News Analysis India

Tag: WHO

  • World Blood Donor Day 2024: Date, History, Significance and All That You Need To Know |

    The World Blood Donor Day is observed on June 14 of every year all over the world. It is a crucial event established by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) to promote awareness about the need for safe blood and blood products.

    History:

    In 1940, a scientist called Richard Lower performed a blood transfusion between two dogs without any ill effects. This breakthrough allowed the development of modern blood transfusion techniques and made blood donation and transfusion a regular procedure in the healthcare sector.

    The date was chosen to honor the birth anniversary of Karl Landsteiner, the Nobel Prize-winning Austrian immunologist who discovered the ABO blood group system, which revolutionized blood transfusion practices. From that day onwards, the day has been celebrated as World Blood Donor Day.

    Theme:

    Each year, the celebration is marked by a specific theme that highlights different aspects of blood donation, the theme of this year is “20 years of celebrating giving: thank you, blood donors!”. The theme is to get more individuals to routinely donate blood and to express gratitude and support to the volunteers for giving freely of their blood in exchange for gifts that can save lives. On this day, people are inspired to give blood, save lives, and spread awareness of the advantages of doing so.

    Significance:

    According to WHO’s official website “The 20th anniversary of World Blood Donor Day is an excellent and timely opportunity to thank blood donors across the world for their life-saving donations over the years and honor the profound impact on both patients and donors. It is also a timely moment to address continued challenges, and accelerate progress towards a future where safe blood transfusion is universally accessible.”

    Around the world, events are planned to honor this day. Hospitals, blood banks, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) organize blood donation drives to promote and facilitate donations. To reduce transfusion-transmitted illnesses, public health initiatives strive to debunk myths, inform the public about the advantages of blood donation, and encourage safe donation practices. Recognition events celebrate the lives they have saved by honoring seasoned and consistent donors.

    A major factor in the success of World Blood Donor Day is community involvement. Events like conferences, workshops, and social media campaigns aid in message dissemination and audience engagement. All levels of participation are welcome, from lone contributors to local groups and governmental entities.

    People can participate in World Blood Donor Day by giving blood at nearby facilities or drives, raising awareness on social media, volunteering for charitable causes, and teaching others about the value and advantages of blood donation. People throughout the world can ensure that safe blood is available whenever and wherever it is required by banding together for this cause, strengthening a feeling of common humanity and global solidarity.

    On World Blood Donor Day, everyone is urged to support this life-saving initiative by highlighting the critical role that blood donation plays in saving lives.

  • ‘100 Times Worse Than Covid’: Scientists Warn Of Lethal Bird Flu Pandemic | world news

    NEW YORK: In a concerning development reported by the New York Post, experts have issued warnings about a potential bird flu pandemic, which they claim could be “100 times worse than COVID.” The discovery of a rare human case in Texas has raised alarms among scientists and health officials. The H5N1 avian flu, which emerged as a new strain in 2020, has spread rapidly, affecting wild birds across all states, as well as commercial poultry and backyard flocks. Recent cases in mammals, including infected cattle herds across four states, have escalated concerns.

    At a panel discussing the issue, Suresh Kuchipudi, a prominent bird flu researcher, emphasized the long-standing threat posed by the H5N1 virus. He highlighted its ability to infect various mammalian hosts, including humans, making it a global pandemic threat. John Fulton, a pharmaceutical industry consultant, echoed these concerns, suggesting that the potential impact of the virus could surpass that of COVID if it mutates while maintaining a high fatality rate. “This appears to be 100 times worse than COVID — or it could be if it mutates and maintains its high case fatality rate,” John Fulton, a pharmaceutical industry consultant for vaccines and the founder of Canada-based BioNiagara who organized the meeting, was cited as saying.

    With a fatality rate of around 52% among humans infected since 2003, according to the World Health Organization, H5N1 presents a significant health risk. Symptoms are similar to other flu strains but can lead to severe pneumonia, with some cases resulting in death.

    Recent Case In Texas

    A dairy worker in Texas who contracted the virus reported symptoms consistent with conjunctivitis. While the CDC assured the public of low risk, the situation is being closely monitored due to the unprecedented detection of the virus in cattle.

    Potential For Mutation And Rapid Spread

    The detection of the virus in cattle raises concerns about mutation and potential human transmission. Experts warn that if H5N1 mutates to spread efficiently among humans, it could lead to large-scale transmission due to the lack of immune defenses.

    Preventive Measures And Vaccine Development

    Efforts are underway to develop vaccines and preventive measures against the virus. The US is already testing vaccine components, and candidate vaccine viruses show promise in protecting against H5N1. Both the CDC and the White House have emphasized the seriousness of the situation, with ongoing monitoring and efforts to keep the public informed and safe. As the world grapples with the evolving threat of the H5N1 avian flu, vigilance and coordinated global efforts remain crucial to prevent a potential pandemic.

  • PMO holds review meeting on new Covid-19 variants; states asked to monitor influenza-like illness cases

    Express News Service

    NEW DELHI: Citing the World Health Organization (WHO), Union Health Secretary Sudhansh Pant on Monday noted that the new Covid-19 variant EG.5 (Eris) has been reported in over 50 countries. He also said that another variant BA.2.86 (Pirola) has been reported in four countries. 

    He was participating in a high-level review meeting convened by Prime Minister’s Office. 

    The meeting highlighted that while globally, a total of 2,96,219 new cases of Covid-19 were reported in the past seven days, India, which contributes to nearly 17% of the global population, has reported only 223 cases (0.075% of global new cases) in the past week. 

    Pant also informed the PMO that the daily average of new Covid-19 cases continues to be below 50 in the country.

    “The country has managed to maintain weekly test positivity rate of less than 0.2%,” a statement issued by the union health ministry said.

    The statement said an overview of the Genome Sequencing of different variants circulating in India was also provided. 

    Dr PK Mishra, Principal Secretary to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who chaired the meeting, said after detailed deliberations, that while the Covid-19 situation in the country remains stable and public health systems in the country remain geared up, there is a need for states to monitor trends of ILI/SARI (influenza-like illness (ILI) and (severe acute respiratory infections) cases.

    Mishra pointed out that states should be directed to send sufficient samples for testing Covid-19 while ramping up Whole Genome Sequencing and maintaining a close watch on the new global variants.

    The meeting was attended by Dr Vinod Paul, NITI Aayog member; Rajiv Gauba, Cabinet Secretary; Amit Khare, Advisor PMO; Sudhansh Pant, Union Health Secretary; Rajiv Bahl, Secretary Department of Health Research (DHR) and DG Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR); Rajesh S. Gokhale, Union Biotechnology Secretary, and Punya Salila Srivastava, Additional Secretary to PM. 

    NEW DELHI: Citing the World Health Organization (WHO), Union Health Secretary Sudhansh Pant on Monday noted that the new Covid-19 variant EG.5 (Eris) has been reported in over 50 countries. He also said that another variant BA.2.86 (Pirola) has been reported in four countries. 

    He was participating in a high-level review meeting convened by Prime Minister’s Office. 

    The meeting highlighted that while globally, a total of 2,96,219 new cases of Covid-19 were reported in the past seven days, India, which contributes to nearly 17% of the global population, has reported only 223 cases (0.075% of global new cases) in the past week. googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-8052921-2’); });

    Pant also informed the PMO that the daily average of new Covid-19 cases continues to be below 50 in the country.

    “The country has managed to maintain weekly test positivity rate of less than 0.2%,” a statement issued by the union health ministry said.

    The statement said an overview of the Genome Sequencing of different variants circulating in India was also provided. 

    Dr PK Mishra, Principal Secretary to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who chaired the meeting, said after detailed deliberations, that while the Covid-19 situation in the country remains stable and public health systems in the country remain geared up, there is a need for states to monitor trends of ILI/SARI (influenza-like illness (ILI) and (severe acute respiratory infections) cases.

    Mishra pointed out that states should be directed to send sufficient samples for testing Covid-19 while ramping up Whole Genome Sequencing and maintaining a close watch on the new global variants.

    The meeting was attended by Dr Vinod Paul, NITI Aayog member; Rajiv Gauba, Cabinet Secretary; Amit Khare, Advisor PMO; Sudhansh Pant, Union Health Secretary; Rajiv Bahl, Secretary Department of Health Research (DHR) and DG Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR); Rajesh S. Gokhale, Union Biotechnology Secretary, and Punya Salila Srivastava, Additional Secretary to PM.
     

  • WHO calls for intensified efforts towards childhood immunization

    By PTI

    NEW DELHI: The World Health Organization on Tuesday called for intensified efforts towards childhood immunization with a focus on reaching the 2.3 million unvaccinated and 650,000 partially vaccinated children.

    The WHO’s South-East Asia Region complimented member countries for scaling up childhood immunization coverage to pre-pandemic level.

    Every child deserves to be protected against life-threatening diseases with routine immunization, said Dr Poonam Khetrapal Singh, the regional director of WHO’s South-East Asia region.

    “The momentum built with impressive efforts and immunization service recoveries must continue to benefit every child for a healthy and productive life,” she said.

    The WHO and UNICEF estimates for national immunization coverage for 2022, released on Tuesday, show that in WHO’s south-east Asia region the coverage rate for DPT3, third dose of diphtheria, pertussis and tetanus vaccines reached 91 per cent of the pre-pandemic level, a sharp increase from 82 per cent recorded in 2021.

    The region has also shown a six per cent improvement in coverage of the measles vaccine in 2022 compared to 2021, moving from 86 per cent to 92 per cent.

    The number of children who have not received even the first dose of DPT vaccine halved from 4.6 million in 2021 to 2.3 million in 2022.

    Similarly, the number of partially vaccinated children — who have received at least one dose of DPT vaccine but not the complete primary series of three doses, reduced from 1.3 million in 2021 to 6,50,000 in 2022.

    The south-east Asia region had the best immunization recoveries among all WHO regions which can be majorly attributed to efforts being made by India and Indonesia, Singh said.

    India recorded 93 per cent DPT3 coverage in 2022, surpassing the pre-pandemic all-time high of 91 per cent in 2019 and a rapid increase from 85 per cent recorded in 2021, she said.

    “While we draw lessons from the pandemic to strengthen capacities to respond to future health emergencies, we must learn from countries which maintained their immunization rates even while responding to a pandemic,” said the regional director of WHO’s South-East Asia region.

    “While overall immunization coverage levels are looking good and the progress encouraging, there remain variabilities in the coverage at sub-national levels in countries, especially in those with large populations.

    “The inequities in immunization coverage leading to accumulation of pockets of unvaccinated children pose the risk of outbreaks of measles, diphtheria, and other vaccine-preventable diseases.

    These gaps must be closed,” Singh said.

    The countries and partner agencies must continue to scale up efforts to identify unvaccinated children, strengthen the capacities of the health workforce, better understand and engage with vulnerable populations and roll out tailored strategies to reach every child, she added.

    NEW DELHI: The World Health Organization on Tuesday called for intensified efforts towards childhood immunization with a focus on reaching the 2.3 million unvaccinated and 650,000 partially vaccinated children.

    The WHO’s South-East Asia Region complimented member countries for scaling up childhood immunization coverage to pre-pandemic level.

    Every child deserves to be protected against life-threatening diseases with routine immunization, said Dr Poonam Khetrapal Singh, the regional director of WHO’s South-East Asia region.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-8052921-2’); });

    “The momentum built with impressive efforts and immunization service recoveries must continue to benefit every child for a healthy and productive life,” she said.

    The WHO and UNICEF estimates for national immunization coverage for 2022, released on Tuesday, show that in WHO’s south-east Asia region the coverage rate for DPT3, third dose of diphtheria, pertussis and tetanus vaccines reached 91 per cent of the pre-pandemic level, a sharp increase from 82 per cent recorded in 2021.

    The region has also shown a six per cent improvement in coverage of the measles vaccine in 2022 compared to 2021, moving from 86 per cent to 92 per cent.

    The number of children who have not received even the first dose of DPT vaccine halved from 4.6 million in 2021 to 2.3 million in 2022.

    Similarly, the number of partially vaccinated children — who have received at least one dose of DPT vaccine but not the complete primary series of three doses, reduced from 1.3 million in 2021 to 6,50,000 in 2022.

    The south-east Asia region had the best immunization recoveries among all WHO regions which can be majorly attributed to efforts being made by India and Indonesia, Singh said.

    India recorded 93 per cent DPT3 coverage in 2022, surpassing the pre-pandemic all-time high of 91 per cent in 2019 and a rapid increase from 85 per cent recorded in 2021, she said.

    “While we draw lessons from the pandemic to strengthen capacities to respond to future health emergencies, we must learn from countries which maintained their immunization rates even while responding to a pandemic,” said the regional director of WHO’s South-East Asia region.

    “While overall immunization coverage levels are looking good and the progress encouraging, there remain variabilities in the coverage at sub-national levels in countries, especially in those with large populations.

    “The inequities in immunization coverage leading to accumulation of pockets of unvaccinated children pose the risk of outbreaks of measles, diphtheria, and other vaccine-preventable diseases.

    These gaps must be closed,” Singh said.

    The countries and partner agencies must continue to scale up efforts to identify unvaccinated children, strengthen the capacities of the health workforce, better understand and engage with vulnerable populations and roll out tailored strategies to reach every child, she added.

  • Breastfeeding promotion network says 15 brands violate baby food laws

    Express News Service

    NEW DELHI: Several baby food brands are violating laws by using social media to advertise products like infant milk substitutes, according to a report released by the Breastfeeding Promotion Network of India (BPNI).

    The report, which flags 15 top brands, was released coinciding with world breastfeeding day on May 21.

    BPNI, which has been mandated by the government as a child welfare NGO to flag such violations, said a new trend has emerged in promoting these products using social media, and unsuspecting influencers are becoming partners in crime.

    Moreover, some of these products are being promoted by celebrities like Bollywood actress Anushka Sharma and Shahid Kapoor’s wife Meera Rajput Kapoor.

    “New tactics of involving celebrities, influencers, mothers, and mother bloggers on Instagram and YouTube is certainly catching on,” said the report adding that knowingly or unknowingly, they are also infringing the law and are liable to be penalized.

    BPNI said there is no system to monitor and investigate such violations, which have remained unchecked. The law prohibits any kind of “promotion” of food products or feeding bottles, including advertising, incentives or directly reaching out to moms, for children under the age of 24 months.

    “Social Media is the new-generation promotion playground of the baby food, bottle and equipment industry; therefore, it must be monitored and notified diligently. Digital technologies used for marketing breastmilk substitutes are proven to be contributing to increasing sales and consumption of baby formula across the world. Our findings confirm WHO’s observations in their reports,” said the report “Indian Law Baby Food Offenders.”

    Indian government enacted the Infant Milk Substitutes Feeding Bottles, and Infant Foods (Regulation of Production, Supply and Distribution) Act 1992, and Amendment Act 2003 (IMS Act) in order to control marketing of the baby foods as a follow-up to the International Code of Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes and subsequent World Health Assembly resolutions.

    BPNI said that such advertisements influence mothers as celebrities have a huge public influence.

    “This is the tip of the iceberg- findings of few concerned people and a comprehensive assessment is needed yearly; the government may consider commissioning a report and allocate funds for this work,” said Arun Gupta, one of the four founder paediatricians of BPNI.

    “Government may launch an investigation as per law into alleged violations through appropriate mechanisms and prosecution if required. Government, through its communication, could encourage citizen reporting of violations; BPNI offers its Mobile App “Stanpan Surakhsha” for this purpose,” said Gupta, who is the Central Coordinator of BPNI.

    Speaking with this paper, he said, undermining breastfeeding and complementary feeding through commercial influence also violates a child’s right to life and health and the mother’s right to breastfeed.

    Non-stop promotion continues even after 32 years of the established law, and new players are emerging and promoting their food products aggressively in India in violation of this law, he said.

    “Mothers do fall prey to their misinformation and profit-driven tactics and the celebrities have huge public influence”, says Nupur Bidla, the national coordinator of BPNI. 

    “Social Media is the new generation promotion playground of the baby food, bottle and equipment industry; therefore, it needs to be monitored and notified diligently”.

    BPNI members continue to be vigilant about any kind of promotion of infant milk substitutes, infant foods, or feeding bottles, which are three products under the scope of this law, Gupta added.

    He said they have already flagged these 15 violations of different sections of the IMS Act by major baby food and feeding-bottle companies and the platforms used by them with the union health ministry.

    BPNI has also written a letter to Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan and National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR), chief Priyank Kanoongo and has flagged these blatant violations of baby food law by these companies.

    NEW DELHI: Several baby food brands are violating laws by using social media to advertise products like infant milk substitutes, according to a report released by the Breastfeeding Promotion Network of India (BPNI).

    The report, which flags 15 top brands, was released coinciding with world breastfeeding day on May 21.

    BPNI, which has been mandated by the government as a child welfare NGO to flag such violations, said a new trend has emerged in promoting these products using social media, and unsuspecting influencers are becoming partners in crime.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-8052921-2’); });

    Moreover, some of these products are being promoted by celebrities like Bollywood actress Anushka Sharma and Shahid Kapoor’s wife Meera Rajput Kapoor.

    “New tactics of involving celebrities, influencers, mothers, and mother bloggers on Instagram and YouTube is certainly catching on,” said the report adding that knowingly or unknowingly, they are also infringing the law and are liable to be penalized.

    BPNI said there is no system to monitor and investigate such violations, which have remained unchecked. The law prohibits any kind of “promotion” of food products or feeding bottles, including advertising, incentives or directly reaching out to moms, for children under the age of 24 months.

    “Social Media is the new-generation promotion playground of the baby food, bottle and equipment industry; therefore, it must be monitored and notified diligently. Digital technologies used for marketing breastmilk substitutes are proven to be contributing to increasing sales and consumption of baby formula across the world. Our findings confirm WHO’s observations in their reports,” said the report “Indian Law Baby Food Offenders.”

    Indian government enacted the Infant Milk Substitutes Feeding Bottles, and Infant Foods (Regulation of Production, Supply and Distribution) Act 1992, and Amendment Act 2003 (IMS Act) in order to control marketing of the baby foods as a follow-up to the International Code of Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes and subsequent World Health Assembly resolutions.

    BPNI said that such advertisements influence mothers as celebrities have a huge public influence.

    “This is the tip of the iceberg- findings of few concerned people and a comprehensive assessment is needed yearly; the government may consider commissioning a report and allocate funds for this work,” said Arun Gupta, one of the four founder paediatricians of BPNI.

    “Government may launch an investigation as per law into alleged violations through appropriate mechanisms and prosecution if required. Government, through its communication, could encourage citizen reporting of violations; BPNI offers its Mobile App “Stanpan Surakhsha” for this purpose,” said Gupta, who is the Central Coordinator of BPNI.

    Speaking with this paper, he said, undermining breastfeeding and complementary feeding through commercial influence also violates a child’s right to life and health and the mother’s right to breastfeed.

    Non-stop promotion continues even after 32 years of the established law, and new players are emerging and promoting their food products aggressively in India in violation of this law, he said.

    “Mothers do fall prey to their misinformation and profit-driven tactics and the celebrities have huge public influence”, says Nupur Bidla, the national coordinator of BPNI. 

    “Social Media is the new generation promotion playground of the baby food, bottle and equipment industry; therefore, it needs to be monitored and notified diligently”.

    BPNI members continue to be vigilant about any kind of promotion of infant milk substitutes, infant foods, or feeding bottles, which are three products under the scope of this law, Gupta added.

    He said they have already flagged these 15 violations of different sections of the IMS Act by major baby food and feeding-bottle companies and the platforms used by them with the union health ministry.

    BPNI has also written a letter to Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan and National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR), chief Priyank Kanoongo and has flagged these blatant violations of baby food law by these companies.

  • Experts caution against lowering guard though WHO says Covid no longer global emergency

    Express News Service

    NEW DELHI: Even though the World Health Organisation (WHO) has declared an end to the global emergency status for Covid-19, India needs to continue wastewater surveillance along with monitoring hospitalised cases of acute severe respiratory infections as the virus is still around, posing a threat, experts said.

    The WHO on Friday ended its highest level of alert for Covid-19, over three years after its original declaration, saying that countries should now manage the virus along with other infectious diseases.

    However, the world health body also said the decision did not mean the danger was over and cautioned that the emergency status could be reinstated if the situation changed.

    Experts said the ending of the alert status does not mean that Covid-19 will disappear as the virus can mutate, causing severity. The focus should now be on the long-term management of the infection.

    “The virus is still very much with us. So, the risk of infection remains. However, the risk of serious illness is very low with the Omicron variant, which is presently dominant,” said Dr K S Reddy, Distinguished Professor Public Health Foundation of India (PHFI) and former member of India’s Covid-19 task force.

    ALSO READ | Conjunctivitis emerging as new Covid-19 symptom among both kids and adults

    He said the WHO announcement means that now the world can resume regular travel and lift most of the restrictions imposed on people as the virus no longer poses a high threat at the population level.

    However, he said India should continue surveillance by testing and genomic profiling all hospitalised cases of acute severe respiratory infections; home-based syndromic symptom-based surveillance of all persons with respiratory infection by primary healthcare teams; wastewater surveillance in urban areas and incoming international flights.

    ‘One Health’ surveillance linking microbial detections across wildlife, veterinary and human populations also needs to continue, apart from strengthening healthcare delivery and emergency medical transport systems, he said.

    Describing the WHO move as a “technical” announcement, Dr Rajeev Jayadevan, co-chairman of the National Indian Medical Association (IMA) Covid-19 task force, said the WHO has clearly stated that the pandemic is still very much active.

    “It is now up to individual countries to take the steps required,” he told The New Indian Express.

    Unfortunately, he said, the danger of such an announcement is that many people will now believe that Covid is over. “This can worsen the spread, especially as the virus is now surging in the eastern hemisphere,” he added.

    Gautam Menon, Professor of Physics and Biology at Ashoka University, agreed that there is always the risk that a new, more virulent and transmissible variant might emerge. But, he added that in the background of large-scale hybrid immunity, this seems less likely.

    Stressing on improved routine surveillance, not just for Covid-19 but also other infectious diseases, he said, wastewater surveillance should be done to monitor the emergence of new variants.

    “Improved surveillance methods, more comprehensive routine sequencing of potential new pathogens and more investment in public health should be emphasized,” he added.

    The experts agreed that old people, those with severe comorbidity or immuno-suppressed, should continue wearing masks in ill-ventilated crowded settings as they are at high-risk.

    “We should still acknowledge that the elderly and immunocompromised remain at risk and, on general grounds, allow those who are unwell to be able to isolate themselves,” Menon told The New Indian Express.

    What is most important is to realise that this virus has spread not only in man, but also in several mammals, including rats, and is constantly generating mutations, some of which could potentially lead to greater or lower pathogenicity, Jayadevan said.

    NEW DELHI: Even though the World Health Organisation (WHO) has declared an end to the global emergency status for Covid-19, India needs to continue wastewater surveillance along with monitoring hospitalised cases of acute severe respiratory infections as the virus is still around, posing a threat, experts said.

    The WHO on Friday ended its highest level of alert for Covid-19, over three years after its original declaration, saying that countries should now manage the virus along with other infectious diseases.

    However, the world health body also said the decision did not mean the danger was over and cautioned that the emergency status could be reinstated if the situation changed.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-8052921-2’); });

    Experts said the ending of the alert status does not mean that Covid-19 will disappear as the virus can mutate, causing severity. The focus should now be on the long-term management of the infection.

    “The virus is still very much with us. So, the risk of infection remains. However, the risk of serious illness is very low with the Omicron variant, which is presently dominant,” said Dr K S Reddy, Distinguished Professor Public Health Foundation of India (PHFI) and former member of India’s Covid-19 task force.

    ALSO READ | Conjunctivitis emerging as new Covid-19 symptom among both kids and adults

    He said the WHO announcement means that now the world can resume regular travel and lift most of the restrictions imposed on people as the virus no longer poses a high threat at the population level.

    However, he said India should continue surveillance by testing and genomic profiling all hospitalised cases of acute severe respiratory infections; home-based syndromic symptom-based surveillance of all persons with respiratory infection by primary healthcare teams; wastewater surveillance in urban areas and incoming international flights.

    ‘One Health’ surveillance linking microbial detections across wildlife, veterinary and human populations also needs to continue, apart from strengthening healthcare delivery and emergency medical transport systems, he said.

    Describing the WHO move as a “technical” announcement, Dr Rajeev Jayadevan, co-chairman of the National Indian Medical Association (IMA) Covid-19 task force, said the WHO has clearly stated that the pandemic is still very much active.

    “It is now up to individual countries to take the steps required,” he told The New Indian Express.

    Unfortunately, he said, the danger of such an announcement is that many people will now believe that Covid is over. “This can worsen the spread, especially as the virus is now surging in the eastern hemisphere,” he added.

    Gautam Menon, Professor of Physics and Biology at Ashoka University, agreed that there is always the risk that a new, more virulent and transmissible variant might emerge. But, he added that in the background of large-scale hybrid immunity, this seems less likely.

    Stressing on improved routine surveillance, not just for Covid-19 but also other infectious diseases, he said, wastewater surveillance should be done to monitor the emergence of new variants.

    “Improved surveillance methods, more comprehensive routine sequencing of potential new pathogens and more investment in public health should be emphasized,” he added.

    The experts agreed that old people, those with severe comorbidity or immuno-suppressed, should continue wearing masks in ill-ventilated crowded settings as they are at high-risk.

    “We should still acknowledge that the elderly and immunocompromised remain at risk and, on general grounds, allow those who are unwell to be able to isolate themselves,” Menon told The New Indian Express.

    What is most important is to realise that this virus has spread not only in man, but also in several mammals, including rats, and is constantly generating mutations, some of which could potentially lead to greater or lower pathogenicity, Jayadevan said.

  • ‘Absence of Covid info’: WHO backs restrictions on travellers from China

    Express News Service

    NEW DELHI:  The World Health Organisation (WHO) Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus on Friday said that the curbs on travellers from China by various countries are “understandable” in the absence of comprehensive information from the ground. 

    His remarks came as several countries from the US to South Korea have placed restrictions on air travellers from China, which is seeing a massive Covid surge but has not revealed data. India also has made it mandatory for international travellers from China and five other hotspots nations, Hong Kong, South Korea, Thailand, Japan and Singapore, to carry Covid negative test reports. Also, the Covid test needs to be done 72 hours before arrival to India. The rule will be applied from January 1. 

    India has already started conducting random testing of two per cent of international travellers from these countries. In his tweet, the WHO chief said, “In the absence of comprehensive information from #China, it is understandable that countries around the world are acting in ways that they believe may protect their populations.”

    He said the WHO is “very concerned over the evolving situation in China.” “We continue encouraging China to track the #COVID19 virus and vaccinate the highest risk people. We continue to offer our support for clinical care and protecting its health system,” Ghebreyesus added. He also appealed for specific data on disease severity, hospital admissions and intensive care requirements.

    COVID CURBS ON FLYERS FROM CHINA

    INDIAThe country has mandated a COVID-19 negative test report for travellers arriving from China, Hong Kong, Japan, South Korea and Thailand, the health minister said. Passengers from those countries will be quarantined if they show symptoms or test positive.

    UNITED STATESThe United States will impose mandatory COVID-19 tests on travellers from China beginning on Jan. 5. All air passengers aged two and older will require a negative result from a test no more than two days before departure from China, Hong Kong or Macau.

    JAPANJapan will require a negative COVID-19 test upon arrival for travellers from mainland China. Those who test positive will be required to quarantine for seven days. New border measures for China will go into effect at midnight on Dec. 30. 

    ITALYItaly has ordered COVID-19 antigen swabs and virus sequencing for all travellers from China. Milan’s main airport, Malpensa, had already started testing passengers arriving from Beijing and Shanghai.

    SPAINSpain will require a negative COVID-19 test or a full course of vaccination against the disease upon arrival for travellers from China, the country’s Health Minister Carolina Darias said.

    NEW DELHI:  The World Health Organisation (WHO) Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus on Friday said that the curbs on travellers from China by various countries are “understandable” in the absence of comprehensive information from the ground. 

    His remarks came as several countries from the US to South Korea have placed restrictions on air travellers from China, which is seeing a massive Covid surge but has not revealed data. India also has made it mandatory for international travellers from China and five other hotspots nations, Hong Kong, South Korea, Thailand, Japan and Singapore, to carry Covid negative test reports. Also, the Covid test needs to be done 72 hours before arrival to India. The rule will be applied from January 1. 

    India has already started conducting random testing of two per cent of international travellers from these countries. In his tweet, the WHO chief said, “In the absence of comprehensive information from #China, it is understandable that countries around the world are acting in ways that they believe may protect their populations.”

    He said the WHO is “very concerned over the evolving situation in China.” “We continue encouraging China to track the #COVID19 virus and vaccinate the highest risk people. We continue to offer our support for clinical care and protecting its health system,” Ghebreyesus added. He also appealed for specific data on disease severity, hospital admissions and intensive care requirements.

    COVID CURBS ON FLYERS FROM CHINA

    INDIA
    The country has mandated a COVID-19 negative test report for travellers arriving from China, Hong Kong, Japan, South Korea and Thailand, the health minister said. Passengers from those countries will be quarantined if they show symptoms or test positive.

    UNITED STATES
    The United States will impose mandatory COVID-19 tests on travellers from China beginning on Jan. 5. All air passengers aged two and older will require a negative result from a test no more than two days before departure from China, Hong Kong or Macau.

    JAPAN
    Japan will require a negative COVID-19 test upon arrival for travellers from mainland China. Those who test positive will be required to quarantine for seven days. New border measures for China will go into effect at midnight on Dec. 30. 

    ITALY
    Italy has ordered COVID-19 antigen swabs and virus sequencing for all travellers from China. Milan’s main airport, Malpensa, had already started testing passengers arriving from Beijing and Shanghai.

    SPAIN
    Spain will require a negative COVID-19 test or a full course of vaccination against the disease upon arrival for travellers from China, the country’s Health Minister Carolina Darias said.

  • Centre alerts states on measles; 40 million kids missed vaccine last year, says WHO

    By PTI

    NEW DELHI: Amid an increase in the number of measles cases, the Centre has asked states to consider administering one additional dose of Measles and Rubella vaccines to all children, aged 9 months to 5 years, in vulnerable areas.

    The World Health Organisation (WHO) and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), meanwhile said, measles immunisation has dropped significantly since the coronavirus pandemic began, resulting in a record high of nearly 40 million children missing a vaccine dose last year.

    In India, increased numbers of measles cases were reported from certain districts of Bihar, Gujarat, Haryana, Jharkhand, Kerala and Maharashtra recently.

    Areas under Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) and some other districts in Maharashtra have reported a rapid rise in infections and around 10 mortalities caused by the Measles virus.

    A report said that Mumbai is struggling to control the outbreak of measles among children, as according to civic officials, eight deaths and 184 confirmed cases have been so far reported in the city.

    Against this backdrop, the Union Health Ministry, in a letter to the Principal Health Secretary of Maharashtra that was also marked to all states and Union Territories (UTs), said this surge is of particular concern from the public health point of view.

    “It is also clear that in all such geographies, the affected children were predominantly unvaccinated and the average coverage of Measles and Rubella Containing Vaccine (MRCV) among the eligible beneficiaries is also significantly below the national average,” Health ministry Joint Secretary P Ashok Babu said.

    In this context, he said a meeting of Domain Knowledge Technical Experts was held on Wednesday under the Chairpersonship of Member (Health), NITI Aayog to review the situation.

    Based on inputs received from the meeting, the Centre said states/UTs are advised to consider administering one additional dose to all children of 9 months to 5 years in vulnerable areas, referring to the geographies which are showing a recent increase in numbers of Measles cases.

    The special dose for Measles and Rubella for Universal Immunization Programme (UIP) reporting purposes is referred to as the one additional dose.

    “This dose would be in addition to the primary vaccination schedule of first dose at 9-12 months and second dose at 16-24 months,” he said.

    The vulnerable areas are to be identified by the state government and UT administration in “Outbreak Response Immunization” (ORI) mode.

    A dose of MRCV is to be administered to all children aged 6 months and up to less than 9 months in those areas where the Measles cases in the age group of less than 9 months are above 10 percent of the total Measles cases, he said.

    “Since this dose of MRCV is being given to this cohort in “Outbreak Response Immunization” (ORI) mode, therefore, these children should also be covered by first and second dose of MRCV as per the primary (routine) Measles and Rubella vaccination schedule,” he said.

    As the disease is known to witness a surge in cases of numbers from November to March, annually, the health ministry said an active fever and rash surveillance mechanism needs to be strengthened for early case identification.

    “Headcount survey of all children aged 6 months to 5 years must be undertaken in the vulnerable outbreak areas to facilitate full MRCV coverage in an accelerated manner.

    The institutionalized mechanism of the District Task Force on Immunization under the chairmanship of the District Collector must be activated to review the Measles situation on a daily and weekly basis and plan the response activities accordingly,” he said.

    The disease is known to be fatal among children with moderate and severe malnourishment, he said, underlining that as part of the case identification and management, house-to-house search activities to identify such vulnerable children and provide pre-emptive care with nutritional and Vitamin A supplementation is also necessary.

    “Correct and factual information about Measles symptoms and treatment must be disseminated among the public, in general for early identification and prompt management of measles cases,” he said.

    Any suspected cases with the development of fever and maculopapular rash must be reported and investigated, he added.

    The health ministry said immediate isolation of laboratory-confirmed cases must be done for at least seven days from the date of identification.

    “Guidance for home-based care of such cases must be issued with reference to age-appropriate two doses of vitamin A supplementation with adequate nutritional support,” he said.

    Caregivers must be made aware regarding the identification of danger signs for immediate hospitalisation of children with persistent diarrhoea, rapid breathing with chest indrawing (pneumonia), and ear discharge, he said.

    The Centre also asked Maharashtra to earmark wards and beds for effective caseload management of measles in dedicated health facilities for timely transfer and treatment of such children.

    The “Roadmap to Measles and Rubella Elimination by 2023” must be disseminated among District Collectors for necessary compliance and extensive community participation and participation of religious leaders must be ensured through appropriate IEC and mobilization activities to address vaccine hesitancy were other directions.

    “It is requested to kindly direct the concerned officials to initiate prompt action on preparedness and Measles outbreak response activities.

    Adequate availability of vaccines across all Blocks/Districts may be ensured for the vaccination campaign,” the ministry said.

    The Centre has also deployed high-level teams to Ranchi (Jharkhand), Ahmedabad (Gujarat) and Malappuram (Kerala) to assess and manage the increase in the number of measles cases among children there.

    In an official statement, the health ministry said the teams will probe the rising trend of measles cases.

    They will assist the state health authorities in investigating the outbreak and facilitate operationalization of requisite control and containment, it said.

    A record 40 million kids miss measles vaccine dose 

    According to The Associated Press, the WHO and CDC said that measles immunisation has dropped significantly since the coronavirus pandemic began, resulting in a record high of nearly 40 million children missing a vaccine dose last year.

    In a report issued Wednesday, the WHO and the CDC said millions of children were now susceptible to measles, among the world’s most contagious diseases.

    In 2021, officials said there were about 9 million measles infections and 128,000 deaths worldwide.

    The WHO and CDC said continued drops in vaccination, weak disease surveillance and delayed response plans due to COVID-19, in addition to ongoing outbreaks in more than 20 countries, mean that “measles is an imminent threat in every region of the world.”

    Scientists estimate that at least 95% of a population needs to be immunised to protect against epidemics; the WHO and the CDC reported that only about 81% of children receive their first dose of measles vaccine while 71% get their second dose, marking the lowest global coverage rates of the first measles dose since 2008.

    “The record number of children under-immunised and susceptible to measles shows the profound damage immunisation systems have sustained during the COVID-19 pandemic,” CDC director Dr Rochelle Walensky said in a statement.

    Measles is mostly spread through direct contact or in the air and causes symptoms including fever, muscle pain and a skin rash on the face and upper neck.

    Most measles-related deaths are caused by complications including swelling of the brain and dehydration. The WHO says serious complications are most serious in children under five and adults over 30.

    More than 95% of measles deaths occur in developing countries, mostly in Africa and Asia. There is no specific treatment for measles, but the two-dose vaccine against it is about 97% effective in preventing severe illness and death.

    In July, the UN said 25 million children have missed out on routine immunisations against diseases including diphtheria, largely because the coronavirus disrupted routine health services or triggered vaccine misinformation.

    ALSO READ | Mumbai measles outbreak: lack of vaccination, poor living conditions to blame, say health officials

    NEW DELHI: Amid an increase in the number of measles cases, the Centre has asked states to consider administering one additional dose of Measles and Rubella vaccines to all children, aged 9 months to 5 years, in vulnerable areas.

    The World Health Organisation (WHO) and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), meanwhile said, measles immunisation has dropped significantly since the coronavirus pandemic began, resulting in a record high of nearly 40 million children missing a vaccine dose last year.

    In India, increased numbers of measles cases were reported from certain districts of Bihar, Gujarat, Haryana, Jharkhand, Kerala and Maharashtra recently.

    Areas under Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) and some other districts in Maharashtra have reported a rapid rise in infections and around 10 mortalities caused by the Measles virus.

    A report said that Mumbai is struggling to control the outbreak of measles among children, as according to civic officials, eight deaths and 184 confirmed cases have been so far reported in the city.

    Against this backdrop, the Union Health Ministry, in a letter to the Principal Health Secretary of Maharashtra that was also marked to all states and Union Territories (UTs), said this surge is of particular concern from the public health point of view.

    “It is also clear that in all such geographies, the affected children were predominantly unvaccinated and the average coverage of Measles and Rubella Containing Vaccine (MRCV) among the eligible beneficiaries is also significantly below the national average,” Health ministry Joint Secretary P Ashok Babu said.

    In this context, he said a meeting of Domain Knowledge Technical Experts was held on Wednesday under the Chairpersonship of Member (Health), NITI Aayog to review the situation.

    Based on inputs received from the meeting, the Centre said states/UTs are advised to consider administering one additional dose to all children of 9 months to 5 years in vulnerable areas, referring to the geographies which are showing a recent increase in numbers of Measles cases.

    The special dose for Measles and Rubella for Universal Immunization Programme (UIP) reporting purposes is referred to as the one additional dose.

    “This dose would be in addition to the primary vaccination schedule of first dose at 9-12 months and second dose at 16-24 months,” he said.

    The vulnerable areas are to be identified by the state government and UT administration in “Outbreak Response Immunization” (ORI) mode.

    A dose of MRCV is to be administered to all children aged 6 months and up to less than 9 months in those areas where the Measles cases in the age group of less than 9 months are above 10 percent of the total Measles cases, he said.

    “Since this dose of MRCV is being given to this cohort in “Outbreak Response Immunization” (ORI) mode, therefore, these children should also be covered by first and second dose of MRCV as per the primary (routine) Measles and Rubella vaccination schedule,” he said.

    As the disease is known to witness a surge in cases of numbers from November to March, annually, the health ministry said an active fever and rash surveillance mechanism needs to be strengthened for early case identification.

    “Headcount survey of all children aged 6 months to 5 years must be undertaken in the vulnerable outbreak areas to facilitate full MRCV coverage in an accelerated manner.

    The institutionalized mechanism of the District Task Force on Immunization under the chairmanship of the District Collector must be activated to review the Measles situation on a daily and weekly basis and plan the response activities accordingly,” he said.

    The disease is known to be fatal among children with moderate and severe malnourishment, he said, underlining that as part of the case identification and management, house-to-house search activities to identify such vulnerable children and provide pre-emptive care with nutritional and Vitamin A supplementation is also necessary.

    “Correct and factual information about Measles symptoms and treatment must be disseminated among the public, in general for early identification and prompt management of measles cases,” he said.

    Any suspected cases with the development of fever and maculopapular rash must be reported and investigated, he added.

    The health ministry said immediate isolation of laboratory-confirmed cases must be done for at least seven days from the date of identification.

    “Guidance for home-based care of such cases must be issued with reference to age-appropriate two doses of vitamin A supplementation with adequate nutritional support,” he said.

    Caregivers must be made aware regarding the identification of danger signs for immediate hospitalisation of children with persistent diarrhoea, rapid breathing with chest indrawing (pneumonia), and ear discharge, he said.

    The Centre also asked Maharashtra to earmark wards and beds for effective caseload management of measles in dedicated health facilities for timely transfer and treatment of such children.

    The “Roadmap to Measles and Rubella Elimination by 2023” must be disseminated among District Collectors for necessary compliance and extensive community participation and participation of religious leaders must be ensured through appropriate IEC and mobilization activities to address vaccine hesitancy were other directions.

    “It is requested to kindly direct the concerned officials to initiate prompt action on preparedness and Measles outbreak response activities.

    Adequate availability of vaccines across all Blocks/Districts may be ensured for the vaccination campaign,” the ministry said.

    The Centre has also deployed high-level teams to Ranchi (Jharkhand), Ahmedabad (Gujarat) and Malappuram (Kerala) to assess and manage the increase in the number of measles cases among children there.

    In an official statement, the health ministry said the teams will probe the rising trend of measles cases.

    They will assist the state health authorities in investigating the outbreak and facilitate operationalization of requisite control and containment, it said.

    A record 40 million kids miss measles vaccine dose 

    According to The Associated Press, the WHO and CDC said that measles immunisation has dropped significantly since the coronavirus pandemic began, resulting in a record high of nearly 40 million children missing a vaccine dose last year.

    In a report issued Wednesday, the WHO and the CDC said millions of children were now susceptible to measles, among the world’s most contagious diseases.

    In 2021, officials said there were about 9 million measles infections and 128,000 deaths worldwide.

    The WHO and CDC said continued drops in vaccination, weak disease surveillance and delayed response plans due to COVID-19, in addition to ongoing outbreaks in more than 20 countries, mean that “measles is an imminent threat in every region of the world.”

    Scientists estimate that at least 95% of a population needs to be immunised to protect against epidemics; the WHO and the CDC reported that only about 81% of children receive their first dose of measles vaccine while 71% get their second dose, marking the lowest global coverage rates of the first measles dose since 2008.

    “The record number of children under-immunised and susceptible to measles shows the profound damage immunisation systems have sustained during the COVID-19 pandemic,” CDC director Dr Rochelle Walensky said in a statement.

    Measles is mostly spread through direct contact or in the air and causes symptoms including fever, muscle pain and a skin rash on the face and upper neck.

    Most measles-related deaths are caused by complications including swelling of the brain and dehydration. The WHO says serious complications are most serious in children under five and adults over 30.

    More than 95% of measles deaths occur in developing countries, mostly in Africa and Asia. There is no specific treatment for measles, but the two-dose vaccine against it is about 97% effective in preventing severe illness and death.

    In July, the UN said 25 million children have missed out on routine immunisations against diseases including diphtheria, largely because the coronavirus disrupted routine health services or triggered vaccine misinformation.

    ALSO READ | Mumbai measles outbreak: lack of vaccination, poor living conditions to blame, say health officials

  • WHO advises skin-to-skin contact between moms and preterm babies

    By Express News Service

    NEW DELHI:  The World Health Organization has launched new guidelines to improve survival and health outcomes for babies born early (before 37 weeks of pregnancy) or small (under 2.5kg at birth).

    The guidelines advise that skin-to-skin contact with a caregiver – known as kangaroo mother care – should start immediately after birth, without any initial period in an incubator. This marks a change from earlier guidance and common clinical practice, reflecting the health benefits of ensuring that caregivers and their preterm babies stay close, without being separated after birth.

    According to Dr. Madhuri Patel, secretary general, the Federation of Obstetric and Gynaecological Societies of India, which has 262 member societies and over 37,000 individual members, India is already following this practice.

    “Only in the case, where there is a health problem with the child, we avoid skin-to-skin contact. But in the rest of the cases, we follow this practice,” Patel told this daily. “We have always emphasised on exclusive breastfeeding for the newborn as it is essential for the growth of the child, especially small and premature babies, as it protects them from infection and illnesses and provides them essential nutrients.”

    The guidelines also recommend ensuring emotional, financial and workplace support for families of very small and preterm babies. The guidelines were released ahead of World Prematurity Day, which is marked every year on November 17. “Preterm babies can survive, thrive, and change the world – but each baby must be given that chance,” WHO director-general Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said.

    Kangaroo care

    WHO launched new guidelines to improve survival and health outcomes for babies born early — before 37 weeks of pregnancy —, or small — under 2.5kg at birth
    It recommends that skin-to-skin contact with a caregiver should start immediately after birth, without any initial period in an incubator.  India is already practising this, FOGSI secy gen Dr. Madhuri Patel said
    Most preterm babies can be saved through feasible, cost-effective measures, including quality care before, during and after childbirth
    Breastfeeding is strongly recommended, until six months  
    Donor human milk or nutrient-enriched preterm formula to be given if the mother’s milk is not available
    Babies should be fed as early as possible from the first day
    Application of topical oil to the body of preterm infants
    Prematurity is now the leading cause of death of children under 5. Most born at or after 28 weeks in high-income countries go on to survive, but in poorer countries survival rates can be as low as 10%

    NEW DELHI:  The World Health Organization has launched new guidelines to improve survival and health outcomes for babies born early (before 37 weeks of pregnancy) or small (under 2.5kg at birth).

    The guidelines advise that skin-to-skin contact with a caregiver – known as kangaroo mother care – should start immediately after birth, without any initial period in an incubator. This marks a change from earlier guidance and common clinical practice, reflecting the health benefits of ensuring that caregivers and their preterm babies stay close, without being separated after birth.

    According to Dr. Madhuri Patel, secretary general, the Federation of Obstetric and Gynaecological Societies of India, which has 262 member societies and over 37,000 individual members, India is already following this practice.

    “Only in the case, where there is a health problem with the child, we avoid skin-to-skin contact. But in the rest of the cases, we follow this practice,” Patel told this daily. “We have always emphasised on exclusive breastfeeding for the newborn as it is essential for the growth of the child, especially small and premature babies, as it protects them from infection and illnesses and provides them essential nutrients.”

    The guidelines also recommend ensuring emotional, financial and workplace support for families of very small and preterm babies. The guidelines were released ahead of World Prematurity Day, which is marked every year on November 17. “Preterm babies can survive, thrive, and change the world – but each baby must be given that chance,” WHO director-general Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said.

    Kangaroo care

    WHO launched new guidelines to improve survival and health outcomes for babies born early — before 37 weeks of pregnancy —, or small — under 2.5kg at birth
    It recommends that skin-to-skin contact with a caregiver should start immediately after birth, without any initial period in an incubator.  India is already practising this, FOGSI secy gen Dr. Madhuri Patel said
    Most preterm babies can be saved through feasible, cost-effective measures, including quality care before, during and after childbirth
    Breastfeeding is strongly recommended, until six months  
    Donor human milk or nutrient-enriched preterm formula to be given if the mother’s milk is not available
    Babies should be fed as early as possible from the first day
    Application of topical oil to the body of preterm infants
    Prematurity is now the leading cause of death of children under 5. Most born at or after 28 weeks in high-income countries go on to survive, but in poorer countries survival rates can be as low as 10%

  • India’s Soumya Swaminathan quits as WHO Chief Scientist

    By Online Desk

    Soumya Swaminathan has quit as Chief Scientist at the World Health Organisation (WHO) on Tuesday.

    With two more years to retire, the 63-year-old has announced her exit on Twitter Monday.

    The seasons come and go – the statue of a man with river blindness & his son never fail to remind me why we are here @WHO. To find ways to make people healthier, and if necessary, to fight for their rights. I will miss the fantastic people who work here & whom I admire! @DrTedros pic.twitter.com/109Tcjaz30
    — Soumya Swaminathan (@doctorsoumya) November 14, 2022
    According to a report, other figures in WHO are also expected to quit shortly though the reasons are yet to be ascertained.  This is the first of a series of high-profile departures expected at the global health body as it prepares for a post-pandemic future. Further, a larger shake-up is on the cards in the global health body.

    Ahead of her retirement, Soumya Swaminathan was quoted by a report as saying that she has planned to return to India since she felt an urge to do “more hands-on practical work.”

    Soumya Swaminathan has quit as Chief Scientist at the World Health Organisation (WHO) on Tuesday.

    With two more years to retire, the 63-year-old has announced her exit on Twitter Monday.

    The seasons come and go – the statue of a man with river blindness & his son never fail to remind me why we are here @WHO. To find ways to make people healthier, and if necessary, to fight for their rights. I will miss the fantastic people who work here & whom I admire! @DrTedros pic.twitter.com/109Tcjaz30
    — Soumya Swaminathan (@doctorsoumya) November 14, 2022
    According to a report, other figures in WHO are also expected to quit shortly though the reasons are yet to be ascertained.  This is the first of a series of high-profile departures expected at the global health body as it prepares for a post-pandemic future. Further, a larger shake-up is on the cards in the global health body.

    Ahead of her retirement, Soumya Swaminathan was quoted by a report as saying that she has planned to return to India since she felt an urge to do “more hands-on practical work.”