India among 6 countries conferred with Bloomberg Philanthropies Awards for Global Tobacco Control
The National Tobacco Control Cell of Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, was presented with the award at the World Conference on Tobacco Control held in Dublin, Ireland, on Monday.
India was presented the 'O' category award for promoting tobacco cessation. The 'O' is the MPOWER policy package of the World Health Organisation (WHO) that stands for 'Offer help to quit tobacco use.'
The awards celebrated several governments and NGOs making progress to reduce tobacco use. Among the other countries that received the award were Mauritius, Mexico, Montenegro, Philippines and Ukraine.
The WHO Global Tobacco Epidemic 2025 report, developed with support from Bloomberg Philanthropies, was also launched on the occasion.
In India, a whole range of services including tobacco testing labs and mobile cessation measures among others have been set up to reduce tobacco usage in the country. This includes a well established national toll-free quit line, handling around 50,000 calls per month and free cessation support services at primary care facilities and hospitals.
Tobacco cessation services are provided at 675 district hospitals, 302 dental institutions, 361 medical institutions and across 607 non-communicable diseases (NCD) clinics, oral health clinics and community health centres. There are four quit lines at NIMHANS, Vallabhbai Patel Chest Centre, New Delhi, Tata Memorial Centre and Borooah Cancer Institute in Guwahati.
Between 2007 and 2023, the global average smoking prevalence has reduced from 22.3 per cent to 16.4 per cent, a relative reduction of 26 per cent over 16 years. According to the report, the adult daily smoking prevalence in 2023 in India was at 7 per cent. While experts said that smokeless tobacco was a big concern in India, several steps have been taken to address multiple challenges.
'India has been making consistent efforts to help people quit tobacco through the National Tobacco Control Programme (NTCP). This includes the establishment of tobacco cessation clinics in various locations (including dental and medical facilities), screening and intervention in primary care at the Ayushman Arogya Mandirs, establishing Cessation and National Tobacco Quitlines, integrating the NTCP with existing health services and national programmes, enacting legislation, providing training and awareness to healthcare providers, as well as public awareness campaigns,' Dr Pratima Murthy, Director and senior professor of Psychiatry at the National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences, who received the award on behalf of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, told The Indian Express.
'Tobacco free youth campaigns and the TeleManas initiative also represent efforts to address the underlying reasons for initiation of tobacco use. These comprehensive efforts indicate India's commitment to reduce tobacco use and promote public health. It is an absolute honour to receive the award on behalf of the Indian Government,' added Dr Murthy.
Michael Bloomberg, founder of Bloomberg LP and Bloomberg Philanthropies and WHO Global Ambassador for Noncommunicable Diseases and injuries, presented the award. 'Since Bloomberg Philanthropies started supporting global tobacco control efforts in2007, there has been a sea change in the way countries prevent tobacco use, but there is still a long way to go,' said Bloomberg.
Meanwhile, the WHO Global Tobacco Epidemic 2025 report reveals that the most striking gains have been in graphic health warnings, one of the key measures under the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC), that make the harms of tobacco impossible to ignore.
At the award ceremony, Michael R. Bloomberg also announced a new $20 million Accelerator Fund to help advance progress in countries where tobacco control is stalled. Bloomberg Philanthropies will work with partners to proactively engage governments and NGOs in several low- and middle-income countries that either lack best-practice tobacco control measures or are close to implementing all best-practice measures.
Anuradha Mascarenhas is a journalist with The Indian Express and is based in Pune. A senior editor, Anuradha writes on health, research developments in the field of science and environment and takes keen interest in covering women's issues. With a career spanning over 25 years, Anuradha has also led teams and often coordinated the edition.
... Read More
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Indian Express
3 hours ago
- Indian Express
Why FSSAI wants you to defrost and clean the fridge every two weeks during monsoon
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India has released some new guidelines for food safety during the monsoon. Other than the usual recommendations about washing fruits and vegetables thoroughly and maintaining hygiene, one of the tips notably surprised us. The apex food regulator body under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare noted that you should 'clean your fridge inside out and defrost it every 2 weeks.' We talked to Dr Narendra Singhla, Lead Consultant – Internal Medicine at the CK Birla Hospital, Delhi, to understand why one must do this, especially during the monsoon. The monsoon season brings with it an increase in humidity, which can affect various aspects of daily life, including how we store and preserve food. Dr Singhla highlights the importance of regular fridge maintenance during this time. #Monsoon is a time of freshness and pleasant weather to enjoy, while personal #hygiene and #foodsafety can be a big concern! Here's your guide to #FoodSafety and #EatRight during Monsoons!!! #FSSAIMonsoon @MoHFW_INDIA — FSSAI (@fssaiindia) August 11, 2024 FSSAI recommends defrosting and cleaning your fridge every two weeks during the monsoon season to ensure food safety and hygiene. The heightened humidity during monsoon leads to moisture accumulation inside the fridge, which can create an ideal environment for bacterial and fungal growth. This is particularly concerning because these pathogens can thrive in such conditions, potentially contaminating stored food, Dr Singhla said. Regular cleaning and defrosting help remove spills, food particles, and moisture that could otherwise harbour these microorganisms. By keeping the fridge clean and dry, you minimise the risk of foodborne illnesses and ensure that the food remains safe for consumption. Additionally, defrosting helps maintain the fridge's efficiency, preventing frost build-up that can hinder its cooling performance. Failing to clean and defrost your fridge regularly during the monsoon can have serious health consequences. The combination of increased moisture and warm temperatures inside the fridge can lead to rapid food spoilage. When food spoils, it not only develops unpleasant odours and flavours but also becomes a breeding ground for bacteria, fungi, and other pathogens, Dr Singhla explained. Consuming contaminated food can result in various health issues, including digestive problems, infections, and even food poisoning. For individuals with weakened immune systems, the risks are even higher, making it essential to maintain a clean and well-functioning fridge. Maintaining a clean fridge is always important, but it becomes particularly crucial during the monsoon season due to the increased humidity and risk of contamination.
Hindustan Times
7 hours ago
- Hindustan Times
Orthopedic surgeon says 'even modest weight loss' can reduce osteoarthritis risk: Here's everything women should know
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), more than 60 percent of the 528 million people with osteoarthritis (OA) globally are women, and 73 percent of those affected are over the age of 55. The WHO reports that the knee is the most commonly affected joint, followed by the hip and hand. Also read | Nearly one billion people globally will have osteoarthritis by 2050: Lancet study Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common joint disorder that affects many women. (Freepik) In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Sharmila Tulpule, orthopaedic surgeon, regenerative medicine specialist, and founder and director of Orthobiologix Biotech Pvt Ltd, said that osteoarthritis, long thought of as a 'wear-and-tear' disease, has become incredibly complex, especially for women. The prevalence of osteoarthritis, a type of joint disorder that occurs due to cartilage breakdown in the joints, is expected to increase with ageing populations and rising rates of obesity and injuries. By understanding the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for OA, you can take steps to manage the condition and improve your quality of life. According to Dr Tulpule, below are the factors concerning osteoarthritis in women: Hormonal changes and menopause ● Estrogen decline during menopause accelerates cartilage degradation, increasing OA risk. ● Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) may offer some benefits but requires careful consideration due to potential risks. Obesity and metabolic factors ● Obesity is a significant risk factor for OA, particularly in weight-bearing joints like the knees. ● Excess weight increases joint stress and systemic inflammation, exacerbating OA symptoms. ● Even modest weight loss can reduce OA risk and improve joint function. Physical activity and joint health ● Regular, moderate physical activity strengthens muscles around joints, enhancing mobility and reducing pain. ● Conversely, sedentary lifestyles contribute to joint stiffness and muscle weakness. Mental health and quality of life ● OA can lead to depression and anxiety, particularly in women, affecting overall well-being. ● Addressing mental health is crucial for effective OA management and improving quality of life. By understanding the risk factors, symptoms, and treatment options for OA, women can take steps to manage the condition and improve their quality of life. (Freepik) What to know about regenerative therapies Dr Tulpule said, 'Regenerative therapies offer a more holistic approach by addressing the underlying causes of OA rather than merely alleviating symptoms. They are particularly beneficial for women seeking alternatives to invasive surgeries and medications.' According to Dr Tulpule, stem cell therapy holds promise as a regenerative treatment for knee osteoarthritis, offering potential benefits in pain reduction and functional improvement. Explaining platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy, Dr Tulpule said it utilises growth factors from the patient's own blood to stimulate tissue repair and reduce inflammation. 'Studies indicate that PRP can provide longer-term pain relief and functional improvement compared to traditional treatments like hyaluronic acid (HA) injections,' she said. Dr Tulpule added that gold-induced cytokine therapy is a novel regenerative treatment that involves incubating the patient's own blood with gold particles, enhancing the anti-inflammatory and reparative properties of platelets. Studies have shown that it can lead to significant improvements in pain and function in patients with knee OA, with minimal adverse effects, she said. Management and prevention 'For women, osteoarthritis is not just a joint issue — it intertwines with hormonal health, body weight, lifestyle, mental wellness, and occupational context,' Dr Tulpule said. According to her, a nuanced approach means: 1. Advocating early detection especially during menopause. 2. Promoting preventive strategies combining diet, weight management, and exercise. 3. Considering hormone-based therapies for symptomatic relief when appropriate. 4. Supporting women's mental health alongside physical care. 5. Raising community awareness on how everyday activities shape OA risk. Dr Tulpule concluded, 'By addressing the unique facets of OA in women, clinicians can shift from reactive interventions to proactive, personalised care. This not only delays disease progression, but preserves mobility, dignity, and quality of life for millions of women worldwide.' Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.
The Hindu
8 hours ago
- The Hindu
Zero-dose children are a huge concern, but India also needs to integrate and sustain its immunisation goals
'I was born in Jhunjhunu, Rajasthan, in 1997. Due to a severe lack of awareness around the routine immunisation programme and lack of access to healthcare, I did not get any vaccinations at birth,' says Pinky Maharia, an MBBS graduate from Sewagram, Maharashtra. 'It was only thanks to the pulse polio program, which administered the oral polio vaccine from home to home, that I ended up receiving one vaccine eventually.' According to the current World Health Organization definition, Dr. Maharia would have been considered a zero-dose child during her infancy. A zero-dose child is defined as a child under the age of one, who has not received even a single dose of routine vaccines recommended for childhood immunisation. An analysis, published a few days ago in The Lancet on the Global Burden of Diseases Study, estimates that an alarming 1.44 million zero-dose children live in India, based on 2023 data. This is the second-highest number of zero-dose children globally, second only to Nigeria. According to this analysis, nearly half of the zero-dose children worldwide reside in only eight countries, all of which are located in the African, South Asian, and Southeast Asian regions. Also Read: Optimising the fall: On improving vaccination and treatment Why zero-dose children are a cause of concern When growing up, zero-dose children not only find themselves at a higher lifetime risk of vaccine-preventable diseases such as diphtheria, measles, whooping cough, poliomyelitis, and tetanus, but they also threaten the elimination of these diseases from the community. Following the COVID-19 outbreak, which created a gap in routine vaccinations, India reported measles outbreaks from States including Maharashtra, as evidenced by this trend. While some of these illnesses cause only harm to the person affected, many also lead to long-term complications, such as long-term disability in people who have had poliomyelitis and a life-threatening neurological condition known as SSPE (Subacute Sclerosing Panencephalitis) after measles. According to WHO data, from 2010 to 2018, nearly 23 million deaths were prevented globally using the measles vaccine alone. This demonstrates that vaccines and routine childhood immunisation have been highly successful preventive public health interventions. Considering this data, the WHO has set an ambitious goal to halve the number of children without a dose by 2030. However, the global trends for reducing zero-dose children were severely impaired by the COVID-19 pandemic. For two years or more, as the pandemic raged on, routine immunisation was deprioritised, leading to a surge in the number of zero-dose children—a trend that is slowly recovering now. As of 2023, the number of zero-dose children had not yet recovered to pre-pandemic levels. While this number of zero-dose children itself appears alarming, this number is only the tip of the iceberg as many other children are partially or incompletely vaccinated as well. What the zero-dose metric misses: partial and incomplete vaccination Radhikaa Sharma, a postgraduate in community medicine, recently found her vaccination card, which led her to realise that she had only received one dose of the recommended routine vaccines administered at birth. She was not vaccinated against measles or rubella, and had eventually ended up contracting measles during her childhood. Studies would not have classified Dr. Sharma as a zero-dose child, and yet, she was vulnerable because of partial vaccinations. This reveals that even among the children who aren't zero-dose, there is no guarantee that they have received an adequate dose of vaccinations needed to protect them from these illnesses. Furthermore, many of these vaccines must be administered at the recommended age for them to be effective and life-saving. Indu Subramaniam, an Indian-origin neurologist based in Los Angeles, United States, had recently written about her cousin who died after developing SSPE, after having had measles in his childhood. SSPE more commonly occurs in children who get measles before the age of 18 months, according to research, and missing this crucial early infancy period to vaccinate could potentially be life-threatening for these unvaccinated children. The uncounted unvaccinated It is also important to note that the 1.44 million figure refers only to children under the age of one who have not received any routine vaccinations. This figure is a snapshot of the number of infants currently in that vulnerable, unprotected state within a given year. This number does not account for the children who were zero-dose in previous years and have since grown older but remain unvaccinated. In other words, while the 1.44 million reflects the current annual burden of zero-dose infants, it does not capture the cumulative pool of older children who have aged beyond one year without receiving their routine vaccinations. This group could include children who were missed during periods of disrupted services, such as during the COVID-19 pandemic, or who have been persistently excluded from immunisation efforts due to factors like geographic isolation, poverty, displacement, or social marginalisation. Unvaccinated children are clustered not scattered Beyond the gross number of unvaccinated children, the Lancet data tells an important story, according to Raj Shankar Ghosh, a public health expert with a special interest in immunisation. 'When we think of these 1.44 million children, we must understand that they are not evenly distributed across the country. 0.11% zero-dose children does not mean one unvaccinated child living among 999 vaccinated children, thus protected from this disease by herd immunity. These unvaccinated children are localised in pockets across the country, living among other unvaccinated children, which increases their risk of their being susceptible to these vaccine-preventable diseases,' he says. According to Dr. Ghosh, another common factor noted about these pockets where unvaccinated children reside, is that there is also a lack of other public health services such as nutrition and sanitation in these areas, making these children further vulnerable to health complications. An equity analysis on zero-dose children documented in National Family Health Survey - 5 (NHFS-5) data revealed that geographically, more than 50% of zero-dose children in India were located in three key areas – urban slums, conflict areas, as well as remote and difficult-to-reach communities. The government, along with UNICEF, Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, and other partners, is working to reach these specific underserved communities. According to Dr. Ghosh, there have been some innovative ways in which health workers have been trying to vaccinate these underserved communities. 'In several States in North-East India, for example, health workers are trying to vaccinate children in weekly markets. In many cases in these far-off areas, parents who work as daily wage labourers cannot afford to take time off to take their children to vaccination centres. By meeting the mothers and children in markets, the health workers can bridge this gap by ensuring that the child is vaccinated without disrupting the parents' day and ensuring that they do not lose any wages.' Similarly, many States have begun offering door-to-door vaccination to ensure these communities are reached. These are special immunisation drives conducted by local authorities to ensure that no child is left behind from their routine immunisation. Such hyperlocal and community context-sensitive measures need to be scaled up to ensure that all unvaccinated children are reached, according to Dr. Ghosh. What is already working and what needs more work Warisha Mariam, a public health expert, says that the Indian government is working on multi-pronged approaches to ensure that not only are these zero-dose children reached, but also that older children who have missed their routine vaccine doses are given 'catch-up' vaccinations against Diphtheria, Pertussis, and Tetanus (DPT). In 2024, Central and State governments partnered to develop a zero-dose implementation plan for 143 of the most vulnerable districts in 11 States, to reach the most underserved communities. With UWIN, a portal launched to record immunisations of newborns and pregnant women digitally while also keeping track of vaccine supply chains, and Mission Intensified Indhradhanush, where cycles of immunisation campaigns for routine vaccines are conducted, the government aims to intensify its Universal Immunisation Programme to help reach the WHO goals to halve the number of zero-dose children globally, by 2030. The problem with UWIN, however, is that it requires smartphone access to provide OTPs and documentation, such as Aadhaar cards, which are often lacking, particularly in vulnerable communities, including migrant workers who may lack both. Adapting the UWIN technology in a way that the most vulnerable populations without phones and documentation are also included is crucial. Further, community engagement activities, partnering with local grassroots organisations, civil society organisations and school awareness programs are already underway and help in improving vaccine coverage. 'Vaccination should not be considered in a silo,' says Dr. Ghosh, who admits that while India is emerging as a global leader in vaccination and is probably in the last mile of its journey, the most challenging part is yet to come. 'It is not about reaching the target indicators but sustaining them.' Towards sustaining immunisation targets Dr. Ghosh says that while many countries with strong immunisation programmes have reached their preferred targets, they have issues sustaining it. 'This is because there is no appropriate awareness in the communities about the need for vaccination and once universal vaccination is achieved and these diseases disappear from public consciousness, people also forget why they are needed.' According to Dr. Ghosh, immunisation is successfully sustained only when a community inherently understands the need for vaccination and generates a demand for vaccines. India must strive towards this goal. To achieve this, vaccination needs to be offered as an integrated package, alongside appropriate nutrition, sanitation, and access to other healthcare services, along with health education that fosters awareness. A holistic view of immunisation established in this way is what will help India sustain vaccination targets long after it achieves them. Dr. Maharia is now considering whether getting vaccinated for measles, mumps, and rubella before planning a pregnancy is the right option for her. These diseases are known to carry significant risks for pregnant women with low immunity, including miscarriages, birth defects, and serious illnesses for the baby. Since live vaccines such as MMR are not recommended during pregnancy, Dr. Maharia may only be able to receive them before conceiving or after childbirth — a choice she now has because she has the knowledge and awareness to understand the importance of vaccinations. And this is the kind of demand for immunisation that India must hope to create in every community to sustain its immunisation targets. (Dr. Christianez Ratna Kiruba is an internal medicine doctor with a passion for patient rights advocacy. christianezdennis@
