COVID-19 showed the world how a pandemic can shatter the healthcare system, and leave it in an abysmal state. Even the world's best healthcare facilities collapsed when the coronavirus was on a rampage. The Covid surge in 2021 and 2022 exposed the weak leadership of several governments, but it also emerged as a lesson for how to tackle such unprecedented situations in the future.&nbsp;

What are the ways that can help the world more efficiently in future? The answer is to focus on the bottom of the pyramid, like rural, underdeveloped, remote areas, where healthcare facilities are not up to the mark, and regions where there is a lack of resources.&nbsp;

To understand it better, WION got in touch with an India-based startup&nbsp;Curebay, which aims to enhance the rural healthcare infrastructure in the rural areas of the eastern state of Odisha.&nbsp;

Covid impacted urban and rural areas differently. When people were isolated in cities, the situation in remote areas was rather disparate. People in rural areas dealt with multi-dimensional issues in every state when the virus spread. Lack of information, doctor consultation, and vaccine storage are among a few major issues that the governments faced.&nbsp;

Not just Covid, a report revealed that more than 60 per cent of people from rural areas chose to "migrate" out of their state in order to avail treatment for major diseases. The study by Transform Rural India and Sambodhi Research Pvt. Ltd. found that the majority of people used government-run secondary-level facilities (around 60 per cent), about 22 per cent went to a private facility, mostly hospitals, and just over five per cent consulted a private medical practitioner.

The study titled, 'State of Healthcare in Rural India-2023', had 6,478 respondents, 75 per cent men and 25 per cent women, across six regions - north, south, northeast, east, central and west.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle/news-new-study-reveals-menstrual-discs-are-better-than-tampons-pads-for-heavy-flow-623532">New study reveals menstrual discs are better than tampons, pads for heavy flow</a>&nbsp;

These are the reasons why we need programmes like Curebay.&nbsp;

Priyadarshi Mohapatra, founder, CureBay was asked about his Skype ID while consulting a doctor during the peak of the pandemic when everything was shut down.

That triggered a chain of thought: "If this is what I am going through, living in Gurgaon, which is such a good healthcare facility, then what would be a billion people living in this country in remote locations going through?"

Mohapatra said a billion people in this country are dependent on public healthcare infrastructure for their basic medical needs. And everybody has sort of left it for the government to solve.&nbsp;

He said the "government has done a phenomenal job in creating a very large network of physical healthcare distribution" in the form of district headquarters, hospitals, sub-centres and the Asha, Anganwadi.&nbsp;But what public healthcare could not solve is the provider-patient ratio.

<img alt="CureBay" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="817b5c42-9159-4cea-86f5-b52cf4f07220" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/CureBay.png" />

Weighing in on the pandemic and its impact, Mohapatra said that in the urban regions, "India is pretty much ready."

He added, "I think our healthcare infrastructure that is present in urban areas is fairly solid. And we have shown it. Like many other countries literally you know crumbled under pressure during the pandemic. India stood up on its own. But I think where India really lagged in providing the service and our infrastructure got a little bit exposed was the rural and semi-urban markets."&nbsp;

<h2>Rural India and healthcare facilities&nbsp;</h2>

The patient journey in these remote areas is difficult and the options available to them are very sub-optimal.&nbsp;

Rural India is dangerously becoming antibiotic-resistant in the absence of prescription and the course, because most of the time, the pharmacist hands over medicines to them without knowledge.&nbsp;

Mohapatra said it's not that they are not aware, it's because they want to avoid travel as it's a commercial burden on them.&nbsp;

Sometimes, due to a lack of information and other challenges, patients from rural India end up in places where the quality of healthcare is very inferior, even those that are not authorised. Sometimes at the risk of losing an organ.&nbsp;

<img alt="CureBay" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d8a432a8-725f-43f9-ba7d-358d8f6dd593" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/CureBay%20%282%29.png" />

<h2>So, how will this start-up solve this problem?&nbsp;</h2>

A hybrid model:&nbsp; 
 
Part 1: A platform has been designed for the care continuum and aggregated the physical healthcare system, which is doctors, hospitals, labs, pharmacies, and even medtech devices on that platform, so that the ecosystem can collaborate in real-time and deliver healthcare outcomes.&nbsp;

The E-centres employ certified nurses. Either ANM (Auxiliary Nursing and Midwifery) or GNM (General Nursing and Midwifery) as nurse. Also somebody with a degree in pharmacology and a qualified pharmacist.&nbsp;

Mohapatra said that a lot of people walk into the centres asking how to take benefits of the government schemes and the staff members guide them and assist them without any commercial benefit.&nbsp;

Part 2: Part two of the model was physical centres, E-clinics. These centres were designed on the principle of being extremely asset-like and designed for assisted healthcare. These centres had two trained and certified healthcare professionals, one nurse and one pharmacist. They gave access to tech platforms, a few medical-grade devices, and a few point-of-care devices.&nbsp;

<img alt="Curebay" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="e58f6a80-30aa-4ff0-a36d-ce1e328854ea" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Curebay%20%283%29.png" />

<h2>How does this work?&nbsp;</h2>

The staff will first do a preclinical screening of the patient and within 10 minutes they will speak to a doctor. After that, the staff pick up the prescription and the e-prescription and follow the next steps (tests, etc). The staff at e-centres also ensure that the medicines are delivered to the patient on time, at the best price.&nbsp;

<h2>How do staff members reach remote areas?</h2>

This programme has an interesting concept of 'Swasthya Mitra' — a way to connect the community because primary health care is about community health care not about clinical health care.&nbsp;

Every clinic has 4 to 5 people who are very local and stay in those areas. They are made 'Swasthya Mitras'. They are provided with a technology platform by which they can go to people and a lot of services can be delivered right at the door. This is also providing employment opportunities.&nbsp;

<img alt="Curebay" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="cbbb8e64-8110-439b-bac6-531bd470a85b" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Curebay%20%284%29.png" />

<h2>What are the challenges?&nbsp;</h2>

WION also spoke to Dr Shilpa Bhatte, MBBS, MD and the Chief Programme Officer of CureBay to know the challenges faced by the doctors when they see the patients and make the diagnosis.&nbsp;

Dr Shilpa Bhatte said that the biggest and the basic challenge for a rural health care model is for people in rural remote areas to realise that first of all, they need to seek care for whatever they are going through.&nbsp;

She also said that lack of awareness is a big issue. She said that they might be having access to cable TV and the internet, but that does not mean they are aware that they need to take care of themselves.&nbsp;

Dr Bhatte said that people in rural areas need to understand that taking unprescribed medicines for a month or so for chronic diseases or non-communicable diseases will not cure them, and can only be controlled and managed.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle/news-breastfeeding-beyond-infancy-extending-the-benefits-and-addressing-stigmas--world-breastfeeding-week-2023-623108">Breastfeeding beyond infancy: Extending the benefits and addressing stigmas</a>&nbsp;

"I&nbsp;think there are a lot of myths and misconceptions around how these newer diseases can be controlled or treated, I think that's another challenge over there, the understanding of what a patient journey is. And do you think you are able to understand their problems because sometimes it's not easier when you are not seeing them in person," she said.&nbsp;

The virtual consultation is definitely a challenge, but then she stated that the team designs the programme in a way that all the resources are optimally utilised. She said, "Our training focuses on observation of a patient, inspection, examination and then giving a diagnosis."&nbsp;

She added that the doctors who are virtually examining the patients will depend on the nurse and the pharmacist to check all the vitals, all the other point-of-care measurements and whatever little time in taking history.&nbsp;

<img alt="Curebay" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="dc0cea19-a82e-486c-b5f5-236c5dfd49b0" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Curebay%20%285%29.png" />

<h2>What are the urgent actions?&nbsp;</h2>

Mohapatra said that first and foremost we need to take the urban myth out of our mind that rural customers are not willing to pay. He said that "rural customers are absolutely willing to pay if you get the right service at the right price. Today there is no knowledge arbitrage. They are as informed as you and me. They know what are the best services. What prices are available? You need to bring those high-quality services to them at the right price. They are willing to pay."&nbsp;

"The other thing you need to do is build trust with them. You cannot do one camp and then disappear," he added.&nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

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COVID-19 showed the world how a pandemic can shatter the healthcare system, and leave it in an abysmal state. Even the world's best healthcare facilities collapsed when the coronavirus was on a rampage.

COVID-19 showed the world how a pandemic can shatter the healthcare system, and leave it in an abysmal state. Even the world's best healthcare facilities collapsed when the coronavirus was on a rampage. The Covid surge in 2021 and 2022 exposed the weak leadership of several governments, but it also emerged as a lesson for how to tackle such unprecedented situations in the future. What are the ways that can help the world more efficiently in future? The answer is to focus on the bottom of the pyramid, like rural, underdeveloped, remote areas, where healthcare facilities are not up to the mark, and regions where there is a lack of resources. To understand it better, WION got in touch with an India-based startup Curebay, which aims to enhance the rural healthcare infrastructure in the rural areas of the eastern state of Odisha. Covid impacted urban and rural areas differently. When people were isolated in cities, the situation in remote areas was rather disparate. People in rural areas dealt with multi-dimensional issues in every state when the virus spread. Lack of information, doctor consultation, and vaccine storage are among a few major issues that the governments faced. Not just Covid, a report revealed that more than 60 per cent of people from rural areas chose to "migrate" out of their state in order to avail treatment for major diseases. The study by Transform Rural India and Sambodhi Research Pvt. Ltd. found that the majority of people used government-run secondary-level facilities (around 60 per cent), about 22 per cent went to a private facility, mostly hospitals, and just over five per cent consulted a private medical practitioner. The study titled, 'State of Healthcare in Rural India-2023', had 6,478 respondents, 75 per cent men and 25 per cent women, across six regions - north, south, northeast, east, central and west. Also read: New study reveals menstrual discs are better than tampons, pads for heavy flow These are the reasons why we need programmes like Curebay. Priyadarshi Mohapatra, founder, CureBay was asked about his Skype ID while consulting a doctor during the peak of the pandemic when everything was shut down. That triggered a chain of thought: "If this is what I am going through, living in Gurgaon, which is such a good healthcare facility, then what would be a billion people living in this country in remote locations going through?" Mohapatra said a billion people in this country are dependent on public healthcare infrastructure for their basic medical needs. And everybody has sort of left it for the government to solve. He said the "government has done a phenomenal job in creating a very large network of physical healthcare distribution" in the form of district headquarters, hospitals, sub-centres and the Asha, Anganwadi. But what public healthcare could not solve is the provider-patient ratio. Weighing in on the pandemic and its impact, Mohapatra said that in the urban regions, "India is pretty much ready." He added, "I think our healthcare infrastructure that is present in urban areas is fairly solid. And we have shown it. Like many other countries literally you know crumbled under pressure during the pandemic. India stood up on its own. But I think where India really lagged in providing the service and our infrastructure got a little bit exposed was the rural and semi-urban markets." Rural India and healthcare facilities The patient journey in these remote areas is difficult and the options available to them are very sub-optimal. Rural India is dangerously becoming antibiotic-resistant in the absence of prescription and the course, because most of the time, the pharmacist hands over medicines to them without knowledge. Mohapatra said it's not that they are not aware, it's because they want to avoid travel as it's a commercial burden on them. Sometimes, due to a lack of information and other challenges, patients from rural India end up in places where the quality of healthcare is very inferior, even those that are not authorised. Sometimes at the risk of losing an organ. So, how will this start-up solve this problem? A hybrid model: Part 1: A platform has been designed for the care continuum and aggregated the physical healthcare system, which is doctors, hospitals, labs, pharmacies, and even medtech devices on that platform, so that the ecosystem can collaborate in real-time and deliver healthcare outcomes. The E-centres employ certified nurses. Either ANM (Auxiliary Nursing and Midwifery) or GNM (General Nursing and Midwifery) as nurse. Also somebody with a degree in pharmacology and a qualified pharmacist. Mohapatra said that a lot of people walk into the centres asking how to take benefits of the government schemes and the staff members guide them and assist them without any commercial benefit. Part 2: Part two of the model was physical centres, E-clinics. These centres were designed on the principle of being extremely asset-like and designed for assisted healthcare. These centres had two trained and certified healthcare professionals, one nurse and one pharmacist. They gave access to tech platforms, a few medical-grade devices, and a few point-of-care devices. How does this work? The staff will first do a preclinical screening of the patient and within 10 minutes they will speak to a doctor. After that, the staff pick up the prescription and the e-prescription and follow the next steps (tests, etc). The staff at e-centres also ensure that the medicines are delivered to the patient on time, at the best price. How do staff members reach remote areas? This programme has an interesting concept of 'Swasthya Mitra' — a way to connect the community because primary health care is about community health care not about clinical health care. Every clinic has 4 to 5 people who are very local and stay in those areas. They are made 'Swasthya Mitras'. They are provided with a technology platform by which they can go to people and a lot of services can be delivered right at the door. This is also providing employment opportunities. What are the challenges? WION also spoke to Dr Shilpa Bhatte, MBBS, MD and the Chief Programme Officer of CureBay to know the challenges faced by the doctors when they see the patients and make the diagnosis. Dr Shilpa Bhatte said that the biggest and the basic challenge for a rural health care model is for people in rural remote areas to realise that first of all, they need to seek care for whatever they are going through. She also said that lack of awareness is a big issue. She said that they might be having access to cable TV and the internet, but that does not mean they are aware that they need to take care of themselves. Dr Bhatte said that people in rural areas need to understand that taking unprescribed medicines for a month or so for chronic diseases or non-communicable diseases will not cure them, and can only be controlled and managed. Also read: Breastfeeding beyond infancy: Extending the benefits and addressing stigmas "I think there are a lot of myths and misconceptions around how these newer diseases can be controlled or treated, I think that's another challenge over there, the understanding of what a patient journey is. And do you think you are able to understand their problems because sometimes it's not easier when you are not seeing them in person," she said. The virtual consultation is definitely a challenge, but then she stated that the team designs the programme in a way that all the resources are optimally utilised. She said, "Our training focuses on observation of a patient, inspection, examination and then giving a diagnosis." She added that the doctors who are virtually examining the patients will depend on the nurse and the pharmacist to check all the vitals, all the other point-of-care measurements and whatever little time in taking history. What are the urgent actions? Mohapatra said that first and foremost we need to take the urban myth out of our mind that rural customers are not willing to pay. He said that "rural customers are absolutely willing to pay if you get the right service at the right price. Today there is no knowledge arbitrage. They are as informed as you and me. They know what are the best services. What prices are available? You need to bring those high-quality services to them at the right price. They are willing to pay." "The other thing you need to do is build trust with them. You cannot do one camp and then disappear," he added. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Future-ready for pandemics: How an Indian medtech startup is transforming rural healthcare

The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic is not even close to being over. It wreaked havoc across the world since it was first identified in late 2019 in China. The world is not at all ready for another pandemic? However, researchers have issued a warning about future pandemics.&nbsp;

A recent study, published in Nature journal stated that because of climate change, thousands of new and emerging viruses might jump from animals to humans in the coming years.&nbsp;

The peer-reviewed paper titled "Climate change increases cross-species viral transmission risk" predicts that if global temperatures rise by 2 Celsius, at least 15,000 new cross-species viral transmissions to happen by 2070.&nbsp;

The study explained that due to fast environmental change, several species will move from one place to another to track shifting climates.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/you-think-videoconferencing-is-the-new-normal-but-it-hinders-creativity-study-tells-474459">You think videoconferencing is the new normal? But it hinders creativity, study claims</a>

In the process of shifting they will bring their parasites and pathogens into new environments, which poses threat to global health, particularly given several "recent epidemics and pandemics of viruses that originate in wildlife".&nbsp;

Part of the study read: "Climate and land use change will produce novel opportunities for viral sharing among previously geographically-isolated species of wildlife."&nbsp;

Gregory Albery, who is an expert in disease ecology at Georgetown University and also the co-author of the paper, said that "as the world changes, the face of disease will change too."&nbsp;

"This work provides more incontrovertible evidence that the coming decades will not only be hotter, but sicker. We have demonstrated a novel and potentially devastating mechanism for disease emergence that could threaten the health of animals in the future and will likely have ramifications for us, too," he added.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/fascinating-fact-giant-moon-of-saturn-has-a-earth-like-landscape-474452">Fascinating fact: Saturn Moon Titan has Earth-like landscape</a>

Albery further added that said that climate change is "shaking ecosystems to their core". The process is apparently causing alarming interactions between species that are prone to spreading viruses.&nbsp;

Albery said, "This is happing, it’s not preventable even in the best case climate change scenarios and we need to put measures in place to build health infrastructure to protect animal and human populations."&nbsp;

Will be able to stop it? Well, Albery noted that even drastic action to address the temperature rise now won't be enough to halt the risks.&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;If you are unvaccinated for COVID, you are a threat to those who're jabbed

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The mass movement of species will lead to encountering among species, may for the first time. The process might create unique opportunities for viruses to transmit.&nbsp;

As per the study, areas of high human population density in Asia and Africa are highlighted by the authors as it will drive the novel cross-species transmission of their viruses an estimated 4,000 times.&nbsp;

"We predict that species will aggregate in new combinations at high elevations, in biodiversity hotspots, and in areas of high human population density in Asia and Africa, driving the novel cross-species transmission of their viruses an estimated 4,000 times," the study mentions.&nbsp;

As per the study, bats account for the majority of novel viral sharing because of their unique dispersal capacity.&nbsp;

They are likely to share viruses along evolutionary pathways that will facilitate future emergence in humans.&nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE&nbsp;

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&nbsp;

The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic is not even close to being over. It wreaked havoc across the world since it was first identified in late 2019 in China. The world is not at all ready for another pandemic?

The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic is not even close to being over. It wreaked havoc across the world since it was first identified in late 2019 in China. The world is not at all ready for another pandemic? However, researchers have issued a warning about future pandemics. A recent study, published in Nature journal stated that because of climate change, thousands of new and emerging viruses might jump from animals to humans in the coming years. The peer-reviewed paper titled "Climate change increases cross-species viral transmission risk" predicts that if global temperatures rise by 2 Celsius, at least 15,000 new cross-species viral transmissions to happen by 2070. The study explained that due to fast environmental change, several species will move from one place to another to track shifting climates. ALSO READ | You think videoconferencing is the new normal? But it hinders creativity, study claims In the process of shifting they will bring their parasites and pathogens into new environments, which poses threat to global health, particularly given several "recent epidemics and pandemics of viruses that originate in wildlife". Part of the study read: "Climate and land use change will produce novel opportunities for viral sharing among previously geographically-isolated species of wildlife." Gregory Albery, who is an expert in disease ecology at Georgetown University and also the co-author of the paper, said that "as the world changes, the face of disease will change too." "This work provides more incontrovertible evidence that the coming decades will not only be hotter, but sicker. We have demonstrated a novel and potentially devastating mechanism for disease emergence that could threaten the health of animals in the future and will likely have ramifications for us, too," he added. ALSO READ | Fascinating fact: Saturn Moon Titan has Earth-like landscape Albery further added that said that climate change is "shaking ecosystems to their core". The process is apparently causing alarming interactions between species that are prone to spreading viruses. Albery said, "This is happing, it’s not preventable even in the best case climate change scenarios and we need to put measures in place to build health infrastructure to protect animal and human populations." Will be able to stop it? Well, Albery noted that even drastic action to address the temperature rise now won't be enough to halt the risks. WATCH | If you are unvaccinated for COVID, you are a threat to those who're jabbed × The mass movement of species will lead to encountering among species, may for the first time. The process might create unique opportunities for viruses to transmit. As per the study, areas of high human population density in Asia and Africa are highlighted by the authors as it will drive the novel cross-species transmission of their viruses an estimated 4,000 times. "We predict that species will aggregate in new combinations at high elevations, in biodiversity hotspots, and in areas of high human population density in Asia and Africa, driving the novel cross-species transmission of their viruses an estimated 4,000 times," the study mentions. As per the study, bats account for the majority of novel viral sharing because of their unique dispersal capacity. They are likely to share viruses along evolutionary pathways that will facilitate future emergence in humans. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

What's next after COVID-19? Global heating may cause 'potentially devastating' future pandemics

G7 leaders are on Saturday set to agree on a joint declaration aimed at preventing another pandemic, as they resume wide-ranging talks at their first in-person summit in almost two years.

G7 leaders are on Saturday set to agree on a joint declaration aimed at preventing another pandemic, as they resume wide-ranging talks at their first in-person summit in almost two years. The group of leading economies -- Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, and the United States -- will also try to showcase Western democratic cohesion against a resurgent China and recalcitrant Russia. They will be joined by the leaders of Australia, South Africa, and South Korea, along with India taking part remotely, as the agenda broadens to foreign policy issues and climate change. The G7 is meeting face to face for the first time since 2019, at a beachside venue in Cornwall, southwest England, after the coronavirus led to the cancellation of last year's summit. The leaders opened the three-day summit Friday with expectations of a pledge to donate one billion vaccine doses to poor countries this year and next -- much too slow to end the crisis now, campaigners said. US President Joe Biden arrived with a message of solidarity and resolve in stark contrast to the isolationist stance of his predecessor Donald Trump. After the traditional family photo and an opening session on "building back better" from Covid-19, the leaders spent the evening at a reception hosted by Queen Elizabeth II at Cornwall's Eden Project. A renowned attraction showcasing the world's ecological riches, the site also hosted a G7 meeting with Prince Charles and 10 international business leaders to discuss ramping up sustainable growth. The G7 this weekend will also tackle climate change, and safeguarding global biodiversity, to lay the groundwork for the UN's pivotal COP26 environmental summit in Scotland in November. The leaders are debating a pledge to protect at least 30 percent of the world's land and oceans by 2030. Shared threats On Saturday's foreign policy agenda, this year's coup in Myanmar and crackdown on pro-democracy supporters in Belarus are expected to figure, alongside tensions with Russia and China. Most of the leaders will reconvene on Monday in Brussels for a NATO meeting, before Biden heads on to his first summit with President Vladimir Putin in Geneva, vowing to deliver a blunt message about Russian behavior. "I'll tell you (about it) after I've delivered it," Biden told reporters Friday. The G7 is expected to finalize the "Carbis Bay Declaration" comprising a series of commitments to prevent a repeat of the devastation wreaked by the coronavirus. "For the first time today, the world's leading democracies have come together to make sure that never again will we be caught unawares," British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said in remarks released ahead of the summit's second day. "That means learning lessons from the last 18 months and doing it differently next time around." Pandemic radar The declaration will be published Sunday alongside the G7's final communique, following a beachside barbecue on Saturday night. The collective steps include slashing the time taken to develop and license vaccines, treatments, and diagnostics for any future disease to under 100 days while reinforcing global surveillance networks. The leaders will vow to boost genomic sequencing capacity, and support reforms to strengthen the World Health Organization (WHO), according to Johnson's government, which like the US wants China to allow new access to WHO experts to determine how Covid-19 first emerged. WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, criticized in some quarters for being too accommodating of China, welcomed the health pact. And he said the UN agency would examine a British proposal to create a "Global Pandemic Radar" to send early warnings of future outbreaks. "The world needs a stronger global surveillance system to detect new epidemic and pandemic risks," Tedros said. The G7 leaders are also expected to outline more help for developing nations to build up infrastructure, as a counterpoint to the debt-fuelled spending by China in Africa, Asia, and Latin America.

G7 leaders agree on a joint declaration to stop future pandemics

While the world struggles to contain the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, scientists are warning of another one which is likely to come from a yeast-like fungus.

Scientists at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention were cited by The Sun as saying that the next pandemic could be caused by "Candida Auris", a fungus which resembles the Black Plague. 
 
They referred to CA as the "perfect pathogen" for a much serious pandemic. The CDC claimed that if the fungus permeates one's bloodstream, it will most certainly become fatal. If it enters the body through catheters or other tube-based equipment in hospitals, it would be even more fatal.

Also read:&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/lsd-allows-brain-to-trespass-anatomical-rules-new-study-finds-360681" hreflang="en">LSD allows brain to trespass anatomical rules, new study finds</a> 
 
The fungus was initially identified in 2009, and remains largely triumphant in the face of antifungal drugs.

An epidemiologist from Imperial College, London - Johanna Rhodes said that the fungus can survive on surfaces for long periods. "One of the things that make Candida Auris so scary is the fact it can linger on inanimate surfaces for long periods and withstand whatever you throw at it," Rhodes told The Sun.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/scientists-decode-how-coronavirus-damages-lung-cells-within-hours-360434" hreflang="en">Scientists decode how coronavirus damages lung cells within hours</a>

Rhodes was one of the scientists involved in containing a fungus outbreak in the UK in 2016. The fungus was compared to the Black Plague only after a CDC doctor found that the fungal makeup resembled substances that are found in lagoons, and other areas brimming with bacteria.

"It is a creature from the black lagoon. It bubbled up and now it is everywhere," The Sun quoted CDC's Dr Tom Chiller as saying.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/phases-of-moon-dictate-our-sleep-patterns-study-359785" hreflang="en">Phases of moon dictate our sleep patterns: Study</a> 
 
After COVID-19 emerged and brought to light the loopholes in global healthcare structures, scientists warned that many such pandemics could pop up in the coming years. Many have attributed it to human activity and the depletion of natural resources, with climate change also emerging as an important variable.

Now, scientists are warning global healthcare professionals to buckle up, and governments to invest more in healthcare and disease prevention to wade off potential pandemics, many of which could be more fatal than COVID-19.

While the world struggles to contain the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, scientists are warning of another one which is likely to come from a yeast-like fungus. Scientists at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention were cited by The Sun as saying that the next pandemic could be caused by "Candida Auris", a fungus which resembles the Black Plague.

While the world struggles to contain the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, scientists are warning of another one which is likely to come from a yeast-like fungus. Scientists at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention were cited by The Sun as saying that the next pandemic could be caused by "Candida Auris", a fungus which resembles the Black Plague. They referred to CA as the "perfect pathogen" for a much serious pandemic. The CDC claimed that if the fungus permeates one's bloodstream, it will most certainly become fatal. If it enters the body through catheters or other tube-based equipment in hospitals, it would be even more fatal. Also read: LSD allows brain to trespass anatomical rules, new study finds The fungus was initially identified in 2009, and remains largely triumphant in the face of antifungal drugs. An epidemiologist from Imperial College, London - Johanna Rhodes said that the fungus can survive on surfaces for long periods. "One of the things that make Candida Auris so scary is the fact it can linger on inanimate surfaces for long periods and withstand whatever you throw at it," Rhodes told The Sun. Also read: Scientists decode how coronavirus damages lung cells within hours Rhodes was one of the scientists involved in containing a fungus outbreak in the UK in 2016. The fungus was compared to the Black Plague only after a CDC doctor found that the fungal makeup resembled substances that are found in lagoons, and other areas brimming with bacteria. "It is a creature from the black lagoon. It bubbled up and now it is everywhere," The Sun quoted CDC's Dr Tom Chiller as saying. Also read: Phases of moon dictate our sleep patterns: Study After COVID-19 emerged and brought to light the loopholes in global healthcare structures, scientists warned that many such pandemics could pop up in the coming years. Many have attributed it to human activity and the depletion of natural resources, with climate change also emerging as an important variable. Now, scientists are warning global healthcare professionals to buckle up, and governments to invest more in healthcare and disease prevention to wade off potential pandemics, many of which could be more fatal than COVID-19.

Deadly fungus could cause a pandemic more fatal than COVID-19, scientists warn

New virus found in China -&nbsp;The Cat Que Virus -&nbsp; The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has warned of the danger posed by another virus found in China&nbsp; - the Cat Que Virus.&nbsp;

According to the ICMR, the virus has potential to spread diseases across India. The CQV may cause febrile illnesses, meningitis, and paediatric encephalitis among humans.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/why-china-must-be-punished-for-its-contribution-in-global-spread-of-coronavirus-331011" hreflang="en">Why China must be punished for its contribution in global spread of coronavirus</a>

The virus has been spotted in culex mosquitoes and pigs across China and Vietnam. India, too is home to species of culex mosquitoes.

New virus found in China - The Cat Que Virus 

Researchers at the National Institute of Virology (NIV) in Pune have found antibodies for the virus in two out of the 883 human serum samples which were taken from various Indian states. This implies that people have been infected with the virus.

During the course of the study, the virus was not found in human or animal samples.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/india-news/interferon-insufficiency-is-the-reason-why-coronavirus-is-deadly-for-some-patients-330858" hreflang="en">‘Interferon’ insufficiency is the reason why coronavirus is deadly for some patients</a>

The two samples that tested positive for CQV antibodies came from Karnataka - one from 2014 and the other from 2017.

The findings of the study were published in the latest issue of Indian Journal of Medical Research (IJMR).

According to the ICMR study, Indian mosquitoes are susceptible to CQV, which could also become a public health pathogen..

Its natural host is a mosquito. Domestic pigs are also considered the primary mammalian host of the Cat Que Virus.&nbsp;

New virus found in China - The Cat Que Virus - The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has warned of the danger posed by another virus found in China - the Cat Que Virus.

New virus found in China - The Cat Que Virus - The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has warned of the danger posed by another virus found in China - the Cat Que Virus. According to the ICMR, the virus has potential to spread diseases across India. The CQV may cause febrile illnesses, meningitis, and paediatric encephalitis among humans. Also read: Why China must be punished for its contribution in global spread of coronavirus The virus has been spotted in culex mosquitoes and pigs across China and Vietnam. India, too is home to species of culex mosquitoes. New virus found in China - The Cat Que Virus Researchers at the National Institute of Virology (NIV) in Pune have found antibodies for the virus in two out of the 883 human serum samples which were taken from various Indian states. This implies that people have been infected with the virus. During the course of the study, the virus was not found in human or animal samples. Also read: ‘Interferon’ insufficiency is the reason why coronavirus is deadly for some patients The two samples that tested positive for CQV antibodies came from Karnataka - one from 2014 and the other from 2017. The findings of the study were published in the latest issue of Indian Journal of Medical Research (IJMR). According to the ICMR study, Indian mosquitoes are susceptible to CQV, which could also become a public health pathogen.. Its natural host is a mosquito. Domestic pigs are also considered the primary mammalian host of the Cat Que Virus.

India: ICMR warns of danger posed by another virus from China - Cat Que Virus

In an exclusive interview to WION's Palki Sharma- Finland's Foreign Minister Pekka Haavisto pushed for alternatives to wet markets - calling on the WHO and the UN to come up with a plan to avoid future pandemics. Take a look.

Gravitas Exclusive: Finland's Foreign Minister on WION

The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in India have shot up to 735, with the addition of five new cases registered today so far.

Bihar and Rajasthan reported two new cases each, with Andaman &amp; Nicobar recording one new positive case.

Currently, there are 669 active cases in the country, an addition of five from yesterday. Out of the total 669, 50 have recovered so far, with no additions so far today.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-lockdown-kashmiri-youths-stuck-in-haryanas-hisar-deputy-cm-dushyant-chautala-extends-help-288789" hreflang="en">India Lockdown: Kashmiri youths stuck in Haryana's Hisar, Deputy CM Dushyant Chautala extends help</a>

India has reportedly lost 16 people to the virus, with no deaths reported today.

27 states and union territories are currently affected throughout the country.

The country is currently in the third day of a 21-day-long nationwide lockdown, which has been enforced to tackle the rising number of infections in the country.

<h6><img alt="Firefighters spray disinfectant over a residential area from a sky lift crane during a government-imposed lockdown" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="7956378a-6a46-493f-b7ba-4eb31b07175f" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%286%29_31.jpg" /> 
 
Firefighters spray disinfectant over a residential area from a sky lift crane during a government-imposed lockdown in Chennai | AFP</h6>

The Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi had said, “If developed countries with the best healthcare couldn’t effectively deal with the virus, how will we? Please stay at home and protect your loved ones, I request to you”, during a national briefing a few days ago.

Kerala currently has the most number of cases with 137, out of which eleven have recovered, with zero deaths reported in the state.

Maharashtra follows suit with 125 cases, with one case of recovery recorded so far.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/situation-in-iran-remains-precarious-india-asks-citizens-to-stay-put-288787" hreflang="en">Situation in Iran remains precarious, India asks citizens to stay put</a>

The capital city, New Delhi, currently has 32 active cases, with six recoveries reported so far.&nbsp;

The states of Manipur, Mizoram, alongside the union territory of Puducherry have so far recorded the least number of cases: one each!

In the border territories of Jammu &amp; Kashmir as well as Ladakh, the number of cases has been rising rapidly. The former has 14 cases now, and the latter accounts for 13 of the nationwide cases.

(With inputs from agencies)

The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in India have shot up to 735, with the addition of five new cases registered today so far. Bihar and Rajasthan reported two new cases each, with Andaman & Nicobar recording one new positive case.

The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in India have shot up to 735, with the addition of five new cases registered today so far. Bihar and Rajasthan reported two new cases each, with Andaman & Nicobar recording one new positive case. Currently, there are 669 active cases in the country, an addition of five from yesterday. Out of the total 669, 50 have recovered so far, with no additions so far today. Also read: India Lockdown: Kashmiri youths stuck in Haryana's Hisar, Deputy CM Dushyant Chautala extends help India has reportedly lost 16 people to the virus, with no deaths reported today. 27 states and union territories are currently affected throughout the country. The country is currently in the third day of a 21-day-long nationwide lockdown, which has been enforced to tackle the rising number of infections in the country. Firefighters spray disinfectant over a residential area from a sky lift crane during a government-imposed lockdown in Chennai | AFP The Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi had said, “If developed countries with the best healthcare couldn’t effectively deal with the virus, how will we? Please stay at home and protect your loved ones, I request to you”, during a national briefing a few days ago. Kerala currently has the most number of cases with 137, out of which eleven have recovered, with zero deaths reported in the state. Maharashtra follows suit with 125 cases, with one case of recovery recorded so far. Also read: Situation in Iran remains precarious, India asks citizens to stay put The capital city, New Delhi, currently has 32 active cases, with six recoveries reported so far. The states of Manipur, Mizoram, alongside the union territory of Puducherry have so far recorded the least number of cases: one each! In the border territories of Jammu & Kashmir as well as Ladakh, the number of cases has been rising rapidly. The former has 14 cases now, and the latter accounts for 13 of the nationwide cases. (With inputs from agencies)

India records five new COVID-19 cases today, total now shoots up to 735

As the number of coronavirus cases continues to rise, experts say global job losses as a result of the crisis would far exceed the 25 million estimated just days ago.

Earlier today, the number of COVID-19 cases in the US surpassed the count in Italy and China.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/could-new-testing-kits-solve-the-mystery-of-covid-19-transmission-by-silent-carriers-288909" hreflang="en">Could new testing kits solve the mystery of COVID-19 transmission by silent carriers?</a>

Unemployed America?

People applying for unemployment benefits in the US have gone up.

3.3 million Americans filed claims for unemployment last week as large parts of the US economy continued to remain shut. The surge in weekly applications was a stunning reminder of the damage the viral outbreak is inflicting on the economy. Requests for unemployment aid generally reflect the pace and intensity of layoffs.

"Well, this number of new claims for unemployment benefits is truly unprecedented and it represents the unprecedented nature of what we're going through right now. During the financial crisis and great recession, the highest or maximum number of new claims for unemployment benefits we saw was approaching, let's say, the 700,000 mark. So, we've done several times over that record number", Mark Hamrick, Senior Economic Analyst at Bankrate.Com, told Reuters.

Thousands of businesses have been shut as people’s movement remains restricted. The layoffs are sure to accelerate as the US Economy slides into a recession, with most employers cutting jobs to save expenses.&nbsp;

Some economists say that the unemployment rate in the US could reach 13 per cent by May.

Statistically, nearly a third of US workers could lose their jobs in the midst of this pandemic.

These numbers project a much bigger loss than even the Great Recession, whereby the unemployment rate reached ten per cent.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-to-reopen-war-bunker-as-a-coronavirus-containment-zone-288880" hreflang="en">Israel to reopen war bunker as a coronavirus containment zone?</a>

Germany too?

On the other side of the pond in Germany, researchers say that unemployment could top three million if the coronavirus crisis deepens.It is also expected that Germany’s economy will shrink by two per cent this year.

Countries across the world are struggling to contain the pandemic which has brought economic activity to an eerie halt.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/shifting-discourse-mexican-protesters-demand-blanket-closure-of-border-with-us-as-covid-19-cases-rise-288868" hreflang="en">Shifting discourse? Mexican protesters demand blanket closure of border with US as COVID-19 cases rise</a>

Millions to be unemployed in India?

In India, where a 21-day nationwide lockdown has been announced, industry groups have warned that job losses could run into tens of millions. It is estimated that 38 million jobs could be lost in the tourism and hospitality sector alone.&nbsp;

In a bid to reduce financial losses, many companies have given employees the option to work from home.

Experts believe that the outbreak of coronavirus has the potential to make the concept of work from home a more common practice, thereby shifting the workplace dynamics.

As the number of coronavirus cases continues to rise, experts say global job losses as a result of the crisis would far exceed the 25 million estimated just days ago.

As the number of coronavirus cases continues to rise, experts say global job losses as a result of the crisis would far exceed the 25 million estimated just days ago. Earlier today, the number of COVID-19 cases in the US surpassed the count in Italy and China. Also read: Could new testing kits solve the mystery of COVID-19 transmission by silent carriers? Unemployed America? People applying for unemployment benefits in the US have gone up. 3.3 million Americans filed claims for unemployment last week as large parts of the US economy continued to remain shut. The surge in weekly applications was a stunning reminder of the damage the viral outbreak is inflicting on the economy. Requests for unemployment aid generally reflect the pace and intensity of layoffs. "Well, this number of new claims for unemployment benefits is truly unprecedented and it represents the unprecedented nature of what we're going through right now. During the financial crisis and great recession, the highest or maximum number of new claims for unemployment benefits we saw was approaching, let's say, the 700,000 mark. So, we've done several times over that record number", Mark Hamrick, Senior Economic Analyst at Bankrate.Com, told Reuters. Thousands of businesses have been shut as people’s movement remains restricted. The layoffs are sure to accelerate as the US Economy slides into a recession, with most employers cutting jobs to save expenses. Some economists say that the unemployment rate in the US could reach 13 per cent by May. Statistically, nearly a third of US workers could lose their jobs in the midst of this pandemic. These numbers project a much bigger loss than even the Great Recession, whereby the unemployment rate reached ten per cent. Also read: Israel to reopen war bunker as a coronavirus containment zone? Germany too? On the other side of the pond in Germany, researchers say that unemployment could top three million if the coronavirus crisis deepens.It is also expected that Germany’s economy will shrink by two per cent this year. Countries across the world are struggling to contain the pandemic which has brought economic activity to an eerie halt. Also read: Shifting discourse? Mexican protesters demand blanket closure of border with US as COVID-19 cases rise Millions to be unemployed in India? In India, where a 21-day nationwide lockdown has been announced, industry groups have warned that job losses could run into tens of millions. It is estimated that 38 million jobs could be lost in the tourism and hospitality sector alone. In a bid to reduce financial losses, many companies have given employees the option to work from home. Experts believe that the outbreak of coronavirus has the potential to make the concept of work from home a more common practice, thereby shifting the workplace dynamics.

Coronavirus pandemic sets the stage for unprecedented global economic losses

&nbsp;

A new range of universal flu vaccines have been developed by scientists which can protect against influenza virus.&nbsp;

They have developed two types of vaccines, a universal one which offers protecting against 88 per cent of know strains and another meant to tackle 95 per cent of recognised influenza strain in the US.&nbsp;

Influenza is contagious and usually spreads through coughing and sneezing. &nbsp;Children and elderly are severly affected and complications can also lead to death.&nbsp;

According to the World Health Organization, symptoms include: high fever, headache, muscle pain, sore throat and rhinitis.&nbsp;

(WION)

Two types of influenza vaccine is developed, one is universal and the other protects against influenza virus particular to the US

A new range of universal flu vaccines have been developed by scientists which can protect against influenza virus. They have developed two types of vaccines, a universal one which offers protecting against 88 per cent of know strains and another meant to tackle 95 per cent of recognised influenza strain in the US. Influenza is contagious and usually spreads through coughing and sneezing. Children and elderly are severly affected and complications can also lead to death. According to the World Health Organization, symptoms include: high fever, headache, muscle pain, sore throat and rhinitis. (WION)

Universal vaccine developed to protect against influenza

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