The Ministry of Health and Population has confirmed two new COVID-19 cases in Nepal. Two males from Birgunj, Parsa have tested positive, both of them are 50 years old.
Now total number of COVID-19 confirmed cases in Nepal reached to 51 among them 12 were recovered.
Nirdesh Baral and Sandip Pahari
COVID-19 has been declared as pandemic by WHO at 11th March 2020. As of 25 April 2020, more than 2.84 million cases of COVID-19 have been reported in 185 countries and territories, resulting in more than 199,000 deaths, it has become a threat to the human existence.[1] The whole world is focused to mitigate this problematic situation. Nearly, all the country round the globe has imposed lockdown to restrict the mobility of their situation to reduce the transmission of the virus. The increased demand of the many essential products such as medicines, groceries and recent cutoff of their supplies has disturbed the equilibrium of the economy.
Related reading: Digital advocacy in context of COVID-19 | Rashmi Acharya
In this state of panic, the trend of product adulteration has been rapidly reported around the world. Falsified/Unregistered medicines has been widely supplied. Similarly, wide variety groceries and food items for daily consumption is also adulteration and substandarized is also found. It becomes extremely important to understand term “Falsified”, “Unregistered”,” adulteration ” and ” Substandard”. Substandard also called “out of specification”, these are authorized medical products that fail to meet either their quality standards or specifications, or both. Unregistered/unlicensed medical products that have not undergone evaluation and/or approval by the National or Regional Regulatory Authority for the market in which they are marketed/distributed or used, subject to permitted conditions under national or regional regulation and legislation. Falsified medical products that deliberately/fraudulently misrepresent their identity, composition or source.[2] Food Adulteration refers to the process by which the quality or the nature of a given food is reduced through addition of adulterants or removal of vital substance. Food adulterants refer to the foreign and usually inferior chemical substance present in food that cause harm or is unwanted in the food.[3]
Variety of news have been reported about the increase in supply of the substandard products around the globe. Recently, Nepal has canceled the medical supply deals with Chinese Company as the 19 items including PPE and testing kits to be supplied for fighting with COVID-19 was found substandard.[4] We can also find various of unregistered instant hand sanitizer flooded in market since COVID outbreak.Some sanitizer have benzalkonium chloride as active ingredient but CDC recommends at least 60% alcohol against corona prevention.[5]
Apart from medicinal equipment, various daily commodities such as rice, cereals, vegetables, oil, ghee, milk etc has been adulterated making them potentially hazardous to human health. We have been hearing adulterated food distribution in the relief campaign by government.[6][7]
| Food products | Adulterants added |
| Milk | Water, chalk, urea, caustic soda and skimmed milk |
| Rice | Sandstone,Twigs |
| Daal | Metanil yellow |
| Spices | Asafoetida, Metanil yellow,Sudan Red |
| Oil | Palm Oil,Dalda |
Substandard and falsified medical products may cause harm to patients and fail to treat the diseases for which they were intended and also increasing chances for microbial resistance. They lead to loss of confidence in medicines, healthcare providers and health systems. Addition to this, adulterants have huge negative health impacts. Most of the adulterants are carcinogenic causing various of stomach, colon, skin cancer etc
Individual Measures
It is necessary for an individual to be aware about these substandard product. Common measures to be applied by consumer could be :
Government Measures
The primary measures from the government would be strict monitoring and penal system to maintain quality in these vital commodities. Taking about Nepal Government of Nepal also has regulatory body such as Department of Drug Administration, Consumer Forum. Various laws and acts such as Drug Act 2035, Drug Standard Regulation 2043, Health Technology Product and Medical Device Directives 2074, Drug Enquiry and Inspection Regulation 2040 are existing and hence must be strictly formulated. Recently, DDA has released a guidelines to standardized instant hand sanitizer, These body must be effectively work in this period to eliminate the viral marketing and use of the substandard products
Authors:
Nirdesh Baral, 7th Sem BPH Student, School of Health and Allied Sciences, Pokhara University, Email: nirdesh8@gmail.com, Cell No. +977-9816138346
Sandip Pahari, Assistant Professor, School of Health and Allied Sciences, Pokhara University, Email: sp.mph15@gmail.com, Cell No. +977-9846261237
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Related readings
Rashmi Acharya
BPH 5th semester Student
LA GRANDEE International College,Pokhara-08
Advocacy an organized process of influencing people in order to achieve a stated positive change and Digital advocacy is the use of technology to galvanize the people.
In this present time, there are literally hundreds of social media applications and almost every juvenile population is with it. Health advocacy encompass direct service to the individual or family as well as activities that promote health care in communities and the larger group.
Social media is accessible to anyone access to internet/mobile and can potentially reach many people. It is the mean of interactions among people in which they create, share and exchange information and ideas in virtual communities and networks. Using just a smartphone, an advocate can engage with thousands of strangers over live video. Social media presents a variety of opportunities to amplify the influence of digital advocacy campaign. These online efforts can
support the advocacy campaign by raising awareness and extending the impact of message.
Using social media in marketing can help people to choose the
best and improve the health status as well.
There are a lot of digital technologies like websites, blogs, Facebook, twitter, email, texts, YouTube etc. which are obviously not new for us. They can be advantageous in marketing also. Using social media in marketing can help people to choose the
best and improve the health status as well. Social marketing aims to influence the behaviors that benefit the individual and communities for the better social good.
For example,
If we focus on today’s situation then there are some people who are still not aware about rapidly escalating corona virus through which the entire world is suffering.
And also there are some people who follow social media but also they believe on false news, myths about it which are published. Let’s write, let’s exchange our views and ideas and let’s utilize this time.
Use social media for progress and development but please don’t use it for deterioration.
References
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Send us your articles to mail4sagun@gmail.com with your name and photo. Public Health Update encourages public health students and professionals to submit views and voices.
The purpose of this pocket book is to help physicians, other healthcare workers, to properly manage persons with suspected or proven covid-19 and to bring similarity in case management throughout the country.
The intended target audience are physicians, nurses, other healthcare personnel, involved in management of covid-19 infection.
Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) Resources: Guidelines, Recording and Reporting Formats
Flattening the curve on COVID-19: What is the secret of Korea’s successful response?
April 23, 2020
Ministry of Health and Population has confirmed two new cases (55 year Female from Udayapur and 14 Male) of COVID-19 in Nepal. With this, the total number of COVID-19 cases in the Nepal has reached 47. There are now 38 active cases under treatment and nine cases were recovered.
Three new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Nepal
Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) Resources: Guidelines, Recording and Reporting Formats
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the malaria community must remain committed to supporting the prevention of malaria infection, illness and death through preventive and case management services, while maintaining a safe environment for patients, clients and staff. Deaths due to malaria and its comorbidities (anaemia, undernutrition, etc.) must continue to be prevented.
This document provides overarching principles as well as specific technical guidance for malaria interventions, including prevention of infection and disease, care and treatment of cases, testing, clinical services, supply chain and laboratory activities, during this time of the evolving COVID-19 pandemic.
This document will be updated as the situation changes.
Download: Tailoring malaria interventions in the COVID-19 response
WHO advisory body(SAGme) releases malaria eradication report
World Health Organization’s World malaria report 2019
Malaria eradication within a generation: ambitious, achievable, and necessary
National Malaria Treatment Protocol 2019, Nepal – EDCD
National Malaria Surveillance Guidelines 2019, Nepal
Epidemiological Trend of Malaria in Nepal (2012/13-2017/18)
Defeating malaria demands high-impact, country-led and owned approaches
Algeria and Argentina certified malaria-free by WHO
Disease Control: Malaria (Background, Vision, Mission, Goals, Objectives & Target), Nepal
Urgent action is needed to get back on track, and ownership of the challenge lies in the hands of countries most affected by malaria. In the lead-up to World Malaria Day 2020, WHO joins the RBM Partnership to End Malaria, the African Union Commission and other partner organizations in promoting “Zero malaria starts with me” a grassroots campaign that aims to keep malaria high on the political agenda, mobilize additional resources, and empower communities to take ownership of malaria prevention and care.
The “Zero malaria” campaign, first launched in Senegal in 2014, was officially endorsed at the African Union Summit by all African Heads of State in July 2018. It engages all members of society: political leaders who control government policy decisions and budgets; private sector companies that will benefit from a malaria-free workforce; and communities affected by malaria, whose buy-in and ownership of malaria control interventions is critical to success.
National Malaria Treatment Protocol 2019, Nepal – EDCD
National Malaria Surveillance Guidelines 2019, Nepal
Epidemiological Trend of Malaria in Nepal (2012/13-2017/18)
As a response to recent data and trends, WHO and the RBM Partnership have catalyzed “High burden to high impact”, a new approach to get the malaria fight back on track, particularly in countries that carry the highest burden of disease. The approach is founded on 4 pillars:
Pillar 1 calls on leaders of malaria-affected countries to translate their stated political commitments into resources and tangible actions that will save more lives. To this end, campaigns that engage communities and country leaders – like “Zero malaria starts with me” – can foster an environment of accountability and action.
This World Malaria Day, support us to emphasize the power and responsibility – no matter where we live – to ensure no one dies from a mosquito bite, as we call on everyone to be accountable in the fight against malaria.
Source of info: WHO and END Malaria
Download: Tailoring malaria interventions in the COVID-19 response
WHO advisory body(SAGme) releases malaria eradication report
World Health Organization’s World malaria report 2019
Malaria eradication within a generation: ambitious, achievable, and necessary
National Malaria Treatment Protocol 2019, Nepal – EDCD
National Malaria Surveillance Guidelines 2019, Nepal
Epidemiological Trend of Malaria in Nepal (2012/13-2017/18)
Defeating malaria demands high-impact, country-led and owned approaches
Algeria and Argentina certified malaria-free by WHO
Disease Control: Malaria (Background, Vision, Mission, Goals, Objectives & Target), Nepal
World Immunization Week – celebrated in the last week of April (24 to 30 April) each year. It aims to promote the use of vaccines to protect people of all ages against disease. Immunization saves millions of lives every year and is widely recognized as one of the world’s most successful and cost-effective health interventions. Yet, there are still nearly 20 million children in the world today who are not getting the vaccines they need.
Microplanning for immunization service delivery using the Reaching Every District (RED) strategy
Key Indicators: The Nepal Demographic and Health Survey (1996 NDHS- 2016 NDHS)
The theme this year is #VaccinesWork for All and the campaign will focus on how vaccines – and the people who develop, deliver and receive them – are heroes by working to protect the health of everyone, everywhere.
The main goal of the campaign is to urge greater engagement around immunization globally and the importance of vaccination in improving health and wellbeing of everyone, everywhere throughout life.
As part of the 2020 campaign, WHO and partners aim to:
Given that WHO has designated 2020 the International Year of the Nurse and the Midwife, WHO will highlight nurses and midwives for their crucial role as early vaccine champions for new parents and parents-to-be.
Expanding access to immunization is vital for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, poverty reduction and universal health coverage. Immunization is also a fundamental strategy in achieving other health priorities, from controlling viral hepatitis, to curbing antimicrobial resistance, and providing a platform for adolescent health and improving antenatal and newborn care.
Source of information: WHO
World Immunization Week- Protected Together: #VaccinesWork!
National Immunization Schedule, Nepal (Revised)
A milestone for humanity: Two strains of polio are now eradicated
8th anniversary of the last case of wild poliovirus in WHO SEAR
5 Years of Polio-free WHO South-East Asia Region
Child Health Program: Plan, Policies and Documents
Fractional Dose of Inactivated Polio Vaccine-fIPV
Microplanning for immunization service delivery using the Reaching Every District (RED) strategy
Key Indicators: The Nepal Demographic and Health Survey (1996 NDHS- 2016 NDHS)
Key Findings (Nepali & English) – The 2016 Nepal Demographic and Health Survey (2016 NDHS)
Important Links
April 22, 2020. Three new cases have tested positive for COVID-19 in Nepal. According to the daily media update of the Ministry of Health and Population, three males of 24, 60, and 72 years of age tested PCR positive at B.P. Koirala Institute of Health Sciences (BPKIHS), Dharan. With this, the total number of COVID-19 patients has reached 45. Similarly, Seven patients were recovered until today.
More information: A live repository and dash-board for COVID-19 in Nepal
A live repository and dash-board for COVID-19 in Nepal
Flattening the curve on COVID-19: What is the secret of Korea’s successful response?
Anushree Acharya
I have been asked a number of questions about nutrition and dietary issues related to the COVID-19 / Coronavirus outbreak so do I. Being a nutritionist I would also like to share some few tips among you al. In the first instance, we would always encourage members of the public to follow the latest advice from governments, and public health authorities: This includes following social distancing guidance as issued by the Government, especially if you are aged over 70, are pregnant, or have a preexisting health condition that places you at greater risk.
Simply put, you cannot “boost” your immune system through diet, and no specific food or supplement will prevent you catching COVID-19/ Coronavirus. Good hygiene practice remains the best means of avoiding infection.
There are many nutrients that are involved with the normal functioning of the immune system and therefore we would encourage maintaining a health balanced diet in order to support immune function.
Next is many people have problems about gaining weight in this lockdown and as we all know exercise covers 20% to 30% role whereas diet plays 70% to 80% so be careful about what you are taking as your meal in this lockdown.
Many of us who has ever been on a diet know that the standard prescription for weight loss is to reduce the amount of calories you consume.
But a new study, shows that people who cut back on added sugar, refined grains and highly processed foods while concentrating on eating plenty of vegetables and whole foods , without worrying about counting calories or limiting portion sizes, lost significant amounts of weight over the course of a year.
The strategy worked for people whether they followed diets that were mostly low in fat or mostly low in carbohydrates. And their success did not appear to be influenced by their genetics or their insulin-response to carbohydrates, a finding that casts doubt on the increasingly popular idea that different diets should be recommended to people based on their DNA makeup or on their tolerance for carbs or fat.
Most research lends strong support to the notion that diet quality, not quantity, is what helps people lose and manage their weight most easily in the long run.
Next beneficial tip would be keeping to a regular eating pattern. When trying to lose weight, it’s important to not skip any meals or snacks and to try to eat something small every 2-3 hours; this will help with your hunger cravings and ensure that you do not eat too much food at one time.
Call your doctor if you have any symptoms. Stay home until you recover. Avoid sitting, sleeping, or eating with your loved ones even if you live in the same home.
Nutritionist/ Managing Director
The Nutrition Cure Nepal
WHO Myth busters: Taking a hot bath does not prevent the new coronavirus disease
WHO Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) Situation dashboard
Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) Resources: Guidelines, Recording and Reporting Formats
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