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Africa News Live Updates: Blé Goudé eyes Ivorian presidency as Fru Ndi's death shakes Cameroonian opposition
First malaria treatment for newborns approved with significant economic implications for Africa
The approval of the first-ever malaria treatment for newborns has substantial long-term economic potential for affected African nations, according to a report in The Washington Post. The treatment targets a key demographic, as children under five in the WHO's Africa region accounted for 76% of the 597,000 global malaria deaths in 2023. From an economic perspective, this development is poised to enhance human capital by improving child survival rates and long-term health outcomes. A healthier population can lead to increased productivity and free up household resources that would otherwise be spent on healthcare. The approval also validates the investment models of global health initiatives, potentially encouraging further public-private partnerships. However, realising these economic benefits is contingent on overcoming logistical hurdles, including ensuring equitable distribution and affordability, which will require regulatory approval and investment from national governments.
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Time of India
6 hours ago
- Time of India
3 signs of iron deficiency in women that even doctors miss
Iron deficiency, affecting a significant portion of women, often goes unnoticed. Dr. Mirdamadi highlights chronic fatigue, lightheadedness, and cold extremities as key indicators frequently overlooked by doctors. He emphasizes the importance of checking ferritin levels, the storage form of iron, alongside regular iron levels to accurately diagnose and address these symptoms. Iron deficiency is a common concern in women. About 30% of women between the ages of 15 and 49 suffer from anaemia, and 37% of pregnant women also have it, according to the World Health Organization's (WHO) statistics. Iron deficiency often goes unnoticed, especially in the initial stages. Dr. Pedi Mirdamadi, a licensed naturopathic doctor and holistic nutritionist specializing in functional medicine in San Diego, has explained the 3 crucial signs of iron deficiency that even doctors tend to overlook. 'While most doctors only check iron levels, that may not be enough when it comes to addressing these symptoms. This is because it's as equally as important to check ferritin or the storage form of iron. Because having low ferritin despite normal levels of iron can still be contributing to these symptoms,' he said. Let's take a look. What is iron deficiency Iron deficiency occurs when the body lacks sufficient iron. Iron plays a crucial role in the production of red blood cells. These red blood cells contain hemoglobin, which carries oxygen throughout the body. Iron deficiency impairs the body's ability to produce enough hemoglobin, which results in a condition called iron deficiency anemia. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Do you have a mouse? Play this for 1 minute and see why everyone is crazy about it. Play Game Undo Now let's look at the 3 common signs of iron deficiency that even doctors tend to overlook. Chronic fatigue Feeling constantly drained is a crucial sign of low iron levels, yet it is often missed in diagnosis. Dr. Mirdamadi notes that low energy should not be dismissed. As chronic fatigue is a symptom of many health concerns, chances of it getting mistaken for other ailments are possible. Some even attribute exhaustion to stress or lack of sleep. The most important thing to understand is that chronic fatigue is never a good indicator of health. Feeling lightheaded or dizzy One common complaint people with iron deficiency have is lightheadedness or dizziness . If you feel lightheaded while standing up quickly or during physical activity, it could be due to iron deficiency. When the iron levels in the body is low, hemoglobin production is affected, which limits the transport of oxygen to the cells. This sign is often mistaken for dehydration. Cold hands and feet Women often complain of cold hands and feet, even in warm environments. This could be a crucial sign of low iron. A deficiency in iron affects circulation and the body's ability to regulate temperature. People often miss this symptom or attribute it to poor circulation, without investigating iron levels. Soha Ali Khan Slays Functional Training Circuit 'Low iron levels can be so easily missed because most doctors assess iron status by looking at a blood count and serum iron. Ferritin is the storage form of iron and is very important to measure if there are any symptoms of fatigue, lightheadedness, dizziness, or easily bruising,' the doctor notes.
News18
8 hours ago
- News18
Drowning Prevention Day 2025: Theme, History And First Aid Steps You Must Know
Last Updated: World Drowning Prevention Day 2025 highlights the theme 'Your Story Can Save a Life,' with focus on awareness, safety, and essential first aid to prevent water tragedies. World Drowning Prevention Day 2025: Observed annually on July 25, World Drowning Prevention Day aims to raise awareness about the devastating and long-term impact of drowning on families and communities. The day also serves to promote effective drowning prevention strategies. According to research, an estimated 2,36,000 people lose their lives to drowning each year, many of them children aged 5 to 14. The risk is especially high in rural areas, where children often enter water without proper safety measures, making them more vulnerable to such tragedies. World Drowning Prevention Day 2025: History and Significance World Drowning Prevention Day was established by the United Nations General Assembly through Resolution A/RES/75/273 in April 2021 as part of a global effort to raise awareness about drowning and promote prevention strategies. Drowning is defined by the World Health Organization (WHO) as 'the process of experiencing respiratory impairment from submersion or immersion in liquid." It can result in death, morbidity, or no morbidity. Contrary to common assumptions, drowning is often silent and quick. The WHO has identified drowning as a leading cause of injury-related death worldwide, especially affecting children and adolescents. Research estimates that over 2,00,000 people die from drowning each year, with the burden particularly high in low- and middle-income countries, and in both urban and rural settings, especially where water safety infrastructure is lacking. By establishing World Drowning Prevention Day, the WHO aimed to promote drowning prevention activities and safety programmes for everyone, including the creation of safe places for children to bathe and teaching them how to swim, while also improving the overall disaster and flood relief management in rural and poverty-stricken areas. World Drowning Prevention Day 2025 Theme For World Drowning Prevention Day 2025, the World Health Organization (WHO) has adopted the theme 'Your Story Can Save a Life." This theme underscores the powerful role of personal storytelling in raising awareness about drowning risks and prevention. It encourages individuals who have survived drowning incidents or experienced water-related tragedies to share their stories, helping to educate others, inspire action, and support those coping with trauma or fear related to water. First Aid Steps For Drowning Step 1: Before diving in to save someone's life, ensure your safety as well by using a flotation device or a long pole to ride through the water. Enter only if you are sure both of you will be saved. Step 2: Get the drowning person out of the water as quickly as possible. Step 3: Lay the person flat on a solid surface. Check their breathing and pulse by placing your ear close to their mouth and nose to listen for breath sounds. You can also watch their chest movements. Place two fingers on their neck, just under the jawline, to check the pulse. Step 4: Give them five rescue breaths before going ahead with chest compressions. Step 5: If the person is still short of breath, give them proper CPR. Step 6: Finally, if the recovery is achieved, ensure you prevent cold and hypothermia by covering them with a blanket. view comments First Published: July 25, 2025, 07:20 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
The Hindu
14 hours ago
- The Hindu
WHO launches policy summaries on air quality and health to drive sector-specific action
The World Health Organization (WHO) has launched a new series of Science and Policy Summaries (SPS) to support global efforts to reduce air pollution and its significant health impacts, especially in low- and middle-income countries. The SPS series was introduced following the Second WHO Global Conference on Air Pollution and Health in Cartagena, Colombia, in March 2025, which brought together ministers and stakeholders from across sectors. Air pollution is a leading global risk factor for noncommunicable diseases. In 2021 alone, about 6.4 million deaths were linked to exposure of particulate matter, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, which account for 93% of related deaths. The SPS offers accessible, evidence-based insights for policymakers, practitioners and the public. They explore the health effects of air pollution, the vulnerabilities of children, pregnant women, older adults and outdoor workers, and the dangers of indoor pollutants such as radon and biomass smoke. Led by experts including from various countries, the summaries propose practical solutions across sectors like transport, agriculture, waste management and energy. Cross-cutting issues such as legislation, climate change, and transboundary cooperation are also addressed. Kalpana Balakrishnan, Sri Ramachandra Institute for Higher Education and Research, India, and Director of WHO Collaborating Centre for Research and Training in Occupational and Environmental Health, who was involved in crafting the summaries, said that each summary is the result of peer-reviewed, multistakeholder collaboration. 'The primary aim is to empower the health sector to take a leadership role by equipping it with science-backed, sector-specific information on emissions and interventions. The summaries also address transboundary air pollution, as countries need to work together. They also highlight vulnerability considerations to help prioritise communities in urgent need of alternatives. In addition to synthesising current research, they serve as a risk communication tool to encourage shared understanding and promote coordinated action across sectors and borders,' said Ms. Balakrishnan.
