oleh admin | Agu 26, 2025 | health, healthcare and medicine, humanitarian aid, humanitarianism, medicine and healthcare
Kathmandu, August 19 – Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) South Asia held the third iteration of its Health and Humanity Summit in Kathmandu with the focus being “Beyond the Aid Crisis: Shared Responsibilities in a Fractured International Order.” Over 180 attendees, comprising public health professionals, aid workers, representatives from civil organizations, and legal authorities, gathered for this two-day gathering to discuss increasing worries about the decline of humanitarian values and international healthcare safeguards.
The summit discussions centered around three main topics: the challenge to humanitarian authority, managing sexual and reproductive health during conflicts and emergencies, and the importance of community strength along with mutual support among developing nations.
Experts pointed out issues including political influence over health services, declining confidence in humanitarian groups, and the importance of fair collaborations that strengthen community involvement.
Farhat Mantoo, head of MSF South Asia, kicked off the conference by highlighting the significance of ethical medical care, whereas Gopal Krishna Siwakoti, founder president of INHURED International, urged increased international cooperation to assist marginalized groups.
The conference included an exhibit along with interactive sessions designed to showcase grassroots efforts and highlight the vulnerability of aid networks. Hosts stated that the gathering sought to encourage discussion, promote responsibility, and develop real-world approaches for providing medical care in areas impacted by conflicts.
oleh admin | Agu 19, 2025 | commuting, health, health and exercise, health benefits, lifestyle
Walking
Working helps save money and increases your steps – however, researchers indicate it also reduces the likelihood of specific types of cancer.
Walking to work reduces the likelihood of developing liver tumors by nearly half and significantly lowers the chances of experiencing kidney issues.
cancer
by a third.
In comparison, commuting daily raises the risk of developing bladder cancer by nearly 40 percent.
Scientists from
Oxford University
and the University of Auckland at
New Zealand
examined the impact of everyday commutes on the likelihood of developing specific cancers, analyzing the transportation patterns of over 250,000 individuals between the ages of 40 and 69.
They discovered that 14 percent of participants walked to their jobs, 8 percent rode bicycles, 15 percent took public transportation, and 63 percent drove cars.
Earlier studies conducted by the group found that regularly walking or biking to work reduces the risk of developing breast and colon cancer.
Recent studies featured in the International Journal of Epidemiology examined connections between commuting and 16 different types of cancer. Except for liver and kidney tumors, the researchers discovered no clear relationship between transportation patterns and the remaining forms of cancer.
They stated: “Engaging in active travel, like walking, incorporates physical activity into everyday life, whereas driving contributes to a more inactive lifestyle.”
The verified method for maintaining a comfortable temperature
Mercury levels are rising once more, and Britain is enjoying another period of intense heat.
However, if you’re curious about the most effective way to remain cool in extremely hot weather, take heart — researchers have developed an ideal solution.
The key is to utilize an electric fan to lower the temperature of your outer skin, while consuming the appropriate quantity of chilled water based on your body weight—to prevent internal overheating.
Scientists at Hebei Vocational University of Technology and Engineering in Xingtai, China, discovered that the most effective way to cool down is by sitting close to a fan and consuming 6 milliliters of chilled water per hour for each kilogram of body weight.
An individual who weighs 90kg – approximately 14 stone – should consume 540ml of chilled water, which is slightly less than a pint, each hour. Someone weighing 60kg, or just below 10 stone, needs to intake about 360ml per hour – equivalent to roughly two-thirds of a pint.
These scientists discovered that this approach proved most effective for reducing body heat, minimizing fluid loss through sweating, and lowering both blood pressure and pulse rate. Consuming small amounts of water combined with a fan—or simply using a fan alone—was significantly less successful, as indicated by findings reported in the Journal of Thermal Biology.
Chinese scientists gathered 14 male participants and exposed them to an intense heat environment for eight hours, where the average temperature was 36.5°C (97.7°F). During various periods, the subjects were either not provided with any cooling devices, only utilized a fan, or received a fan along with varying amounts of chilled water.
Audience members contributed to some extent, yet not consuming enough water at the same time raised the chances of becoming dehydrated, according to the research. Additionally, an insufficient amount of cool water was ineffective in countering the harmful impacts of high temperatures on the body.
According to a study, the researchers noted that heatwaves will pose a greater risk to public health—particularly because numerous households lack air conditioning systems.
Smiling is the most effective remedy for coping with stomach surgery discomfort.
Undergoing abdominal surgery might not seem amusing — however, viewing only 25 minutes of humor prior to the procedure could help lessen post-operative discomfort, according to research.
Every year, the NHS performs approximately 1.3 million of these procedures in England, such as appendectomy and hernia surgery, which typically require patients to take pain medication afterward.
It is well established that laughter encourages the production of endorphins—natural substances produced by the body to alleviate pain—and helps reduce muscle tension, which may lead to discomfort. To investigate the extent of this effect in real-life situations, scientists invited 176 individuals scheduled for abdominal surgery to participate in the study.
One half of the participants were instructed to view 25 minutes of scenes from a well-known television sitcom, whereas the remaining individuals did not have any content provided for them to watch.
Findings published in the journal Nursing and Health Sciences indicated that individuals who experienced a hearty laugh felt less anxious prior to surgery and experienced decreased pain following the procedure.
On average, their levels of anxiety and discomfort were discovered to be nearly half compared to individuals who didn’t view the program. Turkish researchers determined that viewing humor might serve as an effective natural method to get ready for surgical procedures.
Patients often experience pre-operative anxiety whether the procedure is minor or major,” they stated. “However, humor and laughing can enhance resistance to pain and improve emotional well-being.
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oleh admin | Agu 19, 2025 | health, illness, medical conditions and diseases, news, politics
Nepal, August 18 – Rabi Lamichhane, leader of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), is facing medical challenges.
Related story
We have confidence in journalist Rabi Lamichhane, yet we do not trust the Home Minister named Rabi…
RSP spokesperson Manish Jha stated that once Lamichhane exhibited symptoms related to health issues, doctors from the Trauma Center were summoned to the jail for examinations. “He suffers from a dermatological condition. During his time at Bhairahawa Prison, he wasn’t permitted to leave the premises. This could have led to a lack of essential vitamins. The medical team from the Trauma Center has collected his blood samples for analysis, with findings anticipated shortly,” he mentioned.
Produced by HT Digital Content Services with authorization from Republica.
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Syndigate.info
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oleh admin | Apr 19, 2025 | africa, health, health and healthcare economics, healthcare and medicine, public health
The leading public health organization in Africa intends to seek additional funding from local sources to safeguard the progress achieved in the last twenty years regarding disease outbreak readiness and management, due to a significant reduction in international assistance.
As official development assistance (ODA) for Africa has decreased by 70% in recent years, it has become evident that there is now a significant shortfall in healthcare financing. This situation is exacerbating the strain on vulnerable health systems.
Throughout history, Official Development Assistance (ODA) has played a crucial role in cutting the under-five mortality rate by half from 1990 to 2019. This assistance expanded access to routine vaccinations and bolstered HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment initiatives, which currently offer antiretroviral therapy to more than 18 million individuals throughout Africa. Additionally, ODA facilitated swift reactions during significant healthcare emergencies like the Ebola epidemic in Western Africa.
The reduction in funding parallels an upsurge in disease outbreaks. From 2022 to 2024, the continent experienced a 40% surge in recorded public health crises. There are ongoing worries regarding the resurgence of viral hemorrhagic diseases like Ebola and Marburg. Additionally, climatic disruptions—spanning everything from flooding to extreme heat—are generating fresh health threats, particularly in areas with limited capacity for response.
“Dr. Jean Kaseya, Director General of the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), pointed out that we are grappling with several challenges related to managing debts and relying heavily on imported medical supplies. These combined issues pose a significant threat to Africa,” he stated.
This issue presents a larger challenge for Africa’s health security framework, yet efforts are underway to address the funding instability. The Africa CDC has encouraged African Union member states to embrace a fresh phase of healthcare investments. Dr. Kaseya suggests a tripartite approach aimed at boosting sustainability and decreasing dependence on outside funders, as detailed in her recent publication.
He is calling on African Union Member States to increase their domestic funding for public health. Only two countries currently meet the Abuja target of allocating 15% of national budgets to healthcare. Domestic commitment is essential to safeguarding health systems against the volatility of international funding, he notes. “We need to have a costed strategic plan and a national financing plan. We need to push for more alignment of external resources,” said Dr. Kaseya.
Secondly, the Africa CDC is seeking innovative financing strategies. This includes establishing the Africa Epidemics Fund, which debuted its operational framework in February 2025, serving as a consolidated asset for readiness against emergencies and swift responses. Additionally, the organization is investigating options like an aviation levy or collective solidarity taxes aimed at generating a consistent source of finance for managing disease outbreaks.
Thirdly, the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) aims to strengthen partnerships with charitable organizations and businesses. This initiative seeks to secure sustained funding for vital infrastructures such as regional vaccine manufacturing facilities, digital healthcare platforms, and distribution channels. To achieve these goals, Africa CDC has introduced the African Pooled Procurement Service designed to reduce expenses and enhance availability of crucial medical supplies throughout the region.
In order to facilitate the mobilization of internal resources and explore innovative financial strategies, Africa CDC seeks an investment of $43 million. This sum will help implement their initiatives, ensuring significant advancements towards achieving lasting healthcare financing throughout the region.
“The document outlines a comprehensive budget plan for every area of support. This includes funding for technical aid in formulating costed national healthcare strategies, setting up an AU-managed tracking tool, executing the trial aviation levy, as well as crafting and expanding novel and mixed financial models,” states the report on health financing.
Stirring up wider backing, Dr. Kaseya spearheaded an important diplomatic delegation to the United States, Norway, and Denmark. During their visit to Washington, D.C., he and his team held meetings with US legislators, USAID representatives, officials from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, as well as prominent charitable organizations such as the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and the Rockefeller Foundation. The purpose of these discussions was to underscore Africa CDC’s crucial position in ensuring worldwide health safety and to seek sustained assistance amid financial constraints faced by funding nations.
“Investing in public health in Africa is equivalent to investing in worldwide stability,” stated Dr. Kaseya during his trip to the United States. “The advancements made in Africa should not be undone due to short-term financial limitations faced by collaborating nations.”
According to Dr. Ngashi Ngongo, Principal Advisor to the Director General and the Continental Incident Manager for Mpox, what might appear as a significant obstacle could actually turn out to be a crucial chance.
“Africa CDC is utilizing reductions in international funding to promote sustainable healthcare financing — encouraging local investments, opening up new funding avenues, and constructing robust systems for Africa’s future,” states Dr. Ngongo.
Discussions held in Norway and Denmark with governmental and developmental authorities revealed a mutual desire to enhance healthcare infrastructure. Although concrete financial pledges remain pending, both nations expressed robust political backing for achieving the long-term goals of the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC).
While visiting Norway, Dr. Kaseya endorsed a fresh Memorandum of Understanding linking the Africa CDC with the Kingdom of Norway. This agreement zeroes in on bolstering capabilities, improving data utilization for informed decisions, and utilizing DHIS2—an open-source system designed for gathering, documenting, examining, and sharing both aggregated and individual-specific information—to support nationwide and cross-border illness monitoring efforts.
During these meetings, Dr. Kaseya stressed that Africa is looking for partnerships rather than charity. He stated, “Our request is for solidarity and joint investment.” According to him, what they are establishing serves as a barrier protecting both Africa and the globe.
Dr. Ngongo emphasizes that complaining won’t solve anything. He states, “Instead of just reacting, we must consider how to adapt proactively should this become the standard scenario—how can we stay competitive within these parameters? How do we implement necessary changes on our end so that we can transform current challenges into opportunities for Africa? Our approach has been focused on turning potential obstacles into chances for progress. For this reason, we’re implementing a fresh strategy—one that focuses on enhancing internal financial resources, exploring novel funding methods such as solidarity surcharges and excise duties, and attracting investments from the private sector. We view this not merely as a hurdle but also as an opportune time to redefine healthcare financing across the continent.”
The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) saw an enhancement in their funding efforts aimed at strengthening their capacity to respond to disease outbreaks and combat illnesses continent-wide. This advancement was supported by two African presidents on March 14.
On February 15, President João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço of Angola assumed the leadership of the African Union (AU) during the inaugural ceremony for the 38th Ordinary Session of the AU Assembly of Heads of State and Government.
President Lourenço praised the significant achievements of the Africa CDC in promoting the continent’s public health goals, linking them closely with economic development and employment generation, as well as safeguarding the security and welfare of all African citizens.
He mentioned that Africa CDC is crucial for enhancing the continent’s ability to address new health risks swiftly and efficiently.
“The pivotal role this organization has undertaken has established an admirable benchmark in disease monitoring, prevention, and management, significantly enhancing both regional and international public health safety. I pledge ongoing and robust backing for Africa CDC, enabling you to effectively fulfill your crucial mission,” stated President Lourenço.
The Ethiopian Prime Minister, Abiy Ahmed, who likewise toured the Africa CDC during the same visit, urged AU member states to enhance their joint commitment towards bolstering the Africa CDC into a leading public health organization. “We must collectively fortify this entity alongside our partners,” stated Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed. He further appealed to other African leaders to unite in transforming the regional public health body into an exemplary institution dedicated entirely to improving healthcare throughout the continent.
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oleh admin | Apr 15, 2025 | health, healthcare and medicine, medicine and healthcare, skin care, surgery
NHS
Surgeons are employing cattle hides to treat serious facial injuries resulting from severe skin conditions.
cancer
.
When surgically excising tumors, patients often end up with significant incisions, so doctors typically take skin from another part of the body and suture it over the wound site.
Nevertheless, many elderly patients cannot undergo this procedure due to the increased risk of infections linked to skin removal.
Currently, NHS patients might soon have access to an innovative new treatment involving transplanting skin harvested from cows onto elderly patients.
Developed by consulting plastic surgeon Elamurugan Arumugam, who works at the West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust, this surgical procedure has thus far achieved a 98 percent success rate.
Moreover, as per research shared at a conference organized by the British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons earlier this year, it has been found capable of healing injuries caused by tennis-ball sized tumors.
Approximately 20,000 individuals are diagnosed with melanoma, the most dangerous form of skin cancer, annually.
This severe health hazard is typically set off by ultraviolet radiation, originating from sunlight or tanning beds.
The primary treatments include surgery along with chemotherapy and radiation therapy.
The innovative method entails constructing a slim patch of substitute skin using collagen – the protein foundation for skin derived from cattle.
The patch is either sewn or fastened onto the wound using staples, ultimately integrating with the nearby skin and blood vessels.
It has been tried out on almost 100 NHS patients, and experts think it will see widespread use within the health service in the next few years.
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oleh admin | Apr 15, 2025 | children, health, health advice, infectious diseases, medicine and healthcare
Child
health experts have warned parents against using harmful practices to treat ear infections in children, cautioning that these actions could worsen the condition, leading to permanent hearing loss or other severe complications.
Otitis media, frequently observed in youngsters, may lead to discomfort, drainage, and diminished auditory function.
If not properly treated or controlled, these infections may result in severe complications including meningitis, sepsis, and irreversible hearing damage.
Speaking exclusively with
PUNCH Healthwise
Pediatricians emphasized that methods like applying traditional remedies, cotton swabs, or even fingertips to address ear infections can worsen the condition and lead to considerable harm.
These unverified treatments frequently comprising herbs, spices, and various ingredients can be ineffectual and might drive the infection further into the ear, potentially leading to a ruptured eardrum and exacerbating the spread of the infection.
Even with these dangers, numerous parents still depend on such methods, potentially leading to severe consequences like irreversible hearing damage, meningitis, or worse, fatalities.
The specialists emphasized the crucial need for prompt medical care to avoid complications and foster recovery.
A professor of paediatrics from the University of Ilorin, Professor Omotoyo Adesiyun, stated that ear infections happen when bacteria or viruses get into the ear via the ear canal or the Eustachian tube, which links the middle ear to the throat.
She pointed out that children are more prone to ear infections because their Eustachian tubes are shorter and positioned more horizontally, making it simpler for germs like bacteria and viruses to reach the ears.
Moreover, kids who go to daycare centers or schools have a higher chance of getting ear infections due to greater contact with pathogens.
Adesiyun highlighted that ear infections can lead to significant discomfort, especially when the eardrum ruptures.
She recommended that parents avoid trying to treat ear infections at home because this approach might contribute to antibiotic resistance and cause additional health issues.
Prompt medical care is essential for ear infections to avoid complications,” warned Adesiyun. “Parents should refrain from attempting to treat them using antibiotics or other drugs at home.
She likewise cautioned against putting items such as cotton swabs or fingers inside the ear, since doing so might drive the infection deeper into the ear, leading to greater harm.
Adesiyun suggested that parents should consult a doctor for their children if they exhibit signs like earache, high temperature, or fluid leakage.
Prompt intervention can aid in avoiding complications and promote recovery, she highlighted.
“Healthcare professionals should handle ear discharges. This is particularly crucial when dealing with children because their ear structures are more fragile. If a child has an ear discharge, they should be brought to a hospital for antibiotic treatment. For more serious cases, an otolaryngologist might be required,” Adesiyun noted.
The Paediatric Surgeon and President of the Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria, Professor Aminu Mohammad, emphasized the significance of timely medical consultation.
He mentioned that ear infections may stem from bacterial, viral, or fungal sources, along with injuries to the ear.
As he stated, if not treated, these infections could result in issues like meningitis, sepsis, and irreversible hearing damage.
“The consequences of ignoring ear discharge are serious. Ongoing infections may lead to irreversible hearing damage, excruciating pain, and issues with equilibrium if they impact the inner ear. In the most severe scenarios, should the infection spread to the brain, it could result in sepsis and potentially be fatal,” cautioned Mohammad.
He emphasized again that parents should avoid trying to treat ear infections themselves at home and must go for prompt professional care instead.
Mohammad likewise highlighted the significance of adhering to proper hygiene routines, like frequent hand washing, to aid in preventing infections.
He suggested that parents should consult a healthcare provider for their kids if they exhibit signs of ear infections.
“Prompt treatment is essential to avoid additional complications and promote healing,” emphasized the pediatric surgeon.
Concerning treatment methods, Mohammad clarified that antibiotics are generally prescribed for bacterial infections, whereas antifungal drugs might be required for cases involving fungi.
He mentioned that for issues such as swimmer’s ear, which is medically referred to as otitis externa, using ear drops can alleviate symptoms and eliminate the infection. In more serious instances, however, surgical intervention might be necessary to mend the eardrum or address problems including cholesteatoma and mastoiditis.
Mohammad additionally pointed out that specialized attention from an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) doctor might be required for more complicated situations.
In the meantime, Dr. Leo Odudu, who serves as both a Consultant Paediatrician and the Medical Director at Emel Hospital, cautioned that failing to treat ear infections might result in severe complications.
He mentioned that the most frequent reason for ear discharge is an infection, typically occurring after a respiratory tract infection.
Odudu pointed out that poor nutrition and compromised immune systems, like those found in children with sickle cell disease or HIV, can elevate the chances of developing ear infections.
“Poor hygiene and viral infections like measles can also make children more vulnerable to ear problems,” Odudu said. He cautioned against using unverified home remedies, such as native concoctions or inserting cotton into the ear, which can lead to serious complications.
“When foreign items such as cotton are introduced into the ear, they may obstruct the ear canal and drive the infection further inward, resulting in more serious outcomes,” he clarified.
Odudu stressed the importance of seeking professional medical care for ear infections, adding, “Ear infections should always be treated by trained healthcare professionals. Whether bacterial, viral, or fungal, a healthcare provider can accurately diagnose the issue and prescribe the right treatment.”
He finished his talk by encouraging parents to promptly consult a doctor when their children show symptoms such as earache or fluid drainage. He stressed that early treatment helps avoid serious issues including potential hearing impairment or persistent infections that could necessitate surgical procedures.
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