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| Kantipur (3/4/1016) |
26th Feb 2016
Pokhara
HPV Vaccination program as the latest pilot project (covering Chitwan and Kaski district) to prevent cervical cancer has begun here today from Pokhara, Kaski. This has become possible due to the joint initiative of Child Health Division and Family Health Division under Department of Health Services. Mr. Shanta Bahadur Shrestha, Secretary from MoH formally inaugurated the program today from Kanya Secondary School, Nadipur, Pokhara. Meanwhile, Director General of DoHS Dr. Pushpa Chaudhary handed over the vaccine carrier with HPV vaccine to health worker for starting the campaign. Preshila Paija, 10 year girl studying in class six at the school was the first one to receive first HPV Vaccine in Nepal. This vaccine completes in two doses administered at the interval of six months. The program has targeted to immunize nearly 15,000 school girls studying in Grade VI or non-school girls of age 10 years from Chitwan and Kaski district.
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| Anchoring: Immunization Officer: EkNarayan Lamsal |
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| Batch Distribution : Public Health Nurse Officer Samjhana Dhungana |
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| DG handover vaccine carrier to Health worker |
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| Director General of DoHS Dr. Pushpa Chaudhary |
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| Secretary of MOH Distribution of Vaccination Invitation Card to girl (Preshshila Paija) who receive 1st HPV Vaccine |
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| 1st Vaccination |
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| 1st Vaccination |
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| Medical Superintendent of Western Regional Hospital Dr. Shree Krishna Shrestha |
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| RHD Dr. Taranath Poudel |
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| Director General of DoHS Dr. Pushpa Chaudhary |
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| First ID card |
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| First Vaccination |
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| Welcome Speech: DPHA Sagar prd. Ghimire |
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| Mr. Shanta Bahadur Shrestha, Secretary from MoH formally inaugurated |
International Childhood Cancer Day is celebrated annually on 15 February to raise awareness and to express support for children and adolescents with cancer, survivors and their families.
Each year, more than 150,000 children are diagnosed with cancer – a disease that touches all regions of the world and impacts countless families and communities. With access to quality care, more than 80% of children with cancer can survive, living full and healthy lives. However, many children in low-income and middle income countries do not receive or complete care, and, as a result, over 90% of childhood cancer deaths occur in low resource settings.
A global response is needed to give every child the best chance of surviving cancer free – to raise awareness, improve access, better understand why and where children are diagnosed with cancer through cancer registries, and offer the best possible treatment, palliative care and support for children and their families. WHO has expanded the WHO Model Lists of Essential Medicines with additional medicines to treat childhood and adult cancers.
This will help promote access to low cost, high impact treatment. WHO has also provided guidance on caring for children with cancer in WHO guidelines on the pharmacological treatment of persisting pain in children with medical illnesses. These initiatives lay the groundwork for broad stakeholder action.
On International Childhood Cancer Day, we pause to recognize contributions from advocates around the world and call for renewed collaboration to care for children with cancer globally.
World Cancer Day is the one singular initiative under which the entireworld can unite together in the fight against the global cancer epidemic.
World Cancer Day
World Cancer Day is part of the World Cancer Campaign, which responds to the Charter of Paris adopted at the World Summit Against Cancer for the New Millennium on February 4, 2000. It called for a strong alliance between researchers, health-care professionals, patients, governments, industry partners and the media to fight cancer.
A truly global event taking place every year on 4 February, World Cancer Day unites the world’s population in the fight against cancer.
It aims to save millions of preventable deaths each year by raising awareness and education about the disease, pressing governments and individuals across the world to take action.
Taking place under the tagline ‘We can. I can.’, World Cancer Day 2016-2018 will explore how everyone – as a collective or as individuals – can do their part to reduce the global burden of cancer.
Just as cancer affects everyone in different ways, all people have the power to take various actions to reduce the impact that cancer has on individuals, families and communities.
World Cancer Day is a chance to reflect on what you can do, make a pledge and take action. Whatever you choose to do ‘We can. I can.’ make a difference to the fight against cancer.
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| Gorkhapatra |
Cancer is a generic term for a large group of diseases that can affect any part of the body. Other terms used are malignant tumours and neoplasms. One defining feature of cancer is the rapid creation of abnormal cells that grow beyond their usual boundaries, and which can then invade adjoining parts of the body and spread to other organs. Cancer is one of the leading causes of death in the world, particularly in developing countries. In the WHO Western Pacific Region, it is estimated that close to 4.07 million new cases occurred in 2008 (2.31 million in men and 1.75 million in women). Almost 2.6 million people in the Region died from cancer that same year.
Key facts (October 2011, WHO)
- Cancer is a leading cause of death worldwide: it accounted for 7.6 million deaths (around 13% of all deaths) in 2008.
- Lung, stomach, liver, colon and breast cancer cause the most cancer deaths each year.
- The most frequent types of cancer differ between men and women.
- About 30% of cancer deaths are due to the five leading behavioral and dietary risks: high body mass index, low fruit and vegetable intake, physical inactivity, tobacco use, alcohol use. All these cancers are often preventable.
- Infectious agents are responsible for almost 22% of cancer deaths in the developing world and 6% in industrialized countries.
- Tobacco use is the single largest preventable cause of cancer in the world causing 22% of cancer deaths. About 70% of the lung cancer burden can be attributed to smoking alone.
- Cancer arises from a change in one single cell. The change may be started by external agents or inherited genetic factors.
- About 70% of all cancer deaths in 2008 occurred in low- and middle-income countries.
- Deaths from cancer worldwide are projected to continue to rise to over 11 million in 2030.
Modifying and avoiding risk factorsMore than 30% of cancer could be prevented by modifying or avoiding key risk factors, including:
- tobacco use
- being overweight or obese
- low fruit and vegetable intake
- lack of physical activity
- alcohol use
- Human papillomavirus and Hepatitis B infection
- urban air pollution
- indoor smoke from household use of solid fuels.
READ MORE
Zika virus is an emerging mosquito-borne virus that was first identified in Uganda in 1947 in rhesus monkeys through a monitoring network of sylvatic yellow fever. It was subsequently identified in humans in 1952 in Uganda and the United Republic of Tanzania. Outbreaks of Zika virus disease have been recorded in Africa, the Americas, Asia and the Pacific.
Genre: Flavivirus
Vector: Aedes mosquitoes (which usually bite during the morning and late afternoon/evening hours)
Reservoir: Unknown
Transmission
Zika virus is transmitted to people through the bite of an infected mosquito from the Aedes genus, mainly Aedes aegypti in tropical regions. This is the same mosquito that transmits dengue, chikungunya and yellow fever.
Zika virus disease outbreaks were reported for the first time from the Pacific in 2007 and 2013 (Yap and French Polynesia, respectively), and in 2015 from the Americas (Brazil and Colombia) and Africa (Cape Verde). In addition, more than 13 countries in the Americas have reported sporadic Zika virus infections indicating rapid geographic expansion of Zika virus. READ MORE
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| The Himalayantimes (2/3/2016) |
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| Kantipur (2/3/2016) |
The government is observing February as National Iodine Month with an aim of creating awareness among people about consumption of iodized salt.
Iodine is an essential element for thyroid function, necessary for the normal growth, development and functioning of the brain and body.
It also influences a variety of metabolic processes in the body (converting food to energy, regulating growth and fertility, and maintaining body temperature).
Highlights
NATIONAL NUTRITION POLICY 2004
IDD
Objective 3: To virtually eliminate iodine deficiency disorders and sustain the elimination.
Target 1: To virtually eliminate iodine deficiency disorders by the year 2017.
Target 1: To virtually eliminate iodine deficiency disorders by the year 2017.
Strategies for Control of Iodine Deficiency Disorders (National Nutrition Program)
- Strengthen the implementation of Iodized Salt Act, 2055 for regulation and monitoring of iodized salt trade to ensure that all edible salt is iodized
- Encourage better storage practices to prevent iodine loss
- Ensure systematic monitoring of iodized salt
- Increase the accessibility and market share of iodized packet salt with ‘two‐child’ logo
- Create awareness about the importance of use of iodized salt for the control of IDD through social marketing campaign
- Develop IDD monitoring system and implement the monitoring survey at national level
Prevention and Control of Iodine Deficiency Disorder
A policy to fortify all edible salt with iodine in Nepal was adopted by MoHP in 1973. A social marketing campaign along with celebration of the month of February as “Iodine Month” continues to raise awareness about the government endorsed “two‐child‐logo” packaged salt for consumption of adequately iodized salt at household level.The Five Year National Plan of Action to achieve optimal Iodine Nutrition in Nepal: 2015‐2019 prioritized Universal Salt Iodization (USI) as the primary intervention to improve iodine status while reducing reliance on iodine supplementation, which had been in place earlier. The plan focused on creating the necessary infrastructure that could provide a foundation for sustaining achievements. The plan outlines the key successes, further strengthening critical program elements and incorporating lessons from other countries where USI programs are maturing.
This year, a social campaign was successfully conducted in Achham and Doti of the Far‐Western Hills where DHS data has shown the lowest coverage for the household consumption of iodized salt. The major activities carried out were: Iodine tests in those VDCs, orientation to FCHVs, and conduction of IDD classes, street drama show, and community level orientation.
DoHS, Annual Report 2070/71 (2013/2014)
Important Points
- Nepal Demographic Health Survey-2011 shows that about 80 per cent of Nepali households have access to iodised salt.
- Iodine deficiency, which leads to decline in cognitive capacity and brain damage, is most lethal to foetuses and young children. Inadequate consumption of iodine increases chances of miscarriage and stillbirth.
- According to the UNICEF, 30 per cent of the households in the developing world are not consuming iodised salt and 41 million infants and newborns are at the risk of iodine deficiency.
- The national survey to study the impact of iodine deficiency and availability of iodised Salt in Nepal-2007 found that 23 per cent of Nepali households were still consuming salt with inadequate iodine content.
- The survey further found that 84.2 per cent of the salt being sold at retail outlets around the country contained iodine. only 67.8 per cent salt in retail stores had iodine content more than the recommended 30 parts per million (ppm). The survey stated that Nepal’s ecological and biophysical conditions have made Nepalis more susceptible to iodine deficiency.
World Leprosy Day takes place on the last Sunday in January, The day aims to raise awareness of a disease that many people believe to be extinct. It was chosen by French humanitarian Raoul Follereau in 1953. Leprosy is an infectious disease of the skin and nerves which, if not diagnosed and treated quickly, can result in debilitating disabilities. The effects of leprosy are exacerbated by the negative stigma surrounding the disease.
The theme of World Leprosy Day 2016 is’To live is to help to live’.It is a 63rd World Leprosy Day. Leprosy is one of the Neglected tropical diseases.
Leprosy is a chronic infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium leprae, an acid-fast, rod-shaped bacillus. The disease mainly affects the skin, the peripheral nerves, mucosa of the upper respiratory tract and also the eyes, apart from some other structures. Leprosy has afflicted humanity since time immemorial. It once affected every continent and it has left behind a terrifying image in history and human memory – of mutilation, rejection and exclusion from society.
Situation of Leprosy in Nepal
During the FY 2070/71 a total number of 3,223 new leprosy cases were detected and were put under MDT and 2,271 cases were under treatment at the end of the fiscal year. At the end of FY 2070/71 there were 2,271 leprosy cases receiving MDT in the country, which makes the registered prevalence rate of 0.83/10,000 populations at national level. This rate is well below the cut‐off point of <1 /10,000 population. 109 cases of visible disability (G2D) were recorded in the fiscal year 2070/71.
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| (Annual Report 2071/71 DOHS) |
Evolution and milestones of leprosy control program in Nepal
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| Gorkhapatra Daily (1/31/2016) |
- 1960 ‐Leprosy survey by Government of Nepal (GoN) in collaboration with World Health Organization (WHO).
- 1966 ‐Pilot project to control leprosy launched with Dapsone monotherapy.
- 1982 ‐Introduction of Multi Drug Therapy (MDT) in leprosy control program.
- 1987 ‐Integration of vertically shaped leprosy control program into general basic health services.
- 1991 ‐National leprosy elimination goal was set.
- 1995 ‐Focal persons (TB and Leprosy Assistants‐TLAs) for districts & regions appointed.
- 1996 ‐All 75 districts were brought on MDT
- 1999/2000‐
- 2001/02
- Two rounds of National Leprosy Elimination Campaign (NLEC) were implemented.
- 2008 ‐Intensive efforts made for achieving elimination at national level
- 2009 ‐Leprosy elimination achieved at national level
- 2010 ‐Elimination at national level declared
- 2011 ‐National strategy was introduced
- – National guidelines was revised
- 2012‐2013 ‐Elimination sustained at national level
- 2013‐2014 ‐Mid Term Evaluation on Strategy 2011‐2015
Disease Control: LEPROSY
Targets
- Reduce New Case Detection Rate (NCDR) by 25 % at national level by the end of 2015 in comparison to 2010
- Reduce Prevalence Rate (PR) by 35 % at national level by the end of 2015 in comparison to 2010
- Reduce by 35% Grade 2 disability (G2D) amongst newly detected cases per 100,000 population by the end of 2015 in comparison to 2010
- Additional deformity during treatment <5% by eyes, hands and feet (EHF) score
- 80% health workers are able to recognize and manage /refer reaction/complications
- Promote prevention of disability in leprosy(POD) and Self care
These targets will be revised after midterm evaluation.
Globally WHO has guided to reduce the burden due to Leprosy and Bangkok declaration has committed to reduce the G2D below 1/1 million and to increase the resources for leprosy, early diagnosis awareness to reduce stigma and rehabilitation in partnership approach.
Goal
Reduce further the burden of leprosy and to break channel of transmission of leprosy from person to
persons by providing quality service to all affected community.
- To eliminate leprosy (Prevalence Rate below 1 per 10,000 population) and further reduce disease burden at district level.
- To reduce disability due to leprosy.
- To reduce stigma in the community against leprosy.
- To provide high quality service for all persons affected by leprosy.5. To integrate leprosy in the integrated health care delivery set‐up for provision of quality services.
Kantipur (2/1/2016)
Strategies
The new national strategy has envisioned delivering quality leprosy services through seventeen strategic
areas including greater participation and meaningful involvement of people affected by leprosy and
right based approaches in leprosy services broadly they are categorized into 10 which are as follows:
- Early new case detection and their timely and complete management
- Quality leprosy services in an integrated setup by qualified health workers
- Prevention of leprosy associated impairment and disability
- Rehabilitation of people affected by leprosy, including medical and community based rehabilitation
- Reduce stigma and discrimination through advocacy, social mobilization and IEC activities and address gender equality and social inclusion.
- Strengthen referral centers for complications management
- Meaningful involvement of people affected by leprosy in leprosy services, and address human right issues
- Promote and conduct operational researches/studies
- Monitoring, supportive supervision including onsite coaching, surveillance and evaluation to ensure/strengthen quality leprosy services
- Strengthen partnership, co‐operation and coordination with local government, external development partners, civil society and community based organizations.
Source: DoHS, Annual Report 2070/71 (2013/2014)
Other sources:
Zika virus is an emerging mosquito-borne virus that was first identified in Uganda in 1947 in rhesus monkeys through a monitoring network of sylvatic yellow fever. It was subsequently identified in humans in 1952 in Uganda and the United Republic of Tanzania. Outbreaks of Zika virus disease have been recorded in Africa, the Americas, Asia and the Pacific.
Genre: Flavivirus
Vector: Aedes mosquitoes (which usually bite during the morning and late afternoon/evening hours)
Reservoir: Unknown
Transmission
Zika virus is transmitted to people through the bite of an infected mosquito from the Aedes genus, mainly Aedes aegypti in tropical regions. This is the same mosquito that transmits dengue, chikungunya and yellow fever.
Zika virus disease outbreaks were reported for the first time from the Pacific in 2007 and 2013 (Yap and French Polynesia, respectively), and in 2015 from the Americas (Brazil and Colombia) and Africa (Cape Verde). In addition, more than 13 countries in the Americas have reported sporadic Zika virus infections indicating rapid geographic expansion of Zika virus.
The incubation period (the time from exposure to symptoms) of Zika virus disease is not clear, but is likely to be a few days. The symptoms are similar to other arbovirus infections such as dengue, and include fever, skin rashes, conjunctivitis, muscle and joint pain, malaise, and headache. These symptoms are usually mild and last for 2-7 days.
Diagnosis
Zika virus is diagnosed through PCR (polymerase chain reaction) and virus isolation from blood samples. Diagnosis by serology can be difficult as the virus can cross-react with other flaviviruses such as dengue, West Nile and yellow fever.
Prevention
Mosquitoes and their breeding sites pose a significant risk factor for Zika virus infection. Prevention and control relies on reducing mosquitoes through source reduction (removal and modification of breeding sites) and reducing contact between mosquitoes and people.
This can be done by using insect repellent; wearing clothes (preferably light-coloured) that cover as much of the body as possible; using physical barriers such as screens, closed doors and windows; and sleeping under mosquito nets. It is also important to empty, clean or cover containers that can hold water such as buckets, flower pots or tyres, so that places where mosquitoes can breed are removed.
Special attention and help should be given to those who may not be able to protect themselves adequately, such as young children, the sick or elderly.
During outbreaks, health authorities may advise that spraying of insecticides be carried out. Insecticides recommended by the WHO Pesticide Evaluation Scheme may also be used as larvicides to treat relatively large water containers.
Travellers should take the basic precautions described above to protect themselves from mosquito bites.
Treatment
Zika virus disease is usually relatively mild and requires no specific treatment. People sick with Zika virus should get plenty of rest, drink enough fluids, and treat pain and fever with common medicines. If symptoms worsen, they should seek medical care and advice. There is currently no vaccine available.
25 January 2016
World Health Organization
The Commission on Ending Childhood Obesity (ECHO) presented its final report to the WHO Director-General today, culminating a two-year process to address the alarming levels of childhood obesity and overweight globally.
According to the report, many children are growing up today in environments encouraging weight gain and obesity. Driven by globalization and urbanization, exposure to unhealthy (obesogneic) environments is increasing in high-, middle- and low-income countries and across all socioeconomic groups. The marketing of unhealthy foods and non-alcoholic beverages was identified as a major factor in the increase in numbers of children being overweight and obese, particularly in the developing world.
The ECHO report proposes a range of recommendations for governments aimed at reversing the rising trend of children aged under 5 years becoming overweight and obese.
At least 41 million children in this age group are obese or overweight, with the greatest rise in the number of children being obese or overweight coming from low- and middle-income countries.
Overweight prevalence among children aged under 5 years has risen between 1990 and 2014, from 4.8% to 6.1%, with numbers of affected children rising from 31 million to 41 million during that time. The number of overweight children in lower middle-income countries has more than doubled over that period, from 7.5 million to 15.5 million.
In 2014, almost half (48%) of all overweight and obese children aged under 5 lived in Asia and one-quarter (25%) in Africa. The number of overweight children aged under 5 in Africa has nearly doubled since 1990 (5.4 million to 10.3 million).