<p>The United Nations (UN) declared February 6 as International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) this year. FGM, is defined by the World Health Organisation as “the total or partial removal of external female genitalia or other injuries to the female genital organs for non-medical reasons”, is widely prevalent in the Bohra Community and some other minority communities in India.</p>

<p>Amid allegations that Dawoodi Bohra women are oppressed, mute spectators of a patriarchal system, the Dawoodi Bohra Women’s Association for Religious Freedom (DBWRF) comprising over 72,000 practising Dawoodi Bohra women set the record straight about their practices and the community in light of International Day of Zero Tolerance for FGM.</p>

<p>Bohra Woman's association claims that Dawoodi Bohra women are among the most progressive and educated in India, having a near 100 per cent literacy rate. The representative from the community claims that the women from the community enjoy positions of power across various sectors such as IT, law, medicine, education, engineering, architecture and retail businesses among others, and are empowered and in fact encouraged to build careers for themselves.</p>

<p>In fact, DBWRF claims that women of the community are deeply pained that despite having cemented their position as business leaders, responsible citizens, loving mothers and homemakers, in a highly educated and gender equal community, they have come under scrutiny for their harmless practice of female circumcision (khafz). The same has been wrongly labelled as female genital mutilation by those with an agenda against the community.</p>

<p>Yasmeen vividly remembers being taken by her mom, maternal grandmother and another female relative, when she was seven, to some chawl in Bhendi Baazar called the Bohri moholla.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I was lying down, my frock was held up…then I don’t remember anything. Just that there was intense pain as I walked back and I was told to keep myself clean, using Dettol water for istinja (wash after urination)," she said as she recalled the trauma she had to undergo on that horrific day.</p>

<p>"I cried a lot. It was not just that. I think it did affect my sexual performance. College days when young girls were too busy trying to get male attention, I was called The Ice Maiden. I went to a convent and then to women’s universities. I had a love marriage but my husband was not happy. He repeatedly told me (jokingly) that my father was to blame for having me circumcised and taking away his pleasure," Says Yasmeen.</p>

<p>Till today she can't figure out, whether it’s a dysfunction of a physical, psychological or emotional nature. Now she has two grown-up boys and she doesn't care much about herself but will surely want to extend all her support to the next generation can see a change.</p>

<p>There are many terms and acronyms to describe female genital mutilation (FGM); female genital cutting (FGC), female circumcision (FC), Khatna and Khafz. In the Bohra Community specifically, it involves the cutting of a seven-year-old girl’s clitoral hood. Ending FGM’s terminology barrier is the specific goal this year of a women survivor lead organisation, WeSpeakOut. "Khafz is FGM.” says Masooma Ranalvi, convener of WeSpeakOut while speaking to WION.</p>

<p>“There is an attempt to confuse and obfuscate the gravity of the practice of FGM by using differing terminologies, claiming that FGM is barbaric while Khafz is more civilized. This use of different terms is only meant to belittle the harm caused by Khafz, by glorifying it,” says Masooma.</p>

<p>As the country faces general elections, women opposing female circumcision call upon all Indian political leaders to heed to their appeal and want the new government to step in to end FGM’s terminology barrier, and to take a categorical stand to end the practice. The practice of FGM is condemned by international human rights treaties to which India is a party.&nbsp;</p>

<p>India has also pledged to eliminate FGM as part of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.</p>


The United Nations (UN) declared February 6 as International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) this year. FGM, is defined by the World Health Organisation as “the total or partial removal of external female genitalia or other injuries to the female genital organs for non-medical reasons”, is widely prevalent in the Bohra Community and some other minority communities in India.

The United Nations (UN) declared February 6 as International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) this year. FGM, is defined by the World Health Organisation as “the total or partial removal of external female genitalia or other injuries to the female genital organs for non-medical reasons”, is widely prevalent in the Bohra Community and some other minority communities in India. Amid allegations that Dawoodi Bohra women are oppressed, mute spectators of a patriarchal system, the Dawoodi Bohra Women’s Association for Religious Freedom (DBWRF) comprising over 72,000 practising Dawoodi Bohra women set the record straight about their practices and the community in light of International Day of Zero Tolerance for FGM. Bohra Woman's association claims that Dawoodi Bohra women are among the most progressive and educated in India, having a near 100 per cent literacy rate. The representative from the community claims that the women from the community enjoy positions of power across various sectors such as IT, law, medicine, education, engineering, architecture and retail businesses among others, and are empowered and in fact encouraged to build careers for themselves. In fact, DBWRF claims that women of the community are deeply pained that despite having cemented their position as business leaders, responsible citizens, loving mothers and homemakers, in a highly educated and gender equal community, they have come under scrutiny for their harmless practice of female circumcision (khafz). The same has been wrongly labelled as female genital mutilation by those with an agenda against the community. Yasmeen vividly remembers being taken by her mom, maternal grandmother and another female relative, when she was seven, to some chawl in Bhendi Baazar called the Bohri moholla. "I was lying down, my frock was held up…then I don’t remember anything. Just that there was intense pain as I walked back and I was told to keep myself clean, using Dettol water for istinja (wash after urination)," she said as she recalled the trauma she had to undergo on that horrific day. "I cried a lot. It was not just that. I think it did affect my sexual performance. College days when young girls were too busy trying to get male attention, I was called The Ice Maiden. I went to a convent and then to women’s universities. I had a love marriage but my husband was not happy. He repeatedly told me (jokingly) that my father was to blame for having me circumcised and taking away his pleasure," Says Yasmeen. Till today she can't figure out, whether it’s a dysfunction of a physical, psychological or emotional nature. Now she has two grown-up boys and she doesn't care much about herself but will surely want to extend all her support to the next generation can see a change. There are many terms and acronyms to describe female genital mutilation (FGM); female genital cutting (FGC), female circumcision (FC), Khatna and Khafz. In the Bohra Community specifically, it involves the cutting of a seven-year-old girl’s clitoral hood. Ending FGM’s terminology barrier is the specific goal this year of a women survivor lead organisation, WeSpeakOut. "Khafz is FGM.” says Masooma Ranalvi, convener of WeSpeakOut while speaking to WION. “There is an attempt to confuse and obfuscate the gravity of the practice of FGM by using differing terminologies, claiming that FGM is barbaric while Khafz is more civilized. This use of different terms is only meant to belittle the harm caused by Khafz, by glorifying it,” says Masooma. As the country faces general elections, women opposing female circumcision call upon all Indian political leaders to heed to their appeal and want the new government to step in to end FGM’s terminology barrier, and to take a categorical stand to end the practice. The practice of FGM is condemned by international human rights treaties to which India is a party. India has also pledged to eliminate FGM as part of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Calls for zero tolerance towards Female Genital Mutilation get louder as election nears 

<p>The end of an Ebola epidemic that has gripped the northeast of the Democratic Republic of the Congo for over six months is hard to predict, a World Health Organisation official told EFE on Sunday.<br />
<br />
The outbreak became the second-worst ever recorded, with 475 deaths, among them 421 confirmed cases of the virus and 54 probable, according to the latest figures.<br />
<br />
WHO regional director for Africa, Matshidiso Moeti, told EFE on the phone chains of transmission and a large number of people were being monitored, which could take months.<br />
<br />
This Ebola outbreak, which emerged shortly after DR Congo's government declared an end to another outbreak in the west of the country in June last year, was announced on Aug. 1 in the conflict-affected provinces of North Kivu and Ituri.<br />
<br />
Since the beginning of the epidemic, 769 cases of the disease have been recorded, 715 of which are confirmed and 54 others considered likely.<br />
<br />
The Botswana-born doctor added they were aware that insecurity limited their access, noting the virus might be spreading in areas they had no access to.<br />
<br />
In these red zones where health teams' access is extremely difficult, if not impossible, Moeti said the number of people infected can neither be known nor estimated.<br />
<br />
The conflict is not static so there are areas that are safe, but then suddenly an incident takes place, and then all health teams are evacuated, Moeti said.<br />
<br />
The doctor explained that Ebola was a disease that needed continuous and daily monitoring, and so closing a health center or evacuating medical personnel meant losing track of cases and allowing the virus to continue spreading.<br />
<br />
On Nov. 30, the WHO confirmed that the current Ebola outbreak in DR Congo is now the second-worst in history.<br />
<br />
The worst case killed over 11,000 people in West Africa between 2014-2016.<br />
<br />
Ebola is transmitted through direct contact with the blood or bodily fluids of infected people or animals, and is widely feared for its mortality rate of up to 90 percent and for causing heavy internal and external bleeding.</p>


The end of an Ebola epidemic that has gripped the northeast of the Democratic Republic of the Congo for over six months is hard to predict, a World Health Organisation official told EFE on Sunday.

The end of an Ebola epidemic that has gripped the northeast of the Democratic Republic of the Congo for over six months is hard to predict, a World Health Organisation official told EFE on Sunday. The outbreak became the second-worst ever recorded, with 475 deaths, among them 421 confirmed cases of the virus and 54 probable, according to the latest figures. WHO regional director for Africa, Matshidiso Moeti, told EFE on the phone chains of transmission and a large number of people were being monitored, which could take months. This Ebola outbreak, which emerged shortly after DR Congo's government declared an end to another outbreak in the west of the country in June last year, was announced on Aug. 1 in the conflict-affected provinces of North Kivu and Ituri. Since the beginning of the epidemic, 769 cases of the disease have been recorded, 715 of which are confirmed and 54 others considered likely. The Botswana-born doctor added they were aware that insecurity limited their access, noting the virus might be spreading in areas they had no access to. In these red zones where health teams' access is extremely difficult, if not impossible, Moeti said the number of people infected can neither be known nor estimated. The conflict is not static so there are areas that are safe, but then suddenly an incident takes place, and then all health teams are evacuated, Moeti said. The doctor explained that Ebola was a disease that needed continuous and daily monitoring, and so closing a health center or evacuating medical personnel meant losing track of cases and allowing the virus to continue spreading. On Nov. 30, the WHO confirmed that the current Ebola outbreak in DR Congo is now the second-worst in history. The worst case killed over 11,000 people in West Africa between 2014-2016. Ebola is transmitted through direct contact with the blood or bodily fluids of infected people or animals, and is widely feared for its mortality rate of up to 90 percent and for causing heavy internal and external bleeding.

WHO says end of Ebola outbreak difficult to predict

<p>The Environment Ministry is likely to come out with its National Clean Air Programme (NCAP), which proposes multiple strategies to combat air pollution, next month, a top environment ministry official said Thursday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This comes as the air quality in the national capital deteriorated to the "very poor" category.</p>

<p>The key components of the NCAP include city-specific air pollution abatement action plans for 100 polluting cities of the country, increasing the number of monitoring stations, data dissemination, public participation on planning and implementation.</p>

<p>"We are going to come out with NCAP next month," a top official told PTI.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Greenpeace India said in a statement that an Environment Ministry official had also given a presentation regarding this at a conference on air pollution and health by the World Health Organisation (WHO) in Geneva.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Although the top Environment Ministry official confirmed that an Indian delegation took part in the meet, he, however, could not give details about the presentation.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Greenpeace India said while presenting on air pollution, Environment Deputy Secretary Satyendra Kumar assured that the country would have a comprehensive, time-bound and target reduction plan by December 2018.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The green body said the acknowledgement that air pollution is causing a health emergency at the international platform by the Environment Ministry is a good thing but a lot of time has been wasted to acknowledge it.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"After the Environment Ministry MoEFCC presentation, I want to believe that now Dr Harsh Vardhan and Environment Ministry will enforce the National Clean Air Programme without any further delay," Sunil Dahiya, senior air pollution campaigner, Greenpeace India, said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The programme has been in discussion since October last year and despite coming up with a draft plan in April 2018, the ministry continues to sit on it," he added.</p>

<p>Dahiya said despite knowing all the polluting sources, from industries, power plants and transport systems to episodic events like stubble burning and Diwali, there seemed to be an absolute lack of synchronisation between the policies and their implementation.</p>

<p>"Even if the NCAP is enforced, its compliance is going to be a large bottleneck. Looking at how the public health emergency has been dealt with in the past years, the talks must translate into action.</p>

<p>"The way the Ministry have been shying away from announcing the clean air plan, we really anticipate an aggressive, time-bound and target-oriented NCAP to achieve clean air and a breathable India," he added.</p>


The Environment Ministry is likely to come out with its National Clean Air Programme (NCAP), which proposes multiple strategies to combat air pollution, next month, a top environment ministry official said Thursday.

The Environment Ministry is likely to come out with its National Clean Air Programme (NCAP), which proposes multiple strategies to combat air pollution, next month, a top environment ministry official said Thursday. This comes as the air quality in the national capital deteriorated to the "very poor" category. The key components of the NCAP include city-specific air pollution abatement action plans for 100 polluting cities of the country, increasing the number of monitoring stations, data dissemination, public participation on planning and implementation. "We are going to come out with NCAP next month," a top official told PTI. Greenpeace India said in a statement that an Environment Ministry official had also given a presentation regarding this at a conference on air pollution and health by the World Health Organisation (WHO) in Geneva. Although the top Environment Ministry official confirmed that an Indian delegation took part in the meet, he, however, could not give details about the presentation. Greenpeace India said while presenting on air pollution, Environment Deputy Secretary Satyendra Kumar assured that the country would have a comprehensive, time-bound and target reduction plan by December 2018. The green body said the acknowledgement that air pollution is causing a health emergency at the international platform by the Environment Ministry is a good thing but a lot of time has been wasted to acknowledge it. "After the Environment Ministry MoEFCC presentation, I want to believe that now Dr Harsh Vardhan and Environment Ministry will enforce the National Clean Air Programme without any further delay," Sunil Dahiya, senior air pollution campaigner, Greenpeace India, said. "The programme has been in discussion since October last year and despite coming up with a draft plan in April 2018, the ministry continues to sit on it," he added. Dahiya said despite knowing all the polluting sources, from industries, power plants and transport systems to episodic events like stubble burning and Diwali, there seemed to be an absolute lack of synchronisation between the policies and their implementation. "Even if the NCAP is enforced, its compliance is going to be a large bottleneck. Looking at how the public health emergency has been dealt with in the past years, the talks must translate into action. "The way the Ministry have been shying away from announcing the clean air plan, we really anticipate an aggressive, time-bound and target-oriented NCAP to achieve clean air and a breathable India," he added.

Environment Ministry likely to come out with 'National Clean Air Programme' next month

<p>World Health Organisation (WHO) Director General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said that air pollution is the “new tobacco.''&nbsp;</p>

<p>Over 90% of the world's population suffers from toxic air and it's creating a profound effect on the health of people, he said.</p>

<p>Ghebreyesus said that the simple act of breathing is killing 7 million people a year and harming billions more.</p>

<p>According to WHO director, no rich or poor can escape air pollution and that it is a silent public health emergency.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Most to be affected by this pollution are children and babies' developing bodies said Dr Maria Neira, WHO director for public health and the environment.</p>

<p>Tedro said that a clean and healthy environment is the single most important precondition for ensuring good health.</p>

<p>Next week, WHO is hosting its first global conference on air pollution and health in Geneva, which also includes a high-level action day at which nations and cities are expected to make new commitments to cut air pollution.</p>


World Health Organisation (WHO) Director General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said that air pollution is the “new tobacco.'' Over 90% of the world's population suffers from toxic air and it's creating a profound effect on the health of people, he said.

World Health Organisation (WHO) Director General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said that air pollution is the “new tobacco.'' Over 90% of the world's population suffers from toxic air and it's creating a profound effect on the health of people, he said. Ghebreyesus said that the simple act of breathing is killing 7 million people a year and harming billions more. According to WHO director, no rich or poor can escape air pollution and that it is a silent public health emergency. Most to be affected by this pollution are children and babies' developing bodies said Dr Maria Neira, WHO director for public health and the environment. Tedro said that a clean and healthy environment is the single most important precondition for ensuring good health. Next week, WHO is hosting its first global conference on air pollution and health in Geneva, which also includes a high-level action day at which nations and cities are expected to make new commitments to cut air pollution.

Air pollution is the 'new tobacco': WHO Director General Tedros

<p>Six more people tested positive for Zika virus in Rajasthan's Jaipur district Sunday, taking the total number of such cases to 123,&nbsp;a government official said.</p>

<p>Of the 123 patients, around 105 have recovered after treatment, he said.</p>

<p>The state health department also formed a five-member committee on Saturday to investigate, examine and track Zika virus disease in pregnant patients of first trimester.</p>

<p>The committee will submit the report to the director public health from time to time, an order said. "Most of the cases which have been reported are from Shastri Nagar area here where fogging and other anti-larvae activities are being carried out to prevent the spread of the virus. "</p>

<p>The virus, transmitted through the aedes aegypti mosquito, causes fever, skin rashes, conjunctivitis, muscle and joint pain. It is harmful to pregnant women, as it can lead to microcephaly, a condition in which a baby's head is significantly smaller in newborns.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In India, the first outbreak was reported in Ahmedabad in January 2017 and the second in Tamil Nadu's Krishnagiri district in July that year. Both these outbreaks were successfully contained through intensive surveillance and vector management.</p>

<p>The disease is under surveillance of the Union Health Ministry although it is no longer a Public Health Emergency of International Concern under WHO notification since November 18, 2016.</p>


Six more people tested positive for Zika virus in Rajasthan's Jaipur district Sunday, taking the total number of such cases to 123, a government official said. Of the 123 patients, around 105 have recovered after treatment, he said.

Six more people tested positive for Zika virus in Rajasthan's Jaipur district Sunday, taking the total number of such cases to 123, a government official said. Of the 123 patients, around 105 have recovered after treatment, he said. The state health department also formed a five-member committee on Saturday to investigate, examine and track Zika virus disease in pregnant patients of first trimester. The committee will submit the report to the director public health from time to time, an order said. "Most of the cases which have been reported are from Shastri Nagar area here where fogging and other anti-larvae activities are being carried out to prevent the spread of the virus. " The virus, transmitted through the aedes aegypti mosquito, causes fever, skin rashes, conjunctivitis, muscle and joint pain. It is harmful to pregnant women, as it can lead to microcephaly, a condition in which a baby's head is significantly smaller in newborns. In India, the first outbreak was reported in Ahmedabad in January 2017 and the second in Tamil Nadu's Krishnagiri district in July that year. Both these outbreaks were successfully contained through intensive surveillance and vector management. The disease is under surveillance of the Union Health Ministry although it is no longer a Public Health Emergency of International Concern under WHO notification since November 18, 2016.

Six new Zika cases in Rajasthan; total 123

<p>Global health watchdog, the World Health Organisation, describes cardiovascular diseases as the number one cause of death globally. "More people die annually from CVDs than from any other cause," WHO states on its website.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Every year, September 29 is celebrated as World Heart Day with an aim to raise awareness about the rising incident of cardiovascular ailments across the globe and educating people about various ways to ensure a healthy, strong heart.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Experts suggest obesity and lack of exercise as the leading causes of heart ailments, interestingly, one does not need to take any drastic step to better heart health, minor dietary tweaks can go a long way in ensuring a rock-solid heart.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This World Heart Day, let us take a look at some of the thumb-rules that can easily be incorporated into our daily routine to rev up our heart health.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Eating healthy doesn’t have to mean dieting or giving up all the foods you love. Learn how to ditch the junk, give your body the nutrient-dense fuel it needs," notes the American Heart Association on its website.</p>

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<p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BnBbtR_Bjbq/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_medium=loading" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">‪Eat more fresh fruit and vegetables to protect your health.‬ ‪A healthy diet contains at least 400g of fruits and vegetables daily. ‬ ‪🍌🍐🍒🍓🥦🥒🍅🥕 ‬ ‪Let’s #BeatNCDs‬</a></p>

<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/who/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_medium=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px;" target="_blank"> World Health Organization</a> (@who) on <time datetime="2018-08-28T12:21:58+00:00" style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;">Aug 28, 2018 at 5:21am PDT</time></p>
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<p><strong>Diet&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>Your diet can go a long way in keeping your system healthy and various bodily process in full bloom. The American Heart Association calls for including whole grains, millets, legumes in the daily diet and ditching processed items.</p>

<p>Fats are not bad, saturated ones are -- those are found concentrated in animal fats and processed food items. Fats included in your diet from natural sources -- fish, nuts -- are all rich in essential fats like the omega fatty acids. Load up on fresh fruits, vegetables, nuts, herbs and limit your junk and processed foods intake to see the difference. Managing your caffeine and alcohol intake is also vital for optimum heart health, ensure not consuming more than 400mg of caffeine on a daily basis.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Ditch processed sugar, honey is better; monitor your sodium intake.</p>

<p>"An estimated 17.9 million people died from CVDs in 2016, representing 31% of all global deaths. Of these deaths, 85% are due to heart attack and stroke," WHO adds.&nbsp;</p>

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<p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BmQc_-qBwTt/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_medium=loading" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">Are you taking care of your heart? ❤️ Cardiovascular diseases are No 1 cause of death globally.</a></p>

<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/who/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_medium=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px;" target="_blank"> World Health Organization</a> (@who) on <time datetime="2018-08-09T11:50:28+00:00" style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;">Aug 9, 2018 at 4:50am PDT</time></p>
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<p><strong>Exercise&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>"Insufficient physical activity is one of the leading risk factors for death worldwide. Insufficient physical activity is a key risk factor for noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) such as cardiovascular diseases, cancer and diabetes," WHO states on its website.</p>

<p>The international health watchdog recommends, "at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity throughout the week, or at least 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity physical activity throughout the week, or an equivalent combination of moderate- and vigorous-intensity activity."</p>

<p><strong>Everything in between</strong></p>

<p>Besides being mindful of your diet and getting sufficient physical activity, it is imperative to keep a check on your stress levels and maintain a healthy sleep routine. Ensure getting 7-8 hours of sleep every day and indulge in stress-alleviating exercises to refuel your brain.&nbsp;</p>


Global health watchdog, the World Health Organisation, describes cardiovascular diseases as the number one cause of death globally. "More people die annually from CVDs than from any other cause," WHO states on its website.

Global health watchdog, the World Health Organisation, describes cardiovascular diseases as the number one cause of death globally. "More people die annually from CVDs than from any other cause," WHO states on its website. Every year, September 29 is celebrated as World Heart Day with an aim to raise awareness about the rising incident of cardiovascular ailments across the globe and educating people about various ways to ensure a healthy, strong heart. Experts suggest obesity and lack of exercise as the leading causes of heart ailments, interestingly, one does not need to take any drastic step to better heart health, minor dietary tweaks can go a long way in ensuring a rock-solid heart. This World Heart Day, let us take a look at some of the thumb-rules that can easily be incorporated into our daily routine to rev up our heart health. "Eating healthy doesn’t have to mean dieting or giving up all the foods you love. Learn how to ditch the junk, give your body the nutrient-dense fuel it needs," notes the American Heart Association on its website. View this post on Instagram ‪Eat more fresh fruit and vegetables to protect your health.‬ ‪A healthy diet contains at least 400g of fruits and vegetables daily. ‬ ‪🍌🍐🍒🍓🥦🥒🍅🥕 ‬ ‪Let’s #BeatNCDs‬ A post shared by World Health Organization (@who) on Aug 28, 2018 at 5:21am PDT × Diet Your diet can go a long way in keeping your system healthy and various bodily process in full bloom. The American Heart Association calls for including whole grains, millets, legumes in the daily diet and ditching processed items. Fats are not bad, saturated ones are -- those are found concentrated in animal fats and processed food items. Fats included in your diet from natural sources -- fish, nuts -- are all rich in essential fats like the omega fatty acids. Load up on fresh fruits, vegetables, nuts, herbs and limit your junk and processed foods intake to see the difference. Managing your caffeine and alcohol intake is also vital for optimum heart health, ensure not consuming more than 400mg of caffeine on a daily basis. Ditch processed sugar, honey is better; monitor your sodium intake. "An estimated 17.9 million people died from CVDs in 2016, representing 31% of all global deaths. Of these deaths, 85% are due to heart attack and stroke," WHO adds. View this post on Instagram Are you taking care of your heart? ❤️ Cardiovascular diseases are No 1 cause of death globally. A post shared by World Health Organization (@who) on Aug 9, 2018 at 4:50am PDT × Exercise "Insufficient physical activity is one of the leading risk factors for death worldwide. Insufficient physical activity is a key risk factor for noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) such as cardiovascular diseases, cancer and diabetes," WHO states on its website. The international health watchdog recommends, "at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity throughout the week, or at least 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity physical activity throughout the week, or an equivalent combination of moderate- and vigorous-intensity activity." Everything in between Besides being mindful of your diet and getting sufficient physical activity, it is imperative to keep a check on your stress levels and maintain a healthy sleep routine. Ensure getting 7-8 hours of sleep every day and indulge in stress-alleviating exercises to refuel your brain.

World Heart Day 2018: Exercise for at least 150 minutes a week, WHO recommends 

<p>At least 45 people have been killed by cholera in Zimbabwe in the past three weeks, the World Health Organization (WHO) said Tuesday, describing the strain as "multi-drug resistant".</p>

<p>It said that an oral vaccine campaign was due to begin shortly with 450,000 people targeted in the worst-affected suburbs of the capital Harare.</p>

<p>About 500,000 doses were due to arrive in the country on Wednesday for Zimbabwe's first oral vaccine campaign to combat the disease.</p>

<p>"A cumulative total of 6,428 suspected cases, 45 deaths, and 96 confirmed cases have been reported," a report by WHO and the health ministry said.</p>

<p>Almost all of the deaths have been in Harare, with one other in the eastern district of Makoni and another in the central city of Masvingo.</p>

<p>The report said Harare city council was fixing broken sewers after blocked and damaged pipes left sewage flowing on open ground in all affected areas.</p>

<p>Safe water is being trucked to residents, and police have banned the sale of street food, arresting vendors to try to prevent the epidemic from spreading.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Cholera outbreaks have occurred frequently in Zimbabwe's cities where safe drinking water and sanitation facilities are scarce.</p>

<p>In Harare, public gatherings have been banned and people discouraged from shaking hands.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Zimbabwe, which was ruled by Robert Mugabe from independence in 1980 until his ousting last year, suffered its worst cholera outbreak in 2008.</p>

<p>A total of 4,000 people died and at least 100,000 people fell ill.</p>


At least 45 people have been killed by cholera in Zimbabwe in the past three weeks, the World Health Organization (WHO) said Tuesday, describing the strain as "multi-drug resistant".

At least 45 people have been killed by cholera in Zimbabwe in the past three weeks, the World Health Organization (WHO) said Tuesday, describing the strain as "multi-drug resistant". It said that an oral vaccine campaign was due to begin shortly with 450,000 people targeted in the worst-affected suburbs of the capital Harare. About 500,000 doses were due to arrive in the country on Wednesday for Zimbabwe's first oral vaccine campaign to combat the disease. "A cumulative total of 6,428 suspected cases, 45 deaths, and 96 confirmed cases have been reported," a report by WHO and the health ministry said. Almost all of the deaths have been in Harare, with one other in the eastern district of Makoni and another in the central city of Masvingo. The report said Harare city council was fixing broken sewers after blocked and damaged pipes left sewage flowing on open ground in all affected areas. Safe water is being trucked to residents, and police have banned the sale of street food, arresting vendors to try to prevent the epidemic from spreading. Cholera outbreaks have occurred frequently in Zimbabwe's cities where safe drinking water and sanitation facilities are scarce. In Harare, public gatherings have been banned and people discouraged from shaking hands. Zimbabwe, which was ruled by Robert Mugabe from independence in 1980 until his ousting last year, suffered its worst cholera outbreak in 2008. A total of 4,000 people died and at least 100,000 people fell ill.

Cholera death toll climbs to 45 in Zimbabwe

<p>More than a third of girls in South Asia miss school during their periods, often because they lack access to toilets or pads, and many receive no education about menstruation before reaching puberty, a study showed on Tuesday.</p>

<p>The report by charity WaterAid and UNICEF found most countries in the region fell well short of the World Health Organization standard of one toilet for every 25 girls, making it difficult for students to attend school during their periods.</p>

<p>In one district in Nepal there was just one toilet for every 170 girls, it said.</p>

<p>“Girls have an irrevocable right to education, which is lost if they feel unable to attend lessons because of a lack of sanitary products or clean, private toilets at school,” said WaterAid Chief Executive Tim Wainwright.</p>

<p>“Governments simply need to ensure that every school has clean water, decent toilets and good hygiene.”</p>

<p>Education about menstruation is lacking across the region, the report said. In Sri Lanka, two-thirds of girls said they received no information before starting their periods.</p>

<p>That can be damaging in a region where taboos surrounding menstruation already exist, said Thérèse Mahon, the report’s co-author.</p>

<p>“Girls often turn to their mothers and teachers for support, but if they lack the confidence and information themselves, they may instead perpetuate taboos,” said Mahon, who is WaterAid’s regional program manager.</p>

<p>“A common perception is that periods are a dirty secret.”</p>

<p>Some South Asian cultures consider women to be impure during menstruation, when they are barred from religious shrines, subjected to dietary checks or forced to live in isolation.</p>

<p>They often face social discrimination, reproductive health problems and low self-esteem due to a lack of awareness about periods.</p>

<p>The topic is rarely discussed openly, and the silence burdens young girls by keeping them ignorant and subject to social exclusion, campaigners say.</p>

<p>Many end up suffering from infections and disease since they are not informed early enough about the physiological process and hygiene practices to follow.</p>

<p>Several South Asian nations have begun to add menstrual information in school curriculums but the report, launched ahead of World Menstrual Hygiene day on May 28, said there was still much to be done.</p>

<p>“Removing the stresses associated with menstruation can help girls and boys adjust and contribute better to the world around them,” UNICEF’s regional director Jean Gough told the Thomson Reuters Foundation.</p>

<p>Reporting by Annie Banerji @anniebanerji, Editing by Claire Cozens. Please credit the Thomson Reuters Foundation, the charitable arm of Thomson Reuters that covers humanitarian issues, conflicts, land and property rights, modern slavery and human trafficking, gender equality, climate change and resilience. Visit news.trust.org to see more stories</p>


The report by charity WaterAid and UNICEF found most countries in the region fell well short of the World Health Organization standard of one toilet for every 25 girls, making it difficult for students to attend school during their periods

More than a third of girls in South Asia miss school during their periods, often because they lack access to toilets or pads, and many receive no education about menstruation before reaching puberty, a study showed on Tuesday. The report by charity WaterAid and UNICEF found most countries in the region fell well short of the World Health Organization standard of one toilet for every 25 girls, making it difficult for students to attend school during their periods. In one district in Nepal there was just one toilet for every 170 girls, it said. “Girls have an irrevocable right to education, which is lost if they feel unable to attend lessons because of a lack of sanitary products or clean, private toilets at school,” said WaterAid Chief Executive Tim Wainwright. “Governments simply need to ensure that every school has clean water, decent toilets and good hygiene.” Education about menstruation is lacking across the region, the report said. In Sri Lanka, two-thirds of girls said they received no information before starting their periods. That can be damaging in a region where taboos surrounding menstruation already exist, said Thérèse Mahon, the report’s co-author. “Girls often turn to their mothers and teachers for support, but if they lack the confidence and information themselves, they may instead perpetuate taboos,” said Mahon, who is WaterAid’s regional program manager. “A common perception is that periods are a dirty secret.” Some South Asian cultures consider women to be impure during menstruation, when they are barred from religious shrines, subjected to dietary checks or forced to live in isolation. They often face social discrimination, reproductive health problems and low self-esteem due to a lack of awareness about periods. The topic is rarely discussed openly, and the silence burdens young girls by keeping them ignorant and subject to social exclusion, campaigners say. Many end up suffering from infections and disease since they are not informed early enough about the physiological process and hygiene practices to follow. Several South Asian nations have begun to add menstrual information in school curriculums but the report, launched ahead of World Menstrual Hygiene day on May 28, said there was still much to be done. “Removing the stresses associated with menstruation can help girls and boys adjust and contribute better to the world around them,” UNICEF’s regional director Jean Gough told the Thomson Reuters Foundation. Reporting by Annie Banerji @anniebanerji, Editing by Claire Cozens. Please credit the Thomson Reuters Foundation, the charitable arm of Thomson Reuters that covers humanitarian issues, conflicts, land and property rights, modern slavery and human trafficking, gender equality, climate change and resilience. Visit news.trust.org to see more stories

Third of girls in South Asia miss school during periods: Study

<p>Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has urged the international community to continue pressurising Myanmar to take Rohingya refugees back as soon as possible.</p>

<p>In her meeting with World Health Organisation-South-East Asia Regional Office (WHO-SEARO) Director Poonam Khetrapal Singh at the Gono Bhaban here this week, Hasina said Rohingyas were given shelter in Bangladesh on humanitarian grounds.</p>

<p>She added that it was time that Myanmar should speed up the repatriation process and that the Bangladesh government had completed the biometric registration of the refugees.</p>

<p>"The (Bangladesh) government gave identity cards to Rohingyas so that they could be identified easily and the Myanmar government could take them back," Hasina was quoted by Daily Star Bangladesh as saying.</p>

<p>Hasina further said that Bangladesh was in touch with other countries on the Rohingya issue such as India, China, Thailand and Myanmar.</p>

<p>Praising Bangladesh's efforts on the Rohingya issue, Poonam said that the WHO could collaborate with the country to provide immunisation and medical facilities to the refugees.</p>

<p>Stressing on health and sanitation issues in the Rohingya camps, Poonam added that such issues will be a challenge to tackle them and it had to be done soon before the monsoon season comes in.</p>

<p>Expressing concern over the health condition, sanitation and waterborne diseases of the Rohingyas in the upcoming monsoon, Poonam said it would be a challenging job to tackle the issue.</p>

<p>She urged the government to continue its immunisation activities.Rohingyas are a Muslim minority ethnic group in Myanmar.</p>

<p>They have been regarded by many majority Buddhists as illegal migrants from Bangladesh.</p>

<p>More than 600,000 refugees are languishing in Bangladeshi refugee camps after fleeing a brutal Myanmar army campaign launched in August last year.</p>

<p>There are more than 3,00,000 Rohingyas living in Bangladesh, who fled in earlier waves of violence from Myanmar since the last three decades.The United Nations had said the scorched-earth operation, which had left hundreds of villages burned to ash in Myanmar's Rakhine state, amounted to 'ethnic cleansing'.</p>


Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has urged the international community to continue pressurising Myanmar to take Rohingya refugees back as soon as possible

Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has urged the international community to continue pressurising Myanmar to take Rohingya refugees back as soon as possible. In her meeting with World Health Organisation-South-East Asia Regional Office (WHO-SEARO) Director Poonam Khetrapal Singh at the Gono Bhaban here this week, Hasina said Rohingyas were given shelter in Bangladesh on humanitarian grounds. She added that it was time that Myanmar should speed up the repatriation process and that the Bangladesh government had completed the biometric registration of the refugees. "The (Bangladesh) government gave identity cards to Rohingyas so that they could be identified easily and the Myanmar government could take them back," Hasina was quoted by Daily Star Bangladesh as saying. Hasina further said that Bangladesh was in touch with other countries on the Rohingya issue such as India, China, Thailand and Myanmar. Praising Bangladesh's efforts on the Rohingya issue, Poonam said that the WHO could collaborate with the country to provide immunisation and medical facilities to the refugees. Stressing on health and sanitation issues in the Rohingya camps, Poonam added that such issues will be a challenge to tackle them and it had to be done soon before the monsoon season comes in. Expressing concern over the health condition, sanitation and waterborne diseases of the Rohingyas in the upcoming monsoon, Poonam said it would be a challenging job to tackle the issue. She urged the government to continue its immunisation activities.Rohingyas are a Muslim minority ethnic group in Myanmar. They have been regarded by many majority Buddhists as illegal migrants from Bangladesh. More than 600,000 refugees are languishing in Bangladeshi refugee camps after fleeing a brutal Myanmar army campaign launched in August last year. There are more than 3,00,000 Rohingyas living in Bangladesh, who fled in earlier waves of violence from Myanmar since the last three decades.The United Nations had said the scorched-earth operation, which had left hundreds of villages burned to ash in Myanmar's Rakhine state, amounted to 'ethnic cleansing'.

Bangladesh calls for global pressure on Myanmar to repatriate Rohingyas

<p>The World Health Organisation (WHO) has urged the international community to contribute generously to enable appropriate health services to the 1.3 million "highly vulnerable" Rohingyas in Bangladesh's Cox's Bazar as the refugees face "grave" risks to their lives and health in view of the coming rainy season.</p>

<p>This is one of the "biggest" humanitarian crisis in recent times, the WHO's South East Asia Regional Director, Poonam Khetrapal Singh, said at a meeting of partners in Dhaka.</p>

<p>"No single agency or the Bangladesh government alone can meet the massive health needs of such a large population group. The Rohingya population are settled in an area that is prone to cyclone, and a terrain that would be flooded as soon as rains begin," the official said.</p>

<p>"The risk of outbreak of life threatening water and vector borne diseases under such conditions is huge," Singh said.</p>

<p>Coordinating the work of over a 100 partners along with the Ministry of Health, Bangladesh, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has facilitated a contingency plan for the rainy season and coordinated a simulation around it.</p>

<p>The plan aims to ensure continuity of health services during rains and floods to minimise the risk of disease and deaths among the affected population, a WHO statement said.</p>

<p>All 207 health facilities in the area have been assessed for vulnerability during rains, following which nearly 25 per cent of them are being relocated.</p>

<p>Another cholera and measles vaccination campaign is being planned in April as a preventive measure for the vulnerable population, the statement said.</p>

<p>Earlier, 900,000 doses of cholera vaccine were administered to the refugees and their host communities, in addition to two vaccination campaigns for measles and three for diphtheria which concluded earlier this week with WHO's support.</p>

<p>Since the start of the Rohingya crisis, the WHO has provided over 120 tons of supplies and logistics support to its partners.</p>

<p>"However, much of the health sector's capacity to respond depends on availability of resources," said Singh who visited Rohingya camps earlier this week.</p>

<p>Besides risks posed by floods and rain, the vulnerable population would need continued services for reproductive, maternal and child health, for communicable and non-communicable diseases, as well as psychosocial support, the regional director said.</p>

<p>Earlier in Cox's Bazar, Singh visited the warehouse where the WHO has pre-positioned supplies.</p>

<p>She observed the diphtheria vaccination campaign, inaugurated a fixed immunization site for children, visited a primary health centre and a diphtheria treatment centre run by Samaritan's Purse.</p>

<p>The WHO has appealed for $16.5 million from partners to facilitate its support to the Rohingya response in 2018, the statement said.</p>

<p>This is part of the $113.1 million being sought by all health partners under the Joint Response Plan for the Rohingya crisis, it said.&nbsp;</p>


This is one of the 'biggest' humanitarian crisis in recent times, the WHO's South East Asia Regional Director, Poonam Khetrapal Singh, said at a meeting of partners in Dhaka

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has urged the international community to contribute generously to enable appropriate health services to the 1.3 million "highly vulnerable" Rohingyas in Bangladesh's Cox's Bazar as the refugees face "grave" risks to their lives and health in view of the coming rainy season. This is one of the "biggest" humanitarian crisis in recent times, the WHO's South East Asia Regional Director, Poonam Khetrapal Singh, said at a meeting of partners in Dhaka. "No single agency or the Bangladesh government alone can meet the massive health needs of such a large population group. The Rohingya population are settled in an area that is prone to cyclone, and a terrain that would be flooded as soon as rains begin," the official said. "The risk of outbreak of life threatening water and vector borne diseases under such conditions is huge," Singh said. Coordinating the work of over a 100 partners along with the Ministry of Health, Bangladesh, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has facilitated a contingency plan for the rainy season and coordinated a simulation around it. The plan aims to ensure continuity of health services during rains and floods to minimise the risk of disease and deaths among the affected population, a WHO statement said. All 207 health facilities in the area have been assessed for vulnerability during rains, following which nearly 25 per cent of them are being relocated. Another cholera and measles vaccination campaign is being planned in April as a preventive measure for the vulnerable population, the statement said. Earlier, 900,000 doses of cholera vaccine were administered to the refugees and their host communities, in addition to two vaccination campaigns for measles and three for diphtheria which concluded earlier this week with WHO's support. Since the start of the Rohingya crisis, the WHO has provided over 120 tons of supplies and logistics support to its partners. "However, much of the health sector's capacity to respond depends on availability of resources," said Singh who visited Rohingya camps earlier this week. Besides risks posed by floods and rain, the vulnerable population would need continued services for reproductive, maternal and child health, for communicable and non-communicable diseases, as well as psychosocial support, the regional director said. Earlier in Cox's Bazar, Singh visited the warehouse where the WHO has pre-positioned supplies. She observed the diphtheria vaccination campaign, inaugurated a fixed immunization site for children, visited a primary health centre and a diphtheria treatment centre run by Samaritan's Purse. The WHO has appealed for $16.5 million from partners to facilitate its support to the Rohingya response in 2018, the statement said. This is part of the $113.1 million being sought by all health partners under the Joint Response Plan for the Rohingya crisis, it said.

WHO appeals for contributions for health services to Rohingya refugees

<p>Nigeria is suffering its worst outbreak of Lassa fever, the World Health Organization (WHO) said on Wednesday, as local health officials said 72 people had died since the start of this year.</p>

<p>&quot;Nigeria&#39;s Lassa fever outbreak has reached record highs, with 317 laboratory-confirmed cases,&quot; the WHO said in a statement, quoting figures from the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC).</p>

<p>Lassa fever, named after the town in northern Nigeria where it was first identified in 1969, is endemic but the number of confirmed cases &quot;has never reached&quot; this level before, it added.</p>

<p>But in an update, the NCDC said: &quot;Since the onset of 2018, 325 cases have been classified as 317 confirmed cases, eight probable cases with 72 deaths.&quot; Fourteen health workers have been affected by the virus in six states.</p>

<p>The WHO said a total of 2,845 people who have come into contact with patients have been identified and were being monitored.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Worst-hit by the virus is Edo state, in the south, where Crusoe Osagie, a media aide to the state government, said mostly rural areas were affected.</p>

<p>&quot;Edo state is the only state with Lagos to have a special treating hospital for this disease, which is in Irrua,&quot; he told AFP. &quot;People come here from all over. &quot;</p>

<p>The federal-owned facility usually deals with about a hundred cases each year but has already handled that number in the last two months, he added.</p>

<p>WHO said it was supporting the NCDC effort to contain the disease and treat those affected in treatment centres across the country.</p>

<p>&quot;The ability to rapidly detect cases of infection in the community and refer them early for treatment improves patients&#39;&nbsp;chances of survival and is critical to this response,&quot; said the world body&#39;s representative in Nigeria, Wondimagegnehu Alemu.</p>

<p>Lassa fever is spread through contact with food or items contaminated with rats&#39;&nbsp;urine or faeces or after coming into direct contact with the bodily fluids of an infected person.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It can be prevented by enhanced hygiene and avoidance of all contact with rats.</p>

<p>More than 100 people were killed in 2016 in an outbreak affecting 14 of the 36 states, including Lagos and the capital Abuja.</p>


It can be prevented by enhanced hygiene and avoidance of all contact with rats

Nigeria is suffering its worst outbreak of Lassa fever, the World Health Organization (WHO) said on Wednesday, as local health officials said 72 people had died since the start of this year. "Nigeria's Lassa fever outbreak has reached record highs, with 317 laboratory-confirmed cases," the WHO said in a statement, quoting figures from the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC). Lassa fever, named after the town in northern Nigeria where it was first identified in 1969, is endemic but the number of confirmed cases "has never reached" this level before, it added. But in an update, the NCDC said: "Since the onset of 2018, 325 cases have been classified as 317 confirmed cases, eight probable cases with 72 deaths." Fourteen health workers have been affected by the virus in six states. The WHO said a total of 2,845 people who have come into contact with patients have been identified and were being monitored. Worst-hit by the virus is Edo state, in the south, where Crusoe Osagie, a media aide to the state government, said mostly rural areas were affected. "Edo state is the only state with Lagos to have a special treating hospital for this disease, which is in Irrua," he told AFP. "People come here from all over. " The federal-owned facility usually deals with about a hundred cases each year but has already handled that number in the last two months, he added. WHO said it was supporting the NCDC effort to contain the disease and treat those affected in treatment centres across the country. "The ability to rapidly detect cases of infection in the community and refer them early for treatment improves patients' chances of survival and is critical to this response," said the world body's representative in Nigeria, Wondimagegnehu Alemu. Lassa fever is spread through contact with food or items contaminated with rats' urine or faeces or after coming into direct contact with the bodily fluids of an infected person. It can be prevented by enhanced hygiene and avoidance of all contact with rats. More than 100 people were killed in 2016 in an outbreak affecting 14 of the 36 states, including Lagos and the capital Abuja.

Record highs in Nigeria Lassa fever outbreak: World Health Organisation

<p>Next year onwards, playing video game excessively might lead to a diagnosis of a mental health disorder according to the World Health Organisation (WHO).&nbsp;</p>

<p>In the beta draft of its forthcoming 11th International Classification of Diseases, the WHO includes &#39;gaming disorder&#39;&nbsp;in its list of mental health conditions.</p>

<p>The WHO defines this disorder as a &quot;persistent or recurrent&quot; behaviour pattern of &quot;sufficient severity to result in significant impairment in personal, family, social, educational, occupational or other important areas of functioning.&quot;</p>

<p>While defining the disorder, the WHO also mentions that it is characterised by &quot;impaired control&quot; with increasing priority given to gaming and &quot;escalation,&quot; despite &quot;negative consequences.&quot;</p>

<p>According to the beta draft guidance, video game playing, either offline or online, must&nbsp;be &quot;normally evident over a period of at least 12 months&quot; for this diagnosis to be made.</p>

<p>However, if symptoms are severe and all requirements are met, health care professionals may include people who have been playing for shorter periods of time, the draft reads.</p>

<p>Gregory Hartl, a spokesman for the WHO, said in a statement, &quot;The new ICD-11 entry on gaming disorder &#39;includes only a clinical description and not prevention and treatment options&#39;.&nbsp;<br />
&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;<br />
Hartl described the ICD as the &quot;basis for identification of health trends and statistics globally and the international standard for reporting diseases and health conditions. It is used by medical practitioners around the world to diagnose conditions and by researchers to categorize conditions.&quot;</p>

<p>This list is intended to make it easier for scientists to share and compare health information between hospitals, regions and countries. It also enables healthcare workers to compare data in the same location over different time periods. Additionally, public health experts use the ICD to track the number of deaths and diseases.</p>

<p>The existing version of the ICD was endorsed by the World Health Assembly which is the decision-making body of WHO, in May 1990. In the current state, it&#39;s used&nbsp;by more than 100 countries around the world.</p>

<p>The forthcoming version of the ICD will be published in May 2018.<br />
&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


In the beta draft of its forthcoming 11th International Classification of Diseases, the WHO included 'gaming disorder' in its list of mental health conditions

Next year onwards, playing video game excessively might lead to a diagnosis of a mental health disorder according to the World Health Organisation (WHO). In the beta draft of its forthcoming 11th International Classification of Diseases, the WHO includes 'gaming disorder' in its list of mental health conditions. The WHO defines this disorder as a "persistent or recurrent" behaviour pattern of "sufficient severity to result in significant impairment in personal, family, social, educational, occupational or other important areas of functioning." While defining the disorder, the WHO also mentions that it is characterised by "impaired control" with increasing priority given to gaming and "escalation," despite "negative consequences." According to the beta draft guidance, video game playing, either offline or online, must be "normally evident over a period of at least 12 months" for this diagnosis to be made. However, if symptoms are severe and all requirements are met, health care professionals may include people who have been playing for shorter periods of time, the draft reads. Gregory Hartl, a spokesman for the WHO, said in a statement, "The new ICD-11 entry on gaming disorder 'includes only a clinical description and not prevention and treatment options'. Hartl described the ICD as the "basis for identification of health trends and statistics globally and the international standard for reporting diseases and health conditions. It is used by medical practitioners around the world to diagnose conditions and by researchers to categorize conditions." This list is intended to make it easier for scientists to share and compare health information between hospitals, regions and countries. It also enables healthcare workers to compare data in the same location over different time periods. Additionally, public health experts use the ICD to track the number of deaths and diseases. The existing version of the ICD was endorsed by the World Health Assembly which is the decision-making body of WHO, in May 1990. In the current state, it's used by more than 100 countries around the world. The forthcoming version of the ICD will be published in May 2018.

WHO to recognise gaming disorder as mental health condition in 2018: Report

<p>Australia will join Sri Lanka in its war on dengue fever, foreign minister Julie Bishop said Wednesday, as the virus has claimed a record 250 lives and infected nearly 100,000 people in the South Asian country this year.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Sri Lanka has deployed hundreds of troops to destroy mosquito breeding grounds as it battles to control the spread of the mosquito-borne virus, which has been unprecedented and caught authorities off guard.</p>

<p>Humid monsoon weather, stagnant water from recent flooding, as well as mounting piles of rotting garbage accumulating in the capital, have combined to create abundant areas for mosquitoes to multiply.</p>

<p>Official figures show about 250 deaths so far this year compared to 78 for the whole of last year, when only about 55,000 infections were reported.</p>

<p>Bishop said Canberra would provide AUS$500,000 (US$400,000) to fund the World Health Organization&#39;s dengue prevention and control measures in Sri Lanka.</p>

<p>It would also fund a AUS$1 million research partnership between Australia&#39;s Monash University and Sri Lanka&#39;s health ministry.</p>

<p>She said Sri Lanka could benefit from Monash University&#39;s groundbreaking research to trial the introduction of naturally occurring Wolbachia bacteria to Sri Lanka&#39;s mosquito populations.</p>

<p>&quot;It prevents the dengue virus from being transmitted between people,&quot; she said. &quot;It also has the ability to block other mosquito-borne diseases such as zika and chikumgunya.&quot;</p>

<p>Bishop made the announcement after talks with her Sri Lankan counterpart Ravi Karunanayake.</p>

<p>Authorities have blamed a garbage disposal crisis in Colombo for the unusually large infections.</p>

<p>The country&#39;s main rubbish tip collapsed in April, crushing dozens of homes and killing 32 people.</p>

<p>Stagnant water left behind after last month&#39;s flooding was also seen as contributing to the spread of dengue.</p>


Canberra would provide AUS$500,000 (US$400,000) to fund the World Health Organization's dengue prevention and control measures in Sri Lanka

Australia will join Sri Lanka in its war on dengue fever, foreign minister Julie Bishop said Wednesday, as the virus has claimed a record 250 lives and infected nearly 100,000 people in the South Asian country this year. Sri Lanka has deployed hundreds of troops to destroy mosquito breeding grounds as it battles to control the spread of the mosquito-borne virus, which has been unprecedented and caught authorities off guard. Humid monsoon weather, stagnant water from recent flooding, as well as mounting piles of rotting garbage accumulating in the capital, have combined to create abundant areas for mosquitoes to multiply. Official figures show about 250 deaths so far this year compared to 78 for the whole of last year, when only about 55,000 infections were reported. Bishop said Canberra would provide AUS$500,000 (US$400,000) to fund the World Health Organization's dengue prevention and control measures in Sri Lanka. It would also fund a AUS$1 million research partnership between Australia's Monash University and Sri Lanka's health ministry. She said Sri Lanka could benefit from Monash University's groundbreaking research to trial the introduction of naturally occurring Wolbachia bacteria to Sri Lanka's mosquito populations. "It prevents the dengue virus from being transmitted between people," she said. "It also has the ability to block other mosquito-borne diseases such as zika and chikumgunya." Bishop made the announcement after talks with her Sri Lankan counterpart Ravi Karunanayake. Authorities have blamed a garbage disposal crisis in Colombo for the unusually large infections. The country's main rubbish tip collapsed in April, crushing dozens of homes and killing 32 people. Stagnant water left behind after last month's flooding was also seen as contributing to the spread of dengue.

Australia helps Sri Lanka in battling dengue outbreak as death toll hits 250

<p>The World Health Organisation has said that almost two billion people across the world do not have access to clean drinking water.</p>

<p>&quot;Today, almost two billion people use a source of drinking water contaminated with faeces, putting them at risk of contracting cholera, dysentery, typhoid and polio,&quot; says Dr Maria Neira, WHO Director, Department of Public Health, Environmental and Social Determinants of Health.</p>

<p>According to a report published by WHO, countries are not increasing their spending to meet the water and sanitation targets under the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The SDGs replaced the Millennium Development Goals which expired in 2015.</p>

<p>Universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water is one of the targets mentioned under the SDGs.</p>

<p>The report talks about tripling capital financing to $114 billion to meet the target.</p>

<p>Despite increased budgetary allocation in areas of clean water, sanitation and hygiene, 80% of the countries report that water, sanitation and hygiene financing is still not enough to meet nationally-defined targets.</p>

<p>The report calls for mobilising financing through new sources.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&quot;Increased investments in water and sanitation can yield substantial benefits for human health and development, generate employment and make sure that we leave no one behind,&quot; Guy Ryder, Chair of UN-Water and Director-General of the International Labour Organization said.</p>

<p>(WION)</p>


The report talks about tripling capital financing to $114 billion to meet the target of access to universal and clean water

The World Health Organisation has said that almost two billion people across the world do not have access to clean drinking water. "Today, almost two billion people use a source of drinking water contaminated with faeces, putting them at risk of contracting cholera, dysentery, typhoid and polio," says Dr Maria Neira, WHO Director, Department of Public Health, Environmental and Social Determinants of Health. According to a report published by WHO, countries are not increasing their spending to meet the water and sanitation targets under the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The SDGs replaced the Millennium Development Goals which expired in 2015. Universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water is one of the targets mentioned under the SDGs. The report talks about tripling capital financing to $114 billion to meet the target. Despite increased budgetary allocation in areas of clean water, sanitation and hygiene, 80% of the countries report that water, sanitation and hygiene financing is still not enough to meet nationally-defined targets. The report calls for mobilising financing through new sources. "Increased investments in water and sanitation can yield substantial benefits for human health and development, generate employment and make sure that we leave no one behind," Guy Ryder, Chair of UN-Water and Director-General of the International Labour Organization said. (WION)

2 billion people in the world drink contaminated water: WHO

<p>The World Health Organization on Monday warned that the deadly Zika virus could spread through Asia next, with hundreds of cases reported in Singapore and two Thai babies diagnosed with Zika-linked microcephaly.</p>

<p>A report of the world health body released at its annual regional meeting in Manila said the mosquito-borne virus &quot;was highly likely to further spread in the Asia-Pacific region.&quot;</p>

<p>&quot;It is highly likely that the region will continue to report new cases and possibly new outbreaks of Zika,&quot; the report added.</p>

<p>WHO director for health security and emergencies Li Ailan said the virus detected in 70 countries worldwide included at least 19 countries in the Asia Pacific region.</p>

<p>There have been more than 400 Zika cases detected in Singapore, while Vietnam, the Philippines and Malaysia have reported fewer than 20 each.</p>

<p>Authorities have expressed concern over the outbreak, increasing surveillance, preparing responses to complications and collaborating on information about the disease.</p>

<p>WHO director Margaret Chan said experts were still grappling with ways to tackle the scourge as &quot;unfortunately, scientists did not yet have answers to many critical questions.&quot;&nbsp;</p>

<p>She said other questions included why the first signs of the virus&#39;s existence in the Asia-Pacific region came from travelers whose infections were confirmed once they returned home.</p>

<p>&quot;Is this weak surveillance an indication of population-wide immunity, or proof that the virus has somehow acquired greater epidemic potential?&quot; she asked.</p>

<p>Although the symptoms from the virus are mild and no deaths have been reported globally, certain complications like microcephaly and Guillain-Barre syndrome have been noted.&nbsp;</p>

<p>(WION with inputs from agencies)<br />
&nbsp;</p>


Based on WHO's risk assessment, Zika infection will continue to spread in the Asia-Pacific region as authorities prepare for complications

The World Health Organization on Monday warned that the deadly Zika virus could spread through Asia next, with hundreds of cases reported in Singapore and two Thai babies diagnosed with Zika-linked microcephaly. A report of the world health body released at its annual regional meeting in Manila said the mosquito-borne virus "was highly likely to further spread in the Asia-Pacific region." "It is highly likely that the region will continue to report new cases and possibly new outbreaks of Zika," the report added. WHO director for health security and emergencies Li Ailan said the virus detected in 70 countries worldwide included at least 19 countries in the Asia Pacific region. There have been more than 400 Zika cases detected in Singapore, while Vietnam, the Philippines and Malaysia have reported fewer than 20 each. Authorities have expressed concern over the outbreak, increasing surveillance, preparing responses to complications and collaborating on information about the disease. WHO director Margaret Chan said experts were still grappling with ways to tackle the scourge as "unfortunately, scientists did not yet have answers to many critical questions." She said other questions included why the first signs of the virus's existence in the Asia-Pacific region came from travelers whose infections were confirmed once they returned home. "Is this weak surveillance an indication of population-wide immunity, or proof that the virus has somehow acquired greater epidemic potential?" she asked. Although the symptoms from the virus are mild and no deaths have been reported globally, certain complications like microcephaly and Guillain-Barre syndrome have been noted. (WION with inputs from agencies)

WHO warns Zika virus likely to spread in Asia-Pacific

The World Health Organization (WHO) said today that it will launch emergency yellow fever vaccination campaigns along the border between Angola and Democratic Republic of Congo and in the Congolese capital Kinshasa next month.<br />
<br />
The worst yellow fever outbreak in decades has killed about 345 people in Angola, while Congo declared an epidemic in Kinshasa and two other provinces on Monday after reporting 67 confirmed cases and more than 1,000 other suspected cases.<br />
<br />
In a statement, WHO said that the campaign would target areas within 75-100 km of the border where there are high levels of cross-border movement and trade in order to create an &quot;immune buffer&quot; and prevent further spread of the disease.<br />
<br />
WHO said that the campaign would begin in July. There is currently almost no vaccine left in Congo and a new stock of more than 1 million doses could take weeks to arrive in country, health officials have said.<br />
<br />
The global stockpile of yellow fever vaccine has already been depleted twice this year to immunise people in Angola, Uganda and Congo. It stands at 6 million doses, but experts warn this may not be enough if there are simultaneous outbreaks in a number of highly-populated areas.<br />
<br />
The mosquito-borne haemorrhagic virus is a major concern in Kinshasa, a city of about 12 million people with poor health services, a humid climate beloved of the insects and much stagnant water where they can breed, owing to pour drainage.<br />
<br />
(Reuters)

Congo currently has no vaccines and a new stock of more than 1 million doses could take weeks to arrive

The World Health Organization (WHO) said today that it will launch emergency yellow fever vaccination campaigns along the border between Angola and Democratic Republic of Congo and in the Congolese capital Kinshasa next month. The worst yellow fever outbreak in decades has killed about 345 people in Angola, while Congo declared an epidemic in Kinshasa and two other provinces on Monday after reporting 67 confirmed cases and more than 1,000 other suspected cases. In a statement, WHO said that the campaign would target areas within 75-100 km of the border where there are high levels of cross-border movement and trade in order to create an "immune buffer" and prevent further spread of the disease. WHO said that the campaign would begin in July. There is currently almost no vaccine left in Congo and a new stock of more than 1 million doses could take weeks to arrive in country, health officials have said. The global stockpile of yellow fever vaccine has already been depleted twice this year to immunise people in Angola, Uganda and Congo. It stands at 6 million doses, but experts warn this may not be enough if there are simultaneous outbreaks in a number of highly-populated areas. The mosquito-borne haemorrhagic virus is a major concern in Kinshasa, a city of about 12 million people with poor health services, a humid climate beloved of the insects and much stagnant water where they can breed, owing to pour drainage. (Reuters)

WHO to launch yellow fever vaccination in Angola, Congo

Dutch anti-cigarette campaigners today launched a lawsuit against the government calling for an end to spaces reserved for smokers in cafes and bars.<br />
<br />
Despite a general ban on smoking in restaurants, pubs and bars introduced in 2008, more than 25 per cent of the country&#39;s cafes still have an enclosed area inside where patrons can legally light up, campaigners say.<br />
<br />
&quot;More cafes are creating designated smoking areas. That doesn&#39;t fix the problem, it is working the other way around,&quot; Floris Van Galen, the lawyer for Clean Air Nederland said.<br />
<br />
&quot;We have a smoking ban, but if there are more designated smoking areas in cafes, people will see others smoking, younger people will be tempted to enter the smoking area to also start smoking.&quot;<br />
<br />
The organisation says that the number of smoking areas in cafes shot up from 19 per cent in 2014 to 25 per cent in 2015.<br />
<br />
Under Dutch law, cafes which are smaller than 70 square metres (753 square feet) can set aside a screened-off area for smokers behind floor-to-ceiling glass windows.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
But it must be less attractively decorated than the rest of the cafe, and no food or drink is allowed to be served inside.<br />
<br />
The Netherlands is a signatory to the World Health Organization&#39;s Framework Convention on Tobacco Control signed by 168 states and which entered into force in February 2005.<br />
<br />
And Clean Air Nederland put forward the convention as the basis for its argument in court for a total ban.<br />
<br />
But lawyers for the government said it is working &quot;as part of a process&quot; towards the &quot;final result in which there are no cigarettes in 100 per cent of all public places&quot; adding no deadline had been set to implement a total ban.<br />
<br />
The existing arrangements meant &quot;people can go to these places and not be bothered by cigarette smoke,&quot; said lawyer Bert-Jan Houtzagers.<br />
<br />
The court in The Hague is due to deliver its ruling in about six weeks.<br />
<br />
(AFP)

Despite a general ban on smoking in restaurants, more than 25 per cent of the country's cafes still have an enclosed area for smokers

Dutch anti-cigarette campaigners today launched a lawsuit against the government calling for an end to spaces reserved for smokers in cafes and bars. Despite a general ban on smoking in restaurants, pubs and bars introduced in 2008, more than 25 per cent of the country's cafes still have an enclosed area inside where patrons can legally light up, campaigners say. "More cafes are creating designated smoking areas. That doesn't fix the problem, it is working the other way around," Floris Van Galen, the lawyer for Clean Air Nederland said. "We have a smoking ban, but if there are more designated smoking areas in cafes, people will see others smoking, younger people will be tempted to enter the smoking area to also start smoking." The organisation says that the number of smoking areas in cafes shot up from 19 per cent in 2014 to 25 per cent in 2015. Under Dutch law, cafes which are smaller than 70 square metres (753 square feet) can set aside a screened-off area for smokers behind floor-to-ceiling glass windows. But it must be less attractively decorated than the rest of the cafe, and no food or drink is allowed to be served inside. The Netherlands is a signatory to the World Health Organization's Framework Convention on Tobacco Control signed by 168 states and which entered into force in February 2005. And Clean Air Nederland put forward the convention as the basis for its argument in court for a total ban. But lawyers for the government said it is working "as part of a process" towards the "final result in which there are no cigarettes in 100 per cent of all public places" adding no deadline had been set to implement a total ban. The existing arrangements meant "people can go to these places and not be bothered by cigarette smoke," said lawyer Bert-Jan Houtzagers. The court in The Hague is due to deliver its ruling in about six weeks. (AFP)

Dutch activists seek to stub out smokers' corner in cafes

<p>There is no conclusive evidence that drinking coffee causes cancer&nbsp;but&nbsp;all &quot;very hot&quot; drinks are probably carcinogenic,&nbsp;the World Health Organization&#39;s cancer agency said&nbsp;as it downgraded&nbsp;its warning.<br />
<br />
The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) had previously rated coffee as &quot;possibly carcinogenic&quot; but has changed its mind. On Wednesday it will say its latest review found &quot;no conclusive evidence for a carcinogenic effect&quot;.<br />
<br />
At the same time, however, it will say other scientific evidence suggests that drinking anything very hot - around 65 degrees Celsius or above - including water, coffee, tea and other beverages, probably does cause cancer of the oesophagus.<br />
<br />
Lyon-based IARC, which last year prompted headlines worldwide by saying processed meat can cause cancer, reached its conclusions after reviewing more than 1,000 scientific studies in humans and animals. There was inadequate evidence for coffee to be classified as either carcinogenic or not carcinogenic.<br />
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It had previously put coffee as a &quot;possible carcinogen&quot; in its 2B category alongside chloroform, lead and many other substances.<br />
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The US&nbsp;National Coffee Association welcomed the change in IARC&#39;s classification as &quot;great news for coffee drinkers&quot;.</p>


Still, The International Agency for Research on Cancer removed coffee from the list of 'possible' carcinogens, like lead and chloroform

There is no conclusive evidence that drinking coffee causes cancer but all "very hot" drinks are probably carcinogenic, the World Health Organization's cancer agency said as it downgraded its warning. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) had previously rated coffee as "possibly carcinogenic" but has changed its mind. On Wednesday it will say its latest review found "no conclusive evidence for a carcinogenic effect". At the same time, however, it will say other scientific evidence suggests that drinking anything very hot - around 65 degrees Celsius or above - including water, coffee, tea and other beverages, probably does cause cancer of the oesophagus. Lyon-based IARC, which last year prompted headlines worldwide by saying processed meat can cause cancer, reached its conclusions after reviewing more than 1,000 scientific studies in humans and animals. There was inadequate evidence for coffee to be classified as either carcinogenic or not carcinogenic. It had previously put coffee as a "possible carcinogen" in its 2B category alongside chloroform, lead and many other substances. The US National Coffee Association welcomed the change in IARC's classification as "great news for coffee drinkers".

Can coffee cause cancer? Not really! Unless it's very hot, then scientists say it might