Water in India’s rural locations is often a risky business. Could “water aunties” be a solution? In areas where sewage systems are either non-existent, dysfunctional or in a state of disrepair, open defecation is still common. Water is often sourced from groundwater supplies and contamination is simply a fact of life. Outbreaks of diseases such […]
Malaria
‘Our legacy to future generations’: India and a malaria-free world
India will prioritise the eradication of malaria on its public health agenda, Union Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan has announced on the heels of a landmark report by experts which proclaims that a malaria-free world by 2050 is attainable – if a bold approach is undertaken. “We are working towards ending malaria as soon as […]
Global Fund: India strengthens commitment
India will step up its efforts to fight infectious diseases including tuberculosis (TB), malaria, and HIV/AIDS by distributing more funds to the Global Fund. Established in 2002, the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria claims it “mobilizes and invests more than US$4 billion a year to support programs run by local experts in […]
Spike in water-borne diseases in Hyderabad
Hyderabad is reporting a spike in water-borne diseases, sparking fears of water contamination. Diarrhoeal disease, viral hepatitis, and typhoid have all been reported in the Telangana state capital. At the time of writing, 16,178 people have fallen ill with diarrhoea and 1,301 are afflicted with typhoid fever. Viral hepatitis, meanwhile, is believed to have affected […]
Colistin ban in food sector over drug resistance concerns
India’s food production sector has been banned from using the antibiotic colistin, over concerns about its misuse potentially fuelling drug resistance. According to a 2009 study, “colistin is…being used increasingly as a ‘last-line’ therapy to treat infections caused by [multi-drug-resistant] Gram-negative bacteria, when essentially no other options are available.” Yet concerns are growing that, in […]
Mobilising people to fight vector-borne diseases in Delhi
“Probably for the first time, the Centre, state and all local bodies will put together their efforts to mobilise the community for a public health activity,” said Union Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan, as he announced a three-day campaign in Delhi beginning this week to increase public awareness of vector-borne diseases yesterday. Amidst the monsoon […]
Monsoon season: Delhi prepares for mosquito-borne diseases
The monsoon season brings with it mosquitoes. The mosquitoes bring with them diseases. And Delhi is committed to making sure they are kept under control before the arrival of the first showers . In a meeting with municipal corporation and hospital officials, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said it is important that preventive action is taken […]
World Malaria Day: Warangal weaponises sanitation
In Warangal, an initiative is underway to use better sanitation to curb the spread of malaria. On World Malaria Day, it is important to appraise such initiatives and look towards further solutions to build upon the progress made against the disease. Much of the conversation about sanitation tends to focus on the Government’s Swachh Bharat […]
The Mahatma’s health and the legacy of Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi
Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi – widely honoured as the Father of the Nation – is often thought of in almost mythic terms: a figure of near universal reverence, internationally celebrated for his dogged struggle for Indian independence; his stand against colonialism; his embrace of pacifism; and denunciation of violence. In recent weeks, details have come to […]
Disease profiles: What is malaria?
Malaria has been one of the biggest medical concerns in India in modern memory. The disease is, to this day, still abundant across the majority of India and is responsible for a considerable number of deaths. Prevalence Malaria has been observed in India as far back as the writings of ancient medical texts such as […]