various sectors," she said.&nbsp;

"Increased investment in the social sector will be ensured through prudent rationalization of expenditure and mobilisation of additional resources," she added.

Several members took part in the debate which lasted over 15 hours.&nbsp;

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Wednesday said that the government was committed to the path of fiscal consolidation without compromising on requirements of public expenditure and there was an increase in tax receipts of the government.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Wednesday said that the government was committed to the path of fiscal consolidation without compromising on requirements of public expenditure and there was an increase in tax receipts of the government. Replying to a marathon debate on the union budget 2019-20, she said the government was committed to national security as also to "sabka saath, sabka vikas". She said that the amount of money spent on central government schemes was higher two years after the implementation of Goods and Services Tax. She also said the government was committed to "substantially boost" investment in agriculture and social sector, particularly education and health. Finance Minister referred to the government setting fiscal deficit target of 3.3 per cent from an earlier 3.4 per cent and said there should be no anxiety. "The government is committed to continue the path of fiscal consolidation without compromising on requirements of public expenditure placed by various sectors," she said. "Increased investment in the social sector will be ensured through prudent rationalization of expenditure and mobilisation of additional resources," she added. Several members took part in the debate which lasted over 15 hours.

Government committed to fiscal consolidation, boost investment in social sector: Sitharaman

Preparations are in full swing in Ranchi to host the International Yoga Day 2019. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will perform yoga with thousands of yoga enthusiast at Prabhat Tara Ground as part of the celebration on 21st June. Watch to know more about the special arrangements made for IYD 2019.

Special arrangements for 5th International Yoga Day in Ranchi, Jharkhand

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